FWC 22.23-114 - Exhibit B.pdf

FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

FOR

VESSEL, AIRCRAFT, AND DEBRIS

RECOVERY AND REMOVAL OPERATIONS

Prepared by:

Stephen Werndli Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

33 East Quay Rd Key West, FL 33040

April 23, 2018

FWC 22/23-114 EXHIBIT B

Table of Contents 1 Introduction

2 Guidance and Best Management Practices

2.1 Historical and Cultural Resources

2.2 Mangroves

2.2.1 Trimming Mangroves

2.3 Shallow Water Habitats

2.3.1 Operations in Shallow Water

2.3.2 Turbidity Control Measures

2.4 Protected Species

2.4.1 Vessel Operations

2.4.2 Aerial Operations

2.4.3 Land Based Operations

2.4.4 Operations Near Turtle and Bird Nesting Beaches

2.4.5 Avoiding Wildlife Entanglement

2.4.6 Avoiding Wildlife Entrapment

2.4.7 Standard Manatee Conditions for In-Water Work 2011

Appendices

Appendix 1: Job-Aid for Removal Operations in Mangroves and Adjacent Sensitive Shallow Habitats ................................................................................................................................... A-1

Appendix 2: Job-Aid for Removal Operations in Shallow Water Habitats ............................ A-2

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 1

1 Introduction

This document includes Best Management Practices (BMP) to be implemented during recovery or removal operations in connection with an air or marine casualty or removal of marine debris.

These recommendations are designed to minimize and avoid adverse effects to wildlife and habitat during response activities. During response events, the primary objective must be to protect human life and property and this objective takes precedence if there is a conflict with protective measures for wildlife and habitats. These protective measures should be implemented when it will not interfere with emergency response to protect human life and property.

Regulatory guidance and BMPs were developed during Hurricane Irma Emergency Support Function 10 (ESF-10) Florida response operations in September 2017 through required consultations with input from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Protected Resources Division (PRD) and Habitat Conservation Division (HCD), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Ecological Services Division (ESD), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Florida Department of State (DOS), Seminole Tribe of Florida (STOF), and Seminole Nation of Oklahoma (SNO). The guidance and BMPs developed for Hurricane Irma ESF-10 Florida is consolidated below for application within FKNMS.

Recovery and removal methods will be implemented on a case-by-case basis, dependent on site specific conditions, and may necessitate a combination of techniques. Benthic resources should be evaluated in the immediate area to determine a removal path that will have the least impact to the surroundings. If there are potential impacts to shallow sensitive habitats (i.e., seagrasses, hard-bottom, corals) operations must occur at high tide. When it will result in the least amount of impact, targets will be removed following the same path by which they entered sensitive habitats.

Some or all of the response activities described in this document would require permit(s) from FKNMS, USACE, DEP, and/or other agencies. Additional site specific BMPs and/or special conditions may be included in those permits as appropriate.

2 Guidance and Best Management Practices

This section identifies the cultural and natural resources present that may be affected during response activities. Some species of wildlife have been designated by NMFS and/or USFWS as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Designated critical habitat for endangered species and Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) also exists. Some historic properties have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. BMPs identified in this document should be implemented to the greatest extent possible to minimize and avoid impacts to those resources.

Additional information on response recommendations, environmental resources present, and specific times of year they may be encountered, may be found in the Environmental Sensitivity

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 2

Index and Geographic Response Plan maps from the Florida Keys Area Contingency Plan (http://ocean.floridamarine.org/acp/kwacp/.

2.1 Historical and Cultural Resources

1. If prehistoric or historic artifacts, such as pottery or ceramics, projectile points, dugout canoes, metal implements, historic building materials, or any other physical remains that could be associated with Native American, early European, or American settlement are encountered at any time, response operations in that location shall cease all activities involving subsurface disturbance in the vicinity of the discovery (and leave all artifacts in place). Field response personnel shall contact FKNMS, who will contact the Florida DOS, Division of Historical Resources, Compliance Review Section at (850) 245-6333.

Response activities at that location shall not resume without verbal and/or written authorization.

2. In the event that unmarked human remains are encountered during permitted activities, stop all work immediately and contact FKNMS, who will notify the proper authorities.

3. The Florida DOS, Division of Historical Resources, Compliance Review Section shall be notified of removal or recovery efforts that require substantial ground disturbance beyond the initial disturbance caused by the disaster event. FKNMS will provide DHR with project coordinates for review. DHR will review the project area and notify FKNMS if historic or archaeological sites are present or are likely present within the project area. If no sites are present or are unlikely to be present, the project activity may proceed with inclusion of the unanticipated discoveries procedure. If sites are present or are likely present, DHR will provide recommendations to FKNMS to avoid or minimize potential effects to the sites. This may include monitoring of project activities by a professional archaeologist or other appropriate measures as determined by FKNMS in consultation with DHR.

2.2 Mangroves

Trimming or alteration of mangroves will require authorization from DEP, and in some instances, FKNMS. Information on proper trimming technique is provided below. It is recommended that personnel from DEP and/or FKNMS be on-site for operations removing vessels, aircraft, or debris from mangrove habitats. Additional guidance for the trimming of mangroves can be found in Appendix 1: Job-Aid for Removal Operations in Mangroves and Adjacent Sensitive Shallow Habitats.

2.2.1 Trimming Mangroves

Any removal activity must minimize damage to the surrounding natural environment to the highest degree possible, including trimming mangroves to gain access to targets or to facilitate an appropriate removal route. Mangroves near targets and along their entry route or alternative removal route may not be trimmed to facilitate the safe removal of the target without notice.

Trimming debris must be removed and disposed in a confined upland location. Mangrove

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 3 trimming should be photo documented (pre- and post-removal) to show that it is being performed out of necessity.

When trimming a branch, the desired result is a nice, clean cut against the branch side of the juncture of the branch and the limb (or trunk), leaving the branch collar in place. Damage to that junction will wound the tree (see diagram below).

Tools must be clean and free of oils. It is important that the tools are sharp for a clean cut. The wood at the cut should be smooth, not frayed. Frayed cuts may not heal properly and may become a source of infection. If fraying occurs, your tools may not be sufficiently sharp.

2.3 Shallow Water Habitats

Shallow water habitats include seagrass beds, hard-bottom, and coral reefs. Disturbance of sediment will require authorization from FKNMS, USACE, and/or DEP. Disturbance of corals and coral reef habitat will require authorization from FKNMS, NMFS, USACE, FWC, and/or DEP. Additional guidance for operations in shallow water habitats can be found in Appendix 2:

Job-Aid for Removal Operations in Shallow Water Habitats.

2.3.1 Operations in Shallow Water

When possible, utilize crane barges, landside cranes, flotation devices, mats, rollers, etc. to lift targets clear of the mangroves and/or over the adjacent sensitive habitats. Other options include specialized airboats with hydraulic arms and small spuds that could be used in some of these circumstances (i.e., those used by the oil/gas industry and utilities for work in marshes).

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 4

In the event that a target cannot be reached for direct removal with a crane barge, a winch should be used in conjunction with high tensile synthetic floating line to pull the target in a controlled manner closer to the barge within reach of the crane. The use of floating line as opposed to steel cable greatly reduces potential impacts during set up and pulling operations. If possible, spud the barge in a strategic location that may allow removal of multiple targets without repositioning.

Targets may be heeled over to avoid damage from the keel. When pulling a target over exposed mangrove prop roots, seagrasses, etc., place geotextile mats or other materials down to facilitate the sliding or rolling of the target while minimizing damage and rutting or scouring of the soils, sediments, and vegetation. Flotation equipment can be used during high tide to minimize damage. A combination effort with a winch and crane may be appropriate in some circumstances. Sometimes the crane may not be close enough to lift the target free, but may be close enough to provide some lift that makes the winch pull easier and less damaging to substrate/vegetation. Small pontoon barges with A-frames could also provide some partial lift in combination with a winch pull.

The use of outboard/inboard powered vessels to pull/tow targets out of the shallow areas should be avoided due to the potential for propeller wash and propeller scarring that can impact shallow seagrass habitats. When used in support of recovery/removal operations, vessels should be operated in a manner not to create sediment plumes, scouring, or scarring of the bottom. Deploy turbidity control measures in accordance with these BMPs if operations are expected to create turbidity beyond background conditions.

Buoyancy air bags may be affixed to reduce the depth the target draws and minimize impact to sensitive substrates. In areas where the water depth is such that the target will not float with buoyancy air bags, then salvage tubes, floating docks, rollers, or other materials capable of supporting the target should be placed underneath it to provide additional buoyancy and to assist in distributing the load of the target on the substrate reducing dragging or tilling actions. Use of these materials should be evaluated to ensure that the footprint of tubes/materials does not cause more significant impacts, to a greater area, than would occur if the target was removed without their use.

If a target’s hull is compromised, temporary patches and water pumps may be employed to gain watertight integrity and flotation. This will enable a winch pull dynamic that, once in deeper water, the target floats of its own accord limiting impacts to bottom substrates. If a complete patch may not be applied, air bags may be implemented as described above to strategically provide buoyancy to the affected area further aid 'float out' efforts.

2.3.2 Turbidity Control Measures

Turbidity must be monitored and controlled. Prior to initiating any of the work turbidity curtains should be installed as described below. In some instances, the use of turbidity curtains may be waived if the project is deemed too minimal to generate turbidity or if the current is too strong for the curtains to stay in place. Turbidity curtains specifications:

1. Install floating turbidity barriers with weighted skirts that extend to within 1 ft. of the bottom around all work areas that are in, or adjacent to, surface waters.

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 5

2. Use these turbidity barriers throughout construction to control erosion and siltation and ensure that turbidity levels within the project area do not exceed background conditions (i.e., the normal water quality levels from natural turbidity).

3. Position turbidity barriers in a way that does not block species’ entry to or exit from designated critical habitat.

4. Monitor and maintain turbidity barriers in place until the authorized work has been completed and the water quality in the project area has returned to background conditions.

In the range of ESA-listed corals (St. Lucie Inlet, Martin County south to the Dry Tortugas and the U.S. Caribbean) and Johnson’s seagrass (Turkey Creek/Palm Bay south to central Biscayne Bay in the lagoon systems on the east coast of Florida): all turbidity controls identified above shall be followed, except turbidity barriers should be secured to the seafloor, but avoid contact with all corals or seagrasses, if feasible.

2.4 Protected Species

All equipment operators must watch for and avoid collision with species protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Equipment operators must avoid potential interactions with protected species and operate in accordance with the following protective measures.

2.4.1 Vessel Operations

1. All vessels associated with emergency response activities shall operate at “Idle Speed/No Wake” at all times while operating in water depths where the draft of the vessel provides less than a 4-foot (ft.) clearance from the bottom, and after a protected species has been observed in and has departed the area.

2. All vessels will follow marked channels and/or routes using the maximum water depth whenever possible.

3. Stop operating mechanical construction equipment, including vessels, immediately if a protected or ESA-listed species is observed within a 50-ft. radius of construction equipment and resume after the species has departed the area of its own volition.

4. If the detection of species is not possible during certain weather conditions (e.g., fog, rain, wind), then in-water operations will cease until weather conditions improve and detection is again feasible.

5. Anchor in unconsolidated sediment only and avoid all coral, hard-bottom, and seagrass beds.

6. All Vessels:

a. Sea turtles: Maintain a minimum distance of 150 ft.

b. North Atlantic right whale: Maintain a minimum 1,500-ft. distance (500 yards).

c. Vessels 65 ft. in length or longer must comply with the Right Whale Ship Strike

Reduction Rule (50 CFR 224.105) which includes reducing speeds to 10 knots or

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 6 less in Seasonal Management Areas (http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike/).

d. Mariners shall check various communication media for general information regarding avoiding ship strikes and specific information regarding right whale sightings in the area. These include NOAA weather radio, USCG NAVTEX broadcasts, and Notices to Mariners.

e. Marine mammals (i.e., dolphins, whales [other than North Atlantic right whales], and porpoises): Maintain a minimum distance of 300 ft.

f. When these animals are sighted while the vessel is underway (e.g., bow-riding), attempt to remain parallel to the animal’s course. Avoid excessive speed or abrupt changes in direction until they have left the area.

g. Reduce speed to 10 knots or less when mother/calf pairs or groups of marine mammals are observed, when safety permits.

2.4.2 Aerial Operations

1. Avoid hovering or landing aircraft in/near posted bird sites or areas of high bird numbers.

2. No flights below 500 feet over National Wildlife Refuges, National Park Lands, and

Wildlife Management Areas; no flights below 1,000 feet over bird rookeries.

3. Removal by helicopter should be considered if the target is large and located in the middle of an expanse of marsh in which access will result in a high impact to the resource. In the event that aerial removal is necessary, additional BMPs will be required.

2.4.3 Land Based Operations

1. Existing native dune vegetation shall be disturbed only to the minimum extent necessary.

2. Any sand placed on the beach or in any associated dune system shall be similar to the native beach in the vicinity of the site. The fill material must be similar in both coloration and grain size distribution to the native beach. Beach compatible fill is material that maintains the general character and functionality of the material occurring on the beach and in the adjacent dune and coastal system. Fill material shall comply with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection requirements pursuant to the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) subsection 62B-41.005(15). A Quality Control Plan shall be implemented pursuant to FAC Rule 62B-41.008(1)(k)4.b. Sand contaminated with gravel needs to be sifted before it can be placed on the dune field. Gravel should not be used to stabilize plowed or cleared areas.

3. No fill material should be deposited on or removed from vegetated areas. Fill material must be compatible with existing sand, in accordance with local governments, and clean of noxious weeds. Hay bales should not be used as they attract fire ants and could therefore adversely affect sea turtles, beach mice, and shorebirds.

4. Equipment and material staging areas should be located outside of areas of native vegetation and known endangered species habitats.

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 7

5. Where possible, equipment should be operated from existing hard top or impacted sites to remove vessels/debris from natural habitats.

6. All demolition, clean-up, and debris removal should occur within or as close as possible to the footprint of the original impacted area.

2.4.4 Operations Near Turtle and Bird Nesting Beaches

FKNMS, in coordination with USFWS and FWC, will determine whether all sea turtle and/or bird nests have been marked either by Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or staked in the proposed work area. If it is determined that there are no nests in the work area or all nests can be marked and avoided, work may proceed. Specific BMPs by work activities are discussed below.

All marked nests must be avoided; all nesting birds and sea turtles, nests, and hatchlings should be protected, including hatchlings as they emerge from the nest and crawl to the sea.

1. Sea turtle and bird nesting surveys are to be conducted daily during the nesting and hatching seasons (March 1 through November 30), and all nests within 100 feet (ft.) of the area of operations are to be marked and avoided with a 10 ft. buffer.

2. Entry onto beaches will occur only after the above surveys are completed, typically 0900.

3. All staging should be conducted after 0900 and before sunset.

4. The use of heavy equipment (trucks) is not authorized seaward of the dune crest or armoring structure. Only lightweight (All-Terrain Vehicle [ATV] style) vehicles, with tire pressures of 10 psi or less can operate on the beach.

5. Relocation of nests to accommodate construction is not authorized.

6. During the nesting and hatching seasons, nighttime storage of equipment or materials shall be off the beach (landward of the dune crest, existing seawalls, or bulkheads).

7. In the event a sea turtle or bird nest is disturbed or uncovered, all work shall cease and the person(s) responsible for sea turtle or bird conservation measures within the project area shall immediately be contacted. If a nest(s) cannot be safely avoided during construction, all activity within the affected project area shall be delayed until complete hatching and emergence of the nest.

8. If a turtle or bird is observed, maintain at least 200 ft. between the turtle or bird and response personnel and equipment.

9. During the nesting and hatching seasons, no vehicles or equipment shall be used, parked or stored landward of the primary dune or in vegetated areas.

Upon locating a dead, injured, or sick bird or sea turtle, or if eggs or a nest is disturbed during this activity, initial notification must be made to FKNMS, FWC at 888-404-3922, the USFWS Office of Law Enforcement (10426 NW 31st Terrace, Miami, Florida 33172; 305-526-2610), and the USFWS South Florida Ecological Services Office (1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; 772-562-3909).

Care should be taken in handling sick or injured specimens to ensure effective treatment and care and in handling dead specimens to preserve biological materials in the best possible state for

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 8 later analysis of cause death. In conjunction with the care of sick or injured endangered or threatened species or preservation of biological materials from a dead animal, the finder has the responsibility to ensure evidence intrinsic to the specimen is not unnecessarily disturbed.

2.4.5 Avoiding Wildlife Entanglement

All turbidity curtains and other in-water equipment must be properly secured with materials that reduce the risk of entanglement of marine species (described below). Turbidity curtains likewise must be made of materials that reduce the risk of entanglement of marine species.

In-water lines (rope, chain, and cable, including the lines to secure turbidity curtains) must be stiff, taut, and non-looping. Examples of such lines are heavy metal chains or heavy cables that do not readily loop and tangle. Flexible in-water lines, such as nylon rope or any lines that could loop or tangle, must be enclosed in a plastic or rubber sleeve/tube to add rigidity and prevent the line from looping and tangling. In all instances, no excess line is allowed in the water.

Turbidity curtains and other in-water equipment must be placed in a manner that does not entrap species within the construction area or block access for them to navigate around the construction area.

2.4.6 Avoiding Wildlife Entrapment

Marine Mammals (dolphins, whales, etc.), and other protected species (sea turtles, sturgeon, smalltooth sawfish, etc.) are known to inhabit coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and Caribbean Sea. Because of the potential for these protected species to become entrapped within coastal waters of construction sites, projects that enclose shallow open water areas (for example, filling breaches in dikes or other water control structures that would prevent animals from returning to open water) during response activities should follow the following measures to minimize the potential for entrapment:

1. Pre-construction planning. During response design, the project proponents must incorporate at least one escape route into the proposed retention structure(s) to allow any protected species to exit the area(s) to be enclosed.

a. Escape routes must lead directly to open water outside the construction site and must have a minimum width of 100 feet.

b. Escape routes should have a depth as deep as the deepest natural entrance into the enclosure site and must remain open until a thorough survey of the area, conducted immediately prior to complete enclosure, determines no protected species are present within the confines of the structure (see item 5 below for details).

2. Pre-construction compliance meeting. Prior to construction, FKNMS, project proponents, the contracting officer representative, and construction personnel should conduct a site

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 9 visit and meeting to develop a project-specific approach to implementing these preventative measures.

3. Responsible parties. FKNMS will instruct all personnel associated with the project of the potential presence of protected species in the area and the need to prevent entrapment of these animals.

4. Monitoring during retention structure construction. It is the responsibility of construction personnel to monitor the area for protected species during shoreline hardening, dike, or levee construction. If protected species are regularly sighted over a 2 or 3 day period within the enclosure area during retention structure assembly, construction personnel must notify the FKNMS. It is the responsibility of the FKNMS to then coordinate with the NMFS Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response team (1-877-WHALE HELP [1-877-942-5343]) or the appropriate State Coordinator for the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (http://www.sefsc.noaa.gov/species/turtles/stranding_coordinators.htm) to determine what further actions may be required. Construction personnel may not attempt to scare, herd, disturb, or harass the protected species to encourage them to leave the area.

5. Pre-closure final clearance. Prior to completing any retention structure by closing the escape route, the FKNMS will ensure that the area to be enclosed is observed for protected species. Surveys must be conducted by experienced marine observers during daylight hours beginning the day prior to closure and continuing during closure. This is best accomplished by small vessel or aerial surveys with 2-3 experienced marine observers per vehicle (vessel/helicopter) scanning for protected species. Large areas (e.g.

>300 acres) will likely require the use of more than one vessel or aerial survey to ensure full coverage of the area. These surveys will occur in a Beaufort sea state (BSS) of 3 feet or less, as protected species are difficult to sight in choppy water. Escape routes may not be closed until the final clearance determines the absence of protected species within the enclosure sight.

6. Post closure sightings. If protected species become entrapped in an enclosed area, the Federal Action Agency and NMFS must be immediately notified. If observers note entrapped animals are visually disturbed, stressed, or their health is compromised then the Action Agency may require any pumping activity to cease and the breaching of retention structures so that the animals can either leave on their own or be moved under the direction of NMFS.

a. In coordination with the location stranding networks and other experts, NMFS will conduct an initial assessment to determine the number of animals, their size, age (in the case of dolphins), body condition, behavior, habitat, environmental parameters, prey availability and overall risk.

b. If the animal(s) is/are not in imminent danger they will need to be monitored by the stranding network for any significant changes in the above variables.

c. Construction personnel may not attempt to scare, herd, disturb, or harass the protected species to encourage them to leave the area. Coordination by the Federal Action Agency with the NMFS SER Stranding Coordinator may result in authorization for these actions.

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 10

d. NMFS may intervene (catch and release and/or rehabilitate) if the protected species are in a situation that is life threatening and evidence suggests the animal is unlikely to survive in its immediate surroundings.

e. Surveys will be conducted throughout the area at least twice or more in calm surface conditions (BSS 3 feet or less), with experienced marine observers, to determine whether protected species are no longer present in the area.

2.4.7 Standard Manatee Conditions for In-Water Work 2011

Recovery and removal operations shall comply with the following conditions intended to protect manatees from direct project effects.

1. All personnel associated with the project shall be instructed about the presence of manatees and manatee speed zones, and the need to avoid collisions with and injury to manatees. The permittee shall advise all construction personnel that there are civil and criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing manatees which are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act.

2. All vessels associated with the construction project shall operate at “Idle Speed/No Wake” at all times while in the immediate area and while in water where the draft of the vessel provides less than a four-foot clearance from the bottom. All vessels will follow routes of deep water whenever possible.

3. Siltation or turbidity barriers shall be made of material in which manatees cannot become entangled, shall be properly secured, and shall be regularly monitored to avoid manatee entanglement or entrapment. Barriers must not impede manatee movement.

4. All on-site project personnel are responsible for observing water-related activities for the presence of manatee(s). All in-water operations, including vessels, must be shut down if a manatee(s) comes within 50 feet of the operation. Activities will not resume until the manatee(s) has moved beyond the 50-foot radius of the project operation, or until 30 minutes elapses if the manatee(s) has not reappeared within 50 feet of the operation.

5. Animals must not be herded away or harassed into leaving.

6. Any collision with or injury to a manatee shall be reported immediately to the Florida

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Hotline at 1-888-404-3922.

Collision and/or injury should also be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Jacksonville(1-904-731-3336) for north Florida or in Vero Beach (1-772-562-3909) for south Florida, and emailed to FWC at ImperiledSpecies@myFWC.com.

7. Temporary signs concerning manatees shall be posted prior to and during all in-water project activities. All signs are to be removed by the permittee upon completion of the project. Temporary signs that have already been approved for this use by the FWC must be used. One sign which reads Caution: Boaters must be posted. A second sign measuring at least 8½” by 11” explaining the requirements for “Idle Speed/No Wake” and the shutdown of in-water operations must be posted in a location prominently visible to all personnel engaged in water-related activities. These signs can be viewed at http://www.myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/manatee/education-for-marinas/sign-vendors. Questions concerning these signs can be forwarded to the email address listed above.

mailto:ImperiledSpecies@myFWC.com

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 11

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Vessel, Aircraft, and Debris Recovery and Removal Operations 12

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Recovery and Removal Operations

Appendices

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Recovery and Removal Operations A-1 1

Appendix 1: Job-Aid for Removal Operations in Mangroves and Adjacent Sensitive Shallow Habitats

Pre-Removal Activities:

Photograph the site to document conditions prior to removal operations.

Survey the nearshore area adjacent to the vessel targets and try to avoid removal operations in dense seagrass or hard-bottom areas. Designate access corridors for boat operations or mark, with buoys, seagrass/hard-bottom areas to avoid.

Boat Operations in Shallow Water:

Conduct operations at high tide when sensitive benthic resources are unavoidable.

Anchor in unconsolidated sediment only; avoid anchoring in hard bottom and seagrass beds if possible.

Operate boat motors in a manner that will not create sediment plumes or prop scaring of the bottom.

Deploy turbidity curtains if necessary.

Brief boat operators about sensitive areas to be avoided.

Barge Operations:

When using a spud barge, locate it such that multiple vessels can be removed without repositioning.

Anchor and spud on sand or mud bottoms; avoid seagrass, hard-bottom, and coral if possible.

Secure all materials/trash on the barge to prevent loss overboard.

Mangrove Trimming:

“Trim” means to cut mangrove branches, twigs, and limbs. Only trim as needed around the vessel and along the removal route to safely remove the vessel and minimize further damage to the mangroves.

Tools must be clean and free of oils. It is important that the tools are sharp for a clean cut. The wood at the cut should be smooth, not frayed (see diagram to the right).

Minimize as much as possible cutting of branches or limbs with green leaves present. In particular, minimize trimming of live mangroves right at the water line, where they provide key wave protection.

Branches >1/2” should be cut with the 3 step method at right to avoid tearing damage.

Remove all cut vegetation from the site and dispose of properly.

Type of sediment plume to avoid.

This vessel would be pulled out to the right.

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Recovery and Removal Operations A-1 2

Oil/Hazmat Removal Operations:

Lay out hoses for removal of pollutants such that there is minimal crushing of the vegetation.

Do not lay heavy equipment directly on the vegetation, if possible.

Keep foot traffic on dead vegetation/debris rather than on bare, soft sediment.

Target Vessel Extraction:

Be prepared to recover sheens released when the vessel reaches the water.

When possible, utilize crane barges or landside cranes to lift target vessels clear of the mangroves and over the adjacent sensitive shallow habitats.

When a winch is used to extract the vessel, use floating lines only, and pull the vessel out along the same path by which it entered the mangrove, if possible.

Use a combination: Sometimes a crane may not be close enough to lift the vessel free, but may provide some lift that makes that makes the winch pull easier and less damaging to the substrate.

Where feasible, when pulling a vessel over exposed mangrove prop roots, place geotextile mats or other materials down along the extraction route to facilitate the sliding of vessel while minimizing damage and scouring to the vegetation.

Where the water depth adjacent to mangroves is such that the vessel will not float AND where seagrass or hard-bottom is present along the route between the shoreline and the storage barge, use buoyancy air bags, salvage tubes, floating docks, rollers, or other materials capable of supporting the vessel to prevent damage to these sensitive substrates.

Site Inspection/Cleanup Prior to Departure:

Once all vessels at a site have been removed, patrol the site to locate and cleanup any materials associated with removal operations.

Photograph the site from the same locations as the pre-removal photographs, to document conditions after removal operations have been completed.

FKNMS personnel will inspect the site to document any damages that were caused by removal actions and that will need stabilization. Examples include:

• Where necessary trimming created an unvegetated opening at the shoreline edge, with increased risk of shoreline erosion; consider placement of coir logs or other vegetative barriers across the opening.

• Where seagrass was scoured by dragging the vessel across in shallow water or by prop scars from boat operations; evaluate the need for replanting.

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Recovery and Removal Operations A-2 1

Appendix 2: Job-Aid for Removal Operations in Shallow Water Habitats

Pre-Removal Activities:

Photograph the site to document conditions prior to removal operations.

Survey the nearshore area adjacent to and surrounding the targets and avoid removal operations that will cause unnecessary impacts to seagrass and hard-bottom habitats.

Right-size response vessels and equipment to be used, considering water depths, the presence of seagrass and hard-bottom, vessel draft, and expected propeller wash.

Designate access corridors for removal operations and mark these with buoys or stakes;

use existing channels and deeper water routes where possible; avoid shallow seagrass and hard-bottom habitats.

For targets on or near the shoreline, work from the land-side with heavy lift equipment when possible.

Boat and Barge Operations:

Brief vessel operators about water depths, access corridors, and sensitive areas to be avoided.

Anchor and spud on sand or mud bottoms; avoid seagrass, hard-bottom, and coral if possible.

Avoid response vessel grounding, prop washing, and prop scarring in sensitive habitats.

When using a spud barge, locate it such that multiple vessels can be removed without repositioning.

Target Extraction:

Conduct removal operations at high tide when feasible.

When attaching lift straps or other rigging to vessels, minimize foot traffic on seagrasses and hard- bottom. If seagrass sediments are extremely soft, use walk boards or mats.

When possible, utilize land-side cranes or crane barges to lift target vessels clear of shallow habitats.

When crane lifts are not feasible, consider re-floating the vessels, using buoyancy air bags if needed, to lift and float vessels over sensitive shallow habitats to response vessels positioned in deeper water.

Where a winch pull must be used to extract a vessel, use floating lines only, and pull the vessel out along the same path by which it entered shallow habitats if that will minimize further impact; use lift bags, salvage tubes, rollers, mats, floating docks, or other similar materials to limit habitat damage.

Consider a combination of methods. For example, a crane may not be close enough to lift the vessel free, but may provide some lift that makes a winch pull over rollers or mats easier and less damaging.

If sediment plumes are expected or unexpectedly develop, deploy turbidity curtains to limit impacts.

For hard-bottom areas or reefs colonized by corals, consider coral relocation along the vessel removal path (NOAA NMFS or other qualified and permitted personnel can advise further if applicable).

In some cases, disassembling a vessel in place and removing it in pieces may be a better option if severe response impacts will be caused by other methods.

FKNMS Best Management Practices for Recovery and Removal Operations A-2 2

Site Inspection/Stabilization Post-Removal:

Photograph the site from the same locations as the pre-removal photographs, to document conditions after removal operations have been completed.

FKNMS personnel will inspect the site to document any damages that were caused by removal actions and that will need stabilization. Examples include:

• For seagrasses, hard-bottom, and/or coral damaged during removal, or by incidental prop washing or prop scarring from response vessels; consider habitat stabilization with sediment re-placement, sediment tubes, revegetation, and/or reattachment.