Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Confined Blasting Operations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers During the Port of Miami Construction Project in Miami, FL, 49277-49305 [2012-19460]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 15, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49277-49305]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19460]



[[Page 49277]]

Vol. 77

Wednesday,

No. 158

August 15, 2012

Part V





Department of Commerce





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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration





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Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Confined Blasting 
Operations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers During the Port of Miami 
Construction Project in Miami, Florida; Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 77 , No. 158 / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 / 
Notices

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XA628


Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Confined 
Blasting Operations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers During the Port 
of Miami Construction Project in Miami, FL

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of an Incidental Take Authorization (ITA).

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) 
regulation, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an 
Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers (ACOE) take small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B 
harassment, incidental to confined blasting operations in the Port of 
Miami in Miami, Florida.

DATES: Effective March 15, 2013 through March 14, 2014.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the IHA and the application are available by 
writing to P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, 
Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or by telephoning the 
contacts listed here.
    An electronic copy of the IHA 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.
    This project was previously evaluated by the ACOE under an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and a Record of Decision (ROD) for 
the project was signed on May 22, 2006, which is also available at the 
same internet address. Documents cited in this notice may be viewed, by 
appointment, during regular business hours, at the aforementioned 
address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Howard Goldstein or Jolie Harrison, 
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 301-427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 (a)(5)(D)) directs 
the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to allow, 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 the 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 requirements pertaining to the mitigation, 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 number of marine mammals. Within 45 days of the 
close of the public comment period, NMFS must either 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].

16 U.S.C. 1362(18).

Summary of Request

    On May 17, 2011, NMFS received a letter from the ACOE, requesting 
an IHA. The requested IHA would authorize the take, by Level B 
(behavioral) harassment, of small numbers of Atlantic bottlenose 
dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) incidental to confined blasting 
operations in the Miami Harbor, Port of Miami, in Miami-Dade County, 
Florida. The IHA application was considered adequate and complete on 
September 9, 2011. The ACOE plans to conduct four components as part of 
the project in Miami Harbor (see Figure 1 of the ACOE's IHA application 
for a map and more details). These components are:
    (1) The widening of Cut 1 and deepening of Cut 1 and Cut 2;
    (2) Adding a turn widener and deepening at the southern 
intersection of Cut 3 within Fisherman's Channel;
    (3) Widening and deepening the Fisher Island Turning Basin; and
    (4) Expanding the Federal Channel and Port of Miami berthing areas 
in Fisherman's Channel and the Lummus Island Turning Basin.
    The construction will likely be completed using a combination of 
mechanical dredge (i.e., a clamshell or backhoe), cutterhead dredge, 
and rock pre-treatment by confined blasting. The dredging will remove 
approximately 5,000,000 cubic yards (3,822,774.3 cubic meters [m\3\]) 
of material from the harbor. Material removed from the dredging will be 
placed in Miami Harbor Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site, or used to 
construct seagrass and reef mitigation projects.
    The confined blasting is planned to take place beginning during the 
fall/winter of 2012 (November, 2012), and is expected to take up to 24 
months in Miami, Florida. Additional information on the construction 
project is contained in the application, which is available upon 
request (see ADDRESSES). Confined blasting means that the shots would 
be ``confined'' in the rock with stemming that prevents the explosive 
energy from going upward from the hole into the water column, and 
forces it to go laterally into the surrounding rock. In confined 
blasting, each charge is placed in a hole drilled in the rock 
approximately 5 to 10 feet deep; depending on how much rock needs to be 
broken and the intended project depth. The hole is then capped with an 
inert material, such as crushed rock. A charge is the total weight of 
the explosives to be detonated during a blast. This can also be broken 
down into the weight of the individual delays. This process is referred 
to as ``stemming the

[[Page 49279]]

hole'' (see Figure 6 and 7 of the ACOE's application).

Description of the Specified Activities

    The ACOE plans to deepen and widen the Federal channels at Miami 
Harbor, Port of Miami, in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The recommended 
plan (Alternative 2 of the Environmental Impact Statement [EIS]) 
includes four components:
    (1) Widen the seaward portion of Cut 1 from 500 to 800 feet (ft) 
(152.4 to 243.8 meters [m]) and deepen Cut 1 and Cut 2 from a project 
depth of -44 to -52 ft (13.4 to 15.9 m);
    (2) Add a turn widener at the southern intersection of Cut 3 within 
Fisherman's Channel and deepen to a project depth of -50 ft (-15.2 m);
    (3) Increase the Fisher Island Turning Basin from 1,200 to 1,500 ft 
(365.8 to 457.2 m), truncate the northeast section of the turning basin 
to minimize seagrass impacts, and deepen from -42 ft (-12.8 m) to a 
project depth of -50 ft; and
    (4) Expand the Federal Channel and Port of Miami berthing areas in 
Fisherman's Channel and in the eastern end of the Lummus Island Turning 
Basin (LITB) by 60 ft (18.3 m) to the south for a total of a 160 ft 
(48.8 m) wide berthing area and will be deepened from -42 ft to a 
project depth of -50 ft. The Federal Channel will be widened 40 ft 
(12.2 m) to the south, for a 100 ft (30.5 m) total width increase in 
Fisherman's Channel. This component (referred to as Component 5 in the 
ACOE's IHA application) will deepen Fisherman's Channel and the LITB 
from -42 ft to a project depth of -50 ft. See Figure 1 of ACOE's IHA 
application for a map of the project's components.
    Disposal of the estimated five million cubic yards of dredged 
material would occur at up to three disposal sites (seagrass mitigation 
area, offshore artificial reef mitigation areas, and the Miami Offshore 
Dredged Material Disposal Site). This project was previously evaluated 
under an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) titled ``Miami Harbor 
Miami-Dade County, Florida Navigation Study, Final General Reevaluation 
Report and Environmental Impact Statement,'' prepared under the 
National Environmental Policy Act, and a Record of Decision for the 
project was signed on May 22, 2006. The original proposed project 
included six components, two of which (components four and six) have 
been removed. The EIS provides a detailed explanation of project 
location as well as all aspects of project implementation. It is also 
available online for public review at: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Planning/Branches/Environmental/DOCS/OnLine/Dade/MiamiHarbor/NAV_STUDY_VOL-1_MIAMI.pdf.
    To achieve the deepening of the Miami Harbor from the existing 
depth of -45 ft (-13.7 m) to project depth of -52 ft, pretreatment of 
some of the rock areas may be required using confined underwater 
blasting, where standard construction methods are unsuccessful due to 
the hardness of the rock. The ACOE has used two criteria to determine 
which areas are most likely to need confined blasting for the Miami 
Harbor expansion: (1) Areas documented by core borings to contain hard 
and/or massive rock; and (2) areas previously blasted in the harbor 
during the 2005 confined blasting and dredging project.
    The duration of the confined blasting is dependent upon a number of 
factors including hardness of rock, how close the drill holes are 
placed, and the type of dredging equipment that will be used to remove 
the pretreated rock. Without this information, an exact estimate of how 
many confined ``blast days'' will be required for the project cannot be 
determined. The harbor deepening project at Miami Harbor in 2005 to 
2006 estimated between 200 to 250 days of confined blasting with one 
shot per day (a blast day) to pre-treat the rock associated with that 
project; however, the contractor completed the project in 38 days with 
40 confined blasts. A shot, or blast, is an explosion made up of a 
group of blast holes set in a pattern referred to as a blast array that 
are detonated all at once or in a staggered manner with delays between 
them. A blast hole is the hole drilled into the bottom substrate that 
will be filled with explosives, capped with stemming, and detonated.
    The upcoming expansion at Miami Harbor scheduled to begin in fall/
winter of 2012 currently estimates a maximum of 600 blast days for the 
entire multi-year project footprint. The ACOE estimates a maximum 
number of 313 blast days for the duration of this IHA (i.e., 365 days 
in a year minus 52 Sundays [no confined blasting is allowed on Sundays 
due to local ordinances]). A blast day is defined as one confined blast 
event/day. A blast event is made up of all the actions during a shot, 
this includes the Notice of Project Team and Local Authorities, which 
occurs two hours before the blast is detonated, through the end of the 
protected species watch, which last 30 minutes after the blast 
detonation. A typical blast timeline consists of: Notice to Project 
Team and Local Authorities (T minus 2 hours), protected species watch 
begins (T minus 1 hour), Notice to Mariners (channel closes, T minus 15 
minutes), fish scare (T minus 1 minute), blast detonation, all clear 
signal (T plus 5 minutes), protected species watch ends (T plus 30 
minutes), and delay capsule--if an animal is observed in either the 
danger or safety zones, the blast is delayed to monitor the animal 
until it leaves, on its own volition, from both the danger and safety 
zones (can occur between T minus 1 hour and detonation). There may be 
more than one confined blast event in a calendar day. While confined 
blasting events will occur only during daylight hours, typically six 
days a week. Other operations associated with the action (i.e., 
dredging activities) will take place 24 hours a day, typically seven 
days a week. Confined blasting activities normally will not take place 
on Sundays due to local ordinances. The contractor may drill the blast 
array (i.e., to physically drill the holes in the substrate to be 
removed in the pattern designed by the blasting engineer to remove the 
rock in the manner he/she needs to achieve the needed results) at night 
and then blast after at least two hours after sunrise (1 hour, plus one 
hour of monitoring). After detonation of the first explosive array, a 
second array may be drilled and detonated before the one-hour before 
sunset prohibition is triggered. An explosive array is the pattern of 
blast holes drilled into the bottom substrate that will be fractured by 
the blast detonation.
    At this time, the ACOE has not selected a contractor and thus does 
not have a contractor-developed confined blasting plan from the 
contractor specifically identifying the number of holes that will be 
drilled, the amount of explosives that will be used for each hole, the 
number of confined blasts per day (usually no more than two per a day) 
or the number of days the construction is anticipated to take to 
complete. The ACOE is required to have all authorizations and permits 
completed (including the possession of an IHA) prior to the request for 
proposal and advertising the contract, per the Competition in 
Contracting Act, and the Federal Acquisition Regulations. While the 
ACOE does not have contract bids at this time, it is possible to make 
reasonable estimates of the bounds based on previous similar projects 
that have been conducted by the ACOE here and at other locations. NMFS 
supports the use of the worst-case scenarios to estimate confined 
blasting activities and associated potential impacts.
    Drill holes are small in diameter (typically 2 to 4 in [5.1 to 10.2 
cm] in diameter) and only 5 to 10 ft (1.5 to 3.1

[[Page 49280]]

m) deep, drilling activities take place for a short time duration, with 
no more than three holes being drilled at the same time (based on the 
current drill-rigs available in the industry that range from one to 
three drills). During the 2005 confined blasting event, dolphins were 
seen near the drill barge during drilling events and the ACOE did not 
observe avoidance behavior. No measurements associated with noise from 
drilling small blast holes have been recorded. The ACOE does not expect 
incidental harassment from drilling operations and is not requesting 
take associated with this activity.
    Although the ACOE does not have a specific contractor-provided 
confined blasting plan, the ACOE developed plans and specifications for 
the project that direct the contractor to do certain things in certain 
ways and are basing these plans and specifications on the previous 
deepening project in Miami Harbor (construction was conducted in 2005 
to 2006).
    The previous ACOE project in Miami Harbor required a maximum weight 
of explosives used in each delay of 376 pounds (lb) (170.6 kilograms 
[kg]) and the contractors blasted once or twice daily from June 25 to 
August 25, 2005, for a total of 40 individual blasts in 38 days of 
confined blasting. The 2005 project, which utilized confined blasting, 
was limited to Fisherman's Channel and the Dodge-Lummus Island Turning 
Basin (see Figure 2 of ACOE's IHA application, which shows the confined 
blasting footprint for the 2005 project), whereas the project described 
in the ACOE's application includes Fisherman's Channel, Dodge-Lummus 
Island Turning Basin, Fisher Island Turning Basin, and Inner and Outer 
Entrance Channel. This larger area will result in more confined 
blasting for this project than was completed in 2005, as it includes 
areas not previously blasted in 2005.
    A copy of the Federal Register notice of issuance for the IHA from 
2003 (68 FR 32016, May 29, 2003), the IHA renewal from 2005 (70 FR 
21174, April 25, 2005), and the final biological monitoring report from 
the ACOE's Miami Harbor Phase II project (completed in 2006) is 
attached to the ACOE's application and available on NMFS's Web site at: 
https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#iha. For the new 
construction at Miami Harbor, the ACOE expects the project may take 
multiple years, and the ACOE will seek subsequent renewals of this IHA 
after issuance, with sufficient time to prevent any delay to the 
project.
    For the deepening at Miami Harbor, the ACOE has consulted with 
blasting industry experts and believes, based on the rock hardness and 
composition at Miami Harbor, a maximum charge weight per delay of 450 
lbs (204.1 kg) should be expected. The minimum charge weight will be 10 
lbs (4.5 kg). A delay is a period of time (in milliseconds) between 
small detonations that are part of the total charge weight of the 
entire detonation.
    The focus of the confined blasting work at the Miami Harbor is to 
pre-treat the massive limestone formation that makes up the base of 
Miami Harbor prior to removal by a dredge utilizing confined blasting, 
meaning the explosive shots would be ``confined'' in the rock. 
Typically, each blast array is set up in a square or rectangle area 
divided into rows and columns (see Figures 3, 4, and 5 in the ACOE's 
IHA application). A typical blast array is 10 holes long by 4 holes 
wide with holes being spaced 40 ft (12.2 m) apart covering an area of 
4,000 ft\2\ (371.6 m\2\). Blast arrays near bulkheads can be long-
linear feature of one-hole wide by 8 or 10 holes long (see Figure 4 of 
the IHA application).
    In confined blasting, each charge is placed in a hole drilled in 
the rock approximately 5 to 10 ft (1.5 to 3.0 m) deep; depending on how 
much rock needs to be broken and the intended project depth. The hole 
is then capped with an inert material, such as crushed rock. This 
process is referred to as ``stemming the hole'' (see Figure 6 and 7 of 
ACOE's IHA application; each bag as shown contains approximate volume 
of material used per discharge). The ACOE used this technique 
previously at the Miami Harbor Phase II project in 2005. NMFS issued an 
IHA for that operation on May 22, 2003 (68 FR 32016, May 29, 2003) and 
renewed the IHA on April 19, 2005 (70 FR 21174, April 25, 2005).
    For the Port of Miami expansion project (Miami Harbor Phase II) 
that used confined blasting as a pre-treatment technique, the stemming 
material was angular crushed rock. (Stemming is the process of filling 
each borehole with crushed rock after the explosive charge has been 
placed. After the blasting charge has been set, then the chain of 
explosives within the rock is detonated. A chain of explosives refers 
to all of the detonations within the blast array, without regard to how 
many holes are in the array. They will detonate within milliseconds of 
each other. Stemming reduces the strength of the outward pressure wave 
produced by blasts.) The optimum size of stemming material is material 
that has an average diameter of approximately 0.05 times the diameter 
of the blast-hole. The selected material must be angular to perform 
properly (Konya, 2003). For the ACOE's project, specifications will be 
prepared by the geotechnical branch of the Jacksonville District.
    The specifications for any construction utilizing the confined 
blasting for the deepening of Miami Harbor will have similar stemming 
requirements as those that were used for the Miami Harbor Phase II 
project in 2005 to 2006. The length of stemming material would vary 
based on the length of the hole drilled, however a minimum of two 2-ft 
(0.6 m) walls will be included in the project specific specifications. 
Studies have shown that stemmed blasts have up to a 60 to 90 percent 
decrease in the strength of the pressure wave released, compared to 
open water blasts of the same charge weight (Nedwell and 
Thandavamoorthy, 1992; Hempen et al., 2005; Hempen et al., 2007). 
However, unlike open water (unconfined) blasts (see Figure 8 of ACOE's 
IHA application), very little peer-reviewed research exists on the 
effects that confined blasting can have on marine animals near the 
blast (Keevin et al., 1999). The visual evidence from a typical 
confined blast is shown in Figure 9 of ACOE's IHA application.
    In confined blasting, the detonation is conveyed from the drill 
barge to the primer and the charge itself by Primacord and Detaline. 
These are used to safely fire the blast from a distance to ensure human 
safety from the blast. The Primacord and Detaline used on this project 
have a specific grain weight, and they burn like a fuse. They are not 
electronic. The time delay from activation to detonation of the charge 
is less than one second.
    To estimate the maximum poundage of explosives that may be utilized 
for this project, the ACOE has reviewed previous confined blasting 
projects, including San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico in 2000, and Miami 
Harbor, Florida in 2005. Additional data was also reviewed from the New 
York Harbor deepening project (ACOE, 2004 and Keevin et al., 2005) and 
the Wilmington Harbor project (Settle et al., 2002). The San Juan 
Harbor and 2005 Miami Harbor projects are most similar to the existing 
project in general environment, hardness/massiveness of rock, and 
species composition. The San Juan Harbor project's heaviest confined 
blast event using explosives was 375 lbs (170.1 kg) per delay and in 
Miami it was 376 lbs (170.6 kg) per delay. Based on discussion with the 
ACOE's geotechnical engineers, it is expected

[[Page 49281]]

that the maximum weight of delays for Miami Harbor will be larger since 
the rock is deeper, and expected to be harder and massive, in 
comparison to the previous two blasting projects.
    Based upon industry standards and ACOE Safety & Health Regulations, 
the confined blasting program will follow these operating guidelines:
     The weight of explosives to be used in each confined blast 
will be limited to the lowest poundage of explosives that can 
adequately break the rock.
     Drill patterns (i.e., holes in the array) are restricted 
to a minimum of 8 ft (2.4 m) separation from a loaded hole.
     Hours of confined blasting are restricted from two hours 
after sunrise to one hour before sunset to allow for adequate 
observation of the project area for marine mammals.
     Selection of explosive products and their practical 
application method must address vibration and air blast (overpressure) 
control for protection of existing structures and marine wildlife.
     Loaded blast holes will be individually delayed to reduce 
the maximum lbs per delay at point detonation, which in turn will 
reduce the mortality radius.
     The blast design will consider matching the energy in the 
``work effort'' of the borehole to the rock mass or target for 
minimizing excess energy vented into the water column or hydraulic 
shock.
     Delay timing adjustments with a minimum of 8 milliseconds 
(ms) between delay detonations to stagger the blast pressures and 
prevent cumulative addition of pressures in the water.

Test Blast Program

    Prior to implementing a construction blasting program, a test blast 
program will be completed. The test blast program will have all the 
same protective monitoring and mitigation measures in place for 
protected species as blasting operations for construction purposes. The 
purpose of the test blast program is to demonstrate and/or confirm the 
following:
     Drill boat capabilities and production rates;
     Ideal drill pattern for typical boreholes;
     Acceptable rock breakage for excavation;
     Tolerable vibration level emitted;
     Directional vibration; and
     Calibration of the environment.
    The test blast program begins with a single range of individually 
delayed holes and progresses up to the maximum production blast 
intended for use. The test blast program will take place in the project 
area and will count toward the pre-treatment of material, since the 
blasts of the test blast program will be cracking rock. Each test blast 
is designed to establish limits of vibration and air blast 
overpressure, with acceptable rock breakage for excavation. The final 
test event simulates the maximum explosive detonation as to size, 
overlying water depth, charge configuration, charge separation, 
initiation methods, and loading conditions anticipated for the typical 
production blast.
    The results of the test blast program will be formatted in a 
regression analysis with other pertinent information and conclusions 
reached. This will be the basis for developing a completely engineered 
procedure for the construction blasting plan.
    During the test blast program, the following data will be used to 
develop a regression analysis:
     Distance;
     Pounds per delay;
     Peak particles velocities (Threshold Limit Value [TVL]);
     Frequencies (TVL);
     Peak vector sum; and
     Air blast, overpressure.
    As part of the development of the protected species monitoring and 
mitigation protocols, which will be incorporated into the plans and 
specification for the project, ACOE will continue to coordinate with 
the resource agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to 
address concerns and potential impacts associated with the use of 
blasting as a construction technique.
    Additional details regarding the confined blasting and dredging 
project can be found in the ACOE's IHA application and EIS. The EIS can 
also be found online at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications.

Description of the Dates, Duration, and Specified Geographic Region

    At this time the ACOE has not yet awarded a contract or given a 
Notice to Proceed (NTP) with a specific date for the initiation of 
construction activities within the Port of Miami. However, the ACOE 
requested that the first IHA be issued by the end of July, 2012, with 
an effective date of March 15, 2013, to allow for the advertisement of 
the contract for construction in September, 2012; award the contract 
and provide the NTP to the selected in February, 2012 to the selected 
contractor, resulting in construction work beginning in March 15, 2013. 
After receiving NTP, the contractor will have 45 days to begin dredging 
activities, but blasting activities shall not begin until after March 
15, 2013. The construction activities are expected to take up to 26 
months and at this time, it is possible that confined blasting could 
take place at any time during construction. The ACOE also notes that 
multiple IHAs (up to three) will be needed and requested for this 
project due to the project duration.
    The confined blasting activities will be limited to waters 
shallower than 60 ft. (18.3 m) and located entirely on the continental 
shelf and will not take place seaward of the outer reef. The specified 
geographic area of the construction will be within the boundaries of 
the Port of Miami, in Miami, Florida (see Figure 11 of the ACOE's IHA 
application). The Port of Miami is an island facility consisting of 518 
upland acres and is located in the northern portion of Biscayne Bay in 
South Florida. The City of Miami is located on the west side of the 
Biscayne Bay; the City of Miami Beach is located on an island on the 
northeast side of Biscayne Bay, opposite of Miami. Both cities are 
located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and are connected by several 
causeways crossing the bay. The Port of Miami is the southernmost major 
port on the Atlantic Coast. The Port of Miami's landside facilities are 
located on Dodge-Lummus Island, which has a GPS location 25[deg]46'05'' 
North 80[deg]09'40'' West. See Figure 11 of the ACOE's IHA application 
for more information on the location of the project area in the Port of 
Miami.

Comments and Responses

    A notice of preliminary determinations and proposed IHA for the 
ACOE confined blasting operations was published in the Federal Register 
on November 18, 2011 (76 FR 71517). During the 30 day public comment 
period, NMFS received combined comments from the Sierra Club Miami 
Group, Biscayne Bay Waterkeeper, and Kent Harrison Robbins (Robbins et 
al.), as well as comments from the Marine Mammal Commission 
(Commission). The comments are posted online at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. Following are their 
substantive comments and NMFS' responses:
    Comment 1: Robbins et al. states that the ACOE's request for an IHA 
does not comply with the regulatory and legal standards for issuance of 
an IHA because the project proposes 600 days of confined blasting with 
an average of one or two blasting periods per day. To authorize an IHA 
for a project longer than a one-year period undermines the purpose of 
the authorization because the cumulative and continued effects of the

[[Page 49282]]

confined blasts on the resident and transient bottlenose dolphin 
populations known to both the Biscayne Bay and Atlantic Shelf areas 
cannot be properly assessed by the limited scope of an IHA analysis, 
which can consider impact not to exceed one year.
    Response: The commenter incorrectly states the project will have 
600 days of blasting. The ACOE estimates a maximum number of 313 blast 
days for the duration of this IHA (i.e., 365 days in a year minus 52 
Sundays [normally no confined blasting is allowed on Sundays due to 
local ordinances]), with no more than one confined blast event at a 
time and no more than two confined blast events per a single day. A 
calendar day is 24 hours. A blast day/blast event (i.e., approximately 
1 hour 30 minutes in length) is the series of events beginning one hour 
before the detonation through 30 minutes after the detonation. There 
may be more than one blast day/blast event per calendar day, they will 
not occur simultaneously.
    50 CFR 216.107 states that IHAs will be valid for a period of time 
not to exceed one year but may be renewed for additional periods of 
time not to exceed one year for each reauthorization; therefore, the 
promulgation of regulations and the subsequent issuance of Letters of 
Authorization (LOAs) to the ACOE for the confined blasting operations 
in the Port of Miami is not necessary or required.
    NMFS considered cumulative effects of the confined blasting on the 
resident and transient bottlenose dolphin populations (i.e., Biscayne 
Bay and Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal stocks) in the 
action area as part of its NEPA analysis and prepared an 
``Environmental Assessment for Issuance of an Incidental Harassment 
Authorization for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Confined Blasting 
Operations During the Port of Miami Construction Project in Miami, 
Florida,'' which analyzes the project's purpose and need, alternatives, 
affected environment, and environmental effects for the action prior to 
making a determination on the issuance of the IHA. NMFS also considered 
these cumulative effects before making its negligible impact 
determination for issuance of the IHA to the ACOE. NMFS' EA and ACOE's 
FEIS adequately address the cumulative effects of relatively short-term 
confined blasting operations in relation to long-term noise and events 
from other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future 
anthropogenic sources, such as dredging, construction and demolition 
activities, shipping, commercial fishing, recreational fishing and 
boating, military readiness activities, and other human activities in 
the action area. These other activities are considered to be long-term 
and continuous.
    Comment 2: Robbins et al. states that relative to the 2005/2006 
Port of Miami safety zone calculations, the current application does 
not reflect the significant blasting area and duration of the project 
as well as the high maximum weight which will be employed in this 
project. In addition, the ACOE has not addressed how it will ensure 
that stemming the blast hole will be more effective in this round of 
blasting, especially when considering the specific nature of the blast 
area which is in a channel, which may carry sound and pressure farther 
and/or in a more concentrated route. Robbins et al. states that there 
should be improved methods for stemming blast holes. Studies such as 
Jordan (2007) and Hempen & Keevin (2007) have shown that the practice 
of confined blasting such as those done at the Port of Miami in 2005 
significantly reduces the pressure wave released as compared to open 
water discharges of the same weight. However, if the protocol of 
stemming the holes to benefit the marine community is not properly 
executed, these mitigation methods are not creating the positive 
changes that are so critical to reducing the take number of fish, sea 
turtles, and manatees. The blast area is also in an extremely sensitive 
part of Biscayne Bay, sharing a boundary with a critical wildlife area 
frequented by bottlenose dolphin.
    Response: The ACOE's IHA application clearly defines the Miami 
Harbor Deepening Project's action area and expected project duration. 
Protective zone (danger, exclusion, safety, and watch) calculations 
will be relatively applied in comparison to 2005/2006 Port of Miami 
safety zone calculations. The term ``relative'' means that the 
calculations utilized to determine the danger, exclusion, safety, and 
watch zones that are being used are based upon the actual charge 
weights that will be utilized for this effort--which may be as high as 
450 lbs per delay (as compared to 376 lbs per delay in the 2005/2006 
confined blasting in the Port of Miami), which consequently will result 
in larger protective zones. For instance, the calculated area of the 
danger zone for the largest blast conducted in 2005/2006 was 
11,059,023.62 ft\2\ (1,027,416.91 m\2\), representing 0.09% of the 
total area of Biscayne Bay, and the calculated area of the danger zone 
for the largest confined blast proposed for this effort is 
12,466,026.04 ft\2\ (1,158,131.72 m\2\), representing 0.10% of the 
total area of Biscayne Bay. This is a difference of 1,407,002.42 ft\2\ 
(130,714.802 m\2\), or an increase in the total impact area of 0.01% of 
the total area of Biscayne Bay, or 12% increase in impact area specific 
to the confined blast.
    Regarding the effectiveness of the stemming, Section 3.5.5 of the 
ACOE's project confined blasting specification (02 10 00) state:

3.5.5 Stemming

    All blast holes shall be stemmed. The Blaster or Blasting 
Specialist shall determine the thickness of stemming using blasting 
industry conventional stemming calculation. The minimum stemming 
shall be 2 ft (0.61 m) thick. Stemming shall be placed in the blast 
hole in a zone encompassed by competent rock. Measures shall be 
taken to prevent bridging of explosive materials and stemming within 
the hole. Stemming shall be clean, angular to subangular, hard stone 
chips without fines having an approximate diameter of \3/8\ to \1/2\ 
in (0.95 to 1.27 cm). A barrier shall be placed between the stemming 
and explosive product, if necessary, to prevent the stemming from 
settling into the explosive product. Anything contradicting the 
effectiveness of stemming shall not extend through the stemming.

    The specifications clearly direct the contractor to utilize and 
employ blasting industry standards and specifically requires the 
contractor to place the blast hole in a zone encompassed by competent 
rock to minimize the potential rifling (when a hole is not well 
confined). The ACOE's Master Blaster reviews all proposed contractor 
blasting plans to ensure compliance with the project specifications.
    NMFS uses the best scientific evidence available in its 
environmental analysis and the development of monitoring and mitigation 
measures required in the IHA issued to the ACOE. In the IHA, NMFS 
requires the ACOE to implement mitigation measures (e.g., limiting the 
weight of explosives; capping explosives in loaded holes; minimum 
separation distance of loaded holes; staggering detonations; 
restricting hours when blasting can occur; calculating, establishing, 
and monitoring danger, exclusion, safety, and watch zones, etc.) during 
confined blasting operations that are expected to reduce the potential 
for incidental take and ensure the activity will have the least 
practicable impact on marine mammals and their habitat.
    The ACOE has previously noted in the project environmental 
coordination documents (project FEIS and Biological Assessments) and 
continues to recognize that the project area is adjacent to the Bill 
Sadowski Critical Wildlife Area. NMFS' IHA requires the ACOE to 
implement monitoring and mitigation measures so that the confined

[[Page 49283]]

blasting operations will have the least practicable impact on 
bottlenose dolphins in the action area.
    Comment 3: Robbins et al. states that as there is no evidence 
presented that drilling and dredging activities themselves do not 
increase harassment, these activities should be further tested. The 
only construction activity restricted to daylight hours is the blasting 
and all other work is permissible through the night when there will be 
no watch plan in place or possible, so it is unclear the amount of harm 
that these activities will cause. The extended nature of this project 
will also adversely impact the habitat of the bottlenose dolphin, sea 
turtles, and other marine mammals because the project is dredging 
approximately 415 acres of bay bottom, coral reef, and sea grass beds 
(and not including damage to outer shelf reef systems from barge 
anchoring chains) and FDEP is only requiring a total of 14 acres of 
seagrass mitigation and 9.78 of artificial reef mitigation.
    Response: The ACOE has agreed to collect sound recordings of 
drilling operations during the confined blasting operations at Miami 
Harbor to help the ACOE and NMFS better characterize the noise 
associated with drilling activities at confined blasting projects 
throughout the U.S. The ACOE has conducted interviews with Protected 
Species Observers (PSOs) having more than 25 years of experience 
monitoring blasting activities. These individuals have stated that no 
avoidance behavior from any marine mammal species in many parts of the 
country, including bottlenose dolphins, has been observed in 
association with drilling activities associated with confined 
underwater blasting.
    The ACOE conducts dredging operations 24 hours a day throughout the 
U.S. and, to date, utilizes the same types of dredging equipment 
planned to be used for the blasting and dredging operations as part of 
the Miami Harbor Deeping Project. The ACOE's Jacksonville District 
Local Master Guide Specification (Section 01 57 20) covers the 
requirements for environmental protection during construction 
activities, which includes monitoring and mitigation measures for 
dredging operations. This document can be found online at: 
www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Engineering/DOCS/CADD/docsect/01_57_20.pdf. Neither the ACOE, nor NMFS, has determined that dredging 
operations, in previously dredged and maintained navigation channels, 
has the potential to result in the incidental take of cetaceans.
    Habitat loss associated with the project is limited primarily to an 
existing and maintained Federal channel that is 0.07% of the total area 
of Biscayne Bay, which is habitat area for the Biscayne Bay stock of 
bottlenose dolphins, and 0.0009% of the 20 m (65.6) isobar off the 
coast of Florida, which is habitat area for the Western North Atlantic 
Central Florida Coastal stock of bottlenose dolphin. The ACOE also 
conducted consultations with NMFS Southeast Regional Office (SERO) 
under the ESA and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (MSFCMA) regarding designated critical habitat of ESA-listed 
species and essential fish habitat (EFH).
    The IHA issued to ACOE provides monitoring and mitigation 
requirements that will protect marine mammals from injury, serious 
injury, or mortality. The ACOE is required to comply with the IHA's 
requirements. Under the MMPA, IHAs must include means of effecting the 
least practicable impact on marine mammal species and their habitat 
(i.e., impacts to seagrass, hardbottom or coral habitats). Monitoring 
and mitigation measures are designed to comply with this requirement.
    Comment 4: Robbins et al. states that the ACOE is seeking, and NMFS 
has noticed, a legally-defective IHA by authorizing harassment of 
marine mammal species arising from activities expected to last for more 
than one year. NMFS cannot issue an IHA for the proposed blasting 
operations, as they are part of the overall Port of Miami blasting and 
dredging project, and the substantial number of takes that will occur 
over the period of many years involved in the project can only be 
authorized through LOA regulations under section 101(a)(5)(A)(i), 16 
U.S.C. 1371(a)(5)(A)(i). For this reason, NMFS must deny the IHA 
application, and a comprehensive analysis and due process required 
under rulemaking, consistent with a request for a Letter of 
Authorization, should be required.
    Response: NMFS disagrees with the commenter's statement. The ACOE 
requested an IHA in its adequate and complete application, and does not 
need to pursue the promulgation of regulations and subsequent LOAs by 
NMFS under section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA for this specified 
activity. 50 CFR 216.107 states that except for activities that have 
the potential to result in serious injury or mortality, which must be 
authorized under Sec.  216.105, IHAs may be issued, following a 30-day 
public review period, to allow activities that may result in only the 
incidental harassment of a small number of marine mammals. IHAs are 
valid for a period of time not to exceed one year but may be renewed 
for additional periods of time not to exceed one year for each 
reauthorization; therefore, the promulgation of regulations and the 
subsequent issuance of LOAs to the ACOE for the confined blasting 
operations in the Port of Miami is not necessary or required.
    Comment 5: The proposed safety zone surrounding the blasting 
operations is [in]sufficient and detrimental to several marine mammals 
covered by the IHA.
    Response: The safety zone is calculated to be twice the area of the 
danger zone, and pressure measurements collected during in situ 
pressure monitoring, have shown that blast pressures return to 
background at the outer edge of the danger zone. Additionally, both the 
safety and danger zones are based on unconfined, open water blasts 
(which is not the case here) and the safety zones were developed by the 
U.S. Navy to protect naval divers working with military ordinance 
during warfare to ensure that divers are not injured or killed. Also, 
the exclusion zone is larger than the area where the ACOE has 
determined that Level B harassment will occur, so if the monitoring and 
mitigation measures implemented are successful as expected, and no 
detonation occurs when an animal is inside the exclusion zone, no take 
by Level B harassment is likely to occur.
    The ACOE's specified activity only authorizes the use of confined 
blasting, which results in a 60 to 90 percent reduction in the strength 
of the pressure wave released (Hempen et al., 2007; Hempen et al., 
2005; Nedwell and Thandavamoorthy, 1992) when compared to an 
unconfined, open water blast like those seen in other military 
readiness activities using explosive ordinance. It is therefore unclear 
how these mitigation measures and protective zones are detrimental to 
bottlenose dolphins in the action area. The bottlenose dolphin is the 
only species of marine mammal managed under NMFS jurisdiction that is 
expected to occur in the action area. The commenter refers to ``marine 
mammal species'' to be included in the IHA, however, only the Biscayne 
Bay and Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal stocks of 
bottlenose dolphins are covered by the IHA. The West Indian (Florida) 
manatee, which may also be found in the action area, is managed under 
the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
    Comment 6: Robbins et al. states that the Biscayne Bay stock of 
bottlenose dolphins is apparently isolated within the Biscayne Bay 
community and from any other dolphin populations, thus,

[[Page 49284]]

Biscayne Bay is a distinct habitat for these bottlenose dolphins that 
are at risk.
    Response: The available data do not support the commenter's belief 
that the Biscayne Bay stock of bottlenose dolphins is apparently 
isolated within Biscayne Bay and from any other dolphin populations. 
NMFS stock assessment report (2009) states that the range of the 
Biscayne Bay stock of bottlenose dolphins (i.e., Haulover Inlet [north] 
and Card Sound bridge [south] boundaries) corresponds to the extent of 
confirmed home ranges of bottlenose dolphins observed residing in 
Biscayne Bay by a long-term photographic identification (photo-ID) 
study conducted by the NMFS SEFSC (Litz, 2007; SEFSC unpublished data), 
however, there have been few surveys outside of this range. These 
boundaries are subject to change upon further study of bottlenose 
dolphin home ranges within the Biscayne Bay estuarine system and 
comparison to an extant photo-ID catalog from Florida Bay to the south.
    NMFS has to consider other information, not just the stock 
assessment reports, to provide a complete picture of marine mammals in 
the action area. There are at least five openings from the Atlantic 
Ocean into Biscayne Bay where bottlenose dolphins from the Biscayne Bay 
stock can exit the Biscayne Bay system. From the north they are: 
Haulover Inlet, Government Cut, Norris Cut, Bear Cut, and the Safety 
Valve. Additionally the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway allows animals 
from Biscayne Bay to transit north into the Indian River Lagoon 
Estuarine System (IRLES) and South into Florida Bay. Contillo et al. 
(2011) documented that dolphins from Biscayne Bay have been observed in 
Florida Bay and dolphins from Florida Bay have been observed in 
Biscayne Bay on at least 20 occasions since 1999. Additionally, 
Biscayne Bay dolphins have been documented exiting the bay and been 
seen outside of Biscayne Bay in nearshore coastal waters off of Miami-
Dade County, and animals documented as belonging to the coastal stock 
have been documented in Biscayne Bay on numerous occasions (Contillo, 
pers. comm., 2011). In the NMFS stock assessment report (2009), NMFS 
states that at least one dolphin was ``confirmed to be of the offshore 
morphotype by genetic testing and therefore not a Biscayne Bay 
resident.'' These data document that the Biscayne Bay stock of 
bottlenose dolphins (while likely are residents) are not isolated 
within Biscayne Bay, can and do exit Biscayne Bay, and that bottlenose 
dolphins from outside the stock enter Biscayne Bay and can mix with the 
Biscayne Bay stock.
    Comment 7: Robbins et al. states that the northern portion of 
Biscayne Bay, which is geographically distinct from the southern 
portion of Biscayne Bay, is no longer polluted contrary to the 
allegations in the ACOE's IHA application and NMFS' notice of 
preliminary determinations and a proposed IHA. The corridor for the 
proposed 600 days of twice-a-day explosive blasting is located along 
the east-west Government Cut and Miami Harbor Channel bay corridor, 
which is the geographical divide between the northern and southern 
portions of Biscayne Bay. While there may have been a time decades ago 
when there were serious problems of industrial and municipal pollution 
of the northern portion of Biscayne Bay, that is not the current 
conditions of northern Biscayne Bay. Much of the municipal pollution 
and industrial effluent into Biscayne Bay and its tributaries has been 
eliminated over the prior decades due to strict code enforcement and 
the construction of deep well storage filtration systems as part of 
comprehensive plans adopted by the localities. It is a healthy 
estuarine habitat for dolphins and other sea mammals in the northern 
bay. Not noted in the ACOE IHA application and NMFS' notice of 
preliminary determinations and a proposed IHA is the enhancement of the 
northern Biscayne Bay estuary by the replanting of mangroves and the 
creation of Oleta River Florida Park. Thus, the suggestion that the 
northern portion of Biscayne Bay is unhealthy due to municipal and 
industrial pollution is not true. The northern portion of Biscayne Bay 
constitutes a significant wildlife habitat that supports marine mammals 
and other wildlife.
    Response: The commenter is referring to the citation by NMFS in its 
stock assessment report (2009) for the Biscayne Bay stock of bottlenose 
dolphins that states ``the northern portion of Biscayne Bay is 
surrounded by the cities of Miami and Miami Beach and is therefore 
heavily influenced by industrial and municipal pollution sources 
(Bialczak et al., 2001).'' Litz (2007) found that tissue samples 
collected for genetic and persistent organic pollutants (POP) analysis 
from dolphins in Biscayne Bay, male dolphins with home ranges in the 
northern portion of Biscayne Bay had polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 
levels five times higher than their counterparts with southern home 
ranges. This trend continued for dichlorodiphyltrichloroethane (DDT) 
(twice as high); chlordanes (four times higher); polybrominated 
diphenyl ethers (PBDE) (three times higher), and other pesticides 
(three times higher). The same trend was also observed in female 
dolphins when northern vs. southern animals' POP levels were compared. 
While it can be agreed that water quality in Biscayne Bay is better 
than it has been previously, high levels of POP, commonly associated 
with land-based pollution sources, remain higher in north Biscayne Bay 
then in the remainder of the Biscayne Bay system and continue to impact 
marine species inhabiting that part of Biscayne Bay.
    Additionally, the commenter incorrectly states the project will 
have 600 days of blasting. The ACOE estimates a maximum number of 313 
blast days for the duration of this IHA (i.e., 365 days in a year minus 
52 Sundays [normally no confined blasting is allowed on Sundays due to 
local ordinances]), with no more than one confined blast event at a 
time and no more than two confined blast events per a single day. A 
calendar day is 24 hours. A blast day/blast event (i.e., approximately 
1 hour 30 minutes in length) is the series of events beginning one hour 
before the detonation through 30 minutes after the detonation. There 
may be more than one blast day/blast event per calendar day, they will 
not occur simultaneously.
    Comment 8: Robbins et al. states that the proposed level of take 
analysis is faulty. While Level A harassment causing tympanic membrane 
(TM) rupture with correlated permanent hearing impairment is intended 
to be avoided, NMFS admits that it is ``unknown at this time'' as the 
farthest distance at which a dolphin would be exposed to an energy flux 
density (EFD) from an explosive which would cause Level A harassment 
(76 FR 71525). What this means is that the explosive detonations 
proposed may result in permanent hearing impairment and Level A 
harassment. Nonetheless, without this knowledge, the ACOE proposes 
allowing detonations. Without rational basis, the NMFS notice addresses 
Level B harassment without discussing why the dolphins should be 
permitted to be exposed to possible Level A harassment including 
permanent hearing loss.
    NMFS also acknowledges that the Level B harassment definition also 
includes noise exposures below TTS that may result in behavioral 
modifications to resident animals. Without any scientific basis, the 
NMFS notice concludes that the behavioral modification criteria would 
not apply

[[Page 49285]]

``because there will be only two blasting events a day'' and each blast 
event will be multiple (440 in a matrix) within a few microseconds.
    The ACOE's IHA application and NMFS' Federal Register notice do not 
correctly consider the impact of the blasting twice a day for 600 days 
on the behavior of the dolphins. Indeed, under the criteria for Level B 
harassment, ``behavioral disruption'' must be considered when TTS 
occurs. Under the harassment criteria for NMFS, Level B harassment 
includes behavioral disruption associated with TTS. As a result of a 
misconstruction of the dual criteria for harassment, the ACOE and NMFS 
do not consider the behavioral impact of the explosives and the 
proposed 600 days of twice-a-day blasting. Instead, it conclusively 
determines that twice a day blasting is not ``multiple detonations'' 
and, therefore, does not consider the third criteria of Level B 
harassment, sub-TTS impact with behavioral disruption, and utterly 
ignores the dual criteria of Level B harassment with TTS, which 
requires consideration of associated behavioral modification.
    Response: The commenter incorrectly states the project will have 
600 days of blasting. The ACOE estimates a maximum number of 313 blast 
days for the duration of this IHA (i.e., 365 days in a year minus 52 
Sundays [normally no confined blasting is allowed on Sundays due to 
local ordinances]), with no more than one confined blast event at a 
time and no more than two confined blast events per a single day. A 
calendar day is 24 hours. A blast day/blast event (i.e., approximately 
1 hour 30 minutes in length) is the series of events beginning one hour 
before the detonation through 30 minutes after the detonation. There 
may be more than one blast day/blast event per calendar day, but they 
will not occur simultaneously.
    NMFS disagrees with the commenter that the proposed level of take 
analysis is faulty in the ACOE's IHA application and NMFS's notice of 
preliminary determinations and proposed IHA (76 FR 71517, November 18, 
2011). The IHA issued to the ACOE for the confined blasting operations 
in the Port of Miami only authorizes the incidental take of bottlenose 
dolphins by Level B harassment; no incidental takes by Level A 
harassment (injury), serious injury, or mortality are anticipated or 
authorized.
    Because for ACOE's confined blasting activities all of the holes in 
the delay will explode within a few seconds at most (the blast array 
will be timed with a minimum eight milliseconds delay between 
detonations to stagger the blast pressures and prevent cumulative 
addition of pressures in the water), and a maximum of only two confined 
blasting events will occur in a day separated by a minimum of four to 
six hours (worst case scenario). NMFS applies the explosive TTS 
threshold which then allows us to estimate the number of animals that 
may incur TTS and account for any associated behavioral disruption.
    The multiple detonations threshold was designed for specified 
activities like gunnery exercises where tens, to hundreds, to thousands 
of individual explosions continue over minutes to hours that would 
clearly have the potential to cause behavioral harassment associated at 
levels lower than those that result in TTS. The Level B harassment 
(behavioral) threshold criteria of 177 dB re 1 [mu]Pa\2\ s would not 
apply to the ACOE's activity because there will only be a maximum of 
two blasting events a day (minimum four to six hours apart), and the 
multiple (staggered) detonations are within a few milliseconds of each 
other and do not last more than a few seconds in total duration per a 
blasting event.
    Also, the exclusion zone is larger than the area where the ACOE has 
determined that Level B harassment will occur, so if the monitoring and 
mitigation measures are successful as expected, and no duration occurs 
when an animal is inside the exclusion zone, no take by Level B 
harassment is likely to occur.
    The primary potential impact to the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins 
occurring in the Port of Miami action area from the detonations is 
Level B harassment (in the form of TTS and any associated behavioral 
disruption resulting) incidental to noise generated by confined 
explosives. In addition, NMFS believes that the monitoring and 
mitigation measures required by the IHA will further limit incidental 
take to Level B harassment and have the least practicable impact on 
marine mammal species or stocks in the action area.
    Comment 9: Robbins et al. states that the blasting and resulting 
behavioral modification may sever the distinct Biscayne Bay bottlenose 
dolphin stock between the northern and southern parts of Biscayne Bay. 
The issue of behavioral modification is significant and, without any 
scientific analysis, is not considered by the ACOE's IHA application or 
NMFS' Federal Register notice. Biscayne Bay is a single identified 
habitat for a distinct genetic stock of bottlenose dolphins. It is 
transected by a corridor of about four miles (mi) (6.4 kilometers 
[km]). Half that corridor constitutes the blasting area. That corridor 
physically divides the northern and southern half of Biscayne Bay. The 
northern portion of Biscayne Bay, which is substantially a shallow 
grass covered environment where 69 of the 229 resident bottlenose 
dolphins have been found to reside, is unlike the southern portion of 
Biscayne Bay, which is a wide gulf of substantial width and breadth. 
Access to the narrow northern portion of Biscayne Bay is limited to 
passages below two bridges, one immediately adjacent to the blasting 
corridor. The only other means of egress from the northern portion of 
Biscayne Bay is below a bridge, at Bakers Haulover, cut approximately 9 
mi (14.5 km) north, which provides access to the coastal waters 
adjacent to beaches without surrounding mangrove or other estuarine 
conditions in which the distinct Biscayne Bay dolphin community has 
been found to reside. The Biscayne Bay stock, which is genetically 
distinct from the coastal stock of dolphins, does not breed with the 
dolphins along the coast. Essentially, the blasting may create a 
significant acoustical barrier between the northern and southern 
portions of Biscayne Bay.
    It has not been studied or determined whether the current 
bottlenose dolphins that reside in the northern portion of Biscayne Bay 
would be stressed by their isolation from the remainder of their 
resident community or would alternatively abandon their habitat in the 
northern portion of Biscayne Bay where 30% of the identified 
individuals currently reside. There is not consideration of data or 
presentation of scientific analysis that established the 600 days of 
blasting would not disrupt the behavioral patterns of the community of 
dolphins which reside in both the northern and southern areas of 
Biscayne Bay. Given the known intelligence of the dolphins, and their 
sensitive hearing, it is necessary for the applicant to establish with 
data and analysis that the blasting would not disrupt the natural 
behavioral patterns of the community of bottlenose dolphins in Biscayne 
Bay. No such analysis was presented in the ACOE's IHA application or in 
the NMFS Federal Register notice. How the blasting would disturb the 
Biscayne Bay stock by causing the disruption of their traversing across 
the blasting area as well as their breeding and feeding and related 
activities needs to be studied thoroughly before any incidental take 
from blasting is considered.
    The ACOE and NMFS admit that they are ``unable to determine how the 
temporary modification of the action area by the proposed construction 
and blasting will impact the two stocks of

[[Page 49286]]

dolphins expected to be present in the Port of Miami'' (76 FR 71526, 
November 18, 2011). That statement suggests that the NMFS Federal 
Register notice does not recognize a significant distinction of the 
geographical location of the blasting that will impact the two 
different stocks (estuarine bay vs. coastal) in different ways. The 
impact to the coastal stock may very well be occasional because the 
blast area merely juts into the ocean coastal area, but the impact on 
the estuarine bay stock will be ongoing and will not be temporary. The 
disruption of the Biscayne Bay stock will be during the entire term of 
the 600 days of blasting and, if long term behavioral modification has 
occurred, for perhaps years thereafter. The NMFS' use of the word 
``temporary'' is disingenuous given the 600 days of blasting and many 
more days of construction. The NMFS Federal Register notice 
acknowledges that the proposed construction and blasting'' may delay or 
detour their movements (76 FR 71526), but does not consider that as to 
traversing from north to south or vice-versa, an acoustical barrier 
will be created and dolphins, especially cows with nursing and young 
calves, may avoid the dangers of the area rather than place their young 
at risk. The effectual trapping of the dolphins in the northern portion 
of Biscayne Bay will not cause their slaughter, but may change their 
natural behavior.
    Response: The commenter incorrectly states the project will have 
600 days of blasting. The ACOE estimates a maximum number of 313 blast 
days for the duration of this IHA (i.e., 365 days in a year minus 52 
Sundays [normally no confined blasting is allowed on Sundays due to 
local ordinances]), with no more than one confined blast event at a 
time and no more than two confined blast events per a single day. A 
calendar day is 24 hours. A blast day/blast event (i.e., approximately 
1 hour 30 minutes in length) is the series of events beginning one hour 
before the detonation through 30 minutes after the detonation. There 
may be more than one blast day/blast event per calendar day, they will 
not occur simultaneously.
    NMFS believes that the confined blasting is unlikely to result in 
behavioral modifications that may sever the Biscayne Bay stock of 
bottlenose dolphins between the northern and southern parts of Biscayne 
Bay. A review of data collected by NMFS SEFSC before, during, and after 
the 2005 confined blasting event shows no difference in home range 
usage of bottlenose dolphins from the Biscayne Bay stock. The ACOE and 
NMFS expect this same response for the future confined blasting 
associated with the Miami Harbor Deepening Project. The project area is 
a commercial port environment, and the bottlenose dolphins residing in 
or transiting through the vicinity of the Port of Miami are likely 
habituated to the presence of, and noise from, numerous vessel 
movements ranging from large commercial vessels to small recreational 
craft, as well as sea planes and helicopters operating from the 
vicinity of Rickenbacker Causeway and overflying the Bill Sadowski 
Critical Wildlife Area. This ongoing commercial and recreational use of 
the Port of Miami's channels far exceeds the potential impact of the 
confined blast events associated with the deepening project that have a 
duration of less than 60 seconds each (from the first fish scare to the 
end of the actual confined blast), and with no more than two confined 
blast events (separated by at least four hours) occurring in one 
calendar day. Blasting events take from the time beginning one hour 
before the detonation through 30 minutes after the detonation, 
including any delays due to protected species. This means that the 
maximum duration of noise and pressure associated with confined blasts 
will be 120 seconds in a calendar day, which is 0.14% of all of the 
time in a calendar day, assuming a worst case of two confined blast 
events in a calendar day that last up to 60 seconds each in duration, 
with confined blasts occurring no more than six days a week. The ACOE 
took the most conservative calculation for each blast to protect 
natural resources. Furthermore, bottlenose dolphins residing in 
Biscayne Bay can transit through the Port of Miami area from north to 
south in two locations inside Biscayne Bay--at the Intracoastal 
Waterway, on the west side of the Port of Miami, which is completely 
outside the project area (including the safety zone) and where 
Fisherman's Channel meets the main channel in Government Cut, Fisher 
Island Turning Basin. These two corridors allow animals wishing to 
avoid the project area a mechanism to transit north and south. The 
issue of the isolation of the Biscayne Bay stock of bottlenose dolphins 
has already been addressed in the response to Comment 6 and is hereby 
incorporated by reference.
    Comment 10: Robbins et al. states that the history of the ACOE's 
blasting operations at the Port of Miami indicates substantial impacts 
on dolphins. The lack of data and analysis is disturbing because during 
the prior blasting in 2005 at the Port of Miami, which lasted only 40 
days, bottlenose dolphin in the exclusion zone were sighted 12 times 
involving a total of 30 individuals in the exclusion zone when those 
prior blasts were scheduled (76 FR 71532). In other words, in 30 
percent of the dates in which blasting was scheduled, dolphins were 
sighted in the exclusion zone. Thus, given the radius, an even greater 
number would have been immediately adjacent and subject to sub-TTS 
impacts. Once the number of blasting events increases from 40 to 1,200, 
it is likely that a much greater number of dolphins will be adversely 
affected. The 30 multiple (from 40 to 1,200) of increased blasting 
events may likely result in 360 incidents of dolphin groups in the 
exclusion zone and many times that amount within the immediate area 
affected by sub-TTS noise. Using the same number of individuals per 
group as in 2005, results in a total of 900 individual dolphins 
traversing the exclusion zone during the 1,200 blasting events. Of 
course, these high numbers assume that the dolphins will not be 
avoiding the area after the repetitive blasting which is an assumption 
that the undersigned do not accept because behavioral modification may 
result in dolphins avoiding the area during the course of the blasting 
operations.
    Response: The commenter incorrectly states the project will have 
600 days of blasting. The ACOE estimates a maximum number of 313 blast 
days for the duration of this IHA (i.e., 365 days in a year minus 52 
Sundays [normally no confined blasting is allowed on Sundays due to 
local ordinances]), with no more than one confined blast event at a 
time and no more than two confined blast events per a single day. A 
calendar day is 24 hours. A blast day/blast event (i.e., approximately 
1 hour 30 minutes in length) is the series of events beginning one hour 
before the detonation through 30 minutes after the detonation. There 
may be more than one blast day/blast event per calendar day, they will 
not occur simultaneously.
    NMFS and the ACOE disagree with the comment that the history of the 
ACOE's confined blasting operations at the Port of Miami indicates 
substantial impacts on bottlenose dolphins in the action area. 
Utilizing the correct number of confined blast days/events and the 
specification requirement that when bottlenose dolphins are observed in 
either the danger or exclusion zone (as demonstrated in Figure 10 of 
the ACOE's IHA application), confined blasting operations are delayed 
until the animals leave the area of their own volition. The assumptions 
in the commenter's analysis indicating that bottlenose dolphins 
observed in the

[[Page 49287]]

exclusion zone (which includes the danger zone within its boundaries) 
are adversely affected by the planned confined blasting is flawed. The 
detonations are delayed until the dolphins leave the exclusion zone, 
where pressure monitoring has demonstrated that pressures at the edge 
of the danger zone return to background levels (Hempen et al., 2007). 
By ensuring the animals have left the exclusion zone (an area larger 
than the danger zone) before the confined blast is detonated, the ACOE 
and NMFS believe that the project will have minimal impact on the 
stocks of bottlenose dolphins, since the animals outside the danger 
zone will not be subjected to pressures higher than the surrounding 
background environment. Also, the exclusion zone is larger than the 
area where the ACOE has determined that Level B harassment will occur, 
so if the monitoring and mitigation measures implemented are successful 
as expected, and no detonation occurs when an animal is inside the 
exclusion zone, no take by Level B harassment is likely to occur.
    In contrast to the commenter's statement, the ACOE's 2005/2006 
confined blasting and dredging project did not have any documented 
incidents of take by Level B harassment during the 40 confined blast 
days/events. One bottlenose dolphin was recorded as jumping after a 
confined blast detonation out of the 58 bottlenose dolphins observed in 
the project area during the blasting activities. However, this same 
dolphin was observed 30 minutes after the recorded jump, and behavior 
was documented as normal.
    Comment 11: Robbins et al. states that the take estimates in the 
ACOE's IHA application are faulty. The applicant assumes no behavioral 
modification in which the bottlenose dolphin avoids the blast area. By 
the applicant's admission contained in Table 4 of NMFS' Federal 
Register notice (76 FR 71352), the estimated take of bottlenose 
dolphins stock could be 0.162 per blasting event, and applying the 
1,200 blasting events (two per day for 600 days), a total of 194 takes 
of bottlenose dolphins of the Biscayne Bay stock will occur. That means 
that 194 bottlenose dolphins (assuming that a single dolphin is subject 
to a take only once), then 84% of the Biscayne Bay stock will be 
subject to harassment. The analysis of the number of takes is faulty at 
76 FR 71354. Because the ACOE IHA application is for only one year and 
does not consider the entire course of 600 blasts, nor does it consider 
the worst case in its own charts, it minimizes the impact, claiming 
only 12 of the Biscayne Bay stock of bottlenose dolphins will be taken 
(see 76 FR 71534). It is a disingenuous analysis and the percentages 
impacted are intentionally misleading. The NMFS Federal Register notice 
claims that ``at worst [one year of blasting] may result, at worst in a 
temporary modification in behavior and/or low physiological effects 
(Level B harassment) of a small number of Atlantic bottlenose 
dolphins'' (76 FR 71534). This conclusion is false and without the data 
and analysis to support it. Then, in the next sentence the NMFS Federal 
Register notice acknowledges that there may be ``behavioral 
modifications'' (76 FR 71534), but then claims that it will be just 
``temporary,'' vacating the area immediately after the blasting ``to 
avoid underwater acoustic disturbances,'' however, there are no data 
and analysis to show that after days, weeks, and months of blasting, an 
intelligent mammal like a dolphin will not learn to avoid the area in 
its entirety, resulting in the splitting of the Biscayne Bay stock 
between the northern and southern portions of Biscayne Bay. 
``Behavioral reactions to noise exposure (such as disruption of 
critical life functions, displacement, or avoidance of important 
habitat) are more likely to be significant if they last more than one 
diel cycle or recur on subsequent days'' (76 FR 71534). Does that not 
describe what is being proposed? Furthermore, the NMFS claims that the 
activities ``will result in the incidental take of small numbers of 
marine mammals by Level B harassment only, and that the total taking 
from the blasting activities will have a negligible impact on the 
affected species or stocks of marine mammals'' (76 FR 71534). This is 
utterly without support. As many as 84% of the Biscayne Bay stock of 
bottlenose dolphins would be impacted. Moreover, the functional 
severing of its habitat may affect behaviors from breeding to feeding 
to territorial behavior that have not been considered or analyzed.
    Response: The commenter incorrectly states the project will have 
600 days of blasting. The ACOE estimates a maximum number of 313 blast 
days for the duration of this IHA (i.e., 365 days in a year minus 52 
Sundays [normally no confined blasting is allowed on Sundays due to 
local ordinances]), with no more than one confined blast event at a 
time and no more than two confined blast events per a single day. A 
calendar day is 24 hours. A blast day/blast event (i.e., approximately 
1 hour 30 minutes in length) is the series of events beginning one hour 
before the detonation through 30 minutes after the detonation. There 
may be more than one blast day/blast event per calendar day, they will 
not occur simultaneously. NMFS and the ACOE disagree with the comment 
that the take estimates in the IHA application are faulty. Although the 
ACOE has calculated a total potential take of 45 bottlenose dolphins 
from the Biscayne Bay stock and 42 bottlenose dolphins from the Western 
North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal stock, these estimated take (87 
total) were calculated without considering the implementation of 
monitoring and mitigation measures to protect marine mammals. By adding 
the layers of protection--(1) Confined blasting that reduces the 
pressure by up to 90%; (2) zones of protection based on open water 
detonations that give no credit for the pressure reduction previously 
mentioned; and (3) PSOs and aerial overflights; the ACOE and NMFS feel 
that these monitoring and mitigation measures reduce the potential for 
incidental take, and as a result the ACOE limited the take request 
(i.e., a total of 22 bottlenose dolphins [12 from the Biscayne Bay 
stock and 10 from the Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal]) 
to the amounts cited in the Federal Register notice (76 FR 71517, 
November 18, 2011). See ``Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment'' 
section later in this document for more information on how the 
estimates of incidental takes of the two stocks of bottlenose dolphins 
were calculated.
    Additionally, as previously stated in the response to Comment 9, 
bottlenose dolphins residing in or transiting through the vicinity of 
the Port of Miami are likely habituated to the presence and noise from 
commercial and recreational vessels, sea planes, and helicopters 
frequently in the action area, and have two locations within Biscayne 
Bay to transit between the northern and southern portions of the 
Biscayne Bay to avoid the ACOE's confined blasting and dredging 
operations, if necessary. Also, dolphins in the action area will have 
short exposure to the ACOE's confined blasting activities and it is 
unlikely that any particular animals would be in the small danger zone 
near the explosives long enough to be subjected to repeated exposures.
    Comment 12: Robbins et al. states that the ACOE's blasting area is 
immediately north and adjacent to the Bill Sadowski Critical Wildlife 
Area. The area adjacent to the Fisherman's Channel is a prime location 
to watch surfacing dolphins with their calves feeding during the hour 
before sunset. The proposed time of the blasts is one hour before 
sunset. The NMFS analysis of the incidental take does not consider the 
concentration

[[Page 49288]]

of marine mammals adjacent to and in the Bill Sadowski Critical 
Wildlife Area (76 FR 71532).
    Response: The ACOE is aware that the project borders the Bill 
Sadowski Critical Wildlife Area, however, a review of the NMFS SEFSC 
sighting data from 1990 to 2004 does not support the commenter's 
statement that the area adjacent to Fisherman's Channel has been 
identified as a prime habitat area for observing mother/calf pairs or 
groups in the hour before sunset. The data show the highest 
concentrations of dolphin sightings to be north of the Port of Miami 
near Baker's Haulover Inlet and south of Rickenbacker Causeway, west of 
Key Biscayne, neither of these areas are within the boundaries of the 
Bill Sadowski Critical Wildlife Area. This may be because the part of 
Biscayne Bay west of Key Biscayne and south of Rickenbacker Causeway 
may be quieter then the area immediately south of the Port of Miami. 
The commenters have provided no additional data to support their claim. 
Additionally, the ACOE's project specifications and NMFS' monitoring 
and mitigation measures in the IHA require that confined blast 
detonations be complete at least one hour before sunset, the ACOE does 
not say that this is when detonations occur.
    Comment 13: Robbins et al. states that the ACOE cannot obtain an 
IHA on the basis of its IHA application. The ACOE's project in the Port 
of Miami is expected to take up to 24 months and therefore requires 
development of regulations. The blasting and dredging project in the 
Port of Miami has been authorized in its entirety by the Federal and 
state governments (except for the MMPA incidental take authorization).
    Despite clear statutory language, the ACOE and NMFS appear to take 
the position that the incidental take of marine mammals during the 
lengthy blasting and dredging phase could be covered under successive 
one-year IHAs. To the contrary, the specified activity of the deepening 
project in the Port of Miami can be considered for MMPA purposes only 
under regulations and the issuance of subsequent LOAs, as section 
101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA specifies that an IHA can be issued for 
``periods not more than one year.'' The legislative history of the 
MMPA, case law, and NMFS' own practice in issuing IHAs and LOAs all 
point to the need for the ACOE to apply for a rule in this context.
    NMFS must administer the MMPA for the ``benefit of the protected 
species rather than for the benefit of commercial exploitation.'' 
Committee for Human Legislation v. Richardson, 540 F.2d 1141, 1148 
(1976) (citing H.R. Rep. No. 92-707). And any decision ``must be 
consistent with the MMPA immediate goal'' of reducing take or serious 
injury to marine mammals to ``insignificant levels approaching zero 
mortality and serious injury rate.'' Kokechik Fishermen's Ass'n v. 
Sec'y of Commerce, 839 F.2d 795, 801 (1988) (citing 16 U.S.C. 
1371(a)(2)). Congress' intent was to ``insist that the management of 
the animal populations be carried out with the interests of the animals 
as the prime consideration.'' H.R. Rep. No. 92-707, at 18. Therefore, 
the Secretary of Commerce must first look at the ``interest in 
maintaining healthy populations of marine mammals'' when balancing 
competing interests. Id. At 802; Committee for Humane Legislation, v. 
Richardson, 540 F.2d at 1151 n.39; see H.R. Rep. No.92-707, at 24 
(1971) (The House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee intended to 
``build such a conservative bias into the [MMPA]''); 118 Cong. Rec. S. 
15680 (daily ed. October 4, 1971) (statement of Sen. Packwood) 
(``Scientists generally will state that our level of knowledge of 
marine mammals is very low * * * Barring better and more information, 
it would therefore appear to be wise to adopt a cautious attitude 
toward the exploitation of marine mammals.'').
    When these principles are applied, NMFS must adopt an 
interpretation of its section 101(a)(5) incidental take authority that 
recognizes the one-year limitation applied to IHAs and apply 
regulations (and subsequent LOA) requirements. Any other approach will 
fail to give sufficient protection to the many marine mammals that will 
be subjected to take and harassment in favor of expediting the 
development of the Port of Miami blasting and dredging project. NMFS 
cannot allow for such a result and must deny the ACOE's IHA 
application.
    The choice of incidental take authorization is very important 
because it has consequences for the protection provided to marine 
mammals and the level of public involvement. An IHA will consider only 
the takes that occur over the course of one year to determine whether 
the impacts of the ``specified activity'' on marine mammals are 
negligible. An activity like the Port of Miami blasting and dredging 
operations will occur continuously over several years and will have 
greater impacts when considered in its entirety than it will for just a 
component of the activity conducted during a single year. To determine 
if there is a ``negligible impact,'' it is therefore necessary to 
consider the entire activity, not just a subset of the activity defined 
by one-year increments.
    Response: NMFS disagrees with the commenter's statement. The ACOE 
has requested an IHA in its adequate and complete application. 50 CFR 
216.107 states that except for activities that have the potential to 
result in serious injury or mortality, which must be authorized under 
Sec.  216.105, IHAs may be issued, following a 30-day public review 
period, to allowed activities that may result in only the incidental 
harassment of a small number of marine mammals. Each such IHA shall set 
forth permissible methods of taking by harassment; means of effecting 
the least practicable impact on the species, its habitat, and on the 
availability of the species for subsistence uses; and requirements for 
monitoring and reporting. IHAs will be valid for a period of time not 
to exceed one year but may be renewed for additional periods of time 
not to exceed one year for each reauthorization; therefore, the 
promulgation of regulations and the subsequent issuance of LOAs to the 
ACOE for the confined blasting operations in the Port of Miami is not 
necessary or required. NMFS has issued IHAs under section 101(a)(5)(D) 
of the MMPA for ``periods not more than one year'' and renewed IHAs, 
upon request for applicant's conducting specified activities that have 
the potential to result in the incidental harassment (Level A and/or 
Level B harassment) of small numbers of marine mammals. Specified 
activities that have the potential to result in serious injury or 
mortality of marine mammals must be authorized under 50 CFR 216.106. 
For additional information, please see the response to Comment 1.
    Per requirements of 50 CFR 216.104, the ACOE included the necessary 
information for their activity in its submission to NMFS requesting an 
IHA. NMFS worked with the ACOE and requested additional information in 
its original IHA application to ensure and determine, based upon the 
best available scientific evidence, that it was adequate and complete. 
For the proposed IHA (76 FR 71517, November 18, 2011), NMFS invited 
information, suggestions, and comments from the public for a period not 
to exceed 30 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. 
NMFS will involve the public on a proposed IHA, if or when the ACOE 
requests a renewal of the IHA for confined blasting operations as part 
of the Miami Harbor Deepening Project. The cumulative impacts of the 
ACOE's multiple year activities are considered and analyzed in the 
ACOE's FEIS and NMFS's EA.

[[Page 49289]]

    Comment 14: Robbins et al. states that the mitigation efforts are 
insufficient and detrimental to the bottlenose dolphin. The issue of 
necessity for blasting and the amount of blasting involved in the 
blasting and dredging project in the Port of Miami does not appear to 
have been revisited. Technological advances in dredging equipment that 
would reduce the amount of blasting needed would greatly minimize the 
adverse effects on all marine life in and around the project footprint. 
As this project takes place within an Aquatic Preserve, classified as 
an Outstanding Florida Water, adjacent to a critical wildlife area, and 
is considered habitat for over 12 endangered or threatened species of 
marine life, it is imperative the most updated and least impactful best 
management practices be employed, including the most recent machinery, 
scientific studies and mitigation practices.
    Response: As previously discussed in the response to Comment 5, it 
is unclear why the commenter believes that protective monitoring and 
mitigation measures proposed by the ACOE and required in the IHA issued 
by NMFS are detrimental to the bottlenose dolphins. NMFS has determined 
that the monitoring and mitigation measures required by the IHA will 
ensure the specified activity will have the least practicable impact on 
the stocks of bottlenose dolphins in the action area. The commenter 
contends that technological advances in dredging equipment would reduce 
the amount of blasting. During the feasibility and EIS process, ACOE 
reviewed all of the geotechnical data collected over the last 20 years. 
The ACOE's geotechnical engineers determined that the rock in Miami 
Harbor is both hard and massive, and will require pretreatment before 
removal with any dredging technology currently available.
    The only methods available for pre-treatment of hard/massive rock 
are confined blasting and the use of a punch-barge or hydrohammer. As 
part of the feasibility and EIS process, the ACOE consulted with NMFS 
and the USFWS under section 7 of the ESA to determine the impacts of 
both methods on listed and protected species in the action area. NMFS 
and USFWS have both documented that the use of a punch-barge or 
hydrohammer, which would work during daylight hours, strikes the rock 
approximately once every 60 seconds for up to 720 hits in a 12 hour 
period. This would increase during periods of extended daylight. This 
constant pounding would serve to disrupt animal behavior in the area. 
Using the punch-barge would also extend the length of the project, thus 
increasing any potential impacts to all fish and wildlife resources in 
the action area. The ACOE believes that confined blasting to remove the 
rock in the Port of Miami has the least environmental impact of all 
available methods. Utilization of a punch-barge would result in 
pressure being released into the water like an unconfined blast, 
without a reduction in associated pressure wave, which can lead to 
impacts to marine mammals, and fish kill at levels much higher than 
confined underwater blasting. The ACOE removed punch-barging as a 
viable pre-treatment methodology, which leaves confined blasting as the 
only method to pre-treat rock prior to removal by conventional dredging 
methodologies.
    NMFS' SERO issued a Biological Opinion (BiOp) on September 8, 2011, 
that analyzes the project's effects on staghorn coral (Acropora 
cervicornis). It is NMFS' biological opinion that the action, is likely 
to adversely affect staghorn coral, but is not likely to jeopardize its 
continued existence or destroy or adversely modify its designated 
critical habitat. Based upon NMFS SERO's analysis, NMFS no longer 
expects the project is likely to adversely affect Johnson's seagrass 
(Halophila johnsonii) or its designated critical habitat. NMFS has 
determined that the ESA-listed marine mammals (Blue, fin, sei, 
humpback, North Atlantic right, and sperm whales), smalltooth sawfish 
(Pristis pectinata), and leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) 
are not likely to be adversely affected by the action (NMFS, 2011). The 
USFWS concurred with the ACOE's determination that the construction 
activities related to the modification of Miami Harbor to accommodate 
the expansion of the Port of Miami may affect, but are not likely to 
adversely affect the West Indian manatee and the American crocodile 
since appropriate monitoring to minimize these effects will be 
incorporated into the project design. In addition, the effects of the 
action will not result in the adverse modification to designated 
critical habitat for the West Indian manatee if sufficient mitigation 
is provided for seagrass impacts (USFWS, 2003). See the Endangered 
Species Act section below for more information on endangered or 
threatened species.
    Comment 16: Robbins et al. states that NMFS should require 
improvement for zones and the monitoring program. Zone calculations 
should use the latest studies and incorporate all findings from prior 
blasting events and account for bathymetric data and the nature of the 
blast area (i.e., channels). A report entitled ``Blast emission 
criteria and detection methods for the safeguarding of marine mammals 
in a blast environment'' by R. A. Godson, published in 2010, states the 
following criteria:

    In order to provide an objective and quantitative assessment of 
the range and severity of any environmental effect from underwater 
blasting, it is necessary to be able to estimate the following 
parameters: The source level (i.e., level of sound) generated by the 
explosives; the transmission loss, that is, the rate at which sound 
from the source is attenuated as it propagates underwater; the 
effect threshold, that is, the level of sound at which a particular 
effect, such as death, injury or avoidance of a species, occurs * * 
* (page 684).
    The Safety Zone is the zone beyond which peak pressure levels 
from blasting are predicted to be lower than the 83 kPa criterion, 
creating no adverse effects on marine mammals * * * This criterion 
was originally established for estimating the impacts of large 
unconfined explosions and was introduced in order to provide a more 
conservative range * * * when explosive or the marine animal 
approaches the sea surface (for which cases the explosive energy is 
reduced but the peak pressure is not) (page 686).
    The report further specifies the determination of the safety 
zone radius:
    The Safety Zone is the zone beyond which peak pressure levels 
from blasting are predicted to be lower than the 83 kPa criterion, 
creating no adverse effects * * * The propagation of the peak 
pressure is very much dependent on the hydrography specific to the 
site, the water depth and the sound propagation underwater (page 
686).

    The ACOE's IHA application frequently cites its 2005 blasting 
activities as a point of reference for the proposed blasting activities 
in 2012. These projects do not warrant the comparison, especially for 
the incidental take of dolphins as the ACOE contends. The project 
footprint is far larger in the present project than in 2005. The 
maximum weight of explosives has increased from 376 lbs (76 FR 71519) 
to 450 lbs with averages of two blasts per day for an estimated 600 
days of blasting. Although, in its proposed calculations, ACOE has 
increased the danger zone for dolphins by 500 ft, this is insufficient 
accommodation relative to the large increase in blast pressure due to 
increased weight and frequency of blasting. Further, the safety zone 
calculation has not changed from the past blasting event in the current 
application. As detailed above, the safety zone is a critical component 
to ensure marine mammal safety.
    Despite an incident during a 2005 blast reported in the ``Protected 
Marine

[[Page 49290]]

Species Watch Program Miami Harbor Deepening Project'' by ECOES 
Consulting, Inc. for the ACOE, the ACOE has not altered its mitigation 
program based on these findings. As stated in the report, two dolphins 
located in the channel west of the blasting, stationary at 
approximately 2,400 ft, ``were feeding and cavorting.'' The exclusion 
zone calculation was 1,600 ft for the lower weight of explosives used 
that day (the exact weight used is not recorded in this report). The 
report continues to describe the channel area (where much of the 
proposed blasting will also occur):

    The topography of the bottom of that area is very much shallow 
to the south, then an exceptionally steep drop off into the channel 
at 40+ ft ending at the bulkhead wall to the north. Westward, the 
channel continues and has a more gradual upward slope. At the time 
of the blast, one of the dolphins was at the surface in the 
shallows, which the other dolphin was underwater within the channel. 
The dolphin that was underwater showed a strong reaction to the 
blast. The animal jumped fully out of the water in a ``breaching'' 
fashion; behavior that had not been exhibited prior to the blast 
(ECOES, p. 18).

    It is critical to note that based on the ACOE formula (which is 
proposed to remain the same in the current IHA application), the 
harassed dolphin was located 800 ft outside of the exclusion zone and 
still exhibited a strong adverse reaction to the blast described as 
``lower weight.'' Considering the significant increase in weight 
maximum in the current project and the much increased frequency and 
duration of this project, it is clear that the mitigation and zone 
calculations are insufficient as proposed. In the ECOES report 
conclusion, the author also notes that the shallow channel and 
bathymetry of the project site, which remains the same (only expanded) 
in the current project has a great effect on the pressure and sound 
effect of the blasting agents: ``This observation may be important to 
consider when formulating blast/watch plans for marine mammals in the 
future. It may be prudent to extend or contract the exclusion zone 
based on the bathymetry of the project site'' (ECOES, p. 18).
    Response: The commenter incorrectly states the project will have 
600 days of blasting. The ACOE estimates a maximum number of 313 blast 
days for the duration of this IHA (i.e., 365 days in a year minus 52 
Sundays [normally no confined blasting is allowed on Sundays due to 
local ordinances]), with no more than one confined blast event at a 
time and no more than two confined blast events per a single day. A 
calendar day is 24 hours. A blast day/blast event (i.e., approximately 
1 hour 30 minutes in length) is the series of events beginning one hour 
before the detonation through 30 minutes after the detonation. There 
may be more than one blast day/blast event per calendar day, they will 
not occur simultaneously.
    The commenter recommends that NMFS and the ACOE adopt the model 
proposed in Godson (2010) and believes that Godson's report entitled 
``Blast emission criteria and detection methods for safeguarding of 
marine mammals in a blast environment'' presents the most recent data 
available (i.e., the best scientific evidence) concerning underwater 
blasting. This is incorrect. Godson states that his model is based on a 
``comprehensive review of different underwater blasting propagation 
models for a recent underwater blasting impacts assessment study'' 
found in Godson (2005). This means he did not review the most recent 
pressure studies and models developed from the data collected after the 
Kill van Kull blasting was completed in 2004, particularly the data 
collected in 2005 at Miami Harbor and published in Hempen et al. 
(2007).
    The Godson model utilizes an unconfined blast as is demonstrated by 
its use of -1.13 exponential in the model equation. The -1.13 
exponential utilized in the blasting literature is the attenuation, or 
reduction, of the maximum pressure through water. This is not an 
accurate representation of the effects from the proposed confined 
blasting at Miami Harbor. Based on the in situ pressure measurements 
collected in 2005, the ACOE's blasting experts developed a similar 
model to assess the benefit of confinement of the blast, however, even 
with the knowledge that confinement of the detonation in rock 
significantly reduces the pressure wave (Hempen et al., 2007; Hempen et 
al., 2005; Nedwell and Thandavamoorthy, 1992), the ACOE opted not to 
give any credit to the reduction in maximum pressure. By opting not to 
incorporate the reduction in maximum pressure into the protective zone 
equations, the ACOE is being conservative and protective of marine 
mammals in and near the action area.
    Comment 15: The Commission recommends that NMFS issue the IHA, 
provided it requires the ACOE to conduct empirical sound propagation 
measurements during two detonation events per day using various delay 
weights and numbers of delays to verify that the danger and exclusion 
zones are sufficient to protect marine mammals from sound exposure 
levels, including the 182 and 177 dB re 1 Pa\2\s thresholds. If the 
zones are found to be too small, then NMFS and ACOE should adjust them 
accordingly. In addition, NMFS and the ACOE should use the distances to 
the relevant thresholds from those empirical measurements to estimate 
the number of takes for subsequent IHAs.
    Response: The ACOE is unable to collect data on empirical sound 
propagation measurements as recommended by the Commission because the 
area immediately south of Fisherman's Channel is bounded by shallow 
seagrass beds and encompassed by the Bill Sadowski Critical Wildlife 
Area. The shallow seagrass beds are found in waters so shallow that 
seagrasses are often exposed at low tides and motoring through the area 
would adversely impact the seagrass beds by dredging prop scars into 
the beds, resulting in previously unanticipated impacts. Additionally, 
Florida state law prohibits motorized vessels from entering this area.
    To be able to collect the data requested by the Commission, the 
ACOE's contractor would have to lay out a network of hydrophones or 
pressure transducers before each blast, which requires entering the 
Bill Sadowski Critical Wildlife Area to lay the hydrophones or pressure 
transducers with a motorized vessel, and repeat the process to recover 
them after each blast, or it would require the ACOE to set up a network 
of vessels in the boundaries of the Bill Sadowski Critical Wildlife 
Area with a hydrophone or pressure transducer on each vessel. 
Hydrophone equipment systems have limitations gathering peak pressure 
data from blasting, and can be quickly overloaded if placed too close 
to the detonation; pressure transducers are better designed to measure 
blast pressures (Keevin, pers. comm.). Again, the vessels would have to 
enter the Bill Sadowski Critical Wildlife Area, which is in violation 
of the previously mentioned state law.
    Comment 16: The Commission recommends that NMFS issue the IHA, 
provided it requires the ACOE to suspend all activities if the 
authorized number of takes is reached.
    Response: NMFS concurs with the Commission's recommendation and has 
included a condition to this effect in the IHA. The taking by injury 
(Level A harassment), serious injury, or mortality of Atlantic 
bottlenose dolphins or any other species of marine mammal is prohibited 
and may result in the modification, suspension, or revocation of the 
IHA. If the ACOE exceeds the authorized number of takes, then the ACOE 
will notify NMFS and the IHA may be modified.

[[Page 49291]]

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

    Several cetacean species and a single species of sirenian are known 
to or could occur in the Miami Harbor action area and off the Southeast 
Atlantic coastline (see Table 1 below). Species listed as endangered 
under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), includes the humpback 
(Megaptera novaeangliae), sei (Balaenoptera borealis), fin 
(Balaenoptera physalus), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), North Atlantic 
right (Eubalaena glacialis), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whale, 
and West Indian (Florida) manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). The 
marine mammals that occur in the Atlantic Ocean off the U.S. southeast 
coast belong to three taxonomic groups: mysticetes (baleen whales), 
odontocetes (toothed whales), and sirenians (the manatee). The West 
Indian manatee in Florida and U.S. waters is managed under the 
jurisdiction of the USFWS and therefore is not considered further in 
this analysis.
    Table 1 below outlines the marine mammal species and their habitat 
in the region of the project area.

Table 1--The Habitat and Conservation Status of Marine Mammals Inhabiting the Project Area in the Atlantic Ocean
                                          off the U.S. Southeast Coast
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Species                         Habitat                  ESA \1\                  MMPA \2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mysticetes:
    North Atlantic right whale         Coastal and shelf......  EN.....................  D
     (Eubalaena glacialis).
    Humpback whale (Megaptera          Pelagic, nearshore       EN.....................  D
     novaeangliae).                     waters, and banks.
    Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera        Pelagic and coastal....  NL.....................  NC
     brydei).
    Minke whale (Balaenoptera          Shelf, coastal, and      NL.....................  NC
     acutorostrata).                    pelagic.
    Blue whale (Balaenoptera           Pelagic and coastal....  EN.....................  D
     musculus).
    Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis)  Primarily offshore,      EN.....................  D
                                        pelagic.
    Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)  Slope, mostly pelagic..  EN.....................  D
Odontocetes:
    Sperm whale (Physeter              Pelagic, deep seas.....  EN.....................  D
     macrocephalus).
    Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius     Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     cavirostris).
    Gervais' beaked whale (Mesoplodon  Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     europaeus).
    True's beaked whale (Mesoplodon    Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     mirus).
    Blainville's beaked whale          Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     (Mesoplodon densirostris).
    Dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima)...  Offshore, pelagic......  NL.....................  NC
    Pygmy sperm whale (Kogia           Offshore, pelagic......  NL.....................  NC
     breviceps).
    Killer whale (Orcinus orca)......  Widely distributed.....  NL EN (Southern          NC D (Southern
                                                                 Resident).               Resident, AT1
                                                                                          Transient)
    Short-finned pilot whale           Inshore and offshore...  NL.....................  NC
     (Globicephala macrorhynchus).
    False killer whale (Pseudorca      Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     crassidens).
    Mellon-headed whale                Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     (Peponocephala electra).
    Pygmy killer whale (Feresa         Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     attenuata).
    Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus)  Pelagic, shelf.........  NL.....................  NC
    Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops       Offshore, Inshore,       NL.....................  NC S (Biscayne Bay and
     truncatus).                        coastal, and estuaries.                           Central Florida
                                                                                          Coastal stocks) D
                                                                                          (Western North
                                                                                          Atlantic Coastal)
    Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno      Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     bredanensis).
    Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis    Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     hosei).
    Striped dolphin (Stenella          Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     coeruleoalba).
    Pantropical spotted dolphin        Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC D (Northeastern
     (Stenella attenuata).                                                                Offshore)
    Atlantic spotted dolphin           Coastal to pelagic.....  NL.....................  NC
     (Stenella frontalis).
    Spinner dolphin (Stenella          Mostly pelagic.........  NL.....................  NC D (Eastern)
     longirostris).
    Clymene dolphin (Stenella          Pelagic................  NL.....................  NC
     clymene).
Sirenians:
    West Indian (Florida) manatee      Coastal, rivers, and     EN.....................  D
     (Trichechus manatus latirostris).  estuaries.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ U.S. Endangered Species Act: EN = Endangered, T = Threatened, NL = Not listed.
\2\ U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act: D = Depleted, S = Strategic, NC = Not classified.

    The one species of marine mammal under NMFS jurisdiction known to 
commonly occur in close proximity to the blasting area of the Port of 
Miami is the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, specifically the stocks 
living near the Port of Miami within Biscayne Bay (the Biscayne Bay 
stock) or transiting the outer entrance channel (Western North Atlantic 
Central Florida Coastal stock).

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

    Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are distributed worldwide in tropical 
and temperate waters, and in U.S. waters occur in multiple complex 
stocks along

[[Page 49292]]

the U.S. Atlantic coast. The coastal morphotype of bottlenose dolphins 
is continuously distributed along the Atlantic coast south of Long 
Island, New York, to the Florida peninsula, including inshore waters of 
the bays, sounds, and estuaries. Except for animals residing within the 
Southern North Carolina and Northern North Carolina Estuarine Systems 
(e.g., Waring et al., 2009), estuarine dolphins along the U.S. east 
coast have not been previously included in stock assessment reports. 
Several lines of evidence support a distinction between dolphins 
inhabiting coastal waters near the shore and those present in the 
inshore waters of the bays, sounds, and estuaries. Photo-ID and genetic 
studies support the existence of resident estuarine animals in several 
inshore areas of the southeastern United States (Caldwell, 2001; 
Gubbins, 2002; Zolman, 2002; Mazzoil et al., 2005; Litz, 2007), and 
similar patterns have been observed in bays and estuaries along the 
Gulf of Mexico coast (Well et al., 1987; Balmer et al., 2008). Recent 
genetic analyses using both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear 
microsatellite markers found significant differentiation between 
animals biopsied along the coast and those biopsied within the 
estuarine systems at the same latitude (NMFS, unpublished data). 
Similar results have been found off the west coast of Florida (Sellas 
et al., 2005).

Biscayne Bay Stock

    Biscayne Bay is a shallow estuarine system located along the 
southeast coast of Florida in Miami-Dade County. The Bay is generally 
shallow (depths less than 5 m [16.4 ft]) and includes a diverse range 
of benthic communities including seagrass beds, soft coral and sponge 
communities, and mud flats. The northern portion of Biscayne Bay is 
surrounded by the cities of Miami and Miami Beach and is therefore 
heavily influenced by industrial and municipal pollution sources. The 
water flow in this portion of Biscayne Bay is very restricted due to 
the construction of dredged islands (Bialczak et al., 2001). In 
contrast, the central and southern portions of Biscayne Bay are less 
influenced by development and are better flushed. Water exchange with 
the Atlantic Ocean occurs through a broad area of grass flats and tidal 
channels termed the Safety Valve. Biscayne Bay extends south through 
Card Sound and Barnes Sound, and connects through smaller inlets to 
Florida Bay.
    The Biscayne Bay stock of bottlenose dolphins is bounded by 
Haulover Inlet to the north and Card Sound Bridge to the south. This 
range corresponds to the extent of confirmed home ranges of bottlenose 
dolphins observed residing in Biscayne Bay by a long-term photo-ID 
study conducted by the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (Litz, 2007; 
SEFSC unpublished data). It is likely that the range of Biscayne Bay 
dolphins extends past these boundaries; however, there have been few 
surveys outside of this range. These boundaries are subject to change 
upon further study of dolphin home ranges within the Biscayne Bay 
estuarine system and comparison to an extant photo-ID catalog from 
Florida Bay to the south.
    Dolphins residing within estuaries north of this stock along the 
southeastern coast of Florida are currently not included in a stock 
assessment report. There are insufficient data to determine whether 
animals in this region exhibit affiliation to the Biscayne Bay stock, 
the estuarine stock further to the north in the IRLES, or are simply 
transient animals associated with coastal stocks. There is relatively 
limited estuarine habitat along this coastline; however, the 
Intracoastal Waterway extends north along the coast to the IRLES. It 
should be noted that during 2003 to 2007, there were three stranded 
bottlenose dolphins in this region in enclosed waters. One of these had 
signs of human interaction from a boat strike and another was 
identified as an offshore morphotype of bottlenose dolphin.
    Bottlenose dolphins have been documented in Biscayne Bay since the 
1950's (Moore, 1953). Live capture fisheries for bottlenose dolphins 
are known to have occurred throughout the southeastern U.S. and within 
Biscayne Bay during the 1950's and 1960's; however, it is unknown how 
many individuals may have been removed from the population during this 
period (Odell, 1979; Wells and Scott, 1999).
    The Biscayne Bay bottlenose dolphin stock has been the subject of 
an ongoing photo-ID study conducted by the NMFS SEFSC since 1990. From 
1990 to 1991, preliminary information was collected focusing on the 
central portion of Biscayne Bay. The survey was re-initiated in 1994, 
and it was expanded to include the northern portion of Biscayne Bay and 
south to the Card Sound Bridge in 1995 (SEFSC unpublished data; Litz, 
2007). Through 2007, the photo-ID catalog included 229 unique 
individuals. Approximately 80% of these individuals may be long-term 
residents with multiple sightings over the 17 years of the study 
(SEFSC, unpublished data). Analyses of the sighting histories and 
associations of individuals from the Biscayne Bay segregated along a 
north/south gradient (Litz, 2007).
    Remote biopsy samples of Biscayne Bay animals were collected 
between 2002 and 2004 for analyses of population genetic structure and 
persistent organic pollutant concentrations in blubber. Genetic 
structure was investigated using both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear 
(microsatellite) markers, and the data from Biscayne Bay were compared 
to data from Florida Bay dolphins to the south (Litz, 2007). Within 
Biscayne Bay, dolphins sighted primarily in the northern half of 
Biscayne Bay were significantly differentiated from those sighted 
primarily in the southern half at the microsatellite loci but not at 
the mitochondrial locus. There was not sufficient genetic information 
between these groups to indicate true population subdivision (Litz, 
2007). However, genetic differentiation was found between the Biscayne 
Bay and Florida Bay dolphins in both markers (Litz, 2007). The observed 
genetic differences between resident animals in Biscayne Bay and those 
in an adjacent estuary combined with the high levels of sight fidelity 
observed, demonstrate that the resident Biscayne Bay bottlenose 
dolphins are a demographically distinct population stock.
    The total number of bottlenose dolphins in the Biscayne Bay stock 
is unknown. During small boat surveys between 2003 and 2007, 157 unique 
individuals were identified using standard methods, however, this 
catalog size does not represent a valid estimate of population size 
because the residency patterns of dolphins in Biscayne Bay is not fully 
understood. Litz (2007) determined that 69 animals in Biscayne Bay have 
a northern home range. Based on Waring et al. (2010), the maximum 
population of animals that may be in the project area is equal to the 
total number of uniquely identified animals for the entire photo-ID 
study of Biscayne Bay--229 individuals. Present data are insufficient 
to calculate a minimum population estimate, and to determine the 
population trends, for the Biscayne Bay stock of bottlenose dolphins. 
The total human-caused mortality and serious injury for this stock is 
unknown and there is insufficient information available to determine 
whether the total fishery-related mortality and serious injury for this 
stock is insignificant and approaching zero mortality and serious 
injury rate. Documented human-caused mortalities in recreational 
fishing gear entanglement and ingestion of gear reinforce concern for 
this stock. Because the stock size is currently unknown, but likely 
small and relatively few

[[Page 49293]]

mortalities and serious injuries would exceed potential biological 
removal, NMFS considers this stock to be a strategic stock.

Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal Stock

    On the Atlantic coast, Scott et al. (1988) hypothesized a single 
coastal migratory stock ranging seasonally from as far north as Long 
Island, to as far south as central Florida, citing stranding patterns 
during a high mortality event in 1987 to 1988 and observed density 
patterns. More recent studies demonstrate that the single coastal 
migratory stock hypothesis is incorrect, and there is instead a complex 
mosaic of stocks (McLellan et al., 2003; Rosel et al., 2009).
    The coastal morphotype is morphologically and genetically distinct 
from the larger, more robust morphotype primarily occupying habitats 
further offshore (Hoelzel et al., 1998; Mead and Potter, 1995; Rosel et 
al., 2009). Aerial surveys conducted between 1978 and 1982 (CETAP, 
1982) north of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, identified two 
concentrations of bottlenose dolphins, one inshore of the 82 ft (25 m) 
isobath and the other offshore of the 164 ft (50 m) isobath. The lowest 
density of bottlenose dolphins was observed over the continental shelf, 
with higher densities along the coast and near the continental shelf 
edge. It was suggested, therefore, that north of Cape Hatteras, North 
Carolina, the coastal morphotype is restricted to waters less than 82 
ft deep (Kenney, 1990). Similar patterns were observed during summer 
months in more recent aerial surveys (Garrison and Yeung, 2001; 
Garrison et al., 2003). However, south of Cape Hatteras during both 
winter and summer months, there was no clear longitudinal discontinuity 
in bottlenose dolphin sightings (Garrison and Yeung 2001; Garrison et 
al., 2003). To address the question of distribution of coastal and 
offshore morphotypes in waters south of Cape Hatteras, tissue samples 
were collected from large vessel surveys during the summers of 1998 and 
1999, from systematic biopsy sampling efforts in nearshore waters from 
New Jersey to central Florida conducted in the summers of 2001 and 
2002, and from winter biopsy collection effort in 2002 and 2003 in 
nearshore continental shelf waters of North Carolina and Georgia. 
Additional biopsy samples were collected in deeper continental shelf 
waters south of Cape Hatteras during the winter of 2002. Genetic 
analyses using mitochondrial DNA sequences of these biopsies identified 
individual animals to the coastal or offshore morphotype. Using the 
genetic results from all surveys combined, a logistic regression was 
used to model the probability that a particular bottlenose dolphin 
group was of the coastal morphotype as a function of environmental 
variables including depth, sea surface temperature, and distance from 
shore. These models were used to partition the bottlenose dolphin 
groups observed during aerial surveys between the two morphotypes 
(Garrison et al., 2003).
    The genetic results and spatial patterns observed in aerial surveys 
indicate both regional and seasonal differences in the longitudinal 
distribution of the two morphotypes in coastal Atlantic waters. 
Generally, from biopsy samples collected, the coastal morphotype is 
found in nearshore waters, the offshore morphotype in deeper waters and 
a spatial overlap between the two morphotypes in intermediate waters. 
More information on the seasonal differences and genetic studies off of 
the Carolina's, Georgia, and Florida, differentiating morphotypes of 
bottlenose dolphins can be found online in the NMFS stock assessment 
reports.
    In summary, the primary habitat of the coastal morphotype of 
bottlenose dolphin extends from Florida to New Jersey during summer 
months and in waters less than 65.6 ft (20 m) deep, including estuarine 
and inshore waters.
    In addition to inhabiting coastal nearshore waters, the coastal 
morphotype of bottlenose dolphin also inhabits inshore estuarine waters 
along the U.S. east coast and Gulf of Mexico (Wells et al., 1987; Wells 
et al., 1996; Scott et al., 1990; Weller, 1998; Zolman, 2002; Speakman 
et al., 2006; Stolen et al., 2007; Balmer et al., 2008; Mazzoil et al., 
2008). There are multiple lines of evidence supporting demographic 
separation between bottlenose dolphins residing within estuaries along 
the Atlantic coast. In Biscayne Bay, Florida, there is a similar 
community of bottlenose dolphins with evidence of year-round residents 
that are genetically distinct from animals residing in a nearby estuary 
in Florida Bay (Litz, 2007). A few published studies demonstrate that 
there are significant genetic distinctions and differences between 
animals in nearshore coastal waters and estuarine waters (Caldwell, 
2001; Rosel et al., 2009). Despite evidence for genetic differentiation 
between estuarine and nearshore populations, the degree of spatial 
overlap between these populations remains unclear. Photo-ID studies 
within estuaries demonstrate seasonal immigration and emigration and 
the presence of transient animals (e.g., Speakman et al., 2006). In 
addition, the degree of movement of resident estuarine animals into 
coastal waters on seasonal or shorter time scales is poorly understood. 
However, for the purposes of this analysis, bottlenose dolphins 
inhabiting primarily estuarine habitats are considered distinct from 
those inhabiting coastal habitats. Initially, a single stock of coastal 
morphotype bottlenose dolphins was thought to migrate seasonally 
between New Jersey (summer months) and central Florida based on 
seasonal patterns in strandings during a large scale mortality event 
occurring during 1987 to 1988 (Scott et al., 1988). However, re-
analysis of stranding data (McLellan et al., 2003) and extensive 
analysis of genetic (Rosel et al., 2009), photo-ID (Zolman, 2002) and 
satellite telemetry (NMFS, unpublished data) data demonstrate a complex 
mosaic of coastal bottlenose dolphin stocks. Integrated analysis of 
these multiple lines of evidence suggests that there are five coastal 
stocks of bottlenose dolphins: the Northern Migratory and Southern 
Migratory stocks, a South Carolina/Georgia Coastal stock, a Northern 
Florida Coastal stock, and a Central Florida Coastal stock.
    The spatial extent of these stocks, their potential seasonal 
movements, and their relationships with estuarine stocks are poorly 
understood. More information on the migratory movements and genetic 
analyses of bottlenose dolphins can be found online in the NMFS stock 
assessment reports.
    The NMFS stock assessment report addresses the Central Florida 
Coastal stock, which is present in coastal Atlantic waters from 
29.4[deg] North south to the western end of Vaca Key (approximately 
24.69[deg] North to 81.11[deg] West) where the stock boundary for the 
Florida Keys stock begins (see Figure 1 of the NMFS Stock Assessment 
Report). There has been little study of bottlenose dolphin stock 
structure in coastal waters of southern Florida; therefore the southern 
boundary of the Central Florida stock is uncertain. There is no obvious 
boundary defining the offshore extent of this stock. The combined 
genetic and logistic regression analysis (Garrison et al., 2003) 
indicated that in waters less than 32.8 ft (10 m) depth, 70% of the 
bottlenose dolphins were of the coastal morphotype. Between 32.8 ft and 
65.6 ft depth, the percentage of animals of the coastal morphotype 
dropped precipitously, and at depths greater than 131.2 ft (40 m) 
nearly all (greater than 90%) animals were of the offshore morphotype. 
These spatial patterns may not apply in the Central Florida Coastal 
stock, as there is a

[[Page 49294]]

significant change in the bathymetric slope and a close approach of the 
Gulf Stream to the shoreline south of Cape Canaveral.
    Aerial surveys to estimate the abundance of coastal bottlenose 
dolphins in the Atlantic were conducted during winter (January to 
February) and summer (July to August) of 2002. Abundance estimates for 
bottlenose dolphins in each stock were calculated using line-transect 
methods and distance analysis (Buckland et al., 2001). More information 
on the survey tracklines, design, effort, animals sighted, and methods 
for calculating estimated abundance can be found online in the NMFS 
stock assessment reports.
    The estimated best and minimum population for the Central Florida 
Coastal Stock is 6,318 and 5,094 animals, respectively. There are 
insufficient data to determine the population trends for this stock. 
From 1995 to 2001, NMFS recognized only a single migratory stock of 
coastal bottlenose dolphins in the western North Atlantic, and the 
entire stock was listed as depleted. This stock structure was revised 
in 2002 to recognize both multiple stocks and seasonal management units 
and again in 2008 and 2010 to recognize resident estuarine stocks and 
migratory and resident coastal stocks. The total U.S. fishery-related 
mortality and serious injury for the Central Florida Coastal stock 
likely is less than 10% of the calculated PBR, and thus can be 
considered to be insignificant and approaching zero mortality and 
serious injury rate. However, there are commercial fisheries 
overlapping with this stock that have no observer coverage. This stock 
retains the depleted designation as a result of its origins from the 
originally delineated depleted coastal migratory stock. The species is 
not listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA, but this is a 
strategic stock due to the depleted listing under the MMPA.
    Further information on the biology and local distribution of these 
species and others in the region can be found in ACOE's IHA 
application, which is available upon request (see ADDRESSES), and the 
NMFS Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports, which are available online 
at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/.

Potential Effects on Marine Mammals

    In general, potential impacts to marine mammals from explosive 
detonations could include mortality, serious injury, as well as Level A 
harassment (injury) and Level B harassment. In the absence of 
mitigation, marine mammals could be killed or injured as a result of an 
explosive detonation due to the response of air cavities in the body, 
such as the lungs and bubbles in the intestines. Effects would be 
likely to be most severe in near surface waters where the reflected 
shock wave creates a region of negative pressure called ``cavitation.''
    A second potential possible cause of mortality (in the absence of 
mitigation) is the onset of extensive lung hemorrhage. Extensive lung 
hemorrhage is considered debilitating and potentially fatal. 
Suffocation caused by lung hemorrhage is likely to be the major cause 
of marine mammal death from underwater shock waves. The estimated range 
for the onset of extensive lung hemorrhage to marine mammals varies 
depending upon the animal's weight, with the smallest mammals having 
the greatest potential hazard range.
    NMFS' criteria for determining potential for non-lethal injury 
(Level A harassment) from explosives are the peak pressure that will 
result in: (1) The onset of slight lung hemorrhage, or (2) a 50 percent 
probability level for a rupture of the tympanic membrane (TM). These 
are injuries from which animals would be expected to recover on their 
own.
    NMFS has established dual criteria for what constitutes Level B 
harassment: (1) An energy based temporary threshold shift (TTS) in 
hearing at received sound levels of 182 dB re 1 [mu]Pa\2\-s cumulative 
energy flux in any \1/3\ octave band above 100 Hz for odontocetes 
(derived from experiments with bottlenose dolphins (Ridgway et al., 
1997; Schlundt et al., 2000); and (2) 12 psi peak pressure cited by 
Ketten (1995) as associated with a safe outer limit for minimal, 
recoverable auditory trauma (i.e., TTS). The threshold for sub-TTS 
behavioral harassment is 177 dB re 1 [mu]Pa\2\ s. The Level B 
harassment zone is the distance from the mortality, serious injury, 
injury (Level A harassment) zone to the radius where neither of these 
criterion is exceeded.

      Table 2--NMFS' Threshold Criteria and Metrics Utilized for Impact Analyses From the Use of Explosives
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Level A Harassment  (Non-lethal     Level B Harassment
                                                  injury)                   (Non-injurious;   Level B Harassment
                                 ---------------------------------------- TTS and associated     (Non-injurious
            Mortality                                                         behavioral       behavioral, Sub-
                                                                           disruption [dual          TTS)
                                                                              criteria])
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31 psi-msec (onset of severe      205 dB re 1         13 psi-msec         182 dB re 1         177 dB re 1
 lung injury [mass of dolphin      [mu]Pa\2\[middot]   positive pressure   [mu]Pa\2\[middot]   [mu]Pa\2\[middot]
 calf]).                           s EFD (50 percent   (onset of slight    s EFD*; 23 psi      sEFD* (for
                                   of animals would    lung injury).       peak pressure (<    multiple
                                   experience TM                           2,000 lb) 12 psi    detonations
                                   rupture).                               peak pressure (>    only).
                                                                           2,000 lb).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Note: In greatest 1/3-octave band above 10 Hz or 100 Hz.

    The primary potential impact to the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins 
occurring in the Port of Miami action area from the detonations is 
Level B harassment incidental to noise generated by explosives. In the 
absence of any monitoring or mitigation measures, there is a very small 
chance that a marine mammal could be injured, seriously injured, or 
killed when exposed to the energy generated from an explosive force on 
the sea floor. However, the ACOE and NMFS believe that the monitoring 
and mitigation measures will preclude this possibility in the case of 
this particular specified activity.
    Non-lethal injurious impacts (Level A harassment) are defined in 
this IHA as TM rupture and the onset of slight lung injury. The 
threshold for Level A harassment corresponds to a 50 percent rate of TM 
rupture, which can be stated in terms of an energy flux density (EFD) 
value of 205 dB re 1 [mu]Pa\2\ s. TM rupture is well-correlated with 
permanent hearing impairment (Ketten, 1998) indicates a 30 percent 
incidence of permanent threshold shift (PTS) at the same threshold. The 
farthest distance from the source at which an animal is exposed to the 
EFD level for the Level A harassment threshold is unknown at this time.
    Level B (non-injurious) harassment includes temporary (auditory) 
threshold

[[Page 49295]]

shift (TTS), a slight, recoverable loss of hearing sensitivity. One 
criterion used for TTS is 182 dB re 1 [mu]Pa\2\ s maximum EFD level in 
any 1/3-octave band above 100 Hz for toothed whales (e.g., dolphins). A 
second criterion, 23 psi, has been established by NMFS to provide a 
more conservative range of TTS when the explosive or animals approaches 
the sea surface, in which case explosive energy is reduced, but the 
peak pressure is not. For the project in Miami Harbor, the distance 
from the blast array at which the 23 psi threshold could be met for 
various charge detonation weights can be, and has been calculated.
    The threshold for sub-TTS behavioral harassment is 177 dB re 1 
[mu]Pa\2\ s. However, as described previously, this criterion would not 
apply to the ACOE's activity because there will only be a maximum of 
two blasting events a day (minimum four to six hours apart), and the 
multiple (staggered) detonations are within a few milliseconds of each 
other and do not last more than a few seconds in total duration per a 
blasting event.
    For a fully confined blast, the pressure at the edge of the danger 
zone is expected to be 6 psi. Utilizing the pressure data collected the 
Miami Harbor Phase II project in 2005, for a maximum charge weight of 
450 lbs in a fully confined blast, the pressure is expected to be 22 
psi approximately 700 ft (213.4 m) from the blast, which is below the 
threshold for Level B harassment (i.e., 23 psi criteria for explosives 
less than 2,000 lb). However to ensure the protection of marine 
mammals, and in case of an incident where a detonation is not fully 
confined, the ACOE assumes that any animal within the boundaries of a 
designated ``danger zone'' at the time of detonation would be taken by 
Level B harassment.
    The ACOE is planning to implement, and NMFS has required, a series 
of monitoring and mitigation measures to protect marine mammals from 
the potential impacts of the confined blasting activities. The ACOE has 
designated a ``danger zone'' as the area within which the potential for 
Level B harassment occurs, and the ``exclusion zone'' as the area 
within which if an animal crosses and enters that zone then the 
confined blast will be delayed until the animal leaves the zone of its 
own volition. The exclusion zone is larger than the area where the ACOE 
has determined that Level B harassment will occur, so if the monitoring 
and mitigation measures implemented are successful as expected, and no 
detonation occurs when an animal is inside of the exclusion zone, no 
take by Level B harassment is likely to occur. However, to be 
conservative, the ACOE has calculated the potential exists for Level B 
harassment and is pursuing an IHA from NMFS. More information on how 
the danger and exclusion zones are determined is included in the 
``Mitigation'' section of this document (see below).
    In a previous monitoring report for ACOE's Miami Harbor Phase II 
project in 2005, it was noted that a bottlenose dolphin outside the 
exclusion zone, in the deeper water channel, exhibited a startle 
response immediately following a confined blast. Details of that event 
from the monitoring report are included below:

    Any animals near the exclusion zone were watched carefully 
during the blast for any changes in behavior or noticeable reaction 
to the blast. The only observation that showed signs of a possible 
reaction to the blast was on July 27, when two dolphins were in the 
channel west of the blast. The dolphins were stationary at 
approximately 2,400 ft (731.5 m) from the blast array, feeding and 
generally cavorting. Due to the proximity of the dolphins, the drill 
barge was contacted prior to the blast to confirm that the exclusion 
zone calculation was 1,600 ft (487.7 m) for the lower weight of 
explosives used that day. The topography of the bottom in that area 
is very shallow (approximately 3.3 ft [1 m]) to the south, then an 
exceptionally steep drop off into the channel at 40 plus ft ending 
at the bulkhead wall to the north. Westward, the channel continues 
and has a more gradual upward slope. At the time of the blast, one 
of the dolphins was at the surface in the shallows, while the other 
dolphin was underwater within the channel. The dolphin that was 
underwater showed a strong reaction to the blast. The animal jumped 
fully out of the water in a `breaching' fashion; behavior that had 
not been exhibited prior to the blast. The animal was observed 
jumping out of the water immediately before the observers heard the 
blast suggesting that the animal reacted to the blast and not some 
other stimulus. It is probable that, because this animal was located 
in the channel, the sound and pressure of the blast traveled either 
farther or was more focused through the channeling and the 
reflection from the bulkhead, thus causing the animal to react even 
though it was well outside the safety radius. These two dolphins 
were tracked for the entire 30 min post blast period and no obvious 
signs of distress or behavior changes were observed. Other animals 
observed near the safety radius during the blast were all to the 
south of the blasting array, well up on the seagrass beds or in the 
pipe channel that runs through the seagrass beds. None of these 
animals showed any reaction to the blast.

    Individual dolphins from other stocks and within the Biscayne Bay 
and Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal stocks potentially 
move both inshore and offshore of Biscayne Bay due to the openness of 
this bay system and closeness of the outer continental shelf. These 
movements are not fully understood and the possibility exists that 
these other stocks may be affected in the same manner as the Biscayne 
Bay and Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal stocks.
    Based on the data from the Miami Harbor project in 2005 and the 
implementation of the monitoring and mitigation measures, the ACOE and 
NMFS expects limited potential effects of the construction and confined 
blasting activities on marine mammals in the Port of Miami action area.

Potential Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat

    No information is currently available that indicates resident 
bottlenose dolphins in the action area specifically utilize the inner 
and outer channels, walls, and substrate of the Port of Miami as 
habitat for feeding, resting, mating, or other biologically significant 
functions. The bottom of the channel has been previously blasted, and 
the rock and sand dredged. The walls of the channels are composed of 
vertical rock. The ACOE acknowledges that while the port may not be 
suitable foraging habitat for bottlenose dolphins in Biscayne Bay, it 
is likely that dolphins may use the area to traverse to and from North 
Biscayne Bay or offshore via the main channel (i.e., Government Cut).
    The temporary modification of the action area by the construction 
and confined blasting activities may potentially impact the two stocks 
of bottlenose dolphins expected to be present in the Port of Miami, 
however, these impacts are not expected to be adverse. If animals are 
using the Port of Miami project area to travel from south to north 
Biscayne Bay or vice-versa and/or exiting the Biscayne Bay via the main 
shipping channel, the construction and confined blasting activities may 
delay or detour their movements.
    Confined blasting within the boundaries of the Port of Miami will 
be limited both spatially and temporally. The explosives utilized in 
the confined blasting operations are water soluble and non-toxic. If an 
explosive charge is unable to be fired and must be left in the drill 
hole, it is designed to break down. Also, each drill hole has a booster 
with detonator and detonation cord. Most of the detonation cord is 
recovered onto the drill barge by pulling it back onboard the drill 
barge after the confined blasting event. Small amounts of detonation 
cord may remain in the water after the confined blasting event has 
taken place, and will be recovered by small vessels with scoop nets. 
Any material left in the drill hole after the confined blast event will 
be recovered

[[Page 49296]]

through the dredging process, when the cutterhead dredge excavates the 
fractured rock material.
    With regard to prey species (mainly fish), a very small number of 
fish are expected to be impacted by the Miami Harbor project, based on 
the results of the 2005 blasting project in Miami Harbor. That project 
consisted of 40 confined blast events over a 38 day time frame. Of 
these 40 confined blast events, 23 were monitored (57.5% of the total) 
by the State, and injured and dead fish were collected after the all 
clear was given (the ``all-clear'' is normally at least two to three 
min after the shot is fired, since seagulls and frigate birds quickly 
learned to approach the confined blast site and swoop in to eat some of 
the stunned, injured, and dead fish floating on the surface of the 
water). State biologists and volunteers collected the carcasses of the 
floating fish (note that not all dead fish float after a blasting 
event, and due to safety concerns, there are no plans to put divers on 
the bottom of the channel in the blast zone to collect non-floating 
fish carcasses. The fish were described to the lowest taxonomic level 
possible (usually species) and the injury types were categorized. The 
data forms are available from the FWC and ACOE upon request.
    A summary of those data shows that 24 different genera were 
collected during the previous Miami Harbor blasting project. The 
species with the highest abundance were white grunts (Haemulon plumier, 
N = 51), scrawled cowfish (Lactophrys quadricornis, N = 43), and pygmy 
filefish (Monocanthus setifer, N = 30). The total fish collected during 
the 23 confined blasts was 288 or an average of 12.5 fish per blast 
(range 3 to 38). In observation of the three confined blasts with the 
greatest number of fish killed (see Table 4 of ACOE's application) and 
reviewing the maximum charge weight per delay for the Miami Harbor 
project, it appears that there is no direct correlation between the 
charge weight and fish killed that can be determined from such a small 
sample. Reviewing the 23 blasting events where dead and injured fish 
were collected after the ``all-clear'' signal was given, no discernable 
pattern exists. Factors that affect fish mortality include, but are not 
limited to fish size, body shape (fusiform, etc.), proximity of the 
blast to a vertical structure like a bulkhead (e.g., see the August 10, 
2005 blast event, a much smaller charge weight resulted in a higher 
fish kill due to the closeness of a bulkhead).

 Table 3--Confined Blast Maximum Charge Weight and Number of Fish Killed
                    During Miami Harbor 2005 Project
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Max charge
                  Date                     weight/delay     Fish killed
                                               (lb)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 25, 2005...........................             112              35
July 26, 2005...........................              85              38
August 10, 2005.........................              17              28
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the past, to reduce the potential for fish to be injured or 
killed by the confined blasting, the resource agencies have requested, 
and ACOE has allowed, that confined blasting contractors utilize a 
small, unconfined explosive charge, usually a 1 lb (0.5 kg) booster, 
detonated about 30 seconds before the main confined blast, to drive 
fish away from the confined blasting zone. It is assumed that noise or 
pressure generated by the small charge will drive fish from the 
immediate area, thereby reducing impacts from the larger and 
potentially more-damaging confined blast. Blasting companies use this 
method as a ``good faith effort'' to reduce the potential impacts to 
aquatic natural resources. The explosives industry recommends firing a 
``warning shot'' to frighten fish out of the area before seismic 
exploration work is begun (Anonymous, 1978 in Keevin et al., 1997).
    There are limited data available on the effectiveness of fish scare 
charges at actually reducing the magnitude of fish kills, and the 
effectiveness may be based on the fish's life history. Keevin et al. 
(1997) conducted a study to test if fish scare charges are effective in 
moving fishes away from blast zones. They used three freshwater species 
(i.e., largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), channel catfish 
(Ictalurus punctatus), and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), 
equipping each fish with an internal radio tag to allow the fishes 
movements to be tracked before and after the scare charge. Fish 
movement was compared with a predicted lethal dose (LD) 0% mortality 
distance for an open water shot (no confinement) for a variety of 
charge weights. Largemouth bass showed little response to repelling 
charges and none would have moved from the kill zone calculated for any 
explosive size. Only one of the flathead catfish and two of the channel 
catfish would have moved to a safe distance for any blast. This means 
that only 11% of the fish used in the study would have survived the 
blast events.
    These results call into question the effectiveness of this 
minimization methodology; however, some assert that based on the 
monetary value of fish (American Fishery Society, 1992 in Keevin et 
al., 1997), including the high value commercial or recreational species 
like snook (Centropomus undecimalis) and tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) 
found in southeast Florida inlets like Port Everglades, the low cost 
associated with repelling charge use would be offset if only a few fish 
moved from the kill zone (Keevin et al., 1997).
    To calculate the potential loss of prey species from the project 
area as an impact of the confined blasting events, the ACOE used a 12.5 
fish kill per blasting event estimate based on the Miami Harbor 2005 
project, and multiplied it by the 40 shots, reaching a total estimate 
of 500 floating fish. As stated previously, not all carcasses float to 
the surface and there is no way to estimate how many carcasses did not 
float. Using an estimate of 12.5 fish kill per blasting event, and the 
maximum 600 detonations for the entire multi-year project, the minimum 
number of fish expected to be killed by the project is approximately 
7,500 fish across the entire 28,500 ft (8,686.8 m) long channel 
footprint, assuming the worst case scenario and the entire channel 
needs to be blasted.
    NMFS anticipates that the action will result in no significant 
impacts to marine mammal habitat beyond rendering the areas immediately 
around the Port of Miami less desirable shortly after each confined 
blasting event and during dredging operations and potentially 
eliminating a relatively small amount of locally available prey. The 
impacts will be localized and instantaneous. Impacts to marine mammal 
habitat, as well as invertebrate

[[Page 49297]]

and fish species are not expected to be significantly detrimental.

Mitigation

    In order to issue an 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 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.
    Over the last 10 years, the ACOE's Jacksonville District has been 
collecting data concerning the effects of confined blasting projects on 
marine mammals. This effort began in the early 1990's when the ACOE 
contracted with Dr. Calvin Koyna, Precision Blasting Services, to 
review previous ACOE blasting projects. The ACOE also received 
recommendations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 
Commission (FWC, then known as the Florida Department of Natural 
Resources) and the USFWS to prepare for a harbor deepening project at 
Port Everglades, Florida, which was conducted in the mid-1980s. The 
recommendations prepared for the project were specifically aimed at 
protecting endangered manatees and endangered and threatened sea 
turtles.
    The ACOE will develop and implement four zones as protective 
measures that are based on the use of an unconfined blast. The use of 
unconfined blast in development of these protective zones for a 
confined blast will increase the conservation measures afforded marine 
mammals in the action area. These four zones are referred to as the 
danger zone (i.e., inner most zone, located closest to the blast), the 
exclusion zone (i.e., the danger zone plus 500 ft (152.4 m) to add an 
additional layer of conservatism for marine mammals), the safety zone 
(i.e., the third zone), and the watch zone (i.e., the outer most zone). 
All of these zones are noted in Figure 11 of ACOE's IHA application and 
described in further detail in this section of the document (see 
below). Of these four zones, only the danger zone is associated with an 
MMPA threshold. The danger zone has been determined to be larger than 
or equal to the threshold for Level B harassment, as defined by the 
MMPA. Injury (Level A harassment), serious injury, or mortality are 
expected to occur at closer distances to the blasting array within the 
danger zone.
    These four zone calculations will be included as part of the 
specifications package that the contractors will bid on before the 
project is awarded.
    As part of the ACOE's Miami Harbor Phase II project, the ACOE 
monitored the confined blasting project and collected data on the 
pressures associated with confined blasts, while employing a formula to 
calculate buffer and exclusion zones that would protect marine mammals. 
Results from the pressure monitoring at Miami Harbor Phase II 
demonstrate that stemming each drill hole reduces the blast pressure 
entering the water (Nedwell and Thandavamoorthy, 1992; Hemen et al., 
2005; Hempen et al., 2007).
    The following standard conditions have been incorporated into the 
project specifications to reduce the risk to marine mammals in the 
project area. While this application is specific to bottlenose 
dolphins, these specifications are written for all protected species 
that may be in the project area.
    If confined blasting is planned during the period of November 1 
through March 31, significant operational delays should be expected due 
to the increased likelihood of manatees being present within the 
project area. If possible, avoid scheduling confined blasting during 
the period from November 1 through March 31. In the area where confined 
blasting could occur or any area where confined blasting is required to 
obtain channel design depth, the following marine mammal protective 
measures shall be employed, before, during, and after each confined 
blast:
    (A) The USFWS and NMFS must review the contractor's approved 
Blasting Plan prior to any confined blasting activities. (Copies of 
this blasting plan shall be provided to FDEP and FWC as a matter of 
comity.) This confined blasting proposal must include information 
concerning a watch program and details of the confined blasting events. 
This information must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date 
of the confined blast(s) to the following addresses:
    (1) FWC-ISM, 620 South Meridian Street, Mail Stop 6A, Tallahassee, 
FL 32399-1600 or ImperiledSpecies@myfwc.com.
    (2) NMFS Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    (3) USFWS, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960-3559 or 6620 
Southpoint Drive South, Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL 32216-0912 (project 
location dependent).
    (4) NMFS Southeast Regional Office, Protected Species Management 
Branch, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
    In addition to plan review, Dr. Allen Foley shall be notified at 
the initiation and completion of all in-water blasting 
(allen.foley@myfwc.com).
    (B) The contractor's blasting plan shall include at least the 
following information, as required by the project's specifications:
    (1) A list of PSOs, their qualifications, and positions for the 
watch, including a map depicting the locations for boat or land-based 
PSOs. Qualified PSOs must have prior on-the-job experience observing 
for protected species during previous in-water blasting events where 
the blasting activities were similar in nature to this project.
    (2) The amount of explosive charge, the explosive charge's 
equivalency in TNT, how it will be executed (depth of drilling, 
stemming, in-water, etc.), a drawing depicting the placement of the 
charges, size of the exclusion zone, and how it will be marked (also 
depicted on a map), tide tables for the blasting event(s), and 
estimates of times and days for blasting events (with an understanding 
this is an estimate, and may change due to weather, equipment, etc.).
    (C) For each explosive charge placed, four zones will be 
calculated, denoted on monitoring reports and provided to PSOs before 
each blast for incorporation in the watch plan for each planned 
detonation. All of the zones will be noted by buoys for each of the 
blasts. These zones are:
    (1) Danger Zone: The danger zone radius is equal to 260 (79.25 m) 
times the cube root of the weight of the explosive charge in lbs per 
delay (equivalent weight of tetryl or TNT). The radius of the danger 
zone has been determined to be equal to or larger than the distance 
from the charge to a location where a marine mammal would experience 
Level B harassment.
    Danger zone (ft) = 260 (lbs/delay)1/3
    Danger Zone Development: The radius of the danger zone will be 
calculated to determine the maximum distance from the confined blast at 
which mortality to marine mammals is likely to occur. The danger zone 
was determined by the amount of explosives used within each delay 
(which can contain multiple boreholes). (The original basis of this 
calculation was to protect human U.S. Navy Seal divers from underwater 
detonations of underwater mines [Goertner, 1982]). Goertner's 
calculations were based on impacts to terrestrial animals in water when 
exposed to a detonation suspended in the water column (unconfined 
blast) as researched by the U.S. Navy in the 1970's (Yelverton et al., 
1973; Richmond et al., 1973).

[[Page 49298]]

Additionally, observations of sea turtle injury and mortality 
associated with unconfined blasts for the cutting of oil rig structures 
in the Gulf of Mexico (Young, 1991; Young and O'Keefe, 1994) were also 
incorporated in this radius beyond its use by the Navy.
    The U.S. Navy Dive Manual and the FWC Guidelines (2005) set the 
danger zone formula for an unconfined blast suspended in the water 
column, which is as follows:

R = 260(W)1/3

Where:

R = radius of the danger zone in ft
W = weight of the explosive charge in lbs (tetryl or TNT)

This formula is conservative for the confined blasting being done by 
the ACOE in the Port of Miami since the blast will be confined with the 
rock and not suspended in the water column. The reduction of impact by 
confining the shots more than compensates for the presumed higher 
sensitivity of marine mammals. The ACOE and NMFS believes that the 
radius of the danger zone, coupled with a strong marine mammal 
monitoring and protection plan is a conservative approach to the 
protection of marine mammals in the action area.
    (2) Exclusion Zone: The exclusion zone radius is equal to the 
danger zone plus a buffer of 500 ft. Detonation will not occur if a 
marine mammal is known to be (or based on previous sightings, may be) 
within the exclusion zone.

Exclusion zone (ft) = danger zone + 500 ft

    Exclusion Zone Development: The exclusion zone is not associated 
with any threshold of take under the MMPA. The exclusion zone was 
developed during consultations with the FWC during the 2005 to 2006 
Phase II dredging and confined blasting project in Miami Harbor. FWC 
requested a larger ``no blast'' radius due to the high number of 
manatees documented in the vicinity of the Port of Miami, particularly 
utilizing the Bill Sadowski Critical Wildlife Area directly south of 
the port and north of Virginia Key. The ACOE concurred with this 
request and added a second zone with an additional 500 ft radius above 
the calculated radius of the danger zone. To be consistent with the 
previous blasting activities at Miami Harbor, and since the confined 
blasting will take place in the same area, with the same concerns about 
the proximity of manatees to the blasting sites along Fisherman's 
Channel, the ACOE plans to maintain the exclusion zone.
    (3) Safety Zone: The safety zone is equal to 520 (158.50 m) times 
the cube root of the weight of the explosive charge in lbs per delay 
(equivalent weight of tetryl or TNT).

Safety zone (ft; two times the size of the danger zone) = 520 (lbs/
delay)1/3
    Safety Zone Development: The safety zone is not associated with any 
threshold of take. The safety zone was developed to be an area of 
``heightened awareness'' of protected species (e.g. dolphins, manatees, 
and sea turtles) entering the blast area, without triggering a shut-
down. This area triggers individual specific monitoring of each 
individual or group of animals as they transit in, out, or through the 
designated zones.
    (4) Watch Zone: The watch zone is three times the radius of the 
danger zone to ensure that animals entering or traveling close to the 
exclusion zone are sighted and appropriate actions can be implemented 
before or as the animal enters the any impact areas (i.e., a delay in 
blasting activities).

Watch zone (ft; three times the size of the Danger Zone) = 3 [260 (lbs/
delay)1/3]
    Watch Zone Development: The watch zone is not associated to any 
threshold of take. The watch zone is the area that can be typically 
covered by a small helicopter based on the blasting site, flight speed, 
flight height, and available fuel to ensure effective mitigation-
monitoring of the project area.
    (D) The watch program shall begin at least one hour prior to the 
scheduled start of blasting to identify the possible presence of marine 
mammals. The watch program shall continue for at least 30 minutes (min) 
after detonations are complete.
    (E) The watch program shall consist of a minimum of six PSOs. Each 
PSO shall be equipped with a two-way radio that shall be dedicated 
exclusively to the watch. Extra radios should be available in case of 
failures. All of the PSOs shall be in close communication with the 
blasting sub-contractor in order to halt the blast event if the need 
arises. If all PSOs do not have working radios and cannot contact the 
primary PSO and the blasting sub-contractor during the pre-blast watch, 
the blast shall be postponed until all PSOs are in radio contact. PSOs 
will also be equipped with polarized sunglasses, binoculars, a red flag 
for back-up visual communication, and a sighting log with a map to 
record sightings. All confined blasting events will be weather 
dependent. Climatic conditions must be suitable for optimal viewing 
conditions, to be determined by the PSOs.
    (F) The watch program shall include a continuous aerial survey to 
be conducted by aircraft, as approved by the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA). The confined blasting event shall be halted if an 
animal(s) is sighted within the exclusion zone, within the five min 
before the explosives are scheduled to be detonated. An ``all clear'' 
signal must be obtained from the aerial PSO before the detonation can 
occur. The confined blasting event shall be halted immediately upon 
request of any of the PSOs. If animals are sighted, the blast event 
shall not take place until the animal(s) moves out of the exclusion 
zone under its own volition. Animals shall not be herded away or 
intentionally harassed into leaving. Specifically, the animals must not 
be intentionally approached by project watercraft or aircraft. If the 
animal(s) is not sighted a second time, the event may resume 30 min 
after the last sighting.
    (G) An actual delay in blasting shall occur when a marine mammal is 
detected within the exclusion zone at the point where the blast 
countdown reaches the T-minus five min. At that time, if an animal is 
in or near the safety zone, the countdown is put on hold until the zone 
is completely clear of marine mammals and all 30 min sighting holds 
have expired. Animal movements into the safety zone prior to that point 
are monitored closely, but do not necessarily stop the countdown. The 
exception to this would be stationary animals that do not appear to be 
moving out of the area or animals that begin moving into the safety 
zone late in the countdown. For these cases, holds on the T-minus 15 
minutes may be called to keep the shipping channel open and minimize 
the impact on the Port of Miami operations.
    (H) The PSOs and contractors shall evaluate any problems 
encountered during blasting events and logistical solutions shall be 
presented during blasting events and logistical solutions shall be 
presented to the Contracting Officer. Corrections to the watch shall be 
made prior to the next blasting event. If any one of the aforementioned 
conditions is not met prior to or during the blasting, the watch PSOs 
shall have the authority to terminate the blasting event, until 
resolution can be reached with the Contracting Officer. The Contracting 
Officer will contact FWC, USFWS, and NMFS.
    (I) If an injured or dead marine mammal is sighted after the 
confined blast event, the PSOs on watch shall contact the ACOE and the 
ACOE will then contact the proper Federal and/or state natural resource 
agencies.
    The PSOs shall maintain contact with the injured or dead marine 
mammal

[[Page 49299]]

until authorities have arrived. Blasting shall be postponed until 
consultations are reinitiated and completed, and determinations can be 
made of the cause of injury or mortality. If blasting injuries are 
documented, all demolition activities shall cease. The ACOE will then 
submit a revised blasting plan to USFWS and NMFS for review with copies 
provided to FWC and FLDEP as a matter of comity.
    (J) Within 30 days after completion of all blasting events, the 
primary PSO shall submit a report the ACOE, who will provide it to the 
USFWS, NMFS, FWC, and FLDEP providing a description of the event, 
number and location of animals seen and what actions were taken when 
animals were seen. Any problems associated with the event and 
suggestions for improvements shall also be documented in the report.

Monitoring for Mitigation

    The ACOE will rely upon the same monitoring protocol developed for 
the Port of Miami project in 2005 (Barkaszi, 2005) and published in 
Jordan et al. (2007), which can be found online at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. The monitoring protocol is 
summarized here:
    A watch plan will be formulated based on the required monitoring 
radii and optimal observation locations. The watch plan will consist of 
at least five PSOs including at least one aerial PSO, two boat-based 
PSOs, and two PSOs stationed on the drill barge (see Figures 13, 14, 
15, and 16 of the ACOE's IHA application). This watch plan will be 
consistent with the program that was utilized successfully at Miami 
Harbor in 2005. The sixth PSO will be placed in the most optimal 
observation location (boat, barge, or aircraft) on a day-by-day basis 
depending on the location of the blast and the placement of dredging 
equipment. This process will ensure complete coverage of the four zones 
as well as any critical areas. The watch will begin at least one hour 
prior to each blast and continue for one half hour after each blast 
(Jordan et al., 2007).
    The aerial PSO will fly in a turbine engine helicopter (bell jet 
ranger) with the doors removed. This provided maximum visibility of the 
watch and safety zones as well as exceptional maneuverability and the 
needed flexibility for continual surveillance without fuel stops or 
down time, minimization of delays due to weather or visibility and the 
ability to deliver post-blast assistance. Additionally, at least six 
commercial helicopter, small Cessna, and ultra-light companies operate 
on Key Biscayne, immediately south of the Port of Miami and offer 
``flight-seeing'' operations over downtown Miami, Bayfront, and the 
Port of Miami. Recreational use of ultra-lights launching from Key 
Biscayne is also common in the area, as are overflights of commercial 
seaplanes, jet aircraft, and helicopters. The action area being 
monitored is a high traffic area, surrounded by an urban environment 
where animals are potentially exposed to multiple overflights daily. 
ACOE conferred with Mary Jo Barkaszi, owner and chief PSO of ECOES, 
Inc., a protected species monitoring company with 25 years experience, 
and has worked on the last five blasting events involving marine mammal 
concerns for the ACOE throughout the country. All of these blasting 
events had bottlenose dolphins commonly occur in the project area. Ms. 
Barkaszi states that in her experience, she has not observed bottlenose 
dolphins diving or fleeing the area because a helicopter is hovering 
nearby at 500 ft (pers. comm., September 12, 2011). During monitoring 
events, the helicopter hovers at 500 ft above the watch zone and only 
drops below that level when helping to confirm identification of 
something small in the water, like a sea turtle. The ACOE and NMFS do 
not expect the incidental take of bottlenose dolphins, by Level B 
harassment, from helicopter-based monitoring of the blasting operations 
and the ACOE is not requesting take.
    Boat-based PSOs are placed on one of two vessels, both of which 
have attached platforms that place the PSOs eyes at least 10 ft (3 m) 
above the water surface enabling optimal visibility of the water from 
the vessels. The boat-based PSOs cover the safety zone where waters are 
deep enough to safely operate the boats without any impacts to seagrass 
resources. The shallow seagrass beds south of the project site relegate 
the PSO boats mainly to the channel east and west of the blast zone. At 
no time are any of the PSO boats allowed in shallow areas where 
propellers could potentially impact the fragile seagrass.
    At times, turbidity in the water may be high and visibility through 
the water column may be reduced so that animals are not seen below the 
surface as they should be under normal conditions. This may be more 
common on an ebb tide or with a sustained south wind. However, animals 
surfacing in these conditions are still routinely sighted from the air 
and from the boats, thus the overall PSO program is not compromised, 
only the degree to which animals were tracked below the surface. 
Adjustments to the program are made accordingly so that all protected 
species are confirmed out of the safety zone prior to the T-minus five 
min, just as they are under normal visual conditions. The waters within 
the project area are exceptional for observation so that the decreased 
visibility below the surface during turbid conditions make the waters 
more typical of other port facilities where PSO programs are also 
effective throughout the U.S., for example New York and Boston harbors, 
where this monitoring method has also been employed.
    All PSOs are equipped with marine-band VHF radios, maps of the 
blast zone, polarized sunglasses, and appropriate data sheets. 
Communications among PSOs and with the blaster is of critical 
importance to the success of the watch plan. The aerial-based PSO is in 
contact with vessel and drill barge-based PSOs and the drill barge with 
regular 15 min radio checks throughout the watch period. Constant 
tracking of animals spotted by any PSO is possible due to the amount 
and type of PSO coverage and the excellent communications plan. Watch 
hours are restricted to between two hours after sunrise and one hour 
before sunset. The watch begins at least one hour prior to the 
scheduled blast and is continuous throughout the blast. Watch continues 
for at least 30 min post blast at which time any animals that were seen 
prior to the blast are visually re-located whenever possible and all 
PSOs in boats and in the aircraft assisted in cleaning up any blast 
debris.
    If any marine mammals are spotted during the watch, the PSO 
notifies the aerial-based PSO and/or the other PSOs via radio. The 
animals is located by the aerial-based PSO to determine its range and 
bearing from the blast array. Initial locations and all subsequent re-
acquisitions are plotted on maps. Animals within or approaching the 
safety zone are tracked by the aerial and boat-based PSOs until they 
exited the safety zone. Anytime animals are sighted near the safety 
zone, the drill barge is alerted as to the animal's proximity and some 
indication of any potential delays it might cause.
    If any animal(s) is sighted inside the safety zone and not re-
acquired, no blasting is authorized until at least 30 minutes has 
elapsed since the last sighting of that animal(s). The PSOs on watch 
will continue the countdown up until the T-minus five minute point. At 
this time, the aerial-based PSO confirms that all animals are outside 
the safety zone and that all holds have expired prior to clearing the 
drill barge for the T-minus five min notice. A fish scare charge will 
be fired at T-minus five min and T-minus one min to minimize

[[Page 49300]]

effects of the blast on fish that may be in the same area of the blast 
array by scaring them from the blast area.

Monitoring and Reporting

    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.'' NMFS 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 in the action area.
    The ACOE will be conducting a study on fish kill associated with 
confined underwater blasting that will provide information on the 
effects of confined underwater blasting on prey species for dolphins in 
the project area. This study will determine the minimum distance from 
the blast array, based on charge weight, at which fish will not be 
killed, or injured (the ``lethal dose of zero'' distance) by confined 
underwater blasting. Similar studies have been completed for open water 
(unconfined) blasts as cited by Hempen and Keevin (1995), Keevin et al. 
(1995a, 1995b, and 1997), and Keevin (1998), but no such studies have 
been conducted for confined underwater blasting. This data will be 
useful for future confined blasting projects where pisciverous marine 
mammals are found, since it will allow resource managers to assess the 
impacts of the blasting activities on marine mammal prey, where species 
composition and density data have been collected for that project.
    Additionally, ACOE will provide sighting data for each blast to 
researchers at NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center's marine mammal 
program and any other researchers working on dolphins in the project 
area to add to their database of animal usage of the project area. The 
ACOE will rely upon the same monitoring protocol developed for the Port 
of Miami project in 2005 (Barkaszi, 2005) and published in Jordan et 
al. (2007).
    The ACOE plans to coordinate monitoring with the appropriate 
Federal and state resource agencies, and will provide copies of all 
relevant monitoring reports prepared by their contractors. After 
completion of all detonation and dredging events, the ACOE will submit 
a summary report to regulatory agencies.
    Within 30 days after completion of all blasting events, the lead 
PSO shall submit a report to the ACOE, who will provide it to NMFS. The 
report will contain the PSO's logs (including names and positions 
during the blasting events), provide a description of the events, 
environmental conditions, number and location of animals sighted, the 
behavioral observations of the marine mammals, and what actions were 
taken when animals were sighted in the action area of the project. Any 
problems associated with the event and suggestions for improvements 
shall also be documented in the report. A draft final report must be 
submitted to NMFS within 90 days after the conclusion of the blasting 
activities. The report would include a summary of the information 
gathered pursuant to the monitoring requirements set forth in the IHA, 
including dates and times of detonations as well as pre- and post-
blasting monitoring observations. A final report must be submitted to 
NMFS within 30 days after receiving comments from NMFS on the draft 
final report. If no comments are received from NMFS, the draft final 
report will be considered to be the final report.
    In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by this IHA, 
such as an injury, serious injury or mortality, ACOE will immediately 
cease the specified activities and immediately report the incident to 
the Chief of the Permits and Conservation, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS at 301-427-8401 and/or by email to 
Jolie.Harrison@noaa.gov and Howard.Goldstein@noaa.gov, and the NMFS 
Southeast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 877-433-8299 
(Blair.Mase@noaa.gov and Erin.Fougeres@noaa.gov) (Florida Marine Mammal 
Stranding Hotline at 888-404-3922). The report must include the 
following information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     Description of the incident;
     Status of all noise-generating source use in the 24 hours 
preceding the incident;
     Water depth;
     Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
     Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24 
hours preceding the incident;
     Species identification or description of the animal(s) 
involved;
     Fate of the animal(s); and
     Photographs or video footage of the animal(s) (if 
equipment is available).
    Activities shall not resume until NMFS is able to review the 
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS shall work with ACOE to 
determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood of further 
prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. ACOE may not resume their 
activities until notified by NMFS via letter or email, or telephone.
    In the event that ACOE discovers an injured or dead marine mammal, 
and the lead PSO determines that the cause of the injury or death is 
unknown and the death is relatively recent (i.e., in less than a 
moderate state of decomposition as described in the next paragraph), 
ACOE will immediately report the incident to the Chief of the Permits 
and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, at 301-
427-8401, and/or by email to Jolie.Harrison@noaa.gov and 
Howard.Goldstein@noaa.gov, and the NMFS Southeast Region Marine Mammal 
Stranding Network (877-433-8299) and/or by email to the Southeast 
Regional Stranding Coordinator (Blair.Mase@noaa.gov) and Southeast 
Regional Stranding Program Administrator (Erin.Fougeres@noaa.gov). The 
report must include the same information identified in the paragraph 
above. Activities may continue while NMFS reviews the circumstances of 
the incident. NMFS will work with ACOE to determine whether 
modifications in the activities are appropriate.
    In the event that ACOE discovers an injured or dead marine mammal, 
and the lead PSO determines that the injury or death is not associated 
with or related to the activities authorized in the IHA (e.g., 
previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to advanced 
decomposition, or scavenger damage), ACOE will report the incident to 
the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, at 301-427-8401, and/or by email to 
Jolie.Harrison@noaa.gov and Howard.Goldstein@noaa.gov, and the NMFS 
Southeast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network (877-433-8299), and/or 
by email to the Southeast Regional Stranding Coordinator 
(Blair.Mase@noaa.gov) and Southeast Regional Stranding Program 
Administrator (Erin.Fougeres@noaa.gov), within 24 hours of discovery. 
ACOE will provide photographs or video footage (if available) or other 
documentation of the stranded animal sighting to NMFS and the Marine 
Mammal Stranding Network.

[[Page 49301]]

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].

The ACOE is requesting the take of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, by 
Level B harassment only, incidental to blasting activities at Miami 
Harbor. The ACOE notes that multiple IHAs (up to three) will likely be 
needed and requested for the project due to the duration of the planned 
blasting activities. See Table 2 (above) for NMFS' threshold criteria 
and metrics utilized for impact analyses from the use of explosives.

Biscayne Bay Stock

    The Biscayne Bay stock of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins is bounded 
by Haulover Inlet to the north and Card Sound Bridge to the south. 
Biscayne Bay is 428 square mi (mi\2\) (1,108.5 square km [km\2\]) in 
area. The Port of Miami channel, within the boundaries of Biscayne Bay, 
is approximately 7,200 ft (2,194.6 m) long by 500 ft (152.4 m) wide, 
with the 3,425 ft (1,044 m) long by 1,400 ft (426.7 m) wide Dodge-
Lummus Island turning basin (total area 0.3 mi\2\ [0.8 km\2\]) at the 
western terminus of Fisherman's Channel. The Port of Miami's channels 
consist of approximately 0.1% of the entire area of Biscayne Bay.
    To determine the maximum area of Biscayne Bay in which bottlenose 
dolphins may experience pressure levels greater than or equal to the 23 
psi threshold for explosives less than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg), which has 
the potential to result in Level B harassment due to temporary 
threshold shift (TTS) and associated behavioral disruption, the ACOE 
may utilize a maximum charge weight of 450 lb (204.1 kg) with a 
calculated danger zone of 1,995 ft (608.1 m). Using this radius, the 
total area of this zone is approximately 0.1% of Biscayne Bay 
(12,503,617 ft\2\ [1,161,624 m\2\]).
    Utilizing the pressure data collected the Miami Harbor Phase II 
project in 2005, for a maximum charge weight of 450 lbs in a fully 
confined blast, the pressure is expected to be 22 psi approximately 700 
ft (213.4 m) from the blast, which is below the threshold for Level B 
harassment (i.e., 23 psi criteria for explosives less than 2,000 lb). 
However to ensure the protection of marine mammals, and in case of an 
incident where a detonation is not fully confined, the ACOE assumes 
that any animal within the boundaries of the danger zone would be taken 
by Level B harassment.
    Litz (2007) identified 69 individuals of the Biscayne Bay stock 
that she classified as the ``northern dolphins'' meaning animals with a 
mean sighting history from 1994 to 2004 north of 25.61[deg] North. The 
photo-ID study that Litz's data is based on encompassed an area of 
approximately 200 mi\2\ (518 km\2\), approximately 50% of Biscayne Bay. 
The estimated maximum population of animals that may be in the project 
area is equal to the total number of uniquely identified animals for 
the entire photo-ID study of Biscayne Bay is 229 individuals (Waring et 
al., 2010). The best population estimate for Biscayne Bay is 157 
individuals, which is based on SEFSC's most consistent survey effort 
conducted during the 2003 to 2007 photo-ID survey seasons (Waring et 
al., 2010).
    Table 4 (below) presents the estimated incidental take, by Level B 
harassment, for varying charge weight delays likely to be used during 
the blasting activities and the estimated impacts based on the 
population estimates used in this analysis. In all cases, less than one 
bottlenose dolphin is expected to be taken incidental to each blasting 
event (0.049 minimum to 0.162 maximum). This assumes that the 
distribution of bottlenose dolphins is equal throughout all of Biscayne 
Bay.

  Table 4--The Estimated Incidental Take of Bottlenose Dolphins From the Biscayne Bay Stock, per Each Blasting
                     Event, Based on the Maximum Charge Weight/Delay and Population Density
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Estimated take                  Estimated take
                                                                     based on     Estimated take     based on
                                                    Danger zone       minimum      based on best      maximum
               Maximum (lbs/delay)                     (ft)         population      population      population
                                                                   estimate (69    estimate (157   estimate (229
                                                                     animals)        animals)        animals)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
450.............................................           1,992           0.072           0.164           0.239
200.............................................           1,518           0.042           0.095           0.139
119.............................................           1,277           0.030           0.067           0.098
50..............................................             957           0.017           0.038           0.055
17..............................................             668           0.008           0.018           0.027
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ACOE accessed the NMFS SEFSC photo-ID survey data from 1990 to 
2004 in Biscayne Bay via the OBIS-Seamap database (https://seamap.env.duke.edu/) and downloaded the Google Earth overlay of the 
data. Figure 12 of the ACOE's IHA application shows the general area of 
the Port of Miami and hot spots of bottlenose dolphin sightings both 
north and south of Miami Harbor. The data were used to see if sightings 
across all parts of the Biscayne Bay were equal. This sighting 
frequency data was not used to calculate the potential take numbers of 
marine mammals incidental to the blasting activities.
    Reviewing the data from the Miami Harbor Phase II project in 2005, 
the ACOE noted that for the 40 detonations, 28% of all animals sighted 
within the action area (Fisherman's Channel) were bottlenose dolphins 
(the other animals sighted were manatees and sea turtles). Bottlenose 
dolphins were sighted inside the exclusion zone 12 times with a total 
of 30 individuals, with an average of 2.5 animals per sighting out of 
the total 58 bottlenose dolphins recorded during the project; 
therefore, groups of dolphins entered the exclusion zone multiple 
times. Also, dolphins entered the exclusion zone during 30% of the 
blasting events. Not all of the incidents where dolphins entered the 
exclusion zone resulted in a project delay, it is dependent upon when 
during the countdown the animals cross the line demarcating the 
exclusion zone, and how long they stay in the exclusion zone.
    During the Miami Harbor Phase II project in 2005, bottlenose 
dolphins in

[[Page 49302]]

the exclusion zone triggered delays on four occasions during the 13 
blasting events (31%). If the maximum 313 (365 calendar days/year minus 
52 Sundays/year [no confined blasting will occur on Sundays]) potential 
detonations for the duration of the one year IHA have an equal 
percentage of delays as the 2005 project (assuming construction starts 
in June with blasting June, 2012 to June, 2013 timeframe, with no 
blasting on Sundays), 94 of the detonations would be delayed for some 
period of time due to the presence of protected species and 29 of those 
delays would specifically be for bottlenose dolphins.
    As a worst case, using the area of the danger zone, and recognizing 
that the Port of Miami is within the boundaries of the northern area 
described in Litz (2007), and that the danger zone of any blasting 
event using equal to or less than 450 lbs/delay will be approximately 
0.1% of Biscayne Bay, the ACOE assumes that because animals are not 
evenly distributed throughout Biscayne Bay, that they travel as single 
individuals or in groups (as documented in the OBIS-Seamap data and the 
monitoring data from the Miami Harbor Phase II project in 2005), and 
that without any monitoring and mitigation measures to minimize 
potential impacts, up to three bottlenose dolphins from the Biscayne 
Bay stock may be taken, by Level B harassment, incidental to each 
blasting event.
    Assuming that the delays will be spread equally across the action 
area and using the calculation of 29 delays and that three bottlenose 
dolphins would be inside the danger zone, 15 of the delayed blasting 
events would take place in Biscayne Bay since it compromises 52% of the 
action area. Three bottlenose dolphins times 15 detonations is equal to 
45 bottlenose dolphins potentially exposed to an underwater sound and 
pressure over a 1-year period for an IHA incidental to the blasting 
activities at the Port of Miami.

Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal Stock

    The Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal stock of 
bottlenose dolphins is present in the coastal Atlantic waters shallower 
than 65.6 ft (20 m) in depth between latitude 29.4[deg] North to the 
western end of Vaca Key (approximately 29.69[deg] North to 81.11[deg] 
West) where the stock boundary for the Florida Key stock begins, with 
an area of 3,007 mi\2\ (7,789 km\2\). The outer entrance channel of the 
Port of Miami is approximately 15,500 ft long (4,724.4 m) by 500 ft 
wide, which is approximately 0.28 mi\2\ (0.73 km\2\). The Port of 
Miami's channels consist of approximately 0.009% of the stocks 
boundaries.
    The same calculations for assessing the potential impacts to 
bottlenose dolphins from the blasting activities that were used for the 
Biscayne Bay stock were also applied to this stock. To determine the 
maximum area of the coastal Atlantic in which bottlenose dolphins may 
experience pressure levels greater than or equal to the 23 psi 
threshold for explosives less than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg), which has the 
potential to result in Level B harassment due to TTS and associated 
behavioral disruption, the ACOE may utilize a maximum charge weight of 
450 lb (204.1 kg) with a calculated danger zone of 1,995 ft (608.1 m). 
Using this radius, the total area of this zone is approximately 0.015% 
of coastal Atlantic where this stock is expected to occur).
    For an open-water, unconfined blast, the pressure edge of the 
danger zone is expected to be 23 psi. For a fully confined blast, the 
pressure at the edge of the danger zone is expected to be 6 psi. 
Utilizing the pressure data collected the Miami Harbor Phase II project 
in 2005, for a maximum charge weight of 450 lbs in a fully confined 
blast, the pressure is expected to be 22 psi approximately 700 ft 
(213.4 m) from the blast, which is below the threshold for Level B 
harassment (i.e., 23 psi criteria for explosives less than 2,000 lb). 
However to ensure the protection of marine mammals, and in case of an 
incident where a detonation is not fully confined, the ACOE assumes 
that any animal within the boundaries of the danger zone would be taken 
by Level B harassment.
    Waring et al. (2010) estimates the minimum population for the 
Western North Atlantic Central Florida stock to be 5,094 animals, and 
estimates the best population to be 6,318 animals.
    Table 5 (below) presents the estimated incidental take, by Level B 
harassment, for varying charge weight delays likely to be used during 
the blasting activities and the estimated impacts based on the 
population estimates used in this analysis. In all cases, less than one 
bottlenose dolphin is expected to be taken incidental to each blasting 
event (0.102 minimum to 0.948 maximum). This assumes that the 
distribution of bottlenose dolphins is equal throughout all of the 
stock's range.

  Table 5--The Estimated Incidental Take of Bottlenose Dolphins From the Western North Atlantic Central Florida
     Coastal Stock, per Each Blasting Event, Based on the Maximum Charge Weight/Delay and Population Density
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Estimated take
                                                                                     based on     Estimated take
                                                                    Danger zone       minimum      based on best
                       Maximum (lbs/delay)                             (ft)         population      population
                                                                                     estimate        estimate
                                                                                      (5,094)         (6,318)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
450.............................................................           1,992           0.758           0.940
200.............................................................           1,520           0.441           0.547
119.............................................................           1,279           0.312           0.387
50..............................................................             958           0.175           0.217
17..............................................................             668           0.085           0.106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Other than the aerial surveys conducted by NMFS used to develop the 
stock assessment report, the ACOE has not been able to locate any 
additional photo-ID or habitat usage analysis. As a result, the ACOE is 
unable to determine if animals are evenly distributed throughout the 
stock's range, particularly in the southernmost portion of the stock's 
range where the action area is located.
    To be conservative, the ACOE will use the same assumptions for the 
Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal stock as was used for 
the Biscayne Bay stock. Reviewing the data from the Miami Harbor Phase 
II project in 2005, the ACOE noted that for the 40 detonations, 28% of 
all animals sighted within the action area (Fisherman's Channel) were 
bottlenose dolphins (the

[[Page 49303]]

other animals sighted were manatees and sea turtles). Bottlenose 
dolphins were sighted inside the exclusion zone 12 times with a total 
of 30 individuals, with an average of 2.5 animals per sighting out of 
the total 58 bottlenose dolphins recorded during the project; 
therefore, groups of dolphins entered the exclusion zone multiple 
times. Also, dolphins entered the exclusion zone during 30% of the 
blasting events. Not all of the incidents where dolphins entered the 
exclusion zone resulted in a project delay, it is dependent upon when 
during the countdown the animals cross the line demarcating the 
exclusion zone, and how long they stay in the exclusion zone.
    During the Miami Harbor Phase II project in 2005, bottlenose 
dolphins in the exclusion zone triggered delays on four occasions 
during the 13 blasting events (31%). If the maximum 313 planned 
detonations for the duration of the one year IHA (equal to 365 calendar 
days/year minus 52 Sundays/year [no confined blasting will occur on 
Sundays) have an equal percentage of delays as the 2005 project 
(assuming construction starts in June with blasting June, 2012 to June, 
2013 timeframe, with no blasting on Sundays), 94 of the detonations 
would be delayed for some period of time due to the presence of 
protected species and 29 of those delays would specifically be for 
bottlenose dolphins.
    As a worst case, using the area of the danger zone, and that the 
danger zone of any blasting event using equal to or less than 450 lbs/
delay will be approximately 0.009% of the stock's range. The ACOE 
assumes that because animals are not evenly distributed throughout the 
stock's range, that they travel as single individuals or in groups (as 
documented in the monitoring data from the Miami Harbor Phase II 
project in 2005), and that without any monitoring and mitigation 
measures to minimize potential impacts, up to three bottlenose dolphins 
from the Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal stock may be 
taken, by Level B harassment, incidental to each blasting event.
    Assuming that delays will be spread equally across the action area 
and using the calculation of 29 delays and that three bottlenose 
dolphins would be inside the danger zone, 14 of the delayed blasting 
events would take place in Biscayne Bay since it compromises 48% of the 
action area. Three bottlenose dolphins times 14 detonations is equal to 
42 bottlenose dolphins potentially exposed to underwater sound and 
pressure over a one year period for an IHA incidental to the blasting 
activities at the Port of Miami.

Summary of Requested Estimated Take

    Without the implementation of the monitoring and mitigation 
measures, the ACOE has calculated up to 87 bottlenose dolphins (45 from 
the Biscayne Bay stock, 42 of the Western North Atlantic Central 
Florida stock) may be potentially taken, by Level B harassment, 
incidental to the blasting operations over the course of the one year 
IHA. Due to the protective measures of confined blasts, the 
implementation of the monitoring and mitigation measures (i.e., danger, 
exclusion, safety, and watch zones, use of the confined blasting 
techniques, as well as PSOs), the ACOE is requesting the take, by Level 
B harassment only, of a total of 22 bottlenose dolphins (12 bottlenose 
dolphins from the Biscayne Bay stock and 10 bottlenose dolphins from 
the Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal stock). The ACOE 
believes that the implementation of the protective measures of confined 
blasts reduces the potential for take to approximately 25% of the 
calculated take without any monitoring and mitigation measures. Based 
on the previous project by the ACOE at Miami Harbor, with 40 blast 
events and no documented take, this estimated take is likely high.

Encouraging and Coordination Research

    The ACOE will coordinate monitoring with the appropriate Federal 
and state resource agencies, including NMFS Office of Protected 
Resources and NMFS SERO Protected Resources Division, and will provide 
copies of any monitoring reports prepared by the contractors.

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 evaluated factors such as:
    (1) The number of anticipated injuries, serious injuries, or 
mortalities;
    (2) The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of Level B 
harassment (all relatively limited);
    (3) The context in which the takes occur (i.e., impacts to areas of 
significance, impacts to local populations, and cumulative impacts when 
taking into account successive/contemporaneous actions when added to 
the baseline data);
    (4) The status of stock or species of marine mammals (i.e., 
depleted, not depleted, decreasing, increasing, stable, and impact 
relative to the size of the population);
    (5) Impacts on habitat affecting rates of recruitment or survival; 
and
    (6) The effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures (i.e., 
the manner and degree in which the measure is likely to reduce adverse 
impacts to marine mammals, the likely effectiveness of the measures, 
and the practicability of implementation).
    Tables 1, 4, and 5 in this document discloses the habitat, regional 
abundance, conservation status, density, and the number of individuals 
potentially exposed to sounds and pressure levels considered the 
threshold for Level B harassment. There are no known important 
reproductive or feeding areas in the action area.
    For reasons stated previously in this document, and in the notice 
of the proposed IHA (76 FR 71517), the specified activities associated 
with the ACOE's blasting operations are not likely to cause PTS, or 
other non-auditory injury, serious injury, or death to affected marine 
mammals. As a result, no take by injury, serious injury, or death is 
anticipated or authorized, and the potential for temporary or permanent 
hearing impairment is very low and will be minimized through the 
incorporation of the monitoring and mitigation measures.
    No injuries or mortalities are anticipated to occur as a result of 
the ACOE's blasting operations, and none are to be authorized by NMFS. 
Approximately 22 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (12 from the Biscayne Bay 
stock, 10 from the Western North Atlantic Central Florida Coastal 
stock) are anticipated to incur short-term, minor, hearing impairment 
(TTS) and associated behavioral disruption due to the instantaneous 
duration of the blasting events. While some other species of marine 
mammals may occur in the project area, only Atlantic bottlenose 
dolphins are anticipated to be potentially impacted by the ACOE's 
blasting operations.
    Many animals perform vital functions, such as feeding, resting, 
traveling, and socializing, on a diel cycle (24-hr cycle). Behavioral 
reactions to noise exposure (such as disruption of critical life 
functions, displacement, or avoidance of important habitat) are more 
likely to be significant if they last more than one diel cycle or recur 
on subsequent days (Southall et al., 2007). Consequently, a behavioral 
response lasting less than

[[Page 49304]]

one day and not recurring on subsequent days is not considered 
particularly severe unless it could directly affect reproduction or 
survival (Southall et al., 2007). The ACOE's action at Miami Harbor 
includes up to two planned blasting events per day over multiple days, 
however, they are very short in duration, and are only expected to 
potentially result in momentary reactions by marine mammals in the 
action area, which would not be expected to accumulate in a manner that 
would impact reproduction or survival.
    Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are the only species of marine mammals 
under NMFS jurisdiction that are likely to occur in the action area, 
they are not listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA, however 
both stocks are listed as depleted and considered strategic under the 
MMPA. To protect these marine mammals (and other protected species in 
the action area), the ACOE must delay operations if animals enter 
designated zones. Due to the nature, degree, and context of the Level B 
harassment anticipated and described in this notice (see Potential 
Effects on Marine Mammals section above), the activity is not expected 
to impact rates of recruitment or survival for any affected species or 
stock. Also, the confined blasting activities are very short in 
duration and there are no known important areas in the ACOE's action 
area.
    As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that one species of marine 
mammals under its jurisdiction could be potentially affected by Level B 
harassment over the course of the IHA. For each species, these numbers 
are estimated to be small (i.e., 22 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, 12 
from the Biscayne Bay stock [17% of the estimated minimum population, 
7.6% of the estimated best population, and 5.2% of the estimated 
maximum population], and 10 from the Western North Atlantic Central 
Florida Coastal stock [0.19% of the estimated minimum population and 
0.15% of the estimated best population] and has been mitigated to the 
lowest level practicable through the incorporation of the monitoring 
and mitigation measures mentioned previously in this document.
    NMFS has determined, provided that the aforementioned monitoring 
and mitigation measures are implemented, that the impact of conducting 
the blasting activities in the Port of Miami from June, 2012 through 
May, 2012, may result, at worst in a temporary modification in behavior 
and/or low level physiological effects (Level B harassment) of small 
numbers of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
    While behavioral modifications, including temporarily vacating the 
area immediately after blasting operations, may be made by these 
species to avoid the resultant underwater acoustic disturbance, the 
availability of alternate areas within these area and the instantaneous 
and sporadic duration of the blasting activities, have led NMFS to 
determine that this action will have a negligible impact on the 
specified geographic region.
    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 has determined that the ACOE`s planned blasting 
activities will result in the incidental take of small numbers of 
marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, and that the total taking 
from the blasting activities will have a negligible impact on the 
affected species or stocks of marine mammals; and the impacts to 
affected species or stocks of marine mammals have been mitigated to the 
lowest level practicable.

Impact on Availability of Affected Species for Taking for Subsistence 
Uses

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) also requires NMFS to determine that the 
authorization will not have an unmitigable adverse effect on the 
availability of marine mammal species or stocks for subsistence use. 
There is no subsistence hunting for marine mammals in the action area 
(waters off of the coast of southeast Florida) that implicates MMPA 
section 101(a)(5)(D).

Endangered Species Act

    Under section 7 of the ESA, the ACOE requested formal consultation 
with the NMFS SERO, on the project to improve the Port of Miami on 
September 5, 2002, and reinitiated consultation on January 6, 2011. 
NMFS determined that the action is likely to adversely affect one ESA-
listed species and prepared a Biological Opinion (BiOp) issued on 
September 8, 2011, that analyzes the project's effects on staghorn 
coral (Acropora cervicornis). It is NMFS' biological opinion that the 
action, is likely to adversely affect staghorn coral, but is not likely 
to jeopardize its continued existence or destroy or adversely modify 
its designated critical habitat. Based upon NMFS SERO's updated 
analysis, NMFS no longer expects the project is likely to adversely 
affect Johnson's seagrass (Halophila johnsonii) or its designated 
critical habitat. NMFS SERO has determined that the ESA-listed marine 
mammals (blue, fin, sei, humpback, North Atlantic right, and sperm 
whales), smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), and leatherback sea 
turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are not likely to be adversely affected 
by the action. Previous NMFS BiOps have determined that hopper dredges 
may affect hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp's ridley 
(Lepidochelys kempii), green (Chelonia mydas), and loggerhead (Caretta 
caretta) sea turtles through entrainment by the draghead. Any 
incidental take of loggerhead, green, Kemp's ridley, or hawksbill sea 
turtles due to hopper dredging has been previously authorized in NMFS' 
1997 South Atlantic Regional BiOp on hopper dredging along the South 
Atlantic coast. The ACOE is currently in re-initiation of consultation 
with NMFS on the South Atlantic Regional BiOp. When a new BiOp is 
issued by NMFS, the Terms and Conditions of that South Atlantic 
Regional BiOp will be incorporated into the project.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The ACOE has prepared a ``Final General Reevaluation Report and 
Environmental Impact Statement on the Navigation Study for Miami 
Harbor, Miami-Dade County, Florida,'' and a ``Record of Decision on the 
Navigation Study for Miami Harbor, Miami-Dade County, Florida'' for the 
project was signed on May 22, 2006; however, this document does not 
analyze NMFS' action, the issuance of the IHA for the ACOE's activity. 
NMFS, after independently reviewing and evaluating the document for 
sufficiency and compliance with the Council of Environmental Quality 
(CEQ) regulations and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6 Sec.  
5.09(d), has conducted a separate National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) analysis and prepared a ``Environmental Assessment for Issuance 
of an Incidental Harassment Authorization for U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers Confined Blasting Operations During the Port of Miami 
Construction Project in Miami, Florida,'' which analyzes the project's 
purpose and need, alternatives, affected environment, and environmental 
effects for the action prior to making a determination on the issuance 
of the IHA. Based on the analysis in the EA and the underlying 
information in the record, including the application, proposed IHA, 
public comments, and formal ESA section 7 consultation, NMFS has 
prepared and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact determining that 
preparation of an

[[Page 49305]]

Environmental Impact Statement is not required.

Authorization

    NMFS has issued an IHA to the ACOE for conducting blasting 
operations at the Port of Miami, provided the previously mentioned 
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated.

    Dated: July 31, 2012.
Helen M. Golde,
Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-19460 Filed 8-14-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P