Pens for guard dolphins are detailed in Corps application
February 19th, 2009 by cdunaganThe Navy has applied for an Army Corps of Engineers permit to build holding pens for the guard dolphins and sea lions at Kitsap Naval Base at Bangor. (See previous entries from Jan. 27 and Feb. 12.)
The Corps released the application today, including provisions for public comments and a possible public hearing. Download the notice, including drawings, from the Corps of Engineers Web site (PDF 568 kb).
Federal agencies must ensure that the project complies with federal laws, including the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
The facility is a 9,892-square-foot floating dock with four floating enclosed dolphin pens and three enclosed sea lions pens. The pens are to be located 200 feet offshore in 20 to 30 feet of water.
Each dolphin pen would be 30 by 30 feet and 12 feet deep. Pens would be heated to 52 degrees as part of a closed-water circulation system, which would filter and clean the water.
Sea lions pens would be 30 by 30 feet and 8 feet deep. About half of each pen would consist of a haul-out area.
Office space, equipment storage and a small laboratory would be located on the floating facility. Upland support facilities of 7,500 square feet will include modular buildings for staff, lab space, food preparation area, storage and on-shore pools and pens for isolation during veterinary care.
Six power boats, 18 to 25 feet long, will dock at the facility and lend operational support when the dolphins are out in Hood Canal.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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