Due Diligence Environmental Effects Determination (DD EED) Report

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2019 Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR) Canadian Arctic Underwater Sentinel Experimentation (CAUSE) Pre- Demonstration Trial

Stephane Blouin Dugald Thomson DRDC – Atlantic Research Centre

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Defence Research and Development Canada Reference Document DRDC-RDDC-2019-D117 July 2020

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IMPORTANT INFORMATIVE STATEMENTS

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Abstract

Significance to defence and security

DRDC-RDDC-2019-D117 i

Résumé

echerche expérimentale d’une sentinelle sous marine pour l’Arctique Centre d’expérimentation et d’essais maritimes des Forces canadiennes B.) a mené des essais d’ingénierie significatives, le développement d’algorithmes et l’analyse des performances afin d’appuyer dans l’ensemble le projet RESSAC.

L’évaluation des performances d’appareils d’enregistrement acoustique à l’aide de projecteurs

évalue les incidences environnementales de l’émission de ces sons sur la vie marine, en particulier sur les

Importance pour la défense et la sécurité

La protection de l’environnement est une priorité de Recherche et développement pour la défense Canada l’utilisation de sources sonores sous

ii DRDC-RDDC-2019-D117

Establishment File Number: ARC_U_99AB_01_20190522 and 4118-02 EIA Number: 2019-80-102233

Department of National Defence (DND)

Due Diligence Environmental Effects Determination (DD EED) Report

Activity: 2019 CFMETR CAUSE pre-demonstration trial

Prepared by: Stephane Blouin and Maj. Dugald Thomson Date: 2019/03/28 Version: 9.1

1 Executive Summary

DRDC (Defence R&D Canada) is committed to the sustainable management of its experiments in various environments. Within the CFMETR (Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges) region, the DRDC Atlantic Research Centre (DRDC ARC) undertakes a variety of testing, experiments, and data acquisition exercises to fulfill its mission and program requirements. DRDC’s environmental policy is to ensure that these activities comply with all applicable environmental laws and standards.

As part of the Canadian Arctic Underwater Sentinel Experimentation (CAUSE) Project, an engineering trial will be conducted at Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR), Nanoose Bay, BC. The trial is largely a check on the operational capabilities of the devices to be employed, but it also includes significant data collection, algorithm development, and performance analysis in support of the CAUSE project.

A review of the potential significant adverse environmental effects was conducted for the proposed CAUSE engineering trial at CFMETR. Potential adverse effects of the Activity were assessed, and mitigation measures have been identified to minimize or eliminate these effects on the following Valued Environmental Components (VEC):

• Underwater Noise • Marine Mammals • Sea Turtles • Species at Risk • Commercial, Recreational and Aboriginal (CRA) Fisheries • Other Ocean Users

On the basis of this Due Diligence Environmental Effects Determination report, it has been determined that the Activity is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Therefore, the proposed Activity can proceed with application of the mitigation measures specified in this report.

2 Part 1. Activity Information 1.1 Title of Proposed Activity 2019 CFMETR CAUSE pre-demonstration trial

1.2 Originating Directorate, Base, or Unit The originating Establishment is: DRDC Atlantic Research Centre

1.3 Location of Activity The primary location of the Activity is CFMETR located in Nanoose Bay, B.C., Canada, which is part of the Strait of Georgia (ref. Fig. 1A). This activity will utilize shore buildings, Winchelsea Islands (ref. Fig. 1B), and boats, all of which are managed by CFMETR. Equipment will be temporarily positioned in a deployment area outside of the WG active area (ref. Fig 1). The deployment area is represented in Figure 1B by a polygon, whose enlarged version can be found in Figure 1C with all assets to be deployed. Boats will transit through said deployment area and the WG active area.

Figure 1A: Strait of Georgia (SOG) Area

Figure 1B. Area WG and deployment areas. The dashed box indicates the area where equipment will be deployed, shown in detail in Figure 1C.

Figure 1C. Location of fixed assets in the deployment area, with specific locations and decoding included in Table 1.

4 Table 1. Deployment location of trial equipment, including Schooner Cove OPs Centre (SCOPC), Acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP1-2), Distributed Underwater Sensor Nodes (D1-4), high-bandwidth radio gateway buoy (GW1), Drifting Arctic Monitory System (DAMS), icListen hydrophones (ICLISTEN1-2) and StarOddi data logger (STARODDI). Approximate Unit # Label Latitude (N) Longitude (W) Water Depth (m) 1 SCOPC 49.286139 124.138386 - 2 ADCP1 49.296520 124.112622 130 3 ADCP2 49.303971 124.100505 200 4 D1(and GW) 49.296917 124.110767 130 5 D2 49.302417 124.097027 190 6 GW1 49.298017 124.094140 100 7 DAMS 49.304797 124.102795 200 8 HILLTOP 49.294766 124.085404 - 9 REP 49.294435 124.087269 - 10 ICLISTEN1 49.303531 124.097622 200 11 ICLISTEN2 49.295196 124.112536 100 12 STARODDI 49.306340 124.105764 200

Based on Table 1, equipment unit # 2-to-7 and 10-to-12 will have moorings on the seabed, while the rest of the equipment will be on land. There will be two types of moorings including: (1) moorings left behind made of biodegradable burlap bags filled with gravel/sand and with biodegradable manila ropes, and (2) moorings made of granite blocks and recovered after the trial. A “Notice to Mariners” will be sent by CFMETR to indicate the equipment locations found in Table 1. Only equipment unit # 4, 6, 7, and 12 will have a surface buoy.

1.4 Activity Summary This Activity is meant to demonstrate and evaluate new underwater technologies in a controlled environment before going to the Canadian Arctic. This Activity will involve temporarily deploying equipment on the seafloor and performing acoustic tests for three weeks with the following objectives:

1. Engineering test of DRDC Acoustic Seabed Array (DASA) 2. Engineering test of Drifting Arctic Monitory System (DAMS) 3. Continued testing of Distributed Underwater Sensor Node (DUSN) 4. Engineering test of Deployed Acoustic Calibration System (DACS) 5. Engineering test of Gascoyne Inlet Camp (GIC) Hilltop Communications

1.5 Applicability of DND EIA Directive This Activity does not meet the definition of a project in Section 66 of the CEAA 2012 and therefore Section 67/68 is not applicable. However, according to the DND Environmental Impact Assessment Directive a determination on the likelihood of adverse environmental effects is required as an exercise of due diligence before the Activity can proceed. 1.6 DD EED Start Date Start date of the effects determination process: 2019-03-06

5 1.7 EIA number EIA Number: 2019-80-102233

1.8 Provincial and Municipal Government Involvement None 1.9 Other Federal Departments or Third Party Groups None 1.10 Contacts 1.10.1 Establishment Point of Contact (tasks under CFMETR jurisdiction) a) Name, Rank, and Title: Sean Murphy, Project Officer Acoustic Systems, CFMETR b) E-mail Address: [email protected]

1.10.2 Establishment Point of Contact (Geographic ESS for MARPAC AOR) a) Name, Rank, and Title: Jennifer L. Holder, Environment Officer, DND, Esquimalt b) E-mail Address: [email protected]

1.10.3 Activity Project OPI a) Name, Rank, and Title: Garry Heard, Defence Scientist, DRDC Atlantic b) E-mail Address: [email protected]

1.10.4 EED Point of Contact a) Name, Rank, and Title: Jennifer Spearman, Project Manager, DRDC Atlantic b) E-mail Address: [email protected]

1.11 Other Reference Numbers (If Applicable) None 1.12 Regulatory Framework In Canada, marine fish, marine wildlife (mammals and sea turtles) and their habitats are protected under federal legislation, including the federal Fisheries Act, RSC 1985, C. F- 14 (amended 25 November 2013) and the Species at Risk Act (SARA), SC 2002, c. 29 (SARA).

The federal Fisheries Act (Government of Canada 1985) offers protection of all fish that are part of a commercial, recreational or Aboriginal fishery (CRA), or to fish that support such a fishery, including marine mammals. Under Section 35 of the Fisheries Act, no one may undertake activities that result in harm, permanent alteration or destruction of fish or fish habitat that are part of a CRA fishery, or to fish that support such a fishery, unless authorized by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Under Section 23 of the Fisheries Act, no one shall fish for, take, catch or kill fish in any water,

6 along any beach or within any fishery described in any lease or licence, or place, use, draw or set therein any fishing gear or apparatus, except by permission of the occupant under the lease or licence for the time being, or shall disturb or injure any such fishery.

The Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR), see Annex A ref. [12], enacted in 1993 (amended in 2019) and pursuant to the Fisheries Act, prohibit the disturbance of marine mammals by any person except when fishing for marine mammals under the authority of the MMR (Government of Canada 1993). Additional prohibitions under the MMR stipulate that no person shall disturb a marine mammal.

While MMR prohibition does not apply to DND personnel while they are performing their duties or functions, DAOD 4003-1 states that DND and the CAF are accountable for the impact that defence activities have on the environment, and suggests that during training and testing activities, compliance with the MMRs would be expected.

The federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), see Annex A ref. [13], contains provisions to help prevent Canadian indigenous species, subspecies, and distinct populations from becoming extirpated or extinct, provides for the recovery of endangered or threatened species, and encourages the management of other species to prevent them from becoming at-risk. This is achieved by promoting and securing necessary actions for recovery through legal protection (Government of Canada 2012). To kill, harm, harass, capture or take an individual of a species listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened is prohibited under Section 32 of SARA.

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), see Annex A ref. [14], is a scientific advisory panel that assesses the national status of wild species, subspecies, varieties, or other designable units that are considered to be at risk in Canada. COSEWIC uses a scientific process whereby species are assessed and ranked according to conservation concern (Government of Canada 2014). COSEWIC has no legislative or management role, but rather provides an independent recommendation on the status of “at risk” species to the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who in turn makes recommendations to the Cabinet regarding potential legal protection of a species through provisions under SARA. The COSEWIC assessment is taken into consideration during a SARA listing process; however, only species and their critical habitats listed under SARA Schedule 1 are legally protected.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) (SC 2012, c.19, s. 52) is the legal basis for the federal environmental assessment process in Canada and is intended to protect components of the environment under federal jurisdiction from significant adverse environmental effects. Environmental assessment is a decision- making tool to predict environmental effects of projects, plan appropriate mitigation and determine if the project should proceed.

Note that NAVORD 4003-6 “Marine Mammal Mitigation Procedures for Active Sonar Use” does NOT apply to this Activity as all sound-emitting devices discussed here do not qualify as active sound source meant to detect and localize targets.

In addition to the federal regulations listed above, CFMETR unit-level orders to be adhered to include: - Unit Standing Orders, Annex A ref. [15] - Nanoose Harbour Practices and Procedures (QHM), Annex A ref. [16]

7 - Area WG Range Operating Notice, Annex A ref. [17] - 2006 Environmental Management Manual, Annex A ref. [18]

These references lay out the mitigation framework for ensuring that no illegal or unacceptable environmental impact will result from activities taking place out of CFMETR.

8 Part 2. Environmental Effects Discussion 2.1 Description of Activity Components, Schedule and Site As part of the CAUSE Project, an engineering trial will be conducted out of CFMETR, as a check on the operational capabilities of the devices to be employed, but it also includes significant data collection, algorithm development, and performance analysis in support of the CAUSE project in general, and in particular, it is in preparation for the 2019 Arctic trial for CAUSE.

Approximately 50 DND employees and military personnel from DRDC ARC and CFMETR will participate in the trial. The trial will also include 2 additional non-DND personnel from Omnitech Electronics Inc. and Carleton University.

The time period for this Activity will be approximately from April 12 to May 18 2019.

This Activity is a sea-trial experiment and will focus on equipment including, but not limited to, underwater nodes, acoustic projectors and modems, gateway buoys, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). Acoustic sources will be used as communication devices, targets, or sonars, and vessels may also be used as targets of opportunity. The primary objectives include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) test mechanical design and hardware, (2) experiment, test, and fix algorithms, (3) calibrate, (4) test deployment and recovery procedures, and (5) collect data for on-going and future research projects.

Sea-trial equipment will be installed temporarily at the locations and depths detailed in Figure 1.c and Table 1. Equipment will be moored in place using ropes and anchors (either burlap gravel/sand bags with manila ropes, or granite blocks with ropes). With the exception of gravel/sand bags, all other equipment and moorings will be removed upon trial completion. Each gravel bag is about 1 square foot in surface and each granite block covers about 3 square foot in surface. Only two (2) granite blocks will be deployed/ recovered and less than twenty-five (25) gravel/sand bags will be left behind. Given those mooring sizes and numbers, it is anticipated that the resulting benthic disturbances will be minimal. Note that anchors left behind are only made of natural fibers (burlap or manila) and filled with sand/gravel, thus having no detrimental effects on the environment. Only half of those moorings will have a surface buoy properly identified (with operator’s name and phone number in printed, solid black, capital letters at least 75 millimetres high).

The specific location of assets and their description is documented in Annex A, reference [3] as well as in Annex B. The primary environmental consideration of this trial is the use of acoustic sources in an area known to be populated by marine mammals and any related impacts to the surrounding environment. Features of all acoustic sources can be found in Annex B, along with the locations of fixed acoustic sources in the deployment area defined in Section 1.3. Mobile acoustic sources will maneuver in all areas defined in Section 1.3.

CFMETR Range Support vessels like Zodiacs, RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat), and TSRVs (Torpedo Sound Range Vessels) will be employed to serve many functions such as deployment/recovery, monitoring, etc.

9 2.2 Identification of Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) Two documents have been referenced in the preparation of this section, the CFMETR EA, see Annex A ref. [1] and the Draft – DD EED - SSQ-565 and HELRAS in MARPAC Op Areas, see Annex A ref. [11]. The CFMETR EA is the primary reference with additional and more contemporaneous content drawn from the latter. The Environmental Effect Matrix found in Annex D identifies some of the potential adverse effects from the combined documents.

2.3 Description of Valued Ecosystem Components General Description: Section 3, pages 3-1 – 3-36, Annex A ref. [11] 2.3.1 Physical Components: Section 4, pages 4-1 – 4-54, Annex A ref. [11] 2.3.2 Biological Components: Section 6, pages 6-1 – 6-29, Annex A ref. [11] 2.3.3 Social and Cultural Components: Section 7, pages 7-1 – 7-24, Annex A ref. [11]

2.4 Activity Effects and Associated Mitigation Measures The Activity effects and related mitigation measures are presented in Annex D through G. Mitigation measures for acoustic sources can be found in Annex G and general mitigation measures in Annex E. Annex C documents marine mammals present in the location defined in Section 1.3 and Annex F covers how those mammals are impacted by acoustic sources described in Annex B.

2.5 Indigenous Community Engagement It is unlikely that the proposed Physical Activities will impact Indigenous health and socio-economic conditions, physical and cultural heritage, the current use of the lands and resources for traditional purposes, or any structure, site or thing that is of historical or archaeological significance.

2.6 Public Participation Public participation was not warranted for this Activity. The scientific trial includes tasks that are frequently completed in the area of work by DRDC, DND, and Canadian Forces. Environmental effects and the related mitigating measures are well defined and presented in establishment procedure and/or policy documents.

2.7 References and Expertise from Other Federal Government Bodies or Third Party Groups Other Federal Government Body engagement was not warranted for this Activity. The scientific trial includes tasks that are frequently completed in the area of work by DRDC, DND, and Canadian Forces. Environmental effects and the related mitigating measures are well defined and presented in establishment procedure and/or policy documents.

Annex A: References

[1] Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental Test Range (CFMETR) Environmental Assessment (EA) Update, Department of National Defence (DND), RMC-CCE-ES-05- 21. Prepared by: Environmental Sciences Group, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario. 2005, http://esquimalt.mil.ca/cfmet/Environmental_assessement/Environmental/CFMETR%20 Environmental%20Assessment%20Update%2005-21.pdf (accessed March 28 2019 through http://esquimalt.mil.ca/cfmet/environment.htm)

[2] Preliminary trial plan “CAUSE Project 99ab – 2019 Pre-Demonstration Trial at CFMETR”, signed on 18 January 2019, DRDC internal document.

[3] Detailed trial plan “CAUSE Project 99ab – 2019 Pre-Demonstration Trial at CFMETR”, draft, DRDC internal document.

[4] 2018 Revision to: Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing (Version 2.0): Underwater Thresholds for Onset of Permanent and Temporary Threshold Shifts. US Department of Commerce, NOAA. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-59. Available at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/technical-guidance-assessing- effects-anthropogenic-sound-marine-mammal (accessed March 28 2019)

[5] Erbe, C. 2012. The effects of underwater noise on marine mammals. p. 17-22 In: A.N. Popper and A. Hawkins (eds.), The effects of noise on aquatic life. Springer, New York, NY. 695 p. Available at: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-1-4419- 7311-5_3 (accessed March 28 2019)

[6] Manual for Optional User Spreadsheet Tool (Version 2.0) for: 2018 Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing (Version 2.0) Underwater Thresholds for Onset of Permanent and Temporary Threshold Shifts Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service. Available at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/user-manual-optional-spreadsheet-tool-2018- acoustic-technical-guidance (accessed March 28 2019)

[7] ANSI (American National Standards Institute). 2005. Measurement of Sound Pressure Levels in Air (ANSI S1.13-2005). New York: Acoustical Society of America. Available at: https://webstore.ansi.org/Standards/ASA/ANSIASAS1132005R2010

[8] ATM-900 Series Acoustic Telemetry Modems User’s Manual P/N M-270-26, Rev. D

[9] Personal email exchange “RE: Source level - Acoustic modem ATM-915”, received March 11 2019, Pinelli, Rob

[10] Personal email exchange “Re: Question about 2018 NOAA marine mammal acoustic guidance”, received March 11 2019, Amy SCHOLIK - NOAA Federal [email protected]

[11] Physical Activity: Deployment of Ultra Electronics AN/SSQ-565 Multistatic Low Frequency Active Source Sonobuoy and Helicopter Long Range Active Sonar (HELRAS DS-100) in MARPAC OPAREAS, Due Diligence Environmental Effects Determination

12 (DD EED) Report, Department of National Defence (DND), EIA Number: 2018-115- 101517, Prepared by: Golder Associates Ltd., February 2019, Version: DRAFT v.0, ref. https://collaboration- admst.forces.mil.ca/sites/CP140Macoustics/Marine%20Mammal%20Mitigation/Contracti ng/18106015-004-R-RevA-DD%20EED-12FEB_19.pdf (accessed March 28 2019)

[12] Marine Mammal Regulations SOR/93-56 , ref. https://laws- lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-93-56/ (accessed March 28 2019)

[13] Species at Risk Act (SARA), ref. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/s-15.3/ (accessed March 28 2019)

[14] Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), ref. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/committee-status- endangered-wildlife.html (accessed March 28 2019)

[15] Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges, Standing Orders, January 2016, ref. http://esquimalt.mil.ca/cfmet/Documents/Unit_Standing_Orders/CFMETR_Unit_Standing _Orders_2017_08.pdf (accessed March 28 2019 through http://esquimalt.mil.ca/cfmet/unit_standing_orders.htm )

[16] Nanoose Harbour Practices and Procedures (QHM), ref. http://www.navy- marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structure-marpac-nanoose-practices-procedures.page (accessed on March 28 2019)

[17] Notice of Hazarduous Area Department of National Defence Torpedo Test Range, ref. http://esquimalt.mil.ca/cfmet/Documents/HSO(E)_7356GR_CFMETR%20AREA%20WG %20Warning%20Graphic%20EDITION%2001%20Nov%202014_opt.pdf (accessed on March 28 2019 through http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structure-marpac- nanoose-practices-procedures.page )

[18] Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges, Environmental Management System (EMS) Manual, May 2006, ref. http://esquimalt.mil.ca/cfmet/Documents/FINAL%20May%20EMS%20Doc%202006.pdf (accessed March 2019 through http://esquimalt.mil.ca/cfmet/environment.htm )

[19] MARPAC SEMS Directive E1: Environmental Impact Assessment (RDIMS 119276) UPDATED FEB 2019, (accessed March 28 2019 through http://esquimalt.mil.ca/fse/Formation_Environment/Environmental_Assessments/EA_Ho me.htm )

13 Annex B: Acoustic Source Locations and Details

The list of equipment emitting acoustic energy underwater is provided in Table B.1. Asset locations are given in Table B.2 and Figure B.1. Other equipment shown in Figure B.2 and not listed Table B.2, that is STARODDI, ICLISTEN1, ICLISTEN2, and DAMS, do not emit acoustic energy. Also, acoustic releases are not listed here because there are only activated once during the entire trial and their single-ping duration is very short.

Table B.1. Details of acoustic sources (Note that the modem listed in 1 and 4 are identical in source level and frequency band) Max. source Frequency Continuous, # Description Location Type level (dB, (kHz) intermittent? rel. 1m) multiple fixed Non- 1 acoustic modem locations, 183 9 to 14 Interm. impulsive ref. Table B.2 multiple Acoustic Doppler fixed Non- 300 and 2 Current Profiler locations, 200 Interm. impulsive 600 (ADCP) ref. Table B.2 mobile, Non- 3 DACS deployment 203 0.1-1.2 Interm. impulsive area dipped, Non- 4 barrel stave deployment 187 0.3-1.2 Interm. impulsive area

Table B.2. Fixed locations of acoustic sources # Description Label Latitude (N) Longitude (N) Depth (m) 1 ADCP ADCP1 49.296520 124.112622 130 2 ADCP ADCP2 49.303971 124.100505 200 3 acoustic modem D1 49.302422, 124.110762 168 4 acoustic modem D2 49.302417 124.097027 190 5 acoustic modem GW1 49.298017 124.094140 100

Figure B.1. Location of fixed acoustic sources in the deployment area

15 Annex C: Marine Mammals

Table C.1 lists all marine mammals most likely to be found in the Strait of Georgia, which encompasses the area where this Activity will take place (ref. Section 1.3). Those mammals were found through a literature review of recent publications (references A through F found below). This table also stipulates the status of those mammals based on SARA and COSEWIC assessments. Moreover, Table C.1 provides the latest NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) classification of mammals in five (5) categories (low-frequency, mid-frequency, high-frequency, otariid pinniped, and phocid pinniped).

Table C.1. Marine mammal most likely found in the Strait of Georgia Note (mostly about Strait of # Ref. Species SARA COSEWIC, ref D NOAA classification Georgia) not present in Spring (ref. A), limited sighting in Strait of Georgia (ref. B), low frequency A,B, Humpback Whale (M. S.Georgia not a critical habitat (ref. 1 Threatened Special concern cetacean (ref. F Table C,F novaeangliae) B), density (animals/km^2) of 0 (ref. 4) C), highest density after mid-may (ref. F)

only the Northern Pacific migratory baleen whale, low population is threatened, other Special concern Endangered Grey Whale (E. frequency cetacean, 2 A,F populations (Western & Coast (Northern Pacific (Northern Pacific robustus) (ref. E, Table 1 page feeding) have no SARA/COSEWIC only, ref. F) only, ref. F) 10, Ref. F Table 4) status (ref. F)

very low density (animals/km^2) (ref. low frequency A,C, Minke Whale (B. C), year-round in Strait of Georgia 3 no status not at risk cetacean (ref. F Table F acutorostrata) and No status in SARA/COSEWIC 4) (ref. F) not in Strait of Georgia (ref. B), low frequency North Pacific right 4 B,F unlikely to occur in Strait of Georgia Endangered Endangered cetacean (ref. F Table whale (ref. F) 4) not in Strait of Georgia (ref. B), low frequency 5 B,F Blue whale unlikely to occur in Strait of Georgia Endangered Endangered cetacean (ref. F Table (ref. F) 4)

16 not in Strait of Georgia (ref. low frequency B,C, B),density (animals/km^2) of 0 (ref. 6 Fin whale Threatened Threatened cetacean (ref. F Table F C), unlikely to occur in Strait of 4) Georgia (ref. F) not in Strait of Georgia (ref. B), low frequency 7 B,F Sei whale unlikely to occur in Strait of Georgia Endangered Endangered cetacean (ref. F Table (ref. F) 4) southern residents and transient (ref. A), Nanoose Bay not a critical habitat Cetacean medium (ref. B), very low density A,B, Endangered/Thre frequency (MF), (ref. 8 Killer Whale (O. orca) (animals/km^2) (ref. C), year-round Endangered C,F atened E, Table 2 page 16, Southern (Endagered) and Ref. F Table 4) Northern/Transient/Offshore (threatened) (ref. F)

Pacific White-Sided density (animals/km^2) of 0 (ref. C), Cetacean medium A,B, 9 Dolphin (L. year-round No Status not at risk not at risk frequency (MF), (Ref. C,F obliquidens) (SARA/COSEWIC) (ref. F) F Table 4)

Cetacean medium False Killer Whale (P. 10 A,F unlikely to occur (ref. F) no status not at risk frequency (MF), (Ref. crassidens) F Table 4)

Cetacean medium not in Strait of Georgia (ref. B), 11 B,F Sperm whale no status not at risk frequency (MF), (Ref. unlikely to occur (ref. F) F Table 4)

high-frequency (HF) P. year-round and No status 12 A,F Dall’s Porpoise ( no status not at risk cetacean (ref. F Table dalli ) (SARA/COSEWIC) (ref. F) 4) high-frequency (HF) Harbour Porpoise (P. cetacean (ref. E, 13 A,F year-round (ref. F) Special concern Special concern phocoena) Table 2 page 16, ref. F Table 4)

17 very low density (animals/km^2) (ref. Otariid Pinnipeds A,C, Steller Sea Lion (E. C), year-round in Strait of Georgia (OW) Underwater, 14 Special concern Special concern F jubatus) and Special concern in (ref. E, Table 2 page SARA/COSEWIC (ref. F Table 4) 16, Ref. F Table 4)

15 F Northen fur seal unlikely to occur (ref. F) no status no status Otariid (ref. F Table 4)

year-round in Strait of Georgia and Otariid Pinnipeds California Sea Lion (Z. 16 A,F No status in SARA/COSEWIC (ref. F no status no status (OW) Underwater, californianus) Table 4) (Ref. F Table 4)

A,B, Harbour Seal (P. year-round and No status 17 no status not at risk Phocid pinniped F vitulina) (SARA/COSEWIC) (ref. F) likely to occur, peak presence in May 18 no status no status Phocid pinniped F Northern elephant seal (ref. F)

19 F Sea otter unlikely to occur (ref. F) Special concern other 20 F Leatherback turtle unlikely to occur (ref. F) Endangered other 21 F Green turtle unlikely to occur (ref. F) --- other 22 F Olive ridley turtle unlikely to occur (ref. F) --- other

REFERENCES A Table 1 and 2 of BURNCO AGGREGATE PROJECT, Marine Mammal Baseline Report, 2015 B Marine Mammals of British Columbia Current Status, Distribution and Critical Habitats, J.Ford and L.Nichol C J. CETACEAN RES. MANAGE. 15: 9–26, 2015, Updated marine mammal distribution and abundance estimates in British Columbia, B.D. BEST, Et. Al. D CANADIAN WILDLIFE SPECIES AT RISK October 2018 E 2018 Revision to: Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing (Version 2.0) F DD EED Physical Activity: Deployment of Ultra Electronics AN/SSQ-565 Low Frequency Active Source Sonobuoy and Helicopter Long Range Active Sonar in MARPAC OPAREAS, Feb. 2019, draft

18 Annex D: Valued Ecosystem Components Table D.1. Environmental Effects Matrix

VALUED ECOSYSTEM COMPONENTS (VEC)

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G , l r s S r e A M c o a m d h u e k i p o e r s n S T d i M C b S a a R e F A P S 1. Launch/Recovery and Vessel X X X X X X Operations 2. Deployment/Recovery of X X X X equipment 3. Underwater acoustic X X X comms./ source use

Legend: [Blank] = No Effect | [X] = Potential Significant Adverse Effect

19 Annex E: General Mitigation Measures The Activity effects and related mitigation measures are presented in Table E.1. Table E.1. Potential effects of the activity on each Valued Ecosystem Component (VEC, refer to Table D.1) with mitigation measures

Mitigation Measures Are residual (numbers appearing after a measure VEC(s) Affected Activity Component(s) Description of Effects significant adverse indicate the activity component(s) with effects likely? which it is associated) Air quality could be negatively affected by combustion/emissions launch and recovery vessel operations. - Based on the small scope of 1., Reduce: boats, and equipment will 1 .Launch/Recovery Vessel Atmosphere activities and use of be in good working order. NO Operations vehicles/combustion engines in Unnecessary idling will be limited. an urban commercial/industrial setting, minimal impact to the environment is anticipated. 1., Reduce: boats, and equipment will be in good working order and inspected on a regular basis. 1., Respond: boats, spill response and Emergency notification procedures to be communicated to the vessel crew/ Harbour response teams.

1. Launch/Recovery Vessel All boats participating in the Exercise Spills/releases of deleterious Operations shall conduct due diligence to substances may negatively impact VEC. Surface Water stop/contain all spills of deleterious NO - Spills or releases of deleterious substances (e.g. fuel/POL/HazMat) to substances are a possibility. the marine environment.

When required by law or directives, all vessels shall be equipped with spill response equipment, appropriate for handling the types of products onboard, and personnel shall be properly trained to conduct spill response activities.

20 Mitigation Measures Are residual (numbers appearing after a measure VEC(s) Affected Activity Component(s) Description of Effects significant adverse indicate the activity component(s) with effects likely? which it is associated)

In the event of a spill, vessel causing the spill shall respond immediately in accordance with their spill response plan. Vessel causing the spill shall engage other participating vessels to provide assistance, if required.

Contact POESB QHM for marine spills in Nanoose Harbour and approaches, that cannot be contained and cleaned up and require second level response.

Exercise OPI is responsible for ensuring that all spills are reported to CFMETR EnvO IAW CFMETR EMS and MARPAC FSE in accordance with MARPAC SEMS DE1 Directive SE1: Safety and Environmental Emergency Incident Reporting (Annex A ref [19]).

Ensure all equipment, machinery and vehicles brought on site are clean and free of leaks, excess oil, and grease.

Check all equipment, machinery and vehicles every morning for leaks and ensure they are maintained in good working order.

Ensure hydraulic machinery, if required, uses environmentally- sensitive hydraulic fluids that are non- toxic to aquatic life and are readily or inherently biodegradable.

21 Mitigation Measures Are residual (numbers appearing after a measure VEC(s) Affected Activity Component(s) Description of Effects significant adverse indicate the activity component(s) with effects likely? which it is associated) 1., Reduce: Vehicles, boats, and equipment will be in good working Noise generated by activity may order. Unnecessary idling will be negatively impact VEC. limited. 1. Launch/Recovery Vessel - Based on the small scope of 3. Reduce: To reduce potential Operations activities and in an urban Ambient Noise interactions with VECs, boat, AUVs, NO 3. Underwater acoustic commercial/industrial setting and acoustic sources will only be comms./source use and in a busy harbour, minimal operated during trial activities. When contribution of ambient noise to trial component is not being monitored, the environment is anticipated. acoustic sources are to be powered down. 2., Reduce: All equipment, including mooring lines and surface buoys, will be retrieved at the end of the trial with the exception of sand-bag anchors Equipment installed or deposited on (fabric bags filled with sand/gravel). ocean bottom may negatively impact Anticipate bags will deteriorate in VEC. marine environment and minimal - Based on the limited quantity amounts of sand/gravel will be and the small footprint of the Sediment/Ocean 2. Deployment/Recovery of dispersed on ocean floor. most moorings (1m2) for NO Bottom equipment with moorings 2. Reduce: Moorings for equipment equipment being deployed to and recovery lines will not be dragged the ocean bottom, minimal to prevent significant disturbance of impact to the sediment/ocean the ocean bottom environment. Tide bottom environment is stage and wave action will be anticipated. considered and the buoy line will be adjusted/weighted accordingly to prevent equipment from drifting.

22 Mitigation Measures Are residual (numbers appearing after a measure VEC(s) Affected Activity Component(s) Description of Effects significant adverse indicate the activity component(s) with effects likely? which it is associated) 2.,3. Reduce: To reduce potential interactions with VECs, boat, AUVs, and acoustic sources will only be Operation of equipment and completion operated during trial activities. When of trial activities may negatively impact trial component is not being monitored, VEC. acoustic sources are to be powered - Based on the small scope of down. activities and in an urban 2.,3. Reduce: If the equipment or commercial/industrial setting acoustic release malfunctions so that and in a busy harbour, minimal equipment descends to or stays on the impact to fish, marine ocean floor, the equipment will be invertebrates, and their habitat retrieved by divers or retrieval is anticipated. equipment at a later time. - There is potential that 2. Reduce: To avoid/reduce potential impacts associated with vessel 2. Deployment/Recovery of equipment could malfunction Fish, Aquatic operation on marine wildlife, all boat equipment with moorings and descend and settle onto Animals and operators will: NO 3. Underwater acoustic the ocean floor. Habitat (Marine) – comms./source use - There is potential for acoustic release to malfunction and that - Immediately report any accidental equipment stays in water longer contact with a marine mammal to than expected. RJOC (P), MARPAC FSE and - Potential acoustic disturbance CFMETR EnvO. Provide the following from underwater comms/source information: use (a) the date, time and location of the incident; - Potential vessel collision with (b) the species of marine mammal

marine wildlife involved in the incident; - Potential noise disturbance to (c) the circumstances of the incident; marine wildlife from vessel (d) the size and type of vehicle; movement. (e) the weather and sea conditions at the time of the incident; (f) the observed state of the marine mammal after the incident; and

23 Mitigation Measures Are residual (numbers appearing after a measure VEC(s) Affected Activity Component(s) Description of Effects significant adverse indicate the activity component(s) with effects likely? which it is associated) (g) the direction of travel of the marine mammal after the incident, to the extent that it can be determined.

Maintain effective lookout for marine mammals. Ensure all lookouts have received recent Marine Species Awareness Training (MSAT).

Alert other vessels in the area of the presence of marine mammals.

Be cautious, courteous and quiet when around areas of known or suspected marine wildlife activity in the water or near haul-outs and bird colonies on land. Especially from May to September during breeding, nesting and seal pupping seasons.

Do not disturb, move, feed or touch any marine wildlife, including seal pups. If you are concerned about a potentially sick or stranded animal, contact your local stranding network where available. In B.C., call the BC Marine Mammal Response Network: 1-800-465-4336 / VHF Channel 16

Reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400 metres/yards of the nearest marine mammal and reduce engine’s noise and vessel’s wake.

Whales

24 Mitigation Measures Are residual (numbers appearing after a measure VEC(s) Affected Activity Component(s) Description of Effects significant adverse indicate the activity component(s) with effects likely? which it is associated)

Keep a minimum distance of at least 100m away from all whales and at least 200m away from all killer whales.

Keep clear of the whales’ path.

Stay on the offshore side of the whales when traveling close to shore.

Dolphins and Porpoises

Keep a minimum distance of at least 100m away from all porpoises and dolphins.

If dolphins or porpoises ride the bow wave of your boat, avoid sudden course changes. Hold course and speed or reduce speed gradually. Do not drive through groups of porpoises or dolphins.

Seals and Sea Lions

In the event that you encounter seals or sea lions: - reduce boat speed, minimize wake, wash and noise, and then slowly pass without stopping - avoid sudden changes of speed or direction - move away slowly at the first sign of disturbance or agitation. If the animal

25 Mitigation Measures Are residual (numbers appearing after a measure VEC(s) Affected Activity Component(s) Description of Effects significant adverse indicate the activity component(s) with effects likely? which it is associated) starts to stare, fidget or dive into the water, you are too close

Birds

Maintain a sufficient distance to avoid disturbing nesting birds on land. Signs that birds are disturbed include adults displaying erect posture while sitting on their nests, increased vocalization and adult birds leaving their nests.

It is preferable to travel at steady speeds when close to seabird and waterbird colonies, moving parallel to the shore, rather than approaching the colony directly.

Avoid any sharp or loud noises, do not blow horns or whistles, and maintain constant engine noise levels when near nesting birds or seabird/waterbird colonies.

Do not pursue seabirds or waterbirds swimming on the water surface, and avoid concentrations of these birds on the water.

3. Reduce: To reduce potential impacts to marine mammals related to the use of acoustic sources, a Marine Mammal Mitigation Procedure (MMMP) as detailed in Annex G, will be employed

26 Mitigation Measures Are residual (numbers appearing after a measure VEC(s) Affected Activity Component(s) Description of Effects significant adverse indicate the activity component(s) with effects likely? which it is associated) 1. Reduce: To reduce potential Operation of equipment and completion interactions with VECs, boat, AUVs, of trial activities may negatively impact and acoustic sources will only be VEC. operated during trial activities. When - Based on the small scope of trial component is not being monitored, activities and in an urban acoustic sources are to be powered Species at Risk, 1. Launch/Recovery vessel commercial/industrial setting down. Migratory Birds Operations and in a busy harbour, minimal NO

impact to species at 3. Reduce: To reduce potential risk/migratory birds and their impacts to marine mammal SAR habitat is anticipated. related to the use of acoustic sources, The effects of acoustic sources - a Marine Mammal Mitigation on MM SAR are detailed in the Procedures( MMMP) as detailed in row below Annex G, will be employed Operation of equipment and completion 1.,3. Reduce: To reduce potential of trial activities may negatively impact interactions with VECs, boat, AUVs, VEC. and acoustic sources will only be operated during trial activities. When 1. Launch/Recovery Vessel Based on an evaluation of the acoustic trial component is not being monitored, Operations sources being used in this Activity, as acoustic instruments to be powered 2. Deployment/Recovery of Marine Mammals detailed in Annex F, it is anticipated that: down. NO equipment emitting sound. - Temporary effects could be 2. Reduce: To reduce potential 3. Underwater acoustic induced at ranges less than impacts to marine mammals related to comms./source use 500 meters from the source; the use of acoustic sources, a Marine and, Mammal Mitigation Procedures( - Permanent effects could be MMMP) as detailed in Annex G, will be induced at ranges up to 20 m. employed Use a sinking line or weights to keep 1. Launch/Recovery excess line below the surface of the Vessel Operations Mooring lines have the potential to Recreational water. 2. Deployment/Recovery Boating and become entangled in other boaters’ NO of equipment emitting props. Fisheries Equipment will not be installed in a sound. navigation channel.

27 Mitigation Measures Are residual (numbers appearing after a measure VEC(s) Affected Activity Component(s) Description of Effects significant adverse indicate the activity component(s) with effects likely? which it is associated) Highly visible floating buoys will be used to alerts boaters to equipment and lines on or below the surface of the water.

A Notice to Mariners will be issued for the trial.

28 Annex F: Acoustic impact analysis

Context The latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) criteria for auditory injury in marine mammals (Annex A ref. [4]) have been scrutinized by the public, industrial proponents, and academics. DRDC has no obligation to follow NOAA guidance. But as a good steward of the environment, the DRDC Atlantic Research Centre recognizes that such guidance represents the best science-based instructions for minimizing impacts on marine mammals.

Sound reaching a marine mammal with ample duration and sound pressure level (SPL) can result in a loss of hearing sensitivity, or a noise-induced threshold shift (NITS). In worst cases, this may induce a temporary threshold shift (TTS) or permanent threshold shift (PTS) following noise exposure. TTS is a relatively short-term reversible loss of hearing, whereas PTS is an irreversible loss of hearing (permanent damage).

Auditory thresholds for underwater noise are expressed as a sound exposure level (SEL), a measure of energy in dB rel. 1 uPa2s. The SEL metric represents the total noise energy to which an animal is exposed over a given time period, and as such it is appropriate for assessing effects of cumulative exposure to noise sources. In particular, NOAA recommends using a weighted and cumulative SEL, named SELcum, defined over a 24-hour time period to estimate noise exposure levels.

NOAA recommends using the following concepts to assess auditory impacts: (1) marine mammal classification in five functional hearing group categories (ref. Table F.1), (2) detailed characteristics of the acoustic source and its intended use, (3) impacts in increasing order of importance are audibility, behavioural effect, masking, TTS, PTS, and injury (Annex A, ref. [4,5]), (4) limits for inducing a temporary/permanent threshold shift (ref. Table F.2), and (5) auditory weighting functions associated to each functional hearing group (ref. Fig F.1).

Table F.1. Marine mammal hearing groups (Annex A, ref. [4])

Hearing Group Hearing Range Low-frequency (LF) cetaceans (baleen whales) 7 Hz to 35 kHz Mid-frequency (MF) cetaceans (dolphins, toothed whales, beaked 150 Hz to 160 kHz whales, bottlenose whales) High-frequency (HF) cetaceans (true porpoises, Kogia, river 275 Hz to 160 kHz dolphins, cephalorhynchid, Lagenorhynchus cruciger & L. australis) Phocid pinnipeds (PW) (underwater) (true seals) 50 Hz to 86 kHz Otariid pinnipeds (OW) (underwater) (sea lions and fur seals) 60 Hz to 39 kHz

Table F.1 indicates that not all marine mammal species have identical susceptibility to noise. Hearing groups are used to establish auditory weighting functions or weighting factor adjustments (WFA). Table C.1 classifies mammals according to Table F.1.

NOTE 1 Outside hearing ranges of Table F.1, “the risk of auditory impacts from sound exposure is considered highly unlikely or very low” (Annex A, ref. [4], page 10).

Figure F.1: Frequency-weighting factor adjustments for the functional hearing groups with the transmit centre frequencies for the DACS (0.195 kHz), barrel stave (0.76 kHz), and acoustic modem (13.3 kHz) indicated by the dashed lines. The ADCP (300 kHz) does not fall in the hearing band of any of the functional hearing groups.

Table F.2. Marine mammal injury threshold – non-impulsive source (Annex A, ref. [4]) 2 Hearing group Weighted SELcum (dB re 1 Pa ·s) TTS PTS Low-frequency (LF) cetaceans 179 199 Mid-frequency (MF) cetaceans 178 198 High-frequency (HF) cetaceans 153 173 Phocid pinnipeds in water 181 201 Otariid pinnipeds in water 199 219

Values found in Table F.2 never change and they are the reference for received acoustic energy that would induce a threshold shift. All sources listed in Table B.1 are non- impulsive, such that Table F.2 applies to all of them.

Table F.3. Weighting Factor Adjustments-broadband sources (Annex A, ref. [4]) Applicable Non-applicable Hearing group frequencies frequencies Low-frequency (LF) cetaceans < 4.8 kHz > 4.8 kHz use 1.7 kHz Mid-frequency (MF) cetaceans < 43 kHz > 43 kHz use 28 kHz High-frequency (HF) cetaceans < 59 kHz > 59 kHz use 42 kHz Phocid pinnipeds in water < 11 kHz > 11 kHz use 6.2 kHz Otariid pinnipeds in water < 8.5 kHz > 8.5 kHz use 4.9 kHz

30 Marine mammals Table C.1 indicates how at-risk certain species are as well as their likelihood in the Strait of Georgia. The combination of those two features gives a sense of priorities in terms of impact and mitigation measures.

Of all marine mammals identified in Table C.1, some of them have vocalizations that may overlap with acoustic sources listed in Table B.1. Therefore, the acoustic sources may lead to masking, which is an interference with vocalizations due to the use of similar frequencies. Table F.4 indicates which source (A = ADCP, B = barrel stave, D = DACS, M = modem, R = release) may mask certain vocalizations. In decreasing order of significance of impact, one finds: 1) DACS and the barrel stave sources may mask vocalizations for low-frequency cetaceans, phocid pinnipeds, and otariid pinnipeds; 2) Modems may impact Killer whales and clicks from Harbour seals and Minke whales; and 3) Releases will only impact clicks from Harbour seals.

Signals transmitted by DACS and the barrel stave are under control, and it is possible to select a frequency band and bandwidth that would reduce the likelihood of masking. Table F.4. Frequency overlap between marine mammals (ref. Table C.1) and acoustic sources (ref. Table B.1). Frequencies originate from Annex A ref. [1]. (Legend: HW = humpback whale, FW=fin whale, BW=blue whale, SW=sei whale, MW=minke whale, GW=grey whale, KW=killer whale, SW=sperm whale, WSD=white-sided dolphin, HP=harbour porpoise, DP=dall porpoise, HS=harbour seal, CSL=California sea lion) Type of Vocalization Dominant Frequency Source Low-frequency cetaceans 71 to 708 Hz D, BS Song 20 Hz to 4 kHz with D, BS components up to 8 kHz HW Moans/grunts 20 Hz to 1.9 kHz D, BS Low-frequency pulse train 25 to 80 Hz --- Blowhole shriek 555 Hz to 2 kHz D, BS Trumpetlike horn blast 414 Hz D, BS Moans 20 Hz --- FW Calls 20 to 40 Hz --- Whistles, Chirps 1.5 Hz to 2.5 kHz D, BS Moans 16 to 25 Hz --- BW Calls 9 to 200 Hz D Clicks 6 kHz to 8 kHz and 25 kHz --- SW FM Sweeps 1.5 to 3.5 kHz --- Moans and grunts 60 Hz to 140 Hz --- MW Ratchet 850 Hz D, BS Clicks <12 kHz D, M Thump trains 100 to 200 Hz --- FM up and down- sweeps 300 Hz D, BS GW Pulses 300 to 825 Hz D, BS Clicks (calves only) 3.4 to 4 kHz --- Mid-frequency cetaceans Calls 1.5 to 3.5 kHz --- KW Whistles 5 to 12 kHz M

31 Echolocation clicks 12 to 25 kHz M SW Clicks 2 to 4 kHz, 10 to 16 kHz M Echolocation clicks 60 to 80 kHz --- WSD Whistles 4 to 12 Hz --- High-frequency cetaceans HP Echolocation clicks 110 to 150 kHz --- DP Echolocation clicks 135 to 149 kHz --- Phocid pinnipeds Roar 400 to 800 Hz D, BS Bubbly growl <0.1 to 0.25 kHz D Grunt, groan <0.1 to 4 kHz D, BS HS Creak 0.7 to 2 kHz D, BS Click 12 to 40 kHz M, R Social sounds 500 to 3500 Hz D, BS Otariid pinnipeds Barks <3.5 kHz D, BS Whinny < 1 to 3 kHz D, BS CSL Clicks 0.5 to 4 kHz D, BS Buzzing < 1 kHz D, BS

Analysis The U.S. NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) has provided a simple means of approximating exposure for action proponents that are unable to apply various factors into their model. In particular, NMFS provides an optional User Spreadsheet tool to help assess threshold shifts (Annex A, ref. [6]).

For all acoustic sources, the user of the NMFS Spreadsheet must determine the following features: (1) impulsive (lasting less than 1 second) or non-impulsive, (2) narrowband or broadband (Annex A, ref [7]), (3) mobile or stationary, and (4) frequency (or 95% frequency contour percentile for broadband sources). For intermittent sources, duty cycle (=1 if continuous), duration, and repetition rate are also needed. Mobile sources require the source speed. The main output of the spreadsheet refers to the notion of a “safe distance”, which is the distance from the source beyond which a threshold (TTS or PTS) is not exceeded. Safe distances in the spreadsheet are called “isopleths”. NMFS typically recommends practical spreading (15 Log R, with R=range in metre) for projects occurring in shallow, coastal areas (Annex A, ref [6]).

Tables F.5 through F.7 contains the outcome of applying the NMFS User Spreadsheet to acoustic sources listed in Table B.1 and marine mammal groups described in Table C.1 for assessing the PTS and TTS safe distances for all hearing groups. Table F.9 summarizes all results in a single table.

NOTE 2 Frequencies entered in the NMFS User Spreadsheet must satisfy values found in Table F.3, which often requires re-executing the spreadsheet using different frequency for distinct hearing group, as noted in Annex A ref. [6] (e.g., page 9). Not doing so leads to largely over-estimated isopleth distances.

32 Table F.5. For acoustic modem using 13.3 kHz (95% of 14 kHZ). (* = output of the User Spreadsheet (Annex A, ref [6]), tab “B) stationary source, non-impulsive, intermittent”, method B1). The Teledyne manufacturer recommended removing 30.7 dB from their listed maximum peak source level values (Annex A, ref. [8]). Source level as per Annex A, ref. [9].

LF MF HF Phocid Otariid pinnipeds pinnipeds Weight. Factor Adjustment (kHz) 1.7 13.3 13.3 6.2 4.9 Source level (RMS) 155 155 155 155 155 Duration (hrs) within 24-hour 10 10 10 10 10 Pulse duration (seconds) 20 20 20 20 20 1/repeat. Rate (seconds) 480 480 480 480 480 Propagation spreading 15 15 15 15 15 PTS isopleth to threshold (m)* 0.2 0.1 4.9 0.1 0 TTS isopleth to threshold (m)* 2.0 3.1 106.1 2.1 0.1

Table F.6. For DACS using 0.195 kHz (about 95% of 205 Hz). (* = output of the User Spreadsheet (Annex A, ref [6]), tab “C) mobile source, non-impulsive, continuous”) LF MF HF Phocid Otariid pinnipeds pinnipeds Weight. Factor Adjustment (kHz) 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Source level (RMS) 203 203 203 203 203 Source velocity (m/s) 2 2 2 2 2 PTS isopleth to threshold (m)* 2 0 0 0 0 TTS isopleth to threshold (m)* 203.0 0 0.1 3.2 0

Table F.7. For barrel stave using 0.76 kHz (95% of 805 Hz). (* = output of the User Spreadsheet (Annex A, ref [6]), tab “B) stationary source, non-impulsive, intermittent”, method B1)

LF MF HF Phocid Otariid pinnipeds pinnipeds Weight. Factor Adjustment (kHz) 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76 Source level (RMS) 187 187 187 187 187 Duration (hrs) within 24-hour 10 10 10 10 10 Pulse duration (seconds) 20 20 20 20 20 1/repeat. Rate (seconds) 480 480 480 480 480 Propagation spreading 15 15 15 15 15 PTS isopleth to threshold (m)* 20.2 0.2 1.8 4.6 0.3 TTS isopleth to threshold (m)* 491.9 3.8 44.6 111.2 7.5

Results Table F.8 summarizes all PTS isopleths derived in Tables F.5 through F.7, with Table F.9 summarizing all TTS isopleths. As noted in Figure F.1, the ADCP falls outside the range of hearing for all mammal species which may be encountered. The risk of auditory impacts from sound exposure outside the hearing range is considered highly unlikely.

Further mitigating the impact ranges assessed here, the NMFS User Spreadsheet does not consider attenuation due to absorption effects as indicated in Annex A ref. [9], thus

33 all derived isopleths tend to be larger-than-expected. Moreover, each one of the sound sources listed here have a directional beam, thus limiting their propagation range but also not captured by the NMFS User Spreadsheet.

Table F.8 Summary PTS isopleths to threshold (meters) for all acoustic sources (HW = humpback whale, SW = sperm whale, HP = harbour porpoise, NES = northern elephant seal, SSL = steller sea lion).

Source LF MF HF Phocid Otariid freq. (kHz) pinnipeds pinnipeds max hearing freq. (kHz) --- 35 160 160 86 39 acoustic modem (m) 13.3 0.2 0.1 4.9 0.1 0 DACS (m) 0.195 2 0 0 0 0 barrel stave (m) 0.76 20.2 0.2 1.8 4.6 0.3 ADCP (m) 300 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Table F.9 Summary TTS isopleths to threshold (meters) for all acoustic sources (HW = humpback whale, SW = sperm whale, HP = harbour porpoise, NES = northern elephant seal, SSL = steller sea lion).

Source LF MF HF Phocid Otariid freq. (kHz) pinnipeds pinnipeds max hearing freq. (kHz) --- 35 160 160 86 39 acoustic modem (m) 13.3 2.0 3.1 106.1 2.1 0.1 DACS (m) 0.195 203.0 0 0.1 3.2 0 barrel stave (m) 0.76 491.9 3.8 44.6 111.2 7.5 ADCP (m) 300 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Summary The latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guidance on the impact of anthropogenic sound on marine mammals was used to assess how acoustic sources to be deployed at CFMETR will affect marine mammals found in that region. The U.S. NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) developed a User Spreadsheet that implements NOAA’s guidance. The User Spreadsheet was utilized to assess safe distances (isopleths) to the PTS and TTS.

Following this analysis, safe distances have been developed for each of the sound sources described in this document, based on the range at which TTS may be induced for any of the functional hearing groups. The ADCP sources are outside of the hearing range of all five hearing groups. As such, it is not anticipated that these sources would have any potential auditory impacts on any marine mammal. For the remaining sources, safe distances are as indicated in Table F.10.

Table F.10 Summary of safe distances for each acoustic source

Safe distance (m) ADCP N/A DACS 200 barrel stave 500 acoustic modem 100

34 During the trial, the safe distance will be maintained using the mitigation measures described in Annex G. As these safe distances can be achieved using the mitigation measures available, a very low risk of temporary injuries is assessed.

35 Annex G: Marine Mammal Protection Mitigation Measures

The following marine mammal protection mitigation measures will apply for the duration of the Activity:

1. Safe distance. A mammal avoidance zone (MAZ) will be adhered to throughout the trial, using the safe distance calculated in Annex F, of 500 meters.

2. Visual monitoring. Prior to the transmission of any active acoustic sources, a 15- minute visual monitoring period will be conducted where all available trial staff on the water or at Winchelsea Island will visually survey the trial area and surrounding waters for marine mammals. All CFMETR staff have received marine species awareness training.

3. Ramp up. Prior to beginning full power transmission of the DACS or barrel stave projector, a ramp-up procedure will be initiated where short duration (< 2 second) transmissions will gradually be increased in sound intensity to the maximum intended power level during the event (full power): a. 2 minutes of -6 dB attenuation, short duration; b. 2 minutes of -3 dB attenuation, short duration; c. 1 minute of full power, short duration;

4. Shut-down procedure. If any species of marine mammal is sighted within the 500m MAZ, a shut-down procedure will be initiated where: a. Equipment will be made safe: i. DACS and the barrel stave projector will both cease transmission; ii. Acoustic modems will not be actively queried, but will not be shut down; b. Once the animal has moved back outside the MAZ, or is estimated to have moved outside the MAZ, or has not been sighted for 15 minutes, transmission will recommence. c. If the shut-down lasted more than 30 minutes, a ramp-up procedure as described at above point #3 should be employed.

5. Passive acoustic monitoring. Acoustic sensors will be monitored using the ambient noise hydrophones at Winchelsea Island and an offboard hydrophone from the range craft, where available. If an animal is heard vocalizing, a radio transmission will be made to all stations to alert the trial staff of the potential hazard.

6. Visibility. Transmission of the DACS and barrel stave will be restricted to daylight hours, and periods where lateral visibility is at least 500 m.

DOCUMENT CONTROL DATA

1. ORIGINATOR (Name and address of the organization preparing the document. 2a. SECURITY MARKING A DRDC Centre sponsoring a contractor's report, or tasking agency, is entered (Overall security marking of the document including in Section 8.) special supplemental markings if applicable.)

DRDC – Atlantic Research Centre CAN UNCLASSIFIED Defence Research and Development Canada 9 Grove Street P.O. Box 1012 2b. CONTROLLED GOODS Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 3Z7 NON-CONTROLLED GOODS Canada DMC A

3. TITLE (The document title and sub-title as indicated on the title page.) Due Diligence Environmental Effects Determination (DD EED) Report: 2019 Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR) Canadian Arctic Underwater Sentinel Experimentation (CAUSE) Pre-Demonstration Trial

4. AUTHORS (Last name, followed by initials – ranks, titles, etc., not to be used) Blouin, S.; Thomson, D.

5. DATE OF PUBLICATION 6a. NO. OF PAGES 6b. NO. OF REFS (Month and year of publication of document.) (Total pages, including (Total references cited.) Annexes, excluding DCD, covering and verso pages.) July 2020 38 19

7. DOCUMENT CATEGORY (e.g., Scientific Report, Contract Report, Scientific Letter.)

Reference Document

8. SPONSORING CENTRE (The name and address of the department project office or laboratory sponsoring the research and development.)

DRDC – Atlantic Research Centre Defence Research and Development Canada 9 Grove Street P.O. Box 1012 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 3Z7 Canada

9a. PROJECT OR GRANT NO. (If appropriate, the applicable 9b. CONTRACT NO. (If appropriate, the applicable number under research and development project or grant number under which which the document was written.) the document was written. Please specify whether project or grant.)

99ab

10a. DRDC PUBLICATION NUMBER (The official document number 10b. OTHER DOCUMENT NO(s). (Any other numbers which may be by which the document is identified by the originating assigned this document either by the originator or by the sponsor.) activity. This number must be unique to this document.)

DRDC-RDDC-2019-D117

11a. FUTURE DISTRIBUTION WITHIN CANADA (Approval for further dissemination of the document. Security classification must also be considered.)

Public release

11b. FUTURE DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE CANADA (Approval for further dissemination of the document. Security classification must also be considered.)

12. KEYWORDS, DESCRIPTORS or IDENTIFIERS (Use semi-colon as a delimiter.)

effect determination; acoustic source

13. ABSTRACT (When available in the document, the French version of the abstract must be included here.)

As part of the Canadian Arctic Underwater Sentinel Experimentation (CAUSE) Project 99ab, an engineering trial was conducted at Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR), Nanoose Bay, BC. The trial was largely a check on the operational capabilities of the devices to be employed, but it also included significant data collection, algorithm development, and performance analysis in support of the CAUSE project in general. A significant component of this trial involved the performance assessment of acoustic recording equipment, which required the use of acoustic projectors emitting underwater sounds. This report evaluates the environmental impact of transmitting such sounds on marine life, and in particular on marine mammals present in the area.

Dans le cadre du projet 99ab de Recherche expérimentale d’une sentinelle sous-marine pour l’Arctique canadien (RESSAC), le Centre d’expérimentation et d’essais maritimes des Forces canadiennes (CEEMFC) de Nanoose Bay (C.-B.) a mené des essais d’ingénierie. Ces essais consistaient surtout à évaluer les capacités opérationnelles des appareils à utiliser et incluaient aussi la collecte de données significatives, le développement d’algorithmes et l’analyse des performances afin d’appuyer dans l’ensemble le projet RESSAC. L’évaluation des performances d’appareils d’enregistrement acoustique à l’aide de projecteurs acoustiques émettant des sons sous-marins a constitué une portion importante de ces essais. Le rapport évalue les incidences environnementales de l’émission de ces sons sur la vie marine, en particulier sur les mammifères marins dans la région.