Gas extraction platform N05-A is located 20 km north of the coastline. Independent research shows that the maximum soil subsidence over 30 years is 2.6 cm at the gas field site. The subsidence bowl does not extend to land.
How does it work with the reverse burden of proof if earthquakes occur?
All studies show that the probability of earthquakes is negligible. The licensing procedure for gas extraction is according to the strictest safety and environmental requirements. Studies show that, in the non-realistic case of an earthquake, there is no impact on inhabited habitats. The reverse burden of proof is specifically laid down for Groningen, but does not apply to other extraction areas.
What kind of monitoring will take place?
Monitoring will take place through satellite data. Special equipment will be installed on the platform and at the Riffgat wind farm for this purpose. The data will be juxtaposed with the national elevation network so that differences in surface elevation can be compared.
In case of an earthquake, how is the damage settlement regulated?
All studies show that the risk of earthquakes is negligible. The licensing procedure for gas extraction is according to the strictest safety and environmental requirements. If there were a real chance of earthquakes, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate would not grant the licence. According to the Dutch Civil Code, mining companies are liable for damages and therefore all gas operators in the North Sea have insurance for possible damages.
What is the seismic risk?
The intended seismic risk from gas production is negligible for gas fields N05-A and N05-A-North, which thus fall in the lowest seismic risk category (SRA Cat. I). TNO and SSM endorse this assessment. The Tanzanite-Oost gas field has a probability of trembling of 19%, but on the basis of a more detailed analysis data is also classified in the lowest seismic risk category. Because of the low negligible seismic risk and the large distance to the Wadden (islands) and the mainland, no detrimental effects and damage as a result of soil vibration are expected from this gas production.
What are the consequences of this project for shipping?
The project area is located in a moderately trafficked part of the North Sea and is also used for shipping and fishing. A few kilometres north of the intended location of the platform is the Terschelling-German Bight shipping route. No shipping or other use is allowed in a zone of 500 metres around the platforms. This causes local restrictions for fishery, shipping and recreation (sailing). Within this safety zone, dragging fishing nets over the seabed and in the water column is not allowed either. The choice of location for the platform takes shipping and other uses into account. The platform will be equipped with the required navigation lights and collision prevention systems.
There are many activities in and around the GEMS area. Can these go together?
The choice of location for the platform takes into account other uses. ONE-Dyas is aware of the effects the project may have on the environment and wants to be a reliable partner and good neighbour. This is achieved, among other things, by ensuring that the activities fit in as well as possible with the (other activities in the) surroundings. All this is done in the safest and most responsible way for both people and nature. ONE-Dyas is committed to proactively seeking dialogue and possible cooperation with stakeholders.
Cumulation test
The research in the cumulation test shows that there are no significant effects due to cumulation of effects of the intended activity N05-A with the effects of other activities that (may) take place in the future. To prevent cumulative effects with future projects of ONE-Dyas itself, ONE-Dyas will ensure that no cumulation of underwater noise occurs during the (simultaneous) implementation of the projects.
What will happen to the area after completion of gas extraction?
At the end of the extraction process, all boreholes will be decommissioned.
There are two possibilities:
- suspend – the borehole is closed off with a valve.
- abandonment – putting mechanical and cement plugs at various heights in the borehole. Then the plugs and the conductor are cut off and removed 6 metres below the seabed.
When extraction is complete, all the boreholes are capped. The platform is removed, its anchoring posts are cut away and removed 6 metres below the seabed. This ensures that no fishing gear can get stuck behind them. ONE-Dyas first writes a work plan for this, which must be approved by the State Supervision of Mines. Everything is returned to its original state, which is generally better than before due to the nature development that has taken place.
Can nature development and gas extraction coexist?
Gas extraction and nature development need not be mutually exclusive. No other activity may take place within 500 metres surrounding a drilling platform. This means, for example, that no shipping or (trawl) fishing is allowed. This allows marine life to develop undisturbed. The platform provides a hard substrate on which flora and fauna (including shellfish) can develop. Together with nature organisations, ONE-Dyas wants to draw up a monitoring proposal for new research.
Can flaring be limited as much as possible?
ONE-Dyas wants to limit the occurrence and duration of flaring as much as possible. ONE-Dyas, therefore, wants to use the treatment process as much as possible to test newly drilled gas fields after drilling. If flaring is necessary, a birdwatcher is called in to advise on the appropriate time for flaring. Flaring is, as much as possible, done during the day. This protocol is applied by ONE-Dyas by default and so far there have been no incidents with birds.