NMFS proposes IHA for Hilcorp project in Alaska

May 29, 2019
The National Marine and Fisheries Service proposed authorizing incidental harassment approval (IHA) of marine mammals on May 28 during construction and operation of Hilcorp’s proposed Liberty Drilling and Production Island in Alaska. The proposed rule would establish a framework under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for 5 years. Comments will be accepted through June 28.

The National Marine and Fisheries Service proposed authorizing incidental harassment approval (IHA) of marine mammals on May 28 during construction and operation of Hilcorp’s proposed Liberty Drilling and Production Island in Alaska. The proposed rule would establish a framework under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for 5 years. Comments will be accepted through June 28.

Hilcorp Alaska, a subsidiary of the Houston-based privately held oil and gas independent, would be required to implement measures which include:

• Use of a soft start during impact pile driving to allow marine mammals the opportunity to leave the area prior to beginning impact pile driving at full power.

• Shutting down construction activities under certain circumstances to minimize harassment, including injury.

• Prohibition of impact pile driving during the fall Cross Island bowhead whale hunt and seasonal drilling restrictions to minimize impacts to marine mammals and subsistence users.

• Implementing best management practices to avoid and minimize ice seal and habitat disturbance during ice road construction, maintenance, and use.

• Use of marine mammal and acoustic monitoring to detect marine mammals and verify predicted sound fields.

• Limiting vessel speeds and transit areas, where appropriate.

National Ocean Industries Association Pres. Randall B. Luthi welcomed the proposal. “There are more than 230 active IHAs covering military exercises, oil and gas exploration and development, renewable energy development, scientific research and construction projects,” he said.

Luthi said the proposed incidental take authorizations for Hilcorp’s Liberty project include provisions that firmly restrict operations and require impact monitoring, assuring little or no effect on marine mammals in the project area.

“While marine life might avoid the project area for a short period of time, it is very unlikely there would actually be any physical harm or injury to whales or seals,” Luthi said.

Contact Nick Snow at [email protected].