Composite Training Unit Exercises and Joint Task ... - Govsupport.us

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 55.2.1 Demolition and Ship MCM Operations (up to 20 lbs)5.2.1.1 Exclusion ZonesAll mine warfare and mine countermeasure operations involving the use of explosive charges mustinclude exclusion zones for marine mammals and sea turtles to prevent physical and/or acoustic effects tothose species. These exclusion zones shall extend in a 700-yard arc radius around the detonation site.5.2.1.2 Pre-Exercise SurveysFor DEMO and SMCM Operations, pre-exercise survey shall be conducted within 30 minutes prior to thecommencement of the scheduled explosive event. The survey may be conducted from the surface, bydivers, and/or from the air, and personnel shall be alert to the presence of any marine mammal or seaturtle. Should such an animal be present within the survey area, the exercise shall be paused until theanimal voluntarily leaves the area.5.2.1.3 Post-Exercise SurveysSurveys within the same radius shall also be conducted within 30 minutes after the completion of theexplosive event.5.2.1.4 ReportingAny evidence of a marine mammal or sea turtle that may have been injured or killed by the action shall bereported immediately to Commander, Pacific Fleet and Commander, Navy Region Southwest,Environmental Director.5.2.1.5 Mining OperationsAs described in the COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA, Mining Operations involve aerial drops of inerttraining shapes on floating targets. Aircrews are scored for their ability to accurately hit the target.Although this operation does not involve live ordnance, marine mammals have the potential to be injuredif they are in the immediate vicinity of a floating target; therefore, the safety zone shall be clear of marinemammals and sea turtles around the target location. Pre- and post - surveys and reporting requirementsoutlined for underwater detonations shall be implemented during Mining Operations. To the maximumextent feasible, the Navy shall retrieve inert mine shapes dropped during Mining Operations.5.2.2 SINKEX and ASM Site SelectionThe selection of sites suitable for SINKEXs involves a balance of operational suitability, requirementsestablished under the MPRSA permit granted to the Navy (40 CFR 229.2), and the identification of areaswith a low likelihood of encountering ESA listed species. To meet operational suitability criteria,locations must be within a reasonable distance of the target vessels’ originating location. The locationsshould also be close to active military bases to allow participating assets access to shore facilities. Forsafety purposes, these locations should also be in areas that are not generally used by non-military air orwatercraft. The MPRSA permit requires vessels to be sunk in waters which are at least 1000 fathoms(3000 m) deep and at least 50 nm from land.In general, most listed species prefer areas with strong bathymetric gradients and oceanographic fronts forsignificant biological activity such as feeding and reproduction. Typical locations include the continentalshelf and shelf-edge. Sites in W-291 and on SOAR used for SINKEX and ASM Operation are not knownto contain the bathymetric features, which create prime listed species habitats.5-9 February 2007