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Coastal Zone Management News

02 Nov 2022

US Mid-term Elections Bring Changes, Uncertainty in Congressional Maritime Leadership

Š chris / Adobe Stock

Regardless of whether the Republicans seize or the Democrats maintain control of the House and Senate, there is a guarantee that changes in leadership will occur in some of the key Congressional leadership positions that will impact the maritime industry. Two of the most significant Congressional committees of jurisdiction are the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (House T&I) and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Senate Commerce). Both committees have jurisdiction over the U.S.

26 Jan 2022

Wiggins Pass Dredging Commences

(Photo: Collier County)

The Coastal Zone Management Dredge Project for Wiggins Pass near Naples, Fla. began on Wednesday, and is estimated to be completed in 40 days.Major maintenance dredging at both Wiggins Pass and Doctors Pass typically occurs on a four- year cycle with minor interim dredging in-between. All dredge projects must be engineered and permitted on an individual basis, a process that can take many months, starting with the most recent annual survey of existing channel conditions. Annual monitoring surveys are performed to keep a close eye on the condition of the inlets…

21 Jun 2021

Richard W. Spinrad Confirmed to Lead NOAA

Rick Spinrad (Photo: NOAA)

Richard “Rick” W. Spinrad, Ph.D., an internationally renowned scientist with four decades of ocean, atmosphere, and climate science and policy expertise, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and the 11th NOAA administrator.“As an accomplished and respected scientist, educator, communicator and executive, Rick has dedicated his career to the science that is at the core of NOAA’s mission,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.

01 Dec 2017

Fugro Wins Work at US Offshore Wind Sites

Fugro said it has been awarded contracts by Ørsted to undertake geotechnical investigations at two large-scale offshore wind development sites in the U.S. Ørsted is pursuing the development of the two new projects: Bay State Wind, located 15 miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. and Ocean Wind, 10 miles off the New Jersey coast – to bring wind energy to American consumers and businesses. The marine site characterization at both sites involves specialized sampling and in situ testing which Fugro will perform from its DP2 geotechnical drillship, Fugro Explorer. For laboratory testing and reporting services Fugro will draw on its expertise from Norfolk, Va. and Houston as well as Wallingford, U.K.

27 Apr 2017

How Deep is the Ocean?

Hydrogaphy, the science of surveying and charting bodies of water, is essential to the safe, sustainable and cost-effective use of the world’s oceans. This was International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Kitack Lim’s message at the 1st Assembly of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco (24 April). Around 90% of the world’s oceans and 50% of coastal waters have never had their depth measured. And there are higher resolution maps of the Moon, Mars and Venus than for most of the world’s maritime areas. In this context, hydrographers make a valuable contribution to the delivery of Sustainable Development Goal 14 on conserving and sustainably using the oceans – whether in support of navigational safety…

28 Oct 2016

Cargo Commitments for Multimodal Terminal at Haldia

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has received a commitment for transport of 5.92 million tons (MTs) of cargo volume per annum through the Multimodal Terminal at Haldia by the year 2018. This follows a series of consultations IWAI held at Haldia with various industries, firms, shipping lines, cargo operators, shippers and manufacturers. The main items for which commitments have been received are fly-ash, edible oil, vegetable oil, gypsum, etc. Fly-ash is expected to be the major cargo with a commitment of 3.8 MT followed by vegetable oil (0.63 MT), cement (0.36 MT), among others. IWAI is to construct a Multimodal Terminal at Haldia under Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) which is being implemented with the technical and financial support of the World Bank at a cost of Rs.

12 Mar 2015

New Lineup for NOAA Hydrographic Services Panel

The Hydrographic Services Review Panel advises NOAA on improving services for navigation and coastal resilience. (Credit: NOAA)

NOAA administrator Kathryn Sullivan, Ph.D., has appointed six members to the Hydrographic Services Review Panel, a federal advisory committee that gives NOAA independent advice for improving a range of services and products that support navigation and coastal resilience. Capt. “Providing coastal communities, boaters, and the commercial maritime industry with timely, reliable, accurate, and authoritative information is essential as we strive to keep commerce flowing through our nation’s ports,” Sullivan said. Rear Admiral Ken Barbor (ret.), U.S. Lawson W. Capt. Gary A. Scott R.

27 Feb 2015

Dredging Project to Protect Virginia Shoreline

Dam Neck Annex at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va. Navy photo

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Naval Air Station Oceana at Dam Neck, Virginia, expect to begin a shore protection project at the Dam Neck annex within the next month. Sand from the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), to be used for this project, will enhance coastal resilience by protecting shoreline infrastructure. In addition, the project will restore shorebird and sea turtle nesting habitat and improve the recreational beach in this Virginia Beach community.

05 May 2014

AAPA Remembers 'Tireless' Congressman James Oberstar

Following the recent passing of former Cong. James Oberstar, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President and CEO Kurt Nagle described the past chair of the U.S. “In 2003, AAPA honored Cong. Oberstar with its prestigious ‘Port Person of the Year’ award for his many contributions to advancing America’s freight transportation system, including authoring or co-authoring six Water Resources Development Acts from 1986 to 2000, and various Coast Guard and Coastal Zone Management reauthorizations and amendments,” said Mr. Nagle. In March 2010, Cong. Oberstar returned to the AAPA stage as a keynote speaker to share his views about the importance of authorizing new surface transportation legislation.

03 Feb 2014

Grounded Vessel Refloated without Pollution

 The MV Commander is anchored in the vicinity of Protestant Cay and presents no current threat to the environment

U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan and Resident Inspection Office St. Croix crews are assessing the condition of the 221-foot cargo ship MV Commander, after it successfully refloated Saturday afternoon from Round Reef, where it grounded Friday night just outside Christiansted Harbor in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The Commander is safely anchored in the vicinity of Protestant Cay in Christiansted. Initial underwater assessments have identified that the Commander’s two rudders are missing. Besides minor scratches there appears to be no major damage to the vessels’ hull.

03 Feb 2014

Cargo Ship Refloated After Reef Grounding, Rudders Lost

MV Commander: Photo courtesy of USCG

Coast Guard marine casualty investigators are investigating the cause of the recent grounding of the 'MV Commander' on Round Reef just outside Christiansted Harbor in the US Virgin Islands. Initial underwater assessments have identified that the Commander’s two rudders are missing. Besides minor scratches there appears to be no major damage to the vessels’ hull. No sign of oil pollution leaking from the vessel or in the surrounding area has been identified and the vessel does not present a threat to the environment at this time.

17 Jan 2014

Coastal Zone Management: ABA Publish New Book

Book cover: Image courtesy of ABA

With oceans considered by many as one of the last frontiers, the American Bar Association's new book “Zoning the Oceans: The Next Big Step in Coastal Zone Management’’ is intended to help experts and government planners use zoning as a vehicle for ocean development and management. It is claimed to be the first book to focus on new and emerging state ocean zoning programs in the context of recent developments in offshore coastal zone regulation at the state and federal levels, say the publishers.

16 Oct 2013

U.S. Policies: Raising Red Flags Offshore

National Ocean Policy, Coastal & Marine Spatial Planning: two of the biggest issues you never heard of. It’s also far more complicated than you might think. This summer, the Obama Administration released the innocuously named “Guide to Regional Marine Planning,” and across town, the House of Representatives passed the latest in a string of resolutions restricting the Administration from spending money on the implementation of the National Ocean Policy. The battle continues over an issue which could well redefine the future of offshore energy development…

26 Sep 2013

ABA Book Explores Ocean Zoning Management

Zoning the Oceans

With oceans considered by many as one of the last frontiers, a new American Bar Association book will help experts and government planners use zoning as a vehicle for ocean development and management. “Zoning the Oceans: The Next Big Step in Coastal Zone Management’’ is the first book to focus on new and emerging state ocean zoning programs in the context of recent developments in offshore coastal zone regulation at the state and federal levels. The timely and relevant book delves into a wide range of coastal zone management issues…

18 Jul 2013

NOIA Miffed Secretary Jewell Not Familiar with Ocean Policy

National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) say they were surprised by Secretary Jewell’s unfamiliarity with National Ocean Policy, but encouraged by her statement on Including new areas in future offshore leasing plan. During a House Natural Resources Committee hearing, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) questioned Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell on his observation of an inherent conflict between management of offshore resources under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Administration’s 2010 executive order establishing a National Ocean Policy. The Secretary indicated she was not familiar with this policy and would have to respond in writing.

14 Feb 2013

Oregon Offers Wave Energy Development Opportunites

Ocean Sentinel wave energy testing system off Newport: Photo courtesy of NOAA/Pat Kight, Ore. Sea Grant

State of Oregon has amended its Territorial Sea Plan to allow for siting of marine renewable energy development projects in state waters. The amendment identifies four "Renewable Energy Suitability Study Areas" along the Oregon coast where initial development of wave energy will be encouraged and pose the least conflict with existing ocean uses and natural resources. The four areas are located off the coasts of Lakeside, Reedsport, Nestucca, and Camp Rilea, and total about 22 square miles or two percent of Oregon’s territorial sea.

17 Jul 2012

Attorney Wins Award for Paper on Coastal Zone Management

The Rhode Island Bar Association honored Rhode Island real estate and environmental lawyer John M. Boehnert with the Rhode Island Bar Journal Lauren E. Jones Writing Award for his article “Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Program and the Coastal Zone Management Act’s Federal Consistency Program”. The federal consistency program gives States the ability to challenge, and actually veto, federal permits sought by other states or private parties to engage in activities, even in federal waters, which may adversely impact a challenging state’s coastal zone management program. For example, exercising its rights under the federal consistency program…

05 Oct 2011

AAPA's 'U.S. Port Person Of The Year' Award

 AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle

Award to precede speech on grant opportunities for reducing diesel emissions. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) will be honored in Wilmington, Del., on Oct. 7 as the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) “U.S. Port Person of the Year” at a special luncheon given by the Port of Wilmington Maritime Society. AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle will present the award in recognition of Sen. Carper’s many contributions toward improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including its deep-draft navigation channels. The award also credits Sen. Carper for his work on enhancing U.S.

13 Jan 2004

Corps Gives Final Approval to Columbia River Channel Improvement Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced that Major General Carl A. Strock, Director of Civil Works, has signed the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project. Construction of the navigation improvements and associated ecosystem restoration features may now proceed after a cost-sharing agreement is signed. Issuance of the ROD -- a written public record under the National Environmental Policy Act explaining why the agency has decided upon a particular course of action - clears the way for the Corps' Portland District to begin work improving the federal navigation channel that stretches 103 miles between the Pacific Ocean and Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash.

17 Nov 2011

BOEM Calls for Public Input on Proposed 2012-2017 Eastern GOM Lease Sales

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking information from interested parties regarding proposed oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico Eastern Planning Areas. These sales are included in the Proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2012-2017, announced earlier this month. BOEM has published a Call for Information and Nominations/Notice of Intent (Call/NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for two Eastern Gulf sales currently scheduled for 2014 and 2016. BOEM will collect and analyze information to identify and evaluate areas with potential for oil and gas development, as well as to determine possible environmental effects and potential conflicts in the Call area.

17 Jan 2008

Navy Granted Authority to Use Sonar in Training off California

The Navy announced Jan. 16 that two important steps have been taken under existing law and regulations to allow it to conduct effective, integrated training with sonar off the coast of southern California after a federal court earlier this month imposed untenable restrictions on such training. In accordance with the provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), and at the recommendation of the Secretary of Commerce, President George W. Bush concluded that continuing these vital exercises without the restrictions imposed by the district court is in the paramount interests of the United States. He signed an exemption from the requirements…

16 Dec 2008

Notice of Stay on Broadwater Appeal

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a notice stating that the Department of Commerce has stayed, for a period of 60 days, closure of the decision record in an administrative appeal filed by Broadwater Energy LLC and Broadwater Pipeline LLC under the Coastal Zone Management Act.  Broadwater appeals from an objection by New York State to its proposal to construct and operate a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and associated pipeline to be located in New York waters of Long Island Sound.  The decision record will now close on February 13, 2009.  73 Fed. Reg. 76001  (December 15, 2008). (Source: Holland & Knight)

04 Jul 2012

Federal Court Gives Delaware River Dredging Go-ahead

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia has ruled in favor of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which has begun to dredge the 102-mile channel but whose work was threatened by a lawsuit from the State of New Jersey and five environmental groups which sought to block the project on the grounds that it would cause ecological and economic harm to wildlife and wetlands. The plaintiffs argued that the Army Corps had failed to do a thorough environmental assessment of the project as required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and had violated the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). But the court upheld earlier rulings by district courts in Delaware and New Jersey that the Army Corps had not violated its duty under the federal laws.