NOAA Okays Sea Life Disturbance for Baltimore Port Expansion Project
Published Date: 4/22/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is considering letting Tradepoint TiL Terminal, LLC disturb some marine mammals during the Sparrows Point Container Terminal project in Baltimore. They’re asking for public comments by May 22, 2026, before deciding on two one-year permits and possible renewals. This ensures the project moves forward while protecting local sea life.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
NOAA may authorize construction takings
NOAA (NMFS) is proposing to issue two one-year permits that would allow Tradepoint TiL Terminal, LLC to conduct Sparrows Point construction between June 1, 2026 and May 31, 2028 and to incidentally harass (Level B harassment only) Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins. The proposal covers two IHAs: June 1, 2026–May 31, 2027 and June 1, 2027–May 31, 2028, and NMFS states it does not expect serious injury or mortality.
Construction timing and work limits
If you are a contractor or worker on the Sparrows Point project, pile driving and related in-water work are scheduled June 1, 2026–May 31, 2028, with about 760 piles per year and roughly 253 in-water workdays per year. Work is generally limited to daylight, pile driving would occur ~12 hours per day (7 days/week) with an average of three piles driven per day, and up to six hammers and up to three concurrent drive locations may operate.
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