A Federal Consistency Determination has been submitted to the DNREC Delaware Coastal Management Program (DCMP) for the following: NOAA OMAO Vessel Operations (2024.0032)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) has prepared a nationwide consistency determination considering impacts related to vessel operation activities to be undertaken between 2023 – 2038. These activities include routine activities such as vessel movement, anchoring, waste handling and discharges, and vessel repair and maintenance. The proposed action would allow for the continued vessel operations that support NOAA’s primary missions of charting and hydrographic surveying; assessment and management of living marine resources; oceanographic monitoring, research, and modeling; and emergency response. The need for the proposed action is to maintain uninterrupted operational fleet capabilities as vessels age and reach the end of their design service life, necessitating modernization of the NOAA fleet. The proposed activity is subject to review for consistency under the policies of the DNREC DCMP.

Comments concerning this Federal Consistency Determination will be accepted through June 15, 2024. Comments may be sent to: DNREC Coastal Programs, Ms. Kimberly Cole, Administrator, 100 W. Water Street, Suite 7B, Dover, DE, 19904, or electronically to DNREC_DCP_PublicComment@delaware.gov. For additional information please visit de.gov/dnrecnotices or call (302) 739-9283.

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