For several years concern over the impact of underwater noise from construction pile driving has created regulatory challenges, as well as impact construction practices and schedules. New methods to attenuate the underwater sound are needed to protect species in marine and estuarine waters and to provide new methods and processes to effeciently drive piles for overwater structures.

The study objectives are to develop and field test underwater noise attenuation devices in marine and esturine waters to meet thresholds established to protect ESA listed specials and Marine Mammals.

The scope of this pooled fund project will involve the development of new underwater noise attenuation devices and to field test them to monitor sound levels to ascertain at what levels can the impact and vibratory sounds be attenuated. New technologies and devices will be created that show promise of signifcant sound level reductions. Testing these devices will be done in various locations depending upon opportunities with known construction projects, as well as test piles at sites where conditions can be properly monitored.

States who particpate in this pooled fund project will be able to identify innovative noise attenuation devices and participate in developing field tests to study their efficiencies and capabilities to reduce sound from pile driving in marine and estuarine waters. It is suggested that state's commit $25,000 for 3 years to this study effort.