Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Harbor Activities Related to the Delta IV/Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA, 21862-21869 [2011-9459]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 75 (Tuesday, April 19, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21862-21869]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9459]



[[Page 21862]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XA074


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Harbor Activities Related to the Delta IV/Evolved Expendable Launch 
Vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA

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

ACTION: Notice; proposed incidental take authorization; request for 
comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS has received an application from United Launch Alliance 
(ULA), for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small 
numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting 
Delta Mariner operations, cargo unloading activities, and harbor 
maintenance activities related to the Delta IV/Evolved Expendable 
Launch Vehicle (Delta IV/EELV) at south Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 
(VAFB). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is 
requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to ULA 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 May 19, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the application should be addressed 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. The mailbox address 
for providing e-mail comments is ITP.Cody@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 generally be posted to https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications 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 above address, 
telephoning the contact listed here (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: Jeannine Cody, NMFS, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS (301) 713-2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1371 (a)(5)(D)) directs 
the Secretary of Commerce to authorize, upon request, the incidental, 
but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals of a 
species or population stock, by United States citizens who engage in a 
specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified 
geographical region if certain findings are made and, if the taking is 
limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is provided 
to the public for review.
    Authorization for incidental taking of small numbers of marine 
mammals shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a 
negligible impact on the species or stock(s), and will not have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or 
stock(s) for subsistence uses (where relevant). The authorization must 
set forth the permissible methods of taking, other means of effecting 
the least practicable adverse impact on the species or stock and its 
habitat, and monitoring and reporting of such takings. 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) of the MMPA 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 small numbers of marine mammals. Within 45 days of the 
close of the public comment period, NMFS must either issue or deny the 
authorization. NMFS must publish a notice in the Federal Register 
within 30 days of its determination to issue or deny the authorization.
    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].

Summary of Request

    NMFS received an application on August 4, 2010, from ULA requesting 
the taking by harassment, of small numbers of marine mammals, 
incidental to conducting Delta Mariner harbor operations for one year. 
After addressing comments from NMFS, ULA modified its application and 
submitted a revised application on February 11, 2011. NMFS determined 
that application complete and adequate on March 29, 2011.
    These activities (i.e., transport vessel operations, cargo movement 
activities, and harbor maintenance dredging) will support Delta IV/EELV 
launch activities from the Space Launch Complex at VAFB Harbor and 
would occur in the vicinity of a known pinniped haul out site (Small 
Haul-out Site 1) located at 34[deg] 33.192' N, 120[deg] 
36.580' W.
    Acoustic and visual stimuli generated by the use of heavy equipment 
during the Delta Mariner off-loading operations and the, cargo movement 
activities, the increased presence of personnel, and harbor maintenance 
dredging may have the potential to cause California sea lions (Zalophus 
californianus), Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and Northern 
elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) hauled out on Small Haul-out 
Site 1 to flush into VAFB Harbor or to cause a short-term 
behavioral disturbance for marine mammals in the proposed area. These 
types of disturbances are the principal means of marine mammal taking 
associated with these activities and ULA has requested an authorization 
to take 1,089 Pacific harbor seals; 72 California sea lions; and 43 
Northern elephant seals by Level B harassment only.
    To date, NMFS has issued eight, 1-year, Incidental Harassment 
Authorizations (IHAs) to ULA for the conduct of the same activities 
from 2002 to 2010, with the last IHA expiring on September 3, 2010 (74 
FR 46742, September 11, 2009). ULA did not

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conduct any operations between 2003 and 2008, and accordingly, was not 
required to conduct any monitoring activities related to harbor 
maintenance or Delta Mariner operations. After a 6-year hiatus, ULA 
commenced harbor maintenance activities in July 2009. This is ULA's 
ninth request for an IHA and the monitoring results from the 2009 and 
2010 operating seasons appear in the Proposed Monitoring section of 
this notice.

Description of the Specified Geographic Region

    The proposed activities will take place in or near the VAFB harbor 
located on the central coast of California at 34[deg] 33' N, 120[deg] 
36' W in the northeast Pacific Ocean. The harbor is approximately 2.5 
miles (mi) (4.02 kilometers (km)) south of Point Arguello, CA and 
approximately 1 mi (1.61 km) south of the nearest marine mammal 
rookery.

Description of the Specified Activity

    ULA proposes to conduct Delta IV/EELV activities (transport vessel 
operations, harbor maintenance dredging, and cargo movement activities) 
between June 6, 2011 and June 5, 2012. The Delta IV/EELV launch vehicle 
is comprised of a common booster core (CBC), an upper stage, and a 
payload fairing. The size of the CBC requires it to be transported to 
the VAFB launch site by a specially designed vessel, the Delta Mariner. 
To allow safe operation of the Delta Mariner, maintenance dredging 
within a harbor located in Zone 6 of the Western Space and Missile 
Center (WSMC) in the Pacific Ocean (33 CFR 334.1130(a)(2)(vi)), ULA 
requires that the harbor undergo maintenance on a periodic basis.

Delta Mariner Operations

    The Delta Mariner is a 312-foot (ft) (95.1-meter (m)) long, 84-ft 
(25.6-m) wide, steel-hulled, ocean-going vessel capable of operating at 
an 8-ft (2.4-m) draft. It is a roll-on, roll-off, self-propelled ship 
with an enclosed watertight cargo area, a superstructure forward, and a 
ramp at the vessel's stern.
    Delta Mariner off-loading operations and associated cargo movements 
within the harbor would occur at a maximum frequency of four times per 
year. The 8,000-horsepower vessel would enter the harbor stern first at 
1.5 to 2 knots (1.72 mi per hour (mph)) during daylight hours at high 
tide, approaching the wharf at less than 0.75 knot (less than one mph). 
At least one tugboat will always accompany the Delta Mariner during 
visits to the VAFB harbor. Departure will occur under the previously-
stated conditions.

Harbor Maintenance Activities

    ULA's must perform maintenance dredging annually or twice per year, 
depending on the hardware delivery schedule. To accommodate the Delta 
Mariner's draft, ULA would need to remove up to 5,000 cubic yards of 
sediment per dredging cycle. Dredging would involve the use of heavy 
equipment, including a clamshell dredge, dredging crane, a small tug, 
dredging barge, dump trucks, and a skip loader. Dredge operations, from 
set-up to tear-down, would continue 24-hours a day for approximately 35 
days.
    ULA provides a more detailed description of the work proposed for 
2011-2012 in the application and the Final U.S. Air Force Environmental 
Assessment for Harbor Activities Associated with the Delta IV Program 
at Vandenberg Air Force Base (ENSR International, 2001) which are 
available upon request (see ADDRESSES).

Cargo Movement Activities

    Removal of the CBC from the vessel requires the use of an elevating 
platform transporter (EPT). The EPT is powered by a diesel engine 
manufactured by Daimler-Chrysler AG (Mercedes), model OM442A, 340HP. 
ULA would limit cargo unloading activities to periods of high tide. It 
takes approximately two hours to remove the first CBC from the cargo 
bay and six hours to remove a complement of three CBCs. It would take 
up to two additional hours to remove remaining cargo which may consist 
of two upper stages, one set of fairings, and one payload attach 
fitting. The total of 10 hours includes time required to move the 
flight hardware to the staging area. Flight hardware items, other than 
the CBCs, are packaged in containers equipped with retractable casters 
and tow bars. ULA would tow these containers off the vessel by a 
standard diesel truck tractor. Noise from the ground support equipment 
will be muted while inside the cargo bay and will be audible to marine 
mammals only during the time the equipment is in the harbor area. Cargo 
movement operations would occur for approximately 43 days (concurrent 
with the harbor maintenance activities).

Acoustic Source Specifications

    A discussion of associated noise sources from the Delta Mariner, 
harbor maintenance equipment, and the EPT follows this section.

Metrics Used in This Document

    This section includes a brief explanation of the sound measurements 
frequently used in the discussions of acoustic effects in this 
document. Sound pressure is the sound force per unit area, and is 
usually measured in micropascals ([mu]Pa), where 1 pascal (Pa) is the 
pressure resulting from a force of one newton exerted over an area of 
one square meter. Sound pressure level (SPL) is expressed as the ratio 
of a measured sound pressure and a reference level. The commonly used 
reference pressure is 1 [mu]Pa for under water, and the units for SPLs 
are dB re: 1 [mu]Pa. The commonly used reference pressure is 20 [mu]Pa 
for in air, and the units for SPLs are dB re: 20 [mu]Pa.

SPL (in decibels (dB)) = 20 log (pressure/reference pressure)

    SPL is an instantaneous measurement and can be expressed as the 
peak, the peak-peak (p-p), or the root mean square (rms). Root mean 
square, which is the square root of the arithmetic average of the 
squared instantaneous pressure values, is typically used in discussions 
of the effects of sounds on vertebrates and all references to SPL in 
this document refer to the root mean square unless otherwise noted. SPL 
does not take the duration of a sound into account.

Characteristics of the Vessel Noise

    Sources of noise from the Delta Mariner include ventilating 
propellers used for maneuvering the vessel into position and a brief 
sound from the cargo bay door when it becomes disengaged. ULA has not 
performed any in situ sound measurements outside the vessel.

Characteristics of the Harbor Maintenance and Cargo Movement Noise

    ULA estimates that the noise levels emanating from within 50 ft 
(15.2 m) of the dredging and construction equipment (i.e., backhoe, 
water truck, and clamshell dredge and the cargo moving equipment (EPT 
and roll-off truck transporter) would range from 56 to 95 dB re: 20 
[mu]Pa. ULA presents the equipment noise levels as well as measurements 
of the ambient background noise (35 to 48 dB re: 20 [mu]Pa at 250 ft 
(76.2 m)) measured at the dock area in Table 1.2-1 of the application.

Characteristics of the Elevating Platform Transporter

    The received level of the EPT's diesel engine when running at mid-
speed was approximately 85 dB re: 20 [mu]Pa at less

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than 20 ft (less than 6.1 m). Prior to movement, the EPT operator 
sounds the horn to alert personnel in close proximity to the EPT that 
it is about to operate. The EPT operation procedure requires two short 
beeps of the horn (approximately one-third seconds each) prior to 
starting the ignition. Sound level measurements for the horn ranged 
from 84 to 112 dB re: 20 [mu]Pa measured at 25 ft (7.6 m) from the 
source and 62 to 70 dB re: 20 [mu]Pa measured at 200 ft (60.9 m) from 
the source. ULA recorded source levels from the side of the vehicle 
where the horn is mounted.

Characteristics of the Diesel Truck Tractor

    The received sound level for the truck tractor was approximately 87 
dB re: 20 [mu]Pa at 50 ft (15.2 m) while it towed the CBCs and 
remaining cargo items. NMFS expects that the Space Launch Complex 
structures will mute the noise generated by the ground support 
equipment while operations are conducted within the cargo bay.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Proposed Specified 
Activity

    The marine mammal species most likely to be harassed incidental to 
conducting Delta Mariner operations, cargo unloading activities, and 
harbor maintenance activities at VAFB are the California sea lion, the 
Pacific Harbor seal, and the northern elephant seal. NMFS refers the 
public to Carretta et al., (2010) and Allen and Angliss (2010) for 
general information on these species which are presented below this 
section. The publications are available at the following URLs: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/sars/po2010_draft.pdf and https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/sars/ak2010_draft.pdf respectively.

California Sea Lion

    California sea lions are not listed as threatened or endangered 
under the ESA, nor are they categorized as depleted under the MMPA. The 
California sea lion includes three subspecies: Z. c. wollebaeki (on the 
Galapagos Islands), Z. c. japonicus (in Japan, but now thought to be 
extinct), and Z. c. californianus (found from southern Mexico to 
southwestern Canada; herein referred to as the California sea lion). 
The subspecies is comprised of three stocks: (1) The U.S. stock, 
beginning at the U.S./Mexico border extending northward into Canada; 
(2) the western Baja California stock, extending from the U.S./Mexico 
border to the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula; and (3) 
the Gulf of California stock, which includes the Gulf of California 
from the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula and across to 
the mainland and extends to southern Mexico (Lowry et al., 1992). Adult 
males can weigh up to 860 pounds (lbs) (390 kilograms (kg)); and an 
adult female averages approximately 242 lbs (110 kg).
    In 2009, the estimated population of the U.S. stock of California 
sea lion ranged from 141,842 to 238,000 animals and the maximum 
population growth rate was 6.52 percent when pup counts from El 
Ni[ntilde]o years (1983, 1984, 1992, 1993, 1998, and 2003) were removed 
(Carretta et al., 2010).
    California sea lion breeding areas are on islands located in 
southern California, in western Baja California, Mexico, and the Gulf 
of California. During the breeding season, most California sea lions 
inhabit southern California and Mexico. Rookery sites in southern 
California are limited to the San Miguel Islands and the southerly 
Channel Islands of San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, and San Clemente 
(Carretta et al., 2010). Males establish breeding territories during 
May through July on both land and in the water. Females come ashore in 
mid-May and June where they give birth to a single pup approximately 
four to five days after arrival and will nurse pups for about a week 
before going on their first feeding trip. Females will alternate 
feeding trips with nursing bouts until the pup is weaned between four 
and 10 months of age (NMML, 2010).
    Adult and juvenile males will migrate as far north as British 
Columbia, Canada while females and pups remain in southern California 
waters in the non-breeding season. In warm water (El Ni[ntilde]o) 
years, some females are found as far north as Washington and Oregon, 
presumably following prey.
    The largest concentrations of California sea lions in the vicinity 
of VAFB occur at Lion Rock, an islet located at (34[deg]53' N, 
120[deg]39' W) offshore of Point Sal, CA approximately 24 mi (38.6 km) 
north of the VAFB harbor. Historical observations have noted the 
presence of at least 100 California sea lions hauled out during any 
season at Lion Rock (Roest, 1995); small groups migrating south along 
the VAFB coastline commencing in April (Tetra Tech, 1997); juveniles 
hauled-out with harbor seals along the South Base sites from July 
through September (Tetra Tech, 1997); and finally, large groups of sea 
lions migrating north along the VAFB coastline beginning in August 
(Tetra Tech, 1997). ULA has observed juvenile sea lions hauled-out with 
harbor seals along southern VAFB sites from July through September 
(Tetra Tech, 1997).

Pacific Harbor Seal

    Pacific harbor seals are not listed as threatened or endangered 
under the ESA, nor are they categorized as depleted under the MMPA. The 
animals inhabit near-shore coastal and estuarine areas from Baja 
California, Mexico, to the Pribilof Islands in Alaska. Pacific harbor 
seals are divided into two subspecies: P. v. stejnegeri in the western 
North Pacific, near Japan, and P. v. richardsi in the northeast Pacific 
Ocean. The latter subspecies, recognized as three separate stocks, 
inhabits the west coast of the continental United States, including: 
the outer coastal waters of Oregon and Washington States; Washington 
State inland waters; and Alaska coastal and inland waters.
    The estimated population of the California stock of Pacific harbor 
seals ranged from 31,600 to 34,233 animals and the maximum population 
growth rate was 3.5 percent (Carretta et al., 2010).
    In California, over 500 harbor seal haulout sites are widely 
distributed along the mainland and offshore islands, and include rocky 
shores, beaches and intertidal sandbars (Lowry et al., 2005). Harbor 
seals mate at sea and females give birth during the spring and summer, 
although, the pupping season varies with latitude. Pups are nursed for 
an average of 24 days and are ready to swim minutes after being born. 
Harbor seal pupping takes place at many locations and rookery size 
varies from a few pups to many hundreds of pups. The nearest harbor 
seal rookery relative to the operational area is at Rocky Point, CA 
approximately one mile (1.61 km) south of the harbor.
    ULA estimates that the total population of harbor seals on VAFB is 
approximately 1,118 (maximum of 500 seals hauled out at one time on 
south VAFB) based on sighting surveys and telemetry data (Thorson, 
2001). The daily haul-out behavior of harbor seals along the southern 
VAFB coastline is primarily dependent on time of day. The highest 
numbers of seals haul-out between 1100 and 1600 hours and the seals 
will occasionally haul out at a beach 250 ft (76.2 m) west of the south 
VAFB harbor and on rocks outside the harbor breakwater where ULA 
proposes to conduct Delta Mariner operations.
    The maximum number of seals present during the 2009 Delta Mariner 
operations was 28, and the maximum number hauled out during the 2002 
wharf modification activities was 43, averaging 21 animals per day when 
tidal

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conditions were favorable for hauling out.

Northern Elephant Seal

    Northern elephant seals are not listed as threatened or endangered 
under the ESA, nor are they categorized as depleted under the MMPA. 
Northern elephant seals range in the eastern and central North Pacific 
Ocean, from as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico. Northern 
elephant seals spend much of the year, generally about nine months, in 
the ocean. They are usually underwater, diving to depths of about 
1,000-2,500 ft (330-800 m) for 20- to 30-minute intervals with only 
short breaks at the surface. They are rarely seen out at sea for this 
reason. While on land, they prefer sandy beaches.
    Populations of northern elephant seals in the U.S. and Mexico were 
all originally derived from a few tens or a few hundreds of individuals 
surviving in Mexico after being nearly hunted to extinction (Stewart et 
al., 1994). Although movement and genetic exchange continues between 
rookeries, most elephant seals return to their natal rookeries when 
they start breeding (Huber et al., 1991). The California breeding 
population is now demographically isolated from the Baja California 
population. The estimated population of the California stock of 
northern elephant seals ranged from 74,913 to 124,000 animals and the 
maximum population growth rate was 11.7 percent (Carretta et al., 
2010).
    Northern elephant seals breed and give birth in California (U.S.) 
and Baja California (Mexico), primarily on offshore islands (Stewart et 
al., 1994), from December to March (Stewart and Huber, 1993). Males 
feed near the eastern Aleutian Islands and in the Gulf of Alaska, and 
females feed further south, south of 45oN (Stewart and Huber, 1993; Le 
Boeuf et al., 1993). Adults return to land between March and August to 
molt, with males returning later than females. Adults return to their 
feeding areas again between their spring/summer molting and their 
winter breeding seasons.
    ULA reports that northern elephant seals do not breed in the VAFB 
harbor area nor on its offshore islets. However, some juvenile and sub-
adult elephant seals, primarily immature males, regularly use some of 
the VAFB shoreline as haul-outs. The juvenile and sub-adult elephant 
seals do not haul out in the VAFB harbor area.
    ULA has no verified records of elephant seals on VAFB prior to 
1998. In 2004, ULA counted a maximum of 188 elephant seals in VAFB; 
however, they consider this observation to be an outlier, as most on-
site surveys have counted less than 10 individuals.

Other Marine Mammals in the Proposed Action Area

    There are several endangered cetaceans that have the potential to 
transit in the vicinity of the VAFB harbor including the short-beaked 
common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), the Pacific white-sided dolphin 
(Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and the gray whale (Eschrichtius 
robustus). NMFS will not consider these species further in this 
proposed IHA notice as they are typically found farther offshore of the 
VAFB harbor and are unlikely or rare in the proposed action area.
    All of the aforementioned species are found farther offshore than 
the proposed action area and are not likely to be affected by the Delta 
Mariner operations. Accordingly, NMFS will not consider these species 
in greater detail.
    Other species of pinnipeds species are rare to infrequent along the 
south VAFB coast during certain times of the year and are unlikely to 
be harassed by ULA's activities. These three species are: the northern 
fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus), Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus 
townsendi), and Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). Northern fur 
seals, Guadalupe fur seals, and Steller sea lions occur along the 
California coast and Northern Channel Islands but are not likely to be 
found on VAFB. Descriptions of the biology and distribution of these 
species can be found in the NMFS Stock Assessment Reports at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/.
    California (southern) sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) are listed 
as threatened under the ESA and categorized as depleted under the MMPA. 
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages this species and NMFS will 
not consider this species in greater detail within this notice. The 
proposed IHA will only address requested take authorizations for 
pinnipeds.

Potential Effects on Marine Mammals

    Acoustic and visual stimuli generated by: the use of heavy 
equipment during the Delta Mariner off-loading operations and harbor 
dredging and the increased presence of personnel may have the potential 
to cause Level B harassment of any pinnipeds hauled out in the VAFB 
harbor. This disturbance from acoustic and visual stimuli is the 
principal means of marine mammal taking associated with these 
activities.
    Based on the measured sounds of construction equipment, such as 
might be used during ULA's activities, sound level intensity decreases 
proportional to the square root of the distance from the source. A 
dredging crane at the end of the dock producing 88 dB re: 20 [mu]Pa of 
noise would be approximately 72 dB re: 20 [mu]Pa at the nearest beach 
or the end of the breakwater, roughly 250 ft (76.2 m) away. The EPT 
produces approximately 85 dB re: 20 [mu]Pa, measured less than 20 ft (6 
m) from the engine exhaust, when the engine is running at mid speed. 
The EPT operation procedure requires two short beeps of the horn 
(approximately \1/3\ of a second each) prior to starting the ignition. 
Sound level measurements for the horn ranged from 84-112 dB re: 20 
[mu]Pa at 25 ft (7.6 m) away and 62-70 dB re: 20 [mu]Pa at 200 ft (61 
m) away. The highest measurement was taken from the side of the vehicle 
where the horn is mounted. Ambient background noise measured 
approximately 250 ft (76.2 m) from the beach was estimated to be 35-48 
dB re: 20 [mu]Pa (Acentech, 1998; EPA, 1971).
    Pinnipeds sometimes show startle reactions when exposed to sudden 
brief sounds. An acoustic stimulus with sudden onset (such as a sonic 
boom) may be analogous to a ``looming'' visual stimulus (Hayes and 
Saif, 1967), which may elicit flight away from the source (Berrens et 
al., 1988). The onset of operations by a loud sound source, such as the 
EPT during CBC off-loading procedures, may elicit such a reaction. In 
addition, the movements of cranes and dredges may represent a 
``looming'' visual stimulus to seals hauled out in close proximity. 
Seals and sea lions exposed to such acoustic and visual stimuli may 
either exhibit a startle response and/or leave the haul-out site.
    According to the MMPA and NMFS' implementing regulations, if harbor 
activities disrupt the behavioral patterns of harbor seals or sea 
lions, these activities would take marine mammals by Level B 
harassment. In general, if the received level of the noise stimulus 
exceeds both the background (ambient) noise level and the auditory 
threshold of the animals, and especially if the stimulus is novel to 
them, there may be a behavioral response. The probability and degree of 
response will also depend on the season, the group composition of the 
pinnipeds, and the type of activity in which they are engaged. Minor 
and brief responses, such as short-duration startle or alert reactions, 
are not likely to constitute disruption of behavioral patterns, such as 
migration, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering (i.e., Level B 
harassment) and would not cause injury or mortality to marine mammals. 
On the other hand, startle and alert reactions accompanied by large-
scale movements, such as

[[Page 21866]]

stampedes into the water of hundreds of animals, may rise to the degree 
of Level A harassment and could result in injury of individuals. In 
addition, such large-scale movements by dense aggregations of marine 
mammals or at pupping sites could potentially lead to takes by injury 
or death. However, there is no potential for large-scale movements 
leading to serious injury or mortality near the south VAFB harbor 
because, historically, the number of harbor seals hauled out near the 
site is less than 30 individuals, and there is no pupping at nearby 
sites. The effects of the harbor activities are expected to be limited 
to short-term startle responses and localized behavioral changes.
    According to the June 2002 dock modification construction report 
(ENSRI, 2002), the maximum number of harbor seals hauled out each day 
ranged from 23 to 25 animals. There were 15 occasions in which 
construction noise, vehicle noise, or noise from a fishing boat caused 
the seals to lift their heads. Flushing only occurred due to 
recreational fishing activities, which were unrelated to the 
construction activities. The sea lions were less reactive to the 
construction noise than the harbor seals. None of the construction 
activities caused any of the sea lions to leave the jetty rocks, and 
there was only one incident of a head alert reaction. Further, the 
report from the December 2002 dredging activities shows that the number 
of Pacific harbor seals ranged from zero to 19, and that California sea 
lions did not haul out during the monitoring period. On 10 occasions, 
harbor seals showed head alerts, although two of the alerts were for 
disturbances that were not related to the project. No harbor seals 
flushed during the activities on the dock.
    The monitoring report from the 2009 season (July 8 through Sept 21) 
notes that Pacific harbor seals hauled out in the vicinity were more 
responsive to visual disturbances than to auditory disturbances. ULA 
did not observe any behavioral reactions of the harbor seals to 
equipment start-up. However, observers noted that harbor seals present 
slowly flushed when they could see equipment moving from their vantage 
point in the haulout area. On five occasions, harbor seals showed head 
alerts and on eight occasions, harbor seals entered the water.
    NMFS would expect the pinnipeds to return to a haulout site within 
60 min of the disturbance (Allen et al., 1985). The effects to 
pinnipeds appear at the most to displace the animals temporarily from 
their haul out sites and NMFS does not expect that the pinnipeds would 
permanently abandon a haul-out site during the conduct of harbor 
maintenance and Delta Mariner operations.
    Finally, no operations would occur on pinniped rookeries; 
therefore, NMFS does not expect mother and pup separation or crushing 
of pups to occur.
    The potential effects to marine mammals described in this section 
of the document do not take into consideration the proposed monitoring 
and mitigation measures described later in this document (see the 
``Proposed Mitigation'' and ``Proposed Monitoring and Reporting'' 
sections) which, as noted are designed to effect the least practicable 
adverse impact on affected marine mammal species and stocks.

Anticipated Effects on Habitat

    NMFS does not anticipate that the proposed operations would result 
in any temporary or permanent effects on the habitats used by the 
marine mammals in the proposed area, including the food sources they 
use (i.e. fish and invertebrates). NMFS does not anticipate that there 
would be any physical damage to any habitat. While NMFS anticipates 
that the specified activity may result in marine mammals avoiding 
certain areas due to temporary ensonification and human presence, this 
impact to habitat is temporary and reversible which NMFS considered in 
further detail earlier in this document, as behavioral modification.

Proposed Mitigation

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization (ITA) 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 the availability of 
such species or stock for taking for certain subsistence uses.
    ULA has based the proposed mitigation measures described herein, to 
be implemented for the proposed operations, on the following:
    (1) Protocols used during previous operations as approved by NMFS; 
and
    (2) Previous IHA applications and IHAs approved and authorized by 
NMFS.
    To reduce the potential for disturbance from visual and acoustic 
stimuli associated with the activities, ULA/and or its designees 
propose to implement the following mitigating measures for marine 
mammals:
    (1) If activities occur during nighttime hours, ULA will turn on 
lighting equipment before dusk. The lights would remain on for the 
entire night to avoid startling pinnipeds.
    (2) Initiate operations before dusk.
    (3) Keep construction noises at a constant level (i.e., not 
interrupted by periods of quiet in excess of 30 minutes) while 
pinnipeds are present.
    (4) If activities cease for longer than 30 minutes and pinnipeds 
are in the area, ULA would initiate a gradual start-up of activities to 
ensure a gradual increase in noise levels.
    (5) A NMFS-qualified marine mammal observer would visually monitor 
the harbor seals on the beach adjacent to the harbor and on rocks for 
any flushing or other behaviors as a result of ULA's activities (see 
Monitoring).
    (6) The Delta Mariner and accompanying vessels would enter the 
harbor only when the tide is too high for harbor seals to haul-out on 
the rocks; reducing speed to 1.5 to 2 knots (1.5-2.0 nm/hr; 2.8-3.7 km/
hr) once the vessel is within 3 mi (4.83 km) of the harbor. The vessel 
would enter the harbor stern first, approaching the wharf and moorings 
at less than 0.75 knot (1.4 km/hr).
    (7) As alternate dredge methods are explored, the dredge contractor 
may introduce quieter techniques and equipment.
    NMFS has carefully evaluated the applicant's proposed mitigation 
measures and has considered a range of other measures in the context of 
ensuring that NMFS prescribes the means of effecting the least 
practicable adverse impact on the affected marine mammal species and 
stocks and their habitat. Our evaluation of potential measures included 
consideration of the following factors in relation to one another: (1) 
The manner in which, and the degree to which, the successful 
implementation of the measure is expected to minimize adverse impacts 
to marine mammals; (2) the proven or likely efficacy of the specific 
measure to minimize adverse impacts as planned; and (3) the 
practicability of the measure for applicant implementation.
    Based on our evaluation of the applicant's proposed measures, as 
well as other measures considered by NMFS or recommended by the public, 
NMFS has preliminarily determined that the proposed mitigation measures 
provide the means of effecting the least practicable adverse impacts on 
marine mammals species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular 
attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar 
significance.

[[Page 21867]]

Proposed Monitoring

Summary of Previous Monitoring

    ULA complied with the mitigation and monitoring required under the 
previous authorization for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. In compliance 
with both IHAs, ULA submitted a final report on the activities at VAFB 
harbor, covering the period of July 6 through September 21, 2009 and 
June 2 through 18, 2010. Each IHA required ULA to conduct baseline 
observations of pinnipeds in the project area prior to initiating 
project activities; conduct and record observations on pinnipeds in the 
vicinity of the harbor for the duration of the activity occurring when 
tides are 2 ft (0.61 m) or less (i.e., low enough for pinnipeds to 
haul-out); and conduct post-construction observations of pinniped haul-
outs in the project area to determine whether animals disturbed by the 
project activities return to the haul-out.
    During the effective dates of the 2009 IHA, ULA conducted 22 
sessions of harbor maintenance and Delta Mariner operations which did 
not exceed the activity levels analyzed under the 2009 authorization. 
During the July 6 through August 7, 2009 monitoring period, both 
Pacific harbor seals and California sea lions hauled out within view of 
the harbor and dock where ULA conducted project activities. ULA 
reported that the maximum number of harbor seals hauled out each day 
ranged from one to 28 animals with most using the rocks approximately 
540 to 570 ft (164.9 to 173.7 m) south of the harbor area. The maximum 
number of sea lions present ranged from one to two animals and both sea 
lions hauled out at either the breakwater and or on a beach southwest 
of the dock area. On four occasions, harbor seals exhibited head alerts 
to equipment movement and equipment noise. California sea lions 
exhibited head alerts on one occasion involving engine noise and engine 
movement. There was no indication of altered behavior of harbor seals 
and sea lions in the water due to activities occurring on the dock or 
barge. ULA routinely observed pinnipeds rafting or swimming within and 
around the harbor for the duration of the operations. During the 
September 17-21, 2009 monitoring period for activities associated with 
cargo delivery for the Delta Mariner, the only observations of 
pinnipeds hauled out occurred on September 20th. However, the 
operations concluded by the time that the tide had reached low enough 
levels (0.51 ft; 0.15 m) for pinnipeds to begin hauling out on the 
rocks. Table 1 summarizes the pinnipeds' reactions to project-related 
disturbances in 2009.

         Table 1--Summary of Pinniped Reactions to Harbor Dredging and Delta Mariner Operations in 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Number
      2009 Season          Time           Species          hauled          Disturbance            Head   Entered
                                                            out                                  alert    water
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jul 8..................     7:54  Pacific harbor seal...       10  Crane arm raised to                0       10
                                                                    vertical.
Jul 9..................     8:06  Pacific harbor seal...        2  Crane arm movement.........        0        2
Jul 10.................     7:22  Pacific harbor seal...        8  Crane arm movement.........        7        1
                            7:25  ......................        8  Crane arm movement.........        5        0
                            7:26  ......................        8  Crane arm movement.........        3        5
                            7:31  ......................        3  Crane dredges up segment of        0        3
                                                                    flexible pipe.
Jul 20.................     8:58  California sea lion...        1  Loader engine start and            1        0
                                                                    loader movement.
Jul 22.................     7:23  Pacific harbor seal...       23  Noise from excavator bucket       12       11
                                                                    startles a large number of
                                                                    pelicans.
Jul 24.................     7:16  Pacific harbor seal...       24  Excavator arm moved........        0       24
Jul 27.................     9:11  California sea lion...        2  Workers walking on                 0        1
                                                                    breakwater.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    During the effective dates of the 2010 IHA, ULA conducted 6 
sessions of harbor dredging and Delta Mariner operations which did not 
exceed the activity levels analyzed under the 2010 authorization. 
During the June 2 to 18, 2010 monitoring period, both Pacific harbor 
seals and California sea lions hauled out within view of the harbor and 
dock. For the 2010 season, ULA reported that the maximum number of 
harbor seals hauled out each day ranged from one to 14 animals with 
most using the rocks approximately 540 to 570 ft (164.9 to 173.7 m) to 
south of the harbor area. The maximum number of sea lions present 
ranged from one to two animals with both animals hauled out at the 
breakwater. Again, there was no indication of altered behavior of 
Pacific harbor seals and California sea lions in the water due to 
activities occurring on the dock or in the harbor. Similar to the 
observations reported for the 2009 season, ULA routinely observed 
pinnipeds rafting or swimming within and around the harbor for the 
duration of the project's activities. Table 2 summarizes pinniped 
reactions to project-related disturbances in 2010.

         Table 2--Summary of Pinniped Reactions to Harbor Dredging and Delta Mariner Operations in 2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Number
      2009 Season          Time           Species          hauled          Disturbance            Head   Entered
                                                            out                                  alert    water
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jun 17.................     8:52  Pacific harbor seal...        4  Crane arm made loud noise..        1        2
                            9:03  Pacific harbor seal...        4  Crane arm movement--               0        2
                                                                    flapping noise.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These results support NMFS' original findings that the mitigation 
measures set forth in the 2009 and 2010 IHAs effected the least 
practicable adverse impact on the species or stock.
    For a complete record of all observations, NMFS refers the reader 
to the ULA monitoring reports available at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications.

[[Page 21868]]

    In order to issue an ITA for an activity, section 101(a)(5)(D) of 
the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth ``requirements pertaining to 
the monitoring and reporting of such taking.'' The MMPA implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 216.104(a)(13) indicate that requests for IHAs 
must include the suggested means of accomplishing the necessary 
monitoring and reporting that will result in increased knowledge of the 
species and of the level of taking or impacts on populations of marine 
mammals that are expected to be present.
    As part of its 2002 application for an IHA, ULA provided a proposed 
monitoring plan for assessing impacts to harbor seals from the 
activities at south VAFB harbor and for determining when mitigation 
measures should be employed. NMFS proposes the same plan for the 2011 
IHA.
    A NMFS-qualified and VAFB-designated biologically trained observer 
will monitor the area for pinnipeds during all harbor activities. 
During nighttime activities, the harbor area will be illuminated, and 
the monitor will use a night vision scope. Monitoring activities will 
consist of:
    (1) Conducting baseline observation of pinnipeds in the project 
area prior to initiating project activities.
    (2) Conducting and recording observations on pinnipeds in the 
vicinity of the harbor for the duration of the activity occurring when 
tides are low enough (less than or equal to 2 ft (0.61 m) for pinnipeds 
to haul out
    (3) Conducting post-construction observations of pinniped haul-outs 
in the project area to determine whether animals disturbed by the 
project activities return to the haul-out.
    NMFS has reviewed the monitoring results from previous operations 
and has incorporated the results into the analysis of potential effects 
in this document.
    Proposed Reporting
    ULA will notify NMFS two weeks prior to initiation of each 
activity. After the completion of each activity, ULA will submit a 
draft final monitoring report to NMFS within 120 days to the Director 
of Office of Protected Resources at NMFS Headquarters. If ULA receives 
no comments from NMFS on the draft Final Monitoring Report, NMFS would 
consider the draft Final Monitoring Report to be the Final Monitoring 
Report.
    The final report would provide dates, times, durations, and 
locations of specific activities, details of pinniped behavioral 
observations, and estimates of numbers of affected pinnipeds and 
impacts (behavioral or other). In addition, the report would include 
information on the weather, tidal state, horizontal visibility, and 
composition (species, gender, and age class) and locations of haul-out 
group(s). In the unanticipated event that any cases of pinniped injury 
or mortality are judged to result from these activities, ULA would 
report the incident to NMFS immediately.
    ULA will report all injured or dead marine mammals (regardless of 
cause) to NMFS as soon as practicable. The report should include the 
species or description of the animal, the condition of the animal, 
location, time first found, observed behaviors (if alive) and photo or 
video, if available.

Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment

    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].

    Only take by Level B harassment is anticipated and authorized as a 
result of the proposed harbor maintenance and Delta Mariner operations 
in the VAFB harbor. Based on ULA's previous monitoring reports, with 
the same activities conducted in the proposed operations area NMFS 
estimates that approximately 659 Pacific harbor seals, 38 California 
sea lions, and 5 northern elephant seals could be potentially affected 
by Level B behavioral harassment over the course of the proposed IHA. 
NMFS bases the estimates on historical pinniped survey counts from 2001 
to 2009 and calculated takes by multiplying the average of the maximum 
abundance by 43 days. Thus, ULA requests an IHA to incidentally harass 
approximately 1,089 Pacific harbor seals (15 animals by 43 days), 72 
California sea lions (2 animals by 43 days), and 43 northern elephant 
seals (1 animals by 43 days).
    NMFS expects all of the potential takes to be Level B behavioral 
harassment only. Because of the required mitigation measures and the 
likelihood that some pinnipeds will avoid the area due to wave 
inundation of the haulout area, NMFS expects no injury, serious injury, 
or mortality to occur.
    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.'' In making a negligible impact determination, 
NMFS considers a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
    (1) The number of anticipated mortalities;
    (2) The number and nature of anticipated injuries;
    (3) The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of Level B 
harassment; and
    (4) The context in which the takes occur.
    As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that three species of 
marine mammals could be potentially affected by Level B harassment over 
the course of the IHA. For each species, these numbers are small (each, 
less than two percent) relative to the population size.
    NMFS does not anticipate takes by Level A harassment, serious 
injury, or mortality to occur as a result of ULA's proposed activities, 
and none are authorized. These species may exhibit behavioral 
modifications, including temporarily vacating the area during the 
proposed harbor maintenance and Delta Mariner operations to avoid the 
resultant acoustic and visual disturbances. However, NMFS anticipates 
only short-term behavioral disturbance due to the brief duration of the 
proposed activities; the availability of alternate areas near the VAFB 
harbor for pinnipeds to avoid the resultant noise from the maintenance 
and vessel operations; and that no operations would occur on pinniped 
rookeries. Due to the nature, degree, and context of the behavioral 
harassment anticipated, the activities are not expected to impact rates 
of recruitment or survival.
    Based on the analysis contained herein of 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 preliminarily finds that the impact of conducting 
proposed harbor maintenance and vessel operations June 2011 through 
June 2012, will result in the incidental take of small numbers of 
marine mammals, by Level B behavioral harassment only, and that the 
total taking from the ULA's proposed activities will have a negligible 
impact on the affected species or stocks; and that impacts to affected 
species or stocks of marine mammals would be mitigated to the lowest 
level practicable.

[[Page 21869]]

Impact on Availability of Affected Species or Stock for Taking for 
Subsistence Uses

    There are no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals implicated 
by this action.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    This action will not affect species listed under the ESA that are 
under NMFS' jurisdiction. VAFB formally consulted with the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service in 1998 on the possible take of southern sea 
otters during ULA's harbor activities at south VAFB. A Biological 
Opinion was issued in August 2001, which concluded that the EELV 
Program is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the 
southern sea otter, and no injury or mortality is expected. The 
activities covered by this IHA are analyzed in that Biological Opinion, 
and this IHA does not modify the action in a manner that was not 
previously analyzed.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    In 2001, the USAF prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for 
Harbor Activities Associated with the Delta IV Program at VAFB. In 
2005, NMFS prepared an EA augmenting the information contained in the 
USAF EA and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the 
issuance of an IHA for ULA's harbor activities in accordance with 
section 6.01 of the NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 (Environmental 
Review Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy 
Act, May 20, 1999). ULA's proposed activities and impacts for 2011-2012 
are within the scope of NMFS' 2005 EA and FONSI. NMFS has again 
reviewed the 2005 EA and determined that there are no new direct, 
indirect or cumulative impacts to the human and natural environment 
associated with the IHA requiring evaluation in a supplemental EA and 
NMFS, therefore, intends to reaffirm the 2005 FONSI. A copy of the EA 
and the FONSI for this activity is available upon request (see 
ADDRESSES).

    Dated: April 13, 2011.
James H. Lecky,
Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-9459 Filed 4-18-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P