Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities
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This law provides authorization for the incidental taking of marine mammals during the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project in Norfolk, Virginia. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has determined that the taking will have a negligible impact on marine mammal species, allowing for specific harassment activities associated with the construction project, which is set to occur from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The law outlines monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure adherence to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
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Obligations
What this law requires
Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP) must limit incidental taking of marine mammals to small numbers only and must not intentionally take marine mammals during the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project
HRCP must implement all mitigation measures prescribed by NMFS to effect the least practicable adverse impact on affected marine mammal species, stocks, and their habitats, with particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance
HRCP must conduct monitoring of marine mammal takings in accordance with requirements prescribed by NMFS and document all monitoring activities
HRCP must submit reports to NMFS regarding the taking of marine mammals as required by the incidental harassment authorization, including data collected during monitoring activities
All incidental taking activities must occur only between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, with no authorized takings permitted outside this specified timeframe