Hi Colleagues I would like to draw your attention to an article my colleague Uwe Stöber and I have just published in JASA. Effect of impact pile driving noise on marine mammals: A comparison of different noise exposure criteria In this work we compare the results of noise impact assessments when using different noise exposure criteria. We hope we can contribute to the regulatory discussion on noise issues with this piece. Link is below. For reprints, please contact me directly. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5109387 Abstract: Regulators in Europe and in the United States have developed sound exposure criteria. Criteria range from broadband levels to frequency weighted received sound levels. The associated differences in impact assessment results are, however, not yet understood. This uncertainty makes environmental management of transboundary anthropogenic noise challenging and causes confusion for regulators who need to choose appropriate exposure criteria. In the present study, three established exposure criteria frameworks from Germany, Denmark, and the US were used to analyse the effect of impact pile driving at a location in the Baltic Sea on harbor porpoise and harbor seal hearing. The acoustic modeling using MIKE showed that an unmitigated scenario would lead to auditory injury for all three criteria. Despite readily apparent variances in impact ranges among the applied approaches, it was also evident that noise mitigation measures could reduce underwater sound to levels where auditory injuries would be unlikely in most cases. It was concluded that each of the frameworks has its own advantages and disadvantages. Single noise exposure criteria follow the precautionary principle and can be enforced relatively easily, whereas criteria that consider hearing capabilities and animal response movement can improve the accuracy of the assessment if data are available. VC 2019 Acoustical Society of America. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5109387 Best regards, Frank Thomsen PhD Sales Executive Ecology and Environment [DHI logo] The expert in WATER ENVIRONMENTS DHI A/S Agern Allé 5 DK-2970 Hørsholm Denmark CVR-no: 36466871 Tel: +45 4516 9200 Direct: +45 4516 9446 Mobile: +45 2940 4355 frth@dhigroup.com<mailto:frth@dhigroup.com> www.dhigroup.com<http://www.dhigroup.com> Privacy policy<http://www.dhigroup.com/privacy> This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorised to receive this message for the intended recipient), you may not use, copy, disseminate or disclose any information contained in it thereof. If you have received this communication in error, please advise the sender appropriately by reply e-mail, and then delete it. Thank you very much.
