Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; U.S. Navy Training in the Southern California Range Complex, 60836-60908 [E8-23618]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 199 (Tuesday, October 14, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60836-60908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-23618]



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Part III





Department of Commerce





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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration



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50 CFR Part 216



Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; U.S. Navy Training in the Southern 
California Range Complex; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 199 / Tuesday, October 14, 2008 / 
Proposed Rules

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 216

[Docket No. 0808061069-81171-01]
RIN 0648-AW91


Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; U.S. Navy Training in the 
Southern California Range Complex

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for 
authorization to take marine mammals incidental to training activities 
conducted in the Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL), which 
extends south and southwest off the southern California coast, for the 
period of January 2009 through January 2014. Pursuant to the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing regulations to govern 
that take and requesting information, suggestions, and comments on 
these proposed regulations.

DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than November 
13, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by 0648-AW91, by any one 
of the following methods:
     Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, https://
www.regulations.gov.
     Hand delivery or mailing of paper, disk, or CD-ROM 
comments should be addressed to Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, 
Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910-3225.
    Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record 
and will generally be posted to https://www.regulations.gov without 
change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, 
address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly 
accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or 
otherwise sensitive or protected information.
    NMFS will accept anonymous comments. Attachments to electronic 
comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or 
Adobe PDF file formats only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jolie Harrison, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, (301) 713-2289, ext. 166.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Availability

    A copy of the Navy's application may be obtained by writing to the 
address specified above (see ADDRESSES), telephoning the contact listed 
above (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the internet 
at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. The Navy's 
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for SOCAL was published on 
April 4, 2008, and may be viewed at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/
permits/incidental.htm. NMFS is participating in the development of the 
Navy's EIS as a cooperating agency under NEPA.

Background

    Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) 
direct the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to allow, upon request, 
the incidental, but not intentional taking of marine mammals by U.S. 
citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial 
fishing) during periods of not more than five consecutive years each if 
certain findings are made and regulations are issued or, if the taking 
is limited to harassment, notice of a proposed authorization is 
provided to the public for review.
    Authorization shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will 
have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s), will not have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or 
stock(s) for subsistence uses, and if the permissible methods of taking 
and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting 
of such taking are set forth. NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 
50 CFR 216.103 as:

An impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be 
reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely 
affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of 
recruitment or survival.

    The National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (NDAA) (Pub. L. 108-
136) modified the MMPA by removing the ``small numbers'' and 
``specified geographical region'' limitations and amended the 
definition of ``harassment'' as it applies to a ``military readiness 
activity'' to read as follows (Section 3(18)(B) of the MMPA):

    (i) any act that injures or has the significant potential to 
injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A 
Harassment]; or
    (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine 
mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of 
natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, 
migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to 
a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or 
significantly altered [Level B Harassment].

Summary of Request

    On April 1, 2008, NMFS received an application from the Navy 
requesting authorization for the take of individuals of 37 species of 
marine mammals incidental to upcoming Navy training activities, 
maintenance, and research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) 
activities to be conducted within SOCAL, which extends southwest 
approximately 600 nm in the general shape of a 200-nm wide rectangle 
(see the Navy's application), over the course of 5 years. These 
training activities are military readiness activities under the 
provisions of the NDAA. The Navy states, and NMFS concurs, that these 
military readiness activities may incidentally take marine mammals 
present within SOCAL by exposing them to sound from mid-frequency or 
high frequency active sonar (MFAS/HFAS) or underwater detonations. The 
Navy requests authorization to take individuals of 37 species of marine 
mammals by Level B Harassment. Further, though they do not anticipate 
it to occur, the Navy requests authorization to take, by injury or 
mortality, up to 10 beaked whales over the course of the 5-yr 
regulations.

Background of Request

    The Navy's mission is to maintain, train, and equip combat-ready 
naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, and 
maintaining freedom of the seas. Title 10, U.S. Code (U.S.C.) 5062 
directs the Chief of Naval Operations to train all naval forces for 
combat. The Chief of Naval Operations meets that direction, in part, by 
conducting at-sea training exercises and ensuring naval forces have 
access to ranges, operating areas (OPAREAs) and airspace where they can 
develop and maintain skills for wartime missions and conduct research, 
development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) of naval weapons systems.
    The Navy proposes to implement actions within the SOCAL Range 
Complex to:
     Increase training and RDT&E operations from current levels 
as necessary to support the Navy-wide training plan, known as the Fleet 
Readiness Training Plan (FRTP);

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     Accommodate mission requirements associated with force 
structure changes and introduction of new weapons and systems to the 
Fleet; and
     Implement enhanced range complex capabilities.
    The Proposed Action would result in selectively focused but 
critical increases in training, and range enhancements (including the 
establishment and use of a shallow-water minefield and construction of 
a shallow-water training range) to address testing and training 
resource shortfalls, as necessary to ensure the SOCAL Range Complex 
supports Navy and Marine Corps training and readiness objectives. The 
proposed action would result in approximately a 12-percent increase in 
the amount of MFAS/HFAS currently used.

Overview of SOCAL Range Complex

    The U.S. Navy has been training and operating in the area now 
defined as the SOCAL Range Complex for over 70 years. The SOCAL Range 
Complex has three primary components: Ocean Operating Areas (SOCAL 
OPAREAs), Special Use Airspace (SUA), and San Clemente Island (SCI). 
The Range Complex is situated between Dana Point and San Diego, and 
extends more than 600 nautical miles (nm) (1,111 kilometers (km)) 
southwest into the Pacific Ocean (See the Navy's application). The 
components of the SOCAL Range Complex encompass 120,000 square nm 
(nm\2\) (411,600 square km (km\2\)) of sea space, 113,000 nm\2\ 
(387,500 km\2\) of SUA, and over 42 nm\2\ (144 km\2\) of land (SCI). To 
facilitate range management and scheduling, the SOCAL Range Complex is 
divided into numerous sub-component ranges and training areas, which 
are described below.

SOCAL OPAREAS

    The ocean areas of the SOCAL Range Complex include surface and 
subsurface OPAREAs extending generally southwest from the coastline of 
southern California between Dana Point and San Diego for approximately 
600 nm into international waters to the west of Baja California, 
Mexico. Most of the SOCAL OPAREAS are located under the Warning Area 
291 Airspace mentioned below. Several SOCAL OPAREAs do not lie under W-
291. These OPAREAS are used for ocean surface and subsurface training. 
Military aviation activities may be conducted in airspace that is not 
designated as SUA, however, these aviation activities do not include 
use of live or inert ordnance.

Special Use Airspace (SUA)

    The SOCAL Range Complex includes military airspace designated as 
Warning Area 291 (W-291). W-291 comprises 113,000 nm2 
(209,276 km2) of SUA that generally overlies the SOCAL 
OPAREAs and SCI, extending to the southwest from approximately 12 nm 
(22 km) off the coast to approximately 600 nm (1,111 km). W-291 is the 
largest component of SUA in the Navy's range inventory.

San Clemente Island (SCI)

    SCI, a component part of the SOCAL Range Complex, is comprised of 
existing land ranges and training areas that are integral to training 
of Pacific Fleet air, surface, and subsurface units; First Marine 
Expeditionary Force (I MEF) units; Naval Special Warfare (NSW) units; 
and selected formal schools. SCI provides instrumented ranges, 
operating areas, and associated facilities to conduct and evaluate a 
wide range of exercises within the scope of naval warfare. SCI also 
provides ranges and services for RDT&E activities. Over 20 Navy and 
Marine Corps commands conduct training and testing activities on SCI. 
Due to its unique capabilities to support multiple training operations, 
SCI training activities encompass every Navy primary mission area 
(PMAR), and SCI provides critical training resources for Expeditionary 
Strike Group (ESG), Carrier Strike Group (CSG), and Marine 
Expeditionary Unit (MEU) certification exercises.
    SCI provides an extensive suite of range capabilities for tactical 
training. SCI includes a Shore Bombardment Area (SHOBA), landing 
beaches, several live-fire training areas and ranges (TARs) for small 
arms, maneuver areas, and other dedicated ranges for the conduct of 
training in all Primary Mission Areas (PMARs). SCI includes extensive 
instrumentation, and provides robust opposing force simulation and 
targets for use in land, sea-based, and air live-fire training. SCI 
also contains an airfield and other infrastructure for training and 
logistical support.

Overlap With Point Mugu Sea Range for Certain Anti-Submarine Warfare 
Training (ASW)

    The Point Mugu Sea Range is a Navy ocean range area north of and 
generally adjacent to the SOCAL Range Complex. ASW training conducted 
in the course of major exercises occurs across the boundaries of the 
SOCAL Range Complex into the Point Mugu Sea Range. These cross-boundary 
events are addressed in this authorization request.

Description of Specified Activities

    As mentioned above, the Navy has requested MMPA authorization to 
take marine mammals incidental to training activities in the SOCAL 
Range Complex that would result in the generation of sound or pressure 
waves in the water at or above levels that NMFS has determined will 
likely result in take (see Acoustic Take Criteria Section), either 
through the use of MFAS/HFAS or the detonation of explosives in the 
water. These activities are discussed below.

Activities Utilizing Active Sonar Sources

    For the SOCAL Range Complex, the training activities that utilize 
active tactical sonar sources fall into the category of Anti-submarine 
Warfare (ASW) exercises. This section includes a description of ASW, 
the active acoustic devices used in ASW exercises, as well as the 
exercise types in which these acoustic sources are used.

ASW Training and Active Sonar

    ASW involves helicopter and sea control aircraft, ships, and 
submarines, operating alone or in combination, in operations to locate, 
track, and neutralize submarines. Controlling the undersea battlespace 
is a unique naval capability and a vital aspect of sea control. 
Undersea battlespace dominance requires proficiency in ASW. Every 
deploying strike group and individual ASW-capable combatant must 
possess this capability.
    Various types of active and passive sonars are used by the Navy to 
determine water depth, locate mines, and identify, track, and target 
submarines. Passive sonar ``listens'' for sound waves by using 
underwater microphones, called hydrophones, which receive, amplify and 
process underwater sounds. No sound is introduced into the water when 
using passive sonar. Passive sonar can indicate the presence, character 
and movement of submarines. Passive sonar, alternatively, provides only 
a bearing (direction) to a sound-emitting source; it does not provide 
an accurate range (distance) to the source. Active sonar is needed to 
locate objects because active sonar provides both bearing and range to 
the detected contact (such as an enemy submarine).
    Active sonar transmits pulses of sound that travel through the 
water, reflect off objects and return to a receiver. By knowing the 
speed of sound in water and the time taken for the sound wave to travel 
to the object and back, active sonar systems can quickly calculate 
direction and distance from the sonar platform to the underwater

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object. There are three types of active sonar: Low-frequency, mid-
frequency, and high-frequency.
    Low-frequency sonar operates below 1 kilohertz (kHz) and is 
designed to detect extremely quiet diesel-electric submarines at ranges 
far beyond the capabilities of mid-frequency active sonars. There are 
only two ships in use by the U.S. Navy that are equipped with low-
frequency sonar; both are ocean surveillance vessels operated by 
Military Sealift Command. Low-frequency active sonar is not presently 
utilized in the SOCAL Range Complex, and use of low-frequency active 
sonar is not contemplated in the Proposed Action.
    High-frequency active sonar (HFAS), operates at frequencies greater 
than 10 kilohertz (kHz). At higher acoustic frequencies, sound rapidly 
dissipates in the ocean environment, resulting in short detection 
ranges, typically less than five nm. High-frequency sonar is used 
primarily for determining water depth, hunting mines and guiding 
torpedoes.
    Mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) operates between 1 and 10 kHz, 
with detection ranges up to 10 nautical miles (nm). Because of this 
detection ranging capability, MFAS is the Navy's primary tool for 
conducting ASW. Many ASW experiments and exercises have demonstrated 
that this improved capability for long range detection of adversary 
submarines before they are able to conduct an attack is essential to 
U.S. ship survivability. Today, ASW is the Navy's 1 war-
fighting priority. Navies across the world utilize modern, quiet, 
diesel-electric submarines which pose the primary threat to the U.S. 
Navy's ability to perform a number of critically necessary missions. 
Extensive training is necessary of sailors, ASW-capable units, and 
strike groups are to gain proficiency in using MFAS. If a strike group 
does not demonstrate MFAS proficiency, it cannot be certified as combat 
ready.

Acoustic Sources Used for ASW Exercises in SOCAL

    Modern sonar technology has developed a multitude of sonar sensor 
and processing systems. In concept, the simplest active sonars emit 
omni-directional pulses (``pings'') and time the arrival of the 
reflected echoes from the target object to determine range. More 
sophisticated active sonar emits an omni-directional ping and then 
rapidly scans a steered receiving beam to provide directional, as well 
as range, information. More advanced active sonars transmit multiple 
preformed beams, listening to echoes from several directions 
simultaneously and providing efficient detection of both direction and 
range. The types of active sonar sources employed during ASW active 
sonar training exercises in the SOCAL Range Complex are identified in 
Table 1.
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14OC08.025


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BILLING CODE 3510-22-C
    ASW sonar systems are deployed from certain classes of surface 
ships, submarines, helicopters, and fixed wing maritime patrol aircraft 
(Table 1). The surface ships used are typically equipped with hull-
mounted sonars (active and passive) and towed-array passive sonar for 
the detection of submarines. Helicopters equipped with dipping sonar or 
sonobuoys are utilized to locate submarines or submarine targets within 
the training area. In addition, fixed wing marine patrol aircraft (MPA) 
are used to deploy both active and passive sonobuoys to assist in 
locating and tracking submarines during the duration of the exercise. 
Submarines are equipped with hull-mounted sonars sometimes used to 
locate and prosecute other submarines and/or surface ships during the 
exercise. The platforms used in ASW exercises are identified below.
    Surface Ship Sonars--A variety of surface ships participate in 
testing and training events. Some ships (e.g., aircraft carriers, 
amphibious assault ships) do not have any onboard active sonar systems, 
other than fathometers. Others, like guided missile cruisers, are 
equipped with active as well as passive tactical sonars for mine 
avoidance and submarine detection and tracking. For purposes of the 
analysis, the SQS-53 was modeled as having a nominal source level of 
235 decibels (dB) re 1 [mu]Pa @ 1 m, and the SQS-56 was modeled as 
having a nominal source level of 225 decibels (dB) re 1 [mu]Pa @ 1 m. 
Sonar ping transmission durations were modeled as lasting 1 second per 
ping and omni-directional, which is a conservative assumption that will 
overestimate potential effects. Actual ping durations will be less than 
1 second. The SQS-53 hull-mounted sonar transmits at center frequencies 
of 2.6 kHz and 3.5 kHz. The SQS-56 sonar transmits at a center 
frequency of 7.5 kHz. Details concerning the tactical use of specific 
frequencies and the repetition rate for the sonar pings is classified 
but was modeled based on the required tactical training setting.
    Hull-mounted active sonars occasionally operate in a mode called 
``Kingfisher,'' which is designed to better detect smaller objects. The 
Kingfisher mode uses the same source level and frequency as normal 
search modes, however, it uses a different waveform (designed for small 
objects), a shorter pulse length (< 1 sec), a higher pulse repetition 
rate (due to the short ranges), and the ping is not omnidirectional, 
but directed forward.
    Submarine Sonars--Submarine active and passive sonars are used to 
detect and target enemy submarines and surface ships. Because submarine 
MF active sonar (AN/BQQ-10) use is very rare and in those rare 
instances, very brief (only approximately 2 pings per hour), it is 
extremely unlikely that use of active sonar by submarines would have 
any measurable effect on marine mammals. However, submarine sonar was 
included in the modeling for estimating exposures of marine mammals to 
sonar sounds. Estimates of exposure are also included for the HF AN/
BQQ-15 which is used for navigation.
    Aircraft Sonar Systems--Aircraft sonar systems that would operate 
in the SOCAL Range Complex include DICASS sonobuoys (AN/SSQ-62; source 
level of 201 dB) and dipping sonar (AN/AQS-22). Sonobuoys may be 
deployed by maritime patrol aircraft or helicopters; dipping sonars are 
used by carrier-based helicopters. A sonobuoy is an expendable device 
used by aircraft for the detection of underwater acoustic energy and 
for conducting vertical water column temperature measurements. Most 
sonobuoys are passive, but some can generate active acoustic signals, 
as well as listen passively. Dipping sonar is an active or passive 
sonar device lowered on cable by helicopters to detect or maintain 
contact with underwater targets. During ASW training, these systems 
active modes are only used briefly for localization of contacts and are 
not used in primary search capacity. Because active mode dipping sonar 
use is very brief and has a lower normal source level than hull-mounted 
active sonars, it is extremely unlikely its use would have any effect 
on marine mammals. However, the AN/AQS-22 dipping sonar was modeled 
based on estimated use during major training exercises within the SOCAL 
Range Complex.
    Extended Echo Ranging and Improved Extended Echo Ranging (EER/IEER) 
Systems--EER/IEER are airborne ASW systems used in conducting large 
area searches for submarines. These systems are made up of airborne 
avionics, ASW acoustic processing and sonobuoy types that are deployed 
in pairs. The IEER System's active sonobuoy component, the AN/SSQ-110A 
Sonobuoy, would generate a sonar ``ping'' (actually small explosive 
detonation) and the passive AN/SSQ-101A ADAR Sonobuoy would ``listen'' 
for the return echo of the sonar ping that has been bounced off the 
surface of a submarine. These sonobuoys are designed to provide 
underwater acoustic data necessary for naval aircrews to quickly and 
accurately detect submerged submarines. The sonobuoy pairs are dropped 
from a fixed-wing aircraft into the ocean in a predetermined pattern 
with a few buoys covering a very large area. The AN/SSQ-110A Sonobuoy 
Series is an expendable and commandable sonobuoy. Upon command from the 
aircraft, the bottom payload is released to sink to a designated 
operating depth. A second command is required from the aircraft to 
cause the second payload to release and detonate generating a ``ping''. 
There is only one detonation in the pattern of buoys at a time. The AN/
SSQ-110A is listed in this table because it functions like a sonar 
ping, however, the source creates an explosive detonation and its 
effects are considered in the underwater explosive section.
    Torpedoes--Torpedoes are the primary ASW weapon used by surface 
ships, aircraft, and submarines. The guidance systems of these weapons 
can be autonomous or electronically controlled from the launching 
platform through an attached wire. The autonomous guidance systems are 
acoustically based. They operate either passively, exploiting the 
emitted sound energy by the target, or actively, by reflecting a sonar 
signal off the target and using the received echoes for guidance. The 
MK-48 torpedo was modeled for active sonar transmissions during 
specified training operations within the SOCAL Range Complex. The MK-48 
sonar with a higher source level was also conservatively used to 
account for MK-46 torpedo exercises.
    Other Acoustic Sources--The Navy also utilizes the sources listed 
below in ASW exercises. However, based on operational characteristics 
(such as frequency and source level), the Navy determined that use of 
the following acoustic sources would not likely result in the take of 
marine mammals:
     Acoustic Device Countermeasures (ADC)--Several types of 
acoustic counter measure devices could be deployed during Fleet 
training exercises, including the free-floating submarine launched 
Acoustic Device Countermeasure (MK-1, MK-2, MK-3, MK-4), the free-
floating submarine launched Noise Acoustic Emitter (NAE), and the 
surface ship towed AN/SLQ-25A (NIXIE). Countermeasure devices are 
submarine simulators and act as decoys to avert localization and 
torpedo attacks.
     Training Targets--ASW training targets consisting of MK-30 
and/or MK-39 EMATT are used to simulate opposition submarines. They are 
equipped with one or a combination of the following devices: (1) 
Acoustic projectors emanating sounds to simulate submarine acoustic 
signatures; (2) echo repeaters to simulate the characteristics

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of the echo of a particular sonar signal reflected from a specific type 
of submarine; and (3) magnetic sources to trigger magnetic detectors.
     Range Sources. Range pingers are active acoustic devices 
that allow each of the in-water platforms on the range (e.g., ships, 
submarines, target simulators, and exercise torpedoes) to be tracked by 
the instrumented range hydrophones on the Southern California ASW Range 
(SOAR) west of San Clemente Island. In addition to passively tracking 
the pinger signal from each range participant, the range transducer 
nodes also are capable of transmitting acoustic signals for a limited 
set of functions. These functions include submarine warning signals, 
acoustic commands to submarine target simulators (acoustic command 
link), and occasional voice or data communications (received by 
participating ships and submarines on range).

Types of ASW Exercises in the SOCAL

    The Navy's ASW training plan, including the use of active sonar in 
at-sea training scenarios, includes multiple levels of training. 
Independent Unit-level ASW training (such as TRACKEX and TORPEX 
exercises) addresses basic skills such as detection and classification 
of contacts, distinguishing discrete acoustic signatures including 
those of ships, submarines, and marine life, and identifying the 
characteristics, functions, and effects of controlled jamming and 
evasion devices.
    The Navy must execute training involving ships, aircraft, 
submarines, and Marine Corps forces operating in multiple dimensions 
(at sea, undersea, in the air, and on land) in order to ensure the 
readiness of naval forces. Unit training proceeds on a continuum, 
ranging from events involving a small number of ships, submarines, or 
aircraft engaged in training tailored to specific tasks, to large-scale 
pre-deployment or readiness exercises involving Strike Groups. 
Exercises involving an entire Strike Group are referred to as major 
range events (JTFEX and COMPTUEX). Smaller, integrated unit-level 
exercises are complex events (SHAREM, IAC2, or sustainment exercise), 
but of lesser scope than major range events, which pursue tailored 
training objectives for components of a Strike Group. It is useful to 
view larger exercises as being composed of individual training events 
conducted in a coordinated fashion. For example, the ASW portions of a 
major range event might include multiple TRACKEX and TORPEX events, 
conducted simultaneously with aviation or amphibious training. Table 2, 
at the end of this section, summarizes the exercise types (both sonar 
and explosive) and they are further described below. Note that the 
names and exact composition of these exercises may change, however, the 
basic components are described here and the total hours of sonar sound 
source and explosive use will not exceed those described in this 
document.

Antisubmarine Warfare Tracking Exercise (TRACKEX)

    A TRACKEX, which is an independent unit-level exercise, tests the 
Naval Strike Group's (NSG) ability to locate and track an unknown or 
hostile submarine over a predetermined time. This operation tests the 
NSG's ability to coordinate the positioning of assets including 
surface, air, and subsurface, and the effective communication and 
turnover of responsibility for maintaining coverage of the unknown 
submarine.
    The TRACKEX-surface involves a surface ship employing hull mounted 
and/or towed array sonar against a target which may be an Expendable 
Mobile Anti-submarine Warfare Training Target (EMATT) or live 
submarine. The target may be either non-evading and assigned to a 
specified track or fully evasive depending on the state of training of 
the ship and crew. Passive and active sonar may be employed depending 
on the type of threat submarine, the tactical situation, and water 
conditions that may affect sonar effectiveness. Active sonar transmits 
at varying power levels, pulse types, and intervals, while passive 
sonar listens for noise emitted by the threat submarine. Passive sonar 
is typically employed first for tactical reasons, followed by active 
sonar to determine an exact target location; however, active sonar may 
be employed during the initial search phase against an extremely quiet 
submarine or in situations where the water conditions do not support 
acceptable passive reception. There is no ordnance expended in this 
exercise. An ASW TRACKEX-Surface usually lasts two to four hours.
    This exercise may involve a single ship, or may be undertaken in 
the context of a coordinated larger exercise involving multiple 
aircraft and/or ships, including a major range event.
    The Navy also conducts Submarine TRACKEX exercises. However, during 
this event, passive sonar is used almost exclusively; active sonar use 
is tactically proscribed because it would reveal the tracking 
submarine's presence to the target submarine.

Torpedo Exercise (TORPEX)

    Anti-submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercises (ASW TORPEX) operations, 
which are independent unit-level exercises, train crews in tracking and 
attack of submerged targets, firing one or two exercise torpedoes 
(EXTORPs) or recoverable exercise torpedoes (REXTORPs). TORPEX targets 
used in the Offshore Areas include live submarines, MK 48 torpedoes, 
MK-30 ASW training targets, and MK-39 Expendable Mobile ASW Training 
Targets (EMATT). The target may be non-evading while operating on a 
specified track, or it may be fully evasive, depending on the training 
requirements of the operation.
    The ASW TORPEX-Surface involves a surface ship using hull-mounted 
and towed sonar arrays to search for, detect, classify, localize, and 
track a simulated threat submarine. Submarines periodically conduct 
TORPEXs within the SOCAL Range Complex. Typical duration of a submarine 
TORPEX exercise is 10 hours, while air and surface ASW platform TORPEX 
operations are considerably shorter.

Ship ASW Readiness and Evaluation Measuring (SHAREM)

    SHAREM is a Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) chartered program with 
the overall objective to collect and analyze high-quality data to 
quantitatively ``assess'' surface ship ASW readiness and effectiveness. 
The SHAREM is an integrated unit-level event and will typically involve 
multiple ships, submarines, and aircraft in several coordinated events 
over a period of a week or less. A SHAREM may take place once per year 
in SOCAL.

Sustainment Exercise

    Included in the FRTP is a requirement to conduct post-deployment 
sustainment, training, and maintenance. The sustainment exercise, which 
is an integrated unit-level exercise, ensures that the components of a 
Strike Group maintain an acceptable level of readiness after returning 
from deployment. A sustainment exercise is an exercise designed to 
challenge the strike group in all warfare areas. This exercise is 
similar to a COMPTUEX but of shorter duration. One to two sustainment 
exercises may occur each year in SOCAL.

Integrated ASW Course Phase II (IAC2)

    IAC2 exercises are combined aircraft and surface ship events. The 
IAC2 consists of two 12-hour events conducted primarily on SOAR over a 
2-3 day period. SOAR is an undersea warfare range providing 
instrumented

[[Page 60841]]

three dimensional tracking over a 670 sq nm area within the large 
Southern California Offshore Range (SCORE). The typical participants 
include four helicopters, two P-3 aircraft, two adversary submarines, 
and two Mk 30 or Mk 39 targets. Frequently, IAC2s include the 
introduction of an off-range Mk 30 target. Four IAC2 exercises may 
occur per year.

Major Range Events

    The Navy conducts large-scale exercises, or major ranges events, in 
the SOCAL Range Complex. These exercises are required for pre-
deployment certification of naval formations. The composition of the 
force to be trained, and the nature of its mission upon deployment, 
determines the scope of the exercise. The Navy currently conducts up to 
eight major range events per year. Major range events bring together 
the component elements of a Strike Group or Strike Force (that is, all 
of the various ships, submarines, aircraft, and Marine Corps forces) to 
train in complex command, control, operational coordination, and 
logistics functions. Major range events require vast areas of sea space 
and airspace for the exercise of realistic training, as well as land 
areas for conducting land attack training events. The training space 
required for these events is a function of naval warfighting doctrine, 
which favors widely dispersed units capable of projecting forces and 
firepower at high speeds across distances of up to several hundred 
miles in a coordinated fashion, to concentrate on an objective. The 
three-dimensional space required to conduct a major range event 
involving a carrier strike group (CSG) or expeditionary strike group 
(ESG) is a complicated polygon covering an area as large as 50,000 nm 
\2\.
    A major range event is comprised of several ``unit level'' range 
operations conducted by several units operating together while 
commanded and controlled by a single commander. These exercises 
typically employ an exercise scenario developed to train and evaluate 
the Strike Group/Force in required naval tactical tasks. In a major 
range event, most of the operations and activities being directed and 
coordinated by the Strike Group commander are identical in nature to 
the operations conducted in the course of individual, crew, and 
smaller-unit training events. In a major range event, however, these 
disparate training tasks are conducted in concert, rather than in 
isolation.
    Major range events include:
     Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). The COMPTUEX 
is an Integration Phase, at-sea, major range event. For the CSG, this 
exercise integrates the aircraft carrier and carrier air wing with 
surface and submarine units in a challenging operational environment. 
For the ESG, this exercise integrates amphibious ships with their 
associated air wing, surface ships, submarines, and Marine 
Expeditionary Unit. Live-fire operations that may take place during 
COMPTUEX include long-range air strikes, Naval Surface Fire Support 
(NSFS), and surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and air-to-surface 
missile exercises. The MEU also conducts realistic training based on 
anticipated operational requirements and to further develop the 
required coordination between Navy and Marine Corps forces. Special 
Operations training may also be integrated with the exercise scenario. 
The COMPTUEX is typically 21 days in length. The exercise is conducted 
in accordance with a schedule of events, which may include two 1-day, 
scenario-driven, ``mini'' battle problems, culminating with a scenario-
driven free play (as opposed to scripted) 3-day Final Battle Problem 
where the strike group is required to respond to dynamic maneuvers.'' 
COMPTUEX occurs three to four times per year.
     Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). The JTFEX is a dynamic 
and complex major range event that is the culminating exercise in the 
Sustainment Phase training and certification event for the CSGs and 
ESGs. For an ESG, the exercise incorporates an Amphibious Ready Group 
(ARG) Certification Exercise (ARG CERT) for the amphibious ships and a 
Special Operations Capable Certification (SOCCERT) for the MEU. When 
schedules align, the JTFEX may be conducted concurrently for an ESG and 
CSG. JTFEX emphasizes mission planning and effective execution by all 
primary and support warfare commanders, including command and control, 
surveillance, intelligence, logistics support, and the integration of 
tactical fires. JTFEX is mostly a free-play (as opposed to scripted) 
event. JTFEX is normally 10 days long, not including a 3-day in-port 
Force Protection Exercise, and is the final at-sea exercise for the CSG 
or ESG prior to deployment. JTFEX occurs three to four times per year.
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[[Page 60843]]



Activities Utilizing Underwater Detonations

    Underwater detonation activities can occur at various depths 
depending on the activity (sinking exercise [SINKEX] and mine 
neutralization), but may also include activities which may have 
detonations at or just below the surface (SINKEX, gunnery exercise 
[GUNEX], or missile exercise [MISSILEX]). When the weapons hit the 
target, except for live torpedo shot, there is no explosion in the 
water, and so a ``hit'' is not modeled (i.e., the energy (either 
acoustic or pressure) from the hit is not expected to reach levels that 
would result in take of marine mammals). When a live weapon misses, it 
is modeled as exploding below the water surface at 1 ft (5-inch naval 
gunfire, 76-mm rounds), 2 meters (Maverick, Harpoon, MK-82, MK-83, MK-
84), or 50 ft (MK-48 torpedo) as shown in Appendix A of the Navy's 
application, Table A-7 (the depth is chosen to represent the worst case 
of the possible scenarios as related to potential marine mammals 
impacts). Exercises may utilize either live or inert ordnance of the 
types listed in Table 3. Additionally, successful hit rates are known 
to the Navy and are utilized in the effects modeling. Training events 
that involve explosives and underwater detonations occur throughout the 
year and are described below and summarized in Table 2.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14OC08.027

BILLING CODE 3510-22-C

Sinking Exercise (SINKEX)

    In a SINKEX, a specially prepared, deactivated vessel is 
deliberately sunk using multiple weapons systems. The exercise provides 
training to ship and aircraft crews in delivering both live and inert 
ordnance on a real target. These target vessels are empty, cleaned, and 
environmentally remediated ship hulk (i.e., a hulk that has been 
stripped of all hazardous materials and potential marine water 
contaminants in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR 229.2 
[Transport of target vessels]). A SINKEX target is towed to sea and set 
adrift at the SINKEX location. The duration of a SINKEX is 
unpredictable since it ends when the target sinks, sometimes 
immediately after the first weapon impact and sometimes only after 
multiple impacts by a variety of weapons. Typically, the exercise lasts 
for 4 to 8 hours over 1 to 2 days. SINKEXs occur only occasionally 
during SOCAL Range Complex exercises.
    Some or all of the following weapons may be employed in a SINKEX:
     Three HARPOON surface-to-surface and air-to-surface 
missiles.
     Two to eight air-to-surface Maverick missiles.
     Two to four MK-82 General Purpose Bombs.
     Two Hellfire air-to-surface missiles.
     One SLAM-ER air-to-surface missile.
     Two-hundred and fifty rounds for a 5-inch gun.
     One MK-48 heavyweight submarine-launched torpedo.

Air-to-Surface Gunnery Exercise (A-S GUNEX)

    Air-to-Surface GUNEX operations, which may be conducted in W291, 
are conducted by fixed or rotary-wing aircraft against stationary 
targets (Floating at-sea Target [FAST] and smoke buoy). Rotary-wing 
aircraft involved in this operation would include a single SH-60 using 
either 7.62-mm or .50-caliber door-mounted machine guns. A typical A-S 
GUNEX will last approximately one hour and involve the expenditure of 
approximately 400 rounds of 0.50-caliber or 7.62-mm ammunition. Due to 
the inert nature of the ammunition and the small size of the rounds, 
they are not considered to have an underwater detonation impact.

Surface-to-Surface Gunnery Exercise (S-S GUNEX)

    Surface gunnery exercises (GUNEX) take place in the open ocean 
(W291 and SOAR) to provide gunnery practice for Navy and Coast Guard 
ship crews. This exercise may involve a single firing ship, or be 
undertaken in the context of a coordinated larger exercise involving 
multiple ships, including a major range event. GUNEX training 
operations conducted in the Offshore OPAREA involve stationary targets 
such as a MK-42 FAST or a MK-58 marker (smoke) buoy. The gun systems 
employed against surface targets include the 5-inch, 76 millimeter 
(mm), 57-mm, 25-mm chain gun, 20-mm Close-in Weapon System (CIWS), and 
.50 caliber machine gun. Typical ordnance expenditure for a single 
GUNEX is 21-70 rounds of 5-inch, 76-mm, or 57-mm ammunition, and 
approximately 150 rounds of 25-mm or .50-caliber ammunition. Both live 
and inert training rounds are used. After impacting the water, the 
rounds and fragments sink to the bottom of the ocean. A GUNEX lasts up 
to 2.5 hours, depending on target services and weather conditions. The 
live 5-inch, 57-mm and 76-mm rounds are considered in the underwater 
detonation modeling.
    Naval Surface Fire Support exercises (NSFS), in which crews train 
in naval gunnery against shore targets using the same ammunition as a 
GUNEX, are included with GUNEX both in Table 2 and further discussion 
(though separate mitigation is described in the Mitigation section). 
NSFS may be conducted in SOAR, MIR, or SHOBA.

Air-to-Surface Missile Exercise (A-S MISSILEX)

    The air-to-surface missile exercise (MISSILEX [A-S]) consists of 
the attacking platform releasing a forward-fired, guided weapon at the 
designated towed target. The exercise involves locating the target, 
then designating the target, usually with a laser. MISSILEX (A-S) 
training that does not involve the

[[Page 60844]]

release of a live weapon can take place if the attacking platform is 
carrying a captive air training missile (CATM) simulating the weapon 
involved in the training. The CATM MISSILEX is identical to a live-fire 
exercise in every aspect except that a weapon is not released. The 
operation requires a laser-safe range as the target is designated just 
as in a live-fire exercise.
    From 1 to 16 aircraft, carrying live, inert, or CATMs, or flying 
without ordnance (dry runs) are used during the exercise. At sea, 
seaborne powered targets (SEPTARs), Improved Surface Towed Targets 
(ISTTs), and decommissioned hulks are used as targets. MISSILEX (A-S) 
assets include helicopters and/or 1 to 16 fixed wing aircraft with air-
to-surface missiles and anti-radiation missiles (electromagnetic 
radiation source seeking missiles). When a high-speed anti-radiation 
missile (HARM) is used, the exercise is called a HARMEX. Targets 
include SEPTARs, ISTTs, and excess ship hulks.

Surface-to-Surface Missile Exercise (S-S MISSILEX)

    Surface-to-surface missile exercise (MISSILEX [S-S]) involves the 
attack of surface targets at sea by use of cruise missiles or other 
missile systems, usually by a single ship conducting training in the 
detection, classification, tracking and engagement of a surface target. 
Engagement is usually with Harpoon missiles or Standard missiles in the 
surface-to-surface mode. Targets could include virtual targets or the 
SEPTAR or ship deployed surface target. MISSILEX (S-S) training is 
routinely conducted on individual ships with embedded training devices.
    A MISSILEX (S-S) could include 4 to 20 surface-to-surface missiles, 
SEPTARs, a weapons recovery boat, and a helicopter for environmental 
and photo evaluation. All missiles are equipped with instrumentation 
packages or a warhead. Surface-to-air missiles can also be used in a 
surface-to-surface mode. MISSILEX (S-S) activities are conducted 
withinW-291. Each exercise typically lasts five hours. Future MISSILEX 
S-S could range from 4 to 35 hours.
    S-S MISSILEX exercises only occur during SINKEX exercises, and the 
hours of S-S MISSILEX are included in the total hours of SINKEX 
indicated in Table 2.

Bombing Exercise (BOMBEX)

    Fixed-wing aircraft conduct bombing exercise (BOMBEX [Sea]) 
operations against stationary targets (MK-42 FAST or MK-58 smoke buoy) 
at sea. An aircraft will clear the area, deploy a smoke buoy or other 
floating target, and then set up a racetrack pattern, dropping on the 
target with each pass. A BOMBEX may involve either live or inert 
ordnance.

Mine Warfare (MIW)/ Mine Countermeasures (MCM)

    MIW is the naval warfare area involving the detection, avoidance, 
and neutralization of mines to protect Navy ships and submarines, and 
offensive mine laying in naval operations. A naval mine is a self-
contained explosive device placed in water to destroy ships or 
submarines. Naval mines are deposited and left in place until triggered 
by the approach of or a contact with an enemy ship, or are destroyed or 
removed. Naval mines can be laid by purpose-built minelayers, other 
ships, submarines, or airplanes. MIW training includes Mine 
Countermeasures (MCM) Exercises and Mine Laying Exercises (MINEX). MCM 
training is currently conducted on the Kingfisher Range and offshore 
areas in the Tanner and Cortes Banks. MCM training engages ships' crews 
in the use of sonar for mine detection and avoidance, and minefield 
navigation and reporting. The proposed extension of the SOAR is 
intended for use in such training. MINEX events involve aircraft 
dropping inert training shapes, and less frequently submarine mine 
laying. MINEX events are conducted on the MINEX Training Ranges in the 
Castle Rock, Eel Point, China Point, and Pyramid Head areas offshore of 
SCI.
    Mine Neutralization operations involve the detection, 
identification, evaluation, rendering safe, and disposal of mines and 
unexploded ordnance (UXO) that constitutes a threat to ships or 
personnel. Mine neutralization training can be conducted by a variety 
of air, surface and sub-surface assets. Potential harassment would be 
from underwater detonation.
    Tactics for neutralization of ground or bottom mines involve the 
diver placing a specific amount of explosives, which when detonated 
underwater at a specific distance from a mine results in neutralization 
of the mine. Floating, or moored, mines involve the diver placing a 
specific amount of explosives directly on the mine. Floating mines 
encountered by Fleet ships in open-ocean areas will be detonated at the 
surface. In support of an expeditionary assault, divers and Navy marine 
mammal assets deploy in very shallow water depths (10 to 40 feet) to 
locate mines and obstructions. Divers are transported to the mines by 
boat or helicopter. Inert dummy mines are used in the exercises. The 
total net explosive weight used against each mine ranges from less than 
1 pound to 20 pounds.
    Various types of surveying equipment may be used during mine 
detection. Examples include the Canadian Route Survey System that 
hydrographically maps the ocean floor using multi-beam side scan sonar 
and the Bottom Object Inspection Vehicle used for object 
identification. These units can help in supporting mine detection prior 
to Special Warfare Operations (SPECWAROPS) and amphibious exercises.
    All demolition activities are conducted in accordance with 
established Navy guidelines and procedures for disposal of explosives 
at sea. Before any explosive is detonated, divers are transported a 
safe distance away from the explosive.
    Standard practices for tethered mines in the SOCAL Range Complex 
require ground mine explosive charges to be suspended 10 feet below the 
surface of the water.
    Mine neutralization exercises would involve training using Organic 
Airborne Mine Countermeasures (OAMCM) systems employed by helicopters 
in simulated threat minefields with the goal of clearing a safe channel 
through the minefield for the passage of friendly ships. Once a mine 
shape is located, mine neutralization is simulated. Helicopters engaged 
in MCM training would be configured with one or more of the following 
systems:
     AN/AQS-20 Mine Hunting System: The AQS-20 is an active 
high resolution, side-looking, multibeam sonar system used for mine 
hunting of deeper mine threats along the ocean bottom. It is towed by a 
helicopter. A small diameter electromechanical cable is used to tow the 
rapidly-deployable system that provides real-time sonar images to 
operators in the helicopter.
     AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS): 
ALMDS is a helicopter-mounted system that uses Light Detection and 
Ranging (LIDAR) blue-green laser technology to detect, classify, and 
localize floating and near-surface moored mines in shallow water.
     AN/ALQ-220 Organic Airborne Surface Influence Sweep 
(OASIS). OASIS is a helicopter deployed, towed-body, 10 ft long and 20 
inches in diameter that is self-contained, allowing for the emulation 
of magnetic and acoustic signatures of the ships.
     Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS): AMNS is a 
helicopter-deployed underwater vehicle that searches for, locates, and 
destroys mines. This vehicle is a self-propelled, unmanned, wire-guided 
munition with

[[Page 60845]]

homing capability that expends itself during the mine destruction 
process.
     AN/AWS-2 Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMCIS): 
RAMICS is a helicopter-borne weapon system that fires a 30mm projectile 
from a gun or cannon to neutralize surface and near-surface mines. 
RAMICS uses LIDAR technology to detect mines.
    Mine neutralization exercises also would involve shipboard MCM 
systems, including the Remote Minehunting System (RMS). The RMS is an 
unmanned, semi-submersible vehicle that tows a variable-depth sensor to 
detect, localize, classify and identify mines. The RMS includes a 
shipboard launch and recovery system.
    Mine neutralization exercises also would involve submarine-deployed 
MCM systems, the Long-term Mine Reconnaissance System (LMRS). The LMRS 
employs a self-propelled underwater vehicle equipped with forward-
looking search sonar and side-looking classification sonar.
    Locations proposed for mine neutralization training are: Pyramid 
Cove; Northwest Harbor; Kingfisher Training Range; MTR-1, MTR-2, and 
Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA).
    The unusual physical bathymetries, the low numbers of protected 
species and the training routines at the sites where these exercises 
are conducted combine with the unusual pressure-wave propagation 
characteristics of the Northwest Harbor, where multiple charges are 
used, to allow exceptionally reliable and effective mitigation 
procedures. The exceptional reliability of visual detection of 
protected species at these sites allows for complete mitigation within 
a radius that extends out to the distance at which only the lowest 
degree of temporary auditory threshold shift (onset-TTS) would be 
expected to occur (if mitigation were not so effective at the site). 
Therefore, the Navy and NMFS do not expect mine neutralization 
exercises to result in the take of marine mammals and no take 
authorization pursuant to this activity type has been proposed.

Shallow Water Minefield

    Currently, the Navy conducts mine countermeasures (MCM) training on 
two existing ranges in the SOCAL Range Complex: the Kingfisher Range 
off SCI and the ARPA Training Minefield off La Jolla. The ARPA has 
historically been used for shallow water submarine and MCM training, 
and is the desired location for expanding MCM training. ARPA currently 
supports the submarine training requirement for a shallow water 
minefield to train in small object avoidance. Use of the ARPA shallow 
water minefield would be expanded from its current use by submarines to 
include surface ships and helicopters.
    On the ARPA, 35 mine shapes approximately 30-35 inches in diameter, 
constructed of cylinders weighted with cement, are placed approximately 
500-700 yards apart, either moored (no drilling is required) or simply 
set on the sea floor. Mine shapes are recoverable and replaceable, and 
typically need maintenance or cleaning every two years.
    In addition to expanded use of the ARPA, the Navy proposes to 
establish an offshore shallow water minefield on Tanner Banks. The 
training area would be approximately 2 by 3 nm in size. Mine shapes 
like those used at ARPA would be placed on the ocean floor, with a 
total of 15 mine shapes in three rows of five. This offshore MCM range 
would be utilized by surface ships training to detect, classify and 
localize underwater mines.
    MCM training involving ships or helicopters typically employ mid-to 
high-frequency navigation and mine detecting sonar systems. Once a mine 
shape is located, mine neutralization is simulated. Surface ships 
engaged in MCM training at ARPA and Tanner Banks MCM ranges would 
utilize the Remote Mine Hunting System (RMS). The RMS is an unmanned, 
semi-submersible vehicle that will be deployed from both the DDG-51 
Class destroyer and the LCS. The RMS is launched and recovered by the 
host ship using a davit system. After deployment, the RMS enters the 
target zone to perform reconnaissance for bottom-laid mines. An area 
search is conducted following an operator-programmed search pattern. 
The RMS searches using low-power (< 85dB) acoustic sonar. Upon 
detecting a mine, the RMS unit will localize and photograph the object 
for classification, and then continue on its programmed search. When 
the search portion of the mission is completed, the RMS will proceed to 
a programmed location for recovery.
    The exercises that will be conducted on these minefields have been 
described in previous sections and any expected take of marine mammals 
will be included when those exercise types are analyzed in later 
sections. NMFS does not expect the actual expansion and formation of 
the minefields to result in any take of marine mammals.

Shallow Water Training Range (SWTR) Extension

    The SWTR component of the Proposed Action would provide underwater 
instrumentation for two additional areas of the current SOAR, one 
250nm\2\ (463-km\2\) area to the west of the already instrumented (deep 
water) section, in the area of Tanner/Cortes Banks, and one 250 nm\2\ 
(463-km\2\) area between the deep water section and the southern 
section of SCI (See Figure 2-3). Once in place, the new instrumentation 
in the SWTR would expand the areas of the Navy's existing program on 
SOAR to enhance the ability to use passive hydrophones to detect and 
track marine mammals. If installed in these areas, use of the SWTR 
would increase the use of these areas for ASW training involving MFAS.
    The proposed instrumentation would be in the form of undersea 
cables and sensor nodes. The cables and sensors would be similar to 
those that instrument the current deep water range at (SOAR). The new 
areas would form an integral SWTR capability for SOAR. The combination 
of deep water and shallow water instrumentation would support a 
seamless tracking interface from deep to shallow water, which is an 
essential element of effective ASW training. The instrumented area 
would be connected to shore via multiple trunk cables.
    The SWTR instrumentation would be an undersea cables system 
integrated with hydrophone and underwater telephone sensors, called 
nodes, connected to each other and then connected by up to eight trunk 
cable(s) to a land-based facility where the collected range data are 
used to evaluate the performance of participants in shallow water 
(120'-600'deep) training exercises. The basic proposed features of the 
instrumentation and construction follow.
    The transducer nodes are capable of both transmitting and receiving 
acoustic signals from ships operating within the instrumented areas of 
SOAR (a transducer is an instrument that converts one form of energy 
into another [in this case, underwater sound into an electrical signal 
or vice-versa]). Some nodes are configured to only support receiving 
signals, some can both transmit and receive, and others are transmit-
only versions. The acoustic signals that are sent from the exercise 
participants (e.g., submarines, torpedoes, ships) to the receive-
capable range nodes allow the position of the participants to be 
determined and stored electronically for both real-time and future 
evaluation. The transmit-capable nodes allow communication from the 
range to ships or other devices that are being tracked. More 
specifically:
     The SWTR extension would consist of no more than 500 
sensor nodes spread on the ocean floor over a 500-nm

[[Page 60846]]

area. The distance between nodes would vary between 0.5nm and 3nm, 
depending on water depth. Each sensor node would be similar on 
construction to the existing SOAR instrumentation. The sensor nodes are 
small spherical shapes of less than 6 inches in diameter. The sensors 
would be either suspended up to 15 feet in the water column or lie flat 
on the seafloor. Sensor nodes located in shallow water with a presence 
of commercial fishing activity would have an additional protective 
device surrounding or overlaying a sensor. These mechanical protective 
devices would be 3-4 feet round or rectangular with a shallow height. 
The final physical characteristics of the sensor nodes would be 
determined based upon local geographic conditions and to accommodate 
man-made threats such as fishing activity. Sensor nodes would be 
connected to each other by interconnect cable (standard submarine 
telecommunications cable with diameters less than 1 inch). 
Approximately 900nm of interconnect cable would be deployed.
     A series of sensor nodes would be connected via the 
interconnect cable to an underwater junction box(es) located in diver-
accessible water depths. A junction box is rectangular in shape with 
dimensions of 10-15 feet on each side. The junction box(es) would 
connect to a shore-based facility via trunk cable(s) (submarine cables 
up to 2 inch diameter with additional data capacity). The trunk 
cable(s) eliminate the need to have numerous interconnect cables 
running to shore. Up to 8 trunk cables with a combined length of 375nm 
would be employed. Trunk cables would be protected in the sea-shore 
area by horizontally directionally drilled pipes running beneath the 
shoreline.
     The interconnect and trunk cables would be deployed using 
a ship with a length overall up to 300 feet. The trunk cable paths 
would be routed through the deep water as much as is possible. Trunk 
cable deployed in shallow water may require cable burial. Burial 
equipment would cut (hard bottom) or plow (soft sediment) a furrow 4 
inches (10 cm) wide by up to 36 inches deep. Burial equipment (tracked 
vehicle or towed plow) would be deployed from a ship. The trunk cable, 
which passes through the sea-shore area, would terminate in SOAR's 
current cable termination facility (CTF) at West Cove. From there, 
information gathered on the SWTR would be transmitted via an existing 
microwave datalink to the Southern California Offshore Range (SCORE) 
Range Operations Center (ROC) on Naval Air Station North Island. The 
adjacent SOAR has a single junction box located outside the nearshore 
area and places the trunk cable in a horizontally directionally drilled 
bore that terminates on shore. The size of the SWTR may require up to 8 
junction boxes and 8 trunk cables. Multiple horizontal bores are in the 
SOAR. Every effort would be made to take advantage of any excess bore 
capacity available in the SOAR.
     The in-water instrumentation system would be structured to 
achieve a long operating life, with a goal of 20 years and with a 
minimum of maintenance and repair throughout the life-cycle. This is 
due to the high cost of performing at-sea repairs on transducer nodes 
and cables, the inherently long lead-time to plan, permit, fund and 
conduct such repairs (6-18 months) and the loss of range capability 
while awaiting completion. The long life performance would be achieved 
by using high quality components, proven designs, and multiple levels 
of redundancy in the system design. This includes back-up capacity for 
key electronic components and fault tolerance to the loss of individual 
sensors or even an entire sensor string. The use of materials capable 
of withstanding long term exposure to high water pressure and salt 
water-induced corrosion is also important. Periodic inspection and 
maintenance in accessible areas also extends system life.
    The Navy would submit cable area coordinates to the National 
Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) and request that the combined 
SWTR/SOAR area be noted on charts within the appropriate warning area. 
This area would be noted in the U.S. Coast Pilot as a Military 
Operating Area (MOA), as are other areas on the West Coast. The Navy 
may promulgate a Notice to Mariners (NOTMAR) and a Notice to Airmen 
(NOTAM) within 72 hours of the training activities, as appropriate.
    Installation of the SWTR instrumentation array may be done in 
phases. For example, the Tanner Bank area could be installed first, 
followed by the eastern area. The decision as to whether or not to 
proceed in phases, how many phases, and the order in which the phases 
are executed is based on multiple factors, including weather, ship 
availability and capacity, production schedules for nodes and cable, 
installation time, total environmental impact of installation, funding 
availability, and efficiency.

RDT&E

    Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWARSYSCEN) conducts 
research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E), engineering, 
and fleet support for command, control, and communications systems and 
ocean surveillance in the SOCAL Range Complex, primarily in the 
vicinity of SCI. Specific events include ship tracking and torpedo 
tests, unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) tests; and sonobuoy quality 
assurance/quality control.
    The San Diego Division of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) 
is a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) organization supporting the 
Pacific Fleet. NUWC operates and maintains the SCI Underwater Range 
(SCIUR). NUWC conducts tests, analysis, and evaluation of submarine USW 
exercises and test programs. NUWC also provides engineering and 
technical support for Undersea Warfare (USW) programs and exercises, 
design cognizance of underwater weapons acoustic and tracking ranges 
and associated range equipment, and provides proof testing and 
evaluation for underwater weapons, weapons systems, and components.
    Additional information on the Navy's proposed activities may be 
found in the LOA Application and Appendix A of the Navy's SOCAL DEIS.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activities

    The California Current passes through the SOCAL Range Complex, 
creating a mixing of temperate and tropical waters, and making this 
area one of the most productive ocean systems in the world (Hickey 
1979, Hickey 1992, Daily et al. 1993, DoN 2002a). Because of this 
productive environment, there is a rich marine mammal fauna, as 
evidenced in abundance and species diversity (Leatherwood et al., 1988; 
Bonnell and Dailey, 1993). In addition to many marine mammal species 
that live in the area year-round and use the region's coasts and 
islands for breeding and hauling out, there is a community of seasonal 
residents and migrants. The narrow continental shelf along the Pacific 
coast and the presence of the cold California Current sweeping down 
from Alaska allows cold-water marine mammal species to reach nearshore 
waters as far south as Baja California. The Southern California Bight 
(SCB) is the major geological region occurring within the SOCAL Range 
Complex and can be described as a complex combination of islands, 
ridges, and basins that exhibit wide ranges in water temperature. San 
Diego Bay, a naturally formed, crescent-shaped embayment is located 
along the southern end of the SCB (Largier, 1995;