Sustainability report 2019

35

POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

TURBIDITY

EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS

We study the situation and environmental sensitivities to determine the project-related environmental requirements. Each project is different due to its unique situation, legal framework and design.

Our activities can create a sediment plume. The reduced light penetration and sedimentation may impact sensitive species or habitats in the footprint of the plume.

HABITAT LOSS OR DISTURBANCE

OPTIMIZE OUR WORK METHOD

Dredging, land reclamation or installation of offshore structures typically removes or disturbs the seabed habitat or species living in and around the project footprint.

We design a work method that meets environmental project-related requirements and draw up an Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP).

SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES

ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

Many of our ships carry ballast water to improve stability and balance. The discharge of ballast water can be associated with the introduction of invasive species, that may impact the natural ecosystem and affect biodiversity.

During project implementation we monitor our environmental performance using in situ measurements and ecosystem receptor responses. We adapt and optimize our working methods as needed, to ensure compliance.

WASTE AND EFFLUENTS

ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES WITH BUILDING WITH NATURE

Our activities produce waste as well as have the potential to release polluting effluents, such as fuel, to the environment.

On certain projects we can incorporate sustainable design solutions into the project from the earliest (tender) stage. This includes going beyond legislative requirements and interacting with partners, and environmental-, design- and engineering specialists, as well as stakeholders to create cost-efficient and risk- and impact-mitigating solutions.

UNDERWATER NOISE

Marine mammals can be sensitive to disturbance by underwater noise generated by our activities.

BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT

We ensure all our vessels comply with the Ballast Water and Sediments Convention which aims to minimize the spread of invasive species.

ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

In addition to environmental management certifications for our businesses (see page 71), we organize environmental awareness training to ensure compliance with pollution prevention methods such as IMO MARPOL waste regulations, oil spill prevention, antifouling measures and sewage management. All our vessels over 400GT have a waste management plan.

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

We continue to invest in research to bring leading-edge solutions to clients seeking an environmentally sustainable project. We have brought several solutions to market that contribute to protecting biodiversity. These include: 3D printing of artificial reefs, the Plumigator that significantly reduces turbidity on dredging projects, a seagrass transplanter system and green valves for our hopper dredgers.

3D printed artificial reef unit placed off the coast of Monaco

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 – BOSKALIS