Modelling of Underwater Noise for Pacific NorthWest LNG Marine Construction and Shipping Scenarios
December 2014 — British Columbia, Canada
Clients: Stantec, Pacific NorthWest LNG
Underwater noise modelling study o predict the expected noise emissions and zones of potential disturbance to marine fauna from construction and operation of Pacific NorthWest LNG’s proposed terminal near Prince Rupert, B.C. Results include maps of areas ensonified above thresholds recognized by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and above non-regulatory avoidance criteria reported for Northern Resident killer whales. Five locations were modelled for scenarios including LNG carrier berthing with support tugs impact and vibratory pile driving. Pile driving scenarios were modelled with and without a bubble curtain to assess the effectiveness of this mitigation measure.
