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Effects of Noise from Oil and Gas Development on Raptors and Songbirds—A Science Synthesis to Inform National Environmental Policy Act Analyses

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5087
Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
By: , , , , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245087

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey is working with Federal land management agencies to develop a series of science syntheses to support environmental effects analyses that agencies conduct to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This report synthesizes science information about the potential effects of noise from oil and gas development on North American raptors, songbirds, and other small avian species. We conducted a structured search of published scientific literature to find information about noise levels produced during oil and gas development, methods for analyzing sound propagation, the effects of noise on avian species, and measures to reduce noise emissions. We follow the organization first established in U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023-5114, in which the report sections align with standard elements of NEPA analyses. We found that oil and gas development is a common source of human-caused noise on public lands and includes noise sources such as heavy construction and drilling machinery, long-term production machinery, truck traffic, and aircraft. Common techniques for predicting potential noise include field data collection using a sound level meter, inference from previously published data, and sound propagation modeling. The effects of human-caused noise on songbirds are well researched, whereas, among raptors, only owl species have been well-studied in relation to noise. Several studies have established that noise can reduce owl hunting success because many owl species are heavily reliant on hearing prey when hunting. The effects of noise on songbirds depend on several factors. Typically, birds that rely on vocal communication for mating, predator detection, and spatial orientation, and that are less able to adjust the frequencies of their vocalizations, are more vulnerable to behavioral changes and decreased fitness in noisy areas. Techniques suggested in the literature for reducing noise emissions include artificial sound barriers, seasonal and daily timing restrictions, traffic control measures, and siting infrastructure to take advantage of natural sound barriers. Public land managers can use this report by incorporating it by reference in NEPA documentation, as supplemental information, or as a general reference to find literature or identify gaps in the literature about the effects of noise from oil and gas development on raptors and songbirds.

Suggested Citation

Maxwell, L.M., Rutherford, T.K., Kleist, N.J., Teige, E.C., Lehrter, R.J., Gilbert, M.A., Wood, D.J.A., Johnston, A.N., Tull, J.C., Haby, T.S., and Carter, S.K., 2024, Effects of noise from oil and gas development on raptors and songbirds—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5087, 66 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245087.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Executive Summary
  • Purpose of This Report
  • How to Use This Report
  • Science Synthesis—Effects of Noise From Oil and Gas Development on Raptors and Songbirds
  • Methods for Developing This Science Synthesis
  • References Cited
  • Glossary
  • Appendix 1. Results of Studies About the Effects of Noise From Oil and Gas Development On Raptors
  • Appendix 2. Results of Studies About the Effects of Noise From Oil and Gas Development On Songbirds and Other Small Avian Species
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Effects of noise from oil and gas development on raptors and songbirds—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5087
DOI 10.3133/sir20245087
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Fort Collins Science Center
Description xi, 99 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details