Federal Register #2026-06050

Incidental Take Authorization for Marine Mammals during Washington State Parks Marine Facilities Replacement Program

This notice concerns a regulatory action by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, regarding incidental take authorization for marine mammals during the Washington State Parks Marine Facilities Replacement Program (MFRP) in North Puget Sound, Washington. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - Project Scope: - Authorization for incidental take (harassment) of marine mammals during repair and improvement of six marine facilities across four state parks - Activities include pile driving, pile removal (vibratory and impact), and rotary drilling - Work may generate underwater noise impacting marine mammals - Services Requested: - Incidental Take Authorization for Marine Mammals - Marine Facilities Repair and Improvement Services, including mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize impacts - Unique Requirements: - Implementation of mitigation and monitoring measures to protect marine mammals - Authorization period covers five years, with construction activities annually between August 1 and February 15, up to 14 hours per day - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named, as this is a regulatory notice rather than a direct procurement of goods or equipment - Places of Performance: - North Puget Sound, Washington (San Juan Islands and Deception Pass) - Stuart Island Marine State Park (Reid Harbor and Prevost Harbor) - Sucia Island Marine State Park (Fossil Bay) - Olga State Park (Olga Pier) - Deception Pass State Park (Bowman Bay and Rosario Pier) - AGU Conference Center, Washington, DC (government facility)

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission for authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during the Marine Facilities Replacement Program in North Puget Sound, Washington. The program involves repair and improvement of six marine facilities in four state parks, including pile driving and removal activities that may generate underwater noise affecting marine mammals. NMFS is seeking public comments on the application, which covers a 5-year period from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2031, and includes mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize impacts.

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