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Consent to Survey required
for: Seismic survey; high resolution seismic site survey; borehole
seismic; shallow drilling; and gravity/magnetic survey.
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Notification of Survey
only required for new pipeline or cable route survey, seabed survey
not around existing installation or pipeline; and all surveys near
to or near a "relevant site" under the Regulations
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No Action required
for inspection, repair and maintenance survey; surveys of existing
pipelines or installations; pre/post lay survey environmental survey.
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Sensitive Area*
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Other Offshore Areas
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Action Needed
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6+ months
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-
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Identify if any conditions on seismic survey detailed in
licence conditions.
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*Identify if survey being undertaken in area sensitive to
cetaceans and/or in or near a site designated under the Habitats Directive
(relevant site). Early discussions with JNCC/DECC are suggested. An
EIA may be needed as well as additional environmental information for
a Habitats Regulatory Assessment of "relevant sites".
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Identify if any important fishing grounds in survey area.
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If necessary undertake EIA and prepare environmental statement
(ES).
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Identify window for survey to minimise environmental impacts.
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2 months
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If applicable, prepare Consent
to Survey (PON14A) submission
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3 months
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1 month
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If applicable, submit PON14A Consent to Survey application
for consent to DECC
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1 month
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1 month
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If applicable, submit PON14A
Notification of Survey
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Survey
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At least 30 minutes before commencement of operation,
make visual check for presence of marine mammals within 500 m of vessel.
Hydrophones may also be used particularly in poor visibility.
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If marine mammals are present, the start of the survey should
be delayed until they have moved away. Allow at least 20 minutes from
the last sighting before commencing operations.
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Where equipment allows, build power up slowly from a low
energy start allowing 20 minutes for marine mammals to move well out
of range. Where seals are congregated around a platform, start survey
at least 500 m away.
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Use lowest practicable power levels throughout survey.
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