Modified Authorization for Marine Mammal Impacts at the Port of Alaska Cargo Terminal Project
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This notice updates an existing federal authorization allowing the Don Young Port of Alaska to unintentionally disturb marine mammals during the Cargo Terminals Replacement project in Anchorage from 2026 to 2031. The change updates shutdown and harassment zones for removing 42-inch, 48-inch, and 72-inch steel pipe piles using vibratory methods. NOAA says the update does not change the number of authorized marine mammal takes, the expected impacts, or the core requirements already in place.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Updates shutdown and harassment zones for vibratory extraction of 42-inch, 48-inch, and 72-inch steel pipe piles
- Keeps the existing authorized number of incidental marine mammal takes unchanged
- Confirms the modified authorization remains effective through February 28, 2031
Obligations
What this law requires
The Don Young Port of Alaska must conduct incidental marine mammal take under the modified Letter of Authorization for the Cargo Terminals Replacement project only during the LOA effective period ending February 28, 2031.
The Don Young Port of Alaska must apply the updated shutdown and harassment zones for vibratory extraction of 42-inch, 48-inch, and 72-inch steel pipe piles under the modified LOA.
NMFS must publish notice of issuance of the modified Letter of Authorization as required under the relevant Incidental Take Regulations.