Measurement and Interpretation of Underwater Noise During Construction and Operation of Offshore Windfarms in UK Waters

Nedwell, J.; Parvin, S.; Edwards, B.; Workman, R.; Brooker, A.; Kynoch, J. (2007). Measurement and Interpretation of Underwater Noise During Construction and Operation of Offshore Windfarms in UK Waters (Report No. COWRIE NOISE-03-2003). Report by Subacoustech Ltd. Report for Collaborative Offshore Wind Research into the Environment (COWRIE).

Download Citation File

Abstract

Previous reports have established that pile driving during windfarm construction creates high levels of underwater noise. Injury of marine species could be caused by the pile driving noise at distances of the order of 100 metres, and behavioural effects at ranges of the order of 10 kilometres or more. To further document the noise levels created during pile driving, further measurements are presented herein, taken during pile driving on five windfarms, at North Hoyle, Scroby Sands, Kentish Flats, Barrow and Burbo Bank.