There is growing concern about noise levels from pile driving activities associated with the construction of highway bridges and other in-water structures. It has been demonstrated that noise generated from pile driving with an impact hammer can be harmful to aquatic species protected by the state and federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). To comply with current environmental regulations and noise level attenuation criteria, ODOT needs to develop hydro-acoustic monitoring protocol and predictive models so projects can develop appropriate sound attenuation strategies based on site specific conditions. This research project addresses several concerns related to hydro-acoustic impacts and will ultimately help highway projects stay in compliance with established noise level criteria. The research project included: 1) identification of sound generation mechanisms from pile driving and how sound propagates into the surrounding underwater environment, 2) development of an acoustic monitoring procedure and predictive model that will help assure compliance and 3) validation and verification of predictive models.
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