ATTACHMENT F: MARINE MAMMAL RISK ASSESSMENT · SURVEY WORKS ... carried out by Intertek for...

. . . . . . . . .

ATTACHMENT F: MARINE MAMMAL RISK ASSESSMENT

. . . . . . . . .

Celtic Interconnector

Marine Mammal Risk Assessment - 2017 Geophysical Marine Survey

In support of foreshore licence application FS006722 for geophysical survey works

May 2017

The sole responsibility of this publication lies with the author. The European Union is not responsible for any use

that may be made of the information contained therein.

EIRGRID PLC – THE CELTIC INTERCONNECTOR

FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION FS006722

FS006722 ATTACHMENT F – MARINE MAMMAL RISK ASSESSMENT 16/05/2017

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 1

1.1 BACKGROUND ...................................................................................... 1

1.2 PURPOSE OF THE ASSESSMENT ....................................................... 2

1.3 OUTLINE SCOPE OF WORK ................................................................. 2

1.4 SURVEY AREA ...................................................................................... 2

1.5 SCHEDULE OF WORKS ........................................................................ 3

2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED GEOPHYSICAL ACOUSTIC SURVEY WORKS .................................................................................. 5

2.1 SURVEY VESSELS ................................................................................ 5

2.2 SOUND SOURCES ................................................................................ 5

2.3 MARINE MAMMALS BASELINE ............................................................ 6

3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT .......................................................................11

3.1 MITIGATION..........................................................................................12

3.2 SUMMARY ............................................................................................15

4 REFERENCES ......................................................................................16

APPENDIX A: CO-ORDINATES OF PROPOSED SURVEY CORRIDOR ....17



FS006722 ATTACHMENT F – MARINE MAMMAL RISK ASSESSMENT 16/05/2017

TABLES

TABLE 2-1: EUROPEAN PROTECTED SPECIES (EPS) SIGHTED IN THE SURVEY AREA ...... 7

TABLE 2-2: MARINE MAMMAL AUDITORY BAND WIDTH ................................................. 8

TABLE 2-3: INJURY CRITERIA FOR INDIVIDUAL MARINE MAMMALS EXPOSED TO DISCRETE

NOISE EVENTS PROPOSED BY SOUTHALL ET AL. 2007 ............................................ 9

TABLE 2-4: POTENTIAL INJURY DISTANCES BASED ON THE SOUTHALL ET AL. 2009 INJURY

CRITERIA ............................................................................................................ 10

FIGURES

FIGURE 1-1: SURVEY AREA......................................................................................... 4



FS006722 ATTACHMENT F – MARINE MAMMAL RISK ASSESSMENT 1 16/05/2017

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

EirGrid and RTE are investigating the feasibility of installing a power cable interconnector between Ireland and France. The project would include two High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter stations, a 700+MW HVDC submarine interconnector between the converter stations and onshore lines/cables as appropriate.

In 2014 and 2015, EirGrid and RTE carried out geophysical and geotechnical marine surveys of possible marine cable routes under Foreshore Licences FS 006243 and FS 006446. EirGrid and RTE now intend to carry out further marine surveys of the nearshore approaches in order to assist in the refinement of marine routing for the proposed project. To this end, two new route corridor branches and three possible landfall locations have been identified for marine survey. The geophysical survey is proposed to be undertaken during the summer of 2017 with geotechnical and environmental surveys the following year (2018).

The surveys are intended to aid the design and routing of the HVDC cables by providing a baseline description of the seabed environment along the proposed cable route corridor. The data would also be used to inform environmental appraisals by providing information on the current situation and allowing impacts to be predicted, and subsequently, appropriate mitigation to be developed.

This marine mammal risk assessment is an update of the risk assessment carried out by Intertek for Foreshore Licence FS 006243 (Report Number: P1812_R3531_Rev2 Marine Mammal Risk Assessment - Attachment F 2014) and is based on the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) 2014 ‘Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources in Irish Waters’.

Under Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive and the Irish Habitat Regulations (2011), project-related activities within Natura 2000 Sites, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated for Annex II species of marine mammals (Bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise, grey seals and harbour seals), must be assessed with regard to their implications for the site conservation objectives. The legal obligation under Article 6 (3) also extends to ex situ activities i.e. activities outside an SAC must also be assessed.

Under Article 12 of the EU Habitats Directive Member States are further required to establish a system of strict protection for European Protected Species (EPS), as listed in Annex IV (which includes all cetaceans and all the turtle species which could occur in the area) across their entire range within the EU, both within and outside Natura 2000 Sites.

This assessment therefore specifically considers the implications of the geophysical survey works on Annex II and Annex IV marine mammal species.




1.2 PURPOSE OF THE ASSESSMENT

The purpose of this risk assessment is to provide the competent authority with enough information to determine whether there is a significant risk to marine mammals and therefore whether the mitigation measures set out in Section 4.3.4 Geophysical Acoustic Surveys of the guidance, apply to the proposed geophysical survey.

It should be noted that in 2014, geophysical surveys were carried out in accordance with the mitigation measures specified. A marine mammal observer was on board the survey vessel for the duration of the survey and mitigation measures were implemented for the entire survey area and not just the nearshore area.

1.3 OUTLINE SCOPE OF WORK

The geophysical survey consists of the following acoustic components:

Multi-beam echosounder bathymetry

Side-scan sonar

Sub bottom profiling

Details of the equipment to be used during the geophysical survey will not be finalised until after the appointment of the survey contractor. Therefore a typical range of equipment specifications has been used to undertake the marine mammals risk assessment.

1.4 SURVEY AREA

The marine survey area to be investigated is located in south-east County Cork. Three possible cable landfall options under investigation are Ballinwilling Strand in Ballycotton Bay and Redbarn Beach and Claycastle Beach in Youghal Bay.

The proposed marine survey methodology remains exactly the same as those surveys previously undertaken and for which foreshore licences were granted. The survey route corridors have been altered by approx. 10-15km in places from previous corridors surveyed to take account of challenging geological features.

The geophysical survey will be undertaken seaward of Ballingwilling Strand, Redbarn Beach and Claycastle Beach within two wider survey corridors which converge close to the 12nm limit.

The total length of the survey area (two survey corridors out to intersection with previous marine survey extent near 12nm limit) is approximately 65.84km

Data acquisition and coverage requirements are divided in to the three survey areas outlined below and shown in Figure 1-1:




1) Ballinwilling High Water Mark (HWM) to 10m LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide) water depth - intertidal/shallow water survey area.

2) Redbarn Beach and Claycastle Beach HWM to 10m LAT water depth - intertidal/shallow water survey area.

3) Offshore Survey area seawards of the first 10m LAT water depth to 12nm limit.

The survey corridors will be nominally 250m wide for the intertidal and shallow water survey works within a 500m wide application area and 500m wide for the offshore survey works (full width of the 500m application area).

The Redbarn beach and Claycastle beach survey area is located within the enclose of Youghal Bay.

The co-ordinates of the proposed survey areas are provided in Appendix A.

1.5 SCHEDULE OF WORKS

The geophysical surveys are planned to commence in August 2017 at the earliest and are not expected to last more than 30 days. However, as a contingency to allow for flexibility in programme planning and operational delay due to adverse weather conditions the works may be undertaken later in 2017 or in early 2018.




Figure 1-1: Survey Area




2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED

GEOPHYSICAL ACOUSTIC SURVEY WORKS

2.1 SURVEY VESSELS

Dedicated survey vessels will be used which are appropriate to the water depth of the survey area. A vessel with a shallow water draft will be utilised for the intertidal and shallow water survey area and a larger vessel will be used from the 10m depth contour to the Irish territorial limit. The exact vessels and equipment to be utilised will be confirmed following the appointment of the survey contractor.

2.2 SOUND SOURCES

Multibeam echo sounders are used to create detailed digital terrain models that can be used to define topography and assist in the planning the cable route identifying any constraints. Multibeam echo sounders transmit sound energy from directly beneath a ship's hull in a fan shape and analyse the return signal (echo) that has bounced off the seafloor or other objects. A ‘swathe’ of soundings (i.e. depths) is produced to ensure full coverage of an area. The coverage and resolution of data collected is dependent on the depth of the water. A typical multibeam echo sounder operates at a sound pressure level of between 200-220 dB re 1μPa at 1m with a peak frequency between 300-500 kHz (300,000-500,000 Hz). An assessment of the potential impact of this potential noise source has been provided in Section 2.3.3.

Side scan sonar is used to determine the texture, topography and character of the seabed sediments and to detect features such as boulders, outcrops, pipelines and other infrastructure lying on, attached to or buried immediately beneath the seafloor. Side scan sonar equipment typically consists of three basic components: towfish, transmission cable, and topside processing unit. In a side scan, the transmitted energy is formed into the shape of a fan that sweeps the seafloor from directly under the towfish to either side, typically to a distance of 100 metres (depending on factors including water depth, and signal strength). The strength of the return echo is continuously recorded, creating a ‘picture’ of the sea floor. Side scan sonar is typically used in conjunction with multibeam echo sounding to meet full bottom coverage specifications. Typically side scan sonar operates in the frequency range 100 - 500kHz (100,000 – 500,000Hz) with sound pressure level of approximately 228dB re 1μPa at 1m.

Sub-bottom profilers are used to image shallow (<100m) subsurface structure beneath the seabed. Typical equipment used for sub bottom profiling includes: boomers; pingers; and chirper systems. The frequencies used by sub-bottom profilers to achieve the required penetration, could range from 0.5kHz to 12kHz, which equates to 500Hz to 12,000Hz. Where ground conditions permit a high resolution system such as a pinger will be used. Pingers operate in the range of 3.5kHz to 12kHz with source levels of 200dB re 1μPa at 1 metre. For the purposes of the assessment the higher frequency range has been used.




There is very little published information on the sound pressure levels generated from sub-bottom profiling equipment, either collected from field experimentation or from manufactures specifications. Expected sound pressure levels would be in the range of 200 dB re 1μPa at 1m.

The frequency ranges given above are indicative as the survey contractor has not yet been appointed. In order to evaluate the potential for the above sound sources to cause harm or disturbance to marine mammals, an assessment has been conducted using the Southall et.al. (2007) approach (see Section 2.3.3). However, it should be noted that with regard to noise output, bathymetric, side-scan and sub-bottom profiling systems are characterised by a limited acoustic footprint due to the directional, short duration output which is attenuated with distance from source.

2.3 MARINE MAMMALS BASELINE

All cetaceans are European Protected Species (EPS), protected under Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, which lists species of Community Interest in need of strict protection. It is an offence to deliberately capture, kill, injure or deliberately disturb animals classified as EPS.

An EPS risk assessment is therefore required to show that the geophysical survey proposal does not carry a risk of disturbance or injury to any EPS. This assessment will identify any potential risks and provide an assessment of the impacts of the survey activity.

Bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise, grey seals and harbour (or common) seals are also listed on Annex II of the Habitats directive.

One of the most important environmental concerns related to the proposed activities are the potential effects of underwater sound on different marine biota, in particular animals protected under the EU Habitats Directive.

2.3.1 Annex IV Species in Irish Waters

Cetaceans

There are 24 species of cetacean reported in Irish coastal waters with ten species known to be present all year round (NPWS, 2014). Species of cetaceans known to be present in the Irish Sea include: fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus); minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata); humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae); long finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas); killer whale (Orcinus orca); risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus); bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus); harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena); short beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris). Fin whale (considered endangered on the IUCN list) has a high number of sightings within the survey area particularly during autumn, however this could be due to their display tall columnar blows that are visible even in very poor sea conditions (Reid et al 2003; IWDG 2013). Cetaceans are most abundant in the Irish Sea and within the proposed survey area during summer and autumn.




Table 2-1: European Protected Species (EPS) sighted in the survey area

Species IUCN Status

Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Endangered

Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Least concern

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Least concern

Long finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) Data deficient

Killer whale (Orcinus orca) Data deficient

Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) Least concern

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Least concern

Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) Least concern

Short beaked dolphin (Delphinus delphis) Least concern

White-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) Least concern

2.3.2 Annex II Species in Irish Waters

Cetaceans

Bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise are also listed on Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive which requires the designation of SACs for their conservation. There are no SACs designated for cetaceans within 50km of the proposed survey area. However there is some possibility that bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise from the West of Connacht SAC on the West coast of Ireland (at a distance of approximately 378km) may be occasional visitors to the survey area.

Bottlenose dolphins, Grey seals and Harbour seals are known to occur in estuarine environments in Ireland, while Harbour porpoises also commonly occur in continental shelf waters, larger bays and shallow coastal habitats and within waters which may be less than 20m deep (DAHG, 2014). Harbour porpoise is the most abundant and widely distributed cetacean species in Irish waters, and the most frequently observed in the near shore section of the proposed marine cable route corridor.

Seals

Two species of seal are resident within Irish waters - grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and harbour (or common) seals (Phoca vitulina). Both these species are listed on Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive. Harbour seals often haul out onto tidally exposed sandbanks to rest, moult and suckle their young. Pupping tends to occur between June and July, followed by moulting which takes approximately 4-5 weeks. During this time they are more frequently observed at haul out sites and are less likely to be offshore. There are no key haul out sites within 50km of the proposed survey area (NPWS, 2014).




Grey seals typically breed on remote uninhabited islands or coasts and in small numbers in caves between September and December. Grey seal moulting occurs approximately 3-5 months after the end of the breeding season. There are no key haul out sites within 50km of the proposed survey area (NPWS, 2014).

Under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 1976-2005, all cetaceans and seals are protected species listed on the 5th Schedule. Under this Act, Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) may be established to protect habitats or species. Whilst some terrestrial and coastal NHAs may encompass adjacent marine areas, no NHAs have been established for marine mammals to date.

2.3.3 Marine Mammal Sensitivity to Noise

Marine mammals which may be present in the vicinity of the proposed survey area and their auditory band widths are outlined below in Table 2-2. All the dolphin species listed are considered mid-frequency cetaceans. Long finned pilot whale and killer whale are also considered mid-frequency cetaceans.

Table 2-2: Marine Mammal Auditory Band Width

Species Estimated Auditory Band Width (Hz)

Audible Equipment *

Pinnipeds in water 75-75,000 SBP

Minke Whale 7-22,000 SBP

Fin whale 7-22,000 SBP

Humpback whale 7-22,000 SBP

Long finned pilot whale 150-160,000 SBP, SSS

Killer whale 150-160,000 SBP, SSS

Risso’s dolphin 150-160,000 SBP, SSS

Bottlenose dolphin 150-160,000 SBP, SSS

Harbour porpoise 200 - 180,000 SBP, SSS

Short beaked dolphin 150-160,000 SBP, SSS

White-beaked dolphin 150-160,000 SBP, SSS

Source: Southall et al. (2007)

* SBP – Sub Bottom Profiler; SSS – Side Scan Sonar

The auditory band widths outlined in Table 2-2 indicate that the sub-bottom profiler is audible to all cetacean and pinniped species in water. With the exception of Long Finned pilot whales and Killer whales, side scan sonar is not audible to baleen whales or pinnipeds, but is audible to the other cetacean species that will be potentially present. Multi-beam echo sounders are outside




the estimated auditory bandwidth of all species identified in Table 2-2, and will therefore not present a potential source of injury and will not be assessed further.

Both cetaceans and pinnipeds have evolved to use sound as an important aid in navigation, communication and hunting (Richardson et al, 1995). It is generally accepted that exposure to anthropogenic sound can induce a range of effects on marine mammals. These range from insignificant impacts to behavioural changes and also include non-injurious type effects including masking of biologically relevant sound signals, such as communication signals. Such effects may produce a temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity (termed Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) which is reversible.

Activities that generate very high sound pressure levels can cause permanent auditory injuries and other types of physical injury and, in some circumstances, lead to the death of the receiver (Richardson et al, 1995; Southall et al, 2007). These impacts are considered to be permanent threshold shift (PTS) and are of particular concern (Southall et al, 2007). In order to evaluate the potential of the proposed survey equipment to cause harm to marine mammals, an assessment has been conducted using the Southall et al, (2007) approach. Southall et al, separated marine mammals into 5 groups based on their functional hearing, namely low-frequency cetaceans, mid frequency cetaceans, high frequency cetaceans, pinnipeds in water and pinnipeds in air. For each of these groups they proposed noise levels that would result in injury (PTS or TTS of hearing ability) for individuals exposed to single, multiple and non-pulsed sources. The proposed injury criteria for single and multiple pulses are provided in Table 2-3 below.

Table 2-3: Injury criteria for individual marine mammals exposed to discrete noise events proposed by Southall et al. 2007

Marine mammal group

Single pulses

(SPL dB re: 1µPa (peak)

Multiple pulses

(SPL dB re: 1µPa (peak)

PTS TTS PTS TTS

Low frequency cetaceans 230 224 230 224



Pinnipeds (in water) 218 212 218 212

The results of the assessment are presented in Table 2-4. It should be noted that the quoted Sound Pressure Level (SPL) for sub bottom profilers (Table 2-4) is below the injury criteria for both cetaceans and pinnipeds and is therefore not thought to present an injury threat to marine mammals. The maximum range at which a marine mammal could potentially be impacted by side scan sonar operations is predicted to be 0.003km (3m). Marine survey equipment is designed to concentrate energy output downwards. Therefore energy levels directly horizontally to the source will be significantly less, thereby reducing the potential impact regions. In addition, noise disturbance studies (reviewed by Southall et al, 2007), have a high degree of variation in their results and even when information on equipment specifications is known it is still difficult to predict the level of disturbance to marine mammals accurately. It is also known that disturbance will vary between auditory groups.




Table 2-4: Potential injury distances based on the Southall et al. 2009 injury criteria

Noise source

Frequency kHz

(Mean)

Sound Pressure Level (dB re 1µPa @ 1m)

Cetaceans Pinnipeds

TTS(km) PTS(km) TTS(km) PTS(km)

Side scan sonar 100-500

(300)

228

0.003 0.00 - -

Sub bottom profiler

3.5-12

(7.75) 200 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Note: Where a range of values are provided the “mean value“ has been selected, indicated by

values in brackets. The numbers presented in this table have been compared to those contained

within DAHG 2014 and DAHG 2007 and are comparable.




3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Species Present (receptor)

Low numbers of ten species of marine mammal have the potential to be present within the survey area with the abundance of animals peaking in the autumn. Harbour porpoise, common dolphin and bottlenose dolphin are likely to be present in coastal waters year round. Records from the National biodiversity Data Centre (accessed March 2017) show regular observations of harbour porpoise and common dolphin along the coastline between Youghal and Ballycotton.

During the 2014 geophysical survey, the marine mammal observer (MMO) recorded four short-beaked common dolphins during one observation period

The southern coast of Ireland has been identified as an area of high numbers of sightings of fin whale (DAHG, 2014) and it is therefore possible that this species may be present during the geophysical survey. Sighting data for the proposed survey area is limited. Therefore the number of animals which could be potentially impacted during the proposed survey cannot be estimated from available data.

Harbour seals are likely to be pupping during the proposed survey period and therefore largely hauled out minimising risk of exposure to survey noise. There are no known breeding colonies within 50km of the survey area.

During the 2014 geophysical survey, the MMO recorded one Grey seal and another unidentified seal during two separate observation periods.

Breeding rates for cetacean species in this area is currently unknown. Any potential noise impacts are not likely to focus on a particular section of the population. The assessment criteria are based on the hearing thresholds of individual species, and do not consider the life stage of animals.

Potential for disturbance to individuals or populations of marine mammal species within or adjacent to the proposed survey area.

The proposed survey area encompassing Redbarn and Claycastle Beach is within the bay closure line for Youghal Bay (BIR, 1970).

Where marine surveys occur within an enclosed bay, inlets or estuary, mitigation measures may be required to minimise potential risks to marine mammals. Previous consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) established the mitigation requirements for survey within enclosed bays (see Section 3.1). Ballinwilling beach is not within an area defined to be a bay, inlet or estuary.

The multibeam echo sounder is inaudible to marine mammals likely to be present in the survey area and will therefore not cause disturbance or injury.

The side scan sonar will not cause any disturbance to baleen whales, including the endangered fin whale, as it operates beyond the auditory capability of these species (see Table 2-2).




Side scan sonar is audible to mid-frequency cetaceans. TTS may occur to cetaceans if they are within 3m from the noise source but they will not experience PTS. Therefore it is unlikely that mitigation measures will be required to minimise the likelihood of impacts to any animals in the survey area.

While the sub-bottom profiler is audible to all species being considered, the (typical) sound pressure level is below that which is thought to produce either TTS or PTS in marine mammals.

Where seabed conditions indicate that increased information regarding deeper sediment structures is required, lower frequency sound sources may need to be used. These have the potential to increase the regions of impact. Acoustic survey equipment is designed to transmit energy within a specified angle range and produces a “focused” source of energy . Energy levels outside this focused region, i.e. directly fore or aft of the energy source, are likely to be considerable less and will therefore not propagate as far in these directions. Surveys also tend to be of short duration and will therefore not represent a continual source of disturbance.

Pinniped species are susceptible to subsea noise. Seals may have good low frequency hearing, particularly the harbour seal, however this species is likely to be hauled out and engaged in pupping activities during the survey period. There are no known seal breeding colonies within 50km of the survey area, the closest is at Roaringwater Bay approximately 93km south west of the survey area.

Given that displacement, if it occurs, will be temporary it is considered unlikely that any population-level effect will occur. It should be noted however, that there is currently a lack of information concerning breeding rates and the wider ecology of cetacean species in the marine environment.

3.1 MITIGATION

The following mitigation measures are taken from in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) 2014 ‘Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources in Irish Waters.

The geophysical survey undertaken in 2014 implemented the mitigation measures in full following consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). While not specified by NPWS, the mitigation measures were implemented for the entire survey area i.e. they were not confined to the enclosed bay.

The following mitigation measures will be undertaken as required following consultation on this risk assessment).

Periods of peak sensitivity to survey operations for marine mammals will be avoided where possible.

A qualified and experienced marine mammal observer (MMO) shall be appointed to monitor for marine mammals and to log all relevant events using standardised data forms

If marine mammal species are detected within 500m distance of the sound source, seismic survey shall not commence.




Pre Start monitoring as set out in the guidance document for Multibeam, single beam, side-scan sonar & sub-bottom profiler surveys will be followed (DAHG, 2014). This includes:

Sound-producing activities shall only commence in daylight hours where effective visual monitoring, as performed and determined by the MMO, has been achieved. Where effective visual monitoring, as determined by the MMO, is not possible the sound-producing activities shall be postponed until effective visual monitoring is possible.

An agreed and clear on-site communication signal must be used between the MMO and the Works Superintendent as to whether the relevant activity may or may not proceed, or resume following a break (see below). It shall only proceed on positive confirmation with the MMO.

In waters up to 200m deep, the MMO shall conduct pre-start-up constant effort monitoring at least 30 minutes before the sound-producing activity is due to commence. Sound-producing activity shall not commence until at least 30 minutes have elapsed with no marine mammals detected within the Monitored Zone by the MMO.

This prescribed Pre-Start Monitoring shall subsequently be followed by a Ramp-Up Procedure where the output peak sound pressure level from any source exceeds 170 dB re: 1μPa @1m which should include continued monitoring by the MMO, this includes:

Where it is possible, the device’s acoustic energy output shall commence from a lower energy start-up (i.e., a peak sound pressure level not exceeding 170 dB re: 1μPa @1m) and thereafter be allowed to gradually build up to the necessary maximum output over a period of 20 minutes.

This controlled build-up of acoustic energy output shall occur in consistent stages to provide a steady and gradual increase over the ramp-up period.

Where the acoustic output measures outlined above are not possible according to the operational parameters of any such equipment, the device shall be switched “on” and “off” in a consistent sequential manner over a period of 20 minutes prior to commencement of the full necessary output.

In all cases where a Ramp-Up Procedure is employed the delay between the end of ramp-up and the necessary full output must be minimised to prevent unnecessary high-level sound introduction into the environment.

Once the Ramp-Up Procedure commences, there is no requirement to halt or discontinue the procedure at night-time, nor if weather or visibility conditions deteriorate nor if marine mammals occur within a 500m radial distance of the sound source, i.e., within the Monitored Zone.




If there is a break in sound output for a period greater than 30 minutes (e.g., due to equipment failure, shut-down, survey line or station change) then all Pre-Start Monitoring and a subsequent Ramp-up Procedure (where appropriate following Pre-Start Monitoring) must be undertaken.

Full reporting on operations and mitigation undertaken will be provided to the Regulatory Authority.

A marine mammal observer report was prepared following the 2014 survey and submitted to NPWS and the Foreshore Unit. One Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) was required on-board for the duration of this survey. Survey operations commenced at 16:10 hrs UTC on 10.09.2014, and were completed at 16:47 hrs UTC on 22.09.2014. Mitigation was applied in respect to use multibeam, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler and sparker equipment. The mitigation area for use of the multibeam, side-scan sonar and sub-bottom profiler, as set out in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) guidelines, encompassed both Ballycotton Bay, and Ballycroneen Bay, and extended 1.5 km seaward to the entrance of both of the bays. However, in the case of this specific survey, the client (EirGrid) requested that the guidelines should be adhered to at all times, whether inside the mitigation area or outside the mitigation area. The mitigation area for use of the sparker, as set out in the NPWS guidelines, encompassed all inshore and offshore Irish waters. On 11.09.2014, one sighting was had. The sighting consisted of one unidentified seal. On 19.09.2014 a second sighting was had, which consisted of four short-beaked common dolphins. As the survey operations were already underway during both of the above mentioned sightings, there was no requirement for mitigation action. A total of four common dolphins were recorded bow riding while the source was on full power. The dolphins were also observed swimming beside the source. The dolphins followed the vessel for nine minutes until the vessel slowed down and the power was switched off. The dolphins then remained close to the vessel for a further six minutes, and two breaches were observed by the MMO, before the dolphins disappeared in variable directions On 22.09.2014 a third sighting was had. The sighting consisted of one grey seal before the pre-watch started. As a result, there was no requirement for mitigation action.




3.2 SUMMARY

Survey areas encompassing Redbarn beach and Claycastle beach are located within Youghal Bay. Ballinwilling Strand is not within an area defined to be a bay, inlet or estuary. Consultation will be undertaken with NPWS as to the requirements for mitigation measures outlined in The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) 2014 ‘Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources in Irish Waters’. It is considered that the mitigation measures will be implemented as per the 2014 geophysical survey and that survey works will not present a risk to marine mammals.

The multibeam echo sounder is outside the audible range to all functional hearing groups, and will therefore not cause injury to marine mammals.

Side scan sonar is audible to both mid-frequency cetaceans and high-frequency cetaceans, although the range of potential injury is limited to approximately 3m. Therefore, considering the directionality of the source it is not thought that mitigation measures will be required.

Bathymetric, side scan sonar and sub-bottom profiling systems use a highly directional, short duration sound source which produces a relatively small acoustic footprint.

According to guidance provided by the JNCC (JNCC, 2010), geophysical surveys using mid-range sub-bottom profilers are unlikely to cause injury or disturbance to cetaceans, as they generate a very short pulse of directed sound which although is within the hearing range of cetaceans, it is unlikely that injury would occur as an animal would need to locate in the very small zone of ensonifcation and stay in that zone for a period of time, which is unlikely.




4 REFERENCES

Beaureau of Intelligence and Research (1970), International Boundary Study Series A Limits in the Seas. Straight Base Lines – Ireland. Available at: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/61978.pdf [Accessed March 2017]

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht (2014), Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources in Irish Waters.

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht (2007), Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources in Irish Waters.

Genesis (2011), Review and assessment of underwater sound produced from oil and gas round activities and potential reporting requirements under the marine strategy framework directive. Genesis, 2011. Doc ref: J71656

Intertek (2014) Unpublished report: Marine mammal observation report during cable route survey at Ballycotton Bay and Ballycroneen Bay East Cork, Ireland, September 2014.

Irish whale and dolphin Group (2013), Atlas of the Distribution and Relative Abundance of Marine Mammals in Irish Offshore Waters: 2005 – 2011

JNCC (2010), JNCC guidelines for minimising the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from seismic surveys. Available at: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/JNCC_Guidelines_Seismic%20Guidelines_Aug%202010.pdf [Accessed April 2014]

National Biodiversity Centre: http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/#/Map/NbdcTerrestrial/Species/134666

QinetiQ (2007), Underwater Noise Study Supporting Scottish Executive Strategic Environmental Assessment for Marine Renewables. Report Ref: QINETIQ/06/02215/2.

Reid, J., Evans, P.G.H. and Northridge, S. (2003). An atlas of cetacean distribution on the northwest European Continental Shelf. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough

Richardson, W.J., Thomson, D.H., Green Jr, C.R. & and Malme, C.I. (1995), Marine mammals and noise. Academic Press, New York.

Southall B. L., Bowles A. E., Ellison W. T., Finneran J. J., Gentry R. L., Greene Jr. C. R., Kastak D., Ketten D. R., Miller J. H., Nachtigall P. E., Richardson W. J., Thomas J. A., and Tyack P. L.. (2007). Marine mammal noise exposure criteria: Initial scientific recommendations. Aquatic Mammals 33, 411-521.

Stone, C.J. (2003), The effects of seismic activity on marine mammals in UK waters, 1998–2000. JNCC Report No.323 . Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Talisman Energy (UK) (2006), Beatrice Windfarm Demonstrator Project. Available at: http://www.beatricewind.co.uk/Uploads/Downloads/BEATRICE_WINDFARM.pdf [Accessed Nov 2013]




Appendix A: Co-ordinates of proposed survey corridor




Geographic co-ordinates of the area under application in degrees minutes and

seconds WGS84 for offshore developments and where the area can also be

identified on the Ordnance Survey map and/or is connected to the

seashore/mainland, specify Ordnance Survey map no and Irish National Grid

co-ordinates

Coordinates for the proposed survey areas (WGS84 UTM Zone 29): Ballinwilling Strand 1,000m wide corridor from landfall to intersection with previous marine survey extent near 12nm limit (500m either side of below coordinates) 51° 51' 57.43"N, 7° 58' 45.75"W 51° 51' 25.40"N, 7° 58' 36.89"W 51° 50' 53.54"N, 7° 58' 27.95"W 51° 50' 21.77"N, 7° 58' 18.94"W 51° 50' 9.60"N, 7° 58' 15.60"W 51° 49' 51.77"N, 7° 58' 1.31"W 51° 49' 33.60"N, 7° 57' 46.80"W 51° 49' 21.72"N, 7° 57' 48.84"W 51° 48' 49.69"N, 7° 57' 54.51"W 51° 48' 32.40"N, 7° 57' 57.60"W 51° 48' 19.22"N, 7° 58' 7.82"W 51° 47' 50.43"N, 7° 58' 30.54"W 51° 47' 21.67"N, 7° 58' 53.02"W 51° 46' 51.60"N, 7° 59' 16.80"W 51° 46' 19.34"N, 7° 59' 16.90"W 51° 46' 4.37"N, 7° 59' 16.98"W 51° 45' 43.81"N, 7° 58' 36.93"W 51° 45' 23.42"N, 7° 57' 57.32"W 51° 45' 14.40"N, 7° 57' 39.60"W 51° 44' 49.21"N, 7° 57' 8.06"W 51° 44' 23.77"N, 7° 56' 36.14"W 51° 43' 57.62"N, 7° 56' 4.55"W 51° 43' 32.94"N, 7° 55' 32.30"W 51° 43' 7.30"N, 7° 55' 0.36"W 51° 42' 41.76"N, 7° 54' 28.97"W 51° 42' 16.35"N, 7° 53' 57.40"W 51° 41' 51.06"N, 7° 53' 24.85"W 51° 41' 25.96"N, 7° 52' 52.79"W 51° 41' 0.03"N, 7° 52' 21.64"W 51° 40' 34.72"N, 7° 51' 49.81"W 51° 40' 9.18"N, 7° 51' 17.22"W 51° 39' 44.24"N, 7° 50' 46.49"W 51° 39' 21.96"N, 7° 50' 18.42"W




Redbarn Beach 1,000m wide corridor from landfall to intersection with new corridor from Claycastle Beach (500m either side of below coordinates) 51° 55' 28.17"N, 7° 52' 19.54"W 51° 55' 11.63"N, 7° 51' 34.76"W 51° 54' 55.06"N, 7° 50' 48.93"W 51° 54' 38.85"N, 7° 50' 3.79"W 51° 54' 21.60"N, 7° 49' 15.60"W Claycastle Beach 1,000m wide corridor from landfall to intersection with previous marine survey extent near 12nm limit (500m either side of below coordinates) 51° 56' 2.77"N, 7° 51' 35.78"W 51° 55' 38.15"N, 7° 51' 1.46"W 51° 55' 13.26"N, 7° 50' 27.79"W 51° 54' 48.78"N, 7° 49' 53.40"W 51° 54' 21.60"N, 7° 49' 15.60"W 51° 53' 50.52"N, 7° 48' 58.42"W 51° 53' 20.33"N, 7° 48' 41.12"W 51° 52' 49.62"N, 7° 48' 24.43"W 51° 52' 18.84"N, 7° 48' 7.53"W 51° 51' 48.15"N, 7° 47' 50.32"W 51° 51' 14.40"N, 7° 47' 31.20"W 51° 50' 44.82"N, 7° 47' 11.13"W 51° 50' 15.15"N, 7° 46' 51.13"W 51° 49' 45.86"N, 7° 46' 30.35"W 51° 49' 16.25"N, 7° 46' 10.18"W 51° 48' 46.41"N, 7° 45' 49.42"W 51° 48' 16.60"N, 7° 45' 28.93"W 51° 47' 34.80"N, 7° 45' 0.00"W 51° 47' 3.85"N, 7° 45' 19.94"W 51° 46' 33.74"N, 7° 45' 39.53"W 51° 46' 4.03"N, 7° 45' 58.47"W 51° 45' 34.16"N, 7° 46' 17.56"W 51° 45' 5.17"N, 7° 46' 36.85"W 51° 44' 35.61"N, 7° 46' 55.69"W 51° 44' 5.81"N, 7° 47' 14.62"W 51° 43' 35.84"N, 7° 47' 33.89"W 51° 43' 6.08"N, 7° 47' 53.64"W 51° 42' 36.44"N, 7° 48' 13.05"W 51° 42' 6.47"N, 7° 48' 31.71"W 51° 41' 37.08"N, 7° 48' 50.79"W 51° 41' 7.57"N, 7° 49' 9.78"W 51° 40' 38.41"N, 7° 49' 29.66"W 51° 40' 8.46"N, 7° 49' 48.47"W 51° 39' 39.29"N. 7° 50' 7.16"W 51° 39' 21.96"N, 7° 50' 18.42"W

Date post:	03-Nov-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	vuongtruc
View:	213 times
Download:	0 times

ATTACHMENT F: MARINE MAMMAL RISK ASSESSMENT · SURVEY WORKS ... carried out by Intertek for...

Documents