MEY 10 70 HSE 002 D DecommissioningProgramme PDF

Decommissioning
Programme
MEY1070HSE002D
DecommissioningProgramme
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Section 105 to 114 of the Energy Act 2004 requires the responsible parties of offshore wind and marine
energy installations to submit and eventually carry out a decommissioning programme. This document
constitutes the MeyGen Tidal Energy Project Phase 1 Decommissioning Programme and is submitted
to the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) for approval.
The Decommissioning Programme will be reviewed at regular intervals throughout the operational
lifetime of the project to ensure that the details and measures are up-to-date, use best practice and are
fit for purpose against current legislation and guidance.
The Decommissioning Programme is supported by the Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitats
Regulations Appraisal and Supplementary Environmental Information Statement (available on the
accompanying CD) which were submitted as part of the consent applications to Scottish Ministers in
2012. The assessment included all stages of project lifetime as well as decommissioning. The
Decommissioning Programme will include the assessment of the proposed measures against the
findings of the EIA. If and when, new technology, techniques and environmental information becomes
available these will be incorporated into the assessment.
The Decommissioning Programme covers the measures proposed to decommission all offshore
components of the project which are:
Tidal Turbine Generators;
Turbine Support Structures;
Turbine Submarine Cables and associated split pipe protection.
The base case decommissioning measures consider the commitments under UNCLOS with regard to
the IMO standards and the work of OSPAR and accept the best programme will include the complete
removal of all offshore components to shore for reuse, recycling, recovery of other value or safe
disposal. However, in given circumstances alternative solutions can be proposed, therefore the
decommissioning measures have been assessed against these guiding principles:
Safety for all at all times;
Consideration of the rights and needs of legitimate users of the sea;
Minimise environmental impact;
The polluter pays principle;
Sustainable development;
Maximise the reuse of materials;
Commercial viability; and
Practical integrity.
A summary of the proposed decommissioning measures is below.

Component
Proposed Decommissioning Measure
Tidal Turbine Generator
Complete removal
Gravity-base Tripod Turbine Support Structure
Complete removal
Pin-pile or Monopile Turbine Support Structure
Partial removal, piles cut off just above the level of the
bedrock seabed
Turbine Submarine Cable and Split-Pipe

protection
Partial removal, sections left in-situ below the level of the

bedrock seabed
Decommissioning Programme
The measures proposed emphasis a high regard for health and safety and protection of the marine
environment. MeyGen is committed to minimising the amount of waste material that has to be disposed
of from the decommissioning of the Project, with due regard to the waste hierarchy.
Following decommissioning MeyGen will ensure that the seabed is clear of any debris or components
that would cause a risk to navigation, the environment or other users of the sea. MeyGen is committed
to restoring the site, as far as reasonably practical, to the condition prior to construction. A monitoring
strategy will be put in place to ensure that those components that do remain in-situ remain low risk to
the safe navigation of the site, to other marine users and the natural environment.
In order that legitimate marine users are not significantly impacted by the decommissioning activities,
MeyGen proposes early and comprehensive consultation process. The decommissioning programme
consultation process will begin during the pre-construction period and continue during review process
for this document prior to decommissioning commencing.
The MeyGen Tidal Energy Project Phase 1 has an aggregated capacity of 86MW. Given the nascent
status of the tidal stream energy industry the project will be installed in stages.
The initial Phase 1a (6MW), to be constructed in 2015/16, will consist of:
4 x 1.5MW turbines (complete removal);
4 x gravity base turbine support structures (complete removal); and
4 x turbine submarine cables (partial removal).
Costs and details of financial security arrangements for Phase 1a are provided by MeyGen Ltd. in
confidential appendices to DECC. Before subsequent stages are constructed the Decommissioning
Programme will be reviewed and costs and financial securities provided for that stage.
Contents
1
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1
MeyGen Ltd..................................................................................................................... 1
1.2
The MeyGen Project Phase 1 Overview ....................................................................... 1
1.3
Consents ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.4
Policy and Document Purpose ..................................................................................... 2
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ................................................................................................. 6

2.1
Project Description ........................................................................................................ 6
2.2
Programme ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.3
Site Characteristics ....................................................................................................... 8

2.3.1 Physical Environment .......................................................................................... 8
2.3.2 Biological Environment ...................................................................................... 12
2.3.3 Human Environment .......................................................................................... 19
DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS TO BE DECOMMISSIONED ............................................ 26

3.1
Tidal Turbines Generators .......................................................................................... 26
3.2
Turbine Support Structures ........................................................................................ 28

3.2.1 Gravity-base Tripod ........................................................................................... 28
3.2.2 Pin-pile Tripod .................................................................................................... 28
3.2.3 Monopile............................................................................................................. 29
3.3
Turbine Submarine Cables ......................................................................................... 29
3.4
Offshore layout............................................................................................................. 30
PROPOSED DECOMMISSIONING MEASURES ...................................................................... 32

4.1
Decommissioning Principles ...................................................................................... 32

4.1.1 Guiding Principles .............................................................................................. 32
4.1.2 Decommissioning Principles .............................................................................. 33
4.2
Proposed Decommissioning Measures ..................................................................... 33

4.2.1 Tidal Turbine Generators ................................................................................... 33
4.2.2 Turbine Support Structures ................................................................................ 34
4.2.3 Turbine Submarine Cables and Protection ........................................................ 37
DESCRIPTION OF DECOMMISSIONING MEASURES ............................................................ 39
5.1
Re-powering ................................................................................................................. 39
5.2
Tidal Turbine Generator .............................................................................................. 39
5.3
Turbine Support Structure .......................................................................................... 40

5.3.1 Gravity-base Tripod ........................................................................................... 40
5.3.2 Pin-pile and Monopile ........................................................................................ 40
5.3.3 Turbine Submarine Cables ................................................................................ 40
5.4
Marking and Lighting ................................................................................................... 41
5.5
Notification and marking of remains.......................................................................... 41
5.6
Waste Management ..................................................................................................... 41
SEABED CLEARANCE.............................................................................................................. 42
RESTORATION OF THE SITE ................................................................................................... 43
8
SITE
POST DECOMMISSIONING MONITORING, MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE

44
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND VERIFICATION .................................................................... 45

9.1
Review Process ............................................................................................................ 45
10
SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................ 46
11
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND HABITATS REGULATIONS APPRAISAL

47
12
CONSULTATION........................................................................................................................ 48
13
PHASE 1A .................................................................................................................................. 49
13.1
Decommissioning Measures ...................................................................................... 49
13.2
Cost and Financial Security ........................................................................................ 49
14
COSTS ........................................................................................................................................ 50
15
FINANCIAL SECURITY.............................................................................................................. 51
16
SUPPORTING STUDIES ............................................................................................................ 52
INTRODUCTION
1.1
MeyGen Ltd.
1.1
MeyGen Ltd. (MeyGen) is a Scottish registered company created in 2010 for the purpose of
developing the MeyGen project.
1.2
The MeyGen Project Phase 1 Overview
1.2
MeyGen was awarded an Agreement for Lease (AfL) for the Inner Sound tidal development site
on 21st October 2010 by The Crown Estate (TCE). The Inner Sound AfL is for the installation of
398MW tidal stream energy capacity. The Inner Sound is the body of water in the Pentland Firth
between the north coast of the Scottish mainland and the island of Stroma.
1.3
The Inner Sound AfL was awarded to MeyGen as part of TCE Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters
(PFOW) leasing round for wave and tidal energy projects (Figure 1-1).
1.4
MeyGen was awarded a Lease for the Inner Sound site by TCE in September 2014.
1.5
The MeyGen Tidal Energy Project Phase 1 (the Project) will have a maximum aggregated
capacity of 86MW, with up to 61 Tidal Turbine Generators (TTG) and associated infrastructure.
1.6
The Project requires an area of approximately 1.1km2, the remainder of the AfL area will be
developed as Phase 2 (312MW). Phase 2 will be subject to a separate consent application
and Decommissioning Programme.
1.7
Figure 1-2 illustrates the Phase 1 TTG deployment area and potential offshore cable corridors.
1.3
Consents
1.8
MeyGen was granted the following key consents for the Project from the Scottish Ministers1:
1.9
Consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989;
Marine Licence under Section 25 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010; and
An assessment under the Council Directive 92/43/EEC(c) on the Conservation of Natural

Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora.
MeyGen has also secured planning permission from The Highland Council for the onshore
element of the Project under section 28 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine/scoping/MeyGen
Figure11PentlandFirthandOrkneyWatersWaveandTidalDevelopmentSites
1.4
Policy and Document Purpose
1.10 Article 60 of the United Nations Convention of Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 states that any
installations or structures which are abandoned or disused shall be removed to ensure safety of
navigation, taking into account any generally accepted international standards established in this
regard by the competent international organization. Such removal shall also have due regard to
fishing, the protection of the marine environment and the rights and duties of other States.
Appropriate publicity shall be given to the depth, position and dimensions of any installations or
structures not entirely removed.
1.11 These requirements are transposed into UK legislation under section 105 to 114 of the Energy
Act 2004 (the 2004 Act); where the Secretary of State for the UK Government requires the
responsible parties of offshore wind and marine energy installations to submit and eventually
carry out a decommissioning programme.
1.12 Section 69 to 71 of the Energy Act 2008 included further provisions for the decommissioning
regime for offshore wind and marine installations:
For the Secretary of State to have greater powers to request information from project
developers to help approve a decision on the decommissioning programme;
Clearer legal framework for the rights and obligations of companies associated with the
project developer, such as a parent company; and
Ensures that funds set aside for decommissioning are ring fenced and cannot be
released to the insolvency officer in the event of a project developer becoming insolvent.
1.13 The DECC has developed guidance2 for developers of offshore renewable energy installations to
help understand the process and obligations under the decommissioning programme.
1.14 The Decommissioning Programme has also considered and adhered to the following legislation
and guidance:
Guidelines and Standards for the Removal of Offshore Installations and Structures on the
Continental Shelf and in the Exclusive Economic Zone, International Maritime Organisation
(IMO), 19th October 1989;
OSPAR Guidance on Environmental Considerations for Offshore Wind Farm Development,
2008;
Guidance Notes for Industry: Decommissioning of Offshore Installations and Pipelines under
the Petroleum Act 1998, DECC, March 2011; and
1.15 Further legislation and guidance has been reflected in the Decommissioning Programme,
including:
Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and Electricity Act 1989;
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations; Electricity Works (Environmental Impact
Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000, Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment)
Regulations 2007;
Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994;
Environmental Protection Act 1990; Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994; Control
of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 and Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland)
Regulations 2000;
The Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004;
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; and Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2007.
1.16 Upon issue of the key offshore consent by the Scottish Ministers, the Secretary of State at DECC
has issued a notice to MeyGen under section 105(2) of the 2004 Act outlining the requirements
for a Decommissioning Programme prior to construction beginning.
1.17 This document details MeyGen proposed decommissioning measures for Phase 1 of the MeyGen
Project. The document will form part of the Project consent (under the requirements of the 2004
Act and the Electricity Act Section 36 consent condition 7) and be released for consultation with
interested parties and for approval by the Secretary of State at DECC.
1.18 The document details the proposed methods for removal or partial removal of all project
components, the management of project waste, environmental impacts, monitoring, programme
costs and financial securities.
1.19 The Project has an aggregated capacity of 86MW. Given the nascent status of the tidal stream
energy industry the project will be installed in stages. The initial Phase 1a (6MW), to be
constructed in 2015/16, will consist of 4 x 1.5MW turbines. Costs and details of financial security
arrangements for Phase 1a are provided separately by MeyGen in confidential appendices to
DECC. Before subsequent stages of the Project are constructed the Decommissioning
Programme will be reviewed and costs and financial securities provided for that stage.
Decommissioning of Offshore Renewable Energy Installations under the Energy Act 2004: Guidance
notes for Industry, DECC, January 2011 (revised)
1.20 Given the operational lifetime of the Project, MeyGen will put in place a review procedure to
ensure that the programme is up to date and relevant for the Project. Any update of the
Programme will be submitted for approval to the Secretary of State.
Figure12TheOffshoreProjectArea
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2.1
Project Description
2.1
A detailed description of the Project infrastructure to be decommissioned is provided in section 3.
2.2
The Project comprises the construction and installation, operation and maintenance and
subsequent decommissioning of the offshore and onshore infrastructure required to extract tidal
stream energy from the Inner Sound.
2.3
The Project will involve the installation of up to 61 fully submerged TTG with a maximum capacity
of 86MW. The proposed tidal array is located approximately 2km, at its closest point, from the
north Caithness coast (Figure 1-2) in the deep water channel in the Inner Sound.
2.4
All TTG will be located in water depths of over 31m at Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT). The TTG
will have a rated power of between 1 and 2.4MW and will comprise of a rotor and nacelle (which
houses the generator) and supported by a Turbine Support Structure (TSS). The maximum height
from seabed to blade tip is 26m and the TTG will always have a minimum clearance from the
blade tip to sea surface of 8m.
2.5
Each TTG will have its own dedicated Turbine Submarine Cable (TSC) to export electricity to
shore. Due to the lack of traditional beach landfalls along the Inner Sound coast, TSC landfalls
will take the form of sub-surface Horizontally Directionally Drilled (HDD) bores.
2.6
The TTG will comprise of a 2 or 3 bladed single rotor turning on a horizontal axis. The TTG will
be able to capture energy from the flood and ebb tides by either using a rotate system to turn the
TTG nacelle, or by having pitching or bidirectional blades.
2.7
Electricity generated by the TTG will either be converted and transformed in the nacelle and then
transmitted to shore through a TSC or the converter and transformers will be located in an
onshore facility before transmission to the national grid.
2.8
An onshore Power Conversion Centre (PCC) will comprise of terminations of the TSC from the
TTG, power conversion equipment, transformers, switchgear for grid connection and a control
centre. The landfall and onshore infrastructure will be located either at the Ness of Huna or the
Ness of Quoys and underground onshore cables will transport power to the grid.
2.9
Only infrastructure below Mean High Water Springs is considered further in this document.
2.2
Programme
2.10 It is anticipated that onshore construction and offshore installation will commence in 2015 and
continue over a 7 year period. The Project is anticipated to be spilt into 3 phases, 1a, 1b and
1cThe operational life of the Project is anticipated to be 25 years. At the end of the operational
life there is a planned decommissioning phase however, at that time there may be an option to
gain further consent to extend the Project (See Figure 2-1).
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
2038
2039
2040
2041
2042
2043
2044
2045
2046
2047
2048
2049
2050
1c
1b
1a
Figure21Phase1Programme
2.3
Site Characteristics
2.11 As part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, MeyGen collected a
comprehensive dataset to characterise the site and surrounding area. The following sections
summarise the site characterisation and details of the EIA with regard to the decommissioning
can be found on the CD accompanying this document.
2.3.1 Physical Environment
Bathymetry
2.12 Water depths within the TTG deployment area vary between approximately 31m to 49m below
LAT (Gills Bay), as shown in Figure 2-2. The majority of the area is relatively flat having a water
depth between 31.5 and 38m, but fissures in the bedrock up to 10m deep occur in the site,
particularly at the western end, south of Mell Head.
Geology
2.13 The TTG and TSC deployment areas are tidal current scoured bedrock, exhibiting a sawtooth
profile, comprising folded and tilted sedimentary sandstone, flagstone and siltstone. There is a
series of low ridges or steps that comprise extensive areas of smooth, fissured rock which dipped
down towards the east and had small vertical faces on the western side. The vertical faces of
these are approximately 2m high and they had large numbers of crevices, fissures and
overhangs.
2.14 Areas of shell sand accumulation are present to the north-east of the TTG deployment areas.
These sand bodies rest upon underlying bedrock which is otherwise exposed at the seabed in the
remainder of the site. These regions commonly exhibit mega-ripples, of lengths up to 20m and
heights of between 0.2 and 0.5m; no components will be located in these areas.
Tide and Wave Regime
2.15 Water levels throughout the region are dominated by the semi-diurnal tide propagating from the
North Atlantic. The mean spring tidal range within the Project area is approximately 3.0m.
2.16 The Pentland Firth is characterised by strong tidal currents, up to 5m/s with widespread and
highly energetic tidal races, eddies, overfalls and areas of general turbulence.
2.17 Current meters deployed by MeyGen in 2011 were placed at one of the highest flow regions
within the Inner Sound, Figure 2-2. This data has been harmonically analysed and re-predicted
over a 20 year period, and can be used to obtain maximum current speeds at the site of the
moored instruments. This data showed that the current flows in the Inner Sound regularly exceed
4.5ms-1 and may exceed 5ms-1 during an equinoxial tide.
2.18 MeyGen has a hydrodynamic model for the site and the wider Pentland Firth. The model was
calibrated using the moored 2009 and 2011 current meter data the plots in Figure 2-3 show peak
flood and peak ebb timesteps for a neap and spring tide to show the detailed circulation patterns
evident in the domain.
2.19 The wave climate in the area is dominated by the passage of low pressure systems from west to
east across the North Atlantic. In general terms the highest waves approach the area from
westerly directions. Wave periods of 4 seconds are typical of the Pentland Firth. Significant wave
heights throughout the year are typically within the range of 1.75 to 2m and 1.25 to 1.5m within
the Pentland Firth.
2.20 The coastal features and bathymetry of the Inner Sound are likely to cause these westerly waves
to largely dissipate by the time they reach the Project site. Waves from the North Sea are less
severe because a spit of shallower water extends north-east from Duncansby Head across the
eastern end of the Inner Sound thus reducing their energy, but the open coastline on the eastern
side of the Sound allows these waves to penetrate more easily into the Project area.
Wind Regime
2.21 The average wind speed in the area is in the region of 5ms-1, while peak gusts of up to 27ms-1
were measured. In the winter months, the average wind speed is closer to 8ms-1, while peak
speeds of up to 36ms-1 were measured. The prevailing winds are from the south and west.
Seabed processes and sediment transport
2.22 The Project area is generally devoid of superficial sediments, with the exception of the northeastern and north-western regions of the TTG deployment areas. Where found sediments range
from a coarse gravel veneer to larger mobile accumulations of coarse shell sand.
2.23 Samples taken were found to consist of very clean shell gravel with little or no organic matter and
a particle size distribution dominated by shell granules and very coarse shell sand
2.24 Suspended sediment samples were taken at a mid-depth in the water column. All the samples
show consistent absence of any significant suspended sediment concentration, the maximum
being 14mgl-1.
Figure22Bathymetryoverview
10
Figure23HydrodynamicmodeloftheInnerSoundselectedtimesteps
11
2.3.2 Biological Environment

Marine mammals
2.25 The Pentland Firth is utilised to varying degrees by a number of whale and dolphin species, 10
such species are either casual or regular visitors to the area, all of which are considered of
conservation importance. Site surveys show that the Inner Sound is only visited regularly by one
of these species (the harbour porpoise), although three other species were observed on
occasions during the 2 year Project specific bird and marine mammal survey (minke whale, killer
whale and Rissos dolphin). In terms of seals, two species use the Pentland Firth area and both
of these (grey seal and harbour seal) are frequently recorded in the Inner Sound, although grey
seals make up the majority of seal sightings.
2.26 A number of important haulouts have been identified on the Caithness coast including Gills Bay
and the Island of Stroma for both grey and harbour seals. These are now designated under The
Protection of Seals (Designation of Seal Haul-out Sites) (Scotland) Order 2014 and from 30th
September 2014 it will be an offence to intentionally or recklessly harass the animals within the
designated areas.
2.27 Figure 2-4 and Table 2.1 shows all the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for marine mammal
species that were included in the Project Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA).
2.28 Under Annex IV of the Habitats Directive, all cetacean species have been identified as species of
European Community interest and are afforded protection as European Protected Species (EPS).
All EPS are also fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
Approximate distance from Project
area (km)
Species requiring consideration in

the HRA
North Rona
275
Grey seal
Berwickshire and
Northumberland coast
305
Grey seal
Faray and Holm of Faray
62
Grey seal
Dornoch Firth and Morrich More
100
Harbour seal
Moray Firth
67
Bottlenose dolphin
Sanday
67
Harbour seal
Isle of May
275
Grey seal
SAC name
Table2.1MarinemammalSACsthatarecapableofbeingaffectedbytheProjectwithassociatedqualifyingfeatures
12
Figure24LocationofMarineMammalSACsthatarecapableofbeingaffectedbytheProject
Birds
3.1
A number of nationally and internationally important seabird populations, consisting of a large

number of species are found within the vicinity of the Project.
3.2
The TTG deployment area is located within the boundary of the North Caithness Cliffs Special
Protection Area (SPA). The North Caithness Cliffs SPA is designated for breeding populations of
peregrine falcon, razorbill, northern fulmar, kittiwake, puffin and guillemot.
3.3
The western side of the island of Stroma is designated as a SSSI for its nationally important
colonies of breeding seabirds, in particular interest is black guillemot (Cepphus grylle) as a
component of the cliff nesting seabird colony. This species does not qualify for SPA status as it is
classed as non-migratory.
3.4
The Project area is within the Orkney to Shetland Important Bird Area (IBA). Whilst IBAs are not
afforded any statutory protection, they provide a useful indication as to which areas of the UK are
important to seabirds. Within the area, and in addition to the species mentioned above, shag,
gannet, great skua, herring gull, great black-backed gull, cormorants, grebes, seaducks and tern
are also present at some point during the year. The herring gull is listed as a UK Biodiversity
Action Plan (UKBAP) priority species.
3.5
Figure 2-5 and Table 2.2 shows the SPAs that were included in the Project HRA.
14
Figure25LocationofSPAsthatarecapableofbeingaffectedbytheProject
Details of qualifying species from SPAs that are capable of being affected by the Project
SPA
Direct distance
to the Project
site (km)
Qualifying species
North Caithness Cliffs
Peregrine falcon, common guillemot, razorbill* northern fulmar*,

black-legged kittiwake* and Atlantic puffin*.
East Caithness Cliffs
22.3
Peregrine falcon, razorbill, herring gull, European shag, blacklegged kittiwake, common guillemot, Atlantic puffin*, northern
fulmar*, great black-backed gull* and cormorant*.
Caithness Lochs
2.3
Greenland white-fronted goose, whooper swan and greylag

goose.
Caithness and Sutherland

Peatlands
3.1
Golden eagle, short-eared owl, hen harrier, merlin, blackthroated diver, red-throated diver, golden plover, wood sandpiper
and dunlin.
Cape Wrath
91.1
Black-legged kittiwake*, common guillemot*, razorbill*, Atlantic

puffin* and northern fulmar*.
Sule Skerry and Sule

Stack
82.2
Atlantic puffin, northern gannet, storm petrel, Leachs storm

petrel*, common guillemot* and European shag*.
Lairg and Strathbrora

Lochs
83.8
Black-throated diver.
Pentland Firth Islands
8.6
Artic tern.
Switha
57.4
Barnacle goose
Hoy
13.6
Peregrine falcon, great skua, Atlantic puffin*, northern fulmar*,

great black-backed gull*, black-legged kittiwake*, Arctic skua*,
red throated diver and common guillemot*.
Marwick Head
47.5
Common guillemot and black-legged kittiwake*.
Rousay
51.2
Arctic tern, northern fulmar*, black-legged kittiwake*, Arctic skua*

and common guillemot*.
West Westray
65.7
Papa Westray
77.4
Calf of Eday
65.3
East Sanday Coast
71.5
Turnstone and purple sandpiper.
Auskerry
51.1
Storm petrel and Arctic tern.
Copinsay
32.8
Northern fulmar*, great black-backed gull*, black-legged

kittiwake* and common guillemot*.
Orkney Mainland Moors
29.6
Short-eared owl, hen harrier and red-throated diver.
Buchan Ness to Collieson

Coast
151.9
Northern fulmar*, herring gull*, European shag*, black-legged

kittiwake* and common guillemot*.
Fair isle
129.0
Arctic tern, Fair Isle wren, common guillemot, razorbill*, great

skua, Atlantic puffin*, northern fulmar*, northern gannet*,
European shag*, black-legged kittiwake* and Arctic skua*.
Fetlar
241.8
Red-necked phalarope, Arctic tern, dunlin, great skua, whimbrel,

northern fulmar* and Arctic skua*.
Flannan Isles
258.5
Leachs storm petrel, razorbill*, Atlantic puffin*, northern fulmar*,

black-legged kittiwake* and common guillemot*.
105.1
Roseate tern, common tern, Arctic tern, sandwich tern, Atlantic

puffin, lesser black-backed gull, northern gannet, European shag,
razorbill*, northern fulmar*, herring gull*, cormorant*, blacklegged kittiwake* and common guillemot*.
Forth Islands
16
Arctic tern, common guillemot, razorbill*, northern fulmar*, black-
legged kittiwake*, and Arctic skua*.

Arctic tern.
Northern fulmar*, great black-backed gull*, cormorant*, black-
legged kittiwake* and common guillemot*.
Details of qualifying species from SPAs that are capable of being affected by the Project
Direct distance
to the Project
site (km)
Qualifying species
Foula
168.7
Red-throated diver, Leachs storm petrel, Arctic tern, great skua,

Atlantic puffin, European shag, common guillemot, razorbill*,
northern fulmar*, black-legged kittiwake*, Artic skua* and Arctic
tern*.
Fowlsheugh
199.8
Black-legged kittiwake, common guillemot, razorbill*, northern

fulmar* and herring gull*.
Handa
119.9
Razorbill, common guillemot, great skua*, northern fulmar* and

black-legged kittiwake*.
Hermaness, Saxa Vord

and Valla Field.
274.0
Red-throated diver, great skua, Atlantic puffin, northern gannet,

northern fulmar*, European shag*, black-legged kittiwake* and
common guillemot*.
North Rona and Sula

Sgeir
157.0
Storm petrel, Leachs storm petrel, northern gannet, common

guillemot, razorbill*, Atlantic puffin*, northern fulmar*, great blackbacked gull* and black-legged kittiwake*.
Noss
202.0
Great skua, northern gannet, common guillemot, Atlantic puffin*,

northern fulmar* and black-legged kittiwake*.
Shiant Isles
201.6
Barnacle goose, razorbill, European shag, Atlantic puffin*,

northern fulmar*, black-legged kittiwake* and common guillemot*.
Sumburgh Head
166.3
Arctic tern, northern fulmar*, black-legged kittiwake* and

common guillemot*.
Troup, Pennan and Lions

Heads
174.22
Common guillemot, razorbill*, northern fulmar*, herring gull* and

black-legged kittiwake*.
SPA
* Qualifying species included as part of an assemblage only.

Table2.2SPAsthatarecapableofbeingaffectedbytheProject,withassociatedqualifyinginterests
Fish
3.6
Scottish waters are estimated to support 250 fish species, with 166 species of commercial and
non-commercial species recorded from the north-eastern coast of Scotland. Of the species
expected to be present within the Inner Sound, herring, common skate and basking shark are all
listed as UKBAP species, whilst, cod and haddock are listed on The World Conservation Union
(IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. No protected areas have been designated for finfish or
shellfish species within the study area.
3.7
A number of species are known to use the Pentland Firth for spawning and nursery activities
including spurdog, tope, thornback, sandeel and herring. The area has also been identified as
part of a main nursery area for blue whiting and anglerfish; and is also part of the nursery
grounds for hake, mackerel, ling, sandeel, saithe, herring, haddock, lemon sole, whiting and cod.
The specific location of nursery and spawning grounds may change from year to year depending
on a number of environmental variables including the seabed conditions within specific areas.
3.8
The nearest salmon migration river is believed to be River Thurso which enters the sea at Thurso,
approximately 21km from the Project. The River Thurso is a designated SAC for Atlantic salmon,
an Annex II species under the Habitats Directive. Migration routes for Atlantic salmon are not well
understood and it is possible that salmon from rivers on the east and north coast of Scotland use
the Pentland Firth as a migratory route.
3.9
Figure 2-6 and Table 2.3 shows the SACs that were included in the Project HRA.
3.10 Basking sharks, which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list are occasionally seen in the
waters off the northern Scottish coastline and have been recorded in marine mammal surveys
carried out in the Project area.
Figure26LocationofSACsthatarecapableofbeingaffectedbytheProject
18
SAC
Distance from the

Project area (km)
Qualifying Species
Geographic location
River Bladnoch
414
Atlantic salmon
West coast (England)
Endrick Water
296
Atlantic salmon
West coast (southern

Scotland)
Little Gruinard River
163
Atlantic salmon
West coast (north west

Scotland)
North Harris
228
Atlantic salmon
West coast (outer Hebrides)
Langavat
217
Atlantic salmon
West coast (outer Hebrides)
River Borgie
67
Atlantic salmon
North coast Mainland

Scotland (west)
River Naver
62
Atlantic salmon

Scotland (central)
River Thurso
23
Atlantic salmon

Scotland (east)
Berriedale & Langwell

waters
56
Atlantic salmon
North east coast Scotland

(Moray Firth)
River Oykel
109
Atlantic salmon

(Moray Firth)
River Moriston
183
Atlantic salmon
Highlands to east coast (via

Loch Ness)
River Spey
109
Atlantic salmon and sea

lamprey

(Moray Firth)
River Dee
167
Atlantic salmon
East coast Scotland
River South Esk
195
Atlantic salmon
East coast Scotland
River Tay
196

lamprey
East coast Scotland

(central)
River Teith
266

lamprey
East coast Scotland (central)

East coast England
lamprey
Table2.3MigratoryfishSACsthatarecapableofbeingaffectedbytheProjectwithassociatedqualifyinginterests
River Tweed
310
Benthic Habitats and Species

3.11 The Pentland Firth represents the most extensive example of UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)
Priority Habitat tidal rapids; consisting of sand-scoured bedrock and boulders. Despite this, the
faunal communities are of low diversity and composed of common widely distributed scour
tolerant species meaning the habitat is of low conservation importance.
3.12 Between the TTG deployment area and the shore, kelp park/forest dominates. There are larger
areas of sand deposits to the east and west of Stroma. The west of Stroma was surveyed and
described as shelly medium sand with no infauna.
2.3.3 Human Environment
Socio-economics
3.13 The Highland area contains a growing population with the greatest increase in population
anticipated to be in the over 65s. The most significant employment sectors are distribution, hotels
and restaurants indicating the economic importance of tourism to the area. There are over 150
hotels and 48 visitor attractions located within a 30km radius of the onshore Project area. The
Dounreay nuclear reactor located approximately 40km away is a large employer in the area, and
although currently being decommissioned employs 1,900 people directly as well as numerous
others through the supply chain.
Commercial fisheries
3.14 The inshore fishing fleet in the Orkney and Caithness region is made up of small creeling vessels
targeting shellfish such as crabs, lobsters and scallops. The fishing fleet in the Inner Sound
consists of four small local creeling vessels, which also fish in areas outwith the Inner Sound.
Although larger vessels are known to transit through the Inner Sound they do not fish in the
vicinity of the Project. Mariculture is not an active industry in the vicinity of the Project, the closest
sites are salmon fish farms located in Scapa Flow, Orkney.
Cultural heritage
3.15 There are 35 recorded wrecks (shipwrecks, aircraft and obstructions) in the Inner Sound area.
However, none are present in the TTG deployment area. Neither were any identified by analysis
of the geophysical survey data. Due to a large proportion of the offshore Project area being
devoid of sediment, there is very low potential for submerged landscapes in the area and
prehistoric cultural remains are unlikely to survive in the high energy environment of the Inner
Sound.
3.16 Within the wider Pentland Firth, especially around Orkney, there are a number of coastal
archaeological remains and submerged archaeology of interest. Geophysical data available for
the Project area indicates a large number of anomalies that may be of cultural heritage interest
but are not yet proven.
3.17 Under the Marine (Scotland) Act, Marine Scotland is in the process of establishing MPAs some
with the purpose of preserving of marine historic assets. None have been put forward for the
Inner Sound.
Shipping and navigation
3.18 A combined dataset of 16 weeks seasonally and tidally weighted Automatic Identification System
(AIS) survey data from 2010 to 2011 was used for the baseline shipping analysis. Small vessel
activity not represented on AIS was also acquired for a 42 day period in August to September
2011. This included both AIS and radar crossing count lines setup crossing the Outer Sound and
Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth.
3.19 There are two channels available for vessels transiting the Pentland Firth. The Outer Sound is a
busy sea lane regularly used for international navigation and the recommended route used by the
vast majority of vessels. The Inner Sound, containing the Project area, is mainly used by local
ferries (regularly by the Pentalina and occasionally by the seasonal ferry Pentland Venture) and
creel boats, which are all shallow draught. Overall, the Outer Sound had much higher traffic levels
than the Inner Sound, although smaller vessels tended to favour the Inner Sound.
3.20 Ferries regularly traverse the Project area between Orkney and the Scottish mainland. There is a
ferry port at Gills Bay that provides a regular catamaran service to South Ronaldsay, with ferries
passing through the Inner Sound to the east and west of Stroma.
3.21 To the west of the Project is the port of Scrabster which is frequented by fishing vessels, ferries
and some cargo vessels. Although the ferries and cargo vessels using the port at Scrabster tend
not to transit the site of the Project, fishing vessels en route to and from North Sea fishing
grounds do transit through the Inner Sound.
3.22 There are two small harbours on the coast of Caithness adjacent to the Project. Gills Bay, as
mentioned above, is the mainland port used by the Pentland Ferries service to Orkney. A small
harbour at John o Groats is used by boat tour operators, a number of small fishing vessels and a
summer passenger service. There is also a small harbour on the southern coast of Stroma which
is used for occasional island tour boats and the transport of cattle and sheep that are grazed on
the island.
Other Projects and Activities
3.23 There are a number of other developments and activities taking place near to the location of the
Project.
20
3.24 A cumulative and in-combination impact assessment was included as part of the Environmental
Impact Assessment for the Project. Each technical section contains a sub section which identifies
the projects which are relevant on a cumulative basis and an assessment of the relevant
cumulative impacts.
3.25 The Environmental Impact Assessment was based on those projects and activities that were
already present in the area or that were reasonably foreseeable. The general principle for the
cumulative impact assessment was to consider only those projects that were at EIA scoping
stage (i.e. for which an EIA Scoping Report and requests for a EIA Scoping Opinion have been
submitted) and beyond (as of August 2011). However there were other projects which were very
close to submitting their EIA Scoping Reports and/or directly relevant to the proposed Project and
a decision was been made to also include these in the cumulative impact assessment.
3.26 The location of projects and activities included in the EIA is shown in Figure 2-7 and described in
Table 2.4. When this document is reviewed the projects and activities considered will be updated
with the most recent information.
3.27 The interactions between these projects and activities and the decommissioning of the Project will
be fully considered along with relevant guidance and stakeholder advice to ensure that
Decommissioning Programme remains fit for purpose.
3.28 There is potential for synergies with the decommissioning activities of other wave and tidal
projects in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters. MeyGen will cooperate with other developers
to consider potential future opportunities, however the programme and methods will be based on
the Project working in isolation to ensure that sufficient financial security is provided.
Figure27Locationsofprojectsconsideredincumulativeimpactassessment(referencenumberscorrespondtoTable
2.4Error!Referencesourcenotfound.)
22
Map ref
Project
name
Project
developer
High level
description of
project
Project status (as at August 2011)
MeyGen
Tidal Energy
Project
Phase 2
MeyGen
Limited
Development of a
further 312MW of
tidal energy and
associated
offshore
infrastructure
Pre-scoping
Installation will commence in 2017
M1
SHETL
HVDC cable
Scottish
Hydro Electric
Transmission
Ltd (SHETL)
Moray Firth
HVDC hub,
located
Pre-scoping
Intended to be operational by
2015/16
M2
SHETL
High Voltage
Direct
Current
(HVDC)
cable
Scottish
Hydro Electric
Transmission
Ltd (SHETL)
Connection to the
planned HVDC
cable to an
existing
substation near
Keith in Moray
Pre-scoping
Intended to be operational by
2015/16
M3
Ness of
Duncansby
Tidal Energy
Project
ScottishPower
Renewables
UK Limited
95 MW tidal
energy
development and
associated
onshore
infrastructure
Scoping
EIA Scoping Opinion request

submitted; no information available
on when construction will
commence
M4
Farr Point
Wave Energy
Project
Pelamis Wave
Power
50 MW wave
energy
development and
associated
onshore
infrastructure
Scoping

submitted; Phase 1 (15 MW)
expected deployment date of
summer 2014; 50 MW expected to
be deployed by 2020
M5
Brough Ness
Sea
Generation
(Brough
Ness) Limited
100 MW tidal
energy
development and
associated
onshore
infrastructure
Pre-scoping
No information available on when

construction will commence
M6
Cantick Head
Tidal Energy
Project
Cantick Head
Tidal
Development
Limited
200 MW tidal
energy
development and
associated
onshore
infrastructure
Pre-scoping
EIA Scoping Report in preparation;

the majority of construction work is
not anticipated to commence until
after 2015
M7
Brough Head
Wave Energy
Project
Brough Head
Wave Farm
Limited
200 MW wave
energy
development and
associated
onshore
infrastructure
Pre-scoping

construction of the initial phase to
commence in 2015
M8
Costa Head
Wave Energy
Project
SSE
Renewables
Developments
(UK) Limited
200 MW wave
energy
development and
associated
onshore
infrastructure
Pre-scoping

no information available on when
M9
West Orkney
North Wave
Energy
Project
EON Climate
&
Renewables
UK
Developments
50 MW wave
energy
development and
associated
onshore
Pre-scoping
EIA Scoping Report in early

stages of preparation; no
information available on when
Map ref
Project
name
Project
developer
Limited
High level
description of
project
infrastructure
M10
West Orkney
South Wave
Energy
Project
EON Climate
&
Renewables
UK
Developments
Limited
50 MW wave
energy
development and
associated
onshore
infrastructure
Pre-scoping
EIA Scoping Report in early

stages of preparation; no
information available on when
M11
Marwick
Head Wave
Energy
Project
ScottishPower
Renewables
UK Limited
50 MW wave
energy
development and
associated
onshore
infrastructure
Scoping

submitted; no information available
on when construction will
commence
M12
Westray
South Tidal
Energy
Project
SSE
Renewables
Developments
(UK) Limited
200 MW tidal
energy
development and
associated
onshore
infrastructure
Pre-scoping

no information available on when
M13
Wave Energy
test site
(Billia Croo,
Orkney)
EMEC
Wave energy
device test berths
with subsea cable
connection to an
onshore
substation
Operational
Operational
M14
Tidal energy
test site (Fall
of Warness,
Orkney)
EMEC
Tidal energy
device test berths
with subsea cable
connection to an
onshore
substation
Operational
Operational
M15
Intermediate
wave energy
test site (St
Marys Bay,
Orkney)
EMEC
Intermediate
wave energy test
site providing
more gentle
conditions for
testing than the
main wave test
site
Licence
applications
submitted
The majority of mooring points in

position; EMEC awaiting final
marine license prior to the first
anticipated deployments in autumn
2011
M16
Intermediate
tidal energy
test site
(Head of
Holland,
Orkney)
EMEC
Intermediate tidal
energy test site
providing more
gentle conditions
for testing than
the main tidal test
site
Licence
applications
submitted
The majority of mooring points in

position; EMEC awaiting final
marine license prior to the first
anticipated deployments in autumn
2011
M17
Ocean Power
Technologies
(OPT) wave
power ocean
trial
OPL
Sea trials are

currently
underway for the
PB150
PowerBuoy
Operational
Operational
M18
Moray
Offshore
Renewables
Ltd (MORL)
offshore
windfarm
MORL
Approximately
1.4GW offshore
windfarm
development
consisting of
approximately
200 turbines
Scoping
EIA Scoping Report was submitted

in 2010; application for consent
application anticipated 2012; first
generation anticipated 2016
M19
Beatrice
BOWL
Approximately
Licence
EIA Scoping Report was submitted
24
Map ref
Project
name
Project
developer
Offshore
Windfarm Ltd
(BOWL)
offshore
windfarm
High level
description of
project
920MW offshore
windfarm
development
consisting of 142
to 277 turbines
applications
submitted
in 2011; application for consent

anticipated 2011/2012; first phase
of construction to commence 2014
and to be fully operational by
2016/17
M20
Beatrice
offshore
Windfarm
Demonstrator
Project
SSE and
Talisman
Two 5MW wind

turbines
Operational
Operational
Chalmers
Hope salmon
cage site
Northern Isles
Salmon
Salmon farm
Operational
Operational
Pegal Bay
Northern Isles
Salmon
Salmon farm
Operational
Operational
Lyrawa
Northern Isles
Salmon
Salmon farm
Operational
Operational
Bring Head
Scottish Sea
Farms
Salmon farm
Operational
Operational
Cava South
Northern Isles
Salmon
Salmon farm
Consented
Planning granted
Toyness
Scottish Sea
Farms
Salmon farm
Operational
Operational
Northern Isles Salmon farm

Operational
Operational
Salmon
Table2.4DetailsoftheoffshoreprojectsconsideredinEIA(referencenumberscorrespondtoFigure27)
West Fara
DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS TO BE DECOMMISSIONED
3.1
The following section describes the offshore project infrastructure that will need to be
decommissioned at the end of the Project lifetime. The decommissioning of onshore
infrastructure is not covered in this Decommissioning Programme; details of the onshore
infrastructure can be found in the Environmental Statement on the accompanying CD.
3.2
The Project design will continue to develop and evolve through the build out of the separate
phases of the Project. The final design for each phase of the Project will be confirmed prior to
construction commencing.
3.3
MeyGen used a Rochdale Envelope approach during the EIA to address elements of uncertainty
associated with the ongoing design and refinement of tidal technology and the overall design of
the Project. The description of project components below follows this approach and provides the
options for key aspects of the Project.
3.1
Tidal Turbines Generators
3.4
The Project proposes a maximum of 61 TTG in the Inner Sound. However, the actual number of
TTG installed will depend on the rated capacity of the selected tidal technology. Each TTG is
fully submerged, seabed mounted and will consist of a rotor and a nacelle (which houses
mechanical and electrical equipment). Each TTG will be supported by a TSS.
3.5
The TTG will be single rotor, horizontal axis turbines with a rotor diameter of between 16 and
20m. Figure 3-1 provides an indicative overview of TTG dimensions and position in the water
column, while Table 3.1 gives greater detail on the TTG specification.
3.6
The TTG will convert kinetic energy from the flow of water through the Inner Sound into electrical
energy via the TTG blades turning the generator. The TTG are able to extract energy from the
easterly flood and westerly ebb tide in the Inner Sound by either rotating the TTG into the oncoming flow, or by using 180o pitching or bi-directional blades which can generate from flows in
opposite directions.
3.7
Some equipment in the TTG, including generators, gearboxes, brakes and bearings, will produce
heat in operation which will either be directly cooled by the surrounding seawater or a cooling
system, which will involve a liquid cooled closed loop system expelling heat to the external
seawater environment via a heat exchanger.
3.8
The TTG may include hydraulically controlled mechanical brake, rotate system and a system for
pitching of the rotor blades. Subsea electrical enclosures and cables may be oil filled and a
grease pump will be required to lubricate the shaft seal. Only recognised marine standard fluids
and substances will be used with due regard to the environment.
26
Figure31SchematicofTTGdimensions
TTG Component
Rated Power
Nacelle
Number of rotors
Number of blades per rotor
Specification
1.0 2.4MW
Steel with mechanical and electrical components (200 tonnes
per TTG)
1
2 or 3
Blade material
Glassfibre/glass-plastic/steel
Rotor diameter
16 to 20m
Maximum blade swept area

Height of structure above seabed (to centre of
nacelle)
Minimum clearance from blade tip to seabed
Minimum clearance from blade tip to sea surface at
LAT
Length of TTG nacelle
201 to 314m2
13.5 16m
4.5m
8m
12 23m
Design options for generation in ebb and flood

tides
Mechanical/electrical system to rotate the nacelle into the

principal flow direction
Thruster in the nacelle tail to rotate the TTG into principal
flow direction
Bidirectional blades that can generate from flows in opposite
directions
Mechanical/electrical system to pitch blades 180o to principle
flow direction
Options for power conditioning equipment
All power conditioning is onshore at the PCC

Power conditioning within TTG nacelle and onshore
transformer at the PCC
Options for transport of TTG to site location
On deck of dynamic positioning (DP) vessel, or

Under tow by an installation vessel
Options for TTG installation
Installation vessel lowers nacelle to foundation, or

Nacelle is pulled down onto foundation by a cable
Table3.1TTGSpecification
3.2
Turbine Support Structures
3.9
Each TTG will be supported on the seabed via a TSS. There is as yet no single established TSS
solution, but deployments at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) have demonstrated the
viability of monopile, pin pile and gravity-based tripod solutions. All three of these TSS options
are presently under consideration for the Project.
3.2.1 Gravity-base Tripod

3.10 A gravity-based tripod (Figure 3-2), consisting of a steel tripod with large steel weights on each of
the three legs. The gravity-based tripod will have a maximum footprint of 30m by 20m, and
consist of approximately 1,350 tonnes of steel. Each component will weigh no more than 450
tonnes.
Figure32Gravitybasetripod
3.2.2 Pin-pile Tripod

3.11 A drilled pin pile tripod (Figure 3-3) consists of a braced steel tripod, secured to the seabed with
three small diameter pin piles. Installation is possible from a Dynamic-Positioning (DP) vessel
using a subsea drilling technique. A socket is drilled into the rock, into which the pile is inserted
and fixed using high strength grout.
28
Figure33PinpiledTSS
3.2.3 Monopile
3.12 The drilled monopile (Figure 3-4) consists of a single large diameter pile. A larger diameter
socket (compared to pin pile) is drilled into the rock using a temporary subsea frame, into which
the pile is inserted and fixed using high strength grout. Installation is possible from a DP vessel
using a subsea drilling technique.
Figure34MonopileTSS
3.3
Turbine Submarine Cables
3.13 Each TTG will require a dedicated TSC to shore, with an external diameter of up to 120mm,
including double armour.
3.14 An alternative would be to use specially manufactured TSC with multiple circuits that allow power
from more than one TTG to be exported in a single cable. A three circuit cable and a five circuit
cable will have a diameter of approximately 130mm and 250mm respectively.
3.15 Each TSC will have a connector on the offshore end. Either the connector will be attached to the
TSS directly or much shorter jumper cables, of approximately 50m, will then run between the TSS
and the TSC connector (Figure 3-5).
3.16 Extreme wave and tidal conditions in the Inner Sound mean that the export cable is likely to
experience significant hydrodynamic forces, but these forces can be reduced by running the
cable in natural crevices in the bedrock seabed and so it is planned to make use of the existing
bathymetry as far as possible. Split pipe armouring will be used to protect the TSC where
necessary.
3.17 The TSC will be landed using HDD bores through the bedrock. The closest distance to shore at
which the HDD bores will emerge at the seabed is 700m. The maximum distance from shore is
2,000m. The length of cable laid on the seabed is between 100m and 1,300m depending on the
length of the HDD bore.
3.18 Optimisation of the length of the HDD bores between the shore and TTG deployment area can
also ensure that the cables receive protection where the natural bathymetry cannot provide
shelter.
Figure35Indicativeoffshorecablelayout
3.4
Offshore layout
3.19 The hydrodynamic and computational fluid dynamics modelling completed for the Inner Sound
has enabled MeyGen to assess array configurations through the Project area in order to optimise
the energy yield.
3.20 Although the final array configuration has not yet been confirmed, it is most likely the TTG will be
placed in rows aligned perpendicular to the dominant flow direction. Array optimisation will
continue as new data is collected on the site.
3.21 An indicative TTG layout was produced for EIA with the minimum separation distance of 45m
cross-flow and 160m down-flow spacing (Figure 3-6).
30

Figure36IndicativeTTGlayoutandTSCdeploymentarea
PROPOSED DECOMMISSIONING MEASURES
4.1
The following describes the decommissioning measures for the items identified in the previous
section, the guiding principles that those measures adhere to and based on the legislation and
guidance described in Section 1.4.
4.1
Decommissioning Principles
4.1.1 Guiding Principles

4.2
The guiding principles for which the decommissioning measures adheres to are as follows:
Safety for all at all times

4.3
MeyGen commits to working to the highest possible health and safety (H&S) standards
throughout the Project. Decommissioning measures will be designed and undertaken to the
strictest H&S standards.
Consideration of the rights and needs of legitimate users of the sea

4.4
Decommissioning measures will seek to minimise the impact of other users of the sea during
decommissioning and in restoration of the site.
Minimise environmental impact

4.5
Best Practicable Environmental Options (BPEO) will be selected to provide the most benefit or
the least damage to the environment, as a whole, at acceptable cost, in the long term as well as
in the short term.
The polluter pays principle

4.6
Decommissioning and waste management measures recognise the party responsible for
producing pollution is responsible for the impact on the environment and paying for any damage
done.
Sustainable development
4.7
MeyGen aims to develop, operate and decommission the Project that meets the needs of the
present whilst not compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Maximise the reuse of materials

4.8
MeyGen aim to minimise the amount of material from decommissioning that is disposed of and
conform to the waste hierarchy.
Commercial viability
4.9
To ensure the Project remains commercially viable, decommissioning measures should remain
Best Available Technique Not Entailing Excessive Cost (BATNEEC).
Practical integrity
4.10
Decommissioning measures adhering to the above guiding principles must be workable

solutions.
4.11
It should be noted that not all of these principles are consistent with each other and in such
situations the decommissioning measures will be optimised given the constraints of conflicting
principles.
32
4.1.2 Decommissioning Principles

4.12
The base case decommissioning measures consider the commitments under UNCLOS with
regard to the IMO standards and the work of OSPAR and accept the best programme will include
the complete removal of all offshore components to shore for reuse, recycling, recover other
value or safe disposal.
4.13
In particular circumstances in which removing all of the offshore components is not the best
solution. The IMO standards provide five situations where alternatives could be considered3:
a) the installation or structure will serve a new use, whether for renewable energy generation or
for another purpose, such as enhancement of a living resource (provided it would not be
detrimental to other aims, such as conservation). In these situations, we would normally
expect the decommissioning programme to set out the eventual decommissioning measures
envisaged should the installation or structure finally become disused and a point reached
when extending its life or finding a beneficial reuse is no longer possible;
b) the entire removal would involve extreme cost. It is considered that design decisions should,
as far as possible, result in installations which are affordable to remove, but it is recognised
that some elements, such as deep foundations, may nonetheless be costly to remove;
c) the entire removal would involve an unacceptable risk to personnel;
d) the entire removal would involve an unacceptable risk to the marine environment;
e) the installation or structure weighs more than 4000 tonnes in air (excluding any deck and
superstructure) or is standing in more than 100 m of water and could be left wholly or
partially in place without causing unjustifiable interference with other uses of the sea.
4.14
In approaches to or in straits used for international navigation or routes used for international
navigation through archipelagic waters, in customary deep draught sea lanes, or in, or
immediately adjacent to, routeing systems which have been adopted by the Organization4
components should be completely removed without exception.
4.2
Proposed Decommissioning Measures
4.15
This section assesses the base case decommissioning measure for each project component
described in section 3 against the guiding principles in section 4.1.1 in association with the IMO
standards in section 4.1.2.
4.2.1 Tidal Turbine Generators

4.16
It is intended that the TTG will be fully removed from the offshore site and disassembled onshore.
The system will be de-energised before the TSC is either disconnected or cut from the TTG. The
TTG will be removed from the TSS with a single lift from a DP vessel and standard procedures
used for Operations and Maintenance.
4.17
The TTG contains lubricants and coolants which will be disposed of correctly onshore.
4.18
This is in line with the base case decommissioning principle and is assessed against the guiding
principles in Table 4.1.
Decommissioning of Offshore Renewable Energy Installations under the Energy Act 2004: Guidance notes for
Industry, DECC, January 2011 (revised)
1989 Guidelines and Standards for the Removal of Offshore Installations and Structures on the Continental
Shelf and in the Exclusive Economic Zone (IMO Resolution a. 672 (16))
TTG
Guiding Principle

COMPLETE REMOVAL
The safest option. It uses the same standard procedures as

used in Operations and Maintenance, with a single lift and
minimum intervention required.
Consideration of the rights and needs of legitimate

users of the sea
Complete removal of the TTG will aid site clearance.

Standard procedures used will be used to notify other sea
users during decommissioning.
The TTG will be disassembled onshore in a controlled

environment. Reduces the risk of spillage of potential
pollutants from the nacelle into the marine environment.
Consistent. Complete removal from the marine environment

and waste hierarchy covered by the owner/operator.
Supports site clearance so that the natural environment is not

significantly diminished, and future generations can continue
to make use the marine resource.
All components and materials brought back onshore and

available for potential reuse of material.
Requires only a single lift, so minimum offshore operations

and all components are recovered onshore for potential reuse.
Practical integrity
The same standard procedures as used in Operations and

Maintenance, with a single lift and minimum intervention
required.
Table4.1CompleteremovalofTTG
4.2.2 Turbine Support Structures

4.19
As described in section 3.2 there are three TSS solutions that could be used in the Project. Each
TSS solution has different decommissioning measures.
Gravity-base Tripod
4.20
It is intended that the gravity-base TSS will be fully removed from the offshore site and
dismantled onshore. The gravity-base TSS will be removed from the seabed in multiple lifts from
a DP vessel, as was used during construction. The ballast blocks will be removed first before the
tripod structure.
4.21
This is in line with the base case decommissioning principle and is assessed against the guiding
principles in Table 4.2.
Gravity-base TSS
Guiding Principle

COMPLETE REMOVAL
The safest option. It uses the same standard procedures as

used in Construction, with multiple lifts from a DP vessel,
minimum intervention required.

users of the sea
Complete removal of the TSS will aid site clearance.

Standard procedures used will be used to notify other sea
users during decommissioning.
No significant risk of environmental impact. The TSS will be

disassembled onshore in a controlled environment.
Consistent. Complete removal from the marine environment

and waste hierarchy covered by the owner/operator.
34

All components and materials are brought back onshore and

available for potential reuse of material.
Minimum offshore operations and all components are

recovered onshore for potential re-use.
Practical integrity
Standard procedures as used in construction, with minimum

intervention required.
Table4.2CompleteremovalofgravitybaseTSS
Pin-pile or Monopile TSS

4.22
Both the pin-pile and monopile solutions include piles that will be inserted into drilled holes in the
bedrock seabed and grouted in place.
4.23
Standard practice with offshore wind pile foundations would be to cut the piles off below the level
of the seabed. In these circumstances the seabed is typically sands, silts or clays, which makes
this a practically viable solution.
4.24
In the Inner Sound the seabed is made up of scoured solid bedrock therefore making complete
removal of the piles or cutting piles off below the level of the seabed technically challenging.
4.25
At the time of writing there are limited technical solutions to either of these methods which would
require the removal of bedrock material and grout from around the piles. These methods would
require significant time to carry out in an energetic tidal environment such as the Inner Sound and
as such would pose a significant health and safety risk.
4.26
The alternative solution is to cut the piles off above the level of the seabed as close to the seabed
as practically feasible. This would be a technically viable solution which would significantly
reduce the health and safety risk.
4.27
Exposed pile tops would in theory pose a risk to safe navigation and future use of the site by
other marine users. However, given the seabed has a saw-tooth profile with ridges and steps with
vertical faces which can be 2m high (see section 2.3.1), the exposed pile tops would not pose a
greater risk to navigation. It is also known that given the abrasive and challenging seabed and
the high tidal environmental that this area is not regularly used for other marine activities (namely
very occasional creel fishing). If creel fishing is to continue in the area there would only be a
small increase in risk of loss of gear with the exposed pile tops compared to a clear seabed. The
remaining exposed pile tops would be marked and notified through the UKHO and Notice to
Mariners.
4.28
The three decommissioning options are assessed against the guiding principles in Table 4.3,
Table 4.4 and Table 4.5.
Pin-pile and Monopile TSS
Guiding Principle

COMPLETE REMOVAL
Diver operations required. Risk to personnel involved,

extended time period for offshore and dive operations in tidal
environment.

users of the sea
Complete removal of the TSS will aid site clearance.

Disruption of other sea users over a greater time period
during decommissioning activities.
Potential for large holes to remain following removal of TSS

piles from the seabed. Low risk of pollution TSS
Consistent. Complete removal and waste hierarchy covered

by the owner/operator.

All components are brought back onshore and available for

potential reuse of material.
Not commercially viable, requires TSS piles to be completely

removed from the bedrock. Requires significant submarine
operations over an extended offshore period.
Method of removal has not been designed or carried out
previously in tidal environment. High risk associated with the
operation.
Table4.3CompleteremovalofpinpileormonopileTSS
Practical integrity

Guiding Principle

CUTTING BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE SEABED
Dive operations required. Risk to personnel involved,

extended time period for offshore operations in tidal
environment.

users of the sea
TSS piles cut below the level of the bedrock seabed.

during decommissioning
Potential for holes to remain following cutting of the TSS piles

below the level of the seabed. Low risk of pollution, TSS
Consistent as far as reasonably practicable.

to make use the marine resource
Less material available for potential reuse.
Not commercially viable, requires TSS piles to be cut below

the level of the bedrock seabed. Requires significant
submarine operations over an extended offshore period.
Practical integrity
Method of removal has not been designed or carried out

previously in tidal environment. High risk associated with the
operation.
Table4.4CuttingpinpileormonopileTSSbelowtheleveloftheseabed

Guiding Principle

CUTTING ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE SEABED
Diver operations are required. Risk to personnel involved,

short time period for offshore operations.

users of the sea
TSS piles cut just above the level of the bedrock seabed. The
exposed pile tops will restrict use of the seabed area,
however pile tops provide similar rough material already
presence with the saw-tooth bedrock seabed. Curerently
area has limited seabed uses.
The exposed pile tops will not increase navigation risk in the
area.
Disruption of other sea users over a shorter time period
The TSS pile tops will remain in situ but are not predicted to
36
cause any significant impact.

Exposed pile tops will negligibly reduce the potential for

future generations can continue to make use the marine
resource. Exposed pile tops provide similar rough material
already presence with the saw-tooth bedrock seabed. Limited
seabed uses are available.
Less expensive alternative to complete removal and cutting

below the level of the seabed reduced equipment, vessel
time required for the operation.
Practical integrity
Standard procedures available, some risk associated with

operations.
Table4.5CuttingpinpileormonopileTSSabovetheleveloftheseabed
4.2.3 Turbine Submarine Cables and Protection

4.29
There are two options for decommissioning the TSC. The TSC will be laid along the bedrock
seabed from the TTG to the HDD bore entrance, where it will go beneath the seabed in the bore
to the onshore site.
4.30
The system will be de-energised before the TSC is either disconnected or cut from the TTG.
Complete removal of the TSC would involve the TSC and any split pipe protection being cleared
from the seabed and the TSC being pulled back through the HDD bore.
4.31
This is technically feasible, however the bore will be partially filled with bentonite (used as a
drilling mud during installation), which is thixotopic5. The bentonite will have become more solid
when the installation had been complete and there is no guarantee that agitation will return the
bentonite to a fluid state and allow the TSC to be pulled back through the bore at
decommissioning and bores capped.
4.32
The second option is to complete remove the sections of TSC and protection on the seabed and
cut the TSC off at the HDD bore entrance; the bore would then be capped leaving no exposed
TSC on the seabed and no risk of the sections of TSC in the bore being exposed following
decommissioning.
4.33
The two decommissioning options are assessed against the guiding principles in Table 4.6 and
Table 4.7.
Turbine Submarine Cable and Protection
Guiding Principle

COMPLETE REMOVAL
Low risk. It uses the same standard procedures as used in

Construction, minimum intervention required with some diver
operations . Slightly longer offshore operation time period.

users of the sea
Complete removal of the TSC will aid site clearance.

No significant risk of environmental impact. The TSC will be

completely removed from the marine environment and
managed onshore in a controlled environment.
Consistent. Removal and waste hierarchy covered by the

owner/operator
Aids site clearance so that the natural environment is not
The property exhibited by certain gels of becoming fluid when stirred or shaken and returning
to the semisolid state upon standing.

to make use the marine resource
All components are brought back onshore and available for

potential reuse of material.
Greater offshore operations required to pull the TSC through

the HDD bore. All components are recovered onshore for
potential re-use.
Practical integrity
Risk that TSC will not be able to be removed from HDD bore.
Table4.6CompleteremovaloftheTSCandprotection
Turbine Submarine Cable and Protection

Guiding Principle

CUTTING BELOW THE SEABED
Low risk. It uses the same standard procedures as used in

Construction, slightly greater number of interventions
required compared to alternative, some dive operations
required.

users of the sea
The seabed will be completely cleared of TSC, sections of

the TSC in HDD bores will remain under the bedrock seabed
with the HDD bore end capped. Less disruption of other sea
users over a greater time period during decommissioning
No significant risk of environmental impact. The removed

sections of TSC will be managed onshore in a controlled
environment. The sections of the TSC in HDD bores will
remain under the bedrock seabed and HDD bores will be
permanently capped.
Aids site clearance so that the natural environment is not

to make use the marine resource. Minimal impact from the
sections of TSC that remain in the HDD bore.
Minimum offshore operations required the majority of the

TSC will be removed onshore for potential re-use.
Practical integrity
38
Low risk operation using standard techniques.

Table4.7CuttingTSCbelowtheleveloftheseabed
DESCRIPTION OF DECOMMISSIONING MEASURES
5.1
The measures described in this section take the assessment in section 4, which are based on the
current knowledge, technology, techniques and best practice.
5.2
The final decommissioning measures may change as the Project develops. A review process is
described in section 9 will be put in place to ensure that up to date information on technology,
techniques, the environment and any changes in legislation or guidance are incorporated into the
Decommissioning Programme.
5.3
Environmental and Health and Safety regulations and standards will be adhered to at all times
during each phase of decommissioning.
5.1
Re-powering
5.4
Whilst the operational life of the Project and lease term from The Crown Estate is 25 years there
may be an opportunity to re-power the Project towards the end of the operational life of the TTG.
5.5
To ensure that the correct and adequate provisions are in place for the full decommissioning of
the Project at the end of the 25 year life and lease, this programme only considers this case.
5.6
Re-powering would likely entail the removal and replacement of the TTG. Depending on the
design life of the TSC and TSS these could be potentially be re-used.
5.7
In the review process for this document, MeyGen will assess the option for re-powering the
Project at the end of the 25 year life and engage the Scottish Ministers, the Crown Estate and UK
Government in these discussion before making a decision.
5.2
Tidal Turbine Generator
5.8
The TTG (nacelle and blades) will be completely removed from site using methods used
throughout the operational life of the Project.
5.9
The general methodology will be:

The TTG will be de-energised;
A DP vessel will be mobilised to site;
The TSC will either be disconnected or cut from the TTG; and
The TTG will be removed from the TSS by the vessel and returned to port.
5.10 When the TTG is returned to onshore it will be dissembled. The waste management of the TTG
will be as follows:
All lubricants and coolants will be removed from the TTG; these will be disposed of in
accordance with the correct regulations;
All metal components will be removed to be reused or recycled (or sold to be reused and
recycled);
All glass-fibre/glass-plastic TTG blades will enter the waste hierarchy and if disposal is
required then it will be done in accordance with the correct regulations.
5.3
Turbine Support Structure
5.3.1 Gravity-base Tripod

5.11 Gravity-based TSS will be completely removed from site using the reverse methods used during
construction of the Project.
5.12 Following TTG removal the general methodology will be:
A DP vessel will be mobilised to site;
The TSS ballast will be removed first followed by the tripod and returned to port.
5.13 When the TSS is returned to onshore it will be dissembled. The waste management of the TTG
will be as follows:
recycled).
5.3.2 Pin-pile and Monopile
5.14 Pin-pile or monopile TSS will have the piles cut just above the level of the bedrock seabed. The
current techniques would use diamond cutters operated by divers. The final method for
decommissioning will minimise diver operation as much as practically possible.
5.15 Following TTG removal the general methodology will be:
A DP vessel and diver support vessel will be mobilised to site;
The TSS will be cut off close the seabed and recovered to the surface by the heavy lift vessel
and returned to port.
Site clearance will be confirmed by divers and locations of exposed pile tops marked using
GPS.
5.16 When the TSS is returned to onshore it will be dissembled. The waste management of the TTG
will be as follows:
recycled).
5.3.3 Turbine Submarine Cables
5.17 The sections of TSC present on the seabed will be fully removed from site. The sections of TSC
in the HDD bores will be cut and left in-situ; the bore entrance on the seabed will be capped and
no cable will be left exposed on the seabed. The final method for decommissioning will minimise
diver operation as much as practically possible.
5.18 Following TTG and TSS removal the general methodology will be:
Cable laying and diver support vessels will be mobilised to site;
The TSC will be recovered to the surface by the vessel, when the vessel reaches the HDD
bore, the TSC will be cut at the entrance and the bore capped using a diver.
The locations of capped bore entrances will be marked using GPS.
5.19 When the TSC is returned to onshore it will be dissembled. The waste management of the TTG
will be as follows:
5.20 All metal components will be removed to be reused or recycled (or sold to be reused and
recycled).
40
5.21 All other material will enter the waste hierarchy and if disposal is required then it will be done in
accordance with the correct regulations.
5.4
Marking and Lighting
5.22
MeyGen will exhibit the appropriate marking and lighting during decommissioning. These will in
accordance with the requirements of the Northern Lighthouse Board at all times. MeyGen will
also ensure that:
Local mariners, fishermen's organisations and HM Coastguard, in this case Shetland Maritime
Rescue Coordination Centre, are made fully aware of the decommissioning works through
local Notice to Mariners or any other appropriate means;
Details are promulgated in the Kingfisher Fortnightly Bulletin to inform the Sea Fish Industry;
and
The Clyde Cruising Club is notified of the decommissioning works to permit the updating of
their Sailing Directions and Anchorages publications.
5.5
Notification and marking of remains
5.23
Once decommissioning is complete the UK Hydrographic Office will be notified of the updated
maritime safety information regarding the Project. This will include positions and heights of
structures still remaining on the seabed in relations to chart datum. The nautical charts and
publications can then be updated.
5.24
MeyGen will also ensure that:
5.6
Local mariners, fishermen's organisations and HM Coastguard, in this case Shetland Maritime
Rescue Coordination Centre, are made fully aware of the site through local Notice to Mariners
or any other appropriate means;
Details are promulgated in the Kingfisher Fortnightly Bulletin to inform the Sea Fish Industry;
and
The Clyde Cruising Club is notified to permit the updating of their Sailing Directions and
Anchorages publications.
Waste Management
5.25 The Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and Waste Management Licensing (Scotland)
Regulations 2011 place a duty on all persons who produce, keep or manage waste, to apply the
waste hierarchy. MeyGen is committed to minimising the amount of waste material that has to be
disposed of from the decommissioning of the Project. As such, MeyGen has due regard to the
waste hierarchy:
Preventing waste through using resources and raw materials efficiently;
Re-using components;
Recycling materials;
Recovering value, often in the form of energy, from the remaining waste; and
Disposal, being the option of last resort.
5.26 MeyGen will implement a Waste Management Plan for decommissioning when the final review of
this document takes place.
SEABED CLEARANCE
6.1
Following the decommissioning of the Project in line with the section 5, MeyGen will ensure that
the seabed is clear from any debris or components that would cause a risk to navigation, the
environment or other users of the sea that are a result of the Project and have not been
accounted for in the Decommissioning Programme.
6.2
MeyGen propose to use side-scan sonar surveys. The survey will be carried out by an
independent company and the survey report made available to all relevant regulatory bodies.
6.3
The area that the survey will cover will be considered as part of the review process for this
document. It is noted that the standard for oil and gas is 500m radius around the installation.
6.4
The survey results will be compared against previous surveys that are a requirement of the
consents.
6.5
If the survey shows anomalous targets on the seabed then these will be further investigated by
remotely operated vehicle mounted with a camera. Any debris that is confirmed will be removed.
6.6
The survey results will also confirm the locations of any components that have been agreed to
remain above the level of the bedrock seabed. These will be checked against those locations
taken at the time of decommissioning and then confirm with the relevant navigation bodies and
local sea users as per section 5.5.
42
Habitats Regulations Appraisal
RESTORATION OF THE SITE
7.1
MeyGen is committed to restoring the site, as far as reasonably practical, to the condition prior to
construction of the Project so not to restrict other sea users, in line with the sustainable
development of the marine environment and to protect the marine environment.
7.2
Section 5 described the measures proposed at this point in time, using best available technique
not entailing excessive cost. These proposed measures include only the partial removal of some
components of the Project and therefore the site will not wholly return to the pre-construction
condition however, these methods have been selected as they do not pose a significant risk to
the human or natural environment. These measures are:
Cutting piles off just above the level of the seabed; and
Cutting the TSC at the bore entrance and capping the HDD bores.
Habitats Regulations Appraisal
43
POST DECOMMISSIONING MONITORING, MAINTENANCE AND

MANAGEMENT OF THE SITE
8.1
As the Decommissioning Programme not include the fully restoration of the site to the preconstruction conditions, MeyGen propose a monitoring strategy to ensure that those components
that do remain in-situ remain low risk to the safe navigation of the site, to other marine users and
the natural environment.
8.2
Given the nature of the seabed, the low level of navigation and other activity in the area, it is
highly unlikely that there will be a change to the position or prominence of the components that
remain under or above the seabed.
8.3
Based on this low risk MeyGen propose a side scan sonar survey is conducted at year 1, year 5
and year 10 following the full decommissioning of the Project.
8.4
The survey will use the same format as propose in section 6. Any change in the condition of
components remaining in-situ will be reported to the regulatory bodies, UKHO and other
navigation and sea user organisations. MeyGen will engage with the regulatory bodies to review
the correct course of action and solution.
44
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND VERIFICATION
9.1
Towards the end of the 25 year operational life of the Project, the final review of the
Decommissioning Programme will take place, the measures to be used confirmed and detailed
method statements and programme will be produced for the works.
9.2
The appropriate management structure will be put in place to run the Decommissioning
Programme.
9.3
Within six months of the completion of the decommissioning, a report will be submitted to Scottish
Ministers, The Crown Estate and the UK Government, detailing
how the programme was carried out in accordance with the programme, legislation and
guidance;
confirmation of the clearance of the seabed; and
confirmation of notification of navigational data to the correct bodies.
9.1
Review Process
9.4
MeyGen propose to undertake formal reviews of the Decommissioning Programme in

consultation with the regulatory authority at the following times:
2 years following final commissioning of the Project;
2 years prior to the start of the provision of the financial security;
The mid-point of the period of the financial security; and
23 years after final commissioning of the Project (2 years prior to decommissioning
commencing)
45
10 SCHEDULE
10.1
At the time of writing it is assumed that the Project will be decommissioned at the end of the 25
year life. This is predicted to be between 2045 and 2047, dependant on the date of final
commissioning. Decommissioning is predicted to take several years.
10.2
A decommissioning schedule will be built during the operational life of the project; at each
review period the schedule will be evaluated and updated. The final decommissioning schedule
will be completed at least a year in advance of the commencement of decommissioning
activities.
10.3
The schedule will be largely influenced by the development of industry knowledge on

decommissioning activities and synergies with other industries. Lessons learnt from these will
be used to refine the schedule.
10.4
The decommissioning programme could also be influenced by market factors, vessel

availability, new environmental data and climatic conditions. This could mean that
decommissioning activities change or are delayed, at which point MeyGen will consult the
regulatory bodies.
46
11 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND HABITATS REGULATIONS

APPRAISAL
11.6
MeyGen undertook an EIA and HRA for the Project in support of the successful consent
application to Scottish Ministers in 2012.
11.7
The EIA took into consideration the impacts of decommissioning the Project at the end of its
lifetime. This was based on a worst case approach, considering the greatest potential Project
impact. As such the items and decommissioning methods described within this document are
consistent with or lower than the magnitude considered in the EIA.
11.8
The Environmental Statement, Supplementary Environmental Information Statement and

Habitats Regulations Appraisal are provided on a CD accompanying this document.
11.9
Consistent with the periodic review of this document, the existing EIA will be reviewed
throughout to ensure that the decommissioning programme and measures have been
appropriately assessed in the EIA.
11.10
If new technical and environmental data becomes available, this will be reviewed in light of the
existing EIA and if necessary, some impacts will be re-assessed to ensure that the EIA remains
accurate and up-to-date.
47
12 CONSULTATION
12.1
MeyGen recognise the importance of early consultation that continues throughout the Project in
order to integrate public and stakeholder concerns and opinions into the Project decision making
process. Consequently, consultation with both statutory and non-statutory stakeholders has
been an integral aspect of the development process so far and will continue through to and
beyond the decommissioning phase. The primary aim of the consultation process is to facilitate
two way communications about the Project to all relevant stakeholders.
12.2
In order that legitimate marine users are not significantly impacted by the decommissioning
activities, MeyGen proposes early and comprehensive consultation. MeyGen proposes to seek
consultation with the following organisations on the Decommissioning Programme and continue
that consultation during the Project and during the critical review process for this document prior
to decommissioning commencing:
Department of Energy & Climate Change;
Scottish Natural Heritage
Scottish Environment Protection Agency;
Joint Nature Conservation Committee;
Maritime and Coastguard Agency;
Northern Lighthouse Board;
Chamber of Shipping;
Royal Yachting Association;
Historic Scotland;
Scrabster Harbour Trust;
Orkney Island Council Marine Services;
Wick Harbour Authority;
Pentland Ferries; and
Gills Bay Ltd.
12.3
48
The decommissioning programme consultation process will begin during the pre-construction
period will the first draft of the document going out for consultation for a 30 day period. The
Decommissioning Programme will be sent to the stakeholders listed in 12.3 and uploaded on to
the MeyGen website (www.meygen.com) for the general public. The feedback will be considered
and the document adjusted as necessary prior to being submitted to DECC for approval.
13 PHASE 1A
13.1
Phase 1A will consist of
4 x 1.5MW TTG;
4 x Gravity-base TSS; and
4 x TSC
13.1 Decommissioning Measures

13.2
Given the review of potential decommissioning measures for the Project described in this
document the following measures are proposed for Phase 1a:
13.3
The TTG (nacelle and blades) will be completely removed from site using methods used
throughout the operational life of the Project.
13.4
Gravity-based TSS will be completely removed from site using the reverse methods used during
construction of the Project.
13.5
The sections of TSC present on the seabed will be fully removed from site. The sections of TSC
in the HDD bores will be cut and left in-situ; the bore entrance on the seabed will be capped and
no cable will be left exposed on the seabed.
13.2 Cost and Financial Security

13.6
Coasts and Financial Security arrangements for Phase 1A are supplied in confidential
appendices A and B.
49
14 COSTS
14.1
50
Costs are provided in a confidential appendix for the Secretary of State.
15 FINANCIAL SECURITY
15.1
Financial securities are provided in a confidential appendix for the Secretary of State.
51
16 SUPPORTING STUDIES
MeyGen Project Phase 1 Environmental Statement (provided on CD)
MeyGen Project Phase 1 Habitats Regulations Appraisal (provided on CD)
Supplementary Environmental Information Statement (provided on CD)
52
APPENDIX A. COSTS
APPENDIX B. FINANCIAL SECURITY

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Decommissioning

Tidal Turbine Generators;

Turbine Support Structures;

Turbine Submarine Cables and associated split pipe protection.

Safety for all at all times;

Consideration of the rights and needs of legitimate users of the sea;

Minimise environmental impact;

The polluter pays principle;

Maximise the reuse of materials;

Commercial viability; and

A summary of the proposed decommissioning measures is below.

Proposed Decommissioning Measure

Tidal Turbine Generator

Gravity-base Tripod Turbine Support Structure

Pin-pile or Monopile Turbine Support Structure

Turbine Submarine Cable and Split-Pipe

Partial removal, sections left in-situ below the level of the

4 x 1.5MW turbines (complete removal);

4 x gravity base turbine support structures (complete removal); and

4 x turbine submarine cables (partial removal).

The MeyGen Project Phase 1 Overview ....................................................................... 1

Policy and Document Purpose ..................................................................................... 2

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ................................................................................................. 6

Project Description ........................................................................................................ 6

Site Characteristics ....................................................................................................... 8

DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS TO BE DECOMMISSIONED ............................................ 26

Tidal Turbines Generators .......................................................................................... 26

Turbine Support Structures ........................................................................................ 28

Turbine Submarine Cables ......................................................................................... 29

PROPOSED DECOMMISSIONING MEASURES ...................................................................... 32

Decommissioning Principles ...................................................................................... 32

Proposed Decommissioning Measures ..................................................................... 33

DESCRIPTION OF DECOMMISSIONING MEASURES ............................................................ 39

Tidal Turbine Generator .............................................................................................. 39

Turbine Support Structure .......................................................................................... 40

Marking and Lighting ................................................................................................... 41

Notification and marking of remains.......................................................................... 41

Waste Management ..................................................................................................... 41

RESTORATION OF THE SITE ................................................................................................... 43

POST DECOMMISSIONING MONITORING, MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND VERIFICATION .................................................................... 45

Review Process ............................................................................................................ 45

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND HABITATS REGULATIONS APPRAISAL

Decommissioning Measures ...................................................................................... 49

Cost and Financial Security ........................................................................................ 49

SUPPORTING STUDIES ............................................................................................................ 52

The MeyGen Project Phase 1 Overview

Consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989;

An assessment under the Council Directive 92/43/EEC(c) on the Conservation of Natural

Policy and Document Purpose

A detailed description of the Project infrastructure to be decommissioned is provided in section 3.

2.3.2 Biological Environment

Species requiring consideration in

Faray and Holm of Faray

Dornoch Firth and Morrich More

A number of nationally and internationally important seabird populations, consisting of a large

North Caithness Cliffs

Peregrine falcon, common guillemot, razorbill* northern fulmar*,

East Caithness Cliffs

Greenland white-fronted goose, whooper swan and greylag

Caithness and Sutherland

Black-legged kittiwake*, common guillemot*, razorbill*, Atlantic

Black-legged kittiwake, common guillemot, razorbill*, Atlantic

Peregrine falcon, great skua, Atlantic puffin, northern fulmar,

Arctic tern, northern fulmar, black-legged kittiwake, Arctic skua*

Northern fulmar, great black-backed gull, black-legged

Northern fulmar, herring gull, European shag*, black-legged

Leachs storm petrel, razorbill, Atlantic puffin, northern fulmar*,

Arctic tern, common guillemot, razorbill, northern fulmar, black-

legged kittiwake, and Arctic skua.

Razorbill, common guillemot, great skua, northern fulmar and

Arctic tern, northern fulmar, black-legged kittiwake and

Common guillemot, razorbill, northern fulmar, herring gull* and