Federal Register #2026-16758

NOAA Renews Incidental Harassment Authorization for Ferndale Pier Maintenance Activities

This notice announces the renewal of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), for Petrogas Pacific, LLC's Ferndale Pier Maintenance Activities in Ferndale, Washington. - Government Buyer: - Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Sub-agency: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Office: Office of Protected Resources - Award Recipient: Petrogas Pacific, LLC - Scope of Authorization: - Renewal of IHA for incidental harassment of marine mammals during pier maintenance - Activities include vibratory removal of: - 8 temporary 30-inch steel piles - 69 16-inch timber piles - Work anticipated to require five days of in-water activity - Mitigation and Monitoring Requirements: - Use of Protected Species Observers (PSOs) - Establishment of shutdown zones to protect marine mammals - Pre-start clearance monitoring - Special protections for killer and humpback whales - Authorized Takes: - Harbor porpoise, Steller sea lion, California sea lion, and harbor seal at specified levels - Period of Performance: - Authorization valid for up to one year, covering activities from August 13, 2026, through July 31, 2027 - No products or equipment are being procured; this is a regulatory authorization for environmental compliance

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a renewal incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Petrogas Pacific, LLC for marine mammal harassment incidental to Ferndale Pier Maintenance Activities in Ferndale, Washington. The renewal IHA authorizes the removal of temporary 30-inch steel piles and 16-inch timber piles via vibratory driving over an anticipated 5 days of in-water work. Mitigation and monitoring measures include the use of Protected Species Observers and shutdown zones to minimize impacts on marine mammals. The authorization is effective from August 13, 2026, through July 31, 2027, and aims to ensure negligible impact on marine mammal species or stocks.

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