- Chapters 6 - Mitigation Measures (147 KB 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. 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 training in marine mammal spotting and reporting.
- Implementation of range operating procedures to maximize the ability of operators to recognize instances when marine mammals are in the vicinity and to take appropriate action.
- Conservation measures that would involve long-term monitoring of marine mammals on the USWTR.
Further, the Navy proactively adopted protective measures in to reduce the potential for Navy vessels transiting to and from mid-Atlantic ports to strike migrating North Atlantic right whales. The measures apply to all Navy vessel transits, including those vessels that would transit to and from the proposed USWTR.
The proposed Cable Termination Facility at each of the four 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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Chapter 6 in the Final OEIS/EIS contains a detailed discussion of mitigation measures for the proposed USWTR.
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