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Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's (MBARI) Monterey Accelerated Research System (MARS) Cabled Observatory
MBARI has applied for a permit from the sanctuary program to install on the seafloor a science node and 31.7 miles of submarine cable that would provide power and high-bandwidth communications to scientific instrument sites within the sanctuary. The Applicant, MBARI, proposes to bury the cable along most of the route to a depth of one meter, where feasible, using a hydraulically operated plow that is towed by a cable installation vessel.
This document is the finalizing addendum to the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the consideration of a new lease by the California State Lands Commission (CSLC) and a Research Permit by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) for the proposed project. This EIR/EIS addresses the potential environmental effects of the Proposed Project and two alternative landing sites for the cable as well as the No Project/Action Alternative.
The CSLC and the MBNMS selected an environmental contractor to prepare the EIR/EIS to ensure that the document reflects an independent, objective analysis of the proposed project.
The CSLC will meet to consider certification of the Final EIR/EIS and to take action on the Proposed Project at a public meeting on Monday, August 8, 2005. For more information on the meeting schedule please visit the CSLC website.
The MBNMS will use this document in its decision on whether to issue a Research Permit for the proposed project. The MBNMS will circulate this document for at least 30 days prior to making a decision on the proposed project.
To view a copy of the Final Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Impact Statement, click on link below.
To view a copy of the Draft EIR/EIS, click here.
For more information on this project, please contact Deirdre Hall at:
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
299 Foam Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 647-4207
Email: deirdre.hall@noaa.gov
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