Underwater Noise Monitoring During Marine Construction

NCE is providing underwater noise monitoring and assessment services to support the construction of a new dock, bulkhead, and related structures at a federal facility in Rhode Island. Underwater noise monitoring is being conducted in conjunction with marine mammal monitoring to ensure compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and National Marine Fisheries Service requirements. To mitigate potential effects on marine mammals, monitoring zones have been implemented based on predicted construction sound levels. These zones also define the spatial boundaries that trigger mandatory work cessation protocols.

NCE engineers developed a monitoring plan for collecting underwater noise data during pile driving and extraction activities. This involved coordinating with AIS to develop a practical, government-approved approach to acquiring quality acoustic data while enabling efficient construction approaches. Our hydroacoustic data is being used to assess potential effects on marine life during the construction periods and make in-field assessments of the spatial limits for mitigation protocols such as an operational delay or a stoppage.