NOAA Considers Permit for Marine Mammal Impacts in Juneau Project
Published Date: 4/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is considering letting Turnagain Marine Construction disturb some marine mammals during the Aak'w Landing Development Project in Juneau, Alaska. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by May 15, 2026, before deciding on a one-year permit that could allow this activity. This project could impact local sea life but helps move construction forward responsibly.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
NOAA may permit marine mammal harassment
NOAA (NMFS) is proposing to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) that could allow Turnagain Marine Construction to take (by Level B harassment and Level A harassment for some species) six species of marine mammals incidentally during the Aak'w Landing Project. The IHA would be valid for up to one year from its effective date and NMFS is also considering a one-time, 1-year renewal if conditions are met.
Construction timing and seasonal work limits
The project is scheduled to begin September 1, 2026, and occur on about 226 days (potentially non-consecutive). Pile work is limited to daylight hours (about 8 to 18 hours/day depending on season), and no in-water work will occur from April 15 to June 1 to protect out-migrating salmon smolt.
New dock to accommodate larger cruise ships
The Aak'w Landing Project will build a cruise ship dock and seawalk intended to accommodate a class of increasingly larger cruise ships, provide additional safe harbor in Juneau, and reduce marine traffic congestion by allowing docked ships to spread out and eliminating ship-to-shore boat trips.
Project scale: piles and construction methods
The project would remove up to 160 existing wood piles, install and later remove up to 160 temporary template piles, and install 268 permanent piles using vibratory and impact pile driving and down-the-hole (DTH) drilling/anchoring methods; these activities are identified as sources that may cause Level A and Level B harassment of marine mammals.
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