[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 137 (Monday, July 20, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35136-35145]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-17185]



[[Page 35136]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 217

[Docket No. 090206146-91055-02]
RIN 0648-AX32


Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals 
Incidental to the Port of Anchorage Marine Terminal Redevelopment 
Project, Anchorage, Alaska

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: NMFS, upon application from the Port of Anchorage (POA) and 
the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD), 
has issued regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine 
mammals, by harassment, incidental to Phase II of the POA's Marine 
Terminal Redevelopment Project (MTRP) for the period July 2009 through 
July 2014. These regulations, which allow for the issuance of annual 
``Letters of Authorization'' (LOAs) for the incidental take of marine 
mammals during the described activities and specified time frames, 
prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other means of 
effecting the least adverse impact practicable on marine mammal species 
and their habitat, as well as requirements pertaining to the monitoring 
and reporting of such taking.

DATES: Effective July 15, 2009 and is applicable to the POA and MARAD 
on July 15, 2009 through July 14, 2014, upon signature of this final 
rule.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the POA/MARAD's application, NMFS' Final 
Environmental Assessment (EA), Supplemental EA (SEA) and Findings of No 
Significant Impact (FONSIs) may be obtained by writing to P. Michael 
Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resource, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225, by telephoning the contact 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, or on the Internet at: 
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications. 
Documents cited in this final rule may also be viewed, by appointment, 
during regular business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jaclyn Daly, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, (301) 713-2289, ext. 151.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) directs 
the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but 
not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. 
citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial 
fishing) if certain findings are made and regulations are issued or, if 
the taking is limited to harassment, notice of a proposed authorization 
is provided to the public for review. Except with respect to certain 
activities not pertinent here, the MMPA defines ``harassment'' as:

    any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (I) has the 
potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the 
wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the potential to disturb a 
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing 
disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, 
migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering 
[Level B harassment].

    Authorization for incidental takings may be granted for up to 5 
years if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on 
the species or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on 
the availability of the species or stock(s) for certain subsistence 
uses, and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements 
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such taking 
are set forth. NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 
as: ``an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be 
reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely 
affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of 
recruitment or survival.''

Summary of Request

    On November 20, 2008, NMFS received an application from the POA/
MARAD requesting regulations to take, by Level B harassment only, 
marine mammals incidental to certain construction activities associated 
with the MTRP. On January 9, 2009, the POA/MARAD also submitted a 
Demolition Plan which describes options of dock demolition and impacts 
to marine mammals from each option. As described in the application 
marine mammals may be harassed by noise from in-water pile driving. 
This final rule authorizes the take, by Level B harassment only, of the 
following marine mammals which could be present within the action area: 
Cook Inlet beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), harbor seals (Phoca 
vitulina), harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), and killer whales 
(Orcinus orca).
    The proposed rule for this action listed in-water chipping, which 
would occur under Option 1 in the Demolition Plan, as an additional 
source of potential harassment; however, NMFS misunderstood specifics 
of the chipper hammer (i.e., the energy required to operate the hammer) 
and, upon clarification from the POA/MARAD, has now determined that 
dock demolition will not result in harassment to marine mammals given 
the implementation of the required mitigation measures (see Change in 
Rule Relative to the Proposed Rule).

Description of the Specified Activity

    According to the application, the MTRP is designed to upgrade and 
expand the existing POA facilities by removing and replacing aging and 
obsolete structures and providing additional dock and backland areas, 
without disruption of maritime service during construction. The POA 
serves 85 percent of the population within the State of Alaska by 
providing 90 percent of all consumer goods and is an economic engine 
for the State of Alaska.
    Located within the Municipality of Anchorage on Knik Arm in upper 
Cook Inlet, the existing 129-acre POA facility is currently operating 
at or above sustainable practicable capacity for the various types of 
cargo handled at the facility. In addition, the existing infrastructure 
and support facilities are substantially past their design life, have 
degraded to levels of marginal safety, and are in many cases 
functionally obsolete. The MTRP will replace, upgrade, and expand the 
current POA facility to address existing needs and projected future 
needs, allowing the POA to adequately support the economic growth of 
Anchorage and the State of Alaska through 2025 and beyond. Upon 
completion, the phased MTRP will add 135 acres of usable land to the 
current 129 acre POA (total area of 264 acres). The completed marine 
terminal at the POA will include: seven modern dedicated ship berths; 
two dedicated barge berths; rail access and intertie to the Alaskan 
railbelt; roadway improvements; security and lighting improvements; 
slope stability improvements; drainage improvements; modern shore-side 
docking facilities; equipment to accommodate cruise passengers, bulk, 
break-bulk, roll on/roll off (RO-RO) and load on/load off

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(LO-LO) cargo, general cargo short-term storage, military queuing and 
staging, and petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) transfer and 
storage; and additional land area to support expanding military and 
commercial operations.
    In-water construction activities, specifically in-water pile 
driving, have the potential to harass marine mammals if they are 
exposed to sound levels at or above certain threshold levels. NMFS 
considered harassment from other activities (e.g., construction of 
dikes, discharge, settlement and compaction of fill material, 
installation of utilities, and paving within a 27-acre intertidal area) 
during Phase I of the MTRP and during the IHA issuance process and has 
determined that these activities would not result in take of marine 
mammals if certain operational procedures and mitigation measures were 
implemented by the POA. NMFS also considered noise impacts during dock 
demolition. NMFS concludes that in-water pile driving is the only 
activity which warrant an MMPA authorization. A complete description of 
the specified activities and affected environment can be found in the 
proposed rule Federal Register document for this action (74 FR 18493, 
April 23, 2009).

Change in Rule Relative to the Proposed Rule

    During review of the Demolition Plan, NMFS analyzed three proposed 
methods presented by the POA/MARAD, including use of a chipping hammer 
and explosives. Because dock demolition will not occur for over one 
year, the POA/MARAD needs to retain a reasonable amount of variation in 
demolition methods to practicably submit bid contracts. NMFS now 
understands that its interpretation of the energy needed to operate the 
chipping hammer was inaccurate. The POA/MARAD provided information that 
the chipping hammer operates at ``19 percent of the energy required for 
a vibratory pile driving hammer.'' NMFS took this to mean 19 percent 
less energy (e..g, if the vibratory hammer works at 100 horsepower, the 
chipping hammer works at 81 horsepower). Based on that interpretation, 
and given the lack of empirical sound source verification, NMFS 
implemented monitoring measures identical to vibratory pile driving 
(i.e., 1,300 m Level B harassment zone isopleth and 200 m safety zone). 
In fact, the chipping hammer operates at 19 percent of what is required 
for the vibratory hammer (e.g., using the 100 horsepower example above, 
the chipper hammer works at 19 horsepower). Given that the chipping 
hammers requires 81 percent less energy than the vibratory hammer, NMFS 
has determined that monitoring the 1,300 m harassment isopleth during 
in-water chipping (if chosen as the method for demolition) is not 
necessary, as the 120 dB isopleth from this activity would not extend 
this far out into Knik Arm. However, NMFS has conservatively retained a 
200 m safety zone for this activity. Therefore, given the required shut 
down mitigation, NMFS does not anticipate takes of marine mammals will 
occur from this activity. All analysis and proposed mitigation for 
Options 2 and 3 of the Demolition Plan, as described in the proposed 
rule, remain accurate.

Comments and Responses

    On April 23, 2009, NMFS published a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(74 FR 18493) in the Federal Register on the POA/MARAD's request to 
take marine mammals incidental to the MTRP and requested comments, 
information, and suggestions concerning the request. NMFS also made a 
Draft SEA available for public comment. While no comments were received 
specific to the Draft SEA, one commentor provided comments on the 
original EA and FONSI issued by NMFS on July 14, 2008. While public 
comment was sought on the draft version of the SEA, NMFS found this set 
of comments to be directly relevant to the SEA, in that they primarily 
raised issues related to the effects of the underlying activity on the 
distinct population segment (DPS) of Cook Inlet beluga whales which are 
listed under the ESA. While comments on the prior FONSI are not 
relevant, as the agency would reach a new finding based on the analysis 
in this SEA, we summarize the relevant issues raised both on the prior 
EA and FONSI in the Final SEA as they relate to the scope and content 
of the analyses under consideration by NMFS.
    During the 30-day public comment period, The Humane Society of the 
United States (HSUS), the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), and 
the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission) submitted comments on the 
proposed regulations. HSUS requests NMFS deny the permit and the 
Commission recommends that NMFS withdraw the proposed rule and refrain 
from authorizing the taking of Cook Inlet beluga whales at this time. 
For the reasons set forth in the proposed rule and this preamble, NMFS 
believes issuance of the authorization is appropriate. Following are 
the comments from the Commission and HSUS and NMFS' responses.
    Comment 1: The Commission disagrees with NMFS' finding that the 
MTRP will have a negligible impact on Cook Inlet beluga whales given 
that it will, in summary, result in increased noise and other types of 
disturbance, habitat degradation and destruction, and various other 
environmental concerns such as disturbance to potentially harmful 
bottom sediments from dredging, increased pollution, discharge of 
ballast water and other impacts associated with increased vessel 
traffic from an expanded port. In support of its comment, the 
Commission cites NMFS' final rule listing Cook Inlet beluga whales as 
endangered, which identifies continued development along upper Cook 
Inlet and its cumulative impacts on important beluga whale habitat as 
one of several possible causes for the observed population trends. The 
Commission suggests that NMFS' population viability analysis in the 
final rule listing the species indicates the status quo is already 
jeopardizing the continued existence of the species and says the 
population will continue to decline, eventually to extinction, if 
nothing is done to reverse the recent trends. Accordingly, the 
Commission recommends NMFS refrain from authorizing take of Cook Inlet 
beluga whales until the Agency has conducted more research to identify 
the factor(s) contributing to the decline and/or lack of recovery of 
the population, can discount the factors associated with port 
construction and use as significant contributors, and determine that, 
once mitigated, the MTRP will not have more than a negligible impact on 
beluga whales.
    Response: Section 4(a) of the ESA requires the Secretary of 
Commerce (Secretary), after receipt of a petition, to list a specified 
species, to determine whether any species is endangered or threatened 
based on any of five specific factors. NMFS' final rule to list Cook 
Inlet beluga whales as endangered identified, among others, ``the 
present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its 
habitat or range'' as a factor contributing to the species endangered 
status. Specifically, NMFS cited oil and gas exploration, development, 
and production; and industrial activities that discharge or 
accidentally spill pollutants. NMFS therefore agrees that coastal 
development projects in Cook Inlet should be closely assessed with 
respect to beluga whale conservation and recovery.
    For this project, NMFS looked at the intensity of habitat 
destruction and modification and whether this, combined with all 
aspects of the project,

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would have more than a negligible impact on Cook Inlet beluga whales. 
The thorough assessment of habitat loss and degradation from the MTRP 
can be found in Chapter 4 of the 2008 EA, which has been incorporated 
by reference into the 2009 SEA; habitat impacts were also addressed in 
the Federal Register notification of proposed rulemaking for this 
action. NMFS assessed not only the permanent loss of the proposed 135 
acres of filled intertidal and sub-tidal habitat with respect to beluga 
whale prey, but also hydrodynamic shifts from expanded port completion, 
and habitat degradation from noise, dredging, and pollution.
    As NMFS' 2008 Conservation Plan for the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale 
(Delphinapterus leucas) (herein after ``Conservation Plan'') states, 
the primary concern relating to coastal development in Upper Cook Inlet 
is that it may restrict passage of beluga whales along Knik Arm to 
important feeding areas. The MTRP footprint is restricted to the 
eastern side of Knik Arm, with the new dock extending approximately 400 
m seaward of the current dock. Sound propagation beyond NMFS Level B 
harassment thresholds (160dB for impact pile driving and 125 dB for 
vibratory pile driving) is not expected to extend beyond 300 and 1,300 
m, respectively, while that area of Knik Arm extends approximately 4.17 
km across and should allow for beluga passage to the primary feeding 
hotspots (15-17 miles north of the POA), as identified in the 
Conservation Plan. NMFS considered all available studies investigating 
behavioral and TTS data on beluga whales, including data from 
monitoring reports under the POA/MARAD's current IHA, baseline 
environmental conditions (e.g., ambient sound levels, exposure to 
anthropogenic activities), and mitigation measures when analyzing the 
impacts on Cook Inlet beluga whales. Based on captive and field 
acoustic studies, it is possible that beluga whales may alter their 
behavior in response to noise from the MTRP; however, to date, the 
monitoring reports do not indicate short or long term change in 
behavior or habitat use. Surveys conducted before port construction 
began indicated that 79 percent of all beluga whales entering Knik Arm 
utilized waters within the MTRP footprint (Markowitz et al. 2005). 
These surveys are ongoing, and after 5 months of pile driving (July to 
November), there is no indication of a change in habitat use or 
restriction of beluga whale passage. Finally, over 90 percent of Knik 
Arm remains undeveloped, and where development is prevalent, it is 
relatively confined to the lower portion of Knik Arm, away from primary 
beluga whale foraging hotspots.
    NMFS began working with the POA/MARAD before the MTRP began and is 
requiring monitoring and mitigation measures beyond those previously 
recommended during the USACE's scoping process for issuance of its 404 
Permit. In addition, the POA/MARAD has undertaken and continues 
dedicated fish and marine mammal monitoring studies and is developing 
an acoustic plan to further investigate beluga whale vocalization 
patterns in response to construction.
    Based on NMFS' analysis of all impacts from the MTRP, as described 
in the Federal Register notices for this project, the 2008 EA, and the 
2009 SEA, including analysis of the project design (e.g., limited to 
one side of Knik Arm), numerous fish surveys, habitat classification 
and hydrodynamic modeling studies, sediment analysis and beluga health 
assessments (with respect to contaminants), noise surveys conducted at 
and around the POA, and the incorporation of mitigation measures 
contained in these regulations and the POA/MARAD's USACE 404 Permit, 
NMFS has determined that the MTRP is not reasonably likely to adversely 
affect Cook Inlet beluga whales through effects on annual rates of 
recruitment or survival (i.e., negligible impact) and will not have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of Cook Inlet beluga 
whales for taking for subsistence uses should the current moratorium on 
harvest be lifted. Further, NMFS' SEA and EA, which consider cumulative 
impacts, resulted in a FONSI for this action.
    Although there is some uncertainty with respect to Cook Inlet 
beluga population trends and causes, it does not prevent NMFS from 
making decisions based on the best information available. The MMPA 
directs NMFS to issue permits allowing incidental, but not intentional, 
taking, provided certain findings can be made, and the best available 
information indicates that the activity under consideration satisfies 
those conditions.
    NMFS thoroughly assessed the best available information, including 
monitoring reports collected under the IHA, and determined it 
sufficient to make an informed judgment about the effects of the MTRP 
on Cook Inlet belugas and the means to mitigate those effects. 
Nevertheless, there are efforts to improve understanding of the factors 
affecting recovery. Separating out what may very well be confounding 
factors can be extremely difficult. In Cook Inlet, NMFS conducts annual 
beluga whale aerial abundance surveys and investigates live stranding 
events and carcasses. Analysis of carcasses, including gross anatomy 
examinations; skin, tissue, blubber, blood, and organ sampling; and 
analysis of loads of contaminants, disease, and parasitism, will aid in 
determining the health of the environment beluga whales utilize and, 
possibly, the underlying causes of strandings. These and other efforts 
will continue to allow NMFS a better understanding of the factors 
limiting Cook Inlet beluga whale recovery.
    Specific to the MTRP, the POA/MARAD have overseen extensive pre-
construction and present day research in the form of marine mammal 
surveys and monitoring in order to assess both short term and long term 
impacts to beluga whales, as described in the proposed rule (73 FR 
18493, April 23, 2009). In addition, the POA/MARAD are preparing, with 
recommendations from NMFS, an acoustic plan to determine a sighting 
rate correction factor by comparing detection of vocal beluga whales 
from passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) to the rate of visual 
observations. In addition, this PAM study will continue to characterize 
sound levels around the POA during and in the absence of all 
construction activities. Further, independent acoustic studies have 
been proposed by Alaska Pacific University and scientists from other 
organizations to investigate beluga whale vocalizations in response to 
anthropogenic noise (these studies are independent of the MTRP and are 
not affiliated with the POA/MARAD). NMFS has determined that the 
research being conducted by the POA/MARAD is appropriate to determine 
levels of impacts specific to this project, and will continue to use 
data from other research to assess beluga whale stressors.
    Finally, NMFS disagrees that the status quo is jeopardizing the 
continued existence of the species. NMFS is mindful of the endangered 
status of the whales and is committed to promoting their conservation 
and recovery. In that regard, NMFS conducted its ESA consultation with 
the POA/MARAD and concluded, based on the best available information, 
that the MTRP is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of 
Cook Inlet beluga whales. The associated incidental take statement 
contains reasonable and prudent measures to minimize the impact of the 
incidental take from the MTRP as well as terms and conditions to 
implement those measures.
    Comment 2: HSUS commented that it is not clear if marine mammal 
observers

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(which are required under the POA's IHA) noticed subtle startle 
responses which could be an indication of stress.
    Response: During all pile driving operations, the POA/MARAD are 
required to have NMFS approved marine mammal observers on site to 
inform construction workers of the presence of beluga whales around the 
POA, implement shut down procedures should a marine mammal enter into 
designated safety zones, and observe any responses, including subtle 
ones, of beluga whales when entering the waters around the POA. In 
addition, an independent marine mammal monitoring team is stationed 
atop Cairn Point to characterize beluga whale abundance and habitat use 
around the POA. This independent monitoring team currently consists of 
Alaska Pacific University graduate students with expertise in marine 
mammal science, including behavior. All marine mammal monitoring 
reports, from both teams, have reported zero reactions from beluga 
whales to POA expansion with the exception of three groups splitting 
when they approached a barge. These reports also indicate that beluga 
whales continue to use the waters around the POA for travel and 
foraging similar to use before construction (monitoring has been 
occurring since 2004). A summary of these reports can be found in the 
proposed rule Federal Register notice and the SEA prepared for this 
action.
    Quantifying marine mammal stress response is not possible without 
direct measurements such as those obtained from the collection of blood 
or feces; however, presence of observable reactions could be one 
indication that an animal is stressed. Further, NMFS acknowledged in 
its proposed rule for the proposed action that a stress response which 
is not associated with an observable reaction may occur. Monitoring 
reports indicate that beluga whales are not observably reacting to 
construction activities, including pile driving. While a stress 
response may be occurring, it is unlikely the degree of stress is one 
which is prohibiting recovery (i.e., the whales are not fleeing/
abandoning high quality habitat).
    NMFS has also considered the cumulative impact of multiple past, 
present, and foreseeable actions in its NEPA documents and has 
determined that any additional stress from these actions and the 
proposed action are not likely to result in an impact which could be 
considered significant due to mitigation measures (e.g., low tide 
impact pile driving restriction, shut down zones) and the nature of 
operations (e.g., the intermittent nature of pile driving, pile driving 
occurs at one side of Knik Arm which allows for a zone of passage where 
sound levels are below NMFS harassment threshold levels, etc).
    Comment 3: The CBD provided comments on the proposed rule which 
were identical to those submitted during the 30-day comment period on 
the proposed IHA in 2008. NMFS addressed these comments in the Notice 
of Issuance for that IHA (73 FR 41318, July 18, 2008). In addition to 
those responses, NMFS notes that marine mammal monitoring reports 
collected under the IHA, as described in this document and the proposed 
rulemaking Federal Register notice, suggest that beluga whales are not 
behaviorally reacting to noise from pile driving nor are longer term 
changes in habitat use or use frequency obvious. These direct 
observations of beluga whale reactions to pile driving, and not 
inference from reactions to icebreaker ships or seismic surveys, 
support NMFS' determination that the impacts from the MTRP to this 
species is negligible. NMFS will continue to review POA/MARAD 
monitoring reports and new literature and reports on the recovery 
status of Cook Inlet beluga whales in general.

Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Marine Mammals

    The potential effects of the specified activity were fully 
described in NMFS' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (74 FR 18493, April 
23, 2009) and are summarized here. Noise generated from in-water pile 
has the potential to result in harassment of the aforementioned species 
if a marine mammal is present within specified distances during such 
activities. The specified activities will result in two types of noise: 
pulsed noise from impact pile driving and non-pulsed noise from 
vibratory pile driving. Again, NMFS has determined that in-water 
chipping associated with demolition of the dock will not result in 
harassment because the chipping hammer works at significantly reduced 
energy than a vibratory hammer (81 percent less) and the POA/MARAD will 
continue to shut down if marine mammals enter the 200m safety zone 
during in-water chipping.
    The available scientific literature suggest that introduction of 
pile driving into the marine environment could result in short term 
behavioral and/or physiological marine mammal impacts such as: altered 
headings; increased swimming rates; changes in dive, surfacing, 
respiration, feeding, and vocalization patterns; masking, and hormonal 
stress production (Southall et al., 2007); however some field studies 
also suggest marine mammals do not observably respond to construction 
type sounds such as drilling (e.g., Richardson et al., 1990, 1991; 
Moulton et al., 2005). Observation data on marine mammal responses to 
pile driving, as required under the POA/MARAD's current IHA, for these 
activities is summarized in the POA/MARAD's application and NMFS' 
proposed rulemaking. The potential effects described in the proposed 
rule are the same as those that would occur under this final rule. In 
summary, beluga whales are not noticeably reacting to MTRP construction 
activities and are not utilizing the habitat differently than when 
compared to pre in-water pile driving activity. NMFS anticipates that 
the total taking of marine mammals from the specified activities will 
have a negligible impact on the affected species or stock of marine 
mammals, and that the total taking will not have an unmitigable adverse 
impact on the availability of species or stocks of marine mammals for 
taking for subsistence uses.

Numbers of Marine Mammals Estimated to be Taken by Harassment

    The marine mammal species authorized to be taken by Level B 
harassment incidental to the MTRP are Cook Inlet beluga whales, harbor 
seals, harbor porpoises, and killer whales. The number of Cook Inlet 
beluga whales authorized to be harassed each year, under annual LOAs, 
may vary slightly according to NMFS' annual population estimates 
(generated from yearly aerial surveys) but will remain within numbers 
considered small relative to the population size. NMFS anticipates that 
take numbers will remain around take authorized in the 2008 IHA; 34 
whales per year. Take of harbor seals, harbor porpoise, and killer 
whales are likely to remain constant at 20, 20, and 5 takes per year, 
all of which are considered small relative to the population sizes for 
each stock, as described in the proposed rule.

Potential Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat

    The potential effects of the specified activity on marine mammal 
habitat were also fully described in NMFS' Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (74 FR 18493, April 23, 2009) and are summarized here. 
Impacts on marine mammal habitat are part of the consideration in 
making a finding of negligible impact on the species and stocks of 
marine mammals. Habitat includes, but is not limited to, rookeries, 
mating grounds, feeding areas, and areas of similar significance. Upon 
completion, the MTRP will create an additional 135 acres of useable 
land by filling intertidal

[[Page 35140]]

and subtidal habitat, some of which has already been completed. The 
area to be filled is considered rearing and nursery habitat for 
numerous marine mammal prey species and NMFS considered the permanent 
loss and degradation of this habitat in this regard when analyzing for 
a negligible impact determination. Based on scientific fish and habitat 
studies conducted around the POA, the design plan of the new port, 
marine mammal monitoring reports (and NMFS scientists observations of 
beluga whales feeding around the newly filled backlands area), and the 
POA/MARAD's U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's 404/10 Permit habitat 
mitigation, conservation, and restoration requirements, NMFS has 
determined that marine mammal prey abundance will not be affected to a 
level which would negatively impact marine mammal food resources.

Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Subsistence Needs

    The potential effects of the specified activity on subsistence 
needs were also fully described in NMFS' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(74 FR 18493, April 23, 2009) and are summarized here. Currently, no 
subsistence hunting of beluga whales is occurring. Traditionally, no 
subsistence hunting took place within the action area and given the 
urbanization of Anchorage and the presence of commercial and 
recreational use of waters near the POA, it is unlikely hunting would 
actually occur here in the future. Therefore, the MTRP will not have a 
direct impact on actual hunting location should the hunt occur in the 
future. In addition, no indirect impacts (i.e., availability of beluga 
whales reduced due to the MTRP) are anticipated. NMFS, through its 
project analysis, has determined that any harassment from the MTRP to 
marine mammals, including Cook Inlet beluga whales, will be short-term 
and limited to changes in behavior and stress responses. NMFS does not 
anticipate that the authorized taking of affected species or stocks 
will result in changes in reproduction, survival, or longevity rates 
which could decrease population levels, impact habitat or prey 
abundance to a level which could negatively impact population growth, 
or result in changes in distribution, as indicated by the first year of 
monitoring reports under the POA/MARAD's IHA. Therefore, NMFS has 
determined that the issuance of these regulations will not have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of marine mammal stocks 
for subsistence uses.

Mitigation

    To minimize impacts on marine mammals present within the action 
area, the POA/MARAD, in collaboration with NMFS, has prepared the 
following mitigation measures, which are incorporated into these 
regulations.

Scheduling of Construction Activities During Low Use Period of Beluga 
Whales Around the POA-Tidal Restrictions

    Tides have been shown to be an important physical characteristic in 
determining beluga movement within Knik Arm. Most beluga whales are 
expected to be foraging well north of the POA during the flood and high 
tide. However, these northern areas are exposed during the ebb and low 
tide; therefore, animals move south toward Eagle Bay and sometimes as 
far south as the Knik Arm entrance to avoid being stranded on mudflats. 
Based on the beluga whale monitoring studies conducted at the POA since 
2005, beluga whale sightings often varied significantly with tide 
height at and around the POA (Funk et al., 2005, Ramos et al., 2005, 
Markowitz and McGuire, 2007). Beluga whales were most often sighted 
during the period around low tide and, as the tide flooded, they 
typically moved into the upper reaches of the Arm. Opportunistic 
sighting data also support that highest beluga whale use near the POA 
is around low tide (NMFS, unpubl. data).
    Due to this tidally influenced habitat use, impact pile driving, 
excluding work when the entire pile is out of the water due to 
shoreline elevation or tidal stage, shall not occur within two hours of 
either side of each low tide (i.e., from two hours before low tide 
until two hours after low tide). For example, if low tide is at 1 p.m., 
impact pile driving will not occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vibratory 
pile driving will be allowed to commence/continue during this time 
because its characteristics (non-pulse sound type and lower source 
level) are expected to elicit less overt behavioral reactions.

Establishment of Pile Driving Safety Zones and Shut-down Requirements

    NMFS acknowledges that shut-down of reduced energy vibratory pile 
driving during the ``stabbing'' phase of sheet pile installation may 
not be practicable due to concerns that the sheet pile may break free 
and result in a safety and navigational hazard. Therefore, the 
following shut-down requirements apply to all pile driving except 
during the ``stabbing'' phase of the installation process.

Safety Zones

    In 2007 and 2008, the POA/MARAD conducted sound studies to obtain 
reliable estimates of distances for 190 (pinniped Level A (injury) 
threshold), 180 (cetacean Level A threshold), 160 (impact pile driving 
Level B harassment threshold) 120 dB (in 2008) and 125 dB (in 2009) 
(vibratory pile driving Level B harassment threshold) isopleths. There 
was some discretion between these two studies; therefore, NMFS 
extrapolated the more conservative isopleths from each study to 
identify Level B harassment radii. Therefore, based on NMFS' analysis 
of the acoustic data, the Level A and Level B harassment isopleth 
distances are 10 m (190 dB); 20 m (180 dB); 350 m (160 dB); and 1,300 m 
(125dB). Although the 190 and 180 dB isopleths are within 20 m for both 
types of pile driving, NMFS has established a conservative 200 m 
mandatory shut-down safety zone which would require the POA to shut-
down in-water pile driving or chipping any time a marine mammal enters 
this zone.

Shut-down for Large Groups

    To reduce the chance of the POA reaching or exceeding authorized 
take and to minimize harassment to beluga whales, if a group of more 
than five beluga whales is sighted within the relevant Level B 
harassment isopleth, shut-down is required.

Shut-down for Calves

    Marine mammal calves could be more susceptible to loud 
anthropogenic noise than juveniles or adults; therefore, the presence 
of calves within any harassment isopleth will require shut-down. If a 
calf is sighted approaching or within any harassment zone, pile driving 
will cease and not be resumed until the calf is confirmed to be out of 
the harassment zone and on a path away from such zone. If a calf or the 
group with a calf is not re-sighted within 15 minutes, pile driving may 
resume.

Heavy Machinery Shut-downs

    For other in-water heavy machinery operations other than pile 
driving, if a marine mammal comes within 50 m of operations, they will 
cease and vessels will slow to a reduced speed while still maintaining 
control of the vessel and safe working conditions. Such operations 
include port operated dredges, water based dump-scows (barges capable 
of discharging material through the bottom), standard barges, tug boats 
to position and move barges, barge mounted hydraulic excavators or 
clamshell equipment used to place or remove material.

[[Page 35141]]

In-water Pile Driving and Chipping Weather Delays

    Adequate visibility is essential to beluga whale monitoring and 
determining take numbers. In-water pile driving will not occur when 
weather conditions restrict clear, visible detection of all waters 
within the Level B harassment zones or 200 m safety zone. Such 
conditions that can impair sightibility and require in-water pile 
driving delays include, but are not limited to, fog and a rough sea 
state.

Exceedence of Take

    If maximum authorized take is reached or exceeded for the year for 
any marine mammal species, any marine mammal of that species entering 
into the Level B harassment isopleths will trigger mandatory shut-down.

Use of Impact Pile Driving Hammers

    In-water piles will be driven with a vibratory hammer to the 
maximum extent possible (i.e., until a desired depth is achieved or to 
refusal) prior to using an impact hammer.

Soft Start to Pile Driving Activities

    A ``soft start'' technique will be used at the beginning of each 
pile installation to allow any marine mammal that may be in the 
immediate area to leave before pile driving reaches full energy. The 
soft start requires contractors to initiate noise from vibratory 
hammers for 15 seconds at reduced energy followed by 1-minute waiting 
period. The procedure will be repeated two additional times. If an 
impact hammer is used, contractors will be required to provide an 
initial set of three strikes from the impact hammer at 40 percent 
energy, followed by a one minute waiting period, then two subsequent 3 
strike sets (NMFS, 2003). If any marine mammal is sighted within the 
200 m safety zone prior to pile-driving, or during the soft start, the 
hammer operator (or other authorized individual) will delay pile-
driving until the animal has moved outside the 200 m safety zone. 
Furthermore, if any marine mammal is sighted within or approaching a 
Level B harassment zone prior to beginning pile driving, operations 
will be delayed until the animals move outside the zone in order to 
minimize harassment. Pile-driving will resume only after a qualified 
observer determines that the marine mammal has moved outside the 200m 
safety or Level B harassment zone, or after 15 minutes have elapsed 
since the last sighting of the marine mammal within the safety zone.

Demolition Mitigation

    Table 7-1 in the Demolition Plan outlines all mitigation measures 
for each proposed option as described in the Specified Activities 
section of this document. Should chipping in-water be the chosen method 
for demolition (i.e., Option 1), the POA will abide by the safety shut 
down zone (200 m) established for pile driving. Other mitigation 
including poor weather delays, large group shut-downs, and calf shut-
downs will also be implemented for in-water chipping should animals 
enter within 200 m of the operating chipping hammer. Marine mammal 
observers will begin searching for animals 30 minutes prior to the 
start of all in-water chipping operations.
    If Option 2 is chosen, no blasting will occur if a marine mammal is 
located anywhere within any visible area around the POA. Blasting will 
be delayed if weather does not allow for adequate sighting conditions. 
Starting one-half hour prior to each out-of-water blasting event, MMOs 
at the MTRP site will systematically scan the waters around the port as 
far as the eye can see, by unaided eyed and high-powered binoculars, 
for signs of marine mammals. If marine mammals are observed, blasting 
will be suspended and will not resume until the animal has left the 
view area or has not been re-sighted for 15 minutes.
    For in-water heavy-machinery operations, including dike 
construction, in-water fill placement, crushing, shearing, marine 
vessel operation, and steel recovery, a safety zone of 50 m is 
established. That is, if a marine mammal comes within 50 m of the 
machinery, operations cease and vessels slow to a reduced speed while 
still maintaining control of the vessel and safe working conditions to 
avoid physical injury.

Notification of Commencement and Marine Mammal Sightings

    The POA/MARAD shall formally notify the NMFS Permits Division and 
AKR prior to the seasonal commencement of pile driving and shall 
provide monthly monitoring reports of all marine mammal sightings once 
pile driving begins. The POA/MARAD shall continue the formalized 
marine-mammal sighting and notification procedure for all POA users, 
visitors, tenants, or contractors prior to and after construction 
activities. The notification procedure shall clearly identify roles and 
responsibilities for reporting all marine mammal sightings. The POA/
MARAD will forward documentation of all reported marine mammal 
sightings to the NMFS.

Public Outreach

    The POA/MARAD shall maintain whale-notification signage in the 
waterfront viewing areas near the Ship Creek public boat launch and 
within the secured port entrance that is visible to all POA users. This 
signage shall continue to provide information on the beluga whale 
notification procedures for reporting beluga whale sightings to the 
NMFS.

Marine Mammal Monitoring

    The POA/MARAD will conduct marine mammal monitoring similar to that 
conducted during the effective dates of their IHA, set to expire July 
14, 2009, to assess short-term impacts and ensure long-term, non-
neglible impacts are not occurring from the MTRP. The monitoring plan 
is described, in detail, in their application and in the proposed 
rulemaking Federal Register notice. In summary, the POA/MARAD will 
conduct the following monitoring under the regulations.

Visual Monitoring

    Monitoring for marine mammals will take place concurrent with all 
pile driving activities and 30 minutes prior to pile driving 
commencement. One to two trained observer(s) will be placed at the POA 
at the best vantage point(s) practicable to monitor for marine mammals 
and will implement shut-down/delay procedures when applicable by 
calling for shut-down to the hammer operator. The observer(s) will have 
no other construction related tasks while conducting monitoring. Each 
observer will be properly trained in marine mammal species detection, 
identification and distance estimation and will be equipped with 
binoculars. At the time of each sighting, the pile hammer operator must 
be immediately notified that there are beluga whales in the area, their 
location and direction of travel, and if shut-down is necessary.
    Prior to the start of seasonal pile driving activities, the POA 
will require construction supervisors and crews, the marine mammal 
monitoring team, the acoustical monitoring team (described below), and 
all MTRP managers to attend a briefing on responsibilities of each 
party, defining chains of command, discussing communication procedures, 
providing overview of monitoring purposes, and reviewing operational 
procedures regarding beluga whales.
    In addition to the POA's trained marine mammal observers 
responsible for monitoring the harassment zones and implementing 
mitigation measures, an independent beluga whale

[[Page 35142]]

monitoring team, consisting of one to two land based observers, shall 
report on (1) the frequency at which beluga whales are present in the 
project footprint; (2) habitat use, behavior, and group composition 
near the POA, and will correlate those data with construction 
activities; and (3) observed reactions of beluga whales in terms of 
behavior and movement during each sighting. It is likely that these 
observers will monitor for beluga whales 8 hours per day/4 days per 
week but scheduling may change. These observers will work in 
collaboration with the POA to immediately communicate any presence of 
beluga whales or other marine mammals in the area prior to or during 
pile driving. The POA/MARAD will keep this monitoring team informed of 
all schedules for that day and any changes throughout the day.

Acoustic Monitoring

    The POA/MARAD shall install hydrophones (or employ other effective 
methodologies to the maximum extent possible) necessary to detect and 
localize passing whales and to determine the proportion of beluga 
whales missed from visual surveys. It will also further characterize 
the acoustical environment around the POA during and in absence of pile 
driving. This study will be coordinated with NMFS and the independent 
beluga whale monitoring program to correlate construction and 
operationally generated noise exposures with beluga whale presence, 
absence, and any altered behavior observed during construction and 
operations.

Reporting

    The POA/MARAD are responsible for submitting monthly marine mammal 
monitoring reports by the 10\th\ of the following month that include 
all marine mammal sightings sheets from the previous month and as 
summary of pile driving hours, by type, take numbers, and marine mammal 
reactions, if any. The sighting sheets have been approved by NMFS and 
require the following details, if able to be determined: group size, 
group composition (i.e., adult, juvenile, calf); behavior, location at 
time of first sighting and last sighting; time of day first sighted, 
time last sighted; approach distance to pile driving hammer; and note 
if shut-down/delay occurred and for how long. An annual report, as 
required in 50 CFR 217.205, must be submitted to NMFS at the time of 
application of renewal of annual LOAs. This report shall summarize all 
monitoring and taking for that year. A final report must be submitted 
to NMFS upon application for future authorization or, if no future 
authorizations are requested, no later than 90 days post expiration of 
these regulations. This report must summarize the findings made in all 
previous reports and assess any short and/or long term impacts to 
marine mammals at the POA.

ESA

    On October 22, 2008, NMFS published a final rule listing Cook Inlet 
beluga whales as endangered under the ESA (73 FR 62919). The POA and 
MARAD, in collaboration with the USACE, have prepared a Biological 
Assessment and requested Section 7 consultation initiation, as required 
under the ESA, to continue with the MTRP. Because NMFS' action of 
issuance of regulations and subsequent LOAs authorizing harassment to 
marine mammals is a separate federal action, on March 24, 2009, NMFS 
requested consultation under Section 7 of the ESA. Consultation was 
initiated on May 11, 2009. On July 13, 2009, NMFS issued a Biological 
Opinion which concluded that, after review of the current status of the 
Cook Inlet beluga whale, the environmental baseline for the action 
area, the biological and physical impacts of the MTRP, and cumulative 
effects, the MTRP is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence 
of the Cook Inlet beluga whale.

NEPA

    NMFS has, through NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6, 
established agency procedures for complying with NEPA and the 
implementing regulations issued by the Council on Environmental 
Quality. In 2008, NMFS prepared an EA on its issuance of incidental 
take authorizations for the duration of the MTRP. In 2009, NMFS 
prepared and solicited public comments on a draft SEA for its issuance 
of such authorizations, including these regulations. NMFS finalized 
this SEA on July 14, 2009 and has therefore complied with NEPA and its 
implementing regulations.

Determinations

    Based on the information provided in the POA/MARAD application, 
NMFS' EA and SEA, this document, the public comments submitted on the 
application and proposed rule, and the POA/MARAD's comprehensive 
monitoring reports of the activities through 2009, NMFS has determined 
that the MTRP, specifically pile driving and dock demolition, will 
result in no more than Level B harassment of small numbers of Cook 
Inlet beluga whales, harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and killer whales. 
NMFS has determined that the impacts associated with the MTRP will be 
limited to short term and localized changes in behavior and possibly 
TTS, masking, and stress hormone production. However, the manner and 
number of taking will have no more than a negligible impact on the 
affected species and stocks. No take by serious injury and/or death is 
anticipated, and the potential for permanent hearing impairment is 
unlikely. The level of harassment will be at the lowest practicable due 
to incorporation of the mitigation measures mentioned previously in 
this document. NMFS' regulations for this project prescribe the means 
of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammals and 
their habitat and set forth requirements pertaining to the monitoring 
and reporting of that taking. Additionally, the taking of any marine 
mammal, including Cook Inlet beluga whales, will not have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of marine mammal stocks 
for subsistence use due to the reasons described in this document and 
the proposed rule.

Classification

    The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this final 
rule is not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    Good cause exists to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness for 
this final rule pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553. The MTRP is an ongoing 
project under construction by the federal government through the USDOT 
Maritime Administration, with both federal and state/local funding and 
is currently operating under an IHA and USACE 404 permits. The MARAD 
and POA have ongoing and extensive mitigation measures in place to 
protect marine mammals (as required by the current permits) and no time 
is necessary to develop or initiate the measures required under 
regulations as final regulations do not constitute substantial changes 
to the IHA requirements. The construction season in Anchorage is very 
short and limited by frozen soils, ice in Knik Arm, and lack of 
daylight in the winter months. A 30-day delay is a significant 
percentage of the available window to complete in-water projects. The 
POA and MARAD have indicated that a delay of 30 days would result in 
immediate and direct costs at minimum of $65,000 per day and one time 
sum of $285,000. In addition, delay costs will accumulate through the 
rest of the program due to increasing construction costs for follow-on 
work (e.g., installation of utilities,

[[Page 35143]]

installation of dock cap, and paving) that would be rescheduled due to 
delay in completion of the basic waterfront structure, and, as one of 
19 U.S. strategic ports, delay in continuing the 2009 construction at 
the waterfront negatively impacts military deployment logistics 
capabilities and costs to and from five Alaskan installations and 
remote training grounds: Elmendorf AFB, Fort Richardson, Eielson AFB 
and Ft. Greely. Therefore, delay in operations would also result in 
direct impacts to military readiness activities. In summary, any delay 
in the implementation of these regulations would result in both 
economic loss and national security implication; therefore, these 
measures will become effective upon signature of the final rule. NMFS 
could not undertake this action sooner because the applicants did not 
provide information regarding the MTRP until May 8, 2009; therefore, 
NMFS was unable to initiate Section 7 consultation until May 11, 2009. 
NMFS issued the Biological Opinion on July 13, 2009.
    At the proposed rule stage, the Chief Counsel for Regulation of the 
Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of 
the Small Business Administration that this rule, if adopted, would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities since it would have no effect, directly or indirectly, on 
small businesses. Because of this certification, a regulatory 
flexibility analysis is not required, and none has been prepared.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 217

    Exports, Fish, Imports, Indians, Labeling, Marine mammals, 
Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Seafood, 
Transportation.

    Dated: July 14, 2009.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

0
For reasons set forth in the preamble, NMFS amends 50 CFR chapter II by 
adding part 217 to read as follows:

PART 217--REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKE OF MARINE MAMMALS 
INCIDENTAL TO SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES

Subparts A-T [Reserved]
Subpart U--Taking Of Marine Mammals Incidental To The Port of Anchorage 
Marine Terminal Redevelopment Project
Sec.
217.200 Specified activities and specified geographical region.
217.201 Effective dates.
217.202 Permissible methods of taking.
217.203 Prohibitions.
217.204 Mitigation.
217.205 Requirements for monitoring and reporting.
217.206 Applications for Letters of Authorization.
217.207 Letters of Authorization.
217.208 Renewal of Letters of Authorization.
217.209 Modifications of Letters of Authorization.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., unless otherwise noted.

Subparts A through T [Reserved]

Subpart U--Taking Of Marine Mammals Incidental To The Port of 
Anchorage Marine Terminal Redevelopment Project


Sec.  217.200  Specified activities and specified geographical region.

    (a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to the incidental taking 
of those marine mammals specified in Sec.  217.202(b) by the Port of 
Anchorage and the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime 
Administration (MARAD), and those persons it authorizes to engage in 
construction activities associated with the Port of Anchorage Marine 
Terminal Redevelopment Project, specifically in-water pile driving, at 
the Port of Anchorage, Alaska.
    (b) [Reserved]


Sec.  217.201  Effective dates.

    Regulations in this subpart are effective from July 15, 2009, 
through July 14, 2014.


Sec.  217.202  Permissible methods of taking.

    (a) Under Letters of Authorization issued pursuant to Sec.  216.106 
of this chapter and Sec.  217.207, the Port of Anchorage and MARAD, and 
persons under their authority, may incidentally, but not intentionally, 
take marine mammals by harassment, within the area described in Sec.  
217.200, provided the activity is in compliance with all terms, 
conditions, and requirements of these regulations and the appropriate 
Letter of Authorization.
    (b) The taking of marine mammals under a Letter of Authorization is 
limited to the incidental take, by Level B harassment only, of the 
following species under the activities identified in Sec.  217.200(a): 
Cook Inlet beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), harbor seals (Phoca 
vitulina), harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), and killer whales 
(Orcinus orca).
    (c) The taking by injury or death of the species listed in 
paragraph (b) of this section or the taking by Level B harassment, 
injury or death of any other marine mammal species is prohibited and 
may result in the modification, suspension, or revocation of a Letter 
of Authorization.


Sec.  217.203  Prohibitions.

    Notwithstanding takings contemplated in Sec.  217.202(b) and 
authorized by a Letter of Authorization issued under Sec.  216.106 of 
this chapter and Sec.  217.207, no person in connection with the 
activities described in Sec.  217.200 may:
    (a) Take any marine mammal not specified in Sec.  217.202(b);
    (b) Take any marine mammal specified in Sec.  217.202(b) other than 
by incidental, unintentional Level B harassment;
    (c) Take a marine mammal specified in Sec.  217.202(b) if such 
taking results in more than a negligible impact on the species or 
stocks of such marine mammal; or
    (d) Violate, or fail to comply with, the terms, conditions, and 
requirements of this subpart or a Letter of Authorization issued under 
Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and Sec.  217.207.


Sec.  217.204  Mitigation.

    (a) When conducting operations identified in Sec.  217.200(a), the 
mitigation measures contained in the Letter of Authorization, issued 
under Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and Sec.  217.207, must be 
implemented. These mitigation measures are:
    (1) Through monitoring described under Sec.  217.205, the Holder of 
a Letter of Authorization will ensure that no marine mammal is 
subjected to a sound pressure levels of 190 or 180 dB re: 1 microPa or 
greater for pinnipeds and cetaceans, respectively. If a marine mammal 
is detected within or approaching a distance 200 m from in-water pile 
driving or in-water chipping, operations shall be immediately delayed 
or suspended until the marine mammal moves outside these designated 
zones or the animal is not detected within 15 minutes of the last 
sighting.
    (2) If a marine mammal is detected within or approaching the Level 
B harassment zone designated for impact pile driving (350 m) prior to 
in-water impact pile driving, operations shall not commence until the 
animal moves outside this zone or it is not detected within 15 minutes 
of the last sighting.
    (3) If a marine mammal is detected within or approaching the Level 
B harassment zone designated for vibratory pile driving (1,300 m) prior 
to in-water vibratory pile driving, operations shall not commence until 
the marine mammal moves outside this

[[Page 35144]]

zone or it is not detected within 15 minutes of the last sighting.
    (4) A ''soft start'' technique shall be used at the beginning of 
each day's in-water pile driving activities or if pile driving has 
ceased for more than one hour to allow any marine mammal that may be in 
the immediate area to leave before piling driving reaches full energy. 
For vibratory hammers, the soft start requires the holder of the Letter 
of Authorization to initiate noise from the hammers for 15 seconds at 
reduced energy followed by 1-minute waiting period and repeat the 
procedure two additional times. If an impact hammer is used, the soft 
start requires an initial set of three strikes from the impact hammer 
at 40 percent energy, followed by a one minute waiting period, then two 
subsequent 3 strike sets.
    (5) In-water pile driving or chipping shall not occur when 
conditions restrict clear, visible detection of all waters within the 
appropriate harassment zones or the 200 m safety zone. Such conditions 
that can impair sightibility include, but are not limited to, fog and 
rough sea state.
    (6) In-water piles will be driven with a vibratory hammer to the 
maximum extent possible (i.e., until a desired depth is achieved or to 
refusal) prior to using an impact hammer.
    (7) In-water impact pile driving shall not occur during the period 
from two hours before low tide until two hours after low tide.
    (8) The following measures apply to all in-water pile driving, 
except during the ``stabbing'' phase, and all in-water chipping 
associated with demolition of the existing dock:
    (i) No in-water pile driving (impact or vibratory) or chipping 
shall occur if any marine mammal is located within 200m of the hammer 
in any direction. If any marine mammal is sighted within or approaching 
this 200m safety zone, pile-driving or chipping must be suspended until 
the animal has moved outside the 200m safety zone or the animal is not 
resighted within 15 minutes.
    (ii) If a group of more than 5 beluga whales is sighted within the 
Level B harassment isopleths, in-water pile driving shall be suspended. 
If the group is not re-sighted within 15 minutes, pile driving may 
resume.
    (iii) If a beluga whale calf or group with a calf is sighted within 
or approaching a harassment zone, in-water pile driving shall cease and 
shall not be resumed until the calf or group is confirmed to be outside 
of the harassment zone and moving along a trajectory away from such 
zone. If the calf or group with a calf is not re-sighted within 15 
minutes, pile driving may resume.
    (9) If maximum authorized take is reached or exceeded for a 
particular species, any marine mammal of that species entering into the 
harassment or safety isopleths will trigger mandatory in-water pile 
driving shut down.
    (10) For Port of Anchorage operated in-water heavy machinery work 
other than pile driving or chipping (i.e., dredging, dump scowles, tug 
boats used to move barges, barge mounted hydraulic excavators, or 
clamshell equipment used to place or remove material), if a marine 
mammal comes within 50 m, those operations will cease and vessels will 
reduce to the slowest speed practicable while still maintaining control 
of the vessel and safe working conditions.
    (11) In the event the Port of Anchorage conducts out-of-water 
blasting, detonation of charges will be delayed if a marine mammal is 
detected anywhere within a visible distance from the detonation site.
    (12) Additional mitigation measures as contained in a Letter of 
Authorization.
    (b) [Reserved]


Sec.  217.205  Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

    (a) The Holder of a Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to 
Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and Sec.  217.207, for activities 
described in Sec.  217.200(a) is required to cooperate with NMFS, and 
any other Federal, state or local agency with authority to monitor the 
impacts of the activity on marine mammals. Unless specified otherwise 
in the Letter of Authorization, the Holder of the Letter of 
Authorization must notify the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, by 
letter, e-mail, or telephone, at least 2 weeks prior to commencement of 
seasonal activities and dock demolition possibly involving the taking 
of marine mammals. If the activity identified in Sec.  217.200(a) is 
thought to have resulted in the mortality or injury of any marine 
mammals or in any take of marine mammals not identified in Sec.  
217.202(b), the Holder of the Letter of Authorization must notify the 
Director, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, or designee, by e-mail 
or telephone (301-713-2289), within 24 hours of the discovery of the 
injured or dead animal.
    (b) The Holder of a Letters of Authorization must designate 
qualified, on-site marine mammal observers (MMOs), approved in advance 
by NMFS, as specified in the Letter of Authorization, to:
    (1) Conduct visual marine mammal monitoring at the Port of 
Anchorage beginning 30 minutes prior to and during all in-water pile 
driving or chipping and out-of-water blasting.
    (2) Record the following information on NMFS-approved marine mammal 
sighting sheets whenever a marine mammal is detected:
    (i) Date and time of initial sighting to end of sighting, tidal 
stage, and weather conditions (including Beaufort Sea State);
    (ii) Species, number, group composition, initial and closest 
distance to pile driving hammer, and behavior (e.g., activity, group 
cohesiveness, direction and speed of travel, etc.) of animals 
throughout duration of sighting;
    (iii) Any discrete behavioral reactions to in-water work;
    (iv) The number (by species) of marine mammals that have been 
taken;
    (v) Pile driving, chipping, or out of water blasting activities 
occurring at the time of sighting and if and why shut down was or was 
not implemented.
    (3) Employ a scientific marine mammal monitoring team separate from 
the on-site MMOs to characterize beluga whale abundance, movements, 
behavior, and habitat use around the Port of Anchorage and observe, 
analyze, and document potential changes in behavior in response to in-
water construction work. This monitoring team is not required to be 
present during all in-water pile driving operations but will continue 
monitoring one-year post in-water construction. The on-site MMOs and 
this marine mammal monitoring team shall remain in contact to alert 
each other to marine mammal presence when both teams are working.
    (c) The Holder of a Letter of Authorization must conduct additional 
monitoring as required under an annual Letter of Authorization.
    (d) The Holder of a Letter of Authorization shall submit a monthly 
report to NMFS' Headquarters Permits, Education and Conservation 
Division and the Alaska Region, Anchorage for all months in-water pile 
driving or chipping takes place. This report must contain the 
information listed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
    (e) An annual report must be submitted at the time of application 
for renewal of a Letter of Authorization. This report will summarize 
all in-water construction activities and marine mammal monitoring from 
January 1- December 31, annually, and any discernable short or long 
term impacts from the Marine Terminal Expansion Project.
    (f) A final report must be submitted to NMFS upon application for a 
subsequent incidental take

[[Page 35145]]

authorization or, if no future authorization is requested, no later 
than 90 days post expiration of these regulations. This report will:
    (1) Summarize the activities undertaken and the results reported in 
all previous reports;
    (2) Assess the impacts to marine mammals from the port expansion 
project; and
    (3) Assess the cumulative impacts on marine mammals.


Sec.  217.206  Applications for Letters of Authorization.

    (a) To incidentally take marine mammals pursuant to these 
regulations, the U.S. citizen (as defined by Sec.  216.103 of this 
chapter) conducting the activity identified in Sec.  217.200(a) (the 
Port of Anchorage and MARAD) must apply for and obtain either an 
initial Letter of Authorization in accordance with Sec.  217.207 or a 
renewal under Sec.  217.208.
    (b) The application must be submitted to NMFS at least 60 days 
before the expiration of the initial or current Letter of 
Authorization.
    (c) Applications for a Letter of Authorization and for renewals of 
Letters of Authorization must include the following:
    (1) Name of the U.S. citizen requesting the authorization,
    (2) The date(s), duration, and the specified geographic region 
where the activities specified in Sec.  217.200 will occur; and
    (3) The most current population estimate of Cook Inlet beluga 
whales and the estimated percentage of marine mammal populations 
potentially affected for the 12-month period of effectiveness of the 
Letter of Authorization;
    (4) A summary of take levels, monitoring efforts and findings at 
the Port of Anchorage to date.
    (d) The National Marine Fisheries Service will review an 
application for a Letter of Authorization in accordance with this 
section and, if adequate and complete, issue a Letter of Authorization.


Sec.  217.207  Letters of Authorization.

    (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be 
valid for a period of time not to exceed the period of validity of this 
subpart, but must be renewed annually subject to annual renewal 
conditions in Sec.  217.208.
    (b) Each Letter of Authorization will set forth:
    (1) Permissible methods of incidental taking; and
    (2) Requirements for mitigation, monitoring and reporting, 
including, but not limited to, means of effecting the least practicable 
adverse impact on the species, its habitat, and on the availability of 
the species for subsistence uses.
    (c) Issuance of a Letter of Authorization will be based on the 
determination that the number of marine mammals taken during the period 
the Letter of Authorization is valid will be small, that the total 
taking of marine mammals by the activities specified in Sec.  
217.200(a) will have no more than a negligible impact on the species or 
stock of affected marine mammal(s), and that the total taking will not 
have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of species or 
stocks of marine mammals for subsistence uses.
    (d) Notice of issuance or denial of an application for a Letter of 
Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days 
of a determination.


Sec.  217.208  Renewal of Letters of Authorization.

    (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under Sec.  216.106 of this 
chapter and Sec.  217.207 for the activity identified in Sec.  
217.200(a) will be renewed annually upon:
    (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the 
application submitted under Sec.  217.206 will be undertaken and that 
there will not be a substantial modification to the described work, 
mitigation or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming 12 months;
    (2) Timely receipt of the monitoring reports required under Sec.  
217.205(d) and (e), and the Letter of Authorization issued under Sec.  
217.207, which has been reviewed and accepted by NMFS; and
    (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and 
reporting measures required under Sec. Sec.  217.204 and 217.205 and 
the Letter of Authorization issued under Sec.  216.106 of this chapter 
and Sec.  217.207, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the 
upcoming annual period of validity of a renewed Letter of 
Authorization; and
    (4) A determination by NMFS that the number of marine mammals taken 
during the period of the Letter of Authorization will be small, that 
the total taking of marine mammals by the activities specified in Sec.  
217.200(a) will have no more than a negligible impact on the species or 
stock of affected marine mammal(s), and that the total taking will not 
have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of species or 
stocks of marine mammals for subsistence uses.
    (b) If a request for a renewal of a Letter of Authorization issued 
under Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and this section indicates that a 
substantial modification to the described work, mitigation or 
monitoring undertaken during the upcoming season will occur, NMFS will 
provide the public a period of 30 days for review and comment on the 
request.
    (c) Notice of issuance or denial of a renewal of a Letter of 
Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days 
of a determination.


Sec.  217.209  Modifications of Letters of Authorization.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no 
substantive modification (including withdrawal or suspension) to the 
Letter of Authorization by NMFS, issued pursuant to Sec.  216.106 of 
this chapter and Sec.  217.207 and subject to the provisions of this 
subpart, shall be made until after notification and an opportunity for 
public comment has been provided. For purposes of this paragraph, a 
renewal of a Letter of Authorization under Sec.  217.208, without 
modification (except for the period of validity), is not considered a 
substantive modification.
    (b) If the Assistant Administrator determines that an emergency 
exists that poses a significant risk to the well-being of the species 
or stocks of marine mammals specified in Sec.  217.202(b), a Letter of 
Authorization issued pursuant to Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and 
Sec.  217.207 may be substantively modified without prior notification 
and an opportunity for public comment. Notification will be published 
in the Federal Register within 30 days subsequent to the action.
[FR Doc. E9-17185 Filed 7-15-09; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S