DOCSLIB.ORG

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation L.1200.076.0107 TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION DIVISION OF REMEDIATION OAK RIDGE OFFICE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT For Work Performed: July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 November 2018 Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Authorization No. 327023 Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s policy of non-discrimination, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service in its policies, or in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs, services or activities. Equal employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action inquiries or complaints should be directed to the EEO/AA Coordinator, Office of General Counsel, William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower 2nd Floor, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243, 1-888- 867-7455. ADA inquiries or complaints should be directed to the ADAAA Coordinator, William Snodgrass Tennessee Tower 2nd Floor, 312 Rosa Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243, 1-866-253-5827. Hearing impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service 1-800-848-0298. To reach your local ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE CENTER Call 1-888-891-8332 or 1-888-891-TDEC This plan was published with 100% federal funds DE-EM0001620 DE-EM0001621 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents .................................................................................................................. i Acronyms ............................................................................................................................... x Units of measure and their abbreviations ...................................................................... xiii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................... xiv Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... xvii 1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Purpose of the Environmental Monitoring Report (EMR) .......................................... 1 1.2 Objective .......................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 The Oak Ridge Reservation ........................................................................................... 2 1.3.1 Geography of the ORR Area .............................................................................. 3 1.3.2 Climate of the ORR Area .................................................................................... 4 1.3.3 Population of the ORR Area .............................................................................. 4 1.4 Tennessee's Commitment to the Citizens of Tennessee ........................................... 4 2.0 RADIOLOGICAL MONITORING ...................................................................................... 5 2.1 Environmental Dosimeters ........................................................................................... 5 2.1.1 Background .......................................................................................................... 5 2.1.2 Problem Statements ........................................................................................... 5 2.1.3 Goals ..................................................................................................................... 6 2.1.4 Scope ..................................................................................................................... 6 2.1.5 Methods, Materials, Metrics ............................................................................... 7 2.1.6 Deviations from the Plan .................................................................................... 8 2.1.7 Results and Analysis ............................................................................................ 8 2.1.8 Conclusions ........................................................................................................ 27 2.1.9 Recommendations ............................................................................................ 27 2.2 Real Time Measurement of Gamma Radiation ......................................................... 27 2.2.1 Background ........................................................................................................ 27 2.2.2 Problem Statements ........................................................................................ 28 2.2.3 Goals .................................................................................................................. 28 2.2.4 Scope ................................................................................................................. 28 2.2.5 Methods, Materials, Metrics ........................................................................... 29 i 2.2.6 Deviations from the Plan ................................................................................. 30 2.2.7 Results and Analysis ........................................................................................ 30 2.2.8 Conclusions ....................................................................................................... 33 2.2.9 Recommendations ........................................................................................... 33 2.3 Portal Monitoring at EMWMF ...................................................................................... 34 2.3.1 Background ........................................................................................................ 34 2.3.2 Problem Statements ......................................................................................... 34 2.3.3 Goals ................................................................................................................... 34 2.3.4 Scope ................................................................................................................... 34 2.3.5 Methods, Materials, Metrics ............................................................................. 34 2.3.6 Deviations from the Plan .................................................................................. 35 2.3.7 Results and Analysis .......................................................................................... 35 2.3.8 Conclusions ........................................................................................................ 36 2.3.9 Recommendations ............................................................................................ 36 2.4 Surplus Sales Verification ............................................................................................ 36 2.4.1 Background ........................................................................................................ 36 2.4.2 Problem Statements ......................................................................................... 37 2.4.3 Goals ................................................................................................................... 37 2.4.4 Scope ................................................................................................................... 37 2.4.5 Methods, Materials, Metrics ............................................................................. 37 2.4.6 Deviation from the Plan .................................................................................... 38 2.4.7 Results and Analysis .......................................................................................... 38 2.4.8 Conclusions ........................................................................................................ 38 2.4.9 Recommendations ............................................................................................ 39 2.5 Haul Road Surveys ....................................................................................................... 39 2.5.1 Background ........................................................................................................ 39 2.5.2 Problem Statements ......................................................................................... 39 2.5.3 Goals ................................................................................................................... 40 2.5.4 Scope ................................................................................................................... 40 2.5.5 Methods, Materials, Metrics ............................................................................. 40 2.5.6 Deviations from the Plan .................................................................................. 41 ii 2.5.7 Results and Analysis .......................................................................................... 41 2.5.8 Conclusions ........................................................................................................ 41 2.5.9 Recommendations ............................................................................................ 41 3.0 BIOLOGICAL MONITORING ......................................................................................... 43 3.1 Bat Monitoring on the Oak Ridge Reservation ........................................................ 43 3.1.1 Background ...................................................................................................... 43 3.1.2 Problem Statements ........................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • NORRIS FREEWAY CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN Prepared by the City of Norris, Tennessee June 2020 SECTION 1: ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
    NORRIS FREEWAY CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN Prepared by the City of Norris, Tennessee June 2020 SECTION 1: ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Location. Norris Freeway is located in the heart of the eastern portion of the Tennessee Valley. The Freeway passes over Norris Dam, whose location was selected to control the flooding caused by heavy rains in the Clinch and Powell River watershed. Beside flood control, there were a range of conditions that were to be addressed: the near absence of electrical service in rural areas, erosion and 1 landscape restoration, and a new modern road leading to Knoxville (as opposed to the dusty dirt and gravel roads that characterized this part of East Tennessee). The Freeway starts at US 25W in Rocky Top (once known as Coal Creek) and heads southeast to the unincorporated community of Halls. Along the way, it crosses Norris Dam, runs by several miles of Norris Dam State Park, skirts the City of Norris and that town’s watershed and greenbelt. Parts of Anderson County, Campbell County and Knox County are traversed along the route. Date of Local Designation In 1984, Norris Freeway was designated as a Tennessee Scenic Highway by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Some folks just call such routes “Mockingbird Highways,” as the Tennessee State Bird is the image on the signs designating these Scenic Byways. Intrinsic Qualities Virtually all the intrinsic qualities come into play along Norris Freeway, particularly Historic and Recreational. In fact, those two characteristics are intertwined in this case. For instance, Norris Dam and the east side of Norris Dam State Park are on the National Register of Historic Places.
    [Show full text]
  • Let's Go Boating!
    Boatinging, Fishingishing, Skiingiing, GolfingGolfing, TTuubingbing, RelaxingRelaxing, Swimming, Wakeboardingarding, SurfingSurfing, CCaampingmping,, Hiking, 4-WheelingWheeling, JetJet Skiingiing, Reunions,Reunions, ResResttaauurraantnts, Fun, SportSportss Bars, PartPartiies,es, FloatFlF oatiingng Cabins,bins, Housebouseboatoatss,, DiningDining andand Evenenttss. NNoorrrris LakLake HHaass It All!Alll! Let’s Go Boating! Your FREEREE GuideG id tto Norrisi Lake with Large Fold-out Lake Map, Marina Guide, Boat Rentals, Accommodations and Services! NorrisLakeMarinas.com Relax...Rejuvenate...Recharge... There is something in the air Come for a Visit... on beautiful Norris Lake! The serene beauty and clean Stay for a Lifetime! water brings families back year after year. We can accommodate your growing family or group of friends with larger homes! Call or book online today and start making Memories that last a lifetime. See why Norris Lake Cabin Rentals is “Tennessee’s Best Kept Secret” Kathy Nixon VLS# 423 Norris Lake Cabin Rentals Premium Vacation Lodging 3005 Lone Mountain Rd. New Tazewell, TN 37825 888-316-0637 NorrisLakeCabinRentals.com Welcome to Norris Lake Index 5 Norris Lake Dam 42 Floating Cabins on Norris Lake 44-45 Flat Hollow Marina & Resort 7 Norris Dam Area Clinch River West, Big Creek & Cove Creek 47 Blue Springs Boat Dock 9 Norris Dam Marina 49 Clinch River East Area 11 Sequoyah Marina Clinch River from Loyston Point to Rt 25E 13 Stardust Marina Mill Creek, Lost Creek, Poor Land Creek, and Big Sycamore Creek The Norris Lake Marina Association (NLMA) would like to welcome you 14 Fishing on Norris Lake 50 Watersports on Norris Lake to crystal-clear Norris Lake Tennessee where there are unlimited 17 Mountain Lake Marina and 51 Waterside Marina water-related recreational activities waiting for you in one of Tennessee Campground (Cove Creek) Valley Authority’s (TVA) cleanest lakes.
    [Show full text]
  • Front Matter
    TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION DIVISION OF REMEDIATION OAK RIDGE OFFICE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN July 2018 June 2019 Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Authorization No. 327023 June 29, 2018 Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s policy of non-discrimination, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service in its policies, or in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs, services or activities. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action inquiries or complaints should be directed to the EEO/AA coordinator, Office of General Counsel, William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower 2nd Floor, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243, 1-888-867-7455. ADA inquiries or complaints should be directed to the ADAAA coordinator, William Snodgrass Tennessee Tower 2nd Floor, 312 Rosa Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243, 1-866-253-5827. Hearing impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service 1-800-848-0298. To reach your local ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE CENTER Call 1-888-891-8332 or 1-888-891-TDEC This plan was published with 100% federal funds DE-EM0001620 DE-EM0001621 Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Authorization No. 327023 June 29, 2018 Executive Summary The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Remediation (DoR), Oak Ridge Office (ORO), submits its FY 2019 Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) in accordance with the Environmental Surveillance and Oversight Agreement (ESOA) between the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the State of Tennessee; and where applicable, the Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA) between the DOE, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the State of Tennessee.
    [Show full text]
  • TDEC 2014- TN5288--TDEC 2013-Environmental-Monitoring
    TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION DOE OVERSIGHT OFFICE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT JANUARY through DECEMBER 2013 Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s policy of non-discrimination, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service in its policies, or in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs, services or activities. Equal employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action inquiries or complaints should be directed to the EEO/AA Coordinator, Office of General Counsel, 401 Church Street, 20th Floor, L & C Tower, Nashville, TN 37243, 1-888-867-7455. ADA inquiries or complaints should be directed to the ADA Coordinator, Human Resources Division, 401 Church Street, 12th Floor, L & C Tower, Nashville, TN 37243, 1-888- 253-5827. Hearing impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service 1-800-848-0298. To reach your local ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE CENTER Call 1-888-891-8332 OR 1-888-891-TDEC This report was published With 100% Federal Funds DE-EM0001621 DE-EM0001620 Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Authorization April 2014 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………………………………………………………….3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY……………………………………………………………………………4 ACRONYMS …………………………………………………………………………………………15 INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………19 AIR QUALITY MONITORING Monitoring of Hazardous Air Pollutants on the Oak Ridge Reservation .……………………………..23 RadNet
    [Show full text]
  • Title: Cecil Flowers Papers Dates: 1930S–1997 Creator: Cecil
    Title: Cecil Flowers Papers Dates: 1930s–1997 Creator: Cecil Flowers Summary/Abstract: These papers pertain to the life of Cecil Flowers (1923- ), particularly his relationship with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni (NACCCA). During his time in the CCC, Flowers and other workers were instrumental in the development and maintenance of Tennessee state parks. After leaving the CCC, Flowers remained interested in the organization and became active with the NACCCA in the 1980s and 1990s. These papers reflect a lifetime of accumulated memorabilia and documents associated with this interest. Quantity/Physical Description: 3 linear feet Language(s): English Repository: Albert Gore Research Center, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, (615) 898-2632 Restrictions on Access: None Copyright: Cecil Flowers conveyed and assigned all right and interest in the donated materials to Middle Tennessee State University. It is presumed that corporate and individual copyrights in manuscripts, photographs, and other materials have been retained by the copyright owners. Copyright restrictions apply. Users of materials should seek necessary permissions from the copyright holders to comply with U.S. copyright laws. Preferred Citation: (Box Number, Folder Number), Cecil Flowers Papers, Albert Gore Research Center, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Acquisition: Cecil Flowers, June 2000 Processed By: Original processor undetermined. Additional processing by Brad Miller, graduate assistant, 2013. Arrangement: The Cecil Flowers Papers are arranged in three series: Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni (NACCCA), and Local History Publications. The papers also include associated materials: films, books, posters, and photographic slides.
    [Show full text]
  • Where to Go Camping Guidebook
    2010 Greater Alabama Council Where to Go Camp ing Guidebook Published by the COOSA LODGE WHERE TO GO CAMPING GUIDE Table of Contents In Council Camps 2 High Adventure Bases 4 Alabama State Parks 7 Georgia State Parks 15 Mississippi State Parks 18 Tennessee State Parks 26 Wildlife Refuge 40 Points of Interest 40 Wetlands 41 Places to Hike 42 Sites to See 43 Maps 44 Order of the Arrow 44 Future/ Wiki 46 Boy Scouts Camps Council Camps CAMPSITES Each Campsite is equipped with a flagpole, trashcan, faucet, and latrine (Except Eagle and Mountain Goat) with washbasin. On the side of the latrine is a bulletin board that the troop can use to post assignments, notices, and duty rosters. Camp Comer has two air-conditioned shower and restroom facilities for camp-wide use. Patrol sites are pre-established in each campsite. Most campsites have some Adarondaks that sleep four and tents on platforms that sleep two. Some sites may be occupied by more than one troop. Troops are encouraged to construct gateways to their campsites. The Hawk Campsite is a HANDICAPPED ONLY site, if you do not have a scout or leader that is handicapped that site will not be available. There are four troop / campsites; each campsite has a latrine, picnic table and fire ring. Water may be obtained at spigots near the pavilion. Garbage is disposed of at the Tannehill trash dumpster. Each unit is responsible for providing its trash bags and taking garbage to the trash dumpster. The campsites have a number and a name. Make reservations at a Greater Alabama Council Service Center; be sure to specify the campsite or sites desired.
    [Show full text]
  • Tennessee Reference Stream Morphology and Large Woody Debris Assessment
    Tennessee Reference Stream Morphology and Large Woody Debris Assessment Report and Guidebook Prepared for: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Prepared by: Jennings Environmental, LLC December 2017 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report includes reference stream morphology and large woody debris data collected throughout Tennessee in 2015-2017. Hydraulic geometry data are presented as regional curves for Ecoregions 66, 67, 68/69, 71, and 65/74 to support stream assessment and restoration planning. Morphology relationships describe bankfull channel dimensions, pattern, and profile measurements in relation to channel-forming discharge and watershed drainage area. Large woody debris (LWD) data collected at reference streams serve as an indicator of natural stream conditions in forested floodplains. These databases and relationships are valuable for assessing disturbed streams to evaluate degree of departure from equilibrium, selecting and planning restoration projects to improve natural stream functions, and monitoring changes in stream conditions in undisturbed and restored stream systems. These databases should be supplemented with additional information collected during site assessment and restoration planning to improve understanding of local stream conditions throughout Tennessee. The morphology data collection included 114 undisturbed streams ranging in width from 3 to 132 feet with watershed drainage areas ranging from 0.02 to 117 square miles. Wherever available, United States Geological Survey (USGS) gage station sites were surveyed to provide long-term hydrologic information close to the reference stream. Bankfull stage indicators at a USGS gage provided the opportunity to quantify the channel-forming discharge and exceedance probability of this flow event. For reference streams with no gages, natural equilibrium stream segments with clearly identifiable incipient-floodplain bankfull stage indicators were surveyed to determine morphology parameters.
    [Show full text]
  • TN SP Assessment Report
    Data Driven Sustainable Trail Management Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation | Report | May 2018 A trail system is most effective when it is based on sustainable trail design and maintenance. Tennessee State Parks assessed all trails within our parks system, with the exception of the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail, in order to better understand what current trail issues exist and where they lie spatially within our system (the Cumberland Trail was exempt from this assessment due to it still being under construction). This report focuses on the methodology in which the assessment was conducted, the analyzation of the data that was collected, and the suggested method in which to correct the identified issues. As with the nature of nature, the data that was collected is subject to change. However it is seen that this report is still a valid representation of the trail system condition of Tennessee State Parks. Key Findings Most unsustainable trail problems are directly related to the original trail design and layout. Many of Tennessee State Parks’ trails were built before the 1990s, which was when sustainable trail building information and education became more accessible. Bridge Inspections are irregular and not standardized Ability to repair and replace trails to meet sustainable standards in a timely manner may not be possible with current staffing patterns. Many of our trails untilize old road beds due to ease of construction, which is important with our limited staffing. However, these are often maintenance nightmares. Big Cypress Tree State Park, 2016 Introduction There is a science to trail building, just as there is to any other structure that is built for human use.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of Natural and Anthropogenic Sound Sources and Acoustic Propagation in the North Sea
    UNCLASSIFIED Oude Waalsdorperweg 63 P.O. Box 96864 2509 JG The Hague The Netherlands TNO report www.tno.nl TNO-DV 2009 C085 T +31 70 374 00 00 F +31 70 328 09 61 [email protected] Assessment of natural and anthropogenic sound sources and acoustic propagation in the North Sea Date February 2009 Author(s) Dr. M.A. Ainslie, Dr. C.A.F. de Jong, Dr. H.S. Dol, Dr. G. Blacquière, Dr. C. Marasini Assignor The Netherlands Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Affairs; Directorate-General for Water Affairs Project number 032.16228 Classification report Unclassified Title Unclassified Abstract Unclassified Report text Unclassified Appendices Unclassified Number of pages 110 (incl. appendices) Number of appendices 1 All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced and/or published in any form by print, photoprint, microfilm or any other means without the previous written permission from TNO. All information which is classified according to Dutch regulations shall be treated by the recipient in the same way as classified information of corresponding value in his own country. No part of this information will be disclosed to any third party. In case this report was drafted on instructions, the rights and obligations of contracting parties are subject to either the Standard Conditions for Research Instructions given to TNO, or the relevant agreement concluded between the contracting parties. Submitting the report for inspection to parties who have a direct interest is permitted. © 2009 TNO Summary Title : Assessment of natural and anthropogenic sound sources and acoustic propagation in the North Sea Author(s) : Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 March Newsletter
    2019 March Newsletter March 2019 Heavy Rains Fill Temporary Coffer Dam; Delay Work on Replacement Lock at Chickamauga Dam One of Chattanooga's biggest construction projects is being delayed after heavy rains filled in a temporary coffer dam erected to help build a new $758 million replacement lock at the Chickamauga Dam. Within the new 110-foot- by-600-foot lock being built beneath the dam, a major excavation project was completed in January just before record February rainfall forced the Tennessee Valley Authority to open up most of the spillways at the Chickamauga Dam and raise the Tennessee River by 12 feet above its normal level. The higher river and heavy rain complicated efforts to keep the water out of the coffer dam, where crews have removed more than 100,000 cubic yards of dirt and rock to dig down 35 feet to the riverbed. Adam Walker, project manager for the Chickamauga Lock replacement project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said the excavation equipment was largely removed from the lock chamber early last month, but the rains a few weeks later delayed the start of the next phase of the lock construction. "The decision was made last month that if we were going to be battling high waters and having to burn a lot of fuel trying to keep the dewatering pumps running to keep the water out of the coffer dam, it just made more sense to turn off the pumps and allow the coffer dam to fill until conditions return to normal," Walker said.
    [Show full text]
  • Meeting Abstracts
    Downloaded from orbit.dtu.dk on: Oct 08, 2021 Danish activities concerning noise in the environment (A) Ingerslev, Fritz Published in: Acoustical Society of America. Journal Link to article, DOI: 10.1121/1.2019901 Publication date: 1982 Document Version Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Link back to DTU Orbit Citation (APA): Ingerslev, F. (1982). Danish activities concerning noise in the environment (A). Acoustical Society of America. Journal, 72(S1), S45-S46. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.2019901 General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. PROGRAM OF The 104thMeeting of theAcoustical Society of America SheratonTwin Towers ß Orlando,Florida ß 8-12 November1982 TUESDAY MORNING, 9 NOVEMBER 1982 BROWARD AND PALM BEACH ROOMS, 8:00TO 10:15A.M. SessionA.Underwater Acoustics I: The Impact of Satellite and Aerial Remote Sensing onthe Study of Ocean Acoustics Paul D. Scully-Power,Chairman Naval UnderwaterSystems Center, New London, Connecticut 06320 Chairman'sIntroduction4:00 Invited Papers 8:05 A1.
    [Show full text]
  • Acoustic Masking in Marine Ecosystems: Intuitions, Analysis, and Implication
    Vol. 395: 201–222, 2009 MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES Published December 3 doi: 10.3354/meps08402 Mar Ecol Prog Ser Contribution to the Theme Section ‘Acoustics in marine ecology’ OPENPEN ACCESSCCESS Acoustic masking in marine ecosystems: intuitions, analysis, and implication Christopher W. Clark1,*, William T. Ellison2, Brandon L. Southall3, 4, Leila Hatch5, Sofie M. Van Parijs6, Adam Frankel2, Dimitri Ponirakis1 1Bioacoustics Research Program, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA 2Marine Acoustics, 809 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842, USA 3Southall Environmental Associates, 911 Center Street, Suite B, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA 4Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA 5Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA, 175 Edward Foster Road, Scituate, Massachusetts 02066, USA 6 NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA ABSTRACT: Acoustic masking from anthropogenic noise is increasingly being considered as a threat to marine mammals, particularly low-frequency specialists such as baleen whales. Low-frequency ocean noise has increased in recent decades, often in habitats with seasonally resident populations of marine mammals, raising concerns that noise chronically influences life histories of individuals and populations. In contrast to physical harm from intense anthropogenic sources, which can have acute impacts on individuals, masking from chronic noise sources has been difficult to quantify at individ- ual or population levels, and resulting effects have been even more difficult to assess. This paper pre- sents an analytical paradigm to quantify changes in an animal’s acoustic communication space as a result of spatial, spectral, and temporal changes in background noise, providing a functional defini- tion of communication masking for free-ranging animals and a metric to quantify the potential for communication masking.
    [Show full text]