Federal Register #FWS-R7-ES-2025-0506

Regulatory Authorization for BP Remediation Activities Affecting Polar Bears in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska

This opportunity concerns a proposed regulatory authorization by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for BP America Production Company and BP Remediation Management to conduct site remediation activities in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, with potential incidental harassment of polar bears. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Department of the Interior - Marine Mammal Management office - OEMs and Vendors: - BP America Production Company - BP Remediation Management - Products/Services Requested: - Authorization for nonlethal, incidental Level B harassment (behavioral disturbance only) of up to three Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears - Activities include: - Drone site surveys - Surface water monitoring - Removal of solid waste (debris) - Backfill activities - Revegetation at the Foggy Island Bay State No. 1 gravel pad - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Implementation of a Polar Bear Safety, Awareness, and Interaction Plan approved by FWS - Polar bear awareness training for all operators - Continuous monitoring for polar bears by trained personnel - Cooperation with FWS and other agencies for monitoring and mitigation - Development of a Plan of Cooperation (POC) with local Alaska Native communities if subsistence hunting concerns arise - Mandatory reporting of all polar bear observations and project activities to FWS - No lethal or injury take is authorized; only behavioral disturbance (Level B harassment) is permitted - No specific products, part numbers, or commercial procurement of goods/services are listed; the opportunity is focused on regulatory compliance and environmental protection.

Description

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to authorize nonlethal, incidental take by harassment of small numbers of Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears between June 1, 2026, and May 31, 2027. The authorization is requested by BP America Production Company and BP Remediation Management for activities including drone site surveys, surface water monitoring, removal of solid waste, backfill activities, and revegetation at Foggy Island Bay State No.1 gravel pad in the Prudhoe Bay area of Alaska. The proposed authorization allows up to three takes of polar bears by Level B harassment only, with no injury or mortality expected or authorized. Public comments are invited on the proposed authorization and draft environmental assessment.

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