Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Wharf Recapitalization Project, 71566-71575 [2013-28650]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 230 (Friday, November 29, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71566-71575]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28650]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC762


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Wharf Recapitalization Project

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of an incidental harassment authorization.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given 
that we have issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the 
U.S. Navy (Navy) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, 
two species of marine mammals during construction activities associated 
with a wharf recapitalization project at Naval Station Mayport, 
Florida.

DATES: This authorization is effective from December 1, 2013, through 
November 30, 2014.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the Navy's application and any supporting 
documents, as well as a list of the references cited in this document, 
may be obtained by visiting the internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. In the case of problems accessing these 
documents, please call the contact listed below. A memorandum 
describing our adoption of the Navy's Environmental Assessment (2013) 
and our associated Finding of No Significant Impact, prepared pursuant 
to the National Environmental Policy Act, are also available at the 
same site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ben Laws, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) 
direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request by U.S. 
citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial 
fishing) within a specified area, the incidental, but not intentional, 
taking of small numbers of marine mammals, providing that certain 
findings are made and the necessary prescriptions are established.
    The incidental taking of small numbers of marine mammals may be 
allowed only if NMFS (through authority delegated by the Secretary) 
finds that the total taking by the specified activity during the 
specified time period will (i) have a negligible impact on the species 
or stock(s) and (ii) not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where 
relevant). Further, the permissible methods of taking and requirements 
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such taking 
must be set forth, either in specific regulations or in an 
authorization.
    The allowance of such incidental taking under section 101(a)(5)(A), 
by harassment, serious injury, death or a combination thereof, requires 
that regulations be established. Subsequently, a Letter of 
Authorization may be issued pursuant to the

[[Page 71567]]

prescriptions established in such regulations, providing that the level 
of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total 
taking allowable under the specific regulations. Under section 
101(a)(5)(D), NMFS may authorize such incidental taking by harassment 
only, for periods of not more than 1 year, pursuant to requirements and 
conditions contained within an Incidental Harassment Authorization. The 
establishment of prescriptions through either specific regulations or 
an authorization requires notice and opportunity for public comment.
    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.'' Except with respect to certain activities 
not pertinent here, section 3(18) of 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; 
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.'' The former is termed Level A harassment and 
the latter is termed Level B harassment.

Summary of Request

    On April 4, 2013, we received a request from the Navy for 
authorization of the taking, by Level B harassment only, of marine 
mammals incidental to pile driving in association with the Wharf C-2 
recapitalization project at Naval Station Mayport, Florida (NSM). That 
request was modified on May 9 and June 5, 2013, and a final version, 
which we deemed adequate and complete, was submitted on August 7, 2013. 
In-water work associated with the project is expected to be completed 
within the one-year timeframe of the IHA (December 1, 2013 through 
November 30, 2014). Two species of marine mammal are expected to be 
affected by the specified activities: bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops 
truncatus truncatus) and Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis). 
These species may occur year-round in the action area.
    Wharf C-2 is a single level, general purpose berthing wharf 
constructed in 1960. The wharf is one of NSM's two primary deep-draft 
berths and is one of the primary ordnance handling wharfs. The wharf is 
a diaphragm steel sheet pile cell structure with a concrete apron, 
partial concrete encasement of the piling and an asphalt paved deck. 
The wharf is currently in poor condition due to advanced deterioration 
of the steel sheeting and lack of corrosion protection, and this 
structural deterioration has resulted in the institution of load 
restrictions within 60 ft of the wharf face. The purpose of this 
project is to complete necessary repairs to Wharf C-2. Please refer to 
Appendix A of the Navy's application for photos of existing damage and 
deterioration at the wharf, and to Appendix B for a contractor 
schematic of the project plan.
    Effects to marine mammals from the specified activity are expected 
to result from underwater sound produced by vibratory and impact pile 
driving. In order to assess project impacts, the Navy used thresholds 
recommended by NMFS, outlined later in this document. The Navy assumed 
practical spreading loss and used empirically-measured source levels 
from representative pile driving events to estimate potential marine 
mammal exposures. Predicted exposures are described later in this 
document. The calculations predict that only Level B harassment would 
occur associated with pile driving activities, and required mitigation 
measures further ensure that no more than Level B harassment would 
occur.

Description of the Specified Activity

    Additional details regarding the specified activity were described 
in our Federal Register notice of proposed authorization (78 FR 52148; 
August 22, 2013; hereafter, the FR notice); please see that document or 
the Navy's application for more information.

Specific Geographic Region and Duration

    NSM is located in northeastern Florida, at the mouth of the St. 
Johns River and adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean (see Figure 2-1 of the 
Navy's application). The specific action area consists of the NSM 
turning basin, an area of approximately 2,000 by 3,000 ft containing 
ship berthing facilities at sixteen locations along wharves around the 
basin perimeter. The turning basin, connected to the St. Johns River by 
a 500-ft-wide entrance channel, will largely contain sound produced by 
project activities, with the exception of sound propagating east into 
nearshore Atlantic waters through the entrance channel (see Figure 2-2 
of the Navy's application). Wharf C-2 is located in the northeastern 
corner of the Mayport turning basin.
    The project is expected to require a maximum of 50 days of in-water 
vibratory pile driving work over a 12-month period. It is not expected 
that significant impact pile driving would be necessary, on the basis 
of expected subsurface driving conditions and past experience driving 
piles in the same location. However, twenty additional days of impact 
pile driving are included in the specified activity as a contingency, 
for a total of 70 days in-water pile driving considered over the 12-
month timeframe of the proposed IHA.

Description of Specified Activity

    In order to rehabilitate Wharf C-2, the Navy proposes to install a 
new steel king pile/sheet pile (SSP) bulkhead. An SSP system consists 
of large vertical king piles with paired steel sheet piles driven 
inbetween and connected to the ends of the king piles. Please see 
Figures 1-1 through 1-4 and Table 1-1 in the Navy's application for 
project schematics, descriptive photographs, and further information 
about the pile types to be used.
    The project will require installation of approximately 120 single 
sheet piles and 119 king piles (all steel) to support the bulkhead 
wall, and fifty polymeric (plastic) fender piles. Vibratory 
installation of the steel piles will require approximately 45 days, 
with approximately 5 additional days needed for vibratory installation 
of the plastic piles. King piles are long I-shaped guide piles that 
provide the structural support for the bulkhead wall. Sheet piles, 
which form the actual wall, will be driven in pairs between the king 
piles. Once piles are in position, it is expected that less than 60 
seconds of vibratory driving would be required per pile to reach the 
required depth. Time interval between driving of each pile pair will 
vary, but is expected to be a minimum of several minutes due to time 
required for positioning, etc. One template consists of the combination 
of five king piles and four sheet pile pairs; it is expected that three 
such templates may be driven per day. Polymeric fender piles will be 
installed after completion of the bulkhead, at an expected rate of 
approximately ten piles per day.
    Impact pile driving is not expected to be required for most piles, 
but may be used as a contingency in cases when vibratory driving is not 
sufficient to reach the necessary depth. A similar project completed at 
an adjacent wharf required impact pile driving on only seven piles 
(over the course of two days). Impact pile driving, if it were 
required, could occur on the same day as vibratory pile driving, but 
driving rigs would not be operated simultaneously.

[[Page 71568]]

Description of Sound Sources and Distances to Thresholds

    An in-depth description of sound sources in general was provided in 
the FR notice (78 FR 52148; August 22, 2013). Significant sound-
producing in-water construction activities associated with the project 
include vibratory pile driving and potentially impact pile driving.

Sound Thresholds

    NMFS currently uses acoustic exposure thresholds as important tools 
to help better characterize and quantify the effects of human-induced 
noise on marine mammals. These thresholds have predominantly been 
presented in the form of single received levels for particular source 
categories (e.g., impulse, continuous, or explosive) above which an 
exposed animal would be predicted to incur auditory injury or be 
behaviorally harassed. Current NMFS practice (in relation to the MMPA) 
regarding exposure of marine mammals to sound is that cetaceans and 
pinnipeds exposed to sound levels of 180 and 190 dB rms or above, 
respectively, are considered to have been taken by Level A (i.e., 
injurious) harassment, while behavioral harassment (Level B) is 
considered to have occurred when marine mammals are exposed to sounds 
at or above 120 dB rms for continuous sound (such as will be produced 
by vibratory pile driving) and 160 dB rms for pulsed sound (produced by 
impact pile driving), but below injurious thresholds. NMFS uses these 
levels as guidelines to estimate when harassment may occur.
    NMFS is in the process of revising these acoustic thresholds, with 
the first step being to identify new auditory injury criteria for all 
source types and new behavioral criteria for seismic activities 
(primarily airgun-type sources). For more information on that process, 
please visit https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/guidelines.htm.

Distance to Sound Thresholds

    Pile driving generates underwater noise that can potentially result 
in disturbance to marine mammals in the project area. Please see the FR 
notice (78 FR 52148; August 22, 2013) for a detailed description of the 
calculations and information used to estimate distances to relevant 
threshold levels. In general, the sound pressure level (SPL) at some 
distance away from the source (e.g., driven pile) is governed by a 
measured source level, minus the transmission loss of the energy as it 
dissipates with distance. A practical spreading value of 15 (4.5 dB 
reduction in sound level for each doubling of distance) is often used 
under intermediate conditions, and is assumed here.
    Source level, or the intensity of pile driving sound, is greatly 
influenced by factors such as the type of piles, hammers, and the 
physical environment in which the activity takes place. A number of 
studies, primarily on the west coast, have measured sound produced 
during underwater pile driving projects. However, these data are 
largely for impact driving of steel pipe piles and concrete piles as 
well as vibratory driving of steel pipe piles. We know of no existing 
measurements for the specific pile types planned for use at NSM (i.e., 
king piles, paired sheet piles, plastic pipe piles), although some data 
exist for single sheet piles. It was therefore necessary to extrapolate 
from available data to determine reasonable source levels for this 
project.
    Representative data for pile driving SPLs recorded from similar 
construction activities in recent years, as well as additional 
assumptions made in determining appropriate proxy values, were 
presented in the FR notice (78 FR 52148; August 22, 2013). Underwater 
sound levels from pile driving for this project are assumed to be as 
follows:
     For vibratory driving of steel sheet and king piles, 178 
dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms). This proxy value was the highest representative 
value for vibratory driving of steel sheet piles and appropriately-
sized steel pipe piles found in the California Department of 
Transportation's compendium of pile driving data (Caltrans, 2012).
     For impact driving of steel sheet and king piles, 204 dB 
re 1 [mu]Pa (rms). This proxy value was deemed to be the most 
representative value for impact driving of appropriately-sized steel 
pipe piles, as found in the California Department of Transportation's 
compendium of pile driving data.
     For vibratory driving of polymeric piles 168 dB re 1 
[mu]Pa (rms). This proxy value, measured by the Washington State 
Department of Transportation for vibratory removal of timber piles, was 
determined to be the only reasonable approximation of these pile types 
(Laughlin, 2011).
    Please see Tables 6-3 and 6-4 in the Navy's application. All 
calculated distances to and the total area encompassed by the marine 
mammal sound thresholds are provided in Table 1.

Table 1--Calculated Distance(s) To and Area Encompassed By Underwater Marine Mammal Sound Thresholds During Pile
                                                  Installation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Distance        Area (sq.
           Pile type                        Method                 Threshold          (m)\1\          km)\2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steel (sheet and king piles)...  Vibratory...................  Level A                       n/a           0
                                                                harassment (180
                                                                dB).
                                 ............................  Level B                     7,356           2.9
                                                                harassment (120
                                                                dB).
                                 Impact......................  Level A                        40           0.004
                                                                harassment (180
                                                                dB).
                                 ............................  Level B                       858           0.67
                                                                harassment (160
                                                                dB).
Polymeric (plastic fender        Vibratory...................  Level A                       n/a           0
 piles).                                                        harassment (180
                                                                dB).
                                 ............................  Level B                     1,585           0.88
                                                                harassment (120
                                                                dB).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ SPLs (levels at source) used for calculations were: 204 dB for impact driving, 178 dB for vibratory driving
  steel piles, and 168 dB for vibratory driving plastic piles.
\2\ Areas presented take into account attenuation and/or shadowing by land. Calculated distances to relevant
  thresholds cannot be reached in most directions form source piles. Please see Figures 6-1 through 6-3 in the
  Navy's application.

    The Mayport turning basin does not represent open water, or free 
field, conditions. Therefore, sounds would attenuate as per the 
confines of the basin, and may only reach the full estimated distances 
to the harassment thresholds via the narrow, east-facing entrance 
channel. Distances shown in Table 1 are estimated for free-field 
conditions, but areas are calculated per the actual conditions of the 
action area. See Figures 6-1 through 6-3 of the Navy's application for 
a depiction of areas in which each underwater sound threshold is 
predicted to occur at the project area due to pile driving.

Comments and Responses

    We published a notice of receipt of the Navy's application and 
proposed IHA in the Federal Register on August

[[Page 71569]]

22, 2013 (78 FR 52148). NMFS received comments from the Marine Mammal 
Commission (Commission). The Commission's comments and our responses 
are provided here, and the comments have been posted on the internet 
at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm.
    Comment 1: The Commission recommends that we require the Navy to 
implement soft start procedures if impact pile driving activities have 
ceased for at least 15 minutes.
    Response: We do not believe the recommendation would be effective 
in reducing the number or intensity of incidents of harassment--in 
fact, we believe that implementation of this recommendation may 
actually increase the number of incidents of harassment by extending 
the overall project duration--while imposing a high cost in terms of 
operational practicability. We note here that, while the Commission 
recommends use of the measure to avoid serious injury (i.e., injury 
that will result in death of the animal), such an outcome is extremely 
unlikely even in the absence of any mitigation measures (as described 
in the FR notice). Therefore, we address our response to the potential 
usefulness of the measure in avoidance of non-serious injury (i.e., 
Level A harassment).
    Soft start is required for the first impact pile driving of each 
day and, subsequently, after any impact pile driving stoppage of 30 
minutes or greater. The purpose of a soft start is to provide a 
``warning'' to animals by initiating the production of underwater sound 
at lower levels than are produced at full operating power. This warning 
is presumed to allow animals the opportunity to move away from an 
unpleasant stimulus and to potentially reduce the intensity of 
behavioral reactions to noise or prevent injury of animals that may 
remain undetected in the zone ensonified to potentially injurious 
levels. However, soft start requires additional time, resulting in a 
larger temporal footprint for the project. That is, soft start requires 
a longer cumulative period of pile driving (i.e., hours) but, more 
importantly, leads to a longer overall duration (i.e., more days on 
which pile driving occurs). In order to maximize the effectiveness of 
soft start while minimizing the implementation costs, we require soft 
start after a period of extended and unobserved relative silence (i.e., 
at the beginning of the day, after the end of the required 30-minute 
post-activity monitoring period, or after 30 minutes with no impact 
driving). It is after these periods that marine mammals are more likely 
to closely approach the site (because it is relatively quiet) and less 
likely to be observed prior to initiation of the activity (because 
continuous monitoring has been interrupted).
    The Commission justifies this recommendation on the basis of the 
potential for undetected animals to remain in the shutdown zone. This 
may occur because an animal remains submerged and is not available to 
be observed, because dolphins occur singly or in pairs and are 
difficult to perceive, or because the observer simply does not detect 
the animal in the period when it surfaces and is available to be 
observed. However, we do not believe that time is a factor in 
determining the influence of these biases on the probability of 
observing an animal in the shutdown zone. That is, an observer is not 
more likely to detect the presence of an animal at the 15-minute mark 
of continuous monitoring than after 30 minutes (it is established that 
soft start is required after any unmonitored period). Therefore, 
requiring soft start after 15 minutes (i.e., more soft starts) is not 
likely to result in increased avoidance of injury. Finally, we do not 
believe that the use of soft start may be expected to appreciably 
reduce the potential for injury where the probability of detection is 
high (e.g., small, shallow zones with good environmental conditions). 
Rather, the primary purpose of soft start under such conditions is to 
reduce the intensity of potential behavioral reactions to underwater 
sound in the disturbance zone.
    As noted above, there are multiple reasons why marine mammals may 
remain in a shutdown zone and yet be undetected by observers. Animals 
are missed because they are underwater (availability bias) or because 
they are available to be seen, but are missed by observers (perception 
and detection biases) (e.g., Marsh and Sinclair, 1989). Negative bias 
on perception or detection of an available animal may result from 
environmental conditions, limitations inherent to the observation 
platform, or observer ability. While missed detections are possible in 
theory, this would require that an animal would either (a) remain 
submerged (i.e., be unavailable) for periods of time approaching or 
exceeding 15 minutes and/or (b) remain undetected while at the surface. 
We provide further site-specific detail below.
    First, the Mayport turning basin is an enclosed area, and provides 
a relatively sheltered environment and circumscribed area of 
observation. We would therefore expect a high probability of detection 
given an animal at the surface and multiple well-positioned observers. 
Unlike the moving aerial or vessel-based observation platforms for 
which detectability bias is often a concern, the observers here will be 
positioned in the most suitable locations to ensure high detectability 
(randomness of observations is not a concern, as it is for abundance 
sampling). Regarding availability, the only species likely to be 
present in the turning basin is the bottlenose dolphin.
    For bottlenose dolphins, while a significant proportion of time is 
typically spent submerged, dive intervals are also typically very 
short, meaning that surfacing occurs frequently. Mate et al. (1995) 
report a typical dive duration from another shallow bay (Tampa Bay) of 
only 25 seconds. While bottlenose dolphins may display deeper dive 
times in other contexts (e.g., deep-water foraging), there is no 
conceivable reason why a dolphin would remain submerged for durations 
approaching 15 minutes in the turning basin (i.e., a shallow 
environment of no particular significance for foraging). Short dive 
duration means high availability, providing additional confidence in 
the ability of observers to detect marine mammals in the shutdown zones 
estimated for this project.
    Comment 2: The Commission recommends that we require the Navy to 
monitor the extent of the Level B harassment zones by strategically 
positioning the observers (e.g., one monitoring the immediate shutdown 
zone and portions of the turning basin and the other monitoring 
portions of the turning basin, the entrance to that basin, and portions 
of the Atlantic Ocean) to (1) determine more accurately the numbers of 
marine mammals taken during pile driving activities and (2) 
characterize the effects on those marine mammals.
    Response: We support the Commission's recommendation, and agree 
that the recommended changes to the Navy's Monitoring Plan could be 
useful in achieving a more accurate (1) determination of the numbers of 
marine mammals taken during pile driving activities and (2) 
characterization of the effects on those marine mammals. One existing 
observer will be required to observe the turning basin, the entrance to 
that basin, and portions of the Atlantic Ocean, to the extent possible. 
In addition, we will require a third shore-based observer be present 
for three days of vibratory driving, to be focused solely on the 
entrance to the turning basin and surrounding, observable portions of 
the Atlantic Ocean that may be ensonified by project activities.

[[Page 71570]]

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

    There are four marine mammal species which may inhabit or transit 
through the waters nearby NSM at the mouth of the St. Johns River and 
in nearby nearshore Atlantic waters. These include the bottlenose 
dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin, North Atlantic right whale 
(Eubalaena glacialis), and humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). 
Multiple stocks of bottlenose dolphins may be present in the action 
area, either seasonally or year-round. Multiple additional cetacean 
species occur in South Atlantic waters but would not be expected to 
occur in shallow nearshore waters of the action area. The right and 
humpback whales are both listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 
as endangered; however, for reasons described in the FR notice (78 FR 
52148; August 22, 2013), the humpback whale and right whale are not 
expected to be harassed by project activities and are therefore 
excluded from further analysis and not discussed further in this 
document. Table 2 lists the marine mammal species with potential for 
occurrence in the vicinity of NSM during the project timeframe. The FR 
notice (78 FR 52148; August 22, 2013) summarizes the population status 
and abundance of these species, and the Navy's application provides 
detailed life history information.

                       Table 2--Marine Mammals Potentially Present in the Vicinity Of NSM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Stock abundance \1\    Relative occurrence
              Species                     (CV, Nmin)          in action area           Season of occurrence
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Atlantic right whale........  444 (n/a, 444).......  Rare inshore,         November to April.
Western North Atlantic stock......                          regular near/
                                                            offshore.
Humpback whale....................  823 (n/a, 823).......  Rare................  Fall-Spring.
Gulf of Maine stock...............
Atlantic spotted dolphin..........  26,798 (0.66, 16,151)  Rare................  Year-round.
Western North Atlantic stock......
Bottlenose dolphin................  81,588 (0.17, 70,775)  Rare................  Year-round.
Western North Atlantic offshore
 stock.
Bottlenose dolphin................  12,482 (0.32, 9,591).  Possibly common       January to March.
Western North Atlantic coastal,                             (seasonal).
 southern migratory stock.
Bottlenose dolphin................  3,064 (0.24, 2,511)..  Possibly common.....  Year-round.
Western North Atlantic coastal,
 northern Florida stock.
Bottlenose dolphin................  412\2\ (0.06,          Possibly common.....  Year-round.
Jacksonville Estuarine System        unknown).
 stock.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ NMFS marine mammal stock assessment reports at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/species.htm. CV is
  coefficient of variation; Nmin is the minimum estimate of stock abundance.
\2\ This abundance estimate is considered an overestimate because it includes non- and seasonally-resident
  animals.

Potential Effects of the Specified Activity on Marine Mammals

    We have determined that pile driving, as outlined in the project 
description, has the potential to result in behavioral harassment of 
marine mammals that may be present in the project vicinity while 
construction activity is being conducted. The FR notice (78 FR 52148; 
August 22, 2013) provides a detailed description of marine mammal 
hearing and of the potential effects of these construction activities 
on marine mammals.

Anticipated Effects on Habitat

    The proposed activities at NSM would not result in permanent 
impacts to habitats used directly by marine mammals, but may have 
potential short-term impacts to food sources such as forage fish and 
may affect acoustic habitat (see masking discussion in proposed IHA FR 
notice). There are no known foraging hotspots or other ocean bottom 
structure of significant biological importance to marine mammals 
present in the marine waters in the vicinity of the project area. 
Therefore, the main impact issue associated with the proposed activity 
would be temporarily elevated sound levels and the associated direct 
effects on marine mammals, as discussed previously in this document. 
The most likely impact to marine mammal habitat occurs from pile 
driving effects on likely marine mammal prey (i.e., fish) near NSM and 
minor impacts to the immediate substrate during installation and 
removal of piles during the wharf construction project. The FR notice 
(78 FR 52148; August 22, 2013) describes these potential impacts in 
greater detail.

Mitigation

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization (ITA) under 
section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, we 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 (where relevant).
    Measurements from proxy pile driving events were coupled with 
practical spreading loss to estimate zones of influence (ZOIs; see 
``Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment''); these values were used to 
develop mitigation measures for pile driving activities at NSM. The 
ZOIs effectively represent the mitigation zone that would be 
established around each pile to prevent Level A harassment to marine 
mammals, while providing estimates of the areas within which Level B 
harassment might occur. In addition to the specific measures described 
later in this section, the Navy will conduct briefings between 
construction supervisors and crews, marine mammal monitoring team, and 
Navy staff prior to the start of all pile driving activity, and when 
new personnel join the work, in order to explain responsibilities, 
communication procedures, marine mammal monitoring protocol, and 
operational procedures.

Monitoring and Shutdown for Pile Driving

    The following measures apply to the Navy's mitigation through 
shutdown and disturbance zones:
    Shutdown Zone--For all pile driving and removal activities, the 
Navy will establish a shutdown zone intended to contain the area in 
which SPLs equal or exceed the 180 dB rms acoustic injury criteria. The 
purpose of a shutdown zone is to define an area within which shutdown 
of activity would occur upon

[[Page 71571]]

sighting of a marine mammal (or in anticipation of an animal entering 
the defined area), thus preventing injury, serious injury, or death of 
marine mammals. Radial distances for shutdown zones are shown in Table 
1. However, for this project, a minimum shutdown zone of 15 m will be 
established during all pile driving activities, regardless of the 
estimated zone. Vibratory pile driving activities are not predicted to 
produce sound exceeding the Level A standard, but these precautionary 
measures are intended to prevent the already unlikely possibility of 
physical interaction with construction equipment and to further reduce 
any possibility of acoustic injury. For impact driving of steel piles, 
the radial distance of the shutdown would be established at 40 m (Table 
1).
    Disturbance Zone--Disturbance zones are the areas in which SPLs 
equal or exceed 160 and 120 dB rms (for pulsed and non-pulsed sound, 
respectively). Disturbance zones provide utility for monitoring 
conducted for mitigation purposes (i.e., shutdown zone monitoring) by 
establishing monitoring protocols for areas adjacent to the shutdown 
zones. Monitoring of disturbance zones enables observers to be aware of 
and communicate the presence of marine mammals in the project area but 
outside the shutdown zone and thus prepare for potential shutdowns of 
activity. However, the primary purpose of disturbance zone monitoring 
is for documenting incidents of Level B harassment; disturbance zone 
monitoring is discussed in greater detail later (see ``Monitoring and 
Reporting''). Nominal radial distances for disturbance zones are shown 
in Table 1. Given the size of the disturbance zone for vibratory pile 
driving, it is impossible to guarantee that all animals would be 
observed or to make comprehensive observations of fine-scale behavioral 
reactions to sound, and only a portion of the zone (e.g., what may be 
reasonably observed by visual observers stationed on land in the 
vicinity of the turning basin) will be observed.
    In order to document observed incidences of harassment, monitors 
record all marine mammal observations, regardless of location. The 
observer's location, as well as the location of the pile being driven, 
is known from a GPS. The location of the animal is estimated as a 
distance from the observer, which is then compared to the location from 
the pile. If acoustic monitoring is being conducted for that pile, a 
received SPL may be estimated, or the received level may be estimated 
on the basis of past or subsequent acoustic monitoring. It may then be 
determined whether the animal was exposed to sound levels constituting 
incidental harassment in post-processing of observational and acoustic 
data, and a precise accounting of observed incidences of harassment 
created. Therefore, although the predicted distances to behavioral 
harassment thresholds are useful for estimating incidental harassment 
for purposes of authorizing levels of incidental take, actual take may 
be determined in part through the use of empirical data. That 
information may then be used to extrapolate observed takes to reach an 
approximate understanding of actual total takes.
    Monitoring Protocols--Monitoring will be conducted before, during, 
and after pile driving activities. In addition, observers shall record 
all incidences of marine mammal occurrence, regardless of distance from 
activity, and shall document any behavioral reactions in concert with 
distance from piles being driven. Observations made outside the 
shutdown zone will not result in shutdown; that pile segment would be 
completed without cessation, unless the animal approaches or enters the 
shutdown zone, at which point all pile driving activities would be 
halted. Please see the Monitoring Plan (available at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm), developed by the Navy in 
agreement with NMFS, for full details of the monitoring protocols. 
Monitoring will take place from 15 minutes prior to initiation through 
30 minutes post-completion of pile driving activities. Pile driving 
activities include the time to remove a single pile or series of piles, 
as long as the time elapsed between uses of the pile driving equipment 
is no more than 30 minutes.
    The following additional measures apply to visual monitoring:
    (1) Monitoring will be conducted by qualified observers, who will 
be placed at the best vantage point(s) practicable to monitor for 
marine mammals and implement shutdown/delay procedures when applicable 
by calling for the shutdown to the hammer operator. Qualified observers 
are typically trained biologists, with the following minimum 
qualifications:
     Visual acuity in both eyes (correction is permissible) 
sufficient for discernment of moving targets at the water's surface 
with ability to estimate target size and distance; use of binoculars 
may be necessary to correctly identify the target;
     Advanced education in biological science, wildlife 
management, mammalogy, or related fields (bachelor's degree or higher 
is required);
     Experience and ability to conduct field observations and 
collect data according to assigned protocols (this may include academic 
experience);
     Experience or training in the field identification of 
marine mammals, including the identification of behaviors;
     Sufficient training, orientation, or experience with the 
construction operation to provide for personal safety during 
observations;
     Writing skills sufficient to prepare a report of 
observations including but not limited to the number and species of 
marine mammals observed; dates and times when in-water construction 
activities were conducted; dates and times when in-water construction 
activities were suspended to avoid potential incidental injury from 
construction sound of marine mammals observed within a defined shutdown 
zone; and marine mammal behavior; and
     Ability to communicate orally, by radio or in person, with 
project personnel to provide real-time information on marine mammals 
observed in the area as necessary. For this project, we waive the 
requirement for advanced education, as the observers will be personnel 
hired by the engineering contractor that may not have backgrounds in 
biological science or related fields. These observers will be required 
to watch the Navy's Marine Species Awareness Training video and shall 
receive training sufficient to achieve all other qualifications listed 
above (where relevant).
    (2) Prior to the start of pile driving activity, the shutdown zone 
will be monitored for 15 minutes to ensure that it is clear of marine 
mammals. Pile driving will only commence once observers have declared 
the shutdown zone clear of marine mammals; animals will be allowed to 
remain in the shutdown zone (i.e., must leave of their own volition) 
and their behavior will be monitored and documented. The shutdown zone 
may only be declared clear, and pile driving started, when the entire 
shutdown zone is visible (i.e., when not obscured by dark, rain, fog, 
etc.). In addition, if such conditions should arise during impact pile 
driving that is already underway, the activity will be halted.
    (3) If a marine mammal approaches or enters the shutdown zone 
during the course of pile driving operations, activity will be halted 
and delayed until either the animal has voluntarily left and been 
visually confirmed beyond the shutdown zone or 15 minutes have passed 
without re-detection of the animal. Monitoring will be conducted

[[Page 71572]]

throughout the time required to drive a pile.

Soft Start

    The use of a soft-start procedure is believed to provide additional 
protection to marine mammals by warning or providing a chance to leave 
the area prior to the hammer operating at full capacity, and typically 
involves a requirement to initiate sound from vibratory hammers for 
fifteen seconds at reduced energy followed by a 30-second waiting 
period. This procedure is repeated two additional times. However, 
implementation of soft start for vibratory pile driving during previous 
pile driving work conducted by the Navy at another location has led to 
equipment failure and serious human safety concerns. Therefore, 
vibratory soft start is not required as a mitigation measure for this 
project, as we have determined it not to be practicable. We have 
further determined this measure unnecessary to providing the means of 
effecting the least practicable impact on marine mammals and their 
habitat. Prior to issuing any further IHAs to the Navy for pile driving 
activities in 2014 and beyond, we plan to facilitate consultation 
between the Navy and other practitioners (e.g., Washington State 
Department of Transportation and/or the California Department of 
Transportation) in order to determine whether the potentially 
significant human safety issue is inherent to implementation of the 
measure or is due to operator error. For impact driving, soft start 
will be required, and contractors will provide an initial set of three 
strikes from the impact hammer at 40 percent energy, followed by a 30-
second waiting period, then two subsequent three-strike sets.
    We have carefully evaluated the applicant's planned mitigation 
measures and considered a range of other measures in the context of 
ensuring that we prescribe the means of effecting the least practicable 
impact on the affected marine mammal species and stocks and their 
habitat. Our evaluation of potential measures included consideration of 
the following factors in relation to one another: (1) the manner in 
which, and the degree to which, the successful implementation of the 
measure is expected to minimize adverse impacts to marine mammals; (2) 
the proven or likely efficacy of the specific measure to minimize 
adverse impacts as planned; and (3) the practicability of the measure 
for applicant implementation.
    Based on our evaluation of the applicant's planned measures, as 
well as any other potential measures that may be relevant to the 
specified activity, we have determined that these mitigation measures 
provide the means of effecting the least practicable impact on marine 
mammal species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular attention 
to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance.

Monitoring and Reporting

    In order to issue an ITA for an activity, section 101(a)(5)(D) of 
the MMPA states that we must set forth ``requirements pertaining to the 
monitoring and reporting of such taking''. The MMPA implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 216.104(a)(13) indicate that requests for ITAs 
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 proposed action area. 
The Navy's planned monitoring and reporting is also described in their 
Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan.

Acoustic Monitoring

    The Navy will implement a sound source level verification study 
during the specified activities. Data would be collected in order to 
estimate airborne and underwater source levels. Monitoring will include 
two underwater positions and one airborne monitoring position. These 
exact positions will be determined in the field during consultation 
with Navy personnel, subject to constraints related to logistics and 
security requirements. Underwater sound monitoring will include the 
measurement of peak and rms sound pressure levels during pile driving 
activities at Wharf C-2. Typical ambient levels will be measured during 
lulls in the pile installation and reported in terms of rms sound 
pressure levels. Frequency spectra will be provided for pile driving 
sounds.

Visual Marine Mammal Observations

    The Navy will collect sighting data and behavioral responses to 
construction for marine mammal species observed in the region of 
activity during the period of activity. All observers will be trained 
in marine mammal identification and behaviors and are required to have 
no other construction-related tasks while conducting monitoring. The 
Navy will monitor the shutdown zone and disturbance zone before, 
during, and after pile driving, with observers located at the best 
practicable vantage points. Based on our requirements, the Navy will 
implement the following procedures for pile driving:
     MMOs will be located at the best vantage point(s) in order 
to properly see the entire shutdown zone and as much of the disturbance 
zone as possible.
     During all observation periods, observers will use 
binoculars and the naked eye to search continuously for marine mammals.
     If the shutdown zones are obscured by fog or poor lighting 
conditions, pile driving at that location will not be initiated until 
that zone is visible. Should such conditions arise while impact driving 
is underway, the activity would be halted.
     The shutdown and disturbance zones around the pile will be 
monitored for the presence of marine mammals before, during, and after 
any pile driving or removal activity.
    Individuals implementing the monitoring protocol will assess its 
effectiveness using an adaptive approach. Monitoring biologists will 
use their best professional judgment throughout implementation and seek 
improvements to these methods when deemed appropriate. Any 
modifications to protocol will be coordinated between NMFS and the 
Navy.

Data Collection

    We require that observers use approved data forms. Among other 
pieces of information, the Navy will record detailed information about 
any implementation of shutdowns, including the distance of animals to 
the pile and description of specific actions that ensued and resulting 
behavior of the animal, if any. In addition, the Navy will attempt to 
distinguish between the number of individual animals taken and the 
number of incidences of take. We require that, at a minimum, the 
following information be collected on the sighting forms:
     Date and time that monitored activity begins or ends;
     Construction activities occurring during each observation 
period;
     Weather parameters (e.g., percent cover, visibility);
     Water conditions (e.g., sea state, tide state);
     Species, numbers, and, if possible, sex and age class of 
marine mammals;
     Description of any observable marine mammal behavior 
patterns, including bearing and direction of travel, and if possible, 
the correlation to SPLs;
     Distance from pile driving activities to marine mammals 
and distance from the marine mammals to the observation point;

[[Page 71573]]

     Locations of all marine mammal observations; and
     Other human activity in the area.

Reporting

    A draft report will be submitted to NMFS within 90 days of the 
completion of marine mammal monitoring. The report will include marine 
mammal observations pre-activity, during-activity, and post-activity 
during pile driving days, and will also provide descriptions of any 
adverse responses to construction activities by marine mammals and a 
complete description of all mitigation shutdowns and the results of 
those actions and a refined take estimate based on the number of marine 
mammals observed during the course of construction. A final report will 
be prepared and submitted within 30 days following resolution of 
comments on the draft report. A technical report summarizing the 
acoustic monitoring data collected will be prepared within 75 days of 
completion of monitoring.

Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment

    With respect to the activities described 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].'' All anticipated takes will be by Level B harassment, 
involving temporary changes in behavior. The planned mitigation and 
monitoring measures are expected to minimize the possibility of 
injurious or lethal takes such that take by Level A harassment, serious 
injury, or mortality is considered discountable. However, it is 
unlikely that injurious or lethal takes would occur even in the absence 
of the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures.
    If a marine mammal responds to a stimulus by changing its behavior 
(e.g., through relatively minor changes in locomotion direction/speed 
or vocalization behavior), the response may or may not constitute 
taking at the individual level, and is unlikely to affect the stock or 
the species as a whole. However, if a sound source displaces marine 
mammals from an important feeding or breeding area for a prolonged 
period, impacts on animals or on the stock or species could potentially 
be significant (Lusseau and Bejder, 2007; Weilgart, 2007). Given the 
many uncertainties in predicting the quantity and types of impacts of 
sound on marine mammals, it is common practice to estimate how many 
animals are likely to be present within a particular distance of a 
given activity, or exposed to a particular level of sound. This 
practice potentially overestimates the numbers of marine mammals taken. 
In addition, it is often difficult to distinguish between the number of 
individuals harassed and incidences of harassment. In particular, for 
stationary activities, it is more likely that some smaller number of 
individuals may accrue a number of incidences of harassment per 
individual than for each incidence to accrue to a new individual, 
especially if those individuals display some degree of residency or 
site fidelity and the impetus to use the site (e.g., because of 
foraging opportunities) is stronger than the deterrence presented by 
the harassing activity.
    The turning basin is not important habitat for marine mammals, as 
it is a man-made, semi-enclosed basin with frequent industrial activity 
and regular maintenance dredging. The small area of ensonification 
extending out of the turning basin into nearshore waters is also not 
believed to be of any particular importance, nor is it considered an 
area frequented by marine mammals. Bottlenose dolphins may be observed 
at any time of year in estuarine and nearshore waters of the action 
area, but sightings of other species are rare. Therefore, behavioral 
disturbances that could result from anthropogenic sound associated with 
these activities are expected to affect only a relatively small number 
of individual marine mammals, although those effects could be recurring 
over the life of the project if the same individuals remain in the 
project vicinity. The Navy has requested authorization for the 
incidental taking of small numbers of bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic 
spotted dolphins in the Mayport turning basin and associated nearshore 
waters that may be ensonified by project activities.

Marine Mammal Densities

    For all species, the best scientific information available was used 
to derive density estimates and the maximum appropriate density value 
for each species was used in the marine mammal take assessment 
calculation. Density values for the Atlantic spotted dolphin were 
derived from global density estimates produced by Sea Mammal Research 
Unit, Ltd. (SMRU), as presented in DoN (2012), and the highest seasonal 
density (spring; 0.6803/km\2\) was used for take estimation. Density 
for bottlenose dolphin is derived from site-specific surveys conducted 
by the Navy. Only bottlenose dolphins have been observed in the turning 
basin; it is not currently possible to identify observed individuals to 
stock. This survey effort consists of twelve half-day observation 
periods covering mornings and afternoons during December 10-13, 2012, 
and March 4-7, 2013. During each observation period, two observers (one 
at ground level and one positioned at a fourth-floor observation point) 
monitored for the presence of marine mammals in the turning basin 
(0.712 km\2\) and tracked their movements and behavior while inside the 
basin, with observations recorded for five-minute intervals every half-
hour. Morning sessions typically ran from 7:00-11:30 and afternoon 
sessions from 1:00 to 5:30. Most observations were of individuals or 
pairs (mode of 1) although a maximum group size of six was observed. It 
was assumed that the average observed group size (1.8) could occur in 
the action area each day, and was thus used to calculate a density of 
2.53/km\2\. For comparison, the maximum density value available from 
the NMSDD for bottlenose dolphins in inshore areas is significantly 
lower (winter, 0.217/km\2\, SMRU estimate) and would likely 
underestimate the occurrence of bottlenose dolphins in the turning 
basin.

Description of Take Calculation

    The take calculations presented here rely on the best data 
currently available for marine mammal populations in the vicinity of 
Mayport. The methodology for estimating take was described in detail in 
the FR notice (78 FR 52148; August 22, 2013). The ZOI impact area is 
the estimated range of impact to the sound criteria. The distances 
specified in Table 1 were used to calculate ZOIs around each pile. The 
ZOI impact area calculations took into consideration the possible 
affected area with attenuation due to the constraints of the basin. 
Because the basin restricts sound from propagating outward, with the 
exception of the east-facing entrance channel, the radial distances to 
thresholds cannot generally be reached.
    While pile driving can occur any day, and the analysis is conducted 
on a per day basis, only a fraction of that time (typically a matter of 
hours on any given day) is actually spent pile driving. The exposure 
assessment methodology is an estimate of the numbers of individuals 
exposed to the effects of pile driving activities exceeding NMFS-
established thresholds. Of note in these exposure estimates, mitigation 
methods (i.e., visual monitoring and the use of

[[Page 71574]]

shutdown zones; soft start for impact pile driving) were not quantified 
within the assessment and successful implementation of mitigation is 
not reflected in exposure estimates. In addition, equating exposure 
with response (i.e., a behavioral response meeting the definition of 
take under the MMPA) is simplistic and conservative assumption. For 
these reasons, results from this acoustic exposure assessment likely 
overestimate take estimates to some degree.

     Table 3--Number of Potential Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals Within Various Acoustic Threshold Zones
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Estimated incidences of take
                                                                                \1\
                Species                         Activity         --------------------------------      Total
                                                                      Level A         Level B
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bottlenose dolphin \2\................  Impact driving (steel                  0              40             365
                                         piles).
                                        Vibratory driving (steel               0             315  ..............
                                         piles).
                                        Vibratory driving                      0              10  ..............
                                         (plastic piles).
Atlantic spotted dolphin..............  Impact driving (steel                  0               0              95
                                         piles).
                                        Vibratory driving (steel               0              90  ..............
                                         piles).
                                        Vibratory driving                      0               5  ..............
                                         (plastic piles).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Acoustic injury threshold is 180 dB for cetaceans; behavioral harassment threshold applicable to impact pile
  driving is 160 dB and to vibratory driving is 120 dB.
\2\ It is impossible to estimate from available information which stock these takes may accrue to.

    Only bottlenose dolphins are likely to occur inside the turning 
basin; therefore, the estimates for spotted dolphin are likely 
overestimates because the ZOI areas include the turning basin. 
Bottlenose dolphins are likely to be exposed to sound levels that could 
cause behavioral harassment if they enter the turning basin while pile 
driving activity is occurring. Outside the turning basin, potential 
takes could occur if individuals of these species move through the 
ensonified area when pile driving is occurring. It is not possible to 
determine, from available information, how many of the estimated 
incidences of take for bottlenose dolphins may accrue to the different 
stocks that may occur in the action area. Similarly, animals observed 
in the ensonified areas will not be able to be identified to stock on 
the basis of visual observation.

Negligible Impact and Small Numbers Analyses and Determinations

    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, 
we consider a variety of factors, including but not limited to: (1) The 
number of anticipated mortalities; (2) the number and nature of 
anticipated injuries; (3) the number, nature, intensity, and duration 
of Level B harassment; and (4) the context in which the take occurs.

Small Numbers Analysis

    The number of incidences of take authorized for Atlantic spotted 
dolphins is small relative to the relevant stock--less than one 
percent. As described previously, of the 365 incidences of behavioral 
harassment predicted to occur for bottlenose dolphin, we have no 
information allowing us to parse those predicted incidences amongst the 
three stocks of bottlenose dolphin that may occur in the ensonified 
area. Therefore, we assessed the total number of predicted incidences 
of take against the best abundance estimate for each stock, as though 
the total would occur for the stock in question. For two of the 
bottlenose dolphin stocks, the total predicted number of incidences of 
take authorized would be considered small--less than three percent for 
the southern migratory stock and less than twelve percent for the 
northern Florida coastal stock--even if each estimated taking occurred 
to a new individual. This is an extremely unlikely scenario as, for 
bottlenose dolphins in estuarine and nearshore waters, there is likely 
to be some overlap in individuals present day-to-day.
    The total number of authorized takes proposed for bottlenose 
dolphins, if assumed to accrue solely to new individuals of the JES 
stock, is higher relative to the total stock abundance, which is 
currently considered unknown. However, these numbers represent the 
estimated incidences of take, not the number of individuals taken. That 
is, it is highly likely that a relatively small subset of JES 
bottlenose dolphins would be harassed by project activities. JES 
bottlenose dolphins range from Cumberland Sound at the Georgia-Florida 
border south to approximately Palm Coast, Florida, an area spanning 
over 120 linear km of coastline and including habitat consisting of 
complex inshore and estuarine waterways. JES dolphins, divided by 
Caldwell (2001) into Northern and Southern groups, show strong site 
fidelity and, although members of both groups have been observed 
outside their preferred areas, it is likely that the majority of JES 
dolphins would not occur within waters ensonified by project 
activities. Further, although the largest area of ensonification is 
predicted to extend up to 7.5 km offshore from NSM, estuarine dolphins 
are generally considered as restricted to inshore waters and only 1-2 
km offshore. In summary, JES dolphins are (1) known to form two groups 
and exhibit strong site fidelity (i.e., individuals do not generally 
range throughout the recognized overall JES stock range); (2) would not 
occur at all in a significant portion of the larger ZOI extending 
offshore from NSM; and (3) the specified activity will be stationary 
within an enclosed basin not recognized as an area of any special 
significance that would serve to attract or aggregate dolphins. We 
therefore believe that the estimated numbers of takes, were they to 
occur, likely represent repeated exposures of a much smaller number of 
bottlenose dolphins and that these estimated incidences of take 
represent small numbers of bottlenose dolphins.

Negligible Impact Analysis

    Pile driving activities associated with the Navy's wharf project, 
as outlined previously, have the potential to disturb or displace 
marine mammals. Specifically, the specified activities may result in 
take, in the form of Level B harassment (behavioral disturbance) only, 
from underwater sounds generated from pile driving. Potential takes 
could occur if individuals of these species are present in the 
ensonified zone when pile driving is happening.

[[Page 71575]]

    No injury, serious injury, or mortality is anticipated given the 
likely methods of installation and measures designed to minimize the 
possibility of injury to marine mammals. The potential for these 
outcomes is minimized through the construction method and the 
implementation of the planned mitigation measures. Specifically, 
vibratory hammers will be the primary method of installation, and this 
activity does not have significant potential to cause injury to marine 
mammals due to the relatively low source levels produced (less than 180 
dB) and the lack of potentially injurious source characteristics. 
Impact pile driving produces short, sharp pulses with higher peak 
levels and much sharper rise time to reach those peaks. If impact 
driving is necessary, implementation of soft start and shutdown zones 
significantly reduces any possibility of injury. Given sufficient 
``notice'' through use of soft start (for impact driving), marine 
mammals are expected to move away from a sound source that is annoying 
prior to its becoming potentially injurious. Environmental conditions 
in the confined and protected Mayport turning basin mean that marine 
mammal detection ability by trained observers is high, enabling a high 
rate of success in implementation of shutdowns to avoid injury, serious 
injury, or mortality.
    Effects on individuals that are taken by Level B harassment, on the 
basis of reports in the literature as well as monitoring from other 
similar activities, will likely be limited to reactions such as 
increased swimming speeds, increased surfacing time, or decreased 
foraging (if such activity were occurring). Most likely, individuals 
will simply move away from the sound source and be temporarily 
displaced from the areas of pile driving, although even this reaction 
has been observed primarily only in association with impact pile 
driving. The pile driving activities analyzed here are similar to 
numerous other construction activities conducted in San Francisco Bay 
and in the Puget Sound region, which have taken place with no reported 
injuries or mortality to marine mammals, and no known long-term adverse 
consequences from behavioral harassment. Repeated exposures of 
individuals to levels of sound that may cause Level B harassment are 
unlikely to result in hearing impairment or to significantly disrupt 
foraging behavior. Thus, even repeated Level B harassment of some small 
subset of the overall stock is unlikely to result in any significant 
realized decrease in viability for bottlenose dolphins, and thus would 
not result in any adverse impact to the stock as a whole. Level B 
harassment will be reduced to the level of least practicable impact 
through use of mitigation measures described herein and, if sound 
produced by project activities is sufficiently disturbing, animals are 
likely to simply avoid the turning basin while the activity is 
occurring.
    In summary, this negligible impact analysis is founded on the 
following factors: (1) The possibility of injury, serious injury, or 
mortality may reasonably be considered discountable; (2) the 
anticipated incidences of Level B harassment consist of, at worst, 
temporary modifications in behavior; (3) the absence of any significant 
habitat within the project area, including known areas or features of 
special significance for foraging or reproduction; (4) the presumed 
efficacy of the planned mitigation measures in reducing the effects of 
the specified activity to the level of least practicable impact. In 
addition, none of these stocks are listed under the ESA, although 
coastal bottlenose dolphins are considered depleted under the MMPA. In 
combination, we believe that these factors, as well as the available 
body of evidence from other similar activities, demonstrate that the 
potential effects of the specified activity will have only short-term 
effects on individuals. The specified activity is not expected to 
impact rates of recruitment or survival and will therefore not result 
in population-level impacts.

Determinations

    The number of marine mammals actually incidentally harassed by the 
project will depend on the distribution and abundance of marine mammals 
in the vicinity of the survey activity. However, we find that the 
number of potential takings authorized (by level B harassment only), 
which we consider to be a conservative, maximum estimate, is small 
relative to the relevant regional stock or population numbers, and that 
the effect of the activity will be mitigated to the level of least 
practicable impact through implementation of the mitigation and 
monitoring measures described previously. Based on the analysis 
contained herein of the likely effects of the specified activity on 
marine mammals and their habitat, we find that the total taking from 
the activity will have a negligible impact on the affected species or 
stocks.

Impact on Availability of Affected Species for Taking for Subsistence 
Uses

    There are no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals implicated 
by this action. Therefore, we have determined that the total taking of 
affected species or stocks would not have an unmitigable adverse impact 
on the availability of such species or stocks for taking for 
subsistence purposes.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    There are no ESA-listed marine mammals expected to occur in the 
action area. Therefore, the Navy has not requested authorization of the 
incidental take of ESA-listed species and no such authorization is 
issued; therefore, no consultation under the ESA is required.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as implemented by the regulations published 
by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), the 
Navy prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider the direct, 
indirect and cumulative effects to the human environment resulting from 
the wharf recapitalization project. NMFS made the Navy's EA available 
to the public for review and comment, in relation to its suitability 
for adoption by NMFS in order to assess the impacts to the human 
environment of issuance of an IHA to the Navy. Also in compliance with 
NEPA and the CEQ regulations, as well as NOAA Administrative Order 216-
6, NMFS has reviewed the Navy's EA, determined it to be sufficient, and 
adopted that EA and signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) 
on November 20, 2013. The Navy's EA and NMFS' FONSI for this action may 
be found at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm.

Authorization

    As a result of these determinations, we have issued an IHA to the 
Navy to conduct the specified activities in Naval Station Mayport, FL 
for one year, from December 1, 2013, through November 30, 2014, 
provided the previously described mitigation, monitoring, and reporting 
requirements are incorporated.

    Dated: November 25, 2013.
Donna S. Wieting,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-28650 Filed 11-27-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P