A project to replace a pier in Kodiak has been delayed at least a year by endangered sea lions.
The state Department of Transportation’s environmental permit for the dock work says no endangered sea mammals may be within about 380 yards during construction.
The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports city manager Aimee Kniaziowski says the state realized sea lions are almost always near the pier only after construction began.
She told the Kodiak City Council contractors measured a four-hour period in the middle of the night when sea lions weren’t in the area.
She says the state is talking to the contractor and assessing what they need to shrink the distance restriction.
The dock will return to operation by Thanksgiving, but it won’t have fuel or water facilities as before.