Annual Report for 2010/11 and Forward Programme - Sellafield Ltd

SSEM/2011/4730 June 2011Figure 3.34. Aquadopp and landing frame being deployed from the Sellafield Ltd vessel, Eagle.The original proposal was for the Aquadopp to be deployed without the need for divers.However, on the first deployment visit the decision was taken to deploy divers in order toconfirm that the landing frame was in a stable and upright position on the seabed and toensure that all ropes etc were kept away from the Aquadopp, to avoid any snagging andthereby help maximise data gathering efficiency. Divers were deployed again during the firstservice/replacement visit to ensure safe delivery of the frame and Aquadopp back to thesurface. Divers were not deployed on all subsequent visits.The Aquadopp was scheduled for a deployment duration of approximately 6 months. Thecollapse of the WSC contract placed this in jeopardy, but the placing of a limited contract hasallowed for an extended deployment of approximately 8 months. This extension has meantthat data coverage captured conditions during the summer, autumn and winter months andhas included a number of notable storm-event periods.The final report on the analysis and interpretation of results was issued in June 2011 and willtherefore need to be considered further by SL before any decisions are taken on how thismay inform decisions on seabed monitoring. A full copy of the report is included as part ofthe submission package to the EA. For information the Executive Summary from the reportis copied below.© Nuclear Decommissioning Authority 2011. 69