Final Rule Allows Limited Marine Mammal Harassment for Interstate Bridge Construction

The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a final rule and a five-year authorization that allows construction crews on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project to accidentally disturb or injure small numbers of marine mammals. The permission covers California sea lions, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals along the I-5 corridor between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.

Why it matters: This action is primarily a compliance step that lets the bridge project proceed without violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It establishes the specific noise limits, monitoring duties, and reporting schedules the contractors must follow. The practical effect is limited to the construction timeline, local marine mammal monitoring, and the paperwork the project team must submit to NOAA over the next five years.

Who it affects

• Contractors and engineers working on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project

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This summary is based on a final rule published by NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service in the Federal Register; readers should consult the original document for the full technical specifications and monitoring requirements.

Agency: Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document