Overview
Title
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Coast Guard Construction in Florence, Oregon
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The US Coast Guard wants to do some building work near the water in Oregon and might bother some sea animals in the process. They're asking if it's okay to do this, but promise to be careful and are checking with people to see what they think.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering a request from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to approve an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) related to construction work on the Siuslaw River in Florence, Oregon. This would allow the USCG to disturb certain marine mammals during construction activities like pile driving. The proposed authorization includes rules to minimize harm, such as monitoring noise levels and having protective observers. Public comments are being invited on this proposal, and the NMFS is also considering the possibility of a one-year renewal if needed.
Abstract
NMFS has received a request from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Station Siuslaw River construction project in Florence, Oregon. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
Commentary on Federal Register Document: NMFS Proposal for Incidental Harassment Authorization
The document under review proposes that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) grant an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Coast Guard for construction activities on the Siuslaw River in Florence, Oregon. This authorization would permit the incidental disturbance of certain marine mammals during the project's pile-driving activities. The authorization includes specific guidelines to mitigate harm, such as monitoring sound levels and employing protective species observers. The NMFS seeks public comments on the proposal and the option for a one-year renewal if necessary.
General Summary
The proposal's primary objective is to facilitate the U.S. Coast Guard's construction project while ensuring that marine mammals are protected from significant impacts due to underwater noise. The document outlines various measures for minimizing harm, including the implementation of a "soft start" for pile driving to allow animals to vacate the area, establishment of shutdown zones if mammals are detected nearby, and mandatory monitoring by trained observers.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One of the main concerns is the document's complexity and length. It employs technical and scientific jargon, making it difficult for general readers to grasp the full scope and implications of the proposal without prior knowledge of environmental regulations or acoustic criteria. Additionally, the absence of specific budgetary details related to the proposed mitigation activities raises questions about the potential for wasteful spending.
The document could also benefit from clearer summaries of its lengthy sections to improve accessibility and understandability. Moreover, there is some ambiguity regarding the conditions for IHA renewal and the criteria for a negligible impact determination, which could lead to varied interpretations among stakeholders.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, understanding how construction activities might affect local ecosystems is crucial. This document, by seeking public comments, encourages community participation in environmental decision-making. However, the technical nature of the document may limit meaningful public engagement, as it might deter comments from individuals not versed in regulatory language.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
On a positive note, the proposal reflects an effort to balance infrastructure development with environmental stewardship, which is important for regulatory agencies and conservation groups. These stakeholders are likely to appreciate the detail in the proposal regarding conservation measures. Conversely, the construction industry might view the proposed mitigation requirements, such as the use of bubble curtains and soft start protocols, as potentially costly or challenging to implement, impacting project timelines and budgets.
In conclusion, while the document demonstrates a comprehensive approach to mitigating potential environmental impacts, it could benefit from enhanced clarity and engagement strategies to ensure all stakeholders can fully participate and respond to the proposed authorization.
Issues
• The document uses complex scientific language and technical terminology that may be difficult for the general public to understand, such as detailed acoustic criteria and auditory impact assessments.
• The document is very lengthy and contains intricate details about procedures and regulations, which might overwhelm or deter casual readers or those not familiar with environmental or regulatory processes.
• There's an absence of specific budget or cost information associated with the proposed activities and monitoring, which leaves the assessment of potential wasteful spending unresolved.
• The document could benefit from summaries or abstracts of lengthy sections to improve clarity and readability.
• There is potential ambiguity in terms related to IHA renewal conditions and the criteria for a negligible impact determination, which could lead to differing interpretations.
• The document includes repetitive sections, such as the detailed description of marine mammal hearing and the impact of sound, which could be condensed to improve understandability.