Impact assessment for the marine environment of installation of sea cable on the route Sandvika - Varpet in Rognsfjorden (Norway)

Summary

In 2016, Telenor Norge AS applied for permission for the installation of a sea cable on the stretch Sandvika - Varpet in Rognsfjorden, Bamble municipality. The application triggered a dispensation from the municipal area plan, and an implementation study had to be carried out with an impact assessment investigating subsea terrain and biological conditions, and possible consequences for occupational fishing, fishing facilities, anchorage sites, bathing and other recreational activities. NIVA has investigated biological and sediment chemical conditions in the cable pathway with underwater video (drop camera) observations throughout the pathway as well as collection and analysis of bottom sediments in those parts of the route where the cable is to be flushed into the sediment. The results are presented in this report.