The first marine geophysical surveys were due to begin over the weekend (30/31 July, 2022) off the coast of Copeland, Cumbria, UK. The non-intrusive survey will provide a better understanding of the rock structure and help the search to find a suitable site for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).

A news release from Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), the UK Government body that is part of Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group, stated that ‘The A 92-metre vessel carrying specialist acoustic equipment will be deployed 5km-20km from the coastline. The survey, by specialists Shearwater GeoServices, will take place over a period of three to four weeks.

NWS will be the developer of a GDF and is committed to environmental protection at all times. This includes securing all the necessary licences and permissions from the relevant UK authorities. As part of this survey a team of specialist observers will be on board the vessel, to ensure any marine mammals have left the immediate area around the vessel before the survey can commence.

The technology is based on sound waves – similar to ultrasound scans used in medicine – which are reflected as an echo from different geological layers. This enables a 3D picture of the underlying rocks to be gradually built up without disturbing the seabed. Surveys of this type are commonplace in the offshore wind, carbon capture and storage and other infrastructure sectors. The information gathered will help NWS to further consider the suitability of the geology beneath the seabed, to host a GDF and support informed dialogue with the communities that are at the heart of the siting process’.

The Marine Management Organisation have also released a statement relating to the licence for the surveys: ‘On July 8 2022, after a process of determination involving consultation with statutory advisors, MMO issued a wildlife licence to Nuclear Waste Services for potential disturbance to certain cetacean species resulting from a seismic (geophysical) survey in the inshore area off the south west coast of Cumbria.’ The news piece from the MMO can be read here.

Concerns have been raised over potential impacts related to noise exposure from seismic gun blasts as part of the surveys. News reports covering the potential for impact on marine mammals have been published in Euronews, the Guardian and the Environment Journal. The BBC recently covered the news of local protests.

Further information on the NWS can be found here and to learn more about geological disposal click here.

The full news release from NWS on the marine geophysical surveys off Cumbria can be read here.