Environmental Assessment for the Issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization for Coupeville Timber Towers Preservation project on Whidbey Island, Washington

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is planning to conduct the Coupeville Timber Towers Preservation project at the Coupeville Ferry Terminal on Whidbey Island, WA, which involves in-water pile driving and could affect marine mammals. NMFS is proposing to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to WSDOT. The Environmental Assessment is to comply with the NEPA for the issuance of an IHA.

NMFS proposes to issue an IHA in 2/1/2016, and would like the EA cleared by PPI by mid January 2016. NMFS will provide a draft EA for review in late August 2015, and a draft final EA for review in December 2015.