Underwater Noise Studies

Who it’s for

Port projects, offshore exploration or operations, submarine cable laying, dredging, or pile driving, and generally any activity that could affect marine wildlife.

Applicable regulations

Chile does not yet have a specific national underwater noise standard; the assessment is carried out under Article 11 of Law No. 19,300 (risk to human health and impact on natural resources/biodiversity), using internationally recognized guidelines and reference thresholds for different marine wildlife groups (cetaceans, pinnipeds, fish).

Scope / methodology

Source characterization (pile driving, blasting, dredging, or other); underwater noise propagation modeling; comparison against international reference thresholds; mitigation measure recommendations where applicable (defined according to the team’s internal methodology for each case).

Deliverables

Technical underwater noise impact assessment report, suitable for submission to the SEIA.

How we can help

Tell us the type of activity (dredging, pile driving, blasting, submarine cabling, etc.) and the project area so we can scope the study.

Frequently asked questions

What types of projects require this study?
Port projects, offshore exploration or operations, submarine cable laying, dredging, or pile driving, and generally any activity that could affect marine wildlife.

Is there a Chilean underwater noise standard?
No. There is currently no specific national standard; the assessment is carried out under Article 11 of Law No. 19,300, using internationally recognized reference thresholds based on the marine wildlife group affected (cetaceans, pinnipeds, etc.).

Which activities carry the greatest underwater noise risk?
Pile driving and underwater blasting tend to be the highest-emission sources of underwater noise, followed by dredging.

How is underwater noise measured?
With calibrated hydrophones at different points and depths, according to the methodology defined for each project. We always carry out continuous underwater noise measurements.

Delivery time

12 to 16 weeks from the start of baseline measurement, depending on project complexity.