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1.7 Potential environmental effects ​

1.7.1 Physical processes ​

1.7.1.1 Physical processes refer to the coastal and marine processes and their relationship with the physical environment which includes tidal currents, wave climate and sediment transport regime. The physical processes of the Morgan Generation Assets were numerically modelled using datasets collected from a series of site-specific surveys, including geophysical and metocean data. This was coupled with a detailed desktop review of existing studies and datasets.

1.7.1.2 The seafloor morphology of the Morgan Array Area includes several distinct features such as sandwaves, megaripples, sediment waveforms and outcrops (XOCEAN, 2022; Gardline, 2022). Seabed substrate within the Morgan Array Area ranged from gravelly sand to muddy sandy gravel with the majority of the area classified as gravelly muddy sand. The Morgan Array Area lies within the central gravel belt in the Irish Sea containing coarse sand and gravel (Mellett et al., 2015). Small areas of bedrock outcrop at the seabed have been observed. Seabed levels across the Morgan Array Area range from depths of 32m to 54m Mean Sea Level (MSL) with a deeper corridor travelling across the Morgan Array Area from the southwest to the northeast. Shallower depths are observed in the north and the south of the Morgan Array Area.

1.7.1.3 The wave climate in the Morgan Array Area is described as dominant short period, southwesterly waves. Across the Morgan Array Area, the tidal current floods to the east-northeast and ebbs to the west-southwest. Relatively strong flows are present during spring tides, however, within the Morgan Array Area, the residual current speeds are several orders of magnitude smaller than those along the coastline. Sediment transport rates are highest during spring tides.

1.7.1.4 A number of potential impacts on the physical processes receptors due to the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets were identified. These included:

  • Increase in suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) due to construction, operations and maintenance and/or decommissioning related activities, and the potential impact to physical features
  • Impacts to the tidal regime due to the presence of infrastructure
  • Impacts to the wave regime due to the presence of infrastructure
  • Impacts to sediment transport and sediment transport pathways due to the presence of infrastructure and associated potential impacts to physical features and bathymetry
  • Impacts to temperature and salinity stratification due to the presence of infrastructure.

1.7.1.5 Increased SSCs may arise due to seabed preparation involving sandwave clearance, the installation of the wind turbines and OSP foundations. Sediment plumes produced during construction are considered localised and not to persist beyond the study location for physical processes. Sedimentation increase is not considered to be sufficient or significant enough to influence bathymetry of key receptors such as sandbanks, mudflats and sandflats. The effects during the decommissioning phase would be of lesser magnitude than both the construction phase and the operations and maintenance phase, with scour and cable protection remaining in situ. Increases in SSCs may occur during decommissioning if suction caisson foundations are removed however sediment plume would not interact with any designated areas.

1.7.1.6 The presence of infrastructure may lead to changes in impacts to the tidal regime, wave regime, sediment transport and associated sediment transport pathways and the associated potential impacts along adjacent shorelines and physical features. However, the impacts on receptors such as the sandbanks, mudflats and sandflats were deemed to be of negligible significance which is not significant in EIA terms. These minor changes in hydrodynamics occur in close proximity to the location of the wind turbines and do not extend beyond the physical processes study area. The limited magnitude of changes observed would not alter the hydrography of sandbanks. Overall, for all receptors, the effect will be of negligible significance which is not significant in EIA terms. All cumulative impacts assessed were deemed negligible. No physical processes mitigation in addition to the measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets (e.g. scour protection) is considered necessary because the predicted impacts in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.1.7 No significant transboundary effects with regard to physical processes from the Morgan Generation Assets on the interests of other States were predicted.

1.7.2 Benthic subtidal ecology ​

1.7.2.1 Benthic subtidal ecology refers to the communities of animals and plants which live on or in the seabed and the relationships that they have with each other and with the physical environment. The subtidal benthic ecology of the Morgan Generation Assets was characterised via a series of site-specific surveys using grab sampling and underwater video and eDNA.

1.7.2.2 These surveys indicated that seabed within the Morgan Array Area supports a variety of plant and animal communities that are typical of this area. Key habitats recorded included habitat dominated by marine worms, bivalves and echinoderms in finer sediments, as well as more mixed and coarse sediments which support a more varied community on the seabed including mobile crustacea and bivalves.

1.7.2.3 Additionally, the West of Copeland Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) overlaps with the zone of influence for the Morgan Generation Assets. The West of Copeland MCZ is designated for subtidal sand and subtidal mud. The West of Walney MCZ is located just outside the zone of influence for the Morgan Generation Assets but has still been included in the assessment. The West of Walney MCZ is designated for subtidal sand, subtidal coarse sediment and subtidal mixed sediment.

1.7.2.4 A number of potential impacts on benthic subtidal communities/species, associated with the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, were identified. These included:

  • Temporary habitat loss/disturbance
  • Increased SSCs and deposition
  • Disturbance/remobilisation of sediment-bound contamination
  • Long-term habitat loss
  • Colonisation of hard structures
  • Increased risk of introduction and spread of invasive non-native species (INNS)
  • Removal of hard substrates
  • Changes in physical processes
  • Electromagnetic fields from subsea electrical cabling
  • Heat from subsea electrical cables.

1.7.2.5 With the measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets (e.g. cable burial where possible) in place, all of these impacts result in effects of either negligible or minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.2.6 Temporary and long-term habitat loss/disturbance was deemed to be of minor adverse significance to benthic receptors in the benthic ecology study area which is not significant in EIA terms, as the proportion of habitat lost is predicted to be small in the context of available habitats in the Morgan Array Area.

1.7.2.7 Temporary increases in SSCs and associated deposition were also deemed to be of minor or negligible adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms due to the short-term nature of the impact and as the seabed plants and animals in this area have a low sensitivity to this type of impact.

1.7.2.8 Additionally, the impacts on the protected features of the West of Walney MCZ and West of Copeland MCZ, in all phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, have been assessed as not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.2.9 In the assessment of cumulative effects, the cumulative temporary habitat disturbance to subtidal sand and muddy sand sediments with benthic communities was predicted to be of moderate adverse significance in the short term, reducing to minor adverse significance in the medium to long term as the sediments and communities recover. For all other impacts and receptors, the assessment of cumulative effects was predicted to result in effects that would not be significant in EIA terms.

1.7.2.10 Additionally, the cumulative impacts on the protected features of the West of Walney MCZ and West of Copeland MCZ, in all phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, have been assessed as not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.2.11 No transboundary effects with regard to benthic subtidal ecology from the Morgan Generation Assets on the interests of other EEA States were predicted.

1.7.3 Fish and shellfish ecology ​

1.7.3.1 Fish and shellfish ecology refers to the communities of animals (various commercially and ecologically important fish, crustacean, and mollusc species) which live in the water column or on and in the seabed, including diadromous fish which move into freshwater environments for spawning activity, and the relationships these organisms have with each other and the physical environment. The fish and shellfish ecology of the Morgan Generation Assets was characterised primarily through desktop review due to the large amount of data publicly available, with incorporation of relevant data from seabed characterisation surveys included to help increase the scope of the review.

1.7.3.2 The desktop review and incorporated survey results showed the presence of a range of fish, shellfish, and shark and ray species with spawning or feeding grounds in the vicinity of the Morgan Generation Assets, and in the wider fish and shellfish ecology study area. Species of particular ecological interest included herring, which are a commercially important species with high and low intensity spawning grounds to the immediate northwest of the Morgan Generation Assets. Sandeel species were also noted as having important populations and spawning grounds in this area, with these being of interest as a prey species which act as a food source and thus support a wide range of other predator species. Consultation with stakeholders highlighted the importance of queen and king scallop to commercial fishing activities. Therefore, information from vessel position data and reports of fishing effort were incorporated to show the distribution of fishing and spawning grounds for these species, with significant overlap with the Morgan Generation Assets noted. Basking shark and angel shark populations were also examined, with the potential for these passing through the Morgan Generation Assets highlighted, although the likelihood of this occurring is considered low.

1.7.3.3 A number of potential impacts on fish and shellfish species associated with the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets were identified. These included:

  • Temporary habitat loss or disturbance
  • Underwater sound impacts
  • Increased SSCs and associated sediment deposition
  • Long-term habitat loss
  • Electromagnetic fields from subsea electrical cabling
  • Colonisation of hard structures by new communities
  • Injury to basking shark due to increased risk of collision with vessels.

1.7.3.4 With the measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets (e.g. implementation of piling soft-start and ramp-up measures) in place, almost all of these impacts in all phases result in effects of either negligible or minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.3.5 However, the effect of underwater sound was noted to have a potential moderate adverse significance on herring spawning grounds, due to their proximity to construction piling activities of the Morgan Generation Assets and a conservative sound impact threshold based on the desktop review. Despite this potential significant effect, the greatest impact would only take place if piling was occurring concurrently (piling at two locations at the same time) at the locations closest to the spawning grounds during the peak spawning times during autumn, and it is expected that this impact can be mitigated through measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets which are currently being investigated.

1.7.3.6 Cumulative effects from nearby offshore wind farm construction, dredging and disposal, and other project construction activities were assessed within a 50km radius of the Morgan Generation Assets for direct impacts, and a 100km radius for underwater noise. These nearby projects were examined and predicted to result in negligible to minor adverse impacts on fish and shellfish species within the defined 50km study area which is not significant in EIA terms. For underwater sound, the impact was assessed to still be moderate adverse due to the very low level of cumulative sound impact from other projects.

1.7.3.7 No transboundary effects with regard to fish and shellfish ecology from the Morgan Generation Assets on the interests of other States were predicted.

1.7.4 Marine mammals ​

1.7.4.1 The site-specific surveys indicated that the species found in the vicinity of the Morgan Array Area include bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise, Risso’s dolphin, grey seal and harbour seal. Other species known to occur regularly in the region include shortbeaked common dolphin and minke whale. Harbour porpoise occur throughout the marine mammal study area, whilst short-beaked common dolphin and Risso’s dolphin are largely restricted to the south of the Irish Sea. Sightings of bottlenose dolphin are highest in coastal waters of Cardigan Bay. Harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphin occur year-round, whereas short-beaked common dolphin, Risso’s dolphin and minke whale occur in highest numbers during summer months, moving further offshore in winter months. Grey seal occur extensively throughout the south Irish Sea, whereas harbour seal are concentrated along the northeast coast of Ireland, east coast of Northern Ireland and the Firth of Clyde.

1.7.4.2 A number of potential impacts on marine mammals, associated with the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, were identified. These included:

  • Injury and disturbance from elevated underwater sound during piling
  • Injury and disturbance to marine mammals from elevated underwater sound during clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO).
  • Injury and disturbance to marine mammals from elevated underwater sound due to vessel use and other activities
  • Increased risk of injury to marine mammals due to collision with vessels
  • Injury and disturbance to marine mammals from elevated underwater sound during site investigation surveys
  • Underwater sound from wind turbine operation
  • Changes in fish and shellfish communities affecting prey availability.

1.7.4.3 With the measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets (e.g. the inclusion of low order techniques as a UXO clearance option) in place, these impacts result in effects of either negligible or minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.4.4 Injury and disturbance from elevated underwater sound during piling was deemed to be of minor (adverse) significance which is not significant in EIA terms to marine mammals in the marine mammal study area; whilst underwater sound modelling predicted ranges of impact which had the potential to result in injury and disturbance to a small number of animals. For the assessment of injury, with a Marine Mammal Mitigation Protocol (MMMP) in place, the impact would result in a very small risk of injury, as animals will be deterred beyond the predicted injury range. For the assessment of disturbance, it was considered that whilst a small number of animals could experience mild disturbance, this was unlikely to lead to population level effects. In addition, population modelling was carried out to explore the potential of disturbance during piling to affect the population trajectory over time for four species, which confirmed the assessment that this impact was unlikely to lead to population effects.

1.7.4.5 Increased risk of injury of marine mammals due to collision with vessels was deemed to be of minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms. Whilst an increase in vessel movements could lead to an increase in interactions between marine mammals and vessels, resulting in fatal and non-fatal injuries, vessels travelling at 7m/s or faster are those most likely to cause death or serious injury to marine mammals. Largely, vessels involved in the construction phase are likely to be travelling considerably slower than this, and all vessels will be required to follow an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), including measures to minimise disturbance to marine mammals. With the adherence to this EMP, in combination with the likelihood that animals will be deterred by the noise of moving vessels, the risk of collision is reduced.

1.7.4.6 Changes in fish and shellfish communities affecting prey availability was deemed to be of minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms. The assessment for fish and shellfish included the impacts listed in section 1.7.3. Whilst potential effects on fish assemblages could have indirect effects on marine mammals, the fish and shellfish assessment concluded that impacts are unlikely to lead to significant levels of mortality, and as such the marine mammal assessment concluded that this would therefore not lead to significant changes to prey availability, particularly given the ability of marine mammals to avoid disturbed areas and switch prey if necessary.

1.7.4.7 Cumulative effects were assessed for injury and disturbance from elevated underwater sound during piling, injury and disturbance to marine mammals from elevated underwater sound during site investigation surveys, injury and disturbance to marine mammals from elevated underwater sound during UXO clearance, injury and disturbance to marine mammals from elevated underwater sound due to vessel use and other activities, increased risk of injury of marine mammals due to collision with vessels, and changes in fish and shellfish communities affecting prey availability. These were predicted to result in effects of negligible or minor adverse significance upon marine mammals within the Celtic and Irish Seas which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.4.8 No transboundary effects with regard to marine mammals from the Morgan Generation Assets on the interests of other States were predicted.

1.7.5 Offshore ornithology ​

1.7.5.1 Seabirds refer to species that depend on the marine environment for survival at some point in their life cycle. In addition to the true seabirds, any non-seabirds which use the area during their migration or have additional reliance on marine areas, especially in the non-breeding season are referred to as seabirds for the purpose of the assessment. Information on seabirds within the Morgan offshore ornithology array area study area was collected through a detailed desktop review of existing studies and datasets and site-specific digital aerial surveys.

1.7.5.2 The site-specific digital aerial surveys indicated that the Morgan Array Area supported a seabird assemblage that is typical of the Irish Sea, and dominated by common guillemot, razorbill, black-legged kittiwake, Manx shearwater and northern gannet. For most seabirds, distribution was varied depending on year and month.

1.7.5.3 A number of potential impacts on seabird species, associated with the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, were identified. These included:

  • Increased disturbance and displacement from airborne noise, underwater sound, and presence of vessels and infrastructure
  • Indirect impacts from underwater sound affecting prey species
  • Collision
  • Temporary habitat loss/disturbance and increased SSCs
  • Barrier effects.

1.7.5.4 With the measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets (e.g. an offshore EMP which will include measures to reduce disturbance to rafting birds from transiting vessels) in place, these impacts result in effects of either negligible or minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.5.5 Cumulative effects from offshore renewable developments were assessed and predicted to result in effects of negligible to minor adverse significance (not significant in EIA terms) upon seabirds within a 500km buffer of the Morgan Generation Assets. The effect of collision was deemed to be negligible to minor for all species, and therefore not significant in EIA terms. The combined collision risk and disturbance and displacement from airborne noise, underwater sound, and presence of vessels and infrastructure were assessed for black-legged kittiwake and northern gannet as being of minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.5.6 No transboundary effects with regard to offshore ornithology from the Morgan Generation Assets on the interests of other States were predicted.

1.7.6 Commercial fisheries ​

1.7.6.1 Commercial fisheries are defined as any form of fishing activity where the catch is sold for taxable profit. The commercial fisheries baseline was characterised via a review of publicly available data, site-specific surveys and consultation with fisheries stakeholders.

1.7.6.2 Within the region, landings are dominated by dredge vessels and shellfish are the most important species group in terms of landed weight and value. Within the Morgan Array Area there is a queen scallop ground of particular importance to dredge vessels from the west coast of Scotland. These vessels, as well as vessels from the Isle of Man and nomadic vessels from Ireland and Northern Ireland also engage in the king scallop fishery in the region. English static gear vessels targeting whelk and crab in the Morgan Array Area operate out of Fleetwood and Whitehaven. Beam trawl vessels from Belgium and the south coast of England are also present within the commercial fisheries study area targeting flatfish, such as sole and plaice. Vessels from Ireland and Northern Ireland, deploying pelagic trawls and seine nets that target herring, are active across the commercial fisheries study area. Nephrops grounds off the coast of Cumbria are of particular importance to vessels that deploy demersal trawls and otter trawls, which are predominantly from England and Northern Ireland.

1.7.6.3 A number of potential impacts on commercial fisheries groups, associated with the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, were identified. These included:

  • Loss or restricted access to fishing grounds
  • Displacement of fishing activity
  • Interference with fishing activity
  • Temporary increase in steaming distances
  • Loss or damage to fishing gear due to snagging
  • Potential impacts on commercially important fish stocks
  • Supply chain opportunities for local fishing vessels.

1.7.6.4 With the measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets (e.g. development of a Fisheries Co-existence and Liaison plan) in place, and in some cases with the implementation of further mitigation, the majority of these impacts result in effects of negligible or minor adverse significance which are not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.6.5 Loss or restricted access to fishing grounds is an impact that is of particular importance for Scottish west coast vessels, which rely on a queen scallop ground within the west section of the Morgan Array Area. During construction, the loss or restricted access to fishing grounds is assessed as an effect of no greater than minor adverse significance on all commercial fisheries receptor groups, which is not significant in EIA terms, due to the temporary and intermittent nature of the works. During the operations and maintenance phase, a moderate adverse effect is predicted on the Scottish west coast scallop vessels receptor, which is significant in terms of the EIA Regulations. In order to mitigate this effect, options to increase the minimum distance between wind turbines and options to align the turbines with orientations of fishing tows are being explored by the Applicant to increase the potential for coexistence.

1.7.6.6 With the measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets in place, which will be fully captured in the Environmental Statement, the impact magnitude is predicted to reduce to minor and the residual effect will be of minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.6.7 Displacement of vessels into other fishing grounds can cause conflict with other fishing gears. During construction, the displacement of vessels into other areas, and the potential adverse impacts on existing fisheries in the areas that vessels are displaced into, is assessed as an effect of no greater than negligible adverse significance on all commercial fisheries receptor groups which is not significant in EIA terms. This is due to the temporary and intermittent nature of the works during the construction phase. During the operations and maintenance phase, the minimum spacing between wind turbines (875m) and between rows of wind turbines (1,000m) may restrict mobile gear such as the scallop vessels during fishing within the Morgan Array Area. However, displacement of fishing activity is assessed as an effect of negligible adverse significance due to the relatively large operational ranges of most fishing vessels that operate within the Morgan Array Area.

1.7.6.8 Significant cumulative impacts on commercial fisheries receptors, in EIA terms, were identified for the Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Windfarms Transmission Assets, the Mona Offshore Wind Project and the Morecambe Offshore Windfarm Generation Assets. The main cumulative impact identified between the Morgan Generation Assets and these projects for commercial fisheries focused on loss or restricted access to fishing grounds from the operations and maintenance phase. The cumulative effect of loss or restricted access to fishing grounds on the Scottish west coast, as a result of other offshore wind developments and the operations and maintenance phase of the Morgan Generation Assets, is of moderate adverse significance, which is significant in EIA terms. Following further mitigation measures, the residual impacts on Scottish west coast scallop vessels are assessed as minor adverse, which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.6.9 Transboundary effects outside UK waters are limited to the potential displacement of effort from the Morgan Generation Assets into non-UK waters and potential effects on commercially important fish and shellfish resources which could occur in non-UK waters. It is not anticipated that these effects would be significant.

1.7.7 Shipping and navigation ​

1.7.7.1 The construction, operations and maintenance and decommissioning of an offshore wind farm can have impacts upon maritime safety and the activities of commercial shipping, ferries, ports/harbours, commercial fisheries, recreational cruising and other maritime operations.

1.7.7.2 A shipping and navigation baseline was developed through a review of relevant publications, collection and analysis of historical vessel traffic and incident data, and consultation with key stakeholders. The Morgan Generation Assets are located in an area frequently utilised by a variety of different maritime users. It should be noted that during the operations and maintenance phase, there will be a minimum spacing between wind turbines of 875m and a minimum spacing between rows of wind turbines of 1,000m. Existing offshore wind farms, oil and gas and aggregate activities occur within the shipping and navigation study area. Key commercial shipping routes bound for the Port of Liverpool pass clear of the shipping and navigation study area, but smaller shipping routes to Douglas and Heysham cross through the Morgan Array Area. Regular ferry services between the UK, Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland operate through or adjacent to the Morgan Array Area. Fishing by static and mobile gear takes place throughout the shipping and navigation study area. Offshore recreational cruising routes between the UK and the Isle of Man were also identified, however, the numbers of vessels using them is low. Tug and service activities supporting existing offshore infrastructure is widespread.

1.7.7.3 Adverse weather, particularly from the prevailing southwest, was demonstrated to have an influence on vessel traffic patterns. Historical incident data demonstrated that relatively few navigational incidents had occurred within the shipping and navigation study area, with the majority analysed occurring in the approaches to Liverpool.

1.7.7.4 A number of potential impacts on shipping and navigation, associated with the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, were identified. The impacts assessed include:

  • Impacts to vessel routeing
  • Impacts to port operations
  • Impacts to navigational safety
  • Impacts to emergency response.

1.7.7.5 With the measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets (e.g. the use of guard vessels) in place, the majority of these impacts result in effects which are not significant, with the exception of two significant effects which are described below.

1.7.7.6 Firstly, impacts on adverse weather routeing as a result of the presence of the Morgan Array Area were assessed as potentially significant. During adverse weather conditions, Stena vessels operating between Liverpool and Belfast, and Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessels operating between Heysham and Douglas navigate through the footprint of the Morgan Array Area. With the wind turbines in place, vessels would be required to deviate to the southwest of the Morgan Array Area to maintain safe and comfortable vessel motions. This has the potential to increase transit durations and cancellations of services.

1.7.7.7 Secondly, impacts on vessel to vessel collision risk due to deviations of vessel routes and increased encounters due to the presence of the Morgan Array Area were assessed as significant. In particular, the creation of a narrow corridor between the Morgan Array Area and Walney Offshore Wind Farm was considered to be of insufficient width to enable collision avoidance during periods of high traffic density or in adverse weather. Furthermore, the close proximity of the Morgan Array Area with these routes increased the potential for small craft emerging from the site being involved in a collision with passing vessels.

1.7.7.8 To address these significant effects, possible additional risk control options have been identified to reduce these risks to Broadly Acceptable or Tolerable if As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP), including changing the array boundaries and additional management of vessel movements. The Applicant has committed to exploring these additional risk controls through further studies and engagement with stakeholders to ensure they are appropriate and adequate for reducing risks to ALARP prior to submission of the application. Appropriate risk controls will then be secured through the DCO or marine licenses.

1.7.7.9 The assessment of impacts on shipping and navigation of the Morgan Generation Assets were considered cumulatively with other proposed and existing projects. The assessment noted that these would result in narrow corridors between projects which increased navigational risk and were potentially unsafe to navigate in adverse weather conditions. In particular, the assessment of the cumulative impacts of the Mona Offshore Wind Project, Morgan Generation Assets, Morecambe Offshore Windfarm Generation Assets and Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm array areas identified significant effects.

1.7.7.10 Firstly, the cumulative impact on ferry routeing as a result of the presence of the cumulative projects were assessed. Routes from Stena, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and Seatruck were all impacted by the presence of the array areas and the narrow corridors. Whilst these deviations were generally small, in combination they were assessed as significant. This assessment also considers issues of congestion within the corridors, resulting in greater collision avoidance and reduced speed which have further schedule impacts.

1.7.7.11 Secondly, impacts on adverse weather routeing as a result of the presence of the cumulative projects were assessed as significant. During adverse weather, and as a result of the inadequate width of the corridors, significant deviations of ferry routes were required around the array areas. These would result in increased delays and cancellations due to insufficient contingency in existing schedules.

1.7.7.12 Thirdly, cumulative impacts on vessel to vessel collision risk due to deviations of vessel routes and increased encounters due to the presence of the array areas were assessed as significant. The width of corridors and the volume of traffic was not considered sufficient for effective collision avoidance, particularly between the Morgan Array Area and the Mona Array Area. Furthermore, the likely presence of small craft including crew transfer vessels, fishing and recreational craft were at risk of collision within the corridors.

1.7.7.13 Fourthly, a significant impact on the risk of allision (contact between a moving vessel or a stationary one) was identified. As for the risk of collision, the presence of narrow corridors, during adverse weather and avoiding other traffic, may cause commercial ships to come into contact with generation or transmission assets.

1.7.7.14 To address these significant effects, possible additional risk control options have been identified to reduce these risks to Broadly Acceptable or Tolerable if ALARP, including changing the array boundaries and additional management of vessel movements. The Morgan Generation Assets has committed to exploring these additional risk controls through further studies and engagement with stakeholders to ensure they are appropriate and adequate for reducing risks to ALARP prior to submission of the application. Appropriate risk controls will then be secured through project consents.

1.7.7.15 A screening of transboundary impacts has been carried out and any potential for significant transboundary effects with regard to shipping and navigation from the Morgan Generation Assets upon the interests of other EEA States has been assessed as part of this PEIR. Each individual vessel may be internationally owned or operating between ports in different EEA States. These impacts have been captured and assessed within the shipping and navigation chapter, Navigation Risk Assessment and Cumulative Regional Navigational Risk Assessment. Therefore, no additional transboundary impacts are anticipated.

1.7.8 Marine archaeology ​

1.7.8.1 Marine archaeology is the physical remains of our human past that survive within the marine environment. This includes maritime archaeology such as shipwrecks and submerged prehistoric archaeological material associated with ancient landscapes. The marine archaeology of the Morgan Generation Assets was characterised through a detailed desktop review of existing data and studies alongside an assessment of sitespecific geophysical surveys for the Morgan Generation Assets.

1.7.8.2 The site-specific geophysical survey data corroborates academic theories (Brooks et al., 2011, Jackson et al., 1995, Mellett et al., 2015; Fitch et al., 2011) that the now submerged coastal areas of the east Irish Sea would have formed a partially terrestrial landscape during the Upper Palaeolithic and into the Mesolithic. Final submergence of the marine archaeology study area to the modern coastline would have occurred towards the end of the Mesolithic c.6000 BP. This partially terrestrial landscape would have allowed humans the opportunity to exploit the resources of the intertidal zone during these times and therefore there is the potential for the survival of archaeological material associated with these activities.

1.7.8.3 The east Irish Sea was an area of historically high maritime traffic, however only 52 anomalies of potential archaeological interest were identified within the Morgan Generation Assets survey data, of which five are considered to be of high potential, five are considered to be of medium potential and 42 of low potential. The high potential anomalies include the identification of five wrecks; the Limesfield, a British steamship sunk in 1918, the Flying Meteor, a British paddle steamer tug sunk in 1874, the Ben Rein, a British carrier sunk in 1918, the Hibernian, a British steam ship sunk in 1894 and the Lucy a small British steam ship sunk in 1910.

1.7.8.4 A number of potential impacts on marine archaeology and cultural heritage receptors, associated with the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, were identified. These included:

  • Sediment disturbance and deposition leading to indirect effects on marine archaeology receptors
  • Direct damage to marine archaeology receptors
  • Direct damage to deeply buried marine archaeology receptors (submerged prehistoric receptors)
  • Alteration of sediment transport regimes.

1.7.8.5 These impacts were considered to result in effects of minor adverse or negligible significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.8.6 Sediment disturbance and deposition leading to effects on known marine archaeology was deemed to be of minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms, considering the implementation of a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) which will ensure that, where possible, known archaeological sites are avoided, any new observations are recorded, and sites are protected or preserved by record where required.

1.7.8.7 Direct damage to marine archaeology receptors was deemed to be of minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms, due to the implementation of Archaeological Exclusion Zones (AEZs) around each known shipwreck site and potential site, and review of pre-construction surveys to inform the refined layout of infrastructure around any newly identified archaeological constraints, with provision also made for the recording of any new discoveries.

1.7.8.8 Direct damage to deeply buried marine archaeology receptors (submerged prehistoric receptors) was deemed to be of minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms, considering the implementation of a Written Scheme of Investigation and Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries (PAD) which will ensure that, where possible, known archaeological sites are avoided, any new observations are recorded, and sites are protected or preserved by record where required. The PAD will provide a system for the reporting of any prehistoric archaeological material that may be uncovered during the lifetime of the Morgan Generation Assets.

1.7.8.9 Cumulative impacts of sediment disturbance and deposition leading to indirect effects on marine archaeology receptors and alteration of transport regimes potentially altering the sediment transport and transport pathways were assessed with other projects and plans screened into the assessment including the construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets.

1.7.8.10 The measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets ensure that any newly exposed archaeological assets are recorded with a WSI and PAD being implemented to facilitate the recording and reporting of any archaeological material discovered during the operations and maintenance phase.

1.7.8.11 The cumulative significance of effect for sediment disturbance and deposition and alteration of transport regimes leading to indirect impacts is considered to be minor adverse for all stages of the project which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.8.12 No transboundary effects with regard to marine archaeology from the Morgan Generation Assets on the interests of other States were predicted.

1.7.9 Other Sea ​

1.7.9.1 The other sea users include recreational activities, cables, pipelines, aggregate extraction, disposal activities, and oil and gas activities.

1.7.9.2 Within the other sea users study area there are a number of receptors including offshore energy projects, other offshore wind farms, oil and gas activities and carbon capture and storage, cable and pipeline operators, offshore microwave fixed communication links and recreational activities such as sailing, motor cruising and recreational fishing.

1.7.9.3 A number of potential impacts on other sea users, associated with the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, were identified. The impacts assessed include:

  • Displacement of recreational activities
  • Increased SSCs and associated deposition affecting recreational diving and bathing sites
  • Impacts to existing cables or pipelines or restrictions on access to cables or pipelines
  • Increased SSCs and associated deposition affecting aggregate extraction areas
  • Alterations to sediment transport pathways affecting aggregate extraction areas
  • Reduction or restriction of oil and gas exploration activities (including surveys, drilling and the placement of infrastructure) within the Morgan Array Area.

1.7.9.4 With the measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets (e.g. commercial crossing agreements) in place, these impacts result in effects which are not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.9.5 Consultation with stakeholders is ongoing to determine the effect of interference with the performance of Radar Early Warning Systems (REWS), and offshore microwave fixed communication links on oil and gas platforms. This impact will be fully assessed in the Environmental Statement.

1.7.9.6 The cumulative effects assessment takes into account the impact associated with the Morgan Generation Assets together with other projects and plans. All cumulative impacts assessed were deemed to be of minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.9.7 No transboundary effects with regard to other sea users from the Morgan Generation Assets on the interests of other States were predicted.

1.7.10 Aviation and radar ​

1.7.10.1 The aviation and radar study area covers all aviation radar systems that provide radar coverage over the Morgan Generation Assets, and which may detect the highest wind turbine blade tip height of 324m above LAT. It has been defined on the basis of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Civil Aviation Publication (CAP) 764 Policy and Guidelines on Wind Turbines (CAA, 2016a) consultation zones and criteria.

1.7.10.2 The Morgan Generation Assets would be located within a multi-layered area of lower, Class G uncontrolled airspace and higher, Class C Controlled Airspace (CAS). Above and surrounding the Morgan Generation Assets, the Class G airspace is used by both military and civil registered aircraft. There are no Military Practice and Exercise Areas (PEXAs) located within close enough proximity to the Morgan Generation Assets to create an effect and consequently there will be no direct obstruction created to airborne activities conducted in PEXAs. A network of Helicopter Main Route Indicators (HMRI) is established to the east and southeast of the Morgan Generation Assets. No HMRIs cross the Morgan Generation Assets and they are located at a sufficient distance not to be impacted by the operation of the Morgan Generation Assets.

1.7.10.3 The potential impacts on aviation and radar, associated with the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases include: The creation of physical obstacles to aircraft operations Wind turbines causing interference on civil and military primary surveillance radar systems.

1.7.10.4 The creation of physical obstacles to aircraft operations will take place during the construction, operations and maintenance and decommissioning phases due to the implementation or removal of physical objects as part of the Morgan Generation Assets. This will be particularly impactful to military and other low flying operations, including survey work and helicopters operating in the support of the renewables industry. The significance of effect is deemed to be of minor adverse significance across all phases of the project, which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.10.5 For the interference by wind turbines on civil and military surveillance radar systems the operational wind turbines in the Morgan Array Area would be theoretically detectable by the NATS Lowther Hill and St Anne’s Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR), MOD West Freugh PSR, the Ronaldsway (IoM) Airport and BAE Warton PSR systems. Wind turbines detectable by a PSR system might degrade the system by creating false targets, reduce system sensitivity, create radar shadowing behind the wind turbines and saturate the radar receiver leading to clutter potentially concealing real aircraft targets. Overall, the significance of the effect will be of minor adverse significance after technical mitigation, which will be agreed with operators, is applied. This is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.10.6 The cumulative effect for the creation of physical obstacles to aircraft operations is considered to be minor during all phases of the project due to the regional spatial extent of the impact which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.10.7 The cumulative effect for the wind turbines causing interference on civil and military primary surveillance radar systems when factoring in mitigation measures is considered to be minor adverse during the operations and maintenance phase of the project which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.10.8 A screening of transboundary impacts has been carried out and has identified that there was no potential for significant transboundary effects with regard to aviation and radar from the Morgan Generation Assets upon the interests of other States.

1.7.11 Climate change ​

1.7.11.1 Climate change refers to the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns that are fundamentally driven by human activities. The GHG emissions arising from the Morgan Generation Assets are characterised by a series of desk-based assessments and articles using published data to determine the impact of the Morgan Generation Assets with the impacts of the effects on climate change being established through the risk assessment process. The potential risks to the Morgan Generation Assets from a changing climate have also been assessed and reported.

1.7.11.2 A number of potential impacts on climate change, associated with the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, were identified as a result of the production of GHG emissions. Adverse effects relating to climate change upon the Morgan Generation Assets were also considered.

1.7.11.3 The construction stage impact due to the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing and transportation of materials to site has been assessed. The GHG impacts were calculated to be approximately 1,169,961 tCO2e, causing a minor adverse effect that is not significant in EIA terms once the measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets (e.g. application of anti-corrosion protective coatings and integrated scour protection to offshore equipment) are in place. Furthermore, the operations and maintenance stage emissions will predominantly arise from transportation emissions required to maintain the Morgan Generation Assets. Additionally, the operations and maintenance phase of the Morgan Generation Assets would enable the use of excess renewable electricity (avoiding generation curtailment) and the displacement of fossil fuels. When considering the avoided emissions, in addition to operations and maintenance emissions, the operational impact results in the order of approximately 2,256,417 tCO2e savings by 2064. This would result in a beneficial effect which is significant in EIA terms.

1.7.11.4 Despite the high GHG emissions resulting from the construction stage of the development, the magnitude of avoided emissions resulting from the operations and maintenance phase will allow the Morgan Generation Assets to have prevented more emissions than it has produced from the end of the fourth year of operation. Over the lifetime of the Morgan Generation Assets, they would result in 1,019,235 tCO2e of avoided emissions.

1.7.11.5 All developments that emit, avoid or sequester GHGs have the potential to impact the atmospheric mass of GHGs as a receptor, and so may have a cumulative impact on climate change. Consequently, cumulative effects due to other specific local development projects are not individually predicted but are taken into account when considering the impact of the Morgan Generation Assets by defining the atmospheric mass of GHGs as a high sensitivity receptor.

1.7.11.6 Consideration of the net impact of the offshore wind turbines and infrastructure will be necessary to ensure that the whole life carbon and net emissions associated the Morgan Offshore Wind Project are assessed. As such, the cumulative assessment completed within the Morgan Generation Assets PEIR incorporates information from other projects, plans and activities with no significant cumulative effects identified.

1.7.11.7 A screening of transboundary impacts has been carried out and any potential for significant transboundary effects with regard to climate change from the Morgan Generation Assets upon the interests of other states has been assessed as part of this PEIR.

1.7.11.8 All developments which emit GHGs have the potential to impact the atmospheric mass of GHGs as a receptor, and so may have a transboundary impact on climate change. Consequently, transboundary effects due to other specific international development projects are not individually identified but would be taken into account when considering the impact of the Morgan Generation Assets by defining the atmospheric mass of GHGs as a high sensitivity receptor. Each country has its own policy and targets concerning carbon and climate change which are intended to limit GHG emissions to acceptable levels within that country’s defined budget and international commitments.

1.7.12 SLVIA ​

1.7.12.1 This chapter presents an overview of the baseline environment and the assessment of the potential impact of the Morgan Generation Assets upon the seascape, landscape character and visual resources and receptors, comprising a Seascape Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (SLVIA).

1.7.12.2 Seascape, landscape and visual resources refer to the existing character of the seascape, the physical elements of the landscape, landscape character, areas designated for their scenic or landscape-related qualities and views from publicly accessible locations such as Access Land, Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and transport routes, including national cycleway networks. The SLVIA study area for the Morgan Generation Assets was determined to be a 50km area from the Morgan Array Area.

1.7.12.3 A number of potentially significant impacts upon seascape, landscape, and visual resources and receptors associated with the construction, operations and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets, were identified. A summary of the SLVIA findings is set out below.

1.7.12.4 The Morgan Array Area would have direct effects upon English Marine Character Area (MCA) 38 Irish Sea South. The section of this seascape that would incorporate the Morgan Array Area would cause very localised significant effects which would reduce with distance and is within an area partly characterised by commercial shipping and ferries, static sea infrastructure and by several operational offshore wind farms including a cluster to the east-northeast of the Morgan Array Area (Northwest England cluster) and a cluster to the south of the Morgan Array Area (the North Wales cluster). 1.7.12.5 Regarding the area of offshore waters occupied by the Morgan Array Area, a significant, adverse seascape character effect would arise during the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets. The long-term but reversible, significant seascape effect would extend a modest distance from the Morgan Array Area across MCA 38 Irish Sea South (England) during operations and maintenance, overlapping with the edges of the adjacent Isle of Man MCA ‘A’ and Welsh Seascape Sensitivity Zone (SSZ) 5. The extent of significant effects would be less during construction and decommissioning. The significant seascape effects predicted to arise during the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets are localised within the above MCAs and SSZs and would not significantly affect these areas when considered as a whole.

1.7.12.6 The proposed development would result in no significant effects upon the landscape character of the SLVIA study area, given that these areas of landscape would not be directly affected by the Morgan Array Area. The Morgan Array Area lies over 22km from the nearest land which is the Isle of Man. Douglas Head, Onchan Head and Clay Head are the closest part of the Isle of Man coast. The separation distance between these areas of coastal landscape and the Morgan Array Area is such that significant adverse character effects on land would be avoided. This applies, to a greater extent, with the closest parts of England (the west coast of Cumbria is situated approximately 36km from the Morgan Array Area and the Lancashire coast around Blackpool approximately 50km) and also to the character of the elevated inland landscapes of the Isle of Man (approximately 30km distant) the Lake District National Park and The English Lake District World Heritage Site (WHS) (approximately 38km closest distance) which would not be significantly affected.

1.7.12.7 No significant effects are predicted during the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets on nationally designated landscapes in the SLVIA study area, namely Lake District National Park and The English Lake District WHS. The SLVIA concludes that the special qualities of this nationally designated landscape would remain intact and the Morgan Generation Assets would not conflict with or compromise the reasons for the designations.

1.7.12.8 A significant adverse visual effect (long-term and reversible) is predicted during the operations and maintenance phase of the Morgan Generation Assets for people using Douglas promenade and other similar publicly accessible, seafront/shoreline locations on the Isle of Man’s east coast where framed views of the Morgan Array Area are available at distances less than approximately 25km (e.g. Laxey).

1.7.12.9 A significant adverse visual effect (long-term and reversible) is predicted for people onboard the Liverpool to Douglas and Heysham to Douglas ferries during the construction, operations and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets when passing the Morgan Array Area, travelling in either direction. The visual effect during construction and decommissioning would be less, temporary, short-term in duration and not significant beyond the Morgan Array Area.

1.7.12.10 Significant cumulative effects on seascape, landscape and visual resources as a result of the Morgan Generation Assets in combination with other projects and plans are not anticipated to arise during the construction, operations and maintenance and decommissioning phases.

1.7.13 Socio-economics ​

1.7.13.1 This chapter of the PEIR presents the assessment of the potential impact of the Morgan Generation Assets on socio-economics and community. There is a complexity with the socio-economic and community impacts associated with the Morgan Generation Assets’ activities primarily manifesting onshore. This chapter’s approach is focused on the 'source' of the impact, rather than the location of the physical infrastructure.

1.7.13.2 The socio-economics and community regional study area is linked to the selection of construction (and decommissioning), and operations and maintenance ports that will support the associated supply of a range of inputs and services for the Morgan Generation Assets. These ports, and their socio-economic catchment areas are anticipated to form focal points of impact on socio-economic and community receptors. The final selection of port facilities required for the Morgan Generation Assets has not yet been determined. The Applicant is exploring ports, supporting infrastructure and labour markets to understand the potential capabilities, capacities and availability that exists. Subject to these findings, a single port or multiple ports could be used to support primary elements of the construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets as part of a wider supply chain.

1.7.13.3 The potential impacts considered are those economic receptors including employment, Gross Value Added (GVA) and supply chain demand, impact of increased employment opportunities, impact on the demand for housing, accommodation and local services and the impact on tourism and recreation.

1.7.13.4 Of the potential impacts considered, most were assessed to be of minor beneficial significance in all socio-economics regional study areas which is not significant in EIA terms. The exception is the impact on economic receptors including employment, GVA, and supply chain demand. During the construction phase effects on economic receptors are assessed as moderate beneficial in North Wales, Northwest England, and Wales – this is significant in EIA terms. During the operations and maintenance phase effects on economic receptors are assessed as moderate beneficial in North Wales and Wales – this is significant in EIA terms. In North Wales and Northwest England the effect on tourism and recreation is assessed as minor adverse for all project phases, which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.13.5 Of the cumulative impacts considered, the significance of cumulative construction phase employment and GVA impacts were assessed to be of moderate beneficial significance in North Wales, Northwest England, and Wales, which is significant in EIA terms. Cumulative operations and maintenance phase employment and GVA impacts were assessed to be of moderate beneficial significance in North Wales and Wales, which is significant in EIA terms. The cumulative impact upon increased employment opportunities was assessed to be of minor beneficial significance which is not significant in EIA terms. The cumulative impact upon the demand for housing, accommodation and local services during the construction, and operations and maintenance phases was assessed to be of minor beneficial significance which is not significant in EIA terms. The cumulative impact upon tourism and recreation during all phases is assessed as minor adverse, which is not significant in EIA terms.

1.7.13.6 A screening of transboundary impacts has been carried out and any potential for significant transboundary effects with regard to socio-economics and community from the Morgan Generation Assets upon the interests of other States has been assessed as part of the PEIR. Potential transboundary socio-economics and community impacts upon other States may arise through the purchase of project components, equipment and the sourcing of labour from companies based outside the UK. The sourcing of materials and labour from other States is assumed to provide beneficial effects to the economies of said States, and so the consideration of measures envisaged to reduce or eliminate such effects is not relevant in the context of transboundary impacts. Since relevant topic chapters have assessed no significant transboundary effects, it is likely that no related transboundary effects on socioeconomics and community receptors will be significant in EIA terms. The screening of transboundary impacts therefore identifies no potential for significant effects with regards to socio-economics and tourism.

1.7.14 Human health ​

1.7.14.1 The health assessment is informed by the findings of other PEIR chapters, including on commercial fisheries; shipping and navigation; other sea users; seascape, landscape and visual resources; climate change; and socio-economics and community. The health assessment has also been informed by a review of relevant public health evidence sources, including scientific literature, baseline data, health policy, local health priorities and health protection standards.

1.7.14.2 An overall baseline health profile was gathered for the Isle of Man and North West England using publicly available public health evidence. This data reflects slightly poorer health outcomes on the Isle of Man compared to England. For example, healthy life expectancy on the Isle of Man is similar for males but slightly lower for females compared to England. Mortality rates from all causes considered preventable are higher for the Isle of Man than in England. Public health data also indicates poorer health outcomes in the North West region compared to England. Socio-economic conditions and other health determinants are typically worse in the North West compared to England. For example, there is a higher percentage of children in relative and absolute low-income families compared to the England average. The indicators confirm elevated sensitivity, particularly for vulnerable groups, on several measures.

1.7.14.3 The following health effects of the Morgan Generation Assets have been considered: The health effects of changes to transport modes, access and connections are considered. The assessment finds that disruption of shipping access to the Isle of Man particularly in relation to adverse weather routing, may lead to a minor adverse effect which is not significant in EIA terms. The Applicant has made commitments to reducing the potential impacts on shipping and navigation receptors and the significant effects that have been identified as part of the individual and cumulative shipping and navigation assessment. These will be tested and applied as part of the assessment post PEIR and included in the Environmental Statement which will be submitted for the DCO application. Therefore, the residual effect is expected to be negligible adverse which is not significant in EIA terms The health effects of changes to community identity, culture, resilience and influence have been considered. The assessment finds that changes to the seascape from the Morgan Generation Assets may positively and negatively affect community identity. This may lead to a minor adverse and minor beneficial effect which is not significant in EIA terms The health effects of changes to employment and income are considered. The assessment finds that disruption to commercial fisheries may lead to a minor adverse effect. The Applicant has made firm commitments to reducing the potential impacts on shipping and navigation receptors and the significant effects that have been identified as part of the individual and cumulative shipping and navigation assessment. These will be tested and applied as part of the assessment post PEIR and included in the Environmental Statement which will be submitted for the DCO application. The residual effect is expected to be negligible adverse which is not significant in EIA terms The health effects of climate change are considered. The assessment finds that renewable energy generation by the Morgan Generation Assets may have a minor beneficial effect which is not significant in EIA terms. Lastly, the health effects of wider societal infrastructure and resources are assessed. The assessment concludes that the Morgan Generation Assets contribution to renewable energy generation may have a moderate beneficial effect which is significant in EIA terms.

1.7.14.4 The cumulative effects of the Morgan Generation Assets and other relevant proposed developments have been considered: The cumulative health effect of changes to transport modes, access and connections in relation to disruption of shipping access to the Isle of Man is judged to be moderate adverse. The Applicant has made firm commitments to reducing the potential impacts on shipping and navigation receptors and the significant effects that have been identified as part of the individual and cumulative shipping and navigation assessment. These will be tested and applied as part of the assessment post PEIR and included in the Environmental Statement which will be submitted for the DCO application. The residual effect is therefore expected to be negligible which is not significant in EIA terms The cumulative health effect of changes to community identity, culture, resilience and influence in relation to changes to the seascape is judged to be minor adverse and minor beneficial which is not significant in EIA terms The cumulative health effect of changes to employment and income in relation to commercial fisheries is judged to be up to moderate adverse. The Applicant has made commitments to reducing the potential impacts on shipping and navigation receptors and the significant effects that have been identified as part of the individual and cumulative shipping and navigation assessment. These will be tested and applied as part of the assessment post-PEIR and included in the Environmental Statement which will be submitted for the DCO application. Therefore, the residual effect is expected to be negligible which is not significant in EIA terms The cumulative health effect of changes to climate is judged as remining minor beneficial which is not significant in EIA terms The cumulative health effect to wider societal infrastructure and resources in relation to renewable energy generation is assessed as being moderate beneficial which is significant in EIA terms.

1.7.14.5 The population health effects identified and assessed have the potential to interact with each other. Having had regard to the nature of the interactions and the degree to which the same people are likely to be affected, the conclusion is that any combined effects are not expected to be of greater significance than the individual effects. 1.7.14.6 Overall, the public health conclusion is that there are a range of beneficial and adverse effects, with more likely significant effects that are beneficial than there are those that are adverse.

1.7.15 Inter-related effects ​

1.7.15.1 The EIA is required to consider indirect and secondary likely significant impacts. For example, the separate impacts of noise and habitat loss may have an effect upon a single receptor such as marine mammals. The inter-related effects assessment is presented in a separate chapter of the PEIR.

1.7.15.2 Based on one or a combination of the following factors the overall significance of any inter-related effects was not judged to increase above the significance value assessed for individual effects in the topic-specific chapters:

  • The low sensitivity of receptors
  • Small scale nature of effects
  • Availability of alternative habitats
  • Measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets.
  • Project lifetime effects

1.7.15.3 Inter-related effects can originate from impacts occurring on a receptor group over several phases of the Morgan Generation Assets. For example, a receptor group may experience impacts during the construction and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets. These inter-related effects are collectively described as project lifetime effects.

1.7.15.4 For all receptor groups identified, following the implementation of measures adopted as part of the Morgan Generation Assets and further mitigation (if required), impacts arising during the construction, operations and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets are unlikely to result in significant project lifetime effects. Receptor-led effects

1.7.15.5 Inter-related effects may also occur where a receptor group experiences impacts across several different aspects of the environment. For example, a protected species may be impacted by habitat loss, elevated sound levels, and dust during the construction phase of the Morgan Generation Assets. These inter-related effects are collectively described as receptor-led effects.

1.7.15.6 All the potential receptor-led effects identified during the construction, operations and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the Morgan Generation Assets have already been considered within the relevant chapters of the PEIR. Therefore, the potential significance of receptor-led effects of the Morgan Generation Assets on each of the identified receptor groups was not considered further in the inter-related effects chapter of the PEIR.