post survey report - california
TRANSCRIPT
EARTH SCIENCES & SURVEYING EGS AMERICAS, INC.
FIELD OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE REPORT for
CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION
GEOPHYSICAL CABLE ROUTE SURVEY
LOS ANGELES, DOCKWEILER BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Revision Date Description Prepared by Revised by Approved by
3/2/2018 Initial EBR EBR
Dockweiler Beach Operations Report EGS Job Number 17-1055
EARTH SCIENCES & SURVEYING EGS AMERICAS, INC.
CONTENTS
1 SURVEY INFORMATION .................................................................. 1-2
Project Description and Scope of Work ...................................................... 1-2
Weather and Sea State ........................................................................... 1-2
Chart of Area and Tracklines ................................................................... 1-3
GIS Trackline File ................................................................................. 1-3
Date and Times of Data Collection ............................................................ 1-3
Environmental Hazards Encountered ......................................................... 1-3
Accident, Injury, Damage, or Loss to Property ............................................. 1-3
2 BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION ............................................................. 2-4
EXHIBIT H – California State Lands Commission ............................................. 2-4
Marine Wildlife Monitoring Report ............................................................. 2-4
Dockweiler Beach Operations Report EGS Job Number 17-1055
EARTH SCIENCES & SURVEYING
1
EGS AMERICAS, INC.
SURVEY INFORMATION
Project Description and Scope of Work
A geophysical inshore corridor survey was completed for a proposed subsea telecommunications cable landing at Dockweiler Beach, Los Angeles. The survey was conducted from the closest, safest working distance to shore out to the 3nm State boundary.
The route survey is required to provide information for engineering, installation, and subsequent maintenance of the cable. The survey objective was to complete the acquisition of inshore geophysical survey data including; bathymetric, sidescan, sub-bottom, and magnetometer data to safely position the cable within a surveyed corridor.
Weather and Sea State
Weather and sea state during survey events are provided in table below:
Date Weather Sea State (Beaufort)
12/11/17 Sunny – 5-8 knts SW (1-2) - <1.0m
12/12/17 Sunny – 5-8 knts NW (1-2) - <1.0m
12/13/17 Sunny – 5-8 knts NW (1-2) - <1.0m
Dockweiler Beach Operations Report EGS Job Number 17-1055
EARTH SCIENCES & SURVEYING
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EGS AMERICAS, INC.
Chart of Area and Tracklines
GIS Trackline File
An ESRI compatible trackline file accompanies this report. WGS84 Geodetic
Date and Times of Data Collection
The data collection summary was taken from the final survey Daily Progress Reports (DPRs). The following table gives the breakdown of dates and data collection times:
Date Start Data Collection (Local) End Data Collection
12/11/17 09:45 16:50
12/12/17 07:52 16:30
12/13/17 08:01 14:53
Environmental Hazards Encountered
No environmental hazards were encountered.
Accident, Injury, Damage, or Loss to Property
No accidents, injuries, damage, or loss to property was sustained.
Dockweiler Beach Operations Report EGS Job Number 17-1055
EARTH SCIENCES & SURVEYING
2
EGS AMERICAS, INC.
BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION
This section includes Marine Wildlife Monitoring Report with field operations summary including sonar equipment shut downs and start-ups, haul out behaviour, and number of collisions.
EXHIBIT H – California State Lands Commission
Below see initialled and dated Exhibit H:
Marine Wildlife Monitoring Report
See Marine Wildlife Monitoring Post-Survey Report below prepared by Marine Mammal Consulting Group.
Dockweiler Beach Operations Report EGS Job Number 17-1055
MARINE MAMMAL CON, ULTING GROUP INC.
MARINE WILDLIFE MITIGATION REPORT
Shallow Water Fiber-optic Cable Survey
Dockweiler State Beach, California
prepared for:
California State Lands Commission
Division of Environmental Planning and Management
100 Howe Street, Suite 100 South
Sacramento, CA 95825-8202
and
EGS Americas, Inc.
111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 900
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
prepared by:
Peter Howorth
Peter Howorth Marine Mammal Consulting Group
1600 Clearview Road Santa Barbara, California 93101
U.S.A.
December 2017
Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary 1 2.0 Survey Equipment and Route 2
2.1 Survey Vessel 2
2.2 Sonar 2
2.3 Survey Route 4
3.0 Mitigation Monitoring Measures 5
3.1 Briefing 6
3.2 Watches 6
3.3 Equipment 6
3.4 Communications 6
3.5 Data Recording 6
4.0 Results 7
4.1 Marine Mammal Sightings 7
4.2 Avoidance of Marine Mammal – Cable Survey Interactions 8
4.3 Reactions of Marine Mammals to Operations 8
4.4 Pinniped Haul-outs and Rookeries 8
4.5 Sea Otter and Turtle Sightings 8
4.6 Birds 8
4.7 Marine Protected Areas 9
4.8 Environmental Conditions 9
5.0 Reporting 9
6.0 Conclusions and Recommendations 10
7.0 Acknowledgements 10
6.0 Literature Cited 10
Tables
Table 1: Survey Equipment Specifications 3
Table 2: Occurrence of Marine Mammals and Turtles in Region 8
Figures
Figure 1: US–South America Cable Route 1
Figure 2: Survey Vessel JAB 3
Figure 3: Lowering the Sonar Towfish 4
Figure 4: Shallow Water Cable Survey Route 5
~ Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Appendix 1:
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Measures 11
Measures for Crew to Avoid Potential Collisions 11
Measures for Monitor to Avoid Potential Collisions 11
Measures for Monitor to Avoid Potential Entanglements 13
Zones of Influence for Sonar Operations 14
Measures for Crew to Avoid Potential Sonar Impacts 14
Measures for Monitor to Avoid Potential Sonar Impacts 14
Measures Avoid Potential Impacts from Oil or Fuel Releases 15
Avoidance of Pinniped Haul-outs and Rookeries 15
Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 1
1.0 Executive Summary
This project involved a shallow water survey part of a proposed submarine cable route off
Southern California. Once the entire cable is installed, it will stretch from Dockweiler State
Beach, California, to South America, hence its designation as US-South America (Figure 1). Off
the California coast, the cable route crosses submerged lands from mean high water to
3 nautical miles (nm) offshore, then stretches into federal waters and beyond into international
waters. This survey identified the makeup of the ocean floor within California State waters,
including hard bottom areas, so such areas could be avoided when the cable is actually laid. In
general, the surveyed route will place the cable in soft bottom areas where maximum burial can
be achieved. Low-energy sonar was used for this survey.
Source: EGS
Figure 1: US-South America Cable Route
Regulatory agencies at federal and state level were concerned that survey operations might harm marine wildlife. In particular, a potential for collision between the survey vessel and marine mammals and turtles existed. Potential impacts on marine wildlife from sonar noise
~ Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 2
were also of concern. The agencies were also concerned about entanglement of marine wildlife
in the sonar tow cable, and to a much lesser extent, in cables used to deploy various devices.
Finally, the agencies wanted to be assured that proper procedures were followed in the unlikely
event of an oil or fuel release.
EGS Americas, Inc. (EGS), an international group of survey firms, was selected to perform the
survey. The Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc. (MMCG), of Santa Barbara, California, was
selected to prepare and implement a Marine Wildlife Protection Plan (MMCG 2017), following
the guidance for preparing such documents CSLC 2015), and to report on the results of the
wildlife monitoring effort.
This report provides background on the cable route and survey schedule. It describes the
mitigation monitoring methods, including briefings, watch schedules, equipment used by the
monitor, communications, data recording, and reporting procedures. In the results section, the
marine wildlife sightings are listed by species and include numbers of animals observed,
location, behavior, and other relevant information. Anecdotal sightings of other wildlife are also
discussed. The conclusions and recommendations section summarizes the effectiveness of the
monitoring and makes recommendations for similar future projects. This report includes
literature citations.
To make this a stand-alone document, yet to avoid repetition of subjects already covered in the
Marine Wildlife Protection Plan (MMCG 2017), an appendix is provided that reiterates mitigation
measures discussed in the plan and employed for the protection of marine wildlife.
The survey vessel JAB was used for the survey. After a preliminary briefing, the marine
mammal observer from MMCG boarded the boat each day at King Harbor, in Redondo Beach,
California. JAB began testing and calibration at the site on 11 December, then began
surveying. This project was completed on 13 December, requiring three days on site to
complete. A total of four species of marine mammals was observed. The total number of
animals seen was 295. No impacts were observed on any wildlife. The monitoring effort was
effective.
2.0 Survey Equipment and Route
2.1 Survey Vessel
The 44 ft. (13.4 m) catamaran JAB (Figure 1) was used for the shallow water survey. JAB was
powered by twin Cummins diesels. It has a draft of 2.5 ft. (0.75 m). It was propelled by twin jet
drives and had no propellers or other exposed moving parts beneath the waterline.
Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 3
2.2 Sonar
Multiple low- and mid-frequency sonar arrays used by the Navy, as well as high-energy seismic
surveys involving the use of airguns, have raised significant concerns about anthropogenic
sounds and their impacts on marine wildlife (Carretta et al. 2017). The sonar that was used for
this survey is low energy and generally much higher in frequency (see Table 1, below).
Source: EGS
Figure 2: Survey Vessel JAB
Table 1: Survey Equipment Specifications
Hull-mounted System Rms Source Level (dB re. 1ɥPa – m)
Frequency (kHz)
Max. Ping Rate (Hz)
Pulse Length
Distances to Isopleths in Meters (dB re. 1ɥPa – rms)
R2Sonics 2024 (160°swath) 221 200-400 60 15-1000 us 190 dB: 26 and 19 180 dB: 57 and 35 160 dB: 164 and 80
Sub-bottom Profiler Towed System
Edgetech DSS2000 Chirp (24°cone) 202 2-16 10 20ms 190 dB: 6 180 dB: 10 160 dB: 130
Sidescan Sonar Towed System
Edgetech DSS2000 LF (100°swath) 213 120 25 N/A 190 dB: 13 180 dB: 51 160 dB: 210
Edgetech DSS2000HF (100°swath) 219 410 50 N/A 190 dB: 9 180 dB: 39 160 dB: 160
Sonardyne 8071 Ultra Short Baseline (USBL; cone)
188 19-36 14 N/A
Source: EGS
~ Merine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 4
Figure 3: Lowering the Sonar Towfish
NOAA Fisheries has established guidelines establishing noise thresholds at which some
impacts may be experienced by various groups of marine mammals. Based on the above
specifications, a very conservative hazard zone was established (Appendix 1) that would ensure
that no harassment or injury to any group of marine mammals could occur (NOAA 2016).
2.3 Survey Route
This survey headed from shore to the west. (The deep water phase continued west, then
south.) The start of this survey was at 33 56.5449 North, 118 26.8118 West. The end of this
survey was at 33 56.8743 North, 118 31.2861 West.
Rather than a box, the survey area was more like a very long corridor about 500 m wide. If
obstructions such as areas of high relief had been encountered, the survey was widened slightly
to get around such spots. Based on the results, the in-field routing engineer decided during the
survey if the Route Position List (RPL), which represented the center of the cable route, needed
Legend
-- Seg1 LAX-BU1
c::::::J 500m Corridor
2 1
" ,c ""
\ 25
25
27
29
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2 5
~ Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 5
to be adjusted within the survey corridor. Once the engineer was satisfied no cable hazards
existed, a new RPL, called the In-Field Engineered Route, was created.
Source: EGS
Figure 4: Shallow Water Cable Survey Route
3.0 Mitigation Monitoring Methods
3.1 Briefings
The Marine Wildlife Protection Plan (MMCG 2017) and data sheets were provided to the MMCG
monitor for review and familiarization before the project began. A briefing was held between
MMCG’s principal scientist and the monitors to discuss mitigation monitoring methods. The
monitor provided the survey crew in advance with the Marine Wildlife Protection Plan, along with
lists of methods to be employed by them to avoid adverse impacts on marine wildlife.
Consultations were held in advance between MMCG and EGS to review sonar ramp-up
procedures. Before the vessel left port, the monitor met in person with the crew. The meeting
included the following topics:
Legal aspects pertaining to marine wildlife protection;
Responsibilities of crew and monitor to protect wildlife;
Procedures for crew to follow to avoid potential impacts;
~ Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 6
Marine wildlife most likely to be encountered during the survey;
Copies of the Marine Wildlife Protection Plan were always available to all crew
members.
3.2 Watches
A continuous watch was kept from port en route to the survey area, within the survey area, and
from the survey area back to port. Watches were held on the bridge, which allowed ready
access for observations in every direction.
3.3 Equipment
The monitor was equipped with 7X50 waterproof, low-light, binoculars with a compass and
range-finding reticule for establishing relative bearings and distances of animals from the
vessel. These binoculars were calibrated for range prior to departure from port. The monitor
also had a high-resolution laser rangefinder as well. He was equipped with a handheld GPS
unit as well as with a portable weather measuring device. This device recorded wind speed and
direction as well as temperature. The monitor also had a digital camera.
3.4 Communications
The monitor was equipped with a standard digital cellular telephone with voice mail and text
capabilities. The monitor also carried a handheld marine VHF radio for communications with
other vessels if necessary. This radio also had ship-to-shore capabilities (telephone links). As
a backup, the JAB also had a cellular telephone and a VHF radio with ship-to-shore capabilities.
With these extensive communications capabilities, reliable means of communications were
maintained throughout the project. Reliable communications with many backups are essential
for such operations in case of emergencies.
3.5 Data Recording
All marine wildlife observations were recorded. Data sheets designed for this project included
the date and time of each sighting, the monitor’s name, and the vessel name. The location of each sighting was noted, using the monitor’s handheld GPS. The genus and species of each
animal was mentioned, along with the number of animals. Their behavior was noted, along with
their heading if they were moving. Age categories and sex were noted when possible.
Additional information, such as the direction, range, and bearing of the animal(s) from the
observer, along with its heading, was included. The remarks section included notes as to when
each operation began and ended, and the nature of each operation (e.g., in transit, on station,
ramping up, survey start and end, etc.). Anecdotal information was recorded on other wildlife,
particularly sea birds, along with any association such wildlife had with marine mammals or with
project operations.
Marine Mammal Conoulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 7
If an alert were made or action had to be taken to prevent a potentially adverse impact, a
detailed report could be filled out. This both ensured that the effectiveness of such actions
could be analyzed later, but also served as a record of essential information that would be
needed in case an impact actually did occur. These incident reports included:
Date;
Monitor’s name; Vessel name and contact information;
Vessel’s position at time of incident; Onsite weather and sea conditions;
Time animal sighted;
Species;
Number of animals;
Animal’s behavior; Closest distance of animal to vessel;
Type of hazard (e.g., collision, sonar noise, etc.);
Time crew notified;
Time avoidance action implemented;
Time animal definitely clear of hazard;
Time normal operations resumed;
Effectiveness of avoidance action;
Crew’s names and titles; Time CSLC and NOAA Fisheries Service notified (if impact occurred);
Description of action taken:
Names and titles of responding parties;
Photographs taken? Photographer’s name(s); Descriptive narrative of action taken.
Weather data were also recorded and updated hourly throughout each day. These included
date, time, monitor’s name, vessel’s name, and location. Percentage and type of cloud cover
were noted, along with visibility in meters (m) and nautical miles. Percentage and direction of
glare were also noted. Swell direction and height (in meters) were recorded, along with wind
direction and velocity in knots.
4.0 Results
4.1 Marine Mammal Sightings
Marine mammal sightings were relatively sparse, with only four species represented and a total
of 295 animals sighted. No resightings of animals were noted, although some sea lions resting
on the King Harbor entrance buoy may have been resights. No species of marine mammals
were unidentified. Behaviors included resting, slow travel, diving, and feeding in the case of one
sea lion. Considering the number of birds near the animals, it’s likely that other feeding
- Merine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 8
activities happened but were not observed because the animals were underwater. Some of the
dolphins rode the bow of JAB while coming and going to the survey site.
4.2 Avoidance of Marine Mammal – Cable Survey Vessel Interactions
No actions were necessary to prevent adverse impacts to marine wildlife from the survey
operation.
4.3 Reactions of Marine Mammals to Operations
Other than bow-riding dolphins encountered coming to and going from the project site, no
marine mammals reacted to the operation.
Table 2: Occurrence of Marine Mammals in Region
Date California sea lion
Zalophus
californianus c.
Long-beaked common
dolphin
Delphinus capensis
Common bottlenose
dolphin (coastal stock)
Tursiops truncatus. t.)
Humpback whale
Megaptera
novaeangliae
Totals
11 Dec. 41 10 5 1 57
12 Dec. 24 111 0 1 136
13 Dec. 31 71 0 0 102
Totals 96 192 5 2 295
4.4 Pinniped Haul-outs and Rookeries
CSLC requires various mitigation measures to ensure that pinniped haul-out and rookery sites within
or immediately adjacent to survey operations are protected from project activities. No such sites
exist anywhere near the area of operation for this project. CSLC Mitigation Measure BIO-7,
Avoidance of Pinniped Haul-out Sites, does not apply to this project (CSLC 2008 and 2014).
4.5 Sea Otter and Turtle Sightings
No southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) or turtles were seen.
4.6 Birds
Birds were abundant in the survey area. This suggests abundant prey, particularly small
schooling fish, since most of the birds listed below feed on such fish. Also, the birds were
sometimes seen near sea lions and long-beaked common dolphins, which suggests the marine
mammals were feeding on fish as well.
Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 9
California brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus)
Western gulls (Larus occidentalis)
California gulls (L. californicus)
Heermann’s gulls (L. heermanni)
Black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla)
Black-vented shearwaters (Puffinus opisthomelas)
Forster’s terns (Sterna forsteri)
Common murres (Uria aalge)
Red Phalaropes (Phalaropes fulicarius)
Brandt’s cormorants (Phalacrocorax pencillatus)
Double-crested cormorants (P. auritus)
Surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata)
Western grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
Eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis)
Buffleheads (Bucephala albeola)
4.7 Marine Protected Areas
No Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) exist at or near the survey area or transit routes. CSLC
Mitigation Measure BIO-9, Limitations on Survey Operations in Select Marine Protected Areas,
does not apply to this project (CSLC 2014).
4.8 Environmental Conditions
Environmental conditions were very moderate during the three days of the survey. Winds
generally came out of the east to northeast in the mornings, switching to west to west-southwest
in the afternoons. They varied from calm to 8.3 knots. Swell ranged from south, to west-
southwest, to west at 0.1 to 1.0 m. Air temperatures ranged from 15.8 to 27.7 Celsius (60.4 to
80.8 Fahrenheit). Visibility was several miles each day. Glare was minimal because most of
the surveys were done from after sunrise and before sunset. Clouds were high cirrus each day,
with smoke on the last day.
5.0 Reporting
A post survey field operations and compliance report shall be submitted to CSLC as soon as
possible, but no later than 30 days after the survey has been completed (EGS in prep). Among
other subjects, this report shall include:
A summary of marine mammal and turtle species seen during the project;
A summary of environmental conditions;
Descriptions of any incidents during which action had to be taken to avoid adverse
impacts and the effectiveness of such actions.
~ Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 10
6.0 Conclusions and Recommendations
The mitigation efforts were successful, with no incidents or impacts reported to marine wildlife,
MMCG recommends continuing such mitigation efforts in future such projects.
7.0 Acknowledgements
MMCG gratefully acknowledges the support and cooperation of EGS and the survey members
and crew of JAB.
8.0 Literature Cited
Carretta, J., K.A. Forney, E. Oleson, D.W. Weller, A.R. Lang, J. Baker, M.M. Muto, B. Hanson,
A.J. Orr, H. Huber, M.S. Lowry, J. Barlow, J. Moore, D. Lynch, L. Carswell, and R.L.
Brownell, Jr. 2017. U.S. Pacific Marine Mammal Stock Assessments, 2016. NOAA,
NMFS. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SWFSC-577. June 2017.
CSLC. 2008. General Permit to Conduct Geophysical Surveys. Blank form showing permit
conditions, 18 July 2008.
CSLC. 2014. Exhibit H, Mitigation Monitoring Program, updated 23 April 2014.
CSLC. 2015. Guidance for Developing a Marine Wildlife Contingency Plan.
EGS. In preparation. Post survey field operations and compliance report, Dockweiler Beach
shallow water fiber-optic cable survey.
MMCG. 2017. Marine Wildlife Protection Plan, fiber-optic Cable Survey off Dockweiler Beach,
California. Revised November 2017.
NOAA. 2016. Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on
Marine Mammal Hearing. Underwater Acoustic Thresholds for Onset of Permanent and
Temporary Threshold Shifts. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-55, July.
Merine Memm□I Conaulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 11
Appendix 1: Marine Wildlife Mitigation Measures
Measures for Crew to Avoid Potential Collisions (Ship Strikes)
The captain and crew were given hard copies of the following procedures to be employed while
in transit or during surveys:
Maintain a watch for marine mammals and turtles at all times while vessel is underway;
Do not approach any whales closer than 100 m;
Do not cut in front of a whale;
Do not separate a whale mother and calf pair;
If a whale is observed on an intersect course, reduce speed or alter course until the
whale has safely passed;
If a whale is moving on a parallel course, maintain a steady speed and course but do not
go faster than the whale;
If a whale becomes evasive or defensive, stop the vessel until the whale has left the
area;
Maintain a cruising speed of not more than 10 knots when whales are within 1 nm
ahead;
If concentrations of whales are seen less than 1 nm ahead, reduce transit speed further
or alter course while maintaining watch on the whales;
While under way at cruising speed, provide a wide berth from any pinnipeds or turtles;
If dolphins begin riding the bow wave of the boat less than 1 nm from the project site,
slow down or stop until the animals have left. It is understood that dolphins often ride
bow and stern wakes, so no action is necessary while transiting from port up to within 1
nm from the project site.
Measures for Monitor to Avoid Potential Collisions (Ship Strikes)
The methods employed by the monitor to avoid ship strikes during transits included:
A NOAA Fisheries-approved monitor shall be on watch during all transits and surveys;
The monitor shall have a 360-degree view of the water;
If environmental conditions (e.g., high sea state) preclude the monitor from seeing out at
least 1 nm, the monitor shall require available personnel to maintain heightened
vigilance for any approaching marine mammals or turtles;
All crew members shall be briefed so they know to report any whale sightings to the
monitor immediately;
Such personnel shall have means of immediately communicating any sightings to the
monitor;
If environmental conditions preclude the monitor from seeing at least 100 m from the
vessel, the vessel shall slow to 10 knots or less until visual conditions improve;
The monitor shall maintain verbal communications with the crew at all times;
~ Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 12
The monitor shall have the authority to stop all project activities if, in his sole opinion,
project operations have the potential to threaten or “take” a marine mammal; The monitor has sole responsibility for determining whether a collision appears
imminent, to request that steps be taken to prevent any collision, to determine when any
chance of an collision has passed, and to request that the vessel be returned to normal
operations following a potential collision;
If a marine mammal or turtle appears to be approaching the boat while underway, the
monitor shall make the crew aware that actions to reduce the possibility of collision may
be necessary;
It is understood that smaller marine mammals, such as dolphins, routinely approach
vessels closely and may even ride the bow wake. The approach of such animals will not
require taking action to avoid them unless, in the opinion of the monitor, action is
necessary to prevent adverse impacts;
If a collision appears imminent, the monitor shall request that the speed of the vessel, if
it is underway, be reduced as quickly and as much as possible;
If a collision appears imminent, the monitor shall position himself in the best possible
vantage point for helping the crew avoid the collision while still maintaining
communications with the crew;
If a collision is likely, the monitor shall request that available crew members take up
observation positions to help report sightings to the monitor so that appropriate actions
may be taken to avoid any impact. Such crew members shall have means of
immediately communicating with the monitor;
In the unlikely event that a collision does occur, the monitor or captain shall immediately
notify appropriate regulatory agencies. The date, time, and place of collision, vessel
name, owner and operator, immediate contact information, species involved, status of
animal, heading of animal if animal is moving, and onsite weather, sea conditions, and
visibility shall be provided. Digital photographs of animal shall be taken, showing as
much detail as possible, and immediately sent to the regulatory agencies;
A verbal report shall be followed by a written report;
Reports shall be communicated to the federal and state agencies listed below:
Federal:
Justin Viezbicke
California Stranding Network Coordinator
NOAA Fisheries
Long Beach, California 90802
(562) 980-3230 office
(562) 506-4317 cell
(808) 313-2803 alternate cell
Merine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 13
Justin Greenman
Assistant Stranding Network Coordinator
NOAA Fisheries
(562) 980-3264 office
(562) 506-4315 cell
State:
California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Long Beach, California 90802
(562) 590-5132
California State Lands Commission
Division of Environmental Planning and Management
Sacramento, California
(916) 574-0748
California Coastal Commission
Energy, Ocean Resources, and Federal Consistency Division
Attn. Kate Huckelbridge, Ph.D.
45 Fremont Street, Suite 2000
San Francisco, California 94105
In some instances, the survey vessel may be engaged in operations at the survey site that do
not involved sonar, such as performing conductivity – temperature – depth (CTD) casts to
measure sound propagation properties of the water at various depths and locations, or to obtain
sediment samples from the sea floor. During such operations, the above measures used to
avoid collisions, and the measures discussed below to avoid entanglements, shall be employed.
Measures for Monitor to Avoid Potential Entanglements
Though not stipulated as a CSLC requirement, NOAA Fisheries had the following requirements
to avoid potential entanglements of marine wildlife in the tow cable for the sonar:
During surveys, the scope in the tow cable shall be reduced as much as practicable;
If essential to avoid a possible entanglement, the towed sonar shall be retrieved;
In the unlikely event that a marine mammal does become entangled in the cable, the
monitor shall request that power to the cable be shut down as soon as possible;
The monitor and crew shall take digital still and video photographs of the entangled
animal, showing as much detail as possible;
In the event of an entanglement, NOAA Fisheries shall be immediately notified as
described above. Digital or still photographs of the entanglement shall be sent
electronically to the Stranding Coordinator;
Based on the report and photography, the Stranding Coordinator may dispatch a marine
mammal rescue team to the scene in an independent vessel;
~ Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 14
The officer in charge of survey operations shall be consulted for advice as to what
actions would be safe or possible for his personnel to perform (e.g., slacking or cutting
the cable) in the event of a disentanglement effort;
It is understood that personnel safety concerns or weather and sea conditions may
prevent any action; nonetheless, every reasonable effort shall be made to safely
disentangle any animal;
Immediately following completion of the disentanglement effort, an additional verbal
report shall be made to the regulatory agencies, followed by a written report.
As a professional courtesy, the monitors shall report any marine mammals or turtles that are
observed tangled in fishing gear, mooring lines, and other materials not connected with this
project, following the above notification procedures. If possible, the monitor should take photos
of the entangled animal and immediately relay them to NOAA Fisheries.
Zones of Influence for Sonar Operations
MMCG found in numerous past projects that “safety zone” was often misinterpreted to mean that anything within a safety zone was not in danger (e.g., “The whale is in the safety zone, so it must be safe.”). To avoid confusion and misunderstandings, we used “hazard zone,” meaning that anything within the hazard zone was in danger. For this survey, CSLC’s recommendations
were adopted, establishing a 600 m hazard zone for the survey (not to be confused with the 100
m hazard zone for transits, above).
A 1000 m buffer or warning zone was also implemented for the surveys. This allowed the
monitor to warn survey personnel that marine wildlife were near or approaching the hazard
zone, placing the crew on alert that measures might have to be implemented to protect wildlife
(see below).
Measures for Crew to Avoid Potential Sonar Impacts
Inspect and maintain equipment to ensure proper working order and adherence to
manufacturer’s specifications; When using the sub-bottom profiler, use the highest frequency band possible;
When using either the sidescan sonar or the sub-bottom profiler, use the shortest
possible pulse length and the lowest possible pulse rate;
Apply these measures to other equipment (e.g., boomers) when feasible;
Each piece of equipment shall be started at the lowest possible sound level, increasing
power in increments of no greater than 6 dB every five minutes so that any undetected
marine mammals in the area can leave before full power is attained.
Merine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 15
Measures for Monitor to Avoid Potential Sonar Impacts
Monitoring shall be conducted during the surveys from the highest possible vantage
point, using range-finding binoculars to ensure that the hazard zone is maintained;
The monitor shall observe the warning and hazard zones for at least 15 minutes prior to
ramping up power to the equipment;
The monitor shall request that operations be stopped if marine mammals or turtles are
about to enter or have entered the 600 m hazard zone and may be negatively affected
by survey operations;
If an animal’s behavior is irregular, the monitor shall request that operations be stopped until the animal has left the area or has not been seen for 15 minutes;
Whenever the equipment is restarted, the ramp-up period described above must again
be initiated.
Measures to Avoid Potential Impacts from Oil or Fuel Releases
The EGS survey vessel JAB was equipped with oil spill containment equipment and had an
established, approved oil spill contingency plan in place for dealing with any releases of fuel,
lubricants, or chemicals. In order to respond in the unlikely event of an oil or fuel release, the
following measures shall be taken:
In the event a marine mammal or turtle becomes oiled, the monitor shall immediately
notify NOAA Fisheries, listed above, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Office of Spill Prevention
and Response (OSPR), and the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN), listed below;
In the event a sea bird becomes oiled, the monitor shall immediately contact the U.S.
Coast Guard, OSPR, and OWCN so that a rescue procedure can be worked out. If
requested and if feasible, crew members may be allowed to rescue oiled sea birds and
arrange for swift transport to the nearest authorized care center;
The regulatory agencies shall be kept apprised of any such rescue efforts and provided
with verbal and written reports once such efforts are complete.
U.S. Coast Guard
Eleventh Coast Guard District
(562) 499-5330
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR)
(800) 852-7550
University of California, Davis
School of Veterinary Medicine
Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN)
(877) 823-6926
~ Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc.
Marine Wildlife Mitigation Report, US-South America Fiber-optic Cable Survey, Dockweiler Beach, California Page 16
Avoidance of Pinniped Haul-outs and Rookeries
CSLC requires various mitigation measures to ensure that pinniped haul-out and rookery sites
within or immediately adjacent to survey operations are protected from project activities. No
such sites existed anywhere near the area of operation for this project. CSLC Mitigation
Measure BIO-7, Avoidance of Pinniped Haul-out Sites, did not apply to this project (CSLC 2008
and 2014).
EXHIBIT H Mitig_ation Monitoring Program
Mitigation Measure (MM)
Location and Scope of Mitigation Effectiveness
Criteria Monitoring or
Reporting Action Responsible
Party Timing
Implementation Date(s) and
Initials Air Quafitv and Greenhouse Gas (GHGJ Emissions (MND Section 3.3.3) MM AIR-1: Engine All Counties: Maintain all construction equipment in Daily Determine engine OGPP permit Prior to, Tuning, Engine Certification, and Fuels. The following measures
proper tune according to manufacturers' specifications; fuel all off-road and portable diesel-powered equipment with California Air Resources Board (CARB)-certified motor vehicle diesel fuel limiting sulfur content to 15 parts
emissions of criteria pollutants during survey
certification of vessel engines.
Review engine
holder and contract vessel operator;
during, and after survey activities.
r2--/,q / 17 ,Se___
wi ll be required to per million or less (CARS Diesel). activities are emissions data to California be implemented by all Permittees
minimized. assess compliance, determine if changes
State Lands Commission
Submit Final
under the Offshore in tuning or fuel are (CSLC) Monitoring Geophysical Permit Program (OGPP), as applicable depending on the county offshore which a survey is being conducted. Pursuant to section 93118.5 ofCARB's Airborne Toxic Control Measures, the Tier 2 engine requirement applies only to diesel-fueled vessels.
Los Angeles and Orange Counties: Use vessel engines meeting CARB's Tier 2-certified engines or cleaner; the survey shall be operated such that daily NO, emissions do not exceed 100 pounds based on engine certification emission factors. This can be accomplished with Tier 2 engines if dai ly fuel use is 585 gallons or less, and with Tier 3 engines if dai ly fuel use is 935 gallons or less.
San Luis Obispo County: Use vessel engines meeting CARB's Tier 2-certified engines or cleaner, accomplished with Tier 2 engines 11 daily fL1el use 1s 585 gallons or less; all diesel equipment shall not idle for more than 5 minutes; engine use needed to maintain position 111 the water is not considered idling; diesel idling wit111n 300 meters (1,000 feet) of sensitive receptors is not permitted; use alternatively fueled construction equipment on site
reauired. Verify that Tier 2 or cleaner engines are being used.
Calculate daily NO, emissions to verify compliance with limitations. Verify that Tier 2 or cleaner engines are being used.
Inform vessel operator(s) of id ling limitation.
Investigate
review of Final Monitoring Report.
Report after completion of survey activities.
12/o,(r7 uz__
,.,,,--
where feasible, such as compressed natural gas, liquefied avai lability of natural gas, propane or biodiesel. alternative fuels. Santa Barbara County: Use vessel engines meeting Verify that Tier 2 or CARB's Tier 2-certified engines or cleaner, accomplished cleaner engines are with Tier 2 engines if daily fue l use is 790 gallons or less. being used. ---Investigate
availability of alternative fuels.
Ventura County: Use alternatively fueled construction equipment on site where feasible, such as compressed
Investigate availability of -
natural aas, liauefied natural gas, propane or biodiesel. alternative fuels.
Updated: 04/23/201 4
EXHIBIT H Mitigation Monitoring Program
ImpiementationResponsibleMonitoring orEffectivenessMitigation Timing Date(s) andLocation and Scope of Mitigation PartyReporting ActionCriteriaMeasure (MM) Initials
MM 810-1: Marine Prior to Mammal and Sea
OGPP permit No adverse Document contact All State waters; prior to commencement of survey survey.holder; effects to with appropriate operations, the geophysical operator shall : (1) contact 1'2. / c;,. /11
Inquiry to Current
marine sources. the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Turtle Presence -NOAA and mammals orLong Beach office staff and local whale-watching 0tL--
Submit Final local whale composition and relative abundance of marine wildlife operations and shall acquire information on the current sea turtles due Information.
Monitoring Report watching offshore, and (2) convey sightings data to the vessel
to survey operators.
operator and crew, survey party chief, and onboard activities are after completion of observed. survey activities.
Marine Wildlife Monitors (MWMs) pnor to departure. This ~1~1,~ information will aid the MWMs by providing data on the approximate number and types of organisms that may be in the area.
MM 810-2: Marine Document contact OGPP permit Prior to Wildlife Monitors
CompetentExcept as provided In section 7(h) of the General Permit, holder. survey.
(MWMs). with and approval by anda minimum of two (2) qualified MW Ms who are
professional appropriate onboard tho survey vessel th1oughout both transit and experienced 111 maI111e w1ldhfo observations shall be \1/-1jr7monitoring or agencies.
marine observa tion, ond cfoto collection rospons1b1l1t1cs shall be data collection octIvItIes Tho spoc1f1c monitoring,
Submit Final mammals and ) /e>/i-oMonitoring Report
as pa1t of oll Offsho10 Goophys1cal Permit Program 1dent1f1od 111 tho Mn11110 W1ldllfe Contingency Plan required sea turtles;
after completion of permits OL1nhfIcnt1ono ol pronoscd MWMs shall be
compliance with survey activities. ,6i-established
AdmI111str ot1on (NOAA) ond CSI C at least twenty-one submfltod to tho NutI011ol Ocoa111c and Atmospheric
monitoring (? 1) doys In ,1dv,rnco of tho swvcy for their approval by policies. tho ogoncIou S,11voy operations shall not commence until tho CSt C npprovos the MWMs.
MM 810-3: Safety OGPP permit Prior to Zone Monitoring.
No adverse Compliance with Onboord Manne Wildlife Monitors (MWMs) responsible survey.
fo1 monitoring during the survey equipment operations. A ll marine permit requirements holder. effects to 101 observa tions during vessel transit shall be responsible (observers); \2./Pi(11compliance with
vantage point aboard the survey vessel; binoculars shall mammals orvisual monitoring shall occur from the highest practical
established safety be used to observe the surrounding area, as appropriate.
sea turtles due zones. to survey >/"(, e
activities are zone) based on the equipment used, centered on the The MWMs will survey an area (i .e., safety or exclusion
Submit Final observed; &-,L,.compliance Monitoring Report
the survey equipment is operating. Safety zone radial sound source (i.e., vessel, towfish) , throughout time that
with after completion of distances, by equipment type, include: established survey activities.
safety zones.
Updated: 04/23/2014
EXHIBIT H Mitigation Monitoring Program
Mitigation Measure (MM)
Location and Scope of Mitigation Effectiveness Criteria
Monitoring or Reporting Action
Responsible Party
Timing Implementation
Date(s) and Initials
Safety Zone Equipment Type (radius, ml
Sinqle Beam Echosounder 50 Multibeam Echosounder 500 Side-Scan Sonar 600-Subbottom Prol1ler 100
l!QQ_mer System 100
If the geophysical survey equipment is operated at or above a frequency of 200 kilohertz (kHz), safety zone monitoring and enforcement 1s not required; however, if geophySICfl l survey eq11ipment operated at a frequency at or above 200 kl 1, Is used s11nultaneoL1sly with \1-/'1 j,; geophysica l survey equipment less than 200 kHz, then t110 safety zone for the equipment less than 200 kHz must bo monitored. 1 he onboard MW Ms shall have authority to stop operations 1f a mammal or turtle is observed within the specified safety zone and may be negatively affected by survoy actIv11Ios. The MWMs shall also have authority to rocommonct cont1nuallon (or cessation) of operations during poliocts of lim1tod v1sib11ily (1.e , fog, rain) based on tho obsorvod obundonco of marine wildlife. Periodic reevaluollon of woolher cond11ions and reassessment of the cont1nuotlon/cossot1on recommendation shall be completed by tho onboard MWMs, During operations, if an animal's actions are observed to be irregular, the monitor shall have authority to recommend that equipment be shut down until the animal moves fu rther away from the sound source. If 1rregL1lar behavior is observed, the equipment shall be shut-off and will be restarted and ramped-up to fu ll power, as applicable, or will not be started until the animal(s) is/are outside of the safety zone or have not been observed for 15 minutes.
For nearshore survey operations utilizing vessels that lack the personnel capacity to hold two (2) MWMs aboard during survey operations, at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the commencement of survey activities, the Permittee may petition the CSLC to conduct survey operations with one (1 ) MWM aboard. The CSLC will consider such authorization on a case-by-case basis and
~
Updated: 04/23/2014
EXHIBIT H Mitigation Monitoring Program
Mitigation Measure (MM)
Location and Scope of Mitigation Effectiveness
Criteria Monitoring or
Reporting Action Responsible
Party Timing
Implementation Date(s) and
Initials factors the CSLC will consider will include the timing, type, and location of the survey, the size of the vessel, and the availability of alternate vessels for conducting the proposed survey. CSLC authoriza tions under this subsection will be limited to individual surveys and under any such authorization; the Perm1ttee shall update the MWCP to reflect how survey operations will occur under the authorization. All State waters; nighttime survey operations are prohibited under the OGPP, except as provided below. The CSLC will consider the use of single beam echosounders and passive equipment types at night on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the equipment specifications, location, timing, and duration of survey activity.
All State waters; the survey opera tor shall use a "soft start" technique at the beginning of survey activities each day (or following a shut down) to allow any marine mammal that may be in the immediate area to leave before the sound sources reach full energy. Surveys shall not commence at n1ght11me or when the safety zone cannot be effectively monitored. Operators shall ini tiate each piece of equipment at the lowest practical sound level, increasing output in such a manner as to increase in steps not exceeding approximately 6 decibels (dB) per 5-minute period. During ramp-up, the Marine Wildlife Monitors (MWMs) shall monitor the safety zone. If marine mammals are sighted within or about to enter the safety zone, a power-down or shut down shall be implemented as though the equipment was operating at full power. Initiation of ramp-up procedures from shut down requires that the MWMs be able to visua lly observe the full safety zone.
MM 810-4: Limits on Nighttime OGPP Surveys.
No adverse effects to marine mammals or sea turtles due to survey activities are observed.
Presurvey request fo r nighttime operations, including equipment specifica tions and proposed use schedule.
Document equipment use.
Submit Final Monitoring Report after completion of survev activities.
OGPP permit holder.
Approval required before survey is initiated.
Monitoring Report following comple-tion of survey.
(2/'1 ;,-,
DA-y4 '-"Ht
e-..ri-y
~
MM 8 10 -5: Soft Start.
No adverse effects to marine mammals or sea turtles due to survey activities are observed.
Compliance with permit requirements (observers); compliance with safe start procedures.
Submit Final Monitoring Report after completion of survey activities.
OGPP permit holder.
Imme-diately prior to survey.
ti(~ (,-1 ~
Updated: 04/23/2014
EXHIBIT H Mitigation Monitoring Program
ImplementationEffectiveness Monitoring or ResponsibleMitigation Timing Date(s) and Location and Scope of Mitigation PartyCriteria Reporting Action Measure (MM) Initials
MM B10-6: No adverse Document initial and OGPP permit Imme-Practical
All State waters; geophysical operators shall follow, to the during survey diately
Limitations on maximum extent possible, the guidelines of Zykov (201 3) effects to holder.
marine equipment settings. prior to Equipment Use
as they pertain to the use of subbottom profilers and side-mammals or and during
and Adherence to scan sonar, including:
sea turtles due Submit Final survey . • Using the highest frequency band possible for the I2./ -. j, '7 to survey Monitoring Report
Manufacturer's Equipment subbottom profiler;
activities are after completion of• Using the shortest possible pulse length; and e,..,p_ observed. survey activities.
Maintenance Routine • Lowering the pulse rate (pings per second) as much
as feasible. Schedule. Geophysical operators shall consider the potential
applicability of these measures to other equipment types (e.g., boomer). Permit holders wi ll conduct rou line inspection and maintenance of acoustic-generating equipment to ensure that low energy geophysical equipment used during permi tted survey act1v1ties remains in proper working order and within manufacturer's eqLIIpment spec1f1ca t1ons. Venf1ca t1on of the date and occurrence of such equipment inspection and maintenance shall be provided in the required presurvey notification to CSI C.
MM B1O-7: No adverse Document pinniped OGPP permit Monitoring Avoidance of
The Manne Wildlife Conlingoncy Plan (MWCP) developed effects to reactions to vessel holder. Report
Pinniped Haul-OL1I and 1mplomentocl tor ooch survey shall include
pinnipeds at presence and following Sites.
1dcnt1ficHl1on of linul-out silos w1tl11n or immediately equipment use. comple-
300 motors (111) of fl haul out site. the MWCP shall further haul outs areadJaccnt to tho p1oposod survey area. For surveys within
tion of require that
observed. Submit Final survey. l2-/~(t1 Monitoring Report
a haul-out site. consistent w1 lh National Marine . 1 ho suIvoy vessel shall not approach within 91 m of
after completion of ~ survey activities. . Survey act1v1ty close lo haul-out sites shall be
conducted in an expedited manner to minimize the
Fisheries Service (NMFS) guidelines;
1/z,f G potential for disturbance of pinnipeds on land ; and . Marine Wildli fe Monitors shall monitor pinniped @l_activity onshore as the vessel approaches, observing and reporting on the number of pinnipeds potentially disturbed (e.g., via head lifting , flushing into the water). The purpose of such reporting is to provide CSLC and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) with information regarding potential disturbance associated with OGPP surveys.
Updated: 04/23/2014
EXHIBIT H Mitigation Monitoring Program
Mitigation Measure (MM)
Locatio n and Scope of Mitigation Effect iveness
Criteria Monito ring or
Repo rting Action Responsible
Party Timing
Implementation Date(s) and
Initials
MM 810-8: A ll State waters ; if a co llision with marine mammal or No adverse Submit Final OGPP permit Monitoring
Reporting reptile occurs, the vessel operator shall document the effects to Monitoring Report holder. Report
Requirements - cond1t1ons under which the accident occurred, including marine after completion of fo llowing Coll ision. the following mammals or survey activities. comple-. Vessel location (latitude, longitude) when the collision sea turtles due
occu, red , to survey l ion of survey. ~ . Dato and time of colhs,on, . Spoud ond hoadIng o f the vessel at the time of
activities are observed. ; . 'f>. (t>
collls1on, . OIJoo,vnllon cond 1tlonR (o g, wind speed and dIroctlo11, i;woll ho11Jhl, vIs1b1hly in miles o r kilometers. £111(1 p,ononco o l 1nIn or fof)) fl t tho time of co llision, . Spuclm1 u l n1(11 I11u w1ldlilo contacted (1I known), . Wl10ll1rn 1111 olmu,vo, wr1s monItonng marine wi ldlife nt tho 111110 o l coll1r1lon, nnd, . Nnmu of vunnol, vmrnul owner/operator, and captain o lllc<J1 111 c:1111100 011110 vosscl at time of collis ion.
Alto , a coll1uI011, IIH, vust1ul shall s top, 1f sa fe lo do so: howuvo,, tho v1Hl'1til tu 1101 01.Jl,gotod to stand by and may p, occocl t1II01 co11f11ml11f1 llw t It will not further damage the nnlmnl lly <101110 ·10 I ho v<w:10I will then 11nmed1ate ly C0111111l1111(;{110 lly 111(110 01 lolophono all details to the voooul'•11)11·10 o t c.1pw r1l1011:1, 1111ct s110II1mmcd1atety report tho I11c1clo11I Co11•1In10111 wlll1 M1111110 Mammal Protection /\cl 1oquh u11 1unt·1, 1110 voMol's bosc of oporatIo ns or, if an onbonrci lo lophon(} lfl ovrnloblo, tho vessel captain h11n/ho1 null , w 1i1 lhun 1111111od101oty cnll the Nallonal OcoonIc oncl l\ln1onphe11c l\dm1111stration (NOAA) S11ond1ng Coo1tl111n1or to ,opo1t the co ll1s1on and follow any subsoq11('n l Instr11c t1ons I rom the report, the Stranding Coo1tfinuto, will coordinate subsequent action, 1nclud1ng ont1s t1ng the aid o f marine mammal rescue organiza l1ons, 1f appropriate From the vessel's base of operations, a telephone call will be placed to the Stranding Coordinator, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southwest Region, Long Beach, to obtain instructions. Although NOAA has primary responsibi lity for marine mammals in both State and Federal waters, the California Departme nt of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will also be advised that an inc ident has occurred in State waters affectinq a orotected soecies.
Updated: 04/23/2014
EXHIBIT H Mitigation Monitoring Program
Mitigation Measure (MM)
Location and Scope of Mitigat ion Effectiveness
Criteria Monito ring or
Reporting Action Responsible
Party Timing
Implementation Date(s) and
Initials MM 810-9: All MPAs; prior to commencing survey activities, No adverse Monitor reactions of OGPP permit Prior to Limitations on geophysical operators shall coordinate with the CLSC, effects to MPA wildlife to survey holder; survey. Survey Operations in Select Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (C DFW), and any other appropriate permitting agency regarding proposed operations within MPAs. The scope and purpose of each survey proposed within a MPA shall be
resources due to survey activities are observed.
operations; report on shutdown conditions and survey restart.
survey permitted by CDFW. 12./ c, /r,
defined by the permit holder, and the applicability of the survey to the allowable MPA activities shall be delineated
Submit Final Monitoring Report G-rL-
by the permit holder. If deemed necessary by CDFW, after completion of geophysical operators will pursue a scientific collecting survey activities. permit, or other appropriate authorization, to secure approval to work within a MPA, and shall provide a copy of such authorization to the CSLC as part of the required presurvey notification to CSLC. CSLC, CDFW, and/or other permitting agencies may impose further restrictions on survev activities as conditions of annroval.
MM HAZ-1: Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP) Required
Permittees shall develop and submit to CSLC staff for review and approval an OSCP that addresses accidental releases of petroleum and/or non-petroleum products during survey operations. Permittees' OSCPs shall
Reduction in the potential for an accidental
Documentation of proper spill training.
Notification of
OGPP permit holder and contract vessel
Prior to survey. 11/1/11
Information. include the following information for each vessel to be involved with the survey:
spill . Proper and timely
responsible parties in the event of a spill.
operator. €;{l-" • Specific steps to be taken in the event of a spill, response and
including notification names, phone numbers, and notification of locations of (1) nearby emergency medical faci lities, responsible and (2) wildli fe rescue/response organizations (e.g. , parties in the Oiled Wildlife Care Network); event of a
• Description of crew training and equipment testing spill. procedures; and
• Description , quantities, and location of spill response eauioment onboard the vessel.
MM HAZ-2: Vessel fueling
Vessel fueling shall only occur at an approved docking facility. No cross vessel fueling shall be allowed.
Reduction in the potential
Documentation of fueling activities.
Contract vessel
Following survey.
t,JO rVt"I c;,,V"""
12-/"t(,, restrictions. for an operator.
accidental soill.
(:,)'l--
MM HAZ-3: OSCP equipment and supplies.
Onboard spill response equipment and supplies shall be sufficient to contain and recover the worst-case scenario spill of petroleum products as outlined in the OSCP.
Proper and timely response in
Notification to CSLC of onboard spill response
Contract vessel operator.
Prior to survey. li-/flt fr7
the event of a equipment/supplies ~ soil!. inventorv, verifv
oP5)
Updated: 04/23/2014
1
EXHIBIT H Mitigation Monitoring Program
Mitigation Measure (MM)
Location and Scope of Mitigation Effect iveness
Criteria Monitoring or
Reporting Action Responsible
Party Timing
Implementation Date(s) and
Initials ability to respond to worst-case soill.
MM HAZ-1 : Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP) Required Information. MM HAZ-2: Vessel fue ling restrictions. MM HAZ-3. OSCP equipment and supplies. MM B10-9: Limitations on Survey Operations in Select MPAs. MM REC-1: U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Harbormaster, and Dive Shop Operator Notification.
Outlined under Hazards and Hazardous Materials (above)
OutlInod undor Hazards and Hazardous Materials (above)
Out1Inod under Hazards and Hazardous Materials (above)
Out11no(t u11clt,1Rlologlcnl Resources (above)
All C{llllo111Ir1wnlorn whc,1c, rocrc atronal diving may occur; No adverse as n survoy po,111II co11dllro11, tho CSLC shall require effects to Per111I1loos to provr(lu lllo USCG with survey details, recreational 1ncluclinu lr1lorlllnlI011 0 11 vun,uJI typos. sLrrvoy locations, divers from limus, co11tnct ir1lo1111ntio11, n11d other dotarls of activities survey thot mny pm10 n llrr.rnid lo d1vors so tllat USCG can operations. tncludo lllo Inlo111111lIci11 11 tile I ocirl Notice to Manners, t1dvlsInu Vllllilelh1to r,vold potc.-111I0I h;:i7ards near survey mens I urlhfll lll0ro , 111loon! twenty-one (21) days in odvonco o l In w, ,tur nc1IvI1I0s . f'lorm1ttees shall: (1) post such notlcmi 1111110 hnr borr nastors' o ffrces of regional ho1bors, t1ml (?) 11olrly opora10Is of drve shops in coastal locotI0 11s ncl1nct:111 to the proposed offshore survey oporotlons
Notify the USCG, local harbormasters, and local dive shops of planned survey activity.
Submit Final Monitoring Report after completion of survey activities.
OGPP permit holder.
Prior to survey. (~/10/17
e-fV
Updated: 04/23/2014
1
EXHIBIT H Mitigation Monitoring Program
ImplementationMonitoring or ResponsibleEffectivenessMitigation Timing Date(s) andLocation and Scope of Mitigation
Criteria Reporting Action PartyMeasure (MM) Initials MM FISH-1 U.S. Prior to Coast Guard
Notify the USCG and OGPP permitAll California waters; as a survey permit condition, the No adverse holder. survey.CSLC shall require Permittees to provide the USCG with effects to local harbormasters !0 /10/1,
of planned survey Harbormaste r
commercial(USCG) and survey details, including info rmation on vessel types, fish ing gear in activity.survey locations, times, contact information, and other ~ place.
and fishers so that USCG can include the information in Notification. details of activities that may pose a hazard to marine rs
Submit Final the I oc1;1l Notice to Manners, advising vessels to avoid Monitoring Report potenllal ha1ards near survey areas. Furthermore, at after completion of least twenty-one (21) days 11 advance of in-water survey activities. act1v1t10s, Pe1m1ttccs shall post such notices in the harborma~tc1s· offices of ro91onal harbors.
MM FISH-2: Imme-Minimize
No adverse Visually observe the OGPP permitTo 1111n1m11c 1nto1nct1011 with l1sh1ng gear that may be survey area fo r holder. diatelyeffects topresent within o s11,vcy (l!Ca (1) the geophysical vessel \1/ctj,,
prior to Fishing Gear.
commercial commercial fishingInteraction with (or dos19nntr d vPssol) sholl lravc rse the proposed survey surveygear. Notify the gearconidor p1101 to coinmunc1ng survey operations to note fishing gear in l-Z./1s/17 (prio r to
fishing 00111 {I o . lrnoys), (?) no survey lines within 30 m and roco1ct 1110 p1 oflcnco, type, and location of deployed place. owner and request
relocation of gear each bt2-outside survey area. survey The survey c.rcw shrill not romove or relocate any fishing (100 roo t) ol ohtw1vcd l1st11ng gear shall be conducted.
day). gear, 1emov(I I 01 1olocnt10 ,1 sholl only be accomplished by Submit Final the owner or tho qPnr lJpon not1f1ca t1on by the survey Monitoring Report ope1otor ol tho potont1ul conll1c t. after completion of
survev activities. MM FISH-1 : OL1t l111ocl unct1•1Commorc lol and Recrea tio nal Fisheries USCG and (above) Harbormaster Notification.
Acronyms/Abbrev1at1ons C/\HO C,illlo1111a Ai r Resources Board; CDFW = California Department of Fish and Wildlife; CSLC = California State Lands Commission; dB = dcc1bols. kl ,,. kllol1c r11, MPA = Marine Protected A rea; MWCP = Marine W ildlife Contingency Plan; MWM = Marine W ildlife Monitor; m= meter(s) ; NOAA = National Ocoon1c and Atmospheric Administration; NO, = Nitrogen Oxide; OGPP = Offshore Geophysical Permit Program; OSCP = Oil Spill Contingency Plan, USCG ~ U S Coast Guard
Updated: 04/23/2014