NOAA Allows Bridge Work Near Columbia River Mammals
Published Date: 6/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to replace the Bonneville Lock 1 Bridge on the Columbia River in Oregon over two years, which might accidentally disturb some marine mammals. NOAA is proposing to allow this with special permits but wants your thoughts by July 27, 2026. This project balances important construction with protecting wildlife, and there could be a one-year permit extension if needed.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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.
2026-19894, Gulf Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf Fishery Management Council is hosting a public meeting on October 14, 2026, to discuss important fishing rules like hook limits and crew sizes for commercial boats. This meeting affects fishermen and enforcement agencies in Gulf states, aiming to keep fishing fair and safe. No direct costs are mentioned, but the decisions could impact fishing operations and enforcement efforts.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12926, Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability
The EPA just shared new Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for projects like the Sweetwater Lake Recreation plan in Colorado. If you care about nature or local projects, now’s the time to check them out and share your thoughts before deadlines, like September 23, 2026. These updates help keep communities informed and protect the environment without costing you a dime to review!
Next: 2026-12929, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Emergency Notifications
The EPA wants to keep collecting info about emergency chemical spills and notifications to keep communities safe. This affects businesses and local agencies that report emergencies, and the EPA is asking for public feedback by August 25, 2026. No new costs or big changes are planned—just a smooth extension of current rules through 2027.