[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 206 (Thursday, October 24, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63396-63405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-25089]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 217

[130325286-3653-01]
RIN 0648-BC69


Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals 
Incidental to Replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall in Seattle, 
Washington

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS, upon application from the City of Seattle's Department 
of Transportation (SDOT), is issuing regulations to govern the 
unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to construction 
associated with the replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall in Seattle, 
Washington, for the period October 2013 to October 2018. These 
regulations allow for the issuance of Letters of Authorization (LOAs) 
for the incidental take of marine mammals during the described 
activities and specified timeframes, and prescribe the permissible 
methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable 
adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, as 
well as requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of any 
takings.

DATES: Effective October 21, 2013, through October 21, 2018.

ADDRESSES: A copy of SDOT's application and other supplemental 
documents, may be obtained by visiting the internet at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications. Documents 
cited in this notice may also be viewed, by appointment, during regular 
business hours, at the Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-
3225.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Magliocca, 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, the 
incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine 
mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than 
commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain 
findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if the taking 
is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is 
provided to the public for review.
    Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds 
that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or 
stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where 
relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements 
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such takings 
are set forth. NMFS has defined `negligible impact' in 50 CFR 216.103 
as ``an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be 
reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely 
affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of 
recruitment or survival.''
    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA defines `harassment' as: ``any act of pursuit, torment, or 
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or 
marine mammal stock in the wild [``Level A harassment'']; or (ii) has 
the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the 
wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not 
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering [``Level B harassment''].''

Summary of Request

    On September 17, 2012, NMFS received a complete application from 
SDOT requesting authorization for the take of nine marine mammal 
species incidental to replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall in 
Seattle, Washington, over the course of 5 years. The purpose of the 
project is to reduce the risks of coastal storm and seismic damage and 
to protect public safety, critical infrastructure, and associated 
economic activities in the area. Additionally, the project would 
improve the degraded ecosystem functions and processes of the Elliott 
Bay nearshore around the existing seawall. Noise produced during pile 
installation and removal activities has the potential to take marine 
mammals. SDOT requested, and NMFS will authorize through associated 
Letters of Authorization (LOAs), the take of nine marine mammal species 
by Level B harassment only: Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), 
California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), Steller sea lion 
(Eumetopias jubatus), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), Dall's 
porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), southern resident and transient killer 
whales (Orcinus orca), humpback whale (Megaptera novaengliae), and gray 
whale (Eschrichtius jubatus). Injury or mortality is unlikely during 
the project, and take by Level A harassment (including injury) or 
mortality is not authorized.

Description of the Specified Activity

    The proposed rule contains a complete description of SDOT's 
specified activities that are covered by these final regulations, and 
for which the associated incidental take of marine mammals will be 
authorized in the related LOAs (78 FR 22096, April 12, 2013). In 
summary, SDOT proposes to replace the Elliott Bay Seawall from South 
Washington Street to Broad Street, along the Seattle waterfront 
abutting Elliott Bay in King County, Washington. The purpose of the 
project is to reduce the risks of coastal storm and seismic damages and 
to protect public safety, critical infrastructure, and associated 
economic activities along Seattle's central waterfront. Additionally, 
the project will improve nearshore ecosystem functions and processes in 
the vicinity of the existing seawall. The project will be constructed 
in two phases: Phase 1 will extend for about 3,600 linear feet (ft) (1 
kilometer (km)) from South Washington Street to Virginia Street, and 
Phase 2 will extend for about 3,500 linear ft (1 km) from Virginia to 
Broad Streets.
    The new seawall will be constructed landward of the existing 
seawall face and result in a net setback of the wall from its existing 
location. The majority of seawall construction will occur behind a 
temporary steel sheet pile containment wall that will be placed 
waterward of the existing seawall complex and extend the full length of 
the construction work area during each construction season. The 
narrative description of the project contained in the proposed rule has 
not changed and is not repeated in full here. Tables 1, 2, and 3 below 
list the methods, durations, and locations of pile driving activities.

[[Page 63397]]



                          Table 1--Temporary Containment Wall Installation and Removal
                                            [Steel sheet piles only]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Pile pairs \1\
                                          (10%           Maximum      Maximum hours     Installation/ removal
         Construction phase            contingency      duration         per day                method
                                        included)        (days)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation
    Phase 1 (Years 1-3)............           1,023              60              12  vibratory.
    Estimated number of piles that              205           \3\ 4              10  impact.
     would require proofing \2\.
    Phase II (Years 4-5)...........             717              40              12  vibratory.
    Estimated number of piles that              143           \4\ 3              10  impact.
     would require proofing \2\.
Removal
    Phase I........................           1,023              25              12  vibratory.
    Phase II.......................             717              15              12  vibratory.
                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total Installed/Removed....           1,740  ..............  ..............  ...........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Steel sheet pile pairs only (48 inches wide), which are two interlocking sheet piles installed as one unit.
\2\ Number equals 20 percent of estimated number of piles installed per phase.
\3\ Total estimated installation time is 8 hours of actual impact driving.
\4\ Total estimated installation time is 12 hours of actual impact driving.


                                                             Table 2--Existing Pile Removal
                                                            [Timber and concrete piles only]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Maximum      Maximum
         Construction phase            Piles \1\          Pile type           Justification for      duration    hours per         Removal  method
                                                                                   removal            (days)        day
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phase 1 (Excluding Washington Street           20  Creosote-treated        Currently not used;               2           12  vibratory.
 Boat Landing).                                     timber \2\.             from previous uses
                                                                            along wall.
Phase I (Washington Street Boat                 8  Creosote-treated        Support existing pier             1           12  vibratory.
 Landing Only).                                     timber \2\.             structure.
Phase II............................           49  Creosote-treated        Currently not used;               2           12  vibratory.
                                                    timber \2\.             from previous uses
                                                                            along wall.
Phase II............................            3  Concrete \3\..........  Currently not used;               1           12  vibratory.
                                                                            from previous uses
                                                                            along wall.
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Removed...................           80  ......................  ......................            6  ...........  ...........................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Number includes 10 percent contingency.
\2\ Assumed to be 14-in diameter.
\3\ Assumed to be 18-in diameter.


                                                          Table 3--Permanent Pile Installation
                                            [16.5-in-diameter (42-cm) precast concrete octagonal piles only]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Maximum
           Construction phase                  Piles           Justification for          duration      Maximum hours         Installation  method
                                                                  installation             (days)          per day
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phase I (Excluding Washington Street                  92  To support sidewalk,                     11              10  impact.
 Boat Landing).                                            viewing areas, and
                                                           vehicular traffic access.
Phase I (Washington Street Boat Landing               15  To support new pier                       2              10  impact.
 Only).                                                    structure.
Phase II................................              83  To support sidewalk and                  10              10  impact.
                                                           viewing areas.
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Installed.....................             190  ...........................              23  ..............  .................................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dates and Duration of Specified Activity

    Seawall construction is expected to occur in two phases: Phase 1, 
which includes the area of the Central Seawall, and Phase 2, which 
includes the area of the North Seawall (Table 4). Phase 1 includes 
three construction segments, and Phase 2 includes two construction 
segments; each segment represents 1 to 2 years of construction. 
Construction is scheduled to begin with Phase I work in fall 2013. The 
three segments of Phase 1 will be constructed over three construction 
seasons with two summer shutdown periods from Memorial Day weekend 
through Labor Day weekend to accommodate the primary tourist and 
business season. Phase 2 construction is expected to begin following 
completion of Phase 1 and will occur over two 2-

[[Page 63398]]

year construction seasons with a summer shutdown period each year. 
SDOT's request covers the construction period from 2013 to 2018, from 
the start of Phase 1, Segment 1 to the end of Phase 2, Segment 1. A 
request for another MMPA authorization would be submitted for any 
further construction.

             Table 4--Proposed Project Construction Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Phase                    Segment              Duration
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 (Central Seawall)..........  I..................  Year 1 (Fall 2013-
                                                     Spring 2014).
                               II.................  Year 2 (Fall 2014-
                                                     Spring 2015).
                               III................  Year 3 (Fall 2015-
                                                     Spring 2016).
2 (North Seawall)............  I..................  Years 4 and 5 (Fall
                                                     2016-Spring 2018).
                               II.................  Years 6 and 7 (Fall
                                                     2018-Spring 2020).*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Note: Years 6 and 7 will not be covered under this LOA request because
  the MMPA limits incidental take authorizations to 5-year periods.

Specified Geographical Region

    The description of the specified geographical region has not 
changed from the proposed rule and a summarized version is provided 
here. The Elliott Bay Seawall runs along the downtown Seattle 
waterfront in King County, Washington. SDOT's project will occur 
between South Washington Street and Broad Street, which abut Elliott 
Bay, a 21-square kilometer (km\2\) urban embayment in central Puget 
Sound. This is an important industrial region and home to the Port of 
Seattle, which ranked as the nation's sixth busiest U.S. seaport in 
2010.
    The region of the specified activity (or ``area of potential 
effects,'' as described in SDOT's application) is the area in which 
elevated sound levels from pile-related activities could result in the 
take of marine mammals. This area includes the proposed construction 
zone, Elliott Bay, and a portion of Puget Sound. The area of in-water 
pile installation and removal activities will be restricted to the 
length of the seawall and waterward to within 15 ft (4.6 m) of the 
seawall face, and to depths less than 30 feet (9.1 m). Sounds from 
vibratory pile installation may propagate up to 2.5 miles (4 km) from 
the sound source with high enough sound levels to meet NMFS' acoustic 
threshold criteria for marine mammal harassment (see Sound Thresholds 
section below).

Brief Background on Sound

    The proposed rule contains a section that provides a brief 
background on the principles of sound that are frequently referred to 
in this rulemaking (78 FR 22096, pages 22099-22102). This section also 
includes a discussion of the functional hearing ranges of the different 
groups of marine mammals (by frequency) as well as a discussion of the 
two main sound metrics used in NMFS' analysis (sound pressure level and 
sound energy level), a description of the sound produced by different 
pile installation/removal methods (pulsed vs. non-pulsed sounds), and 
how NMFS' acoustic threshold criteria applies to SDOT's project. The 
information in the proposed rule has not changed and is not repeated 
here.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

    Nine marine mammal species, including ESA-listed distinct 
population segments, have the potential to occur in the area of the 
specified activity (Table 5). All nine species have been observed in 
Puget Sound at certain periods of the year. The proposed rule contains 
a discussion of each species' description, status, behavior and 
ecology, and vocalizations. The Description of Marine Mammals in the 
Area of the Specified Activity has not changed from what was in the 
proposed rule (78 FR 22096, pages 22102-22108).

                                     Table 5--Marine Mammal Species or ESA-Listed Distinct Population Segments That Could Occur in the Proposed Project Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                                          Likelihood of
           Common name                Scientific name          ESA status            MMPA status              Abundance           Population status        occurrence            Seasonality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Pinnipeds
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific harbor seal..............  Phoca vitulina......  .....................  .....................  n/a....................  unknown.............  Occasional..........  Year-round
California sea lion..............  Zalophus              .....................  .....................  296,750................  increasing..........  Occasional..........  August-April
                                    californianus.
Steller sea lion.................  Eumetopias jubatus..  Threatened...........  Depleted.............  58,334-72,223..........  increasing..........  Rare................  August-April
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Cetaceans
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harbor porpoise..................  Phocoena phocoena...  .....................  .....................  unknown................  unknown.............  Rare................  Year-round
Dall's porpoise..................  Phocoenoides dalli..  .....................  .....................  42,000.................  unknown.............  Rare................  Winter-Spring
Southern resident killer whale     Orcinus orca........  Endangered...........  .....................  84.....................  unknown.............  Occasional..........  Year-round
 DPS.
Transient killer whale...........  Orcinus orca........  .....................  .....................  346....................  unknown.............  Rare................  Year-round
Humpback whale...................  Megaptera             Endangered...........  Depleted.............  2,043..................  increasing..........  Rare................  February-June
                                    novaengliae.
Gray whale.......................  Eschrichtius          .....................  .....................  18,000.................  increasing..........  Rare................  January-September
                                    robustus.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 63399]]

Potential Effects of the Specified Activity on Marine Mammals

    In the Potential Effects of the Specified Activity on Marine 
Mammals section of the proposed rule, NMFS included a qualitative 
discussion of the different ways that in-water construction activities 
associated with the Elliott Bay Seawall project may potentially affect 
marine mammals (78 FR 22096, pages 22108-22113). Marine mammals may 
experience direct physiological effects (such as threshold shift), 
acoustic masking, impaired communications, stress responses, and 
behavioral disturbance. The information contained in this section of 
the proposed rule has not changed and is not repeated here.

Mitigation

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization under section 
101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA, NMFS must, where applicable, set forth the 
permissible methods of taking pursuant to such activity, and other 
means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on such species 
or stock and their 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).
    NMFS reviewed the proposed Elliott Bay Seawall project activities 
and the proposed mitigation measures as described in SDOT's application 
to determine if they would result in the least practicable adverse 
effect on marine mammals. The proposed rule included a list of proposed 
mitigation measures, which were carried over to the regulatory text of 
this document and are listed below. In addition, boat-based observers 
may be used to monitor the exclusion zones during poor visibility in 
areas of open water. Exclusion zones and thresholds located close to 
the source of pile-related noise will be demarcated with temporary 
buoys, as feasible.
    Based on our evaluation of the proposed measures and other measures 
considered by NMFS or recommended by the public during the public 
comment period, NMFS has determined that the required mitigation 
measures (including the Adaptive Management component, see below) 
constitute means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on 
marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular 
attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar 
significance. The proposed rule contains further support for this 
finding in the Mitigation Conclusion section (78 FR 22096, page 22115). 
During the public comment period, one mitigation measure not previously 
considered was recommended, and is included in the Comments and 
Responses section of this document. In summary, SDOT will implement the 
following mitigation measures:

     Limited impact pile driving;
     Containment of impact pile driving;
     Additional attenuation measures (e.g., bubble curtains, as 
necessary);
     Ramp-up of pile driving operations;
     Marine mammal exclusion zones;
     Shutdown and delay procedures; and
     Boat-based mitigation monitoring, as necessary.

Monitoring

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization for an activity, 
section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth, where 
applicable, ``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 incidental take authorizations 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.
    NMFS reviewed the proposed monitoring plan as described in SDOT's 
application. The proposed rule included a list of proposed monitoring 
measures, which have been carried over in the regulatory text of this 
document. During the public comment period, a monitoring measure not 
previously considered was recommended, and is included in the Comments 
and Responses section of this document. SDOT's required monitoring 
measures are as follows:
     Shore-based visual monitoring; and
     Acoustic monitoring to confirm estimated noise levels.

Adaptive Management

    In accordance with 50 CFR 216.105(c), regulations for the specified 
activity must be based on the best available information. The use of 
adaptive management allows NMFS to consider new information from 
different sources to determine if mitigation or monitoring measures 
should be modified (including additions or deletions) if new data 
suggest that such modifications are appropriate. The following are some 
of the possible sources of applicable data:
     Results from SDOT's monitoring from the previous year;
     Results from general marine mammal and sound research; or
     Any information revealing that marine mammals may have 
been taken in a manner, extent, or number not authorized by these 
regulations or subsequent LOAs.

Reporting

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization for an activity, 
section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth 
``requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such 
taking.'' Effective reporting is critical both to compliance as well as 
ensuring that the most value is obtained from the required monitoring. 
The proposed rule contains the reporting requirements for SDOT, and 
these requirements remain unchanged (78 FR 22096, pages 22116-22117).

Comments and Responses

    On April 12, 2013 (78 FR 22096), NMFS published a proposed rule in 
response to SDOT's request to take marine mammals incidental to the 
Elliott Bay Seawall project and solicited comments, information, and 
suggestions concerning the proposed rule. NMFS received one comment 
letter from the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission). The comments are 
summarized and addressed below.
    Comment 1: The Commission recommended that NMFS (1) Justify its 
conclusion that taking up to 19 percent of the southern resident killer 
whale population each year would be considered ``small numbers,'' (2) 
provide a basis for that threshold, and (3) work with the Fish and 
Wildlife Service and the Commission to develop a policy that sets forth 
the criteria and/or thresholds for determining what constitutes ``small 
numbers'' and ``negligible impact'' for the purpose of authorizing 
incidental takes of marine mammals.
    Response: Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA allows for the 
incidental take of small numbers of marine mammals of a species or 
population stock. Since there are only 84 animals (the proposed rule 
mistakenly said 86, but 84 is considered the best available data from 
the Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor, Washington; this does 
not change our small numbers finding) in the Eastern North Pacific 
Southern Resident stock, 16 animals equates to 19 percent of the stock. 
We believe the take of 16 animals represents a small number relative to 
the affected species or stock. This is consistent with small numbers

[[Page 63400]]

determinations that NMFS has made in the past for this stock (see, 
e.g., 78 FR 23910, April 23, 2013).
    During vibratory pile driving, sound levels that meet NMFS' current 
acoustic threshold for Level B harassment may extend 6,276 meters (3.9 
miles) from the seawall and into Puget Sound. The Eastern North Pacific 
Southern Resident stock of killer whales is known to transit this 
portion of Puget Sound and may be in the area during in-water pile 
driving activities. Because it is not practicable for SDOT to shut down 
or delay pile driving activities whenever a large whale is anywhere 
within almost 4 miles from the seawall, NMFS decided to authorize the 
take of 16 southern resident killer whales by Level B behavioral 
harassment. The southern resident killer whales most likely to be in 
the area are part of the J-pod, which has 26 members. The entire J-pod 
may transit through the action area more than once in a single year. 
However, here killer whales tend to stay near the open channel, farther 
away from the sound source; moreover, the size and sightability of the 
animals makes shutdown/delay of pile driving operations feasible even 
out to the edge of the Level B harassment isopleth for vibratory pile 
driving. So, killer whales are not expected to enter zones where 
harassment may occur often, but effective mitigation is in place to 
minimize take to the degree necessary. Although shutting down is 
possible, because it incurs a cost to activity effectiveness, the 
applicant requested NMFS authorize the Level B take of 16 animals. 
Because this percentage of the stock (19 percent) is relatively small 
and we were able to make a negligible impact determination, NMFS is 
authorizing that take.
    NMFS has required numerous mitigation measures that apply to large 
whales, including exclusion zones during impact and vibratory pile 
driving to prevent the take of large whales by Level A harassment and 
reduce the take of large whales by Level B harassment. While the large 
whale exclusion zone (3,981 m [2.5 miles]) does not extend to the Level 
B harassment isopleth for vibratory pile driving, it does cover a 
majority of the radius and allows for protected species observers to 
easily monitor the entrance of Elliott Bay from land. The entire J-pod 
(26 animals) may travel together, but once 16 individuals enter the 
Level B harassment zone (which will be continuously monitored by visual 
observers) during vibratory pile driving activities over a 1-year 
period, SDOT will shutdown or delay pile driving operations for the 
remainder of the year if a southern resident killer whale approaches 
the Level B harassment zone (i.e., only 16 southern resident killer 
whales may be exposed to sound levels equating to Level B harassment 
each year).
    The rationale for our decisions on each authorization requested, 
including our negligible impact and small numbers determinations, is 
provided in the required Federal Register notice and underlying 
administrative records. NMFS strives to ensure that decisions across 
our program are systematic, consistent, and transparent. As we have 
done in the past, NMFS will continue to collaborate with the Commission 
and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a variety of MMPA issues, 
including small numbers and negligible impact, to strengthen our 
collective understanding of how activities affect marine mammal species 
and stocks.
    Comment 2: The Commission recommended that NMFS require the 
applicant to implement ramp-up procedures (1) after 15 minutes, if pile 
driving or removal is delayed or shutdown due to the presence of a 
pinniped or small cetacean within or approaching the exclusion zone, or 
(2) after 30 minutes, if pile driving or removal is delayed or shutdown 
due to the presence of a medium- or large-sized cetacean.
    Response: NMFS has added a mitigation measure requiring the 
applicant to implement ramp-up procedures (1) after 15 minutes, if pile 
driving or removal is delayed or shutdown due to the presence of a 
small cetacean within or approaching the exclusion zone, or (2) after 
30 minutes, if pile driving or removal is delayed or shutdown to the 
presence of a larger cetacean. However, due to the observed behavior of 
pinnipeds near the seawall, NMFS is not requiring the applicant to 
implement ramp-up procedures after 15 minutes following delay or 
shutdown because of the presence of a pinniped within or approaching 
the exclusion zone. Previous activities around Elliott Bay have shown 
that many pinnipeds do not respond to pile driving activities and will 
remain in the surrounding area despite construction noise. Further 
delays during pile driving may prove impracticable for the construction 
schedule and NMFS does not believe ramp-up procedures would necessarily 
provide better protection for pinnipeds in this case.
    Comment 3: The Commission recommended that NMFS require the 
applicant to monitor for marine mammals not only before and during pile 
driving and removal activities, but for 30 minutes after all pile 
driving and removal activities have ended.
    Response: NMFS has added 30 minutes of monitoring following pile 
driving and removal activities.

Changes to the Proposed Rule

    As described in the Comments and Responses section above and 
summarized here, NMFS added two measures to the proposed rule (78 FR 
22096, April 12, 2013) as a result of the public comment period:
     Implementation of ramp-up procedures (1) after 15 minutes, 
if pile driving or removal is delayed or shutdown due to the presence 
of a small cetacean within or approaching the exclusion zone, or (2) 
after 30 minutes, if pile driving or removal is delayed or shutdown to 
the presence of a larger cetacean; and
     Visual monitoring for 30 minutes following pile driving 
and removal activities.
    Otherwise, there are no changes to mitigation, monitoring, or the 
results of NMFS' analysis.

Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment

    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA defines `harassment' as: ``any act of pursuit, torment, or 
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or 
marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the 
potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild 
by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not 
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering [Level B harassment].'' Take by Level B harassment only is 
anticipated as a result of the installation and removal of piles via 
impact and vibratory methods. No take by injury, serious injury, or 
death is anticipated.
    In the Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment section of the 
proposed rule, NMFS related the potential effects to marine mammals 
from pile driving activities to the MMPA statutory definitions of Level 
A and Level B harassment and provided a quantitative estimate of the 
number of takes of marine mammals predicted from the Elliott Bay 
Seawall project. The information in the proposed rule has not changed 
and is summarized in Table 6 below.

[[Page 63401]]



                        Table 6--Estimated Marine Mammal Takes for Proposed Authorization
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Estimated
                                        maximum number   Average number of pile      Estimated     Percentage of
                Species                  of takes per     driving days per year      number of    stock that may
                                              Day                                 takes per year     be taken
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harbor seal...........................              20  35 (vibratory + impact).             700             4.8
California sea lion...................               5  35 (vibratory + impact).             175           < 0.1
Steller sea lion......................               5  35 (vibratory + impact).             175             0.3
Harbor porpoise.......................               9  29 (vibratory)..........             315             2.9
Dall's porpoise.......................               2  29 (vibratory)..........              70             0.2
Killer whale (Southern resident)......  ..............  ........................              16              19
Killer whale (transient)..............  ..............  ........................              24             6.9
Gray whale............................  ..............  ........................               8           < 0.1
Humpback whale........................  ..............  ........................               4             0.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat

    NMFS' proposed rule includes a section that addresses the effects 
of the Elliott Bay Seawall project on marine mammal habitat (78 FR 
22096, pages 22113-22114). The analysis preliminarily concluded that 
pile driving activities would have minimal effects on marine mammal 
habitat. No changes have been made to the discussion contained in this 
section of the proposed rule and NMFS has concluded there would be 
minimal effects on marine mammal habitat.

Negligible Impact and Small Numbers Analyses and Determinations

    As a preliminary matter, we typically include our negligible impact 
and small numbers analyses and determinations under the same section 
heading of our Federal Register notices. Despite co-locating these 
terms, we acknowledge that negligible impact and small numbers are 
distinct standards under the MMPA and treat them as such. The analyses 
presented below do not conflate the two standards; instead, each 
standard has been considered independently and we have applied the 
relevant factors to inform our negligible impact and small numbers 
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, NMFS considers 
a variety of factors, including but not limited to: (1) The number of 
anticipated mortalities; (2) the number and nature of anticipated 
injuries; (3) the number, nature, intensity, and duration of Level B 
harassment; and (4) the context in which the takes occur.
    In this section of the proposed rule, NMFS discussed the potential 
for exposure, severity of the anticipated effects on marine mammals, 
including species-specific discussions, to preliminarily determine that 
the Elliott Bay Seawall project would have a negligible impact on 
marine mammal species and stocks present in Elliott Bay. No changes 
have been made to the discussion contained in the proposed rule (78 FR 
22096, pages 22118-22119). In summary, NMFS believes that the estimated 
take represents a worst-case scenario: any potential for injury is 
discountable due to the small size of the zones in which injury may 
occur and the required mitigation zones, any behavioral changes for 
marine mammals would be short-term, and any adverse effects to marine 
mammal habitat or prey species would be temporary and unlikely to have 
a significant impact on marine mammals. Furthermore, the estimated 
numbers of marine mammals taken is relatively small for each species or 
stock (19 percent for southern resident killer whales and less than 7 
percent for all other species or stocks). Based on the analysis 
summarized here and detailed in the proposed rule (and other related 
documents) of the likely effects of the specified activity on marine 
mammals and their habitat, and considering the implementation of 
mitigation and monitoring measures, NMFS finds that the total taking 
from pile driving activities in Elliott Bay are not expected to impact 
annual rates of recruitment or survival. Therefore, the total taking 
will have a negligible impact on the affected species or stocks.

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

    In this section of the proposed rule, NMFS discussed historical 
subsistence harvest of marine mammals in the region of the specified 
activity and there are no changes to that information (78 FR 22096, 
pages 22119-22120). NMFS determined that the total taking of affected 
species or stocks from the Elliott Bay Seawall project will not have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of such species or 
stocks for taking for subsistence purposes. We have further determined 
the issuance of these regulations and subsequent LOAs will not affect 
the availability of affected species or stocks for taking for any 
subsistence uses specified under section 101(a)(5)(A)(i)(I). The 
activities will be limited to Elliott Bay, Washington, and there are no 
cooperative agreements in force under the MMPA or the Whaling 
Convention Act of 1949 with any Pacific Northwest treaty Indian tribes 
for subsistence uses of marine mammals in this area. Moreover, the 
taking of marine mammals incidental to the Elliott Bay Seawall project 
will not affect subsistence uses of marine mammals by Alaska Natives.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    Steller sea lions are listed as threatened under the ESA as two 
distinct population segments (DPSs). The eastern DPS was proposed for 
delisting under the ESA on April 18, 2012 (77 FR 23209), based on 
observed annual rates of increase. NMFS has not yet made a final 
decision. The Eastern North Pacific Southern resident stock of killer 
whales and humpback whales are listed as endangered under the ESA. The 
applicant initiated section 7 consultation with NMFS Northwest Regional 
Office, and NMFS Office of Protected Resources, Permits and 
Conservation Division also consulted on its proposed incidental take 
regulations. NMFS Northwest Regional Office issued a Biological Opinion 
that concluded the Elliott Bay Seawall project and NMFS' authorization 
of incidental take are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence 
of threatened or endangered species under NMFS' jurisdiction or destroy 
or adversely modify any designated critical habitat.

[[Page 63402]]

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    The Army Corps of Engineers prepared an Environmental Assessment 
(EA) for the regulatory permit (section 404/10) required for Elliott 
Bay Seawall project. NMFS prepared an independent NEPA analysis, which 
included an EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). These 
documents are available on our Web site at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm# applications. NMFS determined that issuance of 
the rulemaking and subsequent LOAs will not significantly impact the 
quality of the human environment and that preparation of an 
Environmental Impact Statement is not required.

Classification

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that this 
rule is not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    Pursuant to section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 
the Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified at the proposed rule stage to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy 
of the Small Business Administration (SBA) that this rule will not have 
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
(78 FR 22096, April 12, 2013). No comments were received on the 
certification. As a result, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not 
required and none has been prepared.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB control number. This rule contains 
collection-of-information requirements subject to the provisions of the 
PRA. These requirements have been approved by OMB under control number 
0648-0151 and include applications for regulations and subsequent LOAs, 
and monitoring reports. Send comments regarding any aspect of this data 
collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS and 
the OMB Desk Officer (see ADDRESSES).
    The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries has determined that there 
is good cause under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 
553(d)(3)) to waive the 30-day delay in effective date of the measures 
contained in the final rule. Clearance of this rule was delayed due to 
unforeseen changes in the description of the applicant's action for 
section 7 purposes under the Endangered Species Act. Delaying the 
effectiveness of this rule would be contrary to the public interest, 
because it would delay construction activities. SDOT needs to begin 
pile driving activities as soon as possible in order to maintain their 
multi-year construction schedule, especially considering that 
construction is shutdown each summer to accommodate the primary tourist 
and business season. Therefore, these measures will become effective 
upon publication.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 217

    Imports, Marine mammals, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: October 18, 2013.
Alan Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, performing the functions and 
duties of the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.

    For reasons set forth in the preamble, 50 CFR Part 217 will be 
amended as follows:

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


0
1. The authority citation for part 217 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.


0
2. Subpart W is added to part 217 to read as follows:
Subpart W--Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Elliott Bay Seawall 
Project
Sec.
217.220 Specified activity and specified geographical region.
217.221 Effective dates and definitions.
217.222 Permissible methods of taking.
217.223 Prohibitions.
217.224 Mitigation.
217.225 Requirements for monitoring and reporting.
217.226 Letters of Authorization.
217.227 Renewals and Modifications of Letters of Authorization.

Subpart W--Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the Elliott Bay 
Seawall Project


Sec.  217.220  Specified activity and specified geographical region.

    (a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to the Elliott Bay 
Seawall project and those persons it authorizes to conduct activities 
on its behalf for the taking of marine mammals that occurs in the area 
outlined in paragraph (b) of this section incidental to seawall 
construction associated with the Elliott Bay Seawall project.
    (b) The taking of marine mammals by the City of Seattle's 
Department of Transportation (SDOT) may be authorized in a Letter of 
Authorization (LOA) only if it occurs in Elliott Bay, Washington.


Sec.  217.221  Effective dates.

    This subpart is effective October 21, 2013, through October 21, 
2018.


Sec.  217.222  Permissible methods of taking.

    (a) Under LOAs issued pursuant to Sec. Sec.  216.106 and 217.226 of 
this chapter, the Holder of the LOA (hereinafter ``SDOT'' and ``City'') 
may incidentally, but not intentionally, take marine mammals within the 
area described in Sec.  217.220(b), provided the activity is in 
compliance with all terms, conditions, and requirements of the 
regulations in this subpart and the appropriate LOA.
    (b) The incidental take of marine mammals under the activities 
identified in Sec.  217.220(a) is limited to the indicated number of 
Level B harassment takes of the following species/stocks:
    (1) Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina)--3,500 (an average of 700 animals 
per year)
    (2) California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)--875 (an average 
of 175 animals per year)
    (3) Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus)--875 (an average of 175 
animals per year)
    (4) Harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)--1,575 (an average of 315 
animals per year)
    (5) Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli)--350 (an average of 70 
animals per year)
    (6) Killer whale (Orcinus orca), Eastern North Pacific Southern 
resident--80 (a maximum of 16 animals per year)
    (7) Killer whale (Orcinus orca), Eastern North Pacific transient--
120 (an average of 24 animals per year)
    (8) Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus)--40 (an average of 8 animals 
per year)
    (9) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)--20 (an average of 4 
animals per year)


Sec.  217.223  Prohibitions.

    Notwithstanding takings contemplated in Sec.  217.222(b) and 
authorized by an LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 and Sec.  217.226 of 
this chapter, no person in connection with the activities described in 
Sec.  217.220 may:
    (a) Take any marine mammal not specified in Sec.  217.222(b);
    (b) Take any marine mammal specified in Sec.  217.222(b) other than 
by

[[Page 63403]]

incidental, unintentional Level B harassment;
    (c) Take a marine mammal specified in Sec.  217.222(b) if NMFS 
determines such taking results in more than a negligible impact on the 
species or stock of such marine mammal; or
    (d) Violate, or fail to comply with, the terms, conditions, and 
requirements of this subpart or an LOA issued under Sec. Sec.  216.106 
and 217.226 of this chapter.


Sec.  217.224  Mitigation.

    (a) When conducting the activities identified in Sec.  217.220(a), 
the mitigation measures contained in the LOA issued under Sec. Sec.  
216.106 and 217.226 of this chapter must be implemented. These 
mitigation measures include:
    (1) Limited Impact Pile Driving. (i) All sheet piles shall be 
installed using a vibratory driver, unless impact driving is required 
to install piles that encounter consolidated sediments or for proofing 
load bearing sections.
    (ii) Any impact driver used in conjunction with vibratory pile 
driving shall employ sound attenuation devices, where applicable.
    (iii) Any attenuation devices that become available for vibratory 
pile driving shall be considered for additional mitigation.
    (2) Containment of Impact Pile Driving. The majority of permanent 
concrete piles shall be driven behind the temporary containment wall.
    (3) Additional Attenuation Measures. In the event that underwater 
sound monitoring shows that noise generation from pile installation 
exceeds the levels originally expected, SDOT shall immediately notify 
NMFS so it can evaluate the need for implementation of additional 
attenuation devices or other mitigation measures.
    (4) Ramp-up. (i) Ramp-up shall be used at the beginning of each 
day's in-water pile-related activities or if pile driving has ceased 
for more than 1 hour.
    (ii) If a vibratory hammer is used, contractors shall initiate 
sound from vibratory hammers for 15 seconds at reduced energy followed 
by a 1-minute waiting period. This procedure shall be repeated two 
additional times before full energy may be achieved.
    (iii) If a non-diesel impact hammer is used, contractors shall 
provide an initial set of strikes from the impact hammer at reduced 
energy, followed by a 1-minute waiting period, then two subsequent 
sets.
    (iv) Ramp-up shall be implemented if pile driving or removal is 
delayed or shutdown for >15 minutes due to the presence of a delphinid 
or pinniped within or approaching the exclusion zone, or if pile 
driving or removal is delayed or shutdown for >30 minutes due to the 
presence of a large whale.
    (5) Marine Mammal Exclusion Zones. (i) The following exclusion 
zones shall be established to prevent the Level A harassment of all 
marine mammals and to reduce the Level B harassment of large whales:
    (A) An exclusion zone for delphinids or pinnipeds shall be 
established with a radius of 200 feet (61 meters) waterward of each 
steel sheet pile during impact pile driving;
    (B) An exclusion zone for delphinids and pinnipeds shall be 
established with a radius of 50 feet (15 meters) waterward of each 
concrete pile during impact pile driving;
    (C) An exclusion zone for large whales shall be established with a 
radius of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) waterward of each steel sheet or 
concrete pile during impact pile driving;
    (D) An exclusion zone for large whales shall be established with a 
radius of 2.5 miles (3,981 meters) waterward of each steel sheet pile 
during vibratory pile driving.
    (ii) Temporary buoys shall be used, as feasible, to mark the 
distance to each exclusion zone during in-water pile-related 
activities.
    (iii) The exclusion zones shall be used to provide a physical 
threshold for the shutdown of in-water pile-related activities.
    (iv) At the start of in-water pile related activities each day, a 
minimum of one qualified protected species observer shall be staged on 
land (or an adjacent pier) near the location of in-water pile-related 
activities to document and report any marine mammal that approaches or 
enters a relevant exclusion zone throughout the day.
    (v) Additional land-based observers shall be deployed if needed to 
ensure the construction area is adequately monitored.
    (vi) Observers shall monitor for the presence of marine mammals 30 
minutes before, during, and for 30 minutes after any in-water pile-
related activities.
    (vii) In-water pile-related activities shall not occur if any part 
of the exclusion zones are obscured by fog or poor lighting conditions.
    (6) Shutdown and Delay Procedures. (i) If a marine mammal is seen 
approaching or entering a relevant exclusion zone (as specified in 
Sec.  217.224(5)(i)), observers will immediately notify the 
construction personnel operating the pile-related equipment to shut 
down pile-related activities.
    (ii) If a marine mammal(s) is present within the applicable 
exclusion zone prior to in-water pile-related activities, pile driving/
removal shall be delayed until the animal(s) has left the exclusion 
zone or until 15 minutes (pinniped or small cetacean) or 30 minutes 
(large cetacean) have elapsed without observing the animal.
    (7) Additional mitigation measures as contained in an LOA issued 
under Sec. Sec.  216.106 and 217.226 of this chapter.


Sec.  217.225  Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

    (a) When conducting the activities identified in Sec.  217.220(a), 
the monitoring and reporting measures contained in the LOA issued under 
Sec. Sec.  216.106 and 217.226 of this chapter must be implemented. 
These measures include:
    (1) Visual Monitoring. (i) In addition to the mitigation monitoring 
described in Sec.  217.224 of this chapter, at least two protected 
species observers shall be positioned on land near the 2.5 mile 
exclusion zone to monitor for marine mammals during vibratory pile-
related activities or any other construction activities that may pose a 
threat to marine mammals.
    (A) Observers shall use the naked eye, wide-angle binoculars with 
reticles, and any other necessary equipment to scan the Level B 
harassment isopleth.
    (B) Observers shall work, on average, eight hours per day and shall 
be relieved by a fresh observer if pile driving lasts longer than usual 
(i.e., 12-16 hours).
    (C) The number of observers shall be increased and/or positions 
changed to ensure full visibility of the Level B harassment isopleth.
    (D) Land-based visual monitoring shall be conducted during all days 
of vibratory pile driving.
    (E) All land-based monitoring shall begin at least 30 minutes prior 
to the start of in-water pile-related activities, and continue during 
active construction and for 30 minutes following the end of in-water 
pile-related activities.
    (ii) At a minimum, observers shall record the following 
information:
    (A) Date of observation period, monitoring type (land-based/boat-
based), observer name and location, climate and weather conditions, and 
tidal conditions;
    (B) Environmental conditions that could confound marine mammal 
detections and when/where they occurred;
    (C) For each marine mammal sighting, the time of initial sighting 
and duration to the end of the sighting period;
    (D) Observed species, number, group composition, distance to pile-
related activities, and behavior of animals throughout the sighting;

[[Page 63404]]

    (E) Discrete behavioral reactions, if apparent;
    (F) Initial and final sighting locations marked on a grid map; and
    (G) Pile-related activities taking place during each sighting and 
if/why a shutdown was or was not triggered.
    (2) Acoustic Monitoring. (i) Acoustic monitoring shall be conducted 
during in-water pile-related activities to identify or confirm noise 
levels for pile-related activities during in-water construction.
    (A) Acoustic data shall be collected using hydrophones connected to 
a drifting boat to reduce the effect of flow noise and an airborne 
microphone. There shall be a direct line of acoustic transmission 
through the water column between the pile and the hydrophones in all 
cases, without any interposing structures, including other piles.
    (B) A stationary two-channel hydrophone recording system shall be 
deployed to record a representative sample (subset of piles) during the 
monitoring period. Acoustic data shall be collected 1 m below the water 
surface and 1 m above the sea floor.
    (ii) Background noise recordings (in the absence of pile driving) 
shall be collected to provide a baseline background noise profile. The 
results and conclusions of the study shall be summarized and presented 
to NMFS with recommendations for any modifications to the monitoring 
plan or exclusion zones.
    (iii) All sensors, signal conditioning equipment, and sampling 
equipment shall be calibrated at the start of the monitoring period and 
rechecked at the start of each day.
    (iv) Prior to monitoring, water depth measurements shall be taken 
to ensure that hydrophones do not drag on the bottom during tidal 
changes.
    (v) Underwater and airborne acoustic monitoring shall occur for the 
first five steel sheet pile and the first five concrete piles during 
the duration of pile driving. If a representative sample has not been 
achieved after the five piles have been monitored (e.g., if there is 
high variability of sound levels between pilings), acoustic monitoring 
shall continue until a representative acoustic sample has been 
collected.
    (vi) Acoustic data shall be downloaded periodically (i.e., daily or 
on another appropriate schedule) and analyzed following the first year 
of construction. Post-analysis of underwater sound level signals shall 
include the following:
    (A) RMS values (average, standard deviation/error, minimum, and 
maximum) for each recorded pile. The 10-second RMS averaged values will 
be used for determining the source value and extent of the 120 dB 
underwater isopleth;
    (B) Frequency spectra for each functional hearing group; and
    (C) Standardized underwater source levels to a reference distance 
of 10 m (33 ft).
    (vii) Post-analysis of airborne noise would be presented in an 
unweighted format and include:
    (A) The unweighted RMS values (average, minimum, and maximum) for 
each recorded pile. The average values would be used for determining 
the extent of the airborne isopleths relative to species-specific 
criteria;
    (B) Frequency spectra from 10 Hz to 20 kHz for representative pile-
related activity; and
    (C) Standardized airborne source levels to a reference distance of 
approximately 15 m (50 ft).
    (viii) In the event noise levels surpass estimated levels for 
extended periods of time, construction shall be stopped and NMFS shall 
be contacted to discuss the cause and potential solutions.
    (3) General Reporting. (i) All marine mammal sightings shall be 
documented by observers on a NMFS-approved sighting form.
    (ii) Marine mammal reporting shall include all data described 
previously under Proposed Monitoring, including observation dates, 
times, and conditions, and any correlations of observed marine mammal 
behavior with activity type and received levels of sound, to the extent 
possible.
    (iii) A report with the results of all acoustic monitoring shall 
include the following:
    (A) Size and type of piles;
    (B) A detailed description of any sound attenuation device used, 
including design specifications;
    (C) The impact hammer energy rating used to drive the piles, make 
and model of the hammer(s), and description of the vibratory hammer;
    (D) A description of the sound monitoring equipment;
    (E) The distance between hydrophones and depth of water and the 
hydrophone locations;
    (F) The depth of the hydrophones;
    (G) The distance from the pile to the water's edge;
    (H) The depth of water in which the pile was driven;
    (I) The depth into the substrate that the pile was driven;
    (J) The physical characteristics of the bottom substrate into which 
the pile were driven;
    (K) The total number of strikes to drive each pile;
    (L) The results of the hydroacoustic monitoring, including the 
frequency spectrum, ranges and means for the peak and RMS sound 
pressure levels, and an estimation of the distance at which RMS values 
reach the relevant marine mammal thresholds and background sound 
levels.
    (M) Vibratory driving results would include the maximum and overall 
average RMS calculated from 30-s RMS values during the drive of the 
pile; and
    (N) A description of any observable marine mammal behavior in the 
immediate area and, if possible, correlation to underwater sound levels 
occurring at that time.
    (iv) An annual report on monitoring and mitigation shall be 
submitted to NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, and NMFS, Northwest 
Regional Office. The annual reports shall summarize include data 
collected for each marine mammal species observed in the project area, 
including descriptions of marine mammal behavior, overall numbers of 
individuals observed, frequency of observation, any behavioral changes 
and the context of the changes relative to activities would also be 
included in the annual reports, date and time of marine mammal 
detections, weather conditions, species identification, approximate 
distance from the source, and activity at the construction site when a 
marine mammal is sighted.
    (v) A draft comprehensive report on monitoring and mitigation shall 
be submitted to NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, and NMFS, 
Northwest Regional Office, 180 days prior to the expiration of the 
regulations. The comprehensive technical report shall provide full 
documentation of methods, results, and interpretation of all monitoring 
during the first 4.5 years of the regulations. A revised final 
comprehensive technical report, including all monitoring results during 
the entire period of the regulations, shall be due 90 days after the 
end of the period of effectiveness of the regulations.
    (4) Reporting Injured or Dead Marine Mammals. (i) In the 
unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly causes the take 
of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by an LOA (if issued), such 
as an injury (Level A harassment), serious injury, or mortality, the 
Holder shall immediately cease the specified activities and report the 
incident to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office 
of Protected Resources, NMFS, and the Northwest Regional Stranding 
Coordinator. The report must include the following information:
    (A) Time and date of the incident;
    (B) Description of the incident;

[[Page 63405]]

    (C) Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
    (D) Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24 hours 
preceding the incident;
    (E) Species identification or description of the animal(s) 
involved;
    (F) Fate of the animal(s); and
    (G) Photographs or video footage of the animal(s).
    (ii) Activities shall not resume until NMFS is able to review the 
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS will work with the Holder to 
determine what measures are necessary to minimize the likelihood of 
further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The Holder may not 
resume their activities until notified by NMFS.
    (iii) In the event that the Holder discovers an injured or dead 
marine mammal, and the lead protected species observer determines that 
the cause of the injury or death is unknown and the death is relatively 
recent (e.g., in less than a moderate state of decomposition), the 
Holder shall immediately report the incident to the Chief of the 
Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 
and the Northwest Regional Stranding Coordinator. The report must 
include the same information identified in Sec.  217.225(a)(3) of this 
chapter. Activities may continue while NMFS reviews the circumstances 
of the incident. NMFS will work with the Holder to determine whether 
additional mitigation measures or modifications to the activities are 
appropriate.
    (iv) In the event that the Holder discovers an injured or dead 
marine mammals, and the lead protected species observer determines that 
the injury or death is not associated with or related to the activities 
authorized in the LOA (e.g., previously wounded animal, carcass with 
moderate to advanced decomposition, or scavenger damage), the Holder 
shall report the incident to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation 
Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, and the Northwest 
Regional Stranding Coordinator, within 24 hours of the discovery. The 
Holder shall provide photographs or video footage or other 
documentation of the stranding animal sighting to NMFS.


Sec.  217.226  Letters of Authorization.

    (a) To incidentally take marine mammals pursuant to these 
regulations, the applicant must apply for and obtain an LOA.
    (b) An LOA, unless suspended or revoked, may be effective for a 
period of time not to exceed the expiration date of these regulations.
    (c) If an LOA expires prior to the expiration date of these 
regulations, the Holder must apply for and obtain a renewal of the LOA.
    (d) In the event of projected changes to the activity or to 
mitigation and monitoring measures required by an LOA, the Holder must 
apply for and obtain a modification of the LOA as described in Sec.  
217.227.
    (e) The LOA shall set forth:
    (1) Permissible methods of incidental taking;
    (2) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact (i.e., 
mitigation) on the species and its habitat; and
    (3) Requirements for monitoring and reporting.
    (f) Issuance of the LOA shall be based on a determination that the 
level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total 
taking allowable under these regulations.
    (g) Notice of issuance or denial of an LOA shall be published in 
the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination.


Sec.  217.227  Renewals and Modifications of Letters of Authorization.

    (a) An LOA issued under Sec. Sec.  216.106 and 217.226 of this 
chapter for the activity identified in Sec.  217.220(a) of this chapter 
shall be renewed or modified upon request by the applicant, provided 
that:
    (1) The proposed specified activity and mitigation, monitoring, and 
reporting measures, as well as the anticipated impacts, are the same as 
those described and analyzed for these regulations (excluding changes 
made pursuant to the adaptive management provision in Sec.  
217.227(c)(1)), and
    (2) NMFS determines that the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting 
measures required by the previous LOA under these regulations were 
implemented.
    (b) For LOA modification or renewal requests by the applicant that 
include changes to the activity or the mitigation, monitoring, or 
reporting (excluding changes made pursuant to the adaptive management 
provision in Sec.  217.227(c)(1)) that do not change the findings made 
for the regulations or that result in no more than a minor change in 
the total estimated number of takes (or distribution by species or 
years), NMFS may publish a notice of proposed LOA in the Federal 
Register, including the associated analysis illustrating the change, 
and solicit public comments before issuing the LOA.
    (c) An LOA issued under Sec. Sec.  216.106 and 217.226 of this 
chapter for the activity identified in Sec.  217.220(a) may be modified 
by NMFS under the following circumstances:
    (1) Adaptive Management--NMFS may modify (including augment) the 
existing mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures (after 
consulting with the Holder regarding the practicability of the 
modifications) if doing so creates a reasonable likelihood of more 
effectively accomplishing the goals of the mitigation and monitoring 
set forth in the preamble for these regulations.
    (i) Possible sources of data that could contribute to the decision 
to modify the mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures in an LOA 
include the following:
    (A) Results from the Holder's monitoring from the previous year(s);
    (B) Results from other marine mammal and/or sound research or 
studies;
    (C) Any information that reveals marine mammals may have been taken 
in a manner, extent, or number not authorized by these regulations or 
subsequent LOAs.
    (ii) If, through adaptive management, the modifications to the 
mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures are substantial, NMFS 
will publish a notice of proposed LOA in the Federal Register and 
solicit public comments.
    (2) Emergencies--If NMFS 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.  217.222(b), an LOA may be modified 
without prior notice or opportunity for public comment. Notice of such 
action will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of the 
action.

[FR Doc. 2013-25089 Filed 10-21-13; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P