Wave energy developer Carnegie Wave Energy Limited today released the results from its environmental monitoring and assessment program undertaken as part of the recent deployment of its commercial scale CETO unit (CETO 3) off Garden Island, Western Australia.
These results were presented today by Carnegie’s Site Development Manager, Tim Sawyer at the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Underwater noise monitoring and assessment was carried out by Curtin University’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology (CMST), global experts in the analysis of underwater noise and its impacts on sensitive marine fauna. Underwater fauna monitoring was carried out using baited and unbaited video cameras and analysed by environmental specialist RPS Environment, based in Perth, to assess marine fauna present and interactions with the CETO unit.
Both studies identified no significant environmental impacts from the presence and operation of CETO and also offered insight into ways of further reducing or eliminating potential environmental impact. A total of 27 fauna species were recorded across all deployments and included one shark, one ray, 24 teleosts and one crustacean species. RPS concluded that observed fish species were not significantly impacted and that an array of CETO units had the potential to create an artificial reef habitat that could increase the biodiversity of a habitat otherwise poor in marine fauna.
Carnegie’s Site Development Manager, Mr Tim Sawyer, said,
“Carnegie has designed the CETO technology, and selected development sites, to minimise potential environmental impacts. Such proactive monitoring and assessment is important to address areas of uncertainty and identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts early to ensure best practice in protecting the marine environment. The potential to boost biodiversity, coupled with the lack of visual impact, is a unique benefit of the CETO wave technology.”
Carnegie obtained State approvals to deploy and operate its CETO unit in November 2009 following extensive consultation with key stakeholders and submission of a detailed environmental management plan. In accordance with the approval, Carnegie undertook environmental monitoring during the deployment of the CETO unit and Carnegie further extended the scope to include underwater noise and video monitoring.
Carnegie is now focussed on further development of CETO and on the design and construction of the grid connected Perth Wave Energy Project. Carnegie will continue its environmental monitoring and assessment and consultation program to support its application for environmental approvals for the project.
Mr Tim Sawyer’s presentation to the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit is attached and available on Carnegie’s website
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Source: carnegiecorp, September 15, 2011