Chemical and solid discharges
Chemical and solid discharges
Chemicals and solid discharges, including oils, corrosion protection agents, paints, anti-fouling coatings, and microplastics, can be released from the infrastructure itself or during construction, maintenance, and decommissioning activities associated with offshore wind farms and grid systems. These pollutants have the potential to come into contact with and impact various biodiversity receptors, posing risks to the surrounding marine ecosystem.
Lifecycle phase
Impact
Biodiversity receptor
Measure for wind turbine
Measure for grid
Avoidance or minimisation
Status offshore
Planning
Ill health
All receptors
To minimise the amount of metal pollution of water and sediment, environmentally friendly techniques for corrosion protection are encouraged (e.g. use of impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems).
Minimisation
Concept
Planning
Ill health
All receptors
Avoid the use of anti-fouling paint containing biocides.
Avoidance
Implemented
Planning
Ill health
All receptors
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When cable protection by covering is necessary (rock placement or concrete mattress), use inert materials that do not undergo any dangerous chemical modification.
Avoidance
Implemented
Construction
Ill health
All receptors
During piling, take care of all liquid waste, anti-fouling and anti-corrosion treatments that could end up polluting the environment.
Minimisation
Implemented
Construction
Ill health
All receptors
All vessels should comply with MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships as a bare minimum to prevent and minimise pollution from liquid and solid waste.
Minimisation
Implemented
End of life
Ill health
All
During decommissioning, take care of all liquid waste, anti-fouling and anti-corrosion treatments that could end up polluting the environment.
Minimisation
Implemented
End of life
Ill health
All
All vessels should comply with MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships as a bare minimum to prevent and minimise pollution from liquid and solid waste.
Minimisation
Implemented
