Benthic Conclusion
The potential for impact on benthic ecology was greatly reduced from the outset by conducting a site
selection process taking into account potential impacts, as well as by selecting suction caisson
foundation technology which avoids dredging.
Following desk-top review a series of field surveys were conducted that reaffirmed Eastern Waters
as being of generally high marine benthic conservation interest, although not within the wind farm
footprint which is composed of silty mud of low ecological value. The conservation importance of
the benthic community in Junk Bay and the Tathong Channel is relatively low.
Numerical modelling predicted adverse impacts at minor coral communities in Junk Bay from the
dispersion and settlement of suspended sediment resulting from the dredging of the cable route
there, although implementation of the recommended control measures is expected to effectively
avoid adverse impacts. Adverse direct impacts on seabed habitat from temporary displacement
and cable jetting activities shall be of short duration and reversible, with anticipated re-colonisation
of the affected areas within a short period of time.
The presence of the turbine foundations at the wind farm area will provide an artificial habitat for
potential colonisation by benthic epifauna. The cumulative surface area of approximately 100,000
m2 of ‘artificial reef’ sub-structures shall more than compensate for the permanent loss /
displacement of 48,000 m2 of silty mud of low ecological value, resulting in a significant net positive
ecological impact at the wind farm area.
The potential for impact on benthic ecology was greatly reduced from the outset by conducting a site
selection process taking into account potential impacts, as well as by selecting suction caisson
foundation technology which avoids dredging.
Following desk-top review a series of field surveys were conducted that reaffirmed Eastern Waters
as being of generally high marine benthic conservation interest, although not within the wind farm
footprint which is composed of silty mud of low ecological value. The conservation importance of
the benthic community in Junk Bay and the Tathong Channel is relatively low.
Numerical modelling predicted adverse impacts at minor coral communities in Junk Bay from the
dispersion and settlement of suspended sediment resulting from the dredging of the cable route
there, although implementation of the recommended control measures is expected to effectively
avoid adverse impacts. Adverse direct impacts on seabed habitat from temporary displacement
and cable jetting activities shall be of short duration and reversible, with anticipated re-colonisation
of the affected areas within a short period of time.
The presence of the turbine foundations at the wind farm area will provide an artificial habitat for
potential colonisation by benthic epifauna. The cumulative surface area of approximately 100,000
m2 of ‘artificial reef’ sub-structures shall more than compensate for the permanent loss /
displacement of 48,000 m2 of silty mud of low ecological value, resulting in a significant net positive
ecological impact at the wind farm area.
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Source: Asiatic Marine