ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT BARDOLINO DEVELOPMENT

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Bardolino Development Environmental Statement Table i: Summary of seasonal environmental sensitivities for the proposed Bardolino Development Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Habitats Directive: Annex I Habitats There are no known Annex I Habitats in the vicinity of the proposed development area. The site does not lie within an area of gas seep and no pockmarks were identified during surveys at the proposed rig site and pipeline route. Currently, the closest possible SAC to the area is the Scanner Pockmark which is approximately 67 km from the Bardolino development. Habitats Directive: Annex II Species The harbour porpoise is the only Annex II species to be sighted within the vicinity of the proposed development area. Sightings have been recorded in the proposed development area during June and July, although porpoise may be present in the area throughout the year. Harbour porpoises are potentially vulnerable to noise, contaminants, oil spills and any effects on prey availability associated with the proposed development. The UK currently has no proposed SACs for harbour porpoises. Plankton Plankton is vulnerable to oil and chemical discharges. Planktonic organisms constitute a major food resource for many commercial fish species, benthic species and marine mammals, so any changes in their abundance, distribution and composition are important. There is also the possible bioaccumulation of pollutants ingested by plankton. Plankton is widely distributed over the North Sea and peak plankton productivity generally occurs in spring and summer. Benthic fauna Benthic fauna are vulnerable to disturbance of the seabed sediments which form their habitats, for example during the installation of pipelines and subsea structures, the anchoring of drilling rigs or vessels, and the discharge of drill cuttings. The effects of discharged cuttings on benthic fauna include physical smothering, the presence of potential toxins (heavy metals and hydrocarbons), and organic enrichment. Benthic fauna are an important food resource to demersal fish and shellfish. Benthic communities in the development area are similar to those found throughout the surrounding area of the central North Sea and no rare species are known to occur in this area. Finfish and Shellfish Populations Finfish and shellfish are vulnerable to pollution, such as oil and chemical discharges, the impact of drill cuttings, and the potential effects of seismic surveys, especially during the egg, larval and juvenile stages of their lifecycle. Demersally- spawning species and fish/shellfish that live in close association with seabed sediments are particularly vulnerable to any sediment disruption, for example during the installation of subsea structures, the anchoring of drilling rigs or vessels, and the discharge of drill cuttings. The proposed development area lies within spawning grounds for mackerel (May to Aug.), lemon sole (Apr. to Sep.), Norway pout (Jan. to Apr.) and Nephrops (Jan. to Dec., peak period is between Apr. and Jun.) and coincides with nursery grounds for haddock, Norway pout, blue whiting and Nephrops. Fish species present in the proposed development area are generally distributed throughout the North Sea. April 2008 Page iii
Bardolino Development Environmental Statement Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Cetaceans Several marine mammal species are present throughout the North Sea throughout the year. Killer and minke whales, white- beaked and white-sided dolphins, and harbour porpoises are widely distributed in the northern-central North Sea and may occur regularly in the vicinity of the proposed development. Long-finned pilot and sperm whales, and common, striped, Risso’s and bottlenose dolphins may also be seen occasionally within the area. The occurrence of most cetacean species is generally higher during summer months. Cetacean species present in the proposed development area are generally distributed throughout the North Sea. Marine mammals can be impacted by noise, contaminants and discharges, oil spills, collisions with vessels and any effects on prey availability associated with oil and gas activities. Potential sources of acoustic disturbance from underwater noise generated during the proposed development include DP vessels, standby vessels and noise associated with the installation of the pipeline and associated sub-sea structures, including in particular noise from piling operations. Seabirds Seabirds are vulnerable to oiling from surface oil pollution, which can cause direct toxicity through ingestion, and hypothermia as a result of the birds’ inability to waterproof their feathers. Certain birds, including guillemots, razorbills and puffins, are more vulnerable to oil spills in the moulting season, when they become flightless and spend a large amount of time on the water surface. Species commonly found in the offshore waters such as the proposed development area include fulmar, gannet, guillemot, razorbill, and kittiwake, and herring, great black-backed and lesser black-backed gull. In the proposed development area, the most sensitive time of the year is between July and November when seabird vulnerability to oil pollution is “high”. Vulnerability ranges from “moderate” to “low” for the remainder of the year, and the overall seabird vulnerability to surface pollution in the area is “moderate”. Commercial Fishing Activity The relative value of fishing in the area of the proposed development is “low”. Demersal, pelagic and crustacean species are caught in the area. The predominant species of fish landed in the proposed development area (ICES 44F1 and 43F1), were demersal species. The proposed development has the potential to interfere with fishing activities, for example as a result of exclusion zones. There is also the potential risk of the accidental snagging of fish nets on sub-sea structures associated with development. Shipping Activity Shipping traffic comprises 12 routes which pass within 10 nm of the proposed development with approximately 624 vessels per year (equivalent to 1 to 2 vessels per day). Any shipping traffic in the area will consist mainly of fishing vessels, merchant vessels and offshore industry vessels. Key to Level of Sensitivity / Activity Very high High Moderate Low April 2008 Page iv
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13 th March 2008 Dear Sir or Madam,
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To: Paul Wood Shell U.K Limited, Se
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What risks to marine mammals do pil
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Noise propagation modelling. Noise
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If, for any reason, piling operatio
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APPPENDIX 1 MARINE MAMMAL RECORDING
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ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT BARDOLINO DEVELOPMENT

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