MITIGATION MEASURES
(Ch. 6 is a 4.5 MB PDF file)

Effective training on the proposed USWTR dictates that ship, submarine, and aircraft participants utilize their sensors and exercise weapons to their optimum capabilities. Recognizing that such use may cause behavioral disruption of some marine mammal species on the range, the Navy is seeking a letter of authorization (LOA) from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The Navy has developed mitigation measures that would be implemented to protect marine mammals during Navy operations on the proposed undersea warfare training range (USWTR). These include:

• Personnel marine mammal spotter training.

• Implementation of range operating procedures to maximize the ability of operators to recognize instances when marine mammals are close aboard.

• Conservation measures that would involve long-term monitoring of marine mammals on the USWTR.
  
• Reduction of active sonar power levels when marine mammals are detected close aboard.

Further, the Navy proactively adopted protective measures in December 2004 to reduce the potential for Navy vessels transiting to and from mid-Atlantic ports to strike migrating right whales. The measures apply to all Navy vessel transits, including those vessels that would transit to and from the proposed USWTR.

The proposed CTF at each of the three proposed USWTR landfall sites would be sited to avoid existing wetland areas. Directional drilling for installation of the landside trunk cable would be used to avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. With regard to endangered and threatened species, mitigation measures include adherence to existing conservation measures that were developed through Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultations and consultation as needed with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Chapter 6 in the DEIS contains a detailed discussion of mitigation measures for the proposed USWTR.