Client
Exola DAC

Region
North Celtic Sea Basin (Offshore Ireland)

Scope of Work
Exola DAC commissioned Orbis to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening and Natura Impact Statement to assess the impact of a site survey within the Barryroe licence area (SEL 1/11); situated in the North Celtic Sea Basin approximately 43km south east of County Cork on the south coast of Ireland.

The survey was in close proximity to a number of European sites designated for marine mammals and therefore a robust assessment of the impact from the underwater noise generated from the geophysical survey equipment, as well as from the survey vessel itself, had to be undertaken.  To support the assessment, Subacoustech Environmental Ltd was commissioned to undertake underwater noise modelling.  Reference was also made to the DAHG Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources in Irish Waters.

In August 2019, Exola DAC received permission from the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to undertake the site survey.