Press Release
COWRIE PUBLISHES TWO NEW REPORTS ON WINDFARM-RELATED UNDERWATER NOISE SOURCES
3 December 2004
COWRIE, The Crown Estate steering group tasked with commissioning environmental research to benefit the early stages of the offshore windfarm industry in the UK, has published two new reports on the results of studies into windfarm-related underwater noise sources.
The studies by Subacoustech, the UK’s specialist underwater acoustic research consultancy, were conducted as part of a four-year project entitled ‘Assessment of sub-sea acoustic noise and vibration from offshore wind turbines and its potential impact on marine wildlife’.
The reports comprise a comprehensive literature review of offshore windfarm related noise sources, as well as the results from the initial phase of in-field measurements to determine the sound pressure levels and frequency spectrum of sub-sea noise emitted during the construction and operation of windfarms. The research is necessary to assess the effects of noise and vibration from offshore wind turbine schemes on the behaviour of relevant marine mammal species and other marine organisms.
Dr Carolyn Heeps, Chairman of the COWRIE steering group said: “We are very pleased with the work completed by Subacoustech. We recognised this work as a priority to further the understanding of the potential impacts of windfarms on marine mammals, but the work would not have been possible without the co-operation of the developers involved in the first round of windfarms in UK waters.”
Mark Tasker, Head of Marine Advice at the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) commented: “These two reports are a significant contribution as they will provide industry with evidence to support their environmental impact assessments, particularly for Round 2 offshore windfarm sites, as well as inputting into the government regulatory process by providing the data necessary to help make decisions on the consenting of offshore windfarms.”
The industry has welcomed the reports, and David Farrier from E.On UK Renewables, a representative on the COWRIE Steering Group added: “Without COWRIE initiating these generic studies there would be a continuing gap in knowledge which could inhibit the development of future projects. Developers recognise that the results to date, together with the work in hand, will enable a better understanding of the sensitivities of marine wildlife to noise and vibration from offshore windfarms. This knowledge should allow appropriate measures to be taken at the earliest opportunity to either limit source levels or mitigate adverse effects from noise and vibration to an acceptable level.”
COWRIE looks forward to continuing to work with Subacoustech and to the successful completion of the research into offshore windfarms and marine mammals. Further interim reports will be produced with a final report due early in 2007.
Further Information
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