Federal Register #2026-12928

Public Comment Request: Marine Mammal Harassment Authorizations for Bonneville Lock 1 Bridge Replacement Project

NOAA, under the Department of Commerce, is seeking public comment on proposed Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Bonneville Lock 1 Bridge Replacement Project on the Columbia River, Oregon. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Department of Commerce - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as project proponent - Project Scope: - Replacement of Bonneville Lock 1 Bridge involving two years of construction - Activities include impact and vibratory pile driving and removal - Potential incidental take (harassment) of marine mammals: California sea lions, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals - Services Requested: - Incidental Harassment Authorization for marine mammals (Level A and B harassment) - Protected Species Observer (PSO) services for monitoring marine mammal presence and behavior - Mitigation and monitoring services, including soft-start procedures, shutdown zones, and reporting requirements - Notable Requirements: - Strict mitigation measures: soft-starts, shutdown zones, visual monitoring by NMFS-approved PSOs - Construction timing restrictions: in-water pile driving/removal limited to December–February, daylight hours only - Specific authorized take numbers per marine mammal species - Possible one-time, 1-year renewal of authorizations - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned, as this is a regulatory authorization for environmental compliance rather than a procurement of goods or equipment.

Description

This notice pertains to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bonneville Lock 1 Bridge Replacement Project on the Columbia River in Oregon. It involves incidental take of marine mammals during two years of construction activities including pile driving and removal. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing to issue two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) and is requesting public comments on the proposed authorizations and possible one-time renewals. The project includes mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize impacts on marine mammals and their habitat.

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