MOD Eskmeals – Activity Alert: 15th to 26th May 2017
Dear Resident,
Detailed below is advance notification of activities which may be noticed in your neighbourhood. All of the limitations and stipulations outlined below apply.
Date
Reason for Notification
15 to 19 May
Firing
22 to 26 May
Firing
I hope that you find this information useful. Please feel free to pass it on to your neighbours.
Yours faithfully,
Penny
Limitations and Stipulations
All activity on the site is conducted in a strictly controlled environment and presents no danger to the public. Please note that the weather, tide times and other operational requirements play a crucial part in trials planning and scheduling. Any one, or a combination of these factors, may mean that the activity has to be cancelled and rescheduled at short notice and it may not be possible to provide you with an updated schedule of work.
The flying of red flags at the range boundary, or the lima flag (yellow and black quartered) at further points, indicates to members of the public that the range is active and there will be firing activities taking place. At those times the byelaws noted on the signs near to the flags are in force. If the red (or lima) flags are not flying, the range is not active and there will be no firing activities undertaken and as such the byelaws are not in force.
Please be aware that QinetiQ carries out work at MOD Eskmeals on behalf of the MOD, under contract with the Secretary of State for Defence. Because of the nature of the work, QinetiQ is limited as to the level and detail of information it can provide in these communications.
QinetiQ operates a free phone care line number, 0800 0150536 for members of the public to call with any queries or concerns.
Please feel free to forward this message on to others who you feel may benefit.
If you do not wish to receive these notifications please reply to this email with a request to unsubscribe.
Yours sincerely
“This information has been generated for the purposes of informing the public as to QinetiQ’s scheduled operations at the MOD Eskmeals Range and it is acknowledged that the information may be included in other websites and publications. Please note that QinetiQ does not accept responsibility for or endorse any independent website or publication which features this information.”
Penny Haworth Community Liaison Officer, ESKMEALS RANGE
Tel: 0800 0150536
email: Eskmealsenquiries@qinetiq.com
A Bathymetric Survey that will cover all 102 Turbine positions, all of the Infield or Inter-Array Cables as well as the two Sub-Stations is scheduled for the WALNEY 1 & 2 OFFSHORE WIND FARMS.
The survey can be expected to start on or around Thursday 11th May and will be carried out by the Bibby Hydromap’s 15 meter survey catamaran ‘LIA’ as soon as this vessel completes and then demobilises from the ORMONDE EXPORT CABLE SURVEY.
‘LIA’ will operate on a 12 hr daylight only schedule and start date and length of survey is dependent on weather and conditions but the survey can be expected to run for approx. 7 to 9 days
All mariners should please note that as ‘LIA’ will be using highly sensitive Multi Beam Echo Sounding Equipment a wide berth, minimum 500 meters, is requested around the vessel at all times and passing vessels are requested to reduce speed if possible.
Attached for information is a small chartlet which shows the Wind Farm Layout with the Turbine positions as black dots, the Infield (or Inter-Array) Cables as red lines and the two Sub-Stations red triangles, there is also a picture of ‘LIA’
Also attached is the ‘Kingfisher Flyer’ which gives all of the relevant information concerning WALNEY 1 & 2 (WALNEY 1 is shaded blue – WALNEY 2 is shaded red).
Please note that the ‘Flyers’ are for provided for information purposes relating to the Wind Farm only and should not be used for navigation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
WALNEY EXTENSION (WOWO3+4) – START OF CONSTRUCTION
CARDINAL AND SPECIAL MARKER BUOYS
CARDINAL and SPECIAL MARKER BUOYS are marking the site of the WALNEY EXTENSION (WOWO3+4) WIND FARM SITE.
Please note that as this area is now designated as a construction site all mariners are requested and advised to mark the positions of these Buoys on their charts/plotters and unless there are matters relating to their own safety or the safety of others they should keep clear and not enter the buoyed area until the Wind Farm has been commissioned with the Buoys removed and you have been informed.
Please refer to attachment Page 1
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CONSTRUCTION
Both Offshore Sub-Station Z03 (section WOWO3) and Z04 (section WOWO4) have been installed.
The accommodation Jack-up ‘SEA FOX 2’ is on site and jacked-up close to the WOWO3 Offshore Sub-Station (Z03), ‘SEA FOX 2’ will remain at this location for approx. 2 months.
Mono-piles complete with Transition Pieces now installed section WOWO4 : G05
Two installation vessels are on site, ‘AEOLUS’ that will make regular journeys to Belfast to re-load and the jack-up ‘SVANEN’ which will remain on site and be serviced by the tugs ‘VIKING’ and ‘NEPTUNE MARINER’ transiting between the Wind Farm site and Belfast on a regular basis towing Mono-Piles and Transition Pieces out for ‘SVANEN’ to install.
Various support and Anchor Handling Tugs (AHTs) are on site to assist in manoeuvring and installation
A 500 minimum meter Safety Exclusion Distance is requested around all of the construction vessel at all times while on site
All mariners should note that there will be a constant stream of traffic between the Wind Farm Site, Belfast, Barrow and Heysham.
At least two CTVs will also be operating within the construction area
Pictures of the Installation vessels as well as some of the Anchor Handling and Transport Tugs that can be expected on site and in the area is on page 2 of the attachment.
’KARIMA’ will conduct 6 hourly Securite broadcasts informing Mariners of site relevant safety information, these will be announced on VHF Channel 16 and broadcast will take place on VHF channel 67 at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 & 00:00.
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Please note that the chartlets are for provided for information purposes only and should not be used for navigation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are unsure about any of the above or require any further information, also please pass this information to any of your colleagues who you think might be interested.
If you know of any fisherman who works the area and does not receive this information or anybody else who would benefit from this information please let me know.
The unsettled weather has caused a delay but please be advised that the accommodation rig ’SEAFOX 2’ will shortly leave Holyhead under tow for the WALNEY EXTENSION (WOWO3+4) WIND FARM SITE.
‘SEAFOX 2’ will be accompanied by three tug boats, ‘ALP ACE’ will act as the lead tug assisted by ‘DMS STORK’ and ‘MULTRATUG 3’.
Once on site at the WALNEY EXTENSION (WOWO3+4) ‘SEAFOX 2’ will jack-up close to the WOWO3 Offshore Sub-Station (Z03), ‘SEA FOX 2’ will remain at this location for approx. 2 months.
All of the towing vessels will keep a listening watch on VHF Channels 16 & 12 and can be contacted for information relating to vessel movement only, mariners are requested to give a wide berth, minimum 500 meters, when passing.
The attachment shows pictures of ‘SEAFOX 2’, both afloat and under tow as well as jacked up on station, there are also pictures of the tug boats involved.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information
WEST of DUDDON SANDS WIND FARM – BATHYMETRIC SURVEY
WIND FARM INFIELD (OR INTER-ARRAY) CABLES AND SECTIONS OF THE EXPORT CABLE
The 15 meter Bibby Hydromap survey catamaran ‘LIA’ can be expected on site shortly to start the Bathymetric survey that will cover all of the Infield (or Inter-Array) Cables as well as all of the crossings along the Export Cable Route.
The survey will, as previously advertised, be using highly sensitive equipment which includes high resolution multi-beam echo soundersand a wide berth, minimum 500 meters, is requested around the vessel at all times and passing vessels are requested to reduce speed if possible.
Please note that the survey along the Export Cable Route will be concentrated at Cable crossings and at sections of cable where scour mitigation/protection works have been carried out.
‘LIA’ will operate mainly from Fleetwood on a 12hr (daylight only) schedule and survey operations are expected to last for approx. 8 days, depending on weather and conditions.
Attached for information is a small chartlet which shows the Wind Farm Layout with the Infield (or Inter-Array) Cables to be surveyed shaded red as well as the general run of the Export Cable with the main areas of survey identified, there is also a picture of ‘LIA’
Also attached for information is the ‘Kingfisher Flyer’ which gives all of the relevant information concerning the WEST of DUDDON SANDS WIND FARM including the Export Cable Route.
Please note that both the ‘Chartlet’ and the ‘Kingfisher Flyer’ are provided for information purposes only and should not be used for navigation.
A listening watch will be kept on VHF Channels 16 & 12 and ‘LIA’ can be contacted for information relating to survey operations only, ‘LIA’ will also monitor Channel 14 when in the approaches to Heysham
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information
Subject: DEBRIS CLEARANCE SURVEY (BATHYMETRIC) – SHELL FLATS – BATHYMETRIC SURVEY – WEST of DUDDON SANDS WIND FARM – INFIELD (OR INTER-ARRAY) CABLES AND SECTIONS OF THE EXPORT CABLE CROSSINGS
Dear All,
SHELL FLATS – MET MASTS
The delayed Debris Clearance (Bathymetric) Survey for the area around the two Met Masts that are situated on the Shell Flats Bank will now start on Sunday 23rd April
The survey will, as advertised, be carried out by the 15 meter Bibby Hydromap survey catamaran ‘LIA’ using highly sensitive equipment which includes high resolution multi-beam echo sounders to map any debris on the seabed in a 300m x 300m box around each Mast and a wide berth, minimum 500 meters, is requested whenever the vessel is on site at either Mast
Attached for information is a small chartlet which shows the locations of the two Met Masts on the Shell Flats identifying Masts 1 and 2 with the Lat and Long positions in the top right hand corner. (1st attachment)
This survey will last for one day only, ‘LIA’ will then transit to Fleetwood and berth overnight
As long as weather and conditions remain favourable ‘LIA’ will then sail on Monday 24th to start the delayed Bathymetric Survey at the WEST of DUDDON SANDS WIND FARM SITE AND EXPORT CABLE ROUTE
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WEST of DUDDON SANDS WIND FARM – BATHYMETRIC SURVEY
WIND FARM INFIELD (OR INTER-ARRAY) CABLES AND SECTIONS OF THE EXPORT CABLE
This Bathymetric survey will cover all of the Infield (or Inter-Array) Cables as well as all of the crossings along the Export Cable Route.
All mariners should please note that as on the previous survey ‘LIA’ will be using highly sensitive Multi Beam Echo Sounding Equipment and a wide berth, minimum 500 meters, is requested around the vessel at all times and passing vessels are requested to reduce speed if possible.
Please note that the survey along the Export Cable Route will be concentrated at Cable crossings and at sections of cable where scour mitigation/protection works have been carried out.
‘LIA’ will operate on a 12hr (daylight only) schedule and survey operations are expected to last for approx. 8 days, depending on weather and conditions.
Attached for information is a small chartlet which shows the Wind Farm Layout with the Infield (or Inter-Array) Cables to be surveyed shaded red as well as the general run of the Export Cable with the main areas of survey identified, there is also a picture of ‘LIA’ (3rd Attachment)
Also attached for information is the ‘Kingfisher Flyer’ which gives all of the relevant information concerning the WEST of DUDDON SANDS WIND FARM including the Export Cable Route.
Please note that both the ‘Chartlet’ and the ‘Kingfisher Flyer’ are provided for information purposes only and should not be used for navigation.
A listening watch will be kept on VHF Channels 16 & 12 and ‘LIA’ can be contacted for information relating to survey operations only, ‘LIA’ will also monitor Channel 14 when in the approaches to Heysham
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information
Subject: WEST of DUDDON SANDS WIND FARM – BIRD SURVEY
Dear All,
A bird survey at the WEST of DUDDON SANDS WIND FARM is scheduled to start on or around Thursday 20th April
The survey will be carried out by the Briggs Marine survey vessel ‘MERSEY GUARDIAN’ operating on a 12 hr daylight only basis and is expected to last for approx. 10 days, depending on weather and conditions.
‘MERSEY GUARDIAN’ will transit along predetermined transect lines within the Wind Farm at a speed of approx. 10knts (see attached chartlet) and is not expected to cause interference to any other vessel
A listening watch will be kept on VHF Channels 16 & 12 and ‘MERSEY GUARDIAN’ can be contacted for information relating to vessel movement only
Attached for information is the small chartlet showing the transect lines along which ‘MERSEY GUARDIAN’ will travel as well as a picture of the vessel, also attached is the ‘Kingfisher Flyer’ which gives all of the relevant information concerning WEST of DUDDON SANDS WIND FARM.
Please note that the small chartlet and the ‘Flyer’ are for provided for information purposes relating to the survey and the Wind Farm only and should not be used for navigation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information
MOD Eskmeals – Activity Alert: 3rd April to 14th April 2017
Detailed below is advance notification of activities which may be noticed in your neighbourhood. All of the limitations and stipulations outlined below apply.
Date
Reason for Notification
03 Apr to 04 Apr
No Firing
05 Apr to 07 Apr
Firing
17 Apr to 21 Apr
Firing
I hope that you find this information useful. Please feel free to pass it on to your neighbours.
Yours faithfully,
Penny
Limitations and Stipulations
All activity on the site is conducted in a strictly controlled environment and presents no danger to the public. Please note that the weather, tide times and other operational requirements play a crucial part in trials planning and scheduling. Any one, or a combination of these factors, may mean that the activity has to be cancelled and rescheduled at short notice and it may not be possible to provide you with an updated schedule of work.
The flying of red flags at the range boundary, or the lima flag (yellow and black quartered) at further points, indicates to members of the public that the range is active and there will be firing activities taking place. At those times the byelaws noted on the signs near to the flags are in force. If the red (or lima) flags are not flying, the range is not active and there will be no firing activities undertaken and as such the byelaws are not in force.
Please be aware that QinetiQ carries out work at MOD Eskmeals on behalf of the MOD, under contract with the Secretary of State for Defence. Because of the nature of the work, QinetiQ is limited as to the level and detail of information it can provide in these communications.
QinetiQ operates a free phone care line number, 0800 0150536 for members of the public to call with any queries or concerns.
Please feel free to forward this message on to others who you feel may benefit.
If you do not wish to receive these notifications please reply to this email with a request to unsubscribe.
Yours sincerely
“This information has been generated for the purposes of informing the public as to QinetiQ’s scheduled operations at the MOD Eskmeals Range and it is acknowledged that the information may be included in other websites and publications. Please note that QinetiQ does not accept responsibility for or endorse any independent website or publication which features this information.”
Penny Haworth Community Liaison Officer, ESKMEALS RANGE
Tel: 0800 0150536
email: Eskmealsenquiries@qinetiq.com http://www.QinetiQ.com QinetiQ – Delivering customer-focused solutions
A depth of burial survey which will cover the whole length of the Export Cable, from the landfall position off Prestatyn and out to the Wind Farm Sub-Station, is scheduled to start on or around Friday 31st March.
This survey will be non-intrusive to the seabed and will be carried out in two stages by two survey vessels.
The survey vessel ‘BIBBY ATHENA’, operating on a 24hr day basis, will conduct a 2 day survey using an ROV with a minimum of 3.5 meters from the seabed, expected 31stMarch until 1st April.
The survey vessel ‘LIA’, operating on a 12 hr day basis, will conduct a 4 day Geophysical Survey using Hull Mounted Multi-Beam Echo Sounding Equipment, expected 1st April until 4th April.
Start dates and length of survey operations are dependent on weather and conditions.
It is not expected that this survey will interfere with any other vessel but a wide berth, minimum 500 meters, is requested around both vessel during survey operations and passing vessels are requested to reduce speed if possible.
Both vessels will keep a listening watch on VHF channel 16 & 14 as well as monitoring VHF Channel 12 for Mersey VTS and can be contacted for information relating to vessel movement only.
Attached for information is a small chartlet which shows the run of the Export Cable from the Landfall at Prestatyn out to the Wind Farm Sub-Station along with a picture of the two survey vessels
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Richard Hoad
Richard Hoad