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Article summary

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), along with devolved administrations, and associated bodies, has published a joint position statement (JPC) on unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance in the marine environment, particularly for commercial marine developments.  The JPC establishes low noise methods as the default approach for UXO clearance, with high order methods, such as detonations, to be used only as a last resort. It also outlines additional information required for marine licence applications, including environmental assessments, mitigation plans, and monitoring protocols, among other aspects. Defra has also published guidance to assist marine users in minimising environmental impacts from UXO clearance. It has also published a policy paper, detailing the UK’s government’s ongoing and future efforts to reduce marine noise pollution, focusing on mitigating the impact of offshore wind development. From January 2025, all offshore wind pile driving activities in English waters must demonstrate best efforts to reduce noise using primary...