Dredging Rivers While Dodging Dolphin Drama in the Pacific Northwest
Published Date: 6/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers got permission to accidentally disturb some marine mammals while managing dredged material in the Lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington. This plan helps keep the river clear and safe but makes sure marine animals are protected. The authorization is official now, so work can continue without delays, balancing nature and progress.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Dredging Allowed with Marine Mammal Take
If you live or work along the Lower Columbia River in Oregon or Washington, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers now has a Letter of Authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to accidentally disturb ( ‘‘take’’) marine mammals while carrying out the dredged material management plan. That means dredging and related river work can continue under this permit without being stopped for incidental marine mammal impacts.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2025-06746, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to remove the current definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act because it includes habitat changes that don’t match the law’s true meaning. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered species and could shift how rules are enforced. You have until May 19, 2025, to share your thoughts, and this update aims to clarify the law without adding new costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11500, Agency Information Collection Activity: Pension Claim Questionnaire for Farm Income
The VA wants your thoughts on a form called the Pension Claim Questionnaire for Farm Income, which helps veterans get the benefits they deserve. This is a chance to review and improve how the VA collects info about farm income for pension claims. If you’re a veteran or help one, your input matters—comments are open for 60 days, and no new costs are expected.
Next: 2025-11502, Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Submission for OMB Review; Leveraged Lending
The OCC is renewing its paperwork on 'Leveraged Lending' to keep things clear and easy for banks and lenders. They’re asking for feedback and have sent the info to OMB for review, making sure everything stays up to date without extra hassle. This helps keep lending safe and smooth, with no new costs or big changes for those involved.