Federal Register #2026-17614

NOAA seeks public comment on proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for marine mammal takes during Bremerton Waterfront Infrastructure Improvements Project

NOAA is seeking public comment on a proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for marine mammal takes during Year 1 of the Bremerton Waterfront Infrastructure Improvements Project in Puget Sound, WA. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Project Scope: - Infrastructure improvements at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton - Installation of barge mooring anchors and construction of a new pier - Products Requested: - 24-inch steel pipe piles (8 units) - 36-inch steel pipe piles (36 units) - 24-inch steel sheet piles (88 units, driven as 44 interlocked pairs) - 24-inch concrete piles (14 units) - Services Requested: - Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for regulatory compliance regarding marine mammal protection during in-water construction - Unique Requirements: - Mitigation measures for marine mammal protection, including shutdown zones and soft-start procedures for pile driving - Monitoring and reporting requirements to minimize environmental impacts - Public input is solicited for environmental compliance - OEMs: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; steel and concrete pile manufacturers are implied but not specified - Notable for its focus on environmental compliance and marine mammal protection during federal infrastructure projects

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the United States Navy for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to Year 1 of the Bremerton Waterfront Infrastructure Improvements Project in Puget Sound, Washington. The project involves infrastructure improvements including installation of barge mooring anchors and construction of a new pier to replace an existing one. 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 in-water work is planned to occur between July 16, 2027 and February 15, 2028, with construction lasting approximately 11 days during daylight hours.

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