Abstract
On behalf of SEAS and Enron, Ødegaard & Danneskiold-Samsøe (ØDS) has performed an investigation of the noise emitted from offshore pile-driving operations which is used for the installation of offshore wind-turbines with "monopile" type foundations. The purpose of the investigation was to measure both the above-water and underwater noise levels emitted form an offshore pile-driving operation.
The measurements were performed at a wind-turbine park under construction in Sweden. The park is located between the Swedish mainland and the island Öland approximately 20 km east of the town Bergkvara. The measurements were performed on the evening of September 18th, 2000 during one (1) pile installation.
The results of the investigation can be used to estimate noise levels that could be expected from a similar construction method for planned offshore wind-turbines. However, it is important to note that underwater noise levels could vary significantly with different seabed conditions, depths, and temperatures. This needs to be considered when estimating underwater noise levels in different conditions.
These results of this analysis are subsequently going to form a base of the evaluation of the effects of noise on the marine animal life and nearest residences on land.