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Title: Review of potential impacts to sea turtles from underwater explosive removal of offshore structures

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to collect and synthesize existing information relevant to the explosive removal of offshore structures (EROS) in aquatic environments. Data sources were organized and summarized by topic - explosive removal methods, physics of underwater explosions, sea turtle resources, documented impacts to sea turtles, and mitigation of effects. Information was gathered via electronic database searches and literature source review. Bulk explosive charges are the most commonly used technique in EROS. While the physical principles of underwater detonations and the propagation of pressure and acoustic waves are well understood, there are significant gaps in the application of this knowledge. Impacts to sea turtles from explosive removal operations may range from non-injurious effects (e.g. acoustic annoyance; mild tactile detection or physical discomfort) to varying levels of injury (i.e. non-lethal and lethal injuries). Very little information exists regarding the impacts of underwater explosions on sea turtles. Effects of explosions on turtles often must be inferred from documented effects to other vertebrates with lungs or other gas-containing organs, such as mammals and most fishes. However, a cautious approach should be used when determining impacts to sea turtles based on extrapolations from other vertebrates. The discovery of beached sea turtles andmore » bottlenose dolphins following an explosive platform removal event in 1986 prompted the initiation of formal consultation between the U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), authorized through the Endangered Species Act Section 7, to determine a mechanism to minimize potential impacts to listed species. The initial consultation resulted in a requirement for oil and gas companies to obtain a permit (through separate consultations on a case-by-case basis) prior to using explosives in Federal waters. Because many offshore structure removal operations are similar, a 'generic' Incidental Take Statement was established by the NMFS that describes requirements to protect sea turtles when an operator's individual charge weights did not exceed 50 lb (23 kg). Requirements associated with the Incidental Take Permit were revised in 2003 and 2006 to accommodate advances in explosive charge technologies, removals of structures in deeper waters, and adequate protection of deep water marine mammal species in Gulf of Mexico waters. Generally, these requirements include pre- and post-detonation visual monitoring using standard surface and aerial survey methods for sea turtles and marine mammals, and, in some scenarios, passive acoustic survey methods for marine mammals within a specified radius from an offshore structure. The survey program has been successful in mitigating impacts to sea turtles associated with EROS. However, even with these protective measures in place, there have been observations of sea turtles affected by explosive platform removals.« less

Authors:
 [1];  [1]
  1. JASCO Research Ltd., Vancouver Island Technology Park, Suite 2101, 4464 Markham Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8Z 7X8 (Canada)
Publication Date:
OSTI Identifier:
21130740
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Environmental Impact Assessment Review
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 28; Journal Issue: 4-5; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2007.05.010; PII: S0195-9255(07)00076-5; Copyright (c) 2007 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Journal ID: ISSN 0195-9255
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; CETACEANS; ENDANGERED SPECIES; EXPLOSIVES; FISHES; GULF OF MEXICO; INJURIES; METHYL METHANESULFONATE; TURTLES; UNDERWATER; UNDERWATER EXPLOSIONS

Citation Formats

Viada, Stephen T., Hammer, Richard M., Racca, Roberto, Hannay, David, Thompson, M. John, Balcom, Brian J., and Phillips, Neal W. Review of potential impacts to sea turtles from underwater explosive removal of offshore structures. United States: N. p., 2008. Web. doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2007.05.010.
Viada, Stephen T., Hammer, Richard M., Racca, Roberto, Hannay, David, Thompson, M. John, Balcom, Brian J., & Phillips, Neal W. Review of potential impacts to sea turtles from underwater explosive removal of offshore structures. United States. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2007.05.010
Viada, Stephen T., Hammer, Richard M., Racca, Roberto, Hannay, David, Thompson, M. John, Balcom, Brian J., and Phillips, Neal W. 2008. "Review of potential impacts to sea turtles from underwater explosive removal of offshore structures". United States. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2007.05.010.
@article{osti_21130740,
title = {Review of potential impacts to sea turtles from underwater explosive removal of offshore structures},
author = {Viada, Stephen T. and Hammer, Richard M. and Racca, Roberto and Hannay, David and Thompson, M. John and Balcom, Brian J. and Phillips, Neal W.},
abstractNote = {The purpose of this study was to collect and synthesize existing information relevant to the explosive removal of offshore structures (EROS) in aquatic environments. Data sources were organized and summarized by topic - explosive removal methods, physics of underwater explosions, sea turtle resources, documented impacts to sea turtles, and mitigation of effects. Information was gathered via electronic database searches and literature source review. Bulk explosive charges are the most commonly used technique in EROS. While the physical principles of underwater detonations and the propagation of pressure and acoustic waves are well understood, there are significant gaps in the application of this knowledge. Impacts to sea turtles from explosive removal operations may range from non-injurious effects (e.g. acoustic annoyance; mild tactile detection or physical discomfort) to varying levels of injury (i.e. non-lethal and lethal injuries). Very little information exists regarding the impacts of underwater explosions on sea turtles. Effects of explosions on turtles often must be inferred from documented effects to other vertebrates with lungs or other gas-containing organs, such as mammals and most fishes. However, a cautious approach should be used when determining impacts to sea turtles based on extrapolations from other vertebrates. The discovery of beached sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins following an explosive platform removal event in 1986 prompted the initiation of formal consultation between the U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), authorized through the Endangered Species Act Section 7, to determine a mechanism to minimize potential impacts to listed species. The initial consultation resulted in a requirement for oil and gas companies to obtain a permit (through separate consultations on a case-by-case basis) prior to using explosives in Federal waters. Because many offshore structure removal operations are similar, a 'generic' Incidental Take Statement was established by the NMFS that describes requirements to protect sea turtles when an operator's individual charge weights did not exceed 50 lb (23 kg). Requirements associated with the Incidental Take Permit were revised in 2003 and 2006 to accommodate advances in explosive charge technologies, removals of structures in deeper waters, and adequate protection of deep water marine mammal species in Gulf of Mexico waters. Generally, these requirements include pre- and post-detonation visual monitoring using standard surface and aerial survey methods for sea turtles and marine mammals, and, in some scenarios, passive acoustic survey methods for marine mammals within a specified radius from an offshore structure. The survey program has been successful in mitigating impacts to sea turtles associated with EROS. However, even with these protective measures in place, there have been observations of sea turtles affected by explosive platform removals.},
doi = {10.1016/j.eiar.2007.05.010},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/21130740}, journal = {Environmental Impact Assessment Review},
issn = {0195-9255},
number = 4-5,
volume = 28,
place = {United States},
year = {Thu May 15 00:00:00 EDT 2008},
month = {Thu May 15 00:00:00 EDT 2008}
}