Federal Register #RTID 0648-XF495

Renewal of Incidental Harassment Authorization for Natural Gas Activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, is seeking public comments on the proposed renewal of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for Furie Operating Alaska, LLC to conduct natural gas activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - Office of Protected Resources - OEMs and Vendors: - Furie Operating Alaska, LLC (applicant for IHA renewal) - Products/Services Requested: - Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for natural gas rig towing and positioning activities - No pile driving included in this renewal - Service includes mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements for marine mammal protection - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Use of NMFS-approved Protected Species Observers (PSOs) during operations - Maintenance of clearance zones and specific distances from sensitive marine mammal habitats - Use of night vision devices for low-light operations - Helicopter altitude restrictions to minimize disturbance - Coordination with local Tribes - Submission of detailed monitoring reports - Place of Performance: - Cook Inlet, Alaska (including the Sustina River Delta) - NMFS headquarters in Silver Spring, MD for administrative oversight - No specific product part numbers, quantities, or commercial goods are being procured; this is a regulatory authorization for operational activities.

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) received a request from Furie Operating Alaska, LLC for the renewal of their incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to natural gas production activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska. The renewal IHA covers activities identical to a subset of those in the current IHA, specifically rig towing and positioning without pile driving. NMFS is providing a 15-day comment period for public input on the proposed renewal. The authorization includes mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize impacts on marine mammals and their habitat.

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