Coast Guard Cleared to Bug Marine Mammals During Oregon Construction
Published Date: 3/25/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard got the green light to do construction work in Florence, Oregon, from November 2025 to October 2026, which might accidentally bother some local marine mammals. This approval means they can pile drive near the water but must follow rules to keep harm minimal. It’s a careful balance to build important facilities while protecting ocean life.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Work window, pile counts, and schedule limits
The IHA is effective November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026. The U.S. Coast Guard plans an estimated 48 total days of pile removal and installation (remove 71 timber piles; install 79 piles) using 16–20 inch steel pipe piles and/or 14-inch H‑piles, and in‑water work must occur within the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) approved in‑water work window.
Mandatory noise mitigation measures during pile driving
Contractors must use mitigation such as soft start for all impact pile driving (three reduced-energy strikes, wait 30 seconds, then two more reduced sets), deploy a bubble curtain for all impact pile installations that must contact 100% of the piling perimeter at the mudline, and adhere to specified shutdown zones for pile activities (e.g., impact installation shutdowns: 200 m for very high-frequency cetaceans, 100 m for phocids, 100 m for otariids).
Authorized marine mammal take limits and work stoppage rules
NMFS authorized specific take limits: California sea lion 34 takes (Level B), Steller sea lion 43 takes (Level B), harbor seal 96 total takes (23 Level A, 73 Level B), and harbor porpoise 31 total takes (11 Level A, 20 Level B). If the authorized number of takes for a species is met, in‑water activities must cease for that species.
Monitoring staffing and observation requirements
USCG must assign a minimum of two Protected Species Observers (PSOs) during pile driving, with monitoring at least 30 minutes before, during, and 30 minutes after in‑water construction. PSOs must meet qualification requirements (experience, training, ability to identify species and behaviors) and have equipment like high‑quality binoculars and rangefinders.
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