E.ON has confirmed that the two unexploded devices, detected along the Rampion offshore cable route will be safely disposed this week following the consultation with the Marine Management Organisation.
The two devices thought to date from WWII, were discovered in March during UXO (unexploded ordnance) surveys, which are undertaken as protocol during offshore construction works. The devices were detected on the seabed, 3 km off Lancing Beach at a water depth of 13 m.
Two controlled explosions are scheduled to take place this week, between Tuesday and Thursday during daylight hours, subject to logistics and weather conditions, E.ON informed.
Chris Tomlinson , E.ON development manager for the Rampion offshore wind farm, said: “Since the discovery we’ve been working with experts to determine the best course of action to clear the site and a routine controlled explosion is now due to take place this coming week.
“We don’t know if there will be much to see as it will depend on sea conditions and whether the explosive material has degraded over time. However as ever safety remains our highest priority and we request that anyone wishing to watch proceedings stays on the beach.”
The 400 MW Rampion offshore wind farm is being built 13 km off the Sussex coast by E.ON, the UK Green Investment Bank and Canadian energy company Enbridge. It is due to be completed in 2018.