Biological Opinion on Port of Anchorage Test Pile Project and Associated Proposed Issuance of Incidental Harassment Authorization and NWP Verification

This opinion and incidental take statement were prepared by NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region in accordance with section 7(b) of the ESA and implementing regulations at 50 CFR 402. This opinion and Incidental Take Statement are in compliance with the Data Quality Act (44 U.S.C. 3504(d)(1) et seq.) and have undergone pre-dissemination review. A complete record of this consultation is on file at NOAA Fisheries' Anchorage Alaska office.

The Port of Anchorage (POA) proposes to install 10 test piles to gather geotechnical and hydroacoustic data that will support the design of the Anchorage Port Modernization Project (APMP). The POA will test at least two methods of pile driving sound attenuation to determine which will be most effective for the larger project. These systems have been shown to mitigate sound levels. One of the primary objectives of the Test Pile Program is to measure the amount of attenuation provided by these systems. These systems are expected to provide at least 10 dB noise reduction. Test pile driving is expected to be completed by July 1, 2016. However, to accommodate unexpected project delays, the requested and proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization period for the Test Pile Program is from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017. Subsequent Corps permits and incidental take authorizations will be required to cover pile driving for the APMP construction, which is anticipated to last five years. The APMP is an action that is interrelated to the test pile project.

Action Agencies: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District and NOAA Fisheries

NMFS Consultation Number: AKR-2016-9513