🐬Proposed Regulations on Marine Mammal Take for Duckabush Estuary
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for incidental take regulations (ITR) and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The requested regulations would govern the authorization of take of small numbers of marine mammals over 5 years (2026-2031) incidental to the Duckabush Estuary Restoration Project (DERP) in Hood Canal, Washington. NMFS requests public comments and will consider them prior to making any final decision on the requested ITR and issuance of the LOA; agency responses to comments will be summarized in the final rule, if issued.
Learn More🌲USDA Proposes Revision of Forest Land Management Plans in Oregon & Washington
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is revising the land management plans for the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests (together known as the Blue Mountains National Forests) and preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) consistent with the agency's National Forest System Land Management Planning regulations (36 CFR 219) and USDA National Environmental Policy Act regulations (7 CFR 1b.7). This notice announces the Forest Service's intent to prepare an EIS and initiate public involvement on the proposed action and request comments on the Preliminary Need to Change, Preliminary Draft Proposed Land Management Plan, the Evaluation of Wilderness Characteristics of Lands included in the inventory, and the list of Preliminary Species of Conservation Concern. This notice describes the documents available for review and how to obtain them; summarizes the need for change to the existing land management plans; provides information concerning public participation and collaboration, including the process for submitting comments; provides an estimated schedule for the planning process, including the time available to submit comments; and explains how to obtain additional information. The Planning, Administrative Reviews, and Litigation System identification number for the project is 64157.
Learn More💧Federal Notice
This notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announces the Declaration of Intention for the Three Sisters Energy Project by Paradigm Shift Hydro, LLC. It outlines project details, including location, components, and the process for public comments and protests regarding the application.
Learn More🐬Incidental Take Authorization for Kingston Ferry Terminal Project
In accordance with regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to harass marine mammals during construction activities associated with a Kingston Ferry Terminal project in Kingston, WA.
Learn More🐬Renewal of IHA for Terminal 4 Expansion
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued a renewal incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Port of Grays Harbor to incidentally harass marine mammals incidental to the Terminal 4 Expansion and Redevelopment Project at the Port of Grays Harbor, Washington.
Learn More🚆Environmental Impact Notice for Everett Link Extension and OMF Project
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), as Federal lead agency, and the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit), as local project sponsor and joint lead agency, issue this notice to advise the public that they intend to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the Everett Link Extension (EVLE) and Operations and Maintenance Facility North (OMF North) Project (Project). The Project would extend Link light rail 16 miles from the existing Lynnwood City Center Station to the Everett Station area in Snohomish County, Washington, and improve connections to the regional transit system and major activity centers. The Project would also include construction of a light rail operations and maintenance facility (OMF) in Snohomish County to support the regional Link light rail program, including EVLE.
Learn More🌫️EPA Proposes Approval for Washington's Regional Haze Compliance Plan
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the regional haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by Washington on January 28, 2022, to address applicable requirements under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the EPA's Regional Haze Rule (RHR) for the regional haze program's second implementation period. The EPA is proposing this action pursuant to the CAA.
Learn More🎇Coast Guard Establishes Temporary Safety Zone in Dyes Inlet, WA
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in the navigable waters of Dyes Inlet, Washington. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with a fireworks display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Puget Sound.
Learn More🌊Marine Mammal Regulation for Ferndale Refinery Construction
NMFS received a request from Phillips 66 for the renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) (hereinafter, the "initial IHA") to take marine mammals incidental to Ferndale Refinery Dock Maintenance and Pile Replacement Activities in Ferndale, Washington. Activities described in the initial IHA will not be completed prior its expiration. IHA Renewal activities are nearly identical to those covered in the initial authorization. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), prior to issuing the initial IHA, NMFS requested comments on both the proposed IHA and the potential for renewing the initial IHA if certain requirements were satisfied. The renewal requirements have been satisfied, and NMFS is now providing an additional 15-day comment period to allow for any additional comments on the proposed renewal not previously provided during the initial 30-day comment period.
Learn More🌊Incidental Take Authorization for Mukilteo Wingwalls Repair Project
NMFS has received a request from the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Mukilteo Wingwalls Repair Project in Puget Sound, Washington. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
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