Assessment of Underwater Noise Generated by Wave Energy Devices

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1. Introduction; 2. Ambient Noise Characterization;3. Noise Associated with Wave Energy Conversion Devices; 4. Noise Assessment Program Framework; 5. Acoustic Measurement Devices; 6. Indicative Modelling Study; 7. Summary; References; Appendix A. Average Wind Speed and Wave Height for the Oregon Coast; Appendix B. Available Wave Energy Conversion Devices;Appendix C. Commercially Available Acoustic Recording Systems

The potential for creating underwater noise disturbance is one environmental impact that must beaccounted for by wave energy developers to meet the needs of regulatory agencies. This reviewstudy has been conducted to provide a concise knowledge base of the expected underwater noiseconditions in the near shore environment in regions of the Oregon coast where wave energyprojects could be developed and to present an overview of noise measurement methodologiesthat would be suitable for the effective regulatory assessment of potential acoustic impacts. Thisreport is intended as a reference to be used by wave energy developers in the specification andselection of approaches to underwater noise measurement that would be acceptable to regulatorybodies, consistent with the state of the industry and cost effective to implement.In an attempt to address some of the uncertainties surrounding these types of environmentalnoise assessment studies, this report provides information on the expected existing ambient noiseconditions, the sound propagation characteristics of the environment, and the expected sources ofnoise associated with various types of wave energy devices. Guidelines detailing specific noisemeasurement studies are provided, along with a listing of several commercially available devicesthat are suitable for performing these measurements.