Regulatory Framework & Compliance Flashcards

Under U.S. law, which entity is responsible for publishing the official Notice to Mariners that corrects navigational charts and publications?

Answer: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency publishes the weekly Notice to Mariners for US waters and internationally distributed charts.

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) affects hydrographic survey planning primarily by requiring consultation regarding:

Answer: Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) impacts from survey operations

Federal agencies must consult with NOAA Fisheries to assess and minimize adverse effects on Essential Fish Habitat when planning survey operations.

Which authority must a hydrographic surveyor obtain to conduct survey operations within U.S. territorial waters using acoustic sources above regulatory thresholds for marine mammals?

Answer: Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act

The Marine Mammal Protection Act requires an IHA from NOAA Fisheries when survey activities such as sonar use may incidentally harass marine mammals.

In Federal survey contracting, what document serves as the legally binding technical specification that a hydrographic contractor must follow?

Answer: Statement of Work (SOW) within the contract

The Statement of Work within the contract is the legally binding document specifying all technical requirements, deliverables, and standards the contractor must meet.

For hydrographic surveys supporting FEMA flood map revisions, which vertical datum is required for elevation data?

Answer: North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88)

FEMA requires all flood mapping elevation data to reference NAVD 88 to ensure consistency with the National Flood Insurance Program's mapping standards.

Under USACE EM 1110-2-1003, what is the primary purpose of conducting a pre-survey conference for a dredging control survey?

Answer: Align all parties on survey methods, accuracy requirements, and acceptance criteria before fieldwork begins

The pre-survey conference ensures contractors, government representatives, and stakeholders agree on methods and acceptance criteria, preventing disputes during data review.

Which provision of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is most directly triggered when planning a hydrographic survey that may affect listed species habitat?

Answer: Section 7 – Interagency Consultation

ESA Section 7 requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service or NOAA Fisheries to ensure actions do not jeopardize listed species or destroy critical habitat.