Compliance
GMI offers a full range of marine environmental compliance and permitting programs to meet regulatory requirements and to minimize risk of future regulatory enforcement. Our environmental compliance services are supported by our expertise in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) consultation and documentation (EA, EIS, DARP/EA), essential fish habitat (EFH) consultations and assessments, biological assessments/evaluations (BA/BE), Section 7 consultations, Letters of Authorization Application (LOA), and Marine Resources Assessments.
Related Projects
Marine Mammal Protection Act Compliance for Bombing Targets BT-9 and BT-11, Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point
GMI
prepared a report that can function as a full and complete request
for a Small Take Authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection
Act for the use of the BT-9 and BT-11 bombing targets. The report
evaluates and addresses all potential impacts on marine mammals of
ordnance delivery at these two Marine Corps in-water bombing
targets. The analysis included acoustic impacts (for both sound and
impulse characteristics of an individual shot and cumulative use
over the long term)., and provides estimates of marine mammal takes
as a result of ordnance impacts. Additionally, a comparison of two
acoustic models used to calculate acoustic impacts from explosive
ordnance was completed, including the results obtained from each
model.
Impacts were presented and discussed in terms of both annual and seasonal range use. Impacts were also discussed in terms of the definition of harassment under the MMPA and the definition of harassment under the National Defense Reauthorization Act of 2004.
The analysis was completed using existing data and current methodologies. The modeling and analysis presented results consistent with the analysis as used in the VAST documents. Additionally, modeling and analysis was consistent with the methods used to prepare the BA for the BT-9 and BT-11 range targets dated December 2001. Since the two analyses have differences, a comparison of the two analyses was prepared in a way that an informed decision can be made as to which analysis is most appropriate for use in MMPA compliance documentation.
Biological Assessment for Continuing Training Activities, Inner Range, Vieques, Puerto Rico
GMI
conducted a Biological Assessment to aid both the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
in determining whether U.S. Navy training activities on the Island
of Vieques were likely to adversely affect listed species or
designated critical habitat, jeopardize the continued existence of
species that are proposed for listing, or adversely modify proposed
critical habitat. GMI conducted aerial, terrestrial, and marine
ecological surveys to characterize habitats and biota. Biological
surveys were conducted for five species of T&E plants, neo-tropical
birds, T&E birds (Brown Pelican and Roseate Tern), marine mammals
(including manatees and whales), sea turtles, and beach surveys for
tracks. Predictive models were developed using GIS to predict the
potential distribution of all T&E plant species on the island. This
BA quantified the potential impacts of the proposed action.
East Coast Undersea Warfare Training Range: Biological Assessment and Letter of Authorization Application
GMI prepared a Biological Assessment and a Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Application (Letter of Authorization Application) for the U.S. Navy as required for the Undersea Warfare Training Range the Navy is proposing to construct and use off the U.S. east coast. Further, GMI provided expert Marine Sciences services to support the preparation of a scientifically defensible Draft Overseas Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Statement (OEIS/EIS) required for the proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range.