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

CD-086-06, Navy Training ExercisesSouthern CaliforniaPage 10RESOLUTION TO CONDITIONALLY CONCUR WITH CONSISTENCYDETERMINATION:The Commission hereby conditionally concurs with consistency determination CD-086-06 bythe Navy on the grounds that the project would be fully consistent, and thus consistent to themaximum extent practicable, with the enforceable policies of the CCMP, provided the Navyagrees to modify the project consistent with the conditions specified below, as provided for in15 CFR §930.4.Conditions:1. Safety Zones. The Navy shall adopt safety zones (i.e., marine mammal preclusionzones) out to the distance at which the sonar has attenuated to 154 dB (received level (RL),expressed in decibels (re 1 μPa 2 ·s @ 1m [one micropascal squared second at one meter]).The Navy will monitor the area and lower sonar levels (or delay transmissions until an animalhas left the safety zone) such that marine mammals and sea turtles will not be exposed toreceived levels greater than 154 dB. If the 154 dB level cannot be feasibly achieved, the Navyshall either cease sonar transmissions should a marine mammal be detected within 2 km of thesonar dome, as the Navy has currently agreed to for its SURTASS LFA sonar operations, orthe Navy shall provide the Commission with sufficient information about the sonar intensitiesand attenuation rates, and the maximum capabilities of its monitoring, to enable theCommission to determine that the Navy will protect a safety zone as close as is feasible to the154 dB zone.2. Surveillance. Surveillance shall include two dedicated NOAA-trained observers atall times during use of mid-frequency sonar.3. Training. The Navy shall employ the RIMPAC-derived measures, which state:NMFS-Approved Training• Navy shipboard lookouts shall be qualified watchstanders who have completedmarine species awareness training.- Navy watchstanders will participate in marine mammal observer trainingapproved by NMFS.4. Passive Acoustic Monitoring. To the maximum extent feasible, passive acousticmonitoring will be used to enforce safety zones. All personnel engaged in passive acousticsonar operations during an exercise employing mid-frequency sonar shall monitor for marinemammals and report the detection of any marine mammal to the appropriate watch station fordissemination and appropriate action.5. Aerial Monitoring. The Navy shall ensure that aircraft operating in the Navy’sinstrumented range off San Clemente will monitor the area for marine mammals during