Federal Register #RTID 0648-XF759

Incidental Harassment Authorizations Awarded for Marine Mammal Takes During Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project

This award notice details the issuance of two consecutive Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project in Baltimore, Maryland. - Government Buyer: - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Transportation - Authorizations issued by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - Products/Services Requested: - Incidental Harassment Authorization for Marine Mammals - Permits incidental take (harassment) of marine mammals during construction activities (e.g., pile driving) for the bridge rebuild - Includes requirements for mitigation, monitoring, and reporting to minimize impacts on marine mammals - Hatchery and Genetics Management Plans (HGMPs) Implementation (Skagit River watershed, WA) - Implementation of chum salmon hatchery programs by tribal entities and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife - Unique/Notable Requirements: - No take of ESA-listed species is expected - Authorizations require specific mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures - Supports tribal treaty fishing rights and conservation efforts (for hatchery programs) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or commercial vendors are named in this award - Locations: - Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project, Baltimore, Maryland - Skagit River watershed, Washington (for hatchery programs)

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project in Baltimore, Maryland. The IHAs authorize the incidental harassment of marine mammals from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, and June 1, 2027, through May 31, 2028. The project involves activities such as pile driving, with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures prescribed to minimize impacts on marine mammals. The IHAs were issued following public notice and comment, with no substantive comments received, and include clarifications on monitoring and clearance zones.

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