Hydroacoustic Services
ECORP provides comprehensive monitoring services that address both underwater and in-air sound to evaluate how construction activities influence aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
ECORP’s Aquatic Biologists and Hydroacoustic Specialists Deliver Comprehensive Hydroacoustic and Bioacoustic Services
Hydroacoustics is the measurement of underwater sound produced by construction activities such as pile driving with vibratory or impact hammers. These sources can generate underwater sound levels and exposure metrics at intensities that can injure or kill fish and marine mammals. Because of these risks, regulatory agencies frequently require hydroacoustic monitoring to evaluate potential impacts on aquatic species and ensure compliance with biological thresholds. ECORP supports clients in meeting these requirements by delineating action areas for monitoring, developing hydroacoustic monitoring plans, implementing underwater noise monitoring for permit compliance, and consulting with clients to minimize underwater noise impacts. Our staff are equipped with state-of-the-art underwater noise monitoring equipment that can be deployed from vessels, docks, or barges in inland, estuarine, and coastal environments. ECORP provides a full range of hydroacoustic monitoring services, from project planning and permitting assistance through implementation, data analysis, and reporting.
Bioacoustics examines how airborne noise during in water and on land construction activities affects wildlife by pairing real-time sound measurements with direct behavioral observations. ECORP’s bioacoustic services include baseline pre-construction noise surveys and active construction noise monitoring conducted on-site by trained noise professionals or remotely using advanced monitoring equipment. These services have been successfully applied to monitor marine mammals at coastal haul-out sites as well as nesting birds and other sensitive species near active construction areas. By integrating hydroacoustic and bioacoustic monitoring, ECORP delivers quantitative, quality-assured data that informs project design, ensures compliance with regulatory thresholds, and supports adaptive management strategies to minimize noise-related impacts on biological resources.
ECORP Brings Unparalleled Experience with All Environmental Agencies
Monitoring requirements for underwater and in-air noise are routinely included in permits and authorizations issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the California Coastal Commission. ECORP’s hydroacoustic and bioacoustic specialists have extensive experience working within these frameworks, delivering defensible data that satisfies permit conditions and supports successful project outcomes.
ECORP’s Aquatic Biologists and Hydroacoustic Specialists Deliver Comprehensive Hydroacoustic Services
ECORP’s aquatic biologists and hydroacoustic specialists are trained and experienced in all aspects of underwater noise monitoring. Our team regularly collaborates with NMFS, USFWS, and CDFW to delineate action areas for monitoring, prepares hydroacoustic monitoring plans, implements underwater noise monitoring for permit compliance, and consults with clients to minimize underwater noise impacts. Our staff are equipped with state-of-the-art underwater noise monitoring equipment that can be deployed from vessels, docks, or barges in inland, estuarine, and coastal environments. ECORP provides a full range of hydroacoustic monitoring services, from project planning and permitting assistance through implementation, data analyses, and reporting.
ECORP’s Key Hydroacoustic and Bioacoustic Noise Monitoring Projects Include:
- San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency’s Smith Canal Gate Project
- Central Lathrop Stormwater Outfall Construction Project
- White Slough Stormwater Outfall Construction Project
- City of West Sacramento’s Raley’s Dock Construction Project
- San Diego Unified Port District’s Shelter Island Boat Launch Facility Improvements Project
- California Department of Transportation’s American River Bridge Project
- Natomas Mutual Water Company Elkhorn Pumping Plant Project
- City of Santa Cruz’s Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit
- City of Antioch’s Brackish Water Desalination Project
Learn More About ECORP’s Hydroacoustic Services
Environmental permits for in-water projects typically require the use of hydroacoustic services to protect aquatic life. Our exceptional staff, combined with unmatched knowledge of regulations and processes, and professional working relationships with Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies, make us the best choice for your project.
Our exceptional staff, combined with unmatched knowledge of regulations and processes, and professional working relationships with Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies, make us the best choice for your project. For inquiries about underwater or in-air noise monitoring, contact Dave Thomas, Tom Scofield, Adam Shroeder at (714) 648-0630, or Rosey Worden at (530) 809-2585.