Bridge Builders Get Permission to Gently Disturb Local Whales
Published Date: 5/18/2026
Rule
Summary
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Project on I-5 between Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, will run from September 2027 to September 2032. During construction, some marine mammals might be disturbed, but NOAA has set rules to keep impacts as low as possible. This plan includes monitoring and reporting to protect local wildlife while upgrading the bridge.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Work timing, pile counts, schedule
The rule limits impact pile driving to the annual in-water window September 15 through April 15 and allows vibratory driving year-round. For the first 5 years the project anticipates about 1,725 non-consecutive in-water work days, installation of approximately 1,560 temporary steel pipe piles and 1,500 linear feet (457 m) of steel sheet piles.
Five-year LOA authorizes work
NOAA issued a 5-year rule and Letter of Authorization (LOA) that allows the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project to conduct in-water construction between September 15, 2027 and September 14, 2032. The LOA sets the legal permission for pile driving and other in-water work during that period, subject to the rule's mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
Required noise mitigation and testing
For impact pile driving in water depths >0.67 m the project must use bubble curtains that cover 100% of the pile circumference and contact the substrate, and perform hydroacoustic monitoring of impact driving. Up to 75 unattenuated test strikes may be required (about 10 minutes, ~1 day per week) with testing on up to ~30 days during the 5-year LOA and ~40 days total over the in-water construction period.
Monitoring, PSO and reporting duties
The IBRP must employ NMFS-approved protected species observers (PSOs) for all pile driving activities, with pre-start clearance monitoring 30 minutes before work and 30 minutes after, and maintain at least two monitoring locations when practicable. Daily monitoring and reporting must record dates, times, environmental conditions, numbers of marine mammals detected within harassment zones by species, strikes for impact driving, and any shutdowns or delays.
Potential ironworker employment boost
A comment submitted in the rulemaking expressed support for the IBR Project and noted potential increases in employment and training opportunities for ironworkers associated with the bridge construction. NMFS reported that one comment letter made this point.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10003 — Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
The National Marine Fisheries Service is reviewing five new plans to raise and release salmon in Washington’s Puyallup River, managed by the state and the Puyallup Tribe. They want your thoughts on these plans by June 18, 2026. These changes aim to protect salmon while supporting local hatchery programs, with no immediate costs to the public.
2026-09968 — Fisheries of the Caribbean; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is hosting a public webinar on June 17, 2026, to review fish stock data for Caribbean fisheries. This meeting helps fishermen, scientists, and environmental groups work together to keep fish populations healthy and fishing sustainable. The process could lead to new fishing rules that protect the environment without hurting local jobs or the economy.
2026-09973 — Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 2026 Specifications and Management Measures
Starting May 16, 2026, new rules will guide salmon fishing off Washington, Oregon, and California to keep salmon populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules set where, when, and how much salmon can be caught, balancing the needs of commercial fishers, recreational anglers, and Native American tribes. The changes aim to protect salmon for future seasons while making sure everyone gets a fair share until May 16, 2027.
2026-09929 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission are teaming up for a public webinar on June 22, 2026, to review how summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries are doing. They’ll use this info to help set fishing limits and rules for 2027, affecting both commercial and recreational fishers. This meeting helps keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair for everyone.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09872 — Special Local Regulation, Temporary Anchorage Ground Suspension, and Security Zones: Sail 4th 250, International Naval Review 250; Port of New York and New Jersey
From July 1 to July 9, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up special rules and security zones in New York Harbor, Sandy Hook Bay, and the Hudson River for the Sail 4th 250 events, the International Naval Review 250, and Independence Day fireworks. These changes temporarily suspend some anchorage areas to keep boats and people safe during the celebrations. If you boat or work in these waters, expect new restrictions and plan ahead to avoid delays or fines.
Next: 2026-09973 — Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 2026 Specifications and Management Measures
Starting May 16, 2026, new rules will guide salmon fishing off Washington, Oregon, and California to keep salmon populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules set where, when, and how much salmon can be caught, balancing the needs of commercial fishers, recreational anglers, and Native American tribes. The changes aim to protect salmon for future seasons while making sure everyone gets a fair share until May 16, 2027.