Federal Register #RTID 0648-XF617

NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Marine Mammal Harassment Authorization for Dutch Harbor Barge Project

This opportunity concerns the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), seeking public comment on a proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for marine mammals during the North Barge Expansion Project at Dutch Harbor, Alaska. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Project Scope: - North Barge Expansion Project at Dutch Harbor, Alaska - Activities include vibratory pile driving and removal, impact pile driving, and down-the-hole (DTH) drilling - Installation and removal of various steel and sheet piles (sizes: 8-inch, 24-inch, 30-inch, 36-inch, AZ26) - Fill placement to create approximately 10.5 acres of uplands - Products/Services Requested: - Steel and sheet piles (various sizes) - Fill material for upland creation - Vibratory pile driving and removal services - Impact pile driving services (with soft-start procedures) - Down-the-hole (DTH) drilling services - Marine mammal monitoring and mitigation services (including a Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation Plan and use of Protected Species Observers) - Incidental Harassment Authorization for Level A and Level B take of marine mammals - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Comprehensive Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (4MP) required - Soft-start procedures for impact pile driving - Monitoring and reporting by Protected Species Observers (PSOs) - Authorization covers up to 62 days of in-water work, with a possible one-time, 1-year renewal - OEMs/Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named, as the construction contract has not yet been awarded

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska (QTU) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the North Barge Expansion Project at Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The project involves vibratory pile driving and removal, impact pile driving, and down-the-hole (DTH) drilling to install and remove various piles and fill placement to create uplands. NMFS is proposing to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and is requesting public comments on the proposed authorization and a possible one-time, 1-year renewal. The activities are expected to occur between April and November 2027, with up to approximately 62 days of pile driving and drilling.

View original listing