Stairway Fix Might Upset Seals; Feds Seek Comment
Published Date: 3/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management wants to replace the Mal Coombs Stairway in Shelter Cove, California, and this work might accidentally disturb some marine mammals nearby. The National Marine Fisheries Service is asking the public to comment on a plan that would allow this limited disturbance during the project, with a possible one-year extension if needed. Comments are open until April 27, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Wildlife Monitoring and Reporting
If you are the project contractor or employer doing the stairway work, you must provide at least one trained Protected Species Observer (PSO) on site, conduct pre-activity 10-minute counts each work day, record disturbance levels, report any dead or injured marine mammals immediately, and ensure construction supervisors and crews complete required training. These monitoring and reporting duties are conditions tied to the proposed incidental harassment authorization.
Tight Work Window and Short Construction Duration
The stairway project must occur within a limited window: construction is anticipated between August 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026, with up to 4 planned work days (estimated up to 5 days) and up to 8 daylight hours per day. Work may be delayed or suspended for reasons such as weather, equipment problems, predator observations, or if authorized take limits are reached, which can affect scheduling and timing for contractors.
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