Federal Register #2026-14004

NOAA Seeks Comments on Renewal of Incidental Harassment Authorization for Ferndale Pier Maintenance

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking public input on the proposed renewal of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for Petrogas Pacific, LLC, related to Ferndale Pier Maintenance in Ferndale, Washington. - Government Buyer: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Applicant: Petrogas Pacific, LLC - Activities covered: - Vibratory removal of eight temporary 30-inch steel piles - Vibratory removal of up to 69 16-inch timber piles - Marine mammal species potentially impacted: - Harbor porpoise (up to 594 takes) - Steller sea lion (up to 10 takes) - California sea lion (up to 30 takes) - Harbor seal (up to 209 takes) - Notable requirements: - Use of Protected Species Observers (PSOs) and establishment of monitoring and shutdown zones - Pre- and post-activity monitoring for marine mammals - Specific mitigation for killer and humpback whales - No bubble curtain or soft-start mitigation required (no impact driving planned) - The IHA renewal is for a period not exceeding one year and is subject to public comment.

Description

This notice pertains to the renewal of an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) for marine mammal activities related to Ferndale Pier Maintenance in Ferndale, Washington. The activities involve the removal and installation of piles using vibratory driving methods, with mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize impact on marine mammals. The renewal IHA covers a period from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, and includes requirements for protected species observers and monitoring zones. Comments on the proposed renewal are due by July 28, 2026.

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