Public Works and Utilities, once again, has taken a proactive approach in mitigating impacts to our wildlife and environment as a result of our projects. The latest instance is related to the Anderson Island Ferry Landing project. Our Department submitted the first marine mammal monitoring plan adopted by the National Marine Fisheries Service since Southern Resident Killer Whales were listed as an endangered species in November 2005.
During late October 2006, marine mammal monitoring was conducted by Department staff for Southern Resident Killer Whales and Stellar Sea Lions near the Anderson Island ferry landing construction activities to replace the pontoon landing. The monitoring consisted of using a boat as an observation platform to look for these species within 0.75 mile of the pontoon construction before and during pile driving. If the whales or sea lions were seen, the pile driving would stop until the marine mammals were out of underwater hearing range.
This plan is now being used as the template for other marine mammal monitoring plans throughout the Puget Sound region. Pierce County Public Works and Utilities is the first local agency in the state to ever implement this type of plan for a construction project.
PHOTO CAPTION: A Public Works and Utilities Environmental Biologist scans for marine mammals during construction for the new ferry pontoon.
