Terms of Reference

Assessment and interpretation of information on underwater noise provided for the marine terminal construction project in Port-Daniel–Gascons, in Chaleur Bay, QC

Regional Science Response Process – Quebec Region

October 2014
Mont-Joli, Quebec

Chairperson: Charley Cyr

Context

In July 2014, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) issued an authorization under the Fisheries Act for a marine terminal construction project in Port-Daniel–Gascons by McInnis Cement Inc. The conditions included in the authorization dictate that whales must be monitored during pile driving operations and that operations must stop if whales are spotted within a determined radius. The authorization also allows for the possibility of changes to the conditions associated with whale monitoring. A request to make changes must nonetheless be accompanied by supporting documentation regarding the level of noise generated by the work, and obtain DFO approval.

On September 10, 2014, the proponent submitted a technical note on measurements of the underwater noise generated by pile driving operations and requested that the monitoring radius be revised as a result.

The Regional Ecosystem Management Branch (REMB) requested advice from the DFO Regional Science Branch (RSB) to validate the results presented and methods used by the proponent to measure the underwater noise associated with pile driving operations in the port construction project in Port-Daniel–Gascons in Chaleur Bay. These measurements are intended to determine the size of the whale monitoring area during the work, where noise levels exceed 120 dB re 1µPa (broadband SPL rms level).

Objectives

More specifically, the REMB would like to know if the methods used and the results submitted can help determine with reasonable certainty:

1. Whether noise can be mitigated in the area (i.e. model of losses by sound transmission);
2. Noise levels at the source during pile driving operations, particularly while rocks are drilled and piles are screwed in, expressed in the relevant metrics to determine potential disturbances to aquatic wildlife;
3. If applicable, the faults and other necessary information to establish the two points above.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science Sector)