Research Idea Details

Construction Impacts on Bats in Nearby Caves

  • Focus Area: Wildlife & Ecosystems
  • Status: Archived
  • Subcommittee: Natural Resources
  • Cost: $100k-$249k
  • Timeframe: 1-2 years

Research Idea Scope

Blasting, bridge pier construction, and other construction activities can temporarily increase noise and vibration levels, but to what extent does this occur inside caves? Collect and analyze noise and vibration data in caves during active construction projects. Analyze the effects on federally listed bat species.

Urgency and Payoff

The USFWS can impose strict time constraints on construction activites, such as blasting, drilling bridge piers, etc., when the project is within 0.25 mile of a cave with known T&E species. Currently, there is no data to dispute or to support the effects active construction activities has on caves or their inhabitants.

Suggested By:
Kayti Ewing Arkansas Department of Transportation 5015692522
[email protected]
Submitted:
05/19/2020