Overview
Title
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Washington State Department of Transportation Purdy Bridge Rehabilitation Project, Pierce County, WA
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The people in charge of ocean animals said it's okay for builders to make loud noises while fixing a bridge, even if it might bother some sea creatures like whales or seals a bit, but they promise not to hurt them.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WADOT) for the Purdy Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Pierce County, Washington. This authorization allows for the incidental harassment of marine mammals during construction activities that involve pile driving and removal, which may disturb these animals through noise. However, no serious injury or death of marine mammals is anticipated. The NMFS has set specific measures to minimize impacts, ensuring that the activity complies with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and does not harm the animals or their environment significantly.
Abstract
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WADOT) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, marine mammals during construction activities associated with a Purdy Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Pierce County, WA.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register provides a detailed notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) concerning the issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WADOT). This authorization pertains to the Purdy Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Pierce County, Washington. The document outlines how marine mammals might be incidentally affected during construction activities, especially those involving pile driving and removal, due to increased noise levels in the water.
General Summary
In essence, the authorization allows WADOT to incidentally disrupt certain marine mammals' natural behaviors, a process referred to as Level B harassment, during their construction activities. The NMFS has set forth specific guidelines and mitigating measures to minimize any potential negative effects on marine mammal populations and their habitats. Importantly, the document clarifies that no serious injury or mortality of marine mammals is expected or permitted as a consequence of these activities.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One considerable challenge presented by the document is its complexity and length, making it difficult for the general public to digest the information. The use of numerous technical terms and acronyms, such as "IHA," "MMPA," and "NMFS," without immediate explanation could lead to confusion among readers who are not experts in marine biology or environmental law. Moreover, the document delves into specific scientific methodologies, like "acoustic thresholds" for noise impacts, which may prove too sophisticated for lay readers to fully understand.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the public may be concerned with the conservation of marine life, particularly in regions like Pierce County, known for its diverse ecosystems. Ensuring minimal adverse effects on marine mammals is crucial, given public interest in preserving environmental health and biodiversity. The measures for monitoring and mitigating impacts described in the document reflect a commitment to maintaining ecological balance even amidst necessary infrastructure projects.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Positive Impacts:
Environmental Advocacy Groups: The document provides assurance that the NMFS is enforcing strict guidelines to protect marine mammals, which may align with the advocacy goals of these organizations.
Government and Regulatory Agencies: The thoroughness of the regulations and monitoring requirements demonstrates diligent administration and oversight, reinforcing public trust in environmental governance.
Negative Impacts:
Construction and Development Stakeholders: The measures required may impose additional costs and logistical challenges, potentially extending project timelines or affecting budgets.
Local Fisheries and Coastal Communities: Although the document states that no significant negative impact is expected, any perceived risks to marine populations might concern those relying on marine resources for their livelihoods.
Overall, while the document underscores a stringent regulatory process aimed at preserving marine life, its intricate details and specialized language might limit its accessibility to a broader audience. For those involved directly in the project or residing in the affected area, understanding the project's environmental implications could foster informed engagement with both the construction process and conservation efforts.
Issues
• The document is lengthy and dense, which might result in difficulty for the general public to easily comprehend the information provided.
• Some technical terms and acronyms (e.g., IHA, MMPA, NMFS) are used without immediate explanation or definition, potentially causing confusion for readers unfamiliar with the subject.
• The document contains highly specialized language related to marine biology and environmental regulations, which might not be accessible to all readers.
• The methodology for determining the impact of the activities on marine mammal populations, such as 'acoustic thresholds,' is complex and may not be clear to all audiences.
• There is a significant amount of detailed scientific and procedural information, which could be perceived as overwhelming or overly complex for stakeholders not directly involved in the activities described.