Noise from geophysical surveys Assessment, mitigation, monitoring. Sónia Mendes

Transcription

1 Noise from geophysical surveys Assessment, mitigation, monitoring Sónia Mendes

2 RISK ASSESSMENT

3 The conclusions are remarkably consistent! The risk of auditory injury to marine mammals is limited to the first few hundred metres from the sound source, i.e. within a range that can be potentially be mitigated

4 So what is the point in all these detailed noise risk assessments?

5 Noise propagation modelling exercise TYPICAL SCENARIOS Survey type Environmental conditions (sediment type, bathymetry, region) TYPICAL SCENARIOS Site seismic surveys Any across the UKCS 1 Vertical Seismic Profiling Reservoir & Regional seismic surveys (2D, 3D, 4D) Any across the UKCS 2 shallow water x mud 3 shallow water x sand 4 intermediate depths x sand 5 deep water x coarse sediments 6 deep water x mud 7

6 High level guidance on noise risk assessments Variability and residual risk to species Level of detail and complexity

7 High level guidance on noise risk assessments Variability and residual risk to species Level of detail and complexity simpler more focussed proportionate adding value

8 Robinson et al MITIGATION JNCC seismic guidelines developed to prevent hearing injury in vicinity of source; launched in 1995 Revised a couple of times taking into account stakeholder feedback, common issues encountered and new research into marine mammal hearing and sensitivity Under review to ensure the guidelines remain fit for purpose, are logistically feasible and provide the best available mitigation Soft start Injury zone = Mitigation zone PAM MMOs

9 Background to current review In March 2015, JNCC published two reports; The first (Stone, 2015a) analysed seismic survey and marine mammal observer (MMO) data between 1994 and 2010 to assess the effects of seismic operations on marine mammals. The second (Stone, 2015b) assessed the level of compliance with the guidelines from 1995 to 2010 and highlighted items to be considered for the next revision. The results from these reports, together with feedback received from industry and others were used to generate an initial set of consultation questions. The information and opinions gathered during this consultation and the recommendations proposed by Stone, 2015b have been used to inform the current revision.

10 Stakeholder Consultation (23/11 to 23/12) Key revisions include: Survey specific mitigation procedures for some types of survey (e.g. site surveys, VSP & OBS); Further detail on assessment processes Further detail on the requirements for MMO reports; and The introduction of a non-compliance form. In addition, clarification has been provided on mitigation procedures Consultation has been designed to enable stakeholders to comment on each part of the guidelines with particular reference to mitigation of potential impacts and practicality.

11 MONITORING -UK Marine Noise Registry- Commitment made in the UK Marine Strategy Created on behalf of Defra and the devolved administrations Good Environmental Status must be achieved in marine waters by 2020 D11 Introduction of energy, including underwater noise, is at levels that do not adversely affect the marine environment

12 Distribution in time and place of loud low to mid frequency impulsive sounds Database Online data input Data access available upon request Outputs made available from data.gov.uk

13

14 Data collection Regulator Activity type Proposed activity form Close-out report BEIS Seismic and sub JNCC extracts data from Energy portal bottom profiler surveys and inputs to MNR Explosives and impact pile driving Currently under discussion Companies/operators complete an excel form, returns to BEIS/JNCC. Impact pile driving or explosives (band 1 or 2) MMO 'consults' JNCC on application through MCMS system. JNCC extract data for input to MNR. MNR sends automated response to applicant 8 weeks after end date requesting voluntary competition of a close-out report MMO Impact pile driving or explosives (band 3) NSIPs licence conditions require the applicant to complete a proposed activity form licence conditions require the applicant to complete a proposed activity form Licence conditions require the applicant to complete a close-out report Licence conditions require the applicant to complete a close-out report Voluntary notification geophysical survey Noise producers forwarded directly to the MNR for data input MNR sends automated response to noise producer 8 weeks after end date requesting voluntary competition of a close-out report

15 Output Maps Pulse block days Pulse block days (PBD) represent the number of days over a month/year where impulsive noise was generated within a UK oil and gas licensing block

16 *The data used to create the illustrative maps presented here are based on real data held by the JNCC from a range of years however only the blocks are a true representation of where activities have occurred. Pulse block days are loosely based on the real data and dates are fictional.

17 ICES Noise Portal

18 Next steps MNR in beta phase Feedback, improve Data collection processes Improve, identify new Outputs Maps, production and publication UK assessment 2018 OSPAR intermediate assessment 2017

19 Thank you Any Questions? Sónia Mendes