Fisheries Service Sets Environmental Rules for LNG Import Facility
The National Marine Fisheries Service issued final regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to port construction and operations related to liquified natural gas imports. The specific rules are for the Port Dolphin Deepwater Port in the Gulf of Mexico, for the period of about June 2013 through May 2018, it said.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
Take of marine mammals is expected to occur as a result of the introduction of sound into the marine environment during construction of the facility and pipeline and during operations, which will involve shuttle regasification vessel (SRV) maneuvering, docking, and debarkation, as well as regasification activity.
The rules include speed limits, use of bow thrusters, and rules for driving piles and using equipment, as well as operational rules on things such as docking. Further information: Ben Laws, 301-427-8401.