Federal Register #2026-16817

NOAA proposes incidental take authorization for Navy marine structure maintenance in Puget Sound, WA

NOAA is considering issuing an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy for marine structure maintenance and pile replacement in Puget Sound, WA. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - United States Navy (project sponsor) - Project Scope: - Impact and vibratory installation/removal of up to 234 concrete and steel piles at three Navy installations: NBK Bangor, NS Everett, NBK Manchester - Activities may disturb bottom sediments and increase suspended sediment - Services Requested: - Marine mammal monitoring and reporting during pile installation/removal - Use of trained Protected Species Observers (PSOs) - Implementation of mitigation measures: soft-start procedures, bubble curtains during impact pile driving, shutdown zones - Unique Requirements: - Authorization for incidental harassment of marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) - Specific take numbers for Level A and Level B harassment of 10 marine mammal species - Seasonal and daylight-hour restrictions for in-water work - Public comment period for proposed authorization - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named; this is a regulatory/authorization process, not a procurement of goods or equipment.

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the United States Navy for authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during the 2026 Marine Structure Maintenance and Pile Replacement project in Puget Sound, Washington. This involves activities such as installation and removal of piles which may disturb bottom sediments and cause temporary increases in suspended sediment. The authorization sought is an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), with a possible one-time, 1-year renewal. NMFS is requesting public comments on the proposed authorization and possible renewal before making a final decision.

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