Meeting with Morgan and Mona Steering Group
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- Meeting with
- Morgan and Mona Steering Group
- Date of meeting
- 14 February 2023
- Enquiry type
- Meeting
The Inspectorate attended an online Steering Group for the Morgan Generation Assets and Mona Offshore Wind Projects. The meeting provided further details on the site selection, baseline survey progress and ornithological Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) assessment methodology. The Inspectorate provided the advice noted below.
Advice given
• The Inspectorate noted that in previous offshore wind farm examinations there have been extensive discussions on ornithological assessment methodology, including displacement and mortality rates and apportioning figures. It advised that these be agreed with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Natural England (NE) as early as possible in pre-application stage to reduce the risk of them leading to potential Examination issues. If agreement cannot be reached, the Inspectorate advised the Applicant to submit alternative versions of the assessment using the parameters preferred by each party as it is probable that this would otherwise be sought during an Examination. • The Inspectorate would expect any impact pathway taken forward to appropriate assessment to be considered in light of conservation objectives, in line with the requirements of the Regulations. However, the Inspectorate accepts, in principle, that the level of detail required may vary depending on the European site/qualifying feature/impact pathway. It is sensible to seek a proportionate approach to the assessment. • The Inspectorate recommends that the Applicant includes within their application a demonstrable agreement with NRW/NE that the ornithological surveys adequately took into account the potential effects of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on the baseline populations.