First marine geophysical surveys set to begin
Investigations off the coast to provide data about potential of deep rocks to host a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
The survey vessel will be carrying specialist acoustic equipment
The first marine geophysical survey will begin over the weekend off the coast of Copeland, Cumbria. The non-intrusive survey will gather data to provide a better understanding of the rock structure and help the search to find a suitable site for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
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.
Nuclear Waste Services 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.
This first survey, which is focused off the coast of South and Mid Copeland, is an important early step in beginning to understand the deep geology beyond the coast.
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.
NWS Senior Project Manager Chris Eldred said:
We are looking forward to the first surveys beginning over the weekend off the south-west coast of Copeland, with specialists at Shearwater GeoServices.
The information we gather will help us 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.
Detailed analysis of the data collected from the surveys will be undertaken over the next year or so and the conclusions will be shared with communities to support discussions about the potential of an area to host a GDF.
As final preparations for the survey continue the GDF team will keep marine users and local communities informed of developments throughout the duration of the work.