SOUND AND MARINE MAMMAL MONITORING PLAN

SOUND AND MARINE MAMMAL MONITORING PLAN

PORT OF SAN FRANCISCO

MISSION BAY FERRY LANDING AND WATER TAXI LANDING PROJECT

January 2019

Prepared for:

Port of San Francisco Pier 1, The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94111

Prepared by:

327 Jersey Street San Francisco, CA 94114

Sound & Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan Port of San Francisco January 2019 MBFL & WTL Project

Table of Contents

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

1.1 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Marine Mammal Regulations .................................................................................................. 1

1.1.2 Endangered Species Act and Essential Fish Habitat Regulations ............................................ 2

1.2 SOUND AND MARINE MAMMAL MONITORING PLAN OBJECTIVES ............................................................... 2

2. PILE INSTALLATION MONITORING ................................................................................................7

2.1 CONSTRUCTION METHODS ................................................................................................................... 8

2.2 MEASUREMENT OF SOUND EXPOSURE LEVELS ......................................................................................... 9

2.2.1 Ambient Sound Monitoring..................................................................................................... 9

2.2.2 Monitoring for Sound Impacts to Marine Mammals During Vibratory Pile Driving ............... 9

2.2.3 Monitoring for Sound Impacts to Marine Mammals During Drilling .................................... 10

2.2.4 Monitoring for Sound Impacts Marine Mammals During Impact Hammer Pile Driving....... 10

2.2.5 Sound Monitoring for Potential Impacts to Fish ................................................................... 11

2.3 VISUAL MONITORING OF MARINE MAMMALS ....................................................................................... 11

3. SMMMP ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................... 13

3.1 QUALIFICATIONS FOR SOUND MEASUREMENT CONTRACTOR .................................................................... 13

3.2 QUALIFICATIONS FOR MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVERS ............................................................................. 13

3.3 BRIEFINGS ........................................................................................................................................ 14

4. FIELD SOUND SAMPLING, VISUAL MONITORING AND DOCUMENTATION ................................... 15

4.1 SOUND MONITORING EQUIPMENT AND FIELD PROCEDURES .................................................................... 15

4.1.1 Quality Control ...................................................................................................................... 15

4.1.2 Procedures for Sound Measurements and Field Documentation ........................................ 16

4.2 MARINE MAMMAL MONITORING EQUIPMENT AND FIELD PROCEDURES .................................................... 17

4.2.1 Procedures for Visual Monitoring and Field Documentation ............................................... 17

4.2.2 Daily Reporting Logs .............................................................................................................. 19

5. FINAL REPORTING ..................................................................................................................... 20

6. REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 21

List of Tables

TABLE 1-1 ESTIMATED PILE-DRIVING NOISE LEVELS AND DISTANCES OF LEVEL A THRESHOLD ISOPLETHS WITH VIBRATORY

AND IMPACT DRIVER .................................................................................................................................. 4

TABLE 1-2 ESTIMATED PILE DRIVING NOISE LEVELS AND DISTANCES OF LEVEL B THRESHOLD ISOPLETHS WITH IMPACT AND

VIBRATORY DRIVE ...................................................................................................................................... 5

TABLE 1-3 NMFS IHA SHUTDOWN ZONES ............................................................................................................ 6

TABLE 2-1 SUMMARY OF PILE INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................... 7

TABLE 4-1 PINNIPEDS RESPONSE TO DISTURBANCE ............................................................................................... 18

FIGURES ..............................................................................................................................................

APPENDIX A – EXAMPLE DAILY BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES RECORDING LOGS FOR FIELD OBSERVATIONS

Sound & Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan 1 Port of San Francisco January 2019 MBFL & WTL Project

1. INTRODUCTION

The Port of San Francisco (Port) has proposed to construct the Mission Bay Ferry Landing (MBFL) and

Water Taxi Landing (WTL) on San Francisco Bay [Project], within the Port’s Southern Waterfront in the

Mission Bay/Central Waterfront area (see Figure 1). The single-float, two-berth MBFL will provide

critical regional ferry service to and from the Mission Bay neighborhood and enhance existing maritime

activity along the working waterfront (see Figure 2). The separate single float, two-berth WTL will

provide local water taxi access to the Mission Bay area and surrounding neighborhoods. The Port has

either obtained or is in the process of obtaining several natural resource permits to authorize the

construction of MBFL and WTL. These permits or authorizations trigger monitoring requirements to

protect marine biological resources and include:

Section 404 Clean Water Act and Section 10 Rivers and Harbors Act individual permit from the

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

o Biological Opinion from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Federal

Endangered Species Act (ESA), which includes review of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) under

Section 305(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act;

Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) from NMFS pursuant to Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the

Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972. The IHA was issued October 16, 2018; and

Incidental Take Permit (ITP) from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)

pursuant to the California Endangered Species Act.

This Sound and Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan (SMMMP or Plan) consolidates applicable regulatory

requirements associated with sound and marine mammal monitoring.

1.1 Regulatory Requirements

1.1.1 Marine Mammal Regulations

The MMPA prohibits the intentional harassment of marine mammals. NMFS defines harassment

as “any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which has the potential to injure a marine

mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (Level A harassment) or has the potential to

disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption to

behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding,

feeding, or sheltering (Level B harassment). Established thresholds for behavioral harassment of

marine mammals (Level B harassment) at 160 dB root mean square (RMS) for pulsed sounds,

such as are produced by impact pile driving, and at 120 dB rms for continuous sounds, such as

are produced by vibratory pile driving. Table 1-1 and Table 1-2 as well as Figures 3-8 provide the

sound thresholds and estimated distances related to marine mammal injury and disturbances

from vibratory and impact pile driving as per the IHA issued by the NMFS for this project. Based

on regional data, ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project will often exceed 120

decibels (dB) (Caltrans 2015), and thus the actual area of Level B harassment is likely much


smaller than the estimated zones presented in Table 1-2 Estimated Pile Driving Noise Levels and

Distances of Level B Threshold Isopleths with Impact and Vibratory Drive.

To comply with the MMPA, the Port submitted an application and was issued an IHA to

authorize the potential Level B harassment to the following marine mammal species in San

Francisco Bay and associated with the project: harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii), California

sea lion (Zalophus californius), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), elephant seal (Mirounga

angustirostris), northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates)

and gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). Pile driving activities are not anticipated to result in Level

A harassment; lethal take or injury of marine mammals. The IHA included shutdown zones which

are provide in Table 1-3.

1.1.2 Endangered Species Act and Essential Fish Habitat Regulations

As referenced above, the Port prepared a Biological Assessment (BA) to complete formal

consultation with the NMFS under Section 7 of the ESA, and to address EFH under the

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MCMA) for the project. The BA

addressed potential impacts to federally listed fish species and EFH from pile driving. In

addition, an Incidental Take Permit Application was completed for CDFW in compliance with the

California ESA.

The Fisheries Hydroacoustic Working Group (FHWG), whose members include NMFS’ Southwest

and Northwest, California, Washington, and Oregon Departments of Transportation, CDFW, and

the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, issued an agreement to establish threshold criteria to

determine the effects of high-intensity sound on fish. While these criteria are not formal

regulatory standards, they are generally accepted as viable criteria for underwater noise effects

on fish. These criteria were established after extensive review of the most recent analysis of the

effects of underwater noise on fish. The agreed-upon threshold criteria for impulse-type noise

to harm fish have been set at 206 dB peak, 187 dB accumulated SEL for fish over 2 grams, and

183 dB for fish less than 2 grams (CalTrans, 2015). The conservation measures identified in the

Section 7 Biological Opinion issued by NMFS and conditions identified within the ITP issued by

CDFW will be addressed within this SMMMP.

1.2 Sound and Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan Objectives

The objectives of this plan are to:

A. Conduct field operations to obtain data as follows:

1) Using sound meters (hydrophones), measure baseline of ambient noise in the vicinity of

pile driving locations;

2) Measure sound levels during pile driving activities;

(a) Establish field locations that will be used to document the extent of the area

experiencing 183 and 187 decibels (dB) sound exposure levels (SEL) accumulated to

assess potential impacts to fish; and


(b) Verify the SEL and RMS values used to establish the area of the Marine Mammal

Level A Exclusion Zones and Level B Harassment Zone thresholds.

B. Establish parameters to monitor site locations for the potential disturbance of marine

mammals during pile driving activities. Avoid injury to marine mammals through visual

monitoring of identified zones of influence and cease pile driving activities if any marine

mammals enter the shutdown zones.

These objectives will be accomplished in accordance with the NMFS IHA, NMFS Biological Opinion,

CDFW ITP and pertinent permit conditions for the Project.


Table 1-1 Estimated Pile-Driving Noise Levels and Distances of Level A Threshold Isopleths with Vibratory and Impact Driver

Pile Diameter &

Type

Installation

Method

Source Levels

At 10 meters

(dB)

Distance to Level A Thresholds (vibratory/impact) in meters

Phocids

(harbor seals)

201dB/185 dB

Otariids

(sea lions, fur seals)

219dB/203 dB

Low- Frequency

Cetaceans

(gray, humpback

whales)

199dB/183 dB

Mid- Frequency

Cetaceans

(bottlenose dolphin)

198 dB/185 dB

High- Frequency

Cetaceans

(harbor porpoise)

173 dB/155 dB PEAK cSEL

12-inch steel Vibratory 171 155 0.9 0.1 1.5 0.1 2.2

14-inch steel H pile 1 Vibratory 165 158 1.3 0.1 2.1 0.2 3.0

30- inch steel Caisson 1

Vibratory 180 170 6.6 0.5 10.8 1.0 16.0

36-inch Steel Impact 2, 3

186 176 129.8 9.5 242.6 8.6 288.9

16-inch Steel Impact 2,3

177 151 3.9 0.3 7.3 0.3 8.8

20-inch Concrete Impact 2,3

172 160 24.8 1.8 46.4 1.7 55.3

Notes: Source levels taken from Caltrans, 2015; Level A thresholds are based on the NMFS 2016 Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing; cSEL threshold distances are shown.

1. For the MFBL pier and WTL platform for each concrete pile installed Four 14 inch steel H beams will be driven with Vibratory driver 600 sec/pile to support 30 inch steel caisson sleeve driven with vibratory (900 sec/pile) to refusal, drill out hole removing soils, place and position concrete pile, grout pile in place while simultaneously pulling the caisson.

2. A 7-dB reduction was assumed for impact driving due to the use of bubble curtains and highest production rate of piles per day

3. Piles that may require multiple phases of installation (utilizing both vibratory and impact hammer) are shown within the context of their greatest potential for impact. For 36-inch steel piles, the maximum isopleth distance during installation will occur during impact hammer usage, so the disturbance area for impact installation was shown in Tables 1-1 and 1-2. This same conservative approach was used to calculate take for each pile type. Full impact areas for all phases of pile installation are provided within Appendix A – Sound Level Calculations.


Table 1-2 Estimated Pile Driving Noise Levels and Distances of Level B Threshold Isopleths with Impact and Vibratory Drive

Pile Diameter Pile Type # Piles

Source Levels

at 10 meters (dB)

Distance to Level B Threshold

in meters

PEAK cSEL 160 dB 120 dB

12-inch Steel Vibratory 12 171 155 4.6 2,154.4

14-inch Steel H pile1 Vibratory 4 165 158 7.4 3,414.5

30- inch Steel Caisson1 Vibratory 1

180 170 46.4 21,544

36-inch Steel Impact2 8 194 173 541.2 NA

3

16-inch Steel Impact2 2 198 151 135.9 NA

3

20-inch Concrete Impact2 4 178 160 63.1 NA

3

Notes:

Source levels taken from Caltrans, 2015.

1. For the MFBL pier and WTL platform for each concrete pile installed Four 14 inch steel H beams will be driven with Vibratory driver 600 sec/pile to support 30 inch steel caisson sleeve driven with vibratory (900 sec/pile) to refusal, drill out hole removing soils, place and position concrete pile, grout pile in place while simultaneously pulling the caisson

2. A 7dB reduction was assumed for impact driving due to the use of bubble curtains and highest production rate of piles per day.

3. Behavioral disruption for impulsive noise (e.g., impact pile driving) is set at 160 dB for impact hammer (http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected_species/marine_mammals/threshold_guidance.html)


Table 1-3 NMFS IHA Shutdown Zones

Activity Source

Shutdown Zones (meters)

Phocids

(harbor seals)

201dB/185 dB

Otariids

(sea lions,

fur seals)

219dB/203 dB

Low- Frequency

Cetaceans

(gray, humpback

whales)

199dB/183 dB

Mid- Frequency

Cetaceans

(bottlenose dolphin)

198 dB/185 dB

High- Frequency

Cetaceans

(harbor porpoise)

173 dB/155 dB

In-water Heavy

Construction 10 10 10 10 10

Vibratory Pile Driving

Removal of Debris Piles 10 10 10 10 10

Installation of 14-inch

Steel H Piles 10 10 10 10 10


Steel H Piles 10 10 10 10 10


Steel piles 10 10 25 10 25


Steel piles 25 10 50 10 75

Impact Pile Driving

16-inch Steel Piles 10 10 10 10 10

20-inch Steel Piles 30 10 75 10 75

36-inch Steel Piles 150 25 300 25 300

Drilling

24-inch Concrete Pile 20 10 75 10 50


2. PILE INSTALLATION MONITORING

Project related pile driving activities will consist of piles being installed using a vibratory hammer where

feasible or an impact hammer. All pile driving will be performed in compliance with the “U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers Proposed Procedures for Permitting Projects that will Not Adversely Affect Selected

Listed Species in California” and the associated NMFS Section 7 Consultation, and CDFW ITP associated

with these procedures. Table 2-1 Summary of Pile Installation provides the proposed maximum number

and type of piles to be driven at each location, production rate and projected days to install.

Table 2-1 Summary of Pile Installation

Locations

Project

Element

Pile

Diameter Pile Type

#

Piles Method

# Pile

/day

# Construction

Days

Debris Removal 12-inch Steel 12

If necessary, a vibratory hammer will be used to remove up to 12 piles 60-120 seconds/pile while pulling the pile up to loosen it from the sediment.

12 1

MBFL

Pier

14-inch H-pile Steel

4 Four 14-inch steel H beams will be driven with Vibratory Driver 600 seconds/pile to support 30-inch steel caisson sleeve driven with Vibratory Driver (900 sec/pile) to refusal, drill out hole removing soils, place and position concrete pile, grout pile in place while simultaneously pulling the caisson.

4

10 30-inch

Steel Caisson

1 1

24-inch Octagonal Concrete

10 1

Float Guide Piles

36-inch Steel 6

Vibratory Driver 1200 sec/pile then Impact Hammer last 15 ft (150 strikes/pile ~ 20 minutes); bubble curtain will be used during impact duration

4

2

Donut Fender Piles

36-inch Steel 2


4

WTL

Platform 16-inch Steel 2


2 1

Guide Piles

20-inch Square Concrete

4 Impact Hammer 500 strikes/pile (max 20 minutes); if necessary bubble curtain will be used during impact duration

4 1


2.1 Construction Methods

The 24-inch concrete piles used for in-water construction of the pier structure for the MBFL will

involve installation of a steel caisson sleeve followed by drilling of the rock socket. Four 14-inch

steel H piles will be driven with a vibratory driver to provide support for a 30-inch steel caisson

sleeve. The steel sleeve will also be installed using a vibratory driver until refusal. Once the caisson

is in place sediment/soil/rock will be drilled out using a Bauer BG18 drill or similar. All drilled

sediment/soil/rock will be collected for disposal and transported to an appropriate permitted

facility. The concrete piles are then inserted after the hole has been drilled. The 24-inch concrete

piles will then be placed/seated in bedrock for grouting, following which the outer caisson and four

H-piles will be pulled. Pile installation whether utilizing vibratory, drilling, or impact methodology

will only occur within daylight hours.

The 36-inch steel piles will be installed with a combination of vibratory driver and/or impact

hammer.

The 20-inch concrete piles for the MBFL guide piles and donut fenders and 16-inch steel piles for the

WTL platform will be installed with a combination of vibratory driver and/or impact hammer. All

other concrete piles will be installed with an impact hammer.

A “ramp up” process will be implemented for all pile driving activities to reduce exposure of

biological resources to elevated sounds. The ramp-up process includes various types of slow-start

pile driving techniques to alert any fish or marine mammals close to the activity and allow them

time to move away from impending construction. The following ramp-up and sound minimizing

procedures will be used for in-water pile installation:

A. A ramp-up technique (see B and C below) will be used at the beginning of each day’s pile

driving activities or when pile driving has ceased for more than 30 minutes.

B. For vibratory pile driving, contractors will initiate sound from vibratory hammers for 15 to

30 seconds at reduced energy followed by a 30 second waiting period. This procedure will

be repeated two additional times before full energy may be achieved for each pile driven.

C. For impact pile driving, contractors will conduct soft starts followed by a 30 second waiting

period then two subsequent sets.

D. Only one impact pile driver may be operated at a time. Impact pile driving may only occur in

daylight hours.

E. Sound attenuation methods will be implemented for the duration of impact driving to install

36-inch and 16-inch steel and 20-inch concrete piles (i.e., cushion block, bubble curtain,

sleeve, etc.). The contractor shall implement the following bubble curtain performance

standards:

1. The bubble curtain must distribute air bubbles around 100 percent of the piling

perimeter for the full depth of the water column.


2. The lowest bubble ring shall be in contact with the mudline for the full circumference of

the ring, and the weights attached to the bottom ring shall ensure 100 percent mudline

contact. No parts of the ring or other objects shall prevent full mudline contact.

3. The contractor will ensure that equipment operators are trained in the proper balancing

of air flow to the bubblers. The contractor will submit an inspection/performance

report for review and approval by the Port within 72 hours following the performance

test. Corrections to the attenuation device to meet the performance standards shall

occur prior to impact driving.

2.2 Measurement of Sound Exposure Levels

Sound monitoring data are needed to determine sound exposure levels (SEL) within the construction

area and to verify estimated distances to the sound thresholds presented in Tables 1-1 and 1-2 and

shutdown zones specified by NMFS in Table 1-3. The hydroacoustic data will report the median

sound levels for peak sound pressure level (SPL), root mean square (RMS) SPL, single strike sound

exposure level (SEL) and the acummulative SEL. In addition, representative power spectra density

in 1-Hz band will also be reported as well as the median (or averaged) integration time used to

compute the 90 percent energy window for RMS SPL.

2.2.1 Baseline and Ambient Sound Monitoring

Baseline sound monitoring in the absence of pile driving activities will be conducted

continuously for twelve (12) hours during the same time pile driving will occur (6am – 6pm) to

determine ambient underwater noise levels within Central Basin. The hydrophone meters will

be placed at approximately mid water column depth but at least 1 m (3 ft) above the sediment

surface if in shallow water and placed at the project site and approximately 2,000 m (6,500 ft)

bayward from the project site.

Ambient sound levels will also be measured continuously at least 5 minutes before pile driving is

initiated. By collecting ambient measurements before pile-driving events, effects of the

changing environmental conditions on the results can be assessed. Sound data will be used to

calculate an average RMS value representative of the ambient conditions in the pile driving

location in the absence of the pile driving activities. RMS SPL contains 90 percent of total sound

energy and report time required to compute 90 percent of energy window

2.2.2 Monitoring for Sound Impacts to Marine Mammals During Vibratory Pile Driving

As shown in Tables 1-1 and 1-2 above, estimated distances to various sound thresholds were

calculated to establish zones of influence (ZOIs) for marine mammals which NMFS utilized to

issue shutdown zones as shown in Table 1-3. These ZOIs are intended to include all areas where

criteria are anticipated to be exceeded. Sound monitoring will be conducted during installation

for the first two piles for each size and type category in order to determine if the anticipated

SELs and associated estimated ZOI distances from piles differ from the actual measurements.

Two hydrophone systems are proposed to record the sound levels at two locations and

determine the extent that sound levels decrease spatially. The hydrophone will be placed at


approximately mid water column depth but at least 1 m (3 ft) above the sediment surface if in

shallow water. One hydrophone will be located 10 meters (33 feet) from the pile being driven

and the second hydrophone will be located 75 meters (492 feet) from the pile being driven with

a clear line of sight between the pile and the hydrophones. The second hydrophone will be used

to determine if the cumulative SEL is in compliance with the thresholds. The second hydrophone

may be moved either further out or closer in depending on the levels measured.

Once ZOIs have been established for vibratory pile driving for each category of pile, the

remainder of pile driving will utilize the established distances for visual monitoring of marine

mammals. Only visual observations as detailed in Section 2.3 will be conducted on a daily basis

during the remainder of vibratory pile driving.

2.2.3 Monitoring for Sound Impacts to Marine Mammals During Drilling

Although noise impacts related to drilling resulted in calculated distances to cumulative and

behavioral thresholds of less than 10 meters, NMFS asked that the Project consider conducting

sound monitoring during drilling operations to install the 24-inch concrete piles. Sound

monitoring will be conducted during drilling for the installation of the first two 24-inch concrete

piles in order to determine if the thresholds for each marine mammal species (Table 1-3) and

associated ZOI/shutdown distances from piles differ from the actual measurements.

Two hydrophone systems are proposed to record the sound levels at two locations and

determine the extent that sound levels decrease spatially. The hydrophones will be placed at

approximately mid water column depth but at least 1 m (3 ft) above the sediment surface if in

shallow water. One hydrophone will be located 10 meters (33 feet) from the drilling location for

the installation of the pile and the second hydrophone will be located 75 meters (492 feet) from

the drilling location with a clear line of sight between the pile and the hydrophones. The second

hydrophone will be used to determine if the cumulative SEL is in compliance with the

thresholds. The second hydrophone may be moved either further out or closer in depending on

the levels measured.

Once ZOIs have been established for drilling to install the 24-inch concrete pile, the remainder

of pile driving will utilize the established distances for visual monitoring of marine mammals.

Only visual observations as detailed in Section 2.3 will be conducted on a daily basis during the

remainder of drilling operations.

2.2.4 Monitoring for Sound Impacts Marine Mammals During Impact Hammer Pile Driving

As shown in Table 1-1 and 1-2, estimated distances to various sound thresholds were calculated

to establish ZOIs for marine mammals which NMFS utilized to issue shutdown zones as shown in

Table 1-3. These ZOIs are intended to include all areas where criteria are anticipated to be

exceeded. Monitoring will be conducted during installation for the first two piles for each size

and type category in order to measure the efficacy of the sound attenuation system when

implemented and to determine if the anticipated SELs and associated ZOI distances from piles

differ from the actual measurements.


Once pile driving begins, sound measurements will be recorded at the 10 m (33 ft) and 150 m

(492 feet). The meters will be placed at approximately mid water column depth but at least 1 m

(3 ft) above the bottom if in shallow water. The second hydrophone may be moved either

further out or closer in depending on the levels measured. The safety zones for marine

mammals will then be enlarged or reduced, depending on the actual recorded SELs. Sound levels

will be measured during the entire driving session at these distances for the first two piles

within each category type driven.

Once the ZOIs have been established for impact pile driving for each category of pile, the

remainder of pile driving will utilize the established distances for visual monitoring of marine

mammals. Only visual observations as detailed in Section 2.3 will be conducted on a daily basis

during the remainder of impact pile driving.

2.2.5 Sound Monitoring for Potential Impacts to Fish

Sound monitoring will include underwater sound measurements within and at the threshold

boundary at which lethal sound impacts are anticipated. As previously stated, the FHWG

established sound threshold of 183 dB SEL for potential impact to fish < 2 grams and 187 dB SEL

for fish > 2 grams. The marine mammal monitoring ZOI is significantly less than thresholds set

for fish. The sound monitoring to establish ZOIs for marine mammal monitoring will subsume

the calculated injury zones related to fish. Sound measurements the first two days will verify

whether impact thresholds for fish are in compliance. Therefore, no additional sound

monitoring of impact pile driving will be conducted for fish thresholds as the marine mammal

thresholds are lower and more protective.

If any dead or moribund fish are observed during pile driving, they will be collected and

identified. NMFS will be notified immediately and pile driving operations will be halted for the

remainder of the day. Sound monitoring measurements will be initiated the following day when

pile driving is initiated within and at the threshold boundary of where lethal sound impacts are

anticipated. Appendix A provides examples of daily biological resources recording logs for field

observations.

2.3 Visual Monitoring of Marine Mammals

Monitoring of the pinniped and cetacean disturbance zones will be conducted by a qualified NMFS-

approved marine mammal observer (MMO). Two MMOs will be required to monitor the safety

zones around each pile-driving site for the first five days of pile driving activities; afterward at least

one MMO will be present for the remainder of pile driving activities. MMOs will begin monitoring at

least 30 minutes prior to initiation of the pile-driving activities. MMOs will conduct monitoring from

small boats, existing shoreline or construction barges. To the extent practicable and feasible, MMOs

will be in a location where either the entire applicable ZOI or a majority of the ZOI is visible.

For the areas where the Level B threshold could be exceeded (Table 1-2) behavioral observations of

marine mammals and take for each species will be recorded. Work must be halted if a species enters

or approaches the Level B zone and that species is either not authorized for take or its take has been

met. MMOs will survey each shutdown zone to ensure that no marine mammals are seen within the


zone before pile-driving of a pile segment begins. If marine mammals are observed within the

shutdown zone, pile-driving of the segment will be delayed up to 15 minutes to allow the mammals

to move out of the area. If a marine mammal is seen above water and then dives below, the

contractor will wait 15 minutes and if no marine mammals are observed in that time it will be

assumed that the animal has moved beyond the shutdown zone.

Monitoring will continue through pile-driving and end approximately 30 minutes after pile-driving

has been completed. Observations will be made using binoculars and the naked eye during daylight

hours. MMOs will have night-time infrared scopes or other tools to conduct monitoring during low-

light conditions. Each member of the monitoring team will have a marine radio or cell phone to

contact other observers and work crews. A range finder will be used by the MMO to determine the

observation location and distance to marine mammals, boats, and construction equipment.

Data on all observations will be recorded as detailed in Section 3.0 and will include to the extent

available, information regarding species, numbers, sex and age class, behavior, time of observation,

relative locations of animals to the monitor, and the pile being driven, time that the pile driving

begins and ends, any mitigations implemented and other acoustic or visual disturbances. The

reactions of marine mammals will be recorded on a field log based on the following classifications:

1) no response, 2) head alert (looks towards the source of disturbance), 3) approach water (but does

not leave), and 4) flush (leaves a haul-out site). The number of marine mammals under each

disturbance reaction will be recorded, as well at the time when seals re-haul after a flush. Appendix

A provides examples of daily biological resources recording logs for field observations.


3. SMMMP ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Successful execution of this SMMMP will involve close coordination among the Port project team, the

construction contractor Field Superintendent and field personnel, the sound monitoring equipment

operator and marine mammal observers (MMOs). Appropriately trained field inspectors and MMOs

will be retained and will be responsible for the timely review and reporting of monitoring data to the

Port Environmental Compliance Monitor and pertinent regulatory agency staff.

3.1 Qualifications for Sound Measurement Contractor

Any personnel conducting sound monitoring must have an appropriate bachelor’s degree (e.g.

engineering, environmental or marine sciences degree) and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in

aquatic sound monitoring, data compilation and analysis (experience in the San Francisco Bay is

preferred).

3.2 Qualifications for Marine Mammal Observers

In order to be considered qualified to record observations of marine mammals, MMO’s must meet

the following criteria:

A. Experience or training in field identification of marine mammals, including the identification

of behaviors.

B. Experience and ability to conduct field observations and collect data according to assigned

field protocols (this may include academic experience).

C. Sufficient training, orientation, or experience with construction operations to provide for

personal safety during field observations.

D. Visual acuity in both eyes (correction is permissible) sufficient for discernment of moving

targets at the water’s surface with ability to estimate target size and distance. Use of

binoculars may be necessary to correctly identify the target.

E. Field documentation and reporting skills of observations including but not limited to the

number and species of marine mammals observed: dates and times when in water

construction activities were documented dates and times when in water construction

activities were suspended to avoid potential incidental injury from construction sound of

marine mammals observed within a defined shutdown zone and marine mammal behavior.

F. Ability to communicate orally, by radio and/or in person with project personnel to provide

real-time information on marine mammals observed in the area as necessary.

G. Other observers may substitute education (undergraduate degree in biological science or

related field) or training for experience.

H. At least one observer must have prior experience working as an observer.

I. Independent observers (not construction personnel) are required.


J. When two observers are required, one observer will be designated as lead observer or

monitoring coordinator. The lead observer must have prior experience working as an

observer.

K. Submission and approval of observer CVs by NMFS.

All MMOs must meet at least once for a training session sponsored by the Port to discuss

implementation of the protocols, identification of marine mammals and SMMMP reporting

requirements. All monitoring personnel will be provided a copy of this plan and the IHA, BO, and ITP.

Monitoring personnel must read and understand the contents of this plan and the conditions within

the IHA, BO, and ITP as they relate to coordination, communication, and identification and reporting

incidental harassment of marine mammals.

3.3 Briefings

Prior to the start of any pile-driving activity, a daily field briefing will be held between the

construction field superintendent and crews, the MMOs, the acoustical monitor, and Port staff. The

purpose of the briefing will be to establish responsibilities of each party, define the chains of

command, discuss communication procedures, provide an overview of sound and marine mammal

monitoring purposes, and review operational procedures. The Port Resident Engineer will have the

authority to stop or delay any construction activity, if deemed necessary by the MMOs. New

personnel will be briefed before they join the work in progress.


4. FIELD SOUND SAMPLING, VISUAL MONITORING AND DOCUMENTATION

This section summarizes the field equipment needed and procedures to be followed for collecting and

documenting sound data, visual monitoring, and reporting. The Port Environmental Compliance Monitor

will be responsible for ensuring that field procedures are implemented and documentation complete.

4.1 Sound Monitoring Equipment and Field Procedures

As recommended by CalTrans (2018, 2015, and 2009) and the FHWG, measurements are anticipated

to be made using hydrophones that have a flat frequency response and are omni-directional over a

frequency range of 25 to 20,000 Hz. For example, CalTrans (2009) suggests Reson Model TC-4013 or

Model TC-4033 hydrophones with PCB in-line charge amplifiers (Model 422E13) and PCB Multi-Gain

Signal Conditioners (Model 480M122) or equivalent systems be used to adjust the received signals

to appropriately measure and record the large range of sound pressures that pile driving could

generate. The selected consultant will provide information related to the sensors to be used for

sound measurements including hydrophone frequency response, sensitivity, and data sampling

rates. For ambient sound monitoring, a hydrophone with high sensitivity not lower than -170 dB re

1V/microPa will be required.For pile driving source measurements, the sensitivity will be much

lower.

The signals are anticipated to be fed into Integrating Sound Level Meters (SLM) which will measure

peak pressure and SEL. Quality recordings using a digital audio recorder (either solid state or tape)

would be made at times during attended measurements. As recommended by CalTrans (2018 and

2009), the SLM is expected to have the ability to measure the un-weighted peak sound pressure

levels over relative short periods and is expected to be used to approximate the un-weighted SEL of

each pile strike by measuring the one-second equivalent sound energy level (Leq [1-sec]) using the

C-weighting network setting or equivalent. All measurement equipment will be required to have a

frequency response of +1dB from 10 Hz to 20,000 Hz over the anticipated measurement range and

hydrophones of different sensitivities may be required depending on the acoustic environment.

Peak SPL is the highest instantaneous level of the measured waveform for every one of the time

increments. RMS SPL for each will be computed by averaging the squared pressures over the

amount of time required to achieve 90 percent of the total sound energy.

Alternative equipment or measurement procedures may be proposed by the contractor retained to

perform the sound monitoring. In this case descriptions and specifications of such

equipment/measurement procedures would be provided to NMFS and CDFW for approval prior to

implementation.

4.1.1 Quality Control

Calibration of the sound measurement systems would be established prior to use in the field.

Calibration would be performed using the following techniques described by CalTrans (2018 and

2009) or by alternative techniques that provide the same level of data at the same level of

accuracy as proposed by the contractor performing the sound monitoring:


1. Use an acoustically certified piston phone and hydrophone coupler that fits the hydrophone

to directly calibrate the measurement system. In this case, the volume correction of the

hydrophone coupler using the hydrophone is known so that the piston phone produces a

known signal that can be compared against the measurement system response. The

response of the measurement system is noted in the field book and applied to all

measurements.

2. Use the procedure described in 1 above to calibrate a “reference” hydrophone. The

reference hydrophone is then replaced with the field hydrophone used to make actual

measurements. Both the field and reference hydrophones would be required to have

manufacturer calibration certifications that would include the hydrophone sensitivities. The

sensitivity of the field hydrophone would be compared with the sensitivity of the

“reference” hydrophone. The difference between the two hydrophones is the offset that

would be applied to the measurements made using the “field” hydrophone. With this

method, the response of the reference system to the calibration tone is noted in the field

book along with the calculated “offset.” The calibration is applied to all measurements made

using the “field” hydrophone. This procedure is useful for different model hydrophones that

do not fit the piston phone coupler. These types of hydrophones are typically more rugged,

and therefore, may be preferable in construction environments.

The SLMs will be calibrated to the calibration tone prior to use in the field. The tone is then

measured by the SLM and is recorded on to the beginning of the digital audio recordings that

will be used. The system calibration status would be checked by measuring the calibration tone

and recording the tones. The recorded calibration tones are used for subsequent detailed

analyses of recorded pile strike sounds.

In addition, the selected consultant will ensure that recorded acoustic data are not

contaminated by flow noise or other system noise and will provide information detailing quality

control methods to reduce flow noise.

4.1.2 Procedures for Sound Measurements and Field Documentation

Field notes will be recorded during all measurements in a water-resistant field notebook and are

expected to include equipment calibration notes, measurement positions, pile-driving

information, system gain setting, and equipment used to make each measurement. Daily sound

measurement information and sound monitoring logs shall include but not be limited to the

following information:

Size and type of piles

The hammer energy rating used to drive the piles, make and model of the hammer

A description of the sound monitoring equipment

The distance between hydrophone(s) and pile

The depth of the hydrophone(s) and depth of water at hydrophone locations

The distance from the pile to the water’s edge


The depth of water in which the pile was driven

The depth into the substrate that the pile was driven

The physical characteristics of the bottom substrate into which the piles were driven

The total number of strikes to drive each pile and for all piles driven during a 24-hour

period

The results of the hydroacoustic monitoring, ranges and means including standard

deviation/error for peak and RMS SPL’s, single-strike and cumulative SEL, an estimation of the

number of strikes that exceeded the cumulative SEL threshold and an estimation of the distance

at which the peak and cumulative SEL values reach the respective thresholds and the distance at

which the RMS values reach the relevant fish and marine mammal thresholds and ambient

sound levels. Vibratory monitoring results will include the maximum and overall average RMS

calculated from 30-second RMS values during the drive of the pile. Values for max/avg RMS

values for vibratory and peak/avg RMS values for impact will be reported for full-power driving

only and comparative values from soft starts will also be identified in the reports. If vibratory

hammer contact time is determined to be less than 30 seconds, average 10-second RMS values

will be used in reporting sound levels.

After completion of all pile driving for the project, a Sound Monitoring Report will be prepared

and submitted to the Port. The results will be summarized in graphical form and include

summary statistics and time histories of impact sound values for each pile. The Report will

include a summary of all data collected during monitoring activities and provide the daily field

logs as an attachment.

4.2 Marine Mammal Monitoring Equipment and Field Procedures

The following equipment will be used by the MMOs:

Global positioning system (DGPS) for determining pile location

A rangefinder capable of achieving an accuracy of ± 5 feet at a range of 100 feet

Binoculars

Radio or cell phone

Daily Field Logs

The MMOs will set up communications and logistics protocols with the sound monitors and

construction Superintendent and pile driving crews for each pile driving activity, to ensure that the

ZOIs are clearly defined to all parties, and the shutdown notification protocols are well understood.

4.2.1 Procedures for Visual Monitoring and Field Documentation

Sound monitors and MMOs will document field activities in bound logbooks and on project field

forms. The field logbook is intended to provide sufficient data and observations to enable

readers to reconstruct events that occurred during the monitoring project. The field forms are


intended to provide an efficient means of recording detailed information specific to making

observations.

MMOs will document when Level B Harassment has occurred; all marine mammals will be

observed for Level B harassment Disturbance for pinnipeds is defined according to a 3-point

scale indication severity of behavioral reaction as shown in Table 4-1. The time, source, and

duration of the disturbance, and an estimated distance between the source and haul-out should

be documented. Only responses falling into Levels 2 and 3 would be considered as harassment

under the MMPA under the terms of the IHA.

Table 4-1 Pinnipeds Response to Disturbance

Level Type of

Response Definition

1 Alert

Head orientation in response to disturbance. This may include turning head

towards the disturbance, craning head and neck while holding the body rigid in

a u-shaped position, or changing from a lying to a sitting position. May include

slight movement of less than 1 meter.

2 Movement Movements in response to or away from disturbance, typically over short

distances 1-3 meter

3 Flight All flushes to the water as well as lengthier retreats (> 3 meters)

Source: from Federal Register Vol77. No. 106 pg 32588 June 1, 2012

Note: This scale is for monitoring of pinniped disturbance from airborne sound/visual stimuli at haul-outs

MMO tasks associated with monitoring and reporting requirements are summarized below:

Monitor any marine mammal activity in the vicinity of the pile driving activity.

Establish ZOI distances from pile to be driven.

Monitor shutdown ZOI 30 minutes before pile driving is initiated to ensure marine mammals

are not present.

Observe ZOIs for complete duration of pile drive.

If a marine mammal is within the shutdown zone, pile driving will not be initiated until the

marine mammal leaves the shutdown zone of their own volition or until 15 minutes elapse

without re-sighting the animal.

If a marine mammal is seen approaching or entering the shutdown zone during pile driving

operations must be discontinued until the animal has moved outside the shutdown zone or

until 15 minutes has elapse without re-sighting the animal.


If a marine mammal is observed within the disturbance zone, a take will be recorded and

behaviors documented. (Pile driving may continue if marine mammal is observed within the

disturbance zone).

If marine mammal is observed within the shutdown zone all pile driving must cease until the

animal has moved outside the shutdown zone or until 15 minutes has elapse without re-

sighting the animal.

If poor weather conditions affect visibility such that the radius of the shutdown zone (not

including under pier area) is obscured, pile driving cannot be initiated until the shutdown

zone is visible. Work that has been initiated in conditions of good visibility may continue

during poor visibility. As long as shutdown zone is visible, work may continue.

4.2.2 Daily Reporting Logs

Information will be recorded and submitted to the Port’s Environmental Compliance Monitor on

a daily basis by the sound monitor and/or the MMOs when pertinent. Field logs will provide the

following information:

Date and location

Identify contractor(s)

Environmental conditions (e.g. tide, wind speed, wind direction, visibility, temperature)

Pile type and size

Type of driving

Attenuation device

Duration of drive – time that pile driving begins and ends

Sound data

Distances to thresholds

Count of all marine mammals observed by species, sex, and age class

Marine mammal location within or in relation to the zone

Marine mammal reaction (if any) to activities, including direction of movement, and type of

activity that is occurring

Any acoustic or visual disturbance

Any mitigations implemented


5. FINAL REPORTING

A draft report of the monitoring activities, sound measurements and marine mammal monitoring results

will be submitted to NMFS and CDFW within 90 days of the expiration of the IHA or 60 days after all

project components are completed. A final report will be prepared and submitted to NMFS and CDFW

within 30 days following receipt of any agency comments on the draft report. The final report will

include a description of the materials and methods used in monitoring, an overall summary of the

project results, a discussion of the compliance record over the course of the entire project and a

discussion of the effectiveness of monitoring methods. Copies of the final report will be issued to all

pertinent regulatory agencies by the Port.


6. REFERENCES

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2018. Hydroacoustic guidance as retrieved from:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/env/bio/hydroacoustics.html.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2015. Technical Guidance for Assessment and

Mitigation of the Hydroacoustic Effects of Pile Driving on Fish. Retrieved from:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/env/bio/hydroacoustics.html

California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). 2009a. Final Hydroacoustic Monitoring Plan for

Driving of Temporary Access Trestle Piles for the Self-Anchored Suspension Span. File Number EA

0120F3, 04-SF-80 KP 12.2/KP 14.3, 04-ALA-80 KP 0.0/KP 2.1

http://www.dot.ca.gov/env/bio/hydroacoustics.html

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Mission Bay Ferry Landing

Figure 3Harassment Zone for Marine Mammals from the Vibratory Driving of 30-inch steel caissons

Based on Level A Cumulative SEL Thresholds

SOURCE: NMFS 2016

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Mid-Frequency Cetaceans 185 dB (8.6 meters)Otarrid Pinnipeds 203 dB (9.5 meters)Phocid Pinnipeds 185 dB (129.8 meters)Low-Frequency Cetanceans 183 dB (242.6 meters)High-Frequency Cetaceans 155 dB (288.9 meters)

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SOURCE: NOAA 2016 Mission Bay Ferry Landing

Figure 4Harassment Zone for Marine Mammals from the Impact Driving of 36-inch steel piles

Based on Attenuated Level A Cumulative SEL Thresholds

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Figure 5Harassment Zone for Marine Mammals from the Vibratory Driving of 36-inch steel piles

Based on Level A Cumulative SEL Thresholds

SOURCE: NOAA 2016

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Figure 6Harassment Zone for Marine Mammals from the Impact Driving of 20-inch concrete piles


SOURCE: NMFS 2016

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Figure 7Harassment Zone for Marine Mammals from the Impact Driving of 16-inch steel piles


SOURCE: NMFS 2016

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Figure 8Harassment Zone for Marine Mammals from the Impact and Vibratory Driving of steel and concrete piles

Based on Attenuated Level B RMS Thresholds

SOURCE: NOAA 2016

APPENDIX A – EXAMPLE DAILY BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES RECORDING LOGS FOR FIELD

OBSERVATIONS

BIOLOGICAL MONITORING FIELD LOG

FISHERY RESOURCES Page ___ of ___ Date _____________ Monitor __________________________ Visibility _____________________________ Tide Level __________________________________ Human Activity in the Area ________________________ Latitude __________________________________ Longitude _______________________________________ Monitoring Locale: ________________________________________________________________________ Pile Type: _______________________________________________________________________________

Piles/Day (1-8): □ Pile Driver: Impact □Vibratory/Impact □ Attenuation Device: None □

Minutes of Vibratory Driving : _______________________________________ Impact Blows per Pile: _________________________________________________________

Pile No. Pile Driver (Impact, Vibratory)

Pile Driving Start/End Time

Observer Start/End Time

Dead/Injured Fish Observed (Number/Species)

1

Dead/Injured Fish Collected (Number/Species)

Comment: Reference Number

1 SH=Steelhead; GS=North American Green Sturgeon; O=Other

BIOLOGICAL MONITORING DATA SHEET

FISHERY RESOURCES

Page ___ of ___

Comment: Reference

No.

Fish Species

Life Stage and

Status (A,J,L,E,FT,ST, FE,SE,CF,CS)

Comments

A=adult; J=juvenile; L=larva; E=egg; FT = federal threatened; ST=state threatened; FE=federal endangered SE=state endangered; CF = federal candidate; CS=state candidate


FISHERY RESOURCES Page ___ of ___

PHOTOS

Comment: Reference

No.

Photo

Number

Photo Taken Before (B),

During (D) or After (A) Pile

Driving

Description


FISHERY RESOURCES

Page ___ of ___

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Comment:

Reference No.

Additional Comments


FISHERY RESOURCES

Page ___ of ___ ==================================================================================

DIAGRAM BIOLOGICAL MONITOR ______________________________ ____________________________________ Signature Print Name


MARINE MAMMALS Page ___ of ___ Date _____________ Monitor (s) __________________________________ Visibility ____________________ Tide Level __________________________________ Human Activity in the Area ________________________ Monitoring Locale: _________________________________________________________________________ Pile Type: ________________________________________________________________________________

Piles/Day (1-8): □ Pile Driver: Impact □ Vibratory □

Minutes of Vibratory Driving : __________________________________________________ Impact Blows per Pile: __________________________________________________________


MARINE MAMMALS

Page ___ of ___

Pile No.

Pile Driver (Impact,

Vibratory)

Pile Driving

Start/End Time

Observation

Start/End Time

Mammal Species

2

Comments:

Reference Number

Species No.

2 HS=Harbor Seal; SL = Sea Lion; HP=Harbor Porpoise; GW=Gray Whale; O = Other


MARINE MAMMALS Page ___ of ___

Comments: Reference

No.

Monitor's Distance from Pile Driving Activity

Initial Behavior of Marine Mammal

Changes in Marine Mammal Behavior

(e.g., orientation, speed, diving, respiration rate, etc.)

3

3 Note: If a monitor sees a marine mammal within or approaching the shut down zone prior to the start of impact

pile driving, the monitor will notify the on-site resident engineer (or other authorized individual), who will then be

required to delay pile driving until the marine mammal has moved outside of the shut down zone, or if the animal

has not been re-sighted within 15 minutes for pinnipeds or 30 minutes for cetaceans. If a marine mammal is

sighted within or on a path toward the shut down zone, pile driving will cease until that animal has cleared and is

on a path away from the shut down zone, or 15/30 minutes (pinnipeds/cetaceans) has lapsed since the last

sighting.


MARINE MAMMALS Page ___ of ___

PHOTOS

Comment: Reference

No.

Photo

Number

Photo Taken Before (B), During (D)

or After (A) Pile Driving

Description


MARINE MAMMALS

Page ___ of ___

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Comment:

Reference No.

Additional Comments


MARINE MAMMALS

Page ___ of ___ ==================================================================================

DIAGRAM

BIOLOGICAL MONITOR ______________________________ ____________________________________ Signature Print Name

Documents

SOUND AND MARINE MAMMAL MONITORING PLAN