Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Dumbarton Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project, California, 13498-13502 [2010-6252]
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13498
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 54 / Monday, March 22, 2010 / Notices
Suspended Investigation; Opportunity
to Request Administrative Review, 74
FR 45179 (September 1, 2009). On
September 30, 2009, pursuant to section
751(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as
amended (the Act), and 19 CFR
351.213(b), the petitioner, the Crawfish
Processors Alliance, requested an
administrative review of the order with
respect to, among others, Yancheng Hi–
King, an exporter of crawfish from the
PRC. On October 26, 2009, in
accordance with section 751(a) of the
Act and 19 CFR 351.221(c)(1)(i), we
published a notice of initiation of an
administrative review of the order. See
Initiation of Antidumping and
Countervailing Duty Administrative
Reviews and Request for Revocation in
Part, 74 FR 54956 (October 26, 2009).
Rescission of Review in Part
In accordance with 19 CFR
351.213(d)(1), the Department will
rescind an administrative review, ‘‘in
whole or in part, if a party that
requested a review withdraws the
request within 90 days of the date of
publication of notice of initiation of the
requested review.’’ We received a notice
of withdrawal from the petitioner with
respect to the review requested of
Yancheng Hi–King within the 90-day
time limit. See letter from the petitioner
dated January 25, 2010. Because we
received no other requests for review of
Yancheng Hi–King, we are rescinding
the review of the order with respect to
Yancheng Hi–King. This rescission is in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1).
The Department intends to issue
appropriate assessment instructions to
U.S. Customs and Border Protection 15
days after publication of this notice.
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Notification to Importer
This notice serves as a final reminder
to importers of their responsibility
under 19 CFR 351.402(f) to file a
certificate regarding the reimbursement
of antidumping duties prior to
liquidation of the relevant entries
during this review period. Failure to
comply with this requirement could
result in the Department’s presumption
that reimbursement of antidumping
duties occurred and the subsequent
assessment of doubled antidumping
duties.
This notice is published in
accordance with section 777(i)(1) of the
Act and 19 CFR 351.213(d)(4).
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Dated: March 10, 2010.
John M. Andersen,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Antidumping and Countervailing Duty
Operations.
[FR Doc. 2010–6267 Filed 3–19–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XS23
Small Takes of Marine Mammals
Incidental to Specified Activities;
Dumbarton Bridge Seismic Retrofit
Project, California
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of an
incidental take authorization.
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Marine Mammal Protection Act
(MMPA) regulations, notification is
hereby given that NMFS has issued an
Incidental Harassment Authorization
(IHA) to the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) allowing the
take of small numbers of marine
mammals, by Level B harassment only,
incidental to pile driving associated
with the Dumbarton Bridge Seismic
Retrofit Project.
DATES: Effective August 15, 2010,
through August 14, 2011.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the IHA and the
application are available by writing to P.
Michael Payne, Chief, Permits,
Conservation and Education Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910–3225 or by telephoning the
contact listed here. A copy of the
application containing a list of the
references used in this document may
be obtained by writing to the address
specified above, telephoning the contact
listed below (see FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the
Internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/
pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications.
Documents cited in this notice may be
viewed, by appointment, during regular
business hours, at the aforementioned
address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jaclyn Daly, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, 301–713–2289.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Background
Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the
MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct
the Secretary of Commerce to allow,
upon request, the incidental, but not
intentional, taking of small numbers of
marine mammals by U.S. citizens who
engage in a specified activity (other than
commercial fishing) within a specified
geographical region if certain findings
are made and either regulations are
issued or, if the taking is limited to
harassment, a notice of a proposed
authorization is provided to the public
for review. Except with respect to
certain activities not pertinent here, the
MMPA defines ‘‘harassment’’ as: ‘‘any act
of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which
(i) has the potential to injure a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the
wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has
the potential to disturb a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the
wild by causing disruption of behavioral
patterns, including, but not limited to,
migration, breathing, nursing, breeding,
feeding, or sheltering [Level B
harassment].’’
Authorization for incidental takings
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 (where relevant), and if
the permissible methods of taking and
requirements pertaining to the
mitigation, monitoring and reporting of
such takings 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.’’
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA
established an expedited process by
which citizens of the United States can
apply for an authorization to
incidentally take small numbers of
marine mammals by harassment.
Section 101(a)(5)(D) establishes a 45–
day time limit for NMFS review of an
application followed by a 30–day public
notice and comment period on any
proposed authorizations for the
incidental harassment of marine
mammals. Within 45 days of the close
of the comment period, NMFS must
either issue or deny the authorization.
Summary of Request
On April 17, 2009, NMFS received a
request from Caltrans to harass marine
mammals incidental to the Dumbarton
Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project. NMFS
issued a notice in the Federal Register
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on December 4, 2009 (74 FR 63724),
requesting comments from the public on
the proposed IHA.
The Dumbarton Bridge, located in
southern San Francisco Bay (Bay), was
designed in the late 1970s based on the
design standards that Caltrans
established in 1971. Since that time,
upgraded standards have been issued,
particularly Caltrans’ Seismic Design
Criteria of 1999, which the bridge does
not meet. The Dumbarton Seismic
Retrofit Project would provide a seismic
upgrade of the Dumbarton Bridge to
meet these current requirements. Pile
driving during the project may result in
harassment of harbor seals (Phoca
vitulina richardii), California sea lions
(Zalophus californianus), and gray
whales (Eschrichtius robustus) within
the action area.
Description of the Specified Activity
A complete description of the
specified activity may be found in
NMFS’ proposed IHA notice (74 FR
63724) and a summary is provided here.
To allow access to shallow water (<10
ft) piers which need to be retrofitted, a
temporary trestle supported by 24–inch
hollow steel piles must be installed; a
barge will allow access to piers in
deeper water. In addition, cofferdams
will be created using sheet piles to pour
concrete collars around pre-existing
piles to strengthen the piers. Installation
of the temporary steel and sheet piles
necessitates use of mainly vibratory
hammers, but an impact hammer may
be used for proofing (i.e., tapping the
piles into the ground to conduct load
bearing tests) up to two piles each day.
The entire retrofit project is expected to
take three years to complete; however,
installation of the temporary piles is
expected to take approximately 4
months and installation of sheet piles
could take one year.
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Construction Process
A complete description of activities
which have the potential to result in
harassment to marine mammals is
provided in the associated proposed
IHA notice (74 FR 63724, December 4,
2009). In summary, Caltrans would
construct a temporary trestle, comprised
of approximately 1,000 24–in steel pipe
piles, on each approach section of the
bridge to gain access to shallow water
piers needed to be retrofitted. No trestle
will be constructed in the main channel
as all work in the channel will take
place from a stationary barge. In
addition, cofferdams will be created
around 20 piers (piers 5–15 and 32–40)
by vibrating steel sheet piles into place
around each pier.
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Retrofitting itself involves
strengthening connections between
columns, pedestals, and pile caps and
does not involve intense sound
production. Pile driving used to
construct the trestles; however, does
result in elevated noise levels; therefore,
this activity may impact marine
mammals in the vicinity of the
operating pile driver. Piles associated
with the temporary trestles would only
be installed in water less than 10 ft in
depth and would be driven out of water
whenever possible (e.g., on the
mudbanks at low tide). The piles will be
inserted in rows of three, with
approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) between
each row. Temporary trestle
superstructure (decking) will then be
constructed atop the support piles. An
additional 16 piles will extend from the
temporary work trestle to surround each
existing support pier to allow
construction around all sides of the pier.
All temporary trestles will be less than
25 ft wide. Caltrans will install a
maximum of 12 piles per day (six on
each side of the Bay) using mainly a
vibratory pile driving method. Vibration
installation will start and continue for 5
minutes followed by an approximate
30–minute delay. The second pile will
be vibrated into place for 5 minutes.
Bent members and spans will then be
erected, possibly taking 2 to 3 hours
before the second set of piles is vibrated
into place.
In total, vibratory pile driving would
not occur for more than two hours per
day. In order to verify load capacity of
the temporary piles, approximately one
in eight piles (12 percent) will be
‘‘tapped’’ with an impact hammer for
proofing. Each pile to be tested would
be tapped for a total of 10–15 seconds.
No more than two piles per day would
need testing. Vibratory pile driving may
occur at any time during the year;
however, when ESA-listed steelhead
may be present (December 1st to June
14th), the re-tap or use of an impact
hammer is restricted to low-tide periods
only to minimize impact to salmonids.
Caltrans would also retrofit existing
trestle structures on land at the east and
west ends of the bridge to provide
lateral strengthening. Each trestle is 600
ft long. To accomplish this, Caltrans
would install of a total of 28 permanent
48–inch steel pipe piles close to the
waters edge but not in the water;
distance to the water is dependent upon
the tidal stage. Fourteen of these piles
would be placed on already paved road
and fourteen would be placed into
weedy ruderal vegetation enclosed by
parking islands and the trestle itself. A
maximum of four piles per day would
be installed requiring 30–minutes
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driving time. These piles would be
installed between October 1 and
November 30 to avoid salmon migration
periods. Although these piles would be
driven on land, noise from impact
hammering could propagate into the
water from vibration and through the
air-water interface.
Comments and Responses
A notice of receipt and request for
public comment on the application and
proposed authorization was published
on December 4, 2009 (74 FR 63724).
During the 30 day public comment
period, the Marine Mammal
Commission (Commission) provided the
only comment.
Comment: The Commission states that
it recommends that NMFS issue the
requested authorization, provided that
the monitoring and mitigation activities
described in NMFS’ Federal Register
notices are carried out as described.
Response: NMFS agrees with the
Commission’s recommendation, and all
monitoring and mitigation measured
described in the previous Federal
Register notice (74 FR 63724) are
required in the current IHA.
Description of Marine Mammals in the
Area of the Specified Activity
At least 35 marine mammal species
can be found off the coast of California;
however, few venture into the Bay and
only Pacific harbor seals and California
sea lions inhabit the southern portion of
the Bay regularly. Gray whales are
sighted in the Bay during their yearly
migration, though most sightings tend to
occur in the central Bay. Information on
California sea lions, harbor seals, and
gray whales was provided in the
December 4, 2009 (74 FR 63724),
Federal Register notice.
Potential Effects on Marine Mammals
NMFS and Caltrans have determined
that exposure to noise from pile driving
activities has the potential to result in
behavioral harassment of California sea
lions, Pacific harbor seals, and gray
whales that may be swimming, foraging,
or resting in the project vicinity while
pile driving is being conducted. A
detailed description of potential impacts
to marine mammals can be found in
NMFS’ December 4, 2009, Federal
Register notice (74 FR 63724) and are
summarized here.
Marine mammals produce sounds in
various contexts and use sound for
various biological functions including,
but not limited to, (1) social
interactions; (2) foraging; (3) orientation;
and (4) predator detection. Interference
with producing or receiving these
sounds may result in adverse impacts.
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Audible distance, or received levels
(RLs) will depend on the nature of the
sound source, ambient noise conditions,
and the sensitivity of the receptor to the
sound (Richardson et al., 1995). Type
and significance of marine mammal
reactions to noise are likely to depend
on a variety of factors including, but not
limited to, the behavioral state (e.g.,
feeding, traveling, etc.) of the animal at
the time it receives the stimulus,
frequency of the sound, distance from
the source, and the level of the sound
relative to ambient conditions (Southall
et al., 2007).
Current NMFS practice regarding
exposure of marine mammals to
anthropogenic noise is that in order to
avoid injury of marine mammals (e.g.,
120dB rms for non-pulse noise (e.g.,
vibratory pile driving), but below the
aforementioned injury thresholds.
Estimated distances to NMFS current
threshold sound levels from pile driving
during the proposed action are outlined
in Table 1 below (see Chapter 7 and
Appendix A in the application for
further detail how these distances were
derived). In-air noise calculations from
pile driving for this project predict that
noise levels will be reduced to
approximately 83 dB re: 20 microPa at
800 m. Harbor seals or California sea
lions are not known to haul-out this
close to the bridge (the closest haul-out
is 2.7 miles away); therefore, pinnipeds
at haulouts are not expected to be
affected from in-air pile driving noise.
PTS), cetaceans and pinnipeds should
not be exposed to impulsive sounds of
180 and 190 dB rms or above,
respectively. This level is considered
precautionary as it is likely that more
intense sounds would be required
before injury would actually occur
(Southall et al., 2007). As such, Caltrans
has proposed safety zones based on
hydroacoustical modeling for the pile
sizes and type of hammers used for the
Dumbarton Bridge project and water
depth. The model simulates practical
spreading (i.e., 15 log R). Potential for
behavioral harassment (Level B) is
considered to have occurred when
marine mammals are exposed to sounds
at or above 160 dB rms for impulse
sounds (e.g., impact pile driving) and
TABLE 1: MODELED UNDERWATER DISTANCES TO NMFS’ MARINE MAMMAL HARASSMENT THRESHOLD LEVELS.
Calculated Distance to Criteria Thresholds
Driving Location
Pile Type
Hammer Type
190 dB
180 dB
160 dB
120 dB
24’’ steel
Impact
60 ft (18m)
220 ft (67m)
3,300 ft
(1005m)
n/a
Water
24’’ steel
Vibratory
n/a
10 ft (3m)
n/a
3.2 miles (5.14
km)
Water
Sheet pile
Vibratory
n/a
5 ft (1.5m)
n/a
1.4 miles (2.25
kms)
Land
48’’ steel
Impact
n/a
100 ft (30.5 m)
1,475 ft
(500m)
n/a
Land
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Water
Steel piles
Vibratory
0
0
0
150 ft (45.7 m)
NMFS anticipates reactions of marine
mammals to noise will be similar to
those documented during previous
Caltrans’ pile driving projects and those
presented in scientific literature. These
include short-term behavioral
disturbances such as temporary
avoidance behavior around the bridge,
which may affect the routes of seals and
sea lions or temporary cessation of
foraging. Pinnipeds are not known to
pup within the action area; therefore,
this behavior will not be affected. Gray
whales are not known to socialize,
calve, or forage within the action area;
therefore, these behaviors would not be
interrupted. However, some avoidance
by gray whales may occur. Because pile
driving would not occur continuously
throughout the day, any effects from
pile driving will be limited. The
location of piles would be limited to
shallow water (<10 ft); no piles would
be placed in the channel. Therefore,
adequate passage space under the bridge
will be available to marine mammals.
No long term impacts are expected to
occur.
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Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal
Habitat
Marine mammal habitat will be
temporarily disturbed due to pile
driving activities. All steel and sheet
piles would be removed once the project
is complete; therefore, no additional
obstacles (e.g., more piles than currently
present) would be permanent. Noise
from pile driving may adversely impact
individual fish species which serve as
marine mammal prey; however, this
would be limited to fish within the
immediate vicinity of the pile and is not
expected to substantially reduce prey
availability.
Monitoring and Mitigation Measures
In order to issue an IHA under
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA,
NMFS must set forth the permissible
methods of taking pursuant to such
activity, and other means of effecting
the least practicable adverse impact on
such species or stock and its habitat,
paying particular attention to rookeries,
mating grounds, and areas of similar
significance, and on the availability of
such species or stock for taking for
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certain subsistence uses. The latter does
not apply here as no subsistence
hunting takes place in California. The
following summarizes mitigation and
monitoring measures set forth in the
IHA.
Limited Use of Impact Hammer
As a result of ESA Section 7
consultation discussions with NMFS (to
reduce impacts to ESA-listed fish
species), Caltrans has agreed to drive all
temporary piles with a vibratory
hammer with the exception of one pile
per day being ‘‘proofed’’ with an impact
hammer, which has a higher source
level. Proofing requires approximately
20 blows per pile, which equates to
approximately 15–20 seconds of impact
hammering per day. Additionally,
Caltrans would limit proofing piles to
during low tide only, essentially out-ofwater on the mudbanks, when ESAlisted steelhead salmon are present
(December 1 to June 14). This also
serves as a mitigation measure for
marine mammals.
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Establishment of Safety Zone and Shutdown Requirements
Although the isopleths to the 190dB
and 180dB harassment thresholds are
modeled to be within 220 ft (67 m) of
the impact pile hammer (see Table 1),
Caltrans will initially shut down or
delay commencement of pile driving
should a marine mammal come within
or approach 250 ft (76m) of the pile
being driven. This safety zone may be
modified, pending NMFS’ approval
based on sound source verification tests
conducted upon commencement of pile
driving (see Acoustic Monitoring
below).
Although occurring on land, impact
driving 48’’ piles with an impact
hammer could attenuate to levels at or
above NMFS Level A harassment
threshold of 190 dB and 180 dB for
pinnipeds and cetaceans, respectively,
out to 100 ft (30.5 m) at high tide (see
Table 1). Impact pile driving on land at
low tide is not expected to emit
harassment threshold levels into the
water. As a conservation
recommendation during ESA Section 7
consultation, NMFS has advised all pile
driving on land close to the shoreline be
done during low tide to reduce impacts
to ESA listed fish. However, should
land based pile driving occur during
high tide, Caltrans will shut down
should a marine mammal approach
within 100 ft of land.
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Soft Start to Pile Driving Activities
A ‘‘soft start’’ technique will be used
at the beginning of each pile installation
to allow any marine mammal that may
be in the immediate area to leave before
impact piling reaches full energy. The
soft start requires contractors to initiate
noise from vibratory hammers for 15
seconds at reduced energy followed by
1–minute waiting period. The procedure
will be repeated two additional times.
Due to the short duration of impact pile
driving (20 seconds), the general rampup requirement for impact pile driving
does not apply as it would actually
increase the duration of noise emitted
into the environment and monitoring
should effectively detect marine
mammals within or near the designated
safety zone (initially 250 ft). If any
marine mammal is sighted within or
approaching the safety zone prior to
pile-driving, Caltrans will delay piledriving until the animal has moved
outside the safety zone and on a path
away from such zone or until after 15
minutes have elapsed since the last
sighting of the marine mammal.
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Visual Monitoring
At least one week prior to the start of
construction, the protected species
observers (PSOs), trained in detection
and identification of marine mammals,
will conduct a survey in order to
establish baseline data of marine
mammal use in the project area. This
effort will consist of 12 hours of
monitoring during the in-water
construction work window that will be
used during construction (0700 to 1900
hrs).
Monitoring of the safety zone
(initially 250 ft) will be conducted by
PSOs 30 minutes prior to, during, and
30 minutes post all active pile driving.
Pile driving will not begin until the
safety zone is clear of marine mammals
and will be stopped in the event that
marine mammals enter the safety zone.
PSOs will begin monitoring at least 30
minutes prior to the commencement of
pile driving and end 30 minutes after
pile driving ceases. If the time between
pile driving segments is more than 30
minutes, a new 30 minute survey is
unnecessary provided marine mammal
monitoring continues during the
interruption. Data collection will consist
of: (1) a count of all pinnipeds and
cetaceans sighted by species, age and
sex class, where able to be determined;
(2) a description of behavior (based on
the Richmond Bridge Harbor Seal
Survey classification system); (3)
location; (4) direction of movement; (5)
type of construction that is occurring;
(6) any acoustic or visual reactions to
specified activities; and (7) time of the
observation; (8) time that pile driving
begins and ends; and (9) environmental
conditions such as wind speed, wind
direction, visibility, temperature, tide
level, current, and sea state (described
using the standard Beaufort sea scale).
Monitoring of marine mammals will
be conducted using high quality
binoculars (e.g., Zeiss, 10 x 42 power).
When possible, digital video or 35 mm
still cameras will also be used to
document the behavior and response of
marine mammals to construction
activities or other disturbances. Each
monitor will have a radio for contact
with other researchers or work crews if
necessary, a GPS unit for determining
observation location, and an electronic
range finder to determine distance to
marine mammals, boats, buoys and
construction equipment. Most likely
observers will conduct the monitoring
from the Dumbarton Bridge surface or
catwalks, providing a high vantage point
for the observer; however, should a
small vessel be used to monitor for
marine mammals, PSOs will remain 50
yards from swimming pinnipeds in
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13501
accordance with NMFS marine mammal
viewing guidelines (https://
swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/psd/
rookeryhaulouts/
CASEALVIEWBROCHURE.pdf). This
will prevent additional harassment to
pinnipeds from the vessel.
Acoustic Monitoring
Hydroacoustic monitoring will be
conducted by a qualified monitor during
pile driving activities when piles are
being driven in water greater than 3 feet
in depth. Details will be developed
during work plan preparation, but might
include monitoring one pile in every set
of 3 piles during installation of the
temporary trestles. Sound
measurements will be taken as close to
the source as possible and at all
modeled distances to the 190 dB, 180
dB, 160 dB (impact only), and 120 dB
(vibratory only). Measurements will be
taken at two depths: one in mid water
column and one near the bottom but at
least 3 feet above the bottom, unless
obstructions such as land force a
variation in depth or number of
measurements. Marine mammal safety
zones may be adjusted, pending NMFS’
approval, according to the results of this
monitoring.
Reporting
A final report summarizing all marine
mammal monitoring data, including
those parameters listed above, and
construction activities will be submitted
to NMFS 90 days after the IHA expires.
An acoustic report analyzing
underwater sound characteristics during
pile driving shall also be submitted
within 90 days of expiration of the IHA.
Negligible Impact and Small Numbers
Analysis and Determination
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.’’
For reasons provided in greater detail
in NMFS’ December 4, 2009 (74 FR
63724), Federal Register notice, pile
driving could result in harassment of
harbor seals (n = 1,120), California sea
lions (n = 20), and gray whales (n = 2)
and would not result in more than a
negligible impact on marine mammal
stocks and their habitat. The number of
marine mammals authorized to be taken
incidental to pile driving activities is
considered small when compared to the
population sizes of the affected stocks
(34,233; 238,000; and 18,813,
respectively). That is, up to 3.3%, 0%,
and 0% of the affected stocks,
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respectively, may be taken by Level B
harassment.
Based on the analysis contained
herein on the likely effects of the
specified activity on marine mammals
and their habitat, and taking into
consideration the implementation of the
mitigation and monitoring measures,
NMFS finds that pile driving associated
with the Dumbarton Bridge Seismic
Retrofit Project will result in the
incidental take of small numbers of
marine mammals, by Level B
harassment only, and that the total
taking will have a negligible impact on
the affected species or stocks. There are
no relevant subsistence uses of marine
mammals implicated by this action;
therefore, no impacts to subsistence use
will occur.
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Endangered Species Act (ESA)
No ESA-listed marine mammals are
known to occur within the action area;
therefore, ESA consultation on issuance
of the proposed IHA was not required.
However, other ESA-listed species
under NMFS’ jurisdiction do occur
within the action area.
On January 12, 2009, NMFS received
a request from the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) to initiate
consultation under section 7 of the ESA
on Caltrans’ proposed Dumbarton
Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project as ESAlisted fish are present within the action
area. NMFS issued a Biological Opinion
(BiOp) on Caltran’s Dumbarton Bridge
Seismic Retrofit Project on August, 10,
2009. The BiOp concluded that the
proposed activities were not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of
Central California Coast steelhead
Distinct Population Segment (DPS) or
North American green sturgeon DPS and
are not likely to adversely modify or
destroy critical habitat for CCC
steelhead DPS.
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)
On September 2, 2009, Caltrans
released an Environmental Assessment
(EA) and Finding of No Significant
Impact for the Dumbarton Bridge
project. For purposes of issuing an IHA,
NMFS found the environmental analysis
on marine mammal impacts lacking and
determined further NEPA analysis was
necessary. In the proposed IHA Federal
Register notice for this action, NMFS
preliminary determined a Categorical
Exclusion memo was appropriate for
issuing an IHA for the specified
activities. However, after further
consideration, NMFS prepared an EA
analyzing the effects of the authorized
on the human environment. Based on
the analyses in the EA, NMFS
VerDate Nov<24>2008
16:41 Mar 19, 2010
Jkt 220001
determined that issuance of the IHA
would not significantly impact the
quality of the human environment and
that preparation of an environmental
impact statement was not required.
Dated: March 12, 2010.
James H. Lecky,
Director,Office of Protected Resources,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–6252 Filed 3–19–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XU03
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to
Specified Activities; Manette Bridge
Replacement in Bremerton,
Washington
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; proposed incidental
harassment authorization; request for
comments.
SUMMARY: NMFS has received an
application from the Washington State
Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
for an Incidental Harassment
Authorization (IHA) to take marine
mammals, by harassment, incidental to
construction and demolition activities
related to the replacement of the
Manette Bridge in Bremerton,
Washington. Pursuant to the Marine
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS
is requesting comments on its proposal
to issue an IHA to WSDOT to
incidentally harass, by Level B
Harassment only, three species of
marine mammals during the specified
activity.
DATES: Comments and information must
be received no later than April 21, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the
application should be addressed to
Michael Payne, Chief, Permits,
Conservation and Education Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910–3225. The mailbox address for
providing email comments is 0648–
XU03@noaa.gov. NMFS is not
responsible for e-mail comments sent to
addresses other than the one provided
here. Comments sent via e-mail,
including all attachments, must not
exceed a 10–megabyte file size.
Instructions: All comments received
are a part of the public record and will
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
generally be posted to https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/
incidental.htm 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.
A copy of the application containing
a list of the references used in this
document may be obtained by writing to
the address specified above, telephoning
the contact listed below (see FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or
visiting the internet at: https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/
incidental.htm. Documents cited in this
notice may also be viewed, by
appointment, during regular business
hours, at the aforementioned address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shane Guan, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, (301) 713–2289, ext
137.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the
MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct
the Secretary of Commerce to allow,
upon request, the incidental, but not
intentional, taking of small numbers of
marine mammals by U.S. citizens who
engage in a specified activity (other than
commercial fishing) within a specified
geographical region if certain findings
are made and either regulations are
issued or, if the taking is limited to
harassment, a notice of a proposed
authorization is provided to the public
for review.
Authorization for incidental takings
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 (where relevant), and if
the permissible methods of taking and
requirements pertaining to the
mitigation, monitoring and reporting of
such takings 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.’’
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA
established an expedited process by
which citizens of the United States can
apply for an authorization to
incidentally take small numbers of
marine mammals by harassment.
Section 101(a)(5)(D) establishes a 45–
E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM
22MRN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 54 (Monday, March 22, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13498-13502]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-6252]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648-XS23
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities;
Dumbarton Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project, California
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of an incidental take authorization.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an
Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the California Department
of Transportation (Caltrans) allowing the take of small numbers of
marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to pile driving
associated with the Dumbarton Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project.
DATES: Effective August 15, 2010, through August 14, 2011.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the IHA and the application are available by
writing to P. 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 or by
telephoning the contact listed here. A copy of the application
containing a list of the references used in this document may be
obtained by writing to the address specified above, telephoning the
contact listed below (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting
the Internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications. Documents cited in this notice may be
viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours, at the
aforementioned address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jaclyn Daly, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, 301-713-2289.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.)
direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the
incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine
mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than
commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain
findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if the taking
is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is
provided to the public for review. Except with respect to certain
activities not pertinent here, the MMPA defines ``harassment'' as:
``any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the potential
to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A
harassment]; or (ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or
marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral
patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing,
breeding, feeding, or sheltering [Level B harassment].''
Authorization for incidental takings 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 (where
relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such takings
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.''
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA established an expedited process
by which citizens of the United States can apply for an authorization
to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment.
Section 101(a)(5)(D) establishes a 45-day time limit for NMFS review of
an application followed by a 30-day public notice and comment period on
any proposed authorizations for the incidental harassment of marine
mammals. Within 45 days of the close of the comment period, NMFS must
either issue or deny the authorization.
Summary of Request
On April 17, 2009, NMFS received a request from Caltrans to harass
marine mammals incidental to the Dumbarton Bridge Seismic Retrofit
Project. NMFS issued a notice in the Federal Register
[[Page 13499]]
on December 4, 2009 (74 FR 63724), requesting comments from the public
on the proposed IHA.
The Dumbarton Bridge, located in southern San Francisco Bay (Bay),
was designed in the late 1970s based on the design standards that
Caltrans established in 1971. Since that time, upgraded standards have
been issued, particularly Caltrans' Seismic Design Criteria of 1999,
which the bridge does not meet. The Dumbarton Seismic Retrofit Project
would provide a seismic upgrade of the Dumbarton Bridge to meet these
current requirements. Pile driving during the project may result in
harassment of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii), California sea
lions (Zalophus californianus), and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus)
within the action area.
Description of the Specified Activity
A complete description of the specified activity may be found in
NMFS' proposed IHA notice (74 FR 63724) and a summary is provided here.
To allow access to shallow water (<10 ft) piers which need to be
retrofitted, a temporary trestle supported by 24-inch hollow steel
piles must be installed; a barge will allow access to piers in deeper
water. In addition, cofferdams will be created using sheet piles to
pour concrete collars around pre-existing piles to strengthen the
piers. Installation of the temporary steel and sheet piles necessitates
use of mainly vibratory hammers, but an impact hammer may be used for
proofing (i.e., tapping the piles into the ground to conduct load
bearing tests) up to two piles each day. The entire retrofit project is
expected to take three years to complete; however, installation of the
temporary piles is expected to take approximately 4 months and
installation of sheet piles could take one year.
Construction Process
A complete description of activities which have the potential to
result in harassment to marine mammals is provided in the associated
proposed IHA notice (74 FR 63724, December 4, 2009). In summary,
Caltrans would construct a temporary trestle, comprised of
approximately 1,000 24-in steel pipe piles, on each approach section of
the bridge to gain access to shallow water piers needed to be
retrofitted. No trestle will be constructed in the main channel as all
work in the channel will take place from a stationary barge. In
addition, cofferdams will be created around 20 piers (piers 5-15 and
32-40) by vibrating steel sheet piles into place around each pier.
Retrofitting itself involves strengthening connections between
columns, pedestals, and pile caps and does not involve intense sound
production. Pile driving used to construct the trestles; however, does
result in elevated noise levels; therefore, this activity may impact
marine mammals in the vicinity of the operating pile driver. Piles
associated with the temporary trestles would only be installed in water
less than 10 ft in depth and would be driven out of water whenever
possible (e.g., on the mudbanks at low tide). The piles will be
inserted in rows of three, with approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) between
each row. Temporary trestle superstructure (decking) will then be
constructed atop the support piles. An additional 16 piles will extend
from the temporary work trestle to surround each existing support pier
to allow construction around all sides of the pier. All temporary
trestles will be less than 25 ft wide. Caltrans will install a maximum
of 12 piles per day (six on each side of the Bay) using mainly a
vibratory pile driving method. Vibration installation will start and
continue for 5 minutes followed by an approximate 30-minute delay. The
second pile will be vibrated into place for 5 minutes. Bent members and
spans will then be erected, possibly taking 2 to 3 hours before the
second set of piles is vibrated into place.
In total, vibratory pile driving would not occur for more than two
hours per day. In order to verify load capacity of the temporary piles,
approximately one in eight piles (12 percent) will be ``tapped'' with
an impact hammer for proofing. Each pile to be tested would be tapped
for a total of 10-15 seconds. No more than two piles per day would need
testing. Vibratory pile driving may occur at any time during the year;
however, when ESA-listed steelhead may be present (December 1st to June
14th), the re-tap or use of an impact hammer is restricted to low-tide
periods only to minimize impact to salmonids.
Caltrans would also retrofit existing trestle structures on land at
the east and west ends of the bridge to provide lateral strengthening.
Each trestle is 600 ft long. To accomplish this, Caltrans would install
of a total of 28 permanent 48-inch steel pipe piles close to the waters
edge but not in the water; distance to the water is dependent upon the
tidal stage. Fourteen of these piles would be placed on already paved
road and fourteen would be placed into weedy ruderal vegetation
enclosed by parking islands and the trestle itself. A maximum of four
piles per day would be installed requiring 30-minutes driving time.
These piles would be installed between October 1 and November 30 to
avoid salmon migration periods. Although these piles would be driven on
land, noise from impact hammering could propagate into the water from
vibration and through the air-water interface.
Comments and Responses
A notice of receipt and request for public comment on the
application and proposed authorization was published on December 4,
2009 (74 FR 63724). During the 30 day public comment period, the Marine
Mammal Commission (Commission) provided the only comment.
Comment: The Commission states that it recommends that NMFS issue
the requested authorization, provided that the monitoring and
mitigation activities described in NMFS' Federal Register notices are
carried out as described.
Response: NMFS agrees with the Commission's recommendation, and all
monitoring and mitigation measured described in the previous Federal
Register notice (74 FR 63724) are required in the current IHA.
Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity
At least 35 marine mammal species can be found off the coast of
California; however, few venture into the Bay and only Pacific harbor
seals and California sea lions inhabit the southern portion of the Bay
regularly. Gray whales are sighted in the Bay during their yearly
migration, though most sightings tend to occur in the central Bay.
Information on California sea lions, harbor seals, and gray whales was
provided in the December 4, 2009 (74 FR 63724), Federal Register
notice.
Potential Effects on Marine Mammals
NMFS and Caltrans have determined that exposure to noise from pile
driving activities has the potential to result in behavioral harassment
of California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, and gray whales that may
be swimming, foraging, or resting in the project vicinity while pile
driving is being conducted. A detailed description of potential impacts
to marine mammals can be found in NMFS' December 4, 2009, Federal
Register notice (74 FR 63724) and are summarized here.
Marine mammals produce sounds in various contexts and use sound for
various biological functions including, but not limited to, (1) social
interactions; (2) foraging; (3) orientation; and (4) predator
detection. Interference with producing or receiving these sounds may
result in adverse impacts.
[[Page 13500]]
Audible distance, or received levels (RLs) will depend on the nature of
the sound source, ambient noise conditions, and the sensitivity of the
receptor to the sound (Richardson et al., 1995). Type and significance
of marine mammal reactions to noise are likely to depend on a variety
of factors including, but not limited to, the behavioral state (e.g.,
feeding, traveling, etc.) of the animal at the time it receives the
stimulus, frequency of the sound, distance from the source, and the
level of the sound relative to ambient conditions (Southall et al.,
2007).
Current NMFS practice regarding exposure of marine mammals to
anthropogenic noise is that in order to avoid injury of marine mammals
(e.g., PTS), cetaceans and pinnipeds should not be exposed to impulsive
sounds of 180 and 190 dB rms or above, respectively. This level is
considered precautionary as it is likely that more intense sounds would
be required before injury would actually occur (Southall et al., 2007).
As such, Caltrans has proposed safety zones based on hydroacoustical
modeling for the pile sizes and type of hammers used for the Dumbarton
Bridge project and water depth. The model simulates practical spreading
(i.e., 15 log R). Potential for behavioral harassment (Level B) is
considered to have occurred when marine mammals are exposed to sounds
at or above 160 dB rms for impulse sounds (e.g., impact pile driving)
and 120dB rms for non-pulse noise (e.g., vibratory pile driving), but
below the aforementioned injury thresholds. Estimated distances to NMFS
current threshold sound levels from pile driving during the proposed
action are outlined in Table 1 below (see Chapter 7 and Appendix A in
the application for further detail how these distances were derived).
In-air noise calculations from pile driving for this project predict
that noise levels will be reduced to approximately 83 dB re: 20 microPa
at 800 m. Harbor seals or California sea lions are not known to haul-
out this close to the bridge (the closest haul-out is 2.7 miles away);
therefore, pinnipeds at haulouts are not expected to be affected from
in-air pile driving noise.
Table 1: Modeled underwater distances to NMFS' marine mammal harassment threshold levels.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calculated Distance to Criteria Thresholds
Driving Location Pile Type Hammer Type -------------------------------------------------------------------
190 dB 180 dB 160 dB 120 dB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water 24'' steel Impact 60 ft (18m) 220 ft (67m) 3,300 ft n/a
(1005m)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water 24'' steel Vibratory n/a 10 ft (3m) n/a 3.2 miles (5.14
km)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water Sheet pile Vibratory n/a 5 ft (1.5m) n/a 1.4 miles (2.25
kms)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land 48'' steel Impact n/a 100 ft (30.5 m) 1,475 ft (500m) n/a
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land Steel piles Vibratory 0 0 0 150 ft (45.7 m)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NMFS anticipates reactions of marine mammals to noise will be
similar to those documented during previous Caltrans' pile driving
projects and those presented in scientific literature. These include
short-term behavioral disturbances such as temporary avoidance behavior
around the bridge, which may affect the routes of seals and sea lions
or temporary cessation of foraging. Pinnipeds are not known to pup
within the action area; therefore, this behavior will not be affected.
Gray whales are not known to socialize, calve, or forage within the
action area; therefore, these behaviors would not be interrupted.
However, some avoidance by gray whales may occur. Because pile driving
would not occur continuously throughout the day, any effects from pile
driving will be limited. The location of piles would be limited to
shallow water (<10 ft); no piles would be placed in the channel.
Therefore, adequate passage space under the bridge will be available to
marine mammals. No long term impacts are expected to occur.
Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat
Marine mammal habitat will be temporarily disturbed due to pile
driving activities. All steel and sheet piles would be removed once the
project is complete; therefore, no additional obstacles (e.g., more
piles than currently present) would be permanent. Noise from pile
driving may adversely impact individual fish species which serve as
marine mammal prey; however, this would be limited to fish within the
immediate vicinity of the pile and is not expected to substantially
reduce prey availability.
Monitoring and Mitigation Measures
In order to issue an IHA under Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA,
NMFS must set forth the permissible methods of taking pursuant to such
activity, and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse
impact on such species or stock and its habitat, paying particular
attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar
significance, and on the availability of such species or stock for
taking for certain subsistence uses. The latter does not apply here as
no subsistence hunting takes place in California. The following
summarizes mitigation and monitoring measures set forth in the IHA.
Limited Use of Impact Hammer
As a result of ESA Section 7 consultation discussions with NMFS (to
reduce impacts to ESA-listed fish species), Caltrans has agreed to
drive all temporary piles with a vibratory hammer with the exception of
one pile per day being ``proofed'' with an impact hammer, which has a
higher source level. Proofing requires approximately 20 blows per pile,
which equates to approximately 15-20 seconds of impact hammering per
day. Additionally, Caltrans would limit proofing piles to during low
tide only, essentially out-of-water on the mudbanks, when ESA-listed
steelhead salmon are present (December 1 to June 14). This also serves
as a mitigation measure for marine mammals.
[[Page 13501]]
Establishment of Safety Zone and Shut-down Requirements
Although the isopleths to the 190dB and 180dB harassment thresholds
are modeled to be within 220 ft (67 m) of the impact pile hammer (see
Table 1), Caltrans will initially shut down or delay commencement of
pile driving should a marine mammal come within or approach 250 ft
(76m) of the pile being driven. This safety zone may be modified,
pending NMFS' approval based on sound source verification tests
conducted upon commencement of pile driving (see Acoustic Monitoring
below).
Although occurring on land, impact driving 48'' piles with an
impact hammer could attenuate to levels at or above NMFS Level A
harassment threshold of 190 dB and 180 dB for pinnipeds and cetaceans,
respectively, out to 100 ft (30.5 m) at high tide (see Table 1). Impact
pile driving on land at low tide is not expected to emit harassment
threshold levels into the water. As a conservation recommendation
during ESA Section 7 consultation, NMFS has advised all pile driving on
land close to the shoreline be done during low tide to reduce impacts
to ESA listed fish. However, should land based pile driving occur
during high tide, Caltrans will shut down should a marine mammal
approach within 100 ft of land.
Soft Start to Pile Driving Activities
A ``soft start'' technique will be used at the beginning of each
pile installation to allow any marine mammal that may be in the
immediate area to leave before impact piling reaches full energy. The
soft start requires contractors to initiate noise from vibratory
hammers for 15 seconds at reduced energy followed by 1-minute waiting
period. The procedure will be repeated two additional times. Due to the
short duration of impact pile driving (20 seconds), the general ramp-up
requirement for impact pile driving does not apply as it would actually
increase the duration of noise emitted into the environment and
monitoring should effectively detect marine mammals within or near the
designated safety zone (initially 250 ft). If any marine mammal is
sighted within or approaching the safety zone prior to pile-driving,
Caltrans will delay pile-driving until the animal has moved outside the
safety zone and on a path away from such zone or until after 15 minutes
have elapsed since the last sighting of the marine mammal.
Visual Monitoring
At least one week prior to the start of construction, the protected
species observers (PSOs), trained in detection and identification of
marine mammals, will conduct a survey in order to establish baseline
data of marine mammal use in the project area. This effort will consist
of 12 hours of monitoring during the in-water construction work window
that will be used during construction (0700 to 1900 hrs).
Monitoring of the safety zone (initially 250 ft) will be conducted
by PSOs 30 minutes prior to, during, and 30 minutes post all active
pile driving. Pile driving will not begin until the safety zone is
clear of marine mammals and will be stopped in the event that marine
mammals enter the safety zone. PSOs will begin monitoring at least 30
minutes prior to the commencement of pile driving and end 30 minutes
after pile driving ceases. If the time between pile driving segments is
more than 30 minutes, a new 30 minute survey is unnecessary provided
marine mammal monitoring continues during the interruption. Data
collection will consist of: (1) a count of all pinnipeds and cetaceans
sighted by species, age and sex class, where able to be determined; (2)
a description of behavior (based on the Richmond Bridge Harbor Seal
Survey classification system); (3) location; (4) direction of movement;
(5) type of construction that is occurring; (6) any acoustic or visual
reactions to specified activities; and (7) time of the observation; (8)
time that pile driving begins and ends; and (9) environmental
conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, visibility, temperature,
tide level, current, and sea state (described using the standard
Beaufort sea scale).
Monitoring of marine mammals will be conducted using high quality
binoculars (e.g., Zeiss, 10 x 42 power). When possible, digital video
or 35 mm still cameras will also be used to document the behavior and
response of marine mammals to construction activities or other
disturbances. Each monitor will have a radio for contact with other
researchers or work crews if necessary, a GPS unit for determining
observation location, and an electronic range finder to determine
distance to marine mammals, boats, buoys and construction equipment.
Most likely observers will conduct the monitoring from the Dumbarton
Bridge surface or catwalks, providing a high vantage point for the
observer; however, should a small vessel be used to monitor for marine
mammals, PSOs will remain 50 yards from swimming pinnipeds in
accordance with NMFS marine mammal viewing guidelines (https://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/psd/rookeryhaulouts/CASEALVIEWBROCHURE.pdf). This
will prevent additional harassment to pinnipeds from the vessel.
Acoustic Monitoring
Hydroacoustic monitoring will be conducted by a qualified monitor
during pile driving activities when piles are being driven in water
greater than 3 feet in depth. Details will be developed during work
plan preparation, but might include monitoring one pile in every set of
3 piles during installation of the temporary trestles. Sound
measurements will be taken as close to the source as possible and at
all modeled distances to the 190 dB, 180 dB, 160 dB (impact only), and
120 dB (vibratory only). Measurements will be taken at two depths: one
in mid water column and one near the bottom but at least 3 feet above
the bottom, unless obstructions such as land force a variation in depth
or number of measurements. Marine mammal safety zones may be adjusted,
pending NMFS' approval, according to the results of this monitoring.
Reporting
A final report summarizing all marine mammal monitoring data,
including those parameters listed above, and construction activities
will be submitted to NMFS 90 days after the IHA expires. An acoustic
report analyzing underwater sound characteristics during pile driving
shall also be submitted within 90 days of expiration of the IHA.
Negligible Impact and Small Numbers Analysis and Determination
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.''
For reasons provided in greater detail in NMFS' December 4, 2009
(74 FR 63724), Federal Register notice, pile driving could result in
harassment of harbor seals (n = 1,120), California sea lions (n = 20),
and gray whales (n = 2) and would not result in more than a negligible
impact on marine mammal stocks and their habitat. The number of marine
mammals authorized to be taken incidental to pile driving activities is
considered small when compared to the population sizes of the affected
stocks (34,233; 238,000; and 18,813, respectively). That is, up to
3.3%, 0%, and 0% of the affected stocks,
[[Page 13502]]
respectively, may be taken by Level B harassment.
Based on the analysis contained herein on the likely effects of the
specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into
consideration the implementation of the mitigation and monitoring
measures, NMFS finds that pile driving associated with the Dumbarton
Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project will result in the incidental take of
small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, and that
the total taking will have a negligible impact on the affected species
or stocks. There are no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals
implicated by this action; therefore, no impacts to subsistence use
will occur.
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
No ESA-listed marine mammals are known to occur within the action
area; therefore, ESA consultation on issuance of the proposed IHA was
not required. However, other ESA-listed species under NMFS'
jurisdiction do occur within the action area.
On January 12, 2009, NMFS received a request from the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) to initiate consultation under section 7
of the ESA on Caltrans' proposed Dumbarton Bridge Seismic Retrofit
Project as ESA-listed fish are present within the action area. NMFS
issued a Biological Opinion (BiOp) on Caltran's Dumbarton Bridge
Seismic Retrofit Project on August, 10, 2009. The BiOp concluded that
the proposed activities were not likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of Central California Coast steelhead Distinct Population
Segment (DPS) or North American green sturgeon DPS and are not likely
to adversely modify or destroy critical habitat for CCC steelhead DPS.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
On September 2, 2009, Caltrans released an Environmental Assessment
(EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Dumbarton Bridge
project. For purposes of issuing an IHA, NMFS found the environmental
analysis on marine mammal impacts lacking and determined further NEPA
analysis was necessary. In the proposed IHA Federal Register notice for
this action, NMFS preliminary determined a Categorical Exclusion memo
was appropriate for issuing an IHA for the specified activities.
However, after further consideration, NMFS prepared an EA analyzing the
effects of the authorized on the human environment. Based on the
analyses in the EA, NMFS determined that issuance of the IHA would not
significantly impact the quality of the human environment and that
preparation of an environmental impact statement was not required.
Dated: March 12, 2010.
James H. Lecky,
Director,Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-6252 Filed 3-19-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S