Collapse to view only § 585.645 - What must I include in my GAP?

Site Assessment Plan and Information Requirements for Commercial Leases

§ 585.605 - What is a Site Assessment Plan (SAP)?

(a) A SAP describes the site assessment activities meeting the criteria in § 585.600(a)(1) that you plan to perform on your commercial lease.

(b) You must receive BOEM approval of your SAP, as provided in § 585.613, before you can begin any proposed site assessment activities requiring such approval.

(c) If BOEM determines that your proposed site assessment facility or combination of facilities is complex or significant under § 585.613(a)(1), you must comply with the requirements in 30 CFR part 285, subpart G, regarding facility design and construction and submit your SMS as required by 30 CFR 285.810.

§ 585.606 - What must I demonstrate in my SAP?

Your SAP must demonstrate that you have planned and are prepared to conduct the proposed site assessment activities in a manner that:

(a) Conforms to your responsibilities listed in § 585.105(a);

(b) Conforms to all applicable laws, regulations, and provisions of your commercial lease;

(c) Is safe;

(d) Does not unreasonably interfere with other uses of the OCS, including those involved with national security or defense;

(e) Does not cause undue harm or damage to natural resources; life (including human and wildlife); property; the marine, coastal, or human environment; or sites, structures, or objects of historical or archaeological significance;

(f) Uses best available and safest technology;

(g) Uses best management practices; and

(h) Uses properly trained personnel.

§ 585.607 - How do I submit my SAP?

You must submit your SAP to BOEM pursuant to § 585.111.

§§ 585.608-585.609 - §[Reserved]

§ 585.600 - What plans must I submit to BOEM before I conduct activities on my lease or grant?

(a) You must submit a SAP, COP, or GAP and receive BOEM approval before you conduct activities on your lease or grant as set forth in the following table:

Before you: You must submit and obtain approval for your: (1) Conduct site assessment activities on your commercial lease, such as meteorological towers or other facilities that are installed on the seabed using a fixed-bottom foundation requiring professional engineering design and assessment of sediment, meteorological, and oceanographic conditions as part of the designSAP under §§ 585.605 through 585.613. (2) Conduct any activities pertaining to construction of facilities for commercial operations on your commercial leaseCOP under §§ 585.620 through 585.628. (3) Conduct any activities on your limited lease or grant in any OCS areaGAP under §§ 585.640 through 585.648.

(b) BOEM may waive certain types of information or analyses that you otherwise must provide in your proposed plan when you demonstrate that:

(1) Sufficient applicable information or analysis is readily available to BOEM;

(2) The coastal or marine resources that are the subject of the information requirement are not present or affected;

(3) Other factors affect your ability to obtain or BOEM's need for the required information; or

(4) Information is neither necessary nor required for a State to determine consistency with its coastal management program.

§ 585.601 - When must I submit my plans to BOEM?

(a) You may submit your SAP anytime; however, your SAP must be submitted to and approved by BOEM before you conduct activities requiring a SAP under § 585.600(a)(1).

(b) You must submit your COP by the end of the preliminary period of your commercial lease in accordance with § 585.235.

(1) Your COP must contain sufficient data and information for BOEM to complete its reviews and NEPA analysis.

(2) BOEM may need to conduct additional reviews of your COP, including environmental analysis under NEPA, if significant new information becomes available from your site assessment and characterization activities or if you substantially revise your COP. As a result of the additional reviews, BOEM may require that you revise your COP.

(c) You must submit your GAP by the end of the preliminary period for your limited lease in accordance with § 585.236, or the preliminary period for your grant in accordance with § 585.303.

§§ 585.602-585.604 - §[Reserved]

Contents of the Site Assessment Plan

§ 585.610 - What must I include in my SAP?

(a) Project information may be provided using a PDE. When you provide information using a PDE, BOEM reserves the right to determine what range of values for any given parameter is acceptable. Your SAP must include the following project-specific information, as applicable:

Project information: Including: (1) Contact informationThe name, address, email address, and phone number of an authorized representative. (2) The site assessment or technology testing conceptA discussion of the objectives; description of the proposed activities, including the technology you will use; and proposed schedule from start to completion. (3) Designation of operator, if applicableAs provided in § 585.405. (4) Commercial lease stipulations and complianceA description of the measures you took, or will take, to satisfy the conditions of any lease stipulations related to your proposed activities. (5) A location plat, or indicative layoutThe range of surface locations and associated water depths for proposed structures, facilities, and appurtenances located both offshore and onshore, including all anchor and mooring data; and the location and associated water depths of all existing structures. (6) General structural and project design, fabrication, and installationFor facilities deemed complex or significant you must provide preliminary design information for each facility associated with your site assessment activity and subpart G of 30 CFR part 285 applies. For facilities not deemed complex or significant you must provide final design information. (7) Deployment activitiesA description of the safety, prevention, and environmental protection features or measures that you will use. (8) Your proposed measures for avoiding, minimizing, reducing, eliminating, and monitoring environmental impactsA description of the measures you will use to avoid or minimize adverse effects and any potential incidental take, before you conduct activities on your lease, and how you will mitigate environmental impacts from your proposed activities, including a description of the measures you will use as required by §§ 585.700 through 585.703. (9) Project verification strategyAn analysis supporting your recommendation as to whether your site assessment activities should be determined complex or significant. If your recommendation supports a complex or significant determination, describe your strategy for compliance with 30 CFR 285.705 through 285.714. (10) ReferencesA bibliographic list of any document or published source that you cite as part of your plan. You may reference information and data discussed in other plans that you previously submitted or that are otherwise readily available to BOEM. (11) Decommissioning and site clearance proceduresA discussion of general concepts and methodologies. (12) Air quality informationInformation as described in § 585.700. (13) A listing of all Federal, State, and local authorizations or approvals required to conduct site assessment activitiesA statement indicating whether you have applied for or obtained such authorization or approval from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and any other applicable Federal, State, or local authorizers. (14) A list of agencies and persons with whom you have communicated, or with whom you will communicate, regarding potential impacts associated with your proposed activitiesContact information and issues discussed. (15) Financial assurance informationStatements attesting that the activities and facilities proposed in your SAP are or will be covered by an appropriate bond or other approved financial assurance instrument as required in § 585.516 and §§ 585.525 through 585.529. (16) Information you incorporate by referenceA list of the documents you have incorporated by reference and their public availability. (17) Other informationAdditional information as required by BOEM.

(b) You must include reports that document the results of surveys and investigations that characterize and model the site of your proposed assessment activities. Your reports must address the following topics:

Topic: Purpose of report: Including: (1) Geological and geotechnicalTo define the baseline geological conditions of the seabed and provide sufficient data to develop a geologic model, assess geologic hazards, and determine the feasibility of the proposed site for your assessment facility(i) Desktop studies to collect available data from published sources and nearby sites.
(ii) Geophysical surveys of the proposed area with sufficient areal coverage, depth penetration, and resolution to define the geological conditions of the seabed at the site that could impact, or be impacted by, your proposed site assessment activities.
(iii) Geotechnical investigations of sufficient scope and detail to: ground truth the geophysical surveys; support development of a geological model; assess potential geological hazards that could impact the proposed site assessment activities; and provide geotechnical data for design of the site assessment facility, including type and approximate dimensions of the foundation.
(iv) An overall site characterization report for your site assessment facility that integrates the findings of your studies, surveys, and investigations; describes the geological model; contains supporting data and findings; and states your recommendations.
(2) BiologicalTo determine the presence of biological features and marine resourcesA description of the results of surveys used to evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution and abundance of biological species in the site area, including migratory and non-migratory species of vertebrate animals such as fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and coastal and marine birds; invertebrate animals; plants; algae; and other organisms; also including the presence of live bottoms, hard bottoms, topographic features, and other marine resources. (3) Archaeological resources and other historic propertiesTo provide BOEM with required information to conduct review of your SAP under NHPAArcheological resource and other historic property identification surveys with supporting data. (4) Meteorological and oceanographic (metocean)To provide an overall understanding of the meteorological and oceanographic conditions at the site of your proposed facility, and to identify conditions that may pose a significant risk to your facilityDesktop studies to collect available data from hindcast or re-analysis models and field measurements in sufficient detail to support design of your facility and support the analysis of wake effects, sediment mobility and scour, and navigation risks.

§ 585.611 - What information and certifications must I submit with my SAP to assist BOEM in complying with NEPA and other applicable laws?

(a) Your SAP must contain detailed information and analysis to assist BOEM in complying with NEPA and other applicable laws.

(b) When proposing site assessment activities in an area where BOEM has no previous experience, your SAP must contain information about resources, conditions, and activities listed in the following table that your proposed activities may significantly affect or that may have a significant effect on your proposed activities (including where the potential significance of the effect is unknown) and must contain any other information required by law.

Type of information: Including: (1) Hazard informationMeteorology, oceanography, sediment transport, geology, and shallow geological or manmade hazards. (2) Water qualityTurbidity and total suspended solids from construction; impact from vessel discharges. (3) Biological resourcesCharacterization of the spatial and temporal distribution and abundance of biological species in the site area, such as benthic communities, marine mammals, sea turtles, coastal and marine birds, fish and shellfish, plankton, sea grasses, and other plant life. (4) Threatened or endangered speciesAs needed for ESA consultation. (5) Sensitive biological resources or habitatsEssential fish habitat, refuges, preserves, special management areas identified in coastal management programs, nearby marine protected areas, including State and Federal coastal and marine protected areas, as well as nearby national marine sanctuaries, and nearby marine national monuments, rookeries, hard bottom habitat, chemosynthetic communities, calving grounds, barrier islands, beaches, dunes, and wetlands. (6) Archaeological resources use, other historic property use, Indigenous traditional cultural use, or use pertaining to treaty and reserved rights with Native Americans or other Indigenous peoplesRequired information to conduct review of the COP under the NHPA or other applicable laws or policies, including treaty and reserved rights with Native Americans or other Indigenous peoples. (7) Social and economic conditionsEmployment, existing offshore and coastal infrastructure (including major sources of supplies, services, energy, and water), land use, subsistence resources and harvest practices, recreation, recreational and commercial fishing (including typical fishing seasons, location, and type), minority and lower income groups, coastal zone management programs, and a visual impact assessment. (8) Coastal and marine usesMilitary activities, vessel traffic, fisheries, and exploration and development of other natural resources. This includes a navigational safety risk assessment that provides a description of the predicted impacts of the project to navigation, and the measures you will use to avoid or minimize adverse impacts. This document must also be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard to assist with its analysis if your proposal identifies potential impediments to safe navigation. (9) Consistency CertificationIf required by CZMA, under:
(i) 15 CFR part 930, subpart D, if the SAP is submitted before lease issuance;
(ii) 15 CFR part 930, subpart E, if the SAP is submitted after lease issuance.
(10) Other resources, conditions, and activitiesAs identified by BOEM.

(c) When proposing site assessment activities in an area BOEM previously considered, BOEM will review your SAP to determine if its impacts are consistent with those previously considered. If the anticipated effects of your proposed SAP activities are significantly different than those previously anticipated, we may determine that additional NEPA and other relevant Federal reviews are required. In that case, BOEM will notify you of such determination, and you must submit information required in paragraph (b) of this section as appropriate.

§ 585.612 - How will my SAP be processed for Federal consistency under the Coastal Zone Management Act?

Your SAP will be processed based on whether it is submitted before or after your lease is issued:

If your SAP is submitted: Consistency review of your SAP will be handled as follows: (a) Before lease issuanceYou will furnish a copy of your SAP, consistency certification, and necessary data and information to conduct an adequate consistency review to the applicable State CZMA agency or agencies if required by 15 CFR part 930, subpart D. and submit a copy to BOEM in accordance with § 585.111. (b) After lease issuanceYou must submit a copy of your SAP, consistency certification, and necessary data and information pursuant to 15 CFR part 930, subpart E, to BOEM only if BOEM did not consider the proposed site assessment activities for your lease area under its previously submitted consistency determination under 15 CFR part 930, subpart C, and if required by 15 CFR part 930, subpart E. BOEM will forward to the applicable State CZMA agency or agencies one copy of your SAP, consistency certification, and necessary data and information required to conduct an adequate consistency review under 15 CFR part 930, subpart E, after BOEM has determined that all information requirements for the SAP are met.

§ 585.613 -

(a) BOEM will review your submitted SAP, and additional information provided pursuant to § 585.611, to determine if it contains the information necessary to conduct our technical and environmental reviews.

(1) We will notify you if we deem your proposed facility or combination of facilities to be complex or significant; and

(2) We will notify you if your submitted SAP lacks any necessary information.

(b) BOEM will prepare a NEPA analysis, as appropriate.

(c) As appropriate, we will coordinate and consult with relevant Federal and State agencies, affected federally recognized Indian Tribes and executives of relevant local governments and will provide to other Federal, State, and local agencies and affected federally recognized Indian Tribes relevant nonproprietary data and information pertaining to your proposed activities.

(d) During the review process, we may request additional information if we determine that the information provided is not sufficient to complete the review and approval process. If you fail to provide the requested information, BOEM may disapprove your SAP.

(e) Upon completion of our technical and environmental reviews and other reviews required by Federal laws (e.g., CZMA), BOEM will approve, disapprove, or approve with conditions your SAP.

(1) If we approve your SAP, we will specify terms and conditions to be incorporated into your SAP. You must certify compliance with those terms and conditions, required under 30 CFR 285.615(b); and

(2) If we disapprove your SAP, we will inform you of the reasons and allow you an opportunity to submit a revised plan addressing our concerns, and we may suspend your lease, as appropriate, to give you a reasonable amount of time to resubmit the SAP.

Activities under an Approved SAP

§ 585.614 - When may I begin conducting activities under my approved SAP?

(a) You may begin conducting the activities approved in your SAP following BOEM approval of your SAP.

(b) If you are installing a facility or a combination of facilities deemed by BOEM to be complex or significant, as provided in § 585.613(a)(1), you must comply with the requirements of 30 CFR part 285, subpart G, and also submit your Safety Management System description required by 30 CFR 285.810 before construction may begin.

§ 585.615 - What other reports or notices must I submit to BOEM under my approved SAP?

You must prepare and submit to BOEM a report annually on November 1st of each year that summarizes your site assessment activities and the results of those activities. BOEM will withhold trade secrets and commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential from public disclosure under exemption 4 of the FOIA and as provided in § 585.114.

§ 585.616 - [Reserved]

§ 585.617 - What activities require a revision to my SAP, and when will BOEM approve the revision?

(a) You must notify BOEM in writing before conducting site assessment activities not described in your approved SAP involving facilities that are installed on the seabed using a fixed-bottom foundation requiring professional engineering design and assessment of sediment, meteorological, and oceanographic conditions as part of the design. Your notice must describe in detail the type of activities you propose to conduct. We will determine whether the activities you propose require a revision to your SAP. We may request additional information from you, if necessary, to make this determination.

(b) If a revised SAP is required, BOEM will reassess, upon its receipt, whether the facility or combination of facilities described in it is complex or significant.

(1) If BOEM determines that the facilities described in your revised SAP are not complex or significant, you may conduct your approved activities under § 585.614(a).

(2) If BOEM determines that the facilities described in your revised SAP are complex or significant, you must comply with § 585.614(b).

(c) BOEM will periodically review the activities conducted under an approved SAP. The frequency and extent of the review will be based on the significance of any changes in available information and on onshore or offshore conditions affecting or affected by the activities conducted under your SAP. If the review indicates that the SAP should be revised to meet the requirements of this part, BOEM will require you to submit the needed revisions.

(d) Activities for which a proposed revision to your SAP likely will be necessary include:

(1) Activities on the OCS not described in your approved SAP that could have significant environmental impacts or that may affect threatened or endangered species, or that may affect designated critical habitat of such species, or that may result in incidental take of marine mammals;

(2) Modifications to the number, size, or type of facilities (including associated components) or equipment you will use outside of the PDE that was approved for your project;

(3) Changes in the geographical location or layout of your bottom disturbances, offshore facilities, or onshore support bases beyond the range of possible locations described in your approved SAP;

(4) Structural failure of any facility operated under your approved SAP; or

(5) Changes to any other activity specified by BOEM.

(e) We may begin the appropriate NEPA analysis and other relevant consultations when we determine that a proposed revision could:

(1) Result in a significant change in the impacts previously identified and evaluated;

(2) Require any additional Federal authorizations; or

(3) Involve activities not previously identified and evaluated.

(f) When you propose a revision, we may approve the revision if we determine that the revision is:

(1) Designed not to cause undue harm or damage to natural resources; life (including human and wildlife); property; the marine, coastal, or human environment; or sites, structures, or objects of historical or archaeological significance; and

(2) Otherwise, consistent with the provisions of section 8(p) of the OCS Lands Act.

§ 585.618 - What must I do upon completion of approved site assessment activities?

(a) If your COP or FERC license application describes the continued use of existing facilities approved in your SAP, you may keep such facilities in place on your lease during the time that BOEM reviews your COP or FERC reviews your license application.

(b) You are not required to initiate the decommissioning process for facilities that are authorized to remain in place under your approved COP or approved FERC license.

(c) If, following the technical and environmental review of your submitted COP, BOEM determines that such facilities may not remain in place, you must initiate the decommissioning process, as provided in 30 CFR part 285, subpart I.

(d) If FERC determines that such facilities may not remain in place, you must initiate the decommissioning process as provided in 30 CFR part 285, subpart I.

(e) You must decommission your site assessment facilities as set forth in 30 CFR part 285, subpart I, upon the termination of your lease. You must submit your decommissioning application as required in 30 CFR 285.905 and 285.906.

§ 585.619 - [Reserved]

Construction and Operations Plan for Commercial Leases

§ 585.620 - What is a Construction and Operations Plan (COP)?

The COP describes your construction, operations, and conceptual decommissioning plans under your commercial lease, including your project easement. BOEM will withhold trade secrets and commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential from public disclosure under exemption 4 of the FOIA and in accordance with the terms of § 585.114.

(a) Your COP must describe all planned facilities that you will construct and use for your project, including onshore and support facilities and all anticipated project easements.

(b) Your COP must describe all proposed activities including your proposed construction activities, commercial operations, and conceptual decommissioning plans for all planned facilities, including onshore and support facilities.

(c) You must receive BOEM approval of your COP before you can begin any of the approved activities on your lease.

§ 585.621 - What must I demonstrate in my COP?

Your COP must demonstrate that you have planned and are prepared to conduct the proposed activities in a manner that:

(a) Conforms to your responsibilities listed in § 585.105(a);

(b) Conforms to all applicable laws, regulations, and provisions of your commercial lease;

(c) Is safe;

(d) Does not unreasonably interfere with other uses of the OCS, including those involved with national security or defense;

(e) Does not cause undue harm or damage to natural resources; life (including human and wildlife); property; the marine, coastal, or human environment; or sites, structures, or objects of historical or archaeological significance;

(f) Uses best available and safest technology;

(g) Uses best management practices; and

(h) Uses properly trained personnel.

§ 585.622 - How do I submit my COP?

(a) You must submit your COP to BOEM pursuant to § 585.111.

(b) You may submit information and a request for any project easement as part of your original COP submission or as a revision to your COP.

§§ 585.623-585.625 - §[Reserved]

Contents of the Construction and Operations Plan

§ 585.626 - What must I include in my COP?

(a) Project information may be provided using a PDE. When you provide information using a PDE, BOEM reserves the right to determine what range of values for any given parameter is acceptable. Your COP must include the following project-specific information, as applicable:

Project information: Including: (1) Contact informationThe name, address, email address, and phone number of an authorized representative. (2) Designation of operator, if applicableAs provided in § 585.405. (3) Commercial lease stipulations and complianceA description of the measures you took, or will take, to satisfy the conditions of any lease stipulations related to your proposed activities. (4) A location plat, or indicative layoutThe range of surface locations and associated water depths for proposed structures, facilities, and appurtenances located both offshore and onshore, including all anchor and mooring data, and the location and associated water depths of all existing structures. (5) General structural and project design, fabrication, and installationPreliminary design information for each facility associated with your project including information needed to justify any request for an operations period exceeding the length provided in this part or the lease. (6) Deployment activitiesA description of safety, prevention, and environmental protection features or measures that you will use. (7) A list of solid and liquid wastes generatedDisposal methods and locations. (8) A listing of chemical products used (if stored volume exceeds Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reportable quantities)A list of chemical products used; the volume stored on location; their treatment, discharge, or disposal methods used; and the name and location of the onshore waste receiving, treatment, and/or disposal facility. A description of how these products would be brought onsite, the number of transfers that may take place, and the quantity that will be transferred each time. (9) A description of any vessels, vehicles, and aircraft you will use to support your activitiesAn estimate of the frequency and duration of vessel, vehicle, or aircraft traffic. (10) A general description of the operating procedures and systems(i) Under normal conditions.
(ii) In the case of accidents or emergencies, including those that are natural or manmade.
(11) Decommissioning and site clearance proceduresA discussion of general concepts and methodologies. (12) A listing of all Federal, State, and local authorizations or approvals required to conduct the proposed activities, including commercial operationsA statement indicating whether you have applied for or obtained such authorization or approval from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and any other applicable Federal, State, or local authorizers pertaining to energy gathering, transmission, or distribution (e.g., interconnection authorizations). (13) Your proposed measures for avoiding, minimizing, reducing, eliminating, and monitoring environmental impactsA description of the measures you will use to avoid or minimize adverse effects and any potential incidental take before you conduct activities on your lease, and how you will mitigate environmental impacts from your proposed activities, including a description of the measures you will use as required by §§ 585.700 through 585.703. (14) Information you incorporate by referenceA list of the documents you have incorporated by reference and their public availability. (15) A list of agencies and persons with whom you have communicated, or with whom you will communicate, regarding potential impacts associated with your proposed activitiesContact information and issues discussed. (16) ReferencesA bibliographic list of any document or published source that you cite as part of your plan. You may reference information and data discussed in other plans you previously submitted or that are otherwise readily available to BOEM. (17) Financial assuranceStatements attesting that the activities and facilities proposed in your COP are or will be covered by an appropriate bond or other approved financial assurance instrument as required in § 585.516 and §§ 585.525 through 585.529. (18) Project verification strategyYou must describe your strategy for compliance with 30 CFR285.705 through 285.714. (19) Construction scheduleA reasonable schedule of construction activity showing significant milestones, including the commencement of commercial operations consistent with the requirements of 30 CFR part 285, subpart G. (20) Air quality informationInformation as described in § 585.700. (21) Other informationAdditional information as required by BOEM.

(b) You must include reports that document the results of surveys and investigations that characterize and model the site of your proposed project. Your reports must address the following topics:

Topic: Purpose of report: Including: (1) Geological and geotechnicalTo define the baseline geological conditions of the seabed and provide sufficient data to develop a geologic model, assess geologic hazards, and determine the feasibility of the proposed site for your proposed facility(i) Desktop studies to collect available data from published sources and nearby sites.
(ii) Geophysical surveys of the proposed area with sufficient areal coverage, depth penetration, and resolution to define the geological conditions of the site's seabed that could impact, or be impacted by, the proposed project.
(iii) Geotechnical investigations of sufficient scope and detail to: ground truth the geophysical surveys; support development of a geological model; assess potential geological hazards that could impact the proposed project; and provide geotechnical data for preliminary design of the facility, including type and approximate dimensions of the foundation.
(iv) An overall site characterization report for your facility that integrates the findings of your studies, surveys, and investigations; describes the geological model; contains supporting data and findings; and states your recommendations.
(2) BiologicalTo determine the presence of biological features and marine resources.A description of the results of biological surveys used to determine the presence of live bottoms, hard bottoms, topographic features, and other marine resources, including migratory populations such as fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and sea birds. (3) Archaeological resources and other historic propertiesTo provide BOEM with required information to conduct review of the COP under NHPAArchaeological resources and other historic properties. (4) Meteorological and oceanographic (metocean)To provide an overall understanding of the meteorological and oceanographic conditions at the site of the proposed facility, and to identify conditions that may pose a significant risk to the facilityDesktop studies to collect available data from hindcast or re-analysis models and field measurements in sufficient detail to support preliminary design of the facility and support the analysis of wake effects, sediment mobility and scour, and navigational risks.

§ 585.627 - What information and certifications must I submit with my COP to assist BOEM in complying with NEPA and other applicable laws?

(a) Your COP must contain detailed information and analysis to assist BOEM in complying with NEPA and other applicable laws. Your COP must contain information about those resources, conditions, and activities listed in the following table that your proposed activities may significantly affect, or that may have a significant effect on your proposed activities (including where the potential significance of the effect is unknown) and must contain any other information required by law:

Type of information: Including: (1) Hazard informationMeteorology, oceanography, sediment transport, geology, and shallow geological or manmade hazards. (2) Water qualityTurbidity and total suspended solids from construction; impact from vessel discharges. (3) Biological resourcesBenthic communities, marine mammals, sea turtles, coastal and marine birds, fish and shellfish, plankton, seagrasses, and plant life. (4) Threatened or endangered speciesAs required by ESA. (5) Sensitive biological resources or habitatsEssential fish habitat, refuges, preserves, special management areas identified in coastal management programs, nearby marine protected areas, including State and Federal coastal and nearby marine protected areas, as well as national marine sanctuaries and nearby marine national monuments, rookeries, hard bottom habitat, chemosynthetic communities, calving grounds, barrier islands, beaches, dunes, and wetlands. (6) Archaeological resources use, other historic property use, Indigenous traditional cultural use, or use pertaining to treaty and reserved rights with Native Americans or other Indigenous peoplesRequired information to conduct review of the COP under the NHPA or other applicable laws or policies, including treaty and reserved rights with Native Americans or other Indigenous peoples. (7) Social and economic resourcesEmployment, existing offshore and coastal infrastructure (including major sources of supplies, services, energy, and water), land use, subsistence resources and harvest practices, recreation, recreational and commercial fishing (including typical fishing seasons, location, and type), minority and lower income groups, coastal zone management programs, and a visual impact assessment. (8) Coastal and marine usesMilitary activities, vessel traffic, fisheries, and exploration and development of other natural resources. This includes a navigational safety risk assessment that provides a description of the predicted impacts of the project to navigation and the measures you will use to avoid or minimize such adverse impacts. This document also must be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard to assist with its analysis. (9) Consistency CertificationIf required by CZMA regulations:
(i) 15 CFR part 930, subpart D, if your COP is submitted before lease issuance.
(ii) 15 CFR part 930, subpart E, if your COP is submitted after lease issuance.
(10) Other resources, conditions, and activitiesAs identified by BOEM.

(b) You must submit one copy of your consistency certification. Your consistency certification must include:

(1) One copy of your consistency certification either under subsection 307(c)(3)(B) of the CZMA (16 U.S.C. 1456(c)(3)(B)) and 15 CFR 930.76, or under subsection 307(c)(3)(A) of the CZMA (16 U.S.C. 1456(c)(3)(A)) and 15 CFR 930.57, stating that the proposed activities described in detail in your plans comply with the enforceable policies of the applicable States' approved coastal management programs and will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with such programs; and

(2) “Necessary data and information,” as required by 15 CFR 930.58.

(c) You must submit a detailed description of an oil spill response plan to BSEE in compliance with 33 U.S.C. 1321, including information identified in 30 CFR part 254 that is applicable to your activities.

(d) You must submit a detailed description of your safety management system to BSEE as required by 30 CFR 285.810.

§ 585.628 - How will BOEM process my COP?

(a) BOEM will review your submitted COP, including the information provided under § 585.627, to determine if it contains the information necessary to conduct our technical and environmental reviews. We will notify you if your submitted COP lacks any necessary information.

(b) BOEM will prepare an appropriate NEPA analysis.

(c) If your COP is subject to Federal consistency review under CZMA regulations at 15 CFR part 930, subpart E, you must submit your COP, consistency certification, and associated data and information under CZMA to BOEM after all information requirements for the COP are met, and the appropriate environmental assessment or draft environmental impact statement, if required, has been published. BOEM will forward the COP, consistency certification, and associated data and information to the applicable State CZMA agencies.

(d) As appropriate, BOEM will coordinate and consult with relevant Federal, State, and local agencies and affected federally recognized Indian Tribes, and provide to them relevant nonproprietary data and information pertaining to your proposed activities.

(e) During the review process, we may request additional information if we determine that the information provided is not sufficient to complete the review and approval process. If you fail to provide the requested information, BOEM may disapprove your COP.

(f) Upon completion of our technical and environmental reviews and other reviews required by Federal law (e.g., CZMA), BOEM will approve, disapprove, or approve your COP with conditions.

(1) If we approve your COP, we will specify terms and conditions to be incorporated into your COP. You must certify compliance with certain of those terms and conditions, as required under 30 CFR 285.633(a); and

(2) If we disapprove your COP, we will inform you of the reasons and allow you an opportunity to submit a revised plan addressing our concerns, and we may suspend the COP review period of your lease, as appropriate, to give you a reasonable amount of time to submit the revised plan.

(g) If BOEM approves your project easement, BOEM will issue an addendum to your lease specifying the terms of the project easement.

(1) The project easement will provide sufficient off-lease area to accommodate potential changes at the design and installation phases with respect to any facilities or activities necessary for your project.

(2) Unused portions of the project easement may be relinquished after construction is complete.

(3) A project easement is subject to the following conditions:

(i) The rights granted will not prevent the granting of other rights by the United States, either before or after the granting of the project easement, provided that any subsequent authorization issued by BOEM in the area of a previously issued project easement may not unreasonably interfere with activities approved or impede existing operations under the project easement; and

(ii) If the project easement is granted in an area where a lease, ROW or RUE grant has previously been issued, the project easement holder must agree that its activities will not unreasonably interfere with or impede existing operations under the lease or ROW or RUE grant.

§§ 585.629-585.630 - §[Reserved]

Activities under an Approved COP

§ 585.631 - When must I initiate activities under an approved COP?

After your COP is approved, you are expected to commence construction on the OCS in accordance with the construction schedule included as a part of your approved COP, unless you notify BOEM in advance of a deviation from your schedule.

§ 585.632 - What documents must I submit before I may construct and install facilities under my approved COP?

(a) You must submit to BSEE the documents listed in the following table:

Document: Requirements are found in: (1) Facility Design Report30 CFR 285.701. (2) Fabrication and Installation Report30 CFR 285.702.

(b) You must submit your Safety Management System, as required by 30 CFR 285.810.

(c) These activities must fall within the scope of your approved COP. If they do not fall within the scope of your approved COP, you will be required to submit a revision to your COP, under § 585.634, for BOEM approval before commencing the activity.

§ 585.633 - [Reserved]

§ 585.634 - What activities require a revision to my COP, and when will BOEM approve the revision?

(a) You must notify BOEM in writing before conducting any activities on the OCS not described in your approved COP. Your notice must describe in detail the type of activities you propose to conduct. We will determine whether the activities you propose require a revision to your COP. We may request additional information from you, if necessary, to make this determination.

(b) BOEM will periodically review the activities conducted under an approved COP. The frequency and extent of the review will be based on the significance of any changes in available information, and on onshore or offshore conditions affecting, or affected by, the activities conducted under your COP. If the review indicates that the COP should be revised to meet the requirement of this part, BOEM will require you to submit the needed revisions.

(c) Activities for which a proposed revision to your COP likely will be necessary include:

(1) Activities on the OCS not described in your approved COP that could have significant environmental impacts, that may affect threatened or endangered species, or affect designated critical habitat of such species, or that may result in incidental take of marine mammals;

(2) Modifications to the number, size, or type of facilities (including associated components) or equipment you will use outside of the PDE that was approved for your project;

(3) Material changes in the geographical location or layout of bottom disturbances, offshore facilities, or onshore support bases beyond the range of possible locations described in your approved COP;

(4) Structural failure of any facility operated under your approved COP;

(5) Submission of an FDR or FIR that contains new activities beyond the scope of or that is materially inconsistent with the COP that has been previously submitted; or

(6) Change in any other activity specified by BOEM.

(d) We may begin the appropriate NEPA analysis and relevant consultations when we determine that a proposed revision could:

(1) Result in a significant change in the impacts previously identified and evaluated;

(2) Require any additional Federal authorizations; or

(3) Involve activities not previously identified and evaluated that could have significant environmental impacts, that may affect threatened or endangered species, or designated critical habitat of such species, or that may result in incidental take of marine mammals.

(e) When you propose a revision, we may approve the revision if we determine that the revision is:

(1) Designed not to cause undue harm or damage to natural resources; life (including human and wildlife); property; the marine, coastal, or human environment; or sites, structures, or objects of historical or archaeological significance; and

(2) Otherwise consistent with the provisions of subsection 8(p) of the OCS Lands Act.

§ 585.635 - What must I do if I cease activities approved in my COP before the end of my commercial lease?

You must notify BSEE, within 5 business days, any time you cease commercial operations, without an approved suspension, under your approved COP. If you cease commercial operations for an indefinite period, which extends longer than 6 months, we may cancel your lease under § 585.422 and you must initiate the decommissioning process as set forth in 30 CFR part 285, subpart I.

§§ 585.636-585.639 - §[Reserved]

General Activities Plan Requirements for Limited Leases, ROW Grants, and RUE Grants

§ 585.640 - What is a General Activities Plan (GAP)?

(a) A GAP describes your proposed construction, activities, and conceptual decommissioning plans for all planned facilities, including testing of technology devices and onshore and support facilities that you will construct and use for your project, including any project easements for the assessment and development of your limited lease or grant.

(b) You must receive BOEM approval of your GAP before you can begin any of the proposed activities on your lease or grant.

§ 585.641 - What must I demonstrate in my GAP?

Your GAP must demonstrate that you have planned and are prepared to conduct the proposed activities in a manner that:

(a) Conforms to your responsibilities listed in § 585.105(a);

(b) Conforms to all applicable laws, regulations, and provisions of your limited lease or grant;

(c) Is safe;

(d) Does not unreasonably interfere with other uses of the OCS, including those involved with national security or defense;

(e) Does not cause undue harm or damage to natural resources; life (including human and wildlife); property; the marine, coastal, or human environment; or sites, structures, or objects of historical or archaeological significance;

(f) Uses best available and safest technology;

(g) Uses best management practices; and

(h) Uses properly trained personnel.

§ 585.642 - How do I submit my GAP?

(a) You must submit your GAP to BOEM pursuant to § 585.111.

(b) If you have a limited lease, you may submit information on any project easement as part of your original GAP submission or as a revision to your GAP.

§§ 585.643-585.644 - §[Reserved]

Contents of the General Activities Plan

§ 585.645 - What must I include in my GAP?

(a) Project information may be provided using a PDE. When you provide a range of parameters using a PDE, BOEM reserves the right to determine what range of values for any given parameter is acceptable. Your GAP must include the following project-specific information, as applicable:

Project information: Including: (1) Contact informationThe name, address, email address, and phone number of an authorized representative. (2) Designation of operator, if applicableAs provided in § 585.405. (3) Your proposed construction, activities, and conceptual decommissioning plans, and/or technology testing conceptA discussion of the objectives; description of the proposed activities, including the technology you will use; and proposed schedule from start to completion. (4) ROW or RUE grant, or limited lease stipulations, if knownA description of the measures you took, or will take, to satisfy the conditions of any grant or lease stipulations related to your proposed activities. (5) A location plat, or indicative layoutThe range of surface locations and associated water depths for proposed structures, facilities, and appurtenances located both offshore and onshore, including all anchor and mooring data; and the location and associated water depths of all existing structures. (6) General structural and project design, fabrication, and installationPreliminary design information for each facility associated with your project. (7) Deployment activitiesA description of the safety, prevention, and environmental protection features or measures that you will use. (8) Your proposed measures for avoiding, minimizing, reducing, eliminating, and monitoring environmental impactsA description of the measures you will use to avoid or minimize adverse effects and any potential incidental take before you conduct activities on your lease, and how you will mitigate environmental impacts from your proposed activities, including a description of the measures you will use as required by §§ 585.701 through 585.703. (9) A list of solid and liquid wastes generatedDisposal methods and locations. (10) A listing of chemical products used (if stored volume exceeds EPA reportable quantities)A list of chemical products used; the volume stored on location; their treatment, discharge, or disposal methods used; and the name and location of the onshore waste receiving, treatment, and/or disposal facility. A description of how these products would be brought onsite, the number of transfers that may take place, and the quantity that will be transferred each time. (11) A description of any vessels, vehicles, and aircraft you will use to support your activitiesAn estimate of the frequency and duration of vessel, vehicle, and aircraft traffic. (12) Reference informationA bibliographic list of any document or published source that you cite as part of your plan. You may reference information and data discussed in other plans you previously submitted or that are otherwise readily available to BOEM. (13) Decommissioning and site clearance proceduresA discussion of general concepts and methodologies. (14) Air quality informationAs described in § 585.700. (15) A listing of all Federal, State, and local authorizations or approvals required to conduct activities on your grant or limited leaseA statement indicating whether you have applied for or obtained such authorization or approval from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and any other applicable Federal, State, or local authorizers pertaining to your activities. (16) A list of agencies and persons with whom you have communicated, or with whom you will communicate, regarding potential impacts associated with your proposed activitiesContact information and issues discussed. (17) Financial assurance informationStatements attesting that the activities and facilities proposed in your GAP are, or an explanation of how they will be, covered by an appropriate bond or other approved security, as required in §§ 585.520 and 585.521. (18) Project verification strategyYou must describe your strategy for compliance with 30 CFR 285.705 through 285.714. (19) Information you incorporate by referenceA list of the documents you have incorporated by reference and where they may be publicly accessed; for confidential information, you may reference information and data discussed in other plans previously submitted or that are otherwise readily available to BOEM. (20) Other informationAdditional information as required by BOEM.

(b) You must include reports that document the results of surveys and investigations that characterize and model the site of your proposed activities. Your reports must cover the following topics:

Topic: Purpose of report: Including: (1) Geological and geotechnicalTo define the baseline geological conditions of the seabed and provide sufficient data to develop a geologic model, assess geologic hazards, and determine the feasibility of the proposed facility(i) Desktop studies to collect available data from published sources and nearby sites.
(ii) Geophysical surveys of the proposed area with sufficient areal coverage, depth penetration, and resolution to define the geological conditions of the seabed at the site that could impact, or be impacted by, the proposed project.
(iii) Geotechnical investigations of sufficient scope and detail to: ground truth the geophysical surveys; support development of a geological model; assess potential geological hazards that could impact the proposed development; and provide geotechnical data for preliminary design of the facility, including type and approximate dimensions of the foundation.
(iv) An overall site characterization report for your facility that integrates the findings of your studies, surveys, and investigations; describes the geological model; contains supporting data and findings; and states your recommendations.
(2) BiologicalTo determine the presence of biological features and marine resourcesA description of the results of biological surveys used to determine the presence of live bottoms, hard bottoms, topographic features, and other marine resources, including migratory populations, such as fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and sea birds. (3) Archaeological resources and other historic propertiesTo provide BOEM with required information to conduct review of the GAP under NHPAArchaeological resource and other historic property identification surveys with supporting data. (4) Meteorological and oceanographic (metocean)To provide an overall understanding of the meteorological and oceanographic conditions at the site of the proposed facility, and to identify conditions that may pose a significant risk to the facilityDesktop studies to collect available data from hindcast or re-analysis models and field measurements in sufficient detail to support preliminary design of the facility and support the analysis of wake effects, sediment mobility and scour, and navigation risks.

(c) If you are applying for a project easement, or constructing a facility or a combination of facilities deemed by BOEM to be complex or significant, you must provide the following additional information and comply with the requirements of 30 CFR part 285, subpart G:

Project information: Including: (1) The construction and operation conceptA discussion of the objectives, description of the proposed activities, and tentative schedule from start to completion. (2) All cables and pipelines, including cables on project easementsThe location, design, installation methods, testing, maintenance, repair, safety devices, exterior corrosion protection, inspections, and decommissioning. (3) A general description of the operating procedures and systems(i) Under normal conditions.
(ii) In the case of accidents or emergencies, including those that are natural or manmade.
(4) Construction scheduleA reasonable schedule of construction activity showing significant milestones including the commencement of activities consistent with the requirements of 30 CFR part 285, subpart G. (5) Other informationAdditional information as requested by BOEM.

(d) BOEM will withhold trade secrets and commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential from public disclosure in accordance with the terms of § 585.114.

§ 585.646 - What information and certifications must I submit with my GAP to assist BOEM in complying with NEPA and other applicable laws?

You must submit, with your GAP, detailed information and analysis to assist BOEM in complying with NEPA and other applicable laws.

(a) A GAP submitted for an area in which BOEM has not reviewed GAP activities under NEPA or other applicable Federal laws must describe those resources, conditions, and activities listed in paragraphs (b)(1) through (10) of this section that your proposed activities may significantly affect or that may have a significant effect on your activities proposed in your GAP (including where the potential significance of the effect is unknown) and must contain any other information required by law.

(b) For a GAP submitted for an area in which BOEM has considered GAP activities under applicable Federal law (e.g., a NEPA analysis and CZMA consistency determination for the GAP activities), BOEM will review the GAP to determine if its impacts are consistent with those previously considered. If the anticipated effects of your proposed GAP activities are significantly different than those previously anticipated, we may determine that additional NEPA and other relevant Federal reviews are required. In that case, BOEM will notify you of such determination, and you must submit a GAP that describes those resources, conditions, and activities listed in the following table that your proposed activities may significantly affect or that may have a significant effect on your activities proposed in your GAP (including where the potential significance of the effect is unknown) and must contain any other information required by law, including:

Type of information: Including: (1) Hazard informationMeteorology, oceanography, sediment transport, geology, and shallow geological or manmade hazards. (2) Water qualityTurbidity and total suspended solids from construction; impact from vessel discharges. (3) Biological resourcesBenthic communities, marine mammals, sea turtles, coastal and marine birds, fish and shellfish, plankton, sea grasses, and other plant life. (4) Threatened or endangered speciesAs required by the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). (5) Sensitive biological resources or habitatsEssential fish habitat, refuges, preserves, special management areas identified in coastal management programs, marine protected areas, including State and Federal coastal and marine protected areas, as well as nearby national marine sanctuaries and nearby marine national monuments, rookeries, hard bottom habitat, chemosynthetic communities, calving grounds, barrier islands, beaches, dunes, and wetlands. (6) Archaeological resources use, other historic property use, Indigenous traditional cultural use, or use pertaining to treaty and reserved rights with Native Americans or other Indigenous peoplesRequired information to conduct review of the COP under the NHPA or other applicable laws or policies, including treaty and reserved rights with Native Americans or other Indigenous peoples. (7) Social and economic conditionsEmployment, existing offshore and coastal infrastructure (including major sources of supplies, services, energy, and water), land use, subsistence resources and harvest practices, recreation, recreational and commercial fishing (including typical fishing seasons, location, and type), minority and lower income groups, coastal zone management programs, and a visual impact assessment. (8) Coastal and marine usesMilitary activities, vessel traffic, fisheries, and exploration and development of other natural resources. This includes a navigational safety risk assessment that provides a description of the predicted impacts of the project to navigation, and the measures you will use to avoid or minimize such adverse impacts. This document also must be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard to assist with its analysis if your proposal identifies potential impediments to safe navigation. (9) Consistency CertificationIf required by CZMA, under:
(i) 15 CFR part 930, subpart D, if the GAP is submitted before lease or grant issuance;
(ii) 15 CFR part 930, subpart E, if the GAP is submitted after lease or grant issuance.
(10) Other resources, conditions, and activitiesAs required by BOEM.

§ 585.647 - How will my GAP be processed for Federal consistency under the Coastal Zone Management Act?

Your GAP will be processed based on whether it is submitted before or after your lease or grant is issued:

If your GAP is
submitted:
Consistency review of your GAP will be handled as follows: (a) Before lease or grant issuanceYou will furnish a copy of your GAP, consistency certification, and necessary data and information to conduct an adequate consistency review to the applicable State CZMA agencies if required by 15 CFR part 930, subpart D. Submit a copy to BOEM pursuant to § 585.111. (b) After lease or grant issuanceYou will submit a copy of your GAP, consistency certification, and necessary data and information to BOEM if required by 15 CFR part 930, subpart E. BOEM will forward to the applicable State CZMA agency or agencies one copy of your GAP, consistency certification, and necessary data and information to conduct an adequate consistency review required under 15 CFR part 930, subpart E, after BOEM has determined that all information requirements for the GAP are met.

§ 585.648 - How will BOEM process my GAP?

(a) BOEM will review your submitted GAP, along with the information and certifications you submitted in compliance with § 585.646, to determine if it contains the information necessary to conduct our technical and environmental reviews.

(1) We will notify you if we deem your proposed facility or combination of facilities to be complex or significant; and

(2) We will notify you if your submitted GAP lacks any necessary information.

(b) BOEM will prepare appropriate NEPA analysis.

(c) When appropriate, we will coordinate and consult with relevant State and Federal agencies and affected federally recognized Indian Tribes and provide to other local, State, and Federal agencies and affected federally recognized Indian Tribes relevant nonproprietary data and information pertaining to your proposed activities.

(d) During the review process, we may request additional information if we determine that the information provided is not sufficient to complete the review and approval process. If you fail to provide the requested information, BOEM may disapprove your GAP.

(e) Upon completion of our technical and environmental reviews and other reviews required by Federal law (e.g., CZMA), BOEM may approve, disapprove, or approve your GAP with conditions.

(1) If we approve your GAP, we will specify terms and conditions to be incorporated into your GAP. You must certify compliance with certain of those terms and conditions, as required under 30 CFR 285.653(b); and

(2) If we disapprove your GAP, we will inform you of the reasons and allow you an opportunity to submit a revised plan addressing our concerns, and we may suspend your lease or grant, as appropriate, to give you a reasonable amount of time to resubmit the GAP.

§ 585.649 - [Reserved]

Activities under an Approved GAP

§ 585.650 - When may I begin conducting activities under my GAP?

After BOEM approves your GAP, you may begin conducting the approved activities that do not involve a project easement or the construction of facilities on the OCS that BOEM has deemed to be complex or significant.

§ 585.651 - When may I construct complex or significant OCS facilities on my limited lease or any facilities on my project easement proposed under my GAP?

If you are applying for a project easement or installing a facility or a combination of facilities on your limited lease deemed by BOEM to be complex or significant, as provided in § 585.648(a)(1), you also must comply with the requirements of 30 CFR part 285, subpart G, and submit your safety management system description required by 30 CFR 285.810 before construction may begin.

§ 585.652 - How long do I have to conduct activities under an approved GAP?

After BOEM approves your GAP, you have:

(a) For a limited lease, the time period established under § 585.236(a)(2), unless we renew the operations period under §§ 585.425 through 585.429.

(b) For a ROW grant or RUE grant, the time provided in the terms of the grant.

§ 585.653 - What other reports or notices must I submit to BOEM under my approved GAP?

You must prepare and submit to BOEM annually a report that summarizes the findings from any activities you conduct under your approved GAP and the results of those activities. BOEM will protect the information from public disclosure as provided in § 585.114.

§ 585.654 - [Reserved]

§ 585.655 - What activities require a revision to my GAP, and when will BOEM approve the revision?

(a) You must notify BOEM in writing before conducting any activities on the OCS not described in your approved GAP. Your notice must describe in detail the type of activities you propose to conduct. We will determine whether the activities you propose require a revision to your GAP. We may request additional information from you, if necessary, to make this determination. Upon receipt of your revised GAP, BOEM will make a determination as to whether it deems the facility or combination of facilities described in your revised GAP to be complex or significant.

(1) If BOEM determines that your revised GAP is not complex or significant, you may conduct your approved activities in accordance with § 585.650.

(2) If BOEM determines that your revised GAP is complex or significant, then you must comply with the requirements of § 585.651.

(b) BOEM will periodically review the activities conducted under an approved GAP. The frequency and extent of the review will be based on the significance of any changes in available information and on onshore or offshore conditions affecting, or affected by, the activities conducted under your GAP. If the review indicates that the GAP should be revised to meet the requirement of this part, BOEM will require you to submit the needed revisions.

(c) Activities for which a proposed revision to your GAP likely will be necessary include:

(1) Activities on the OCS not described in your approved GAP that could have significant environmental impacts or that may affect threatened or endangered species, or that may affect designated critical habitat of such species or that may result in incidental take of marine mammals;

(2) Modifications to the number, size, or type of facilities (including associated components) or equipment you will use outside of the PDE that was approved for your project;

(3) Changes in the geographical location or layout of bottom disturbances, offshore facilities, or onshore support bases beyond the range of possible locations described in your approved GAP;

(4) Structural failure of any facility operated under your approved GAP; or

(5) Change to any other activity specified by BOEM.

(d) We may begin the appropriate NEPA analysis and any relevant consultations when we determine that a proposed revision could:

(1) Result in a significant change in the impacts previously identified and evaluated;

(2) Require any additional Federal authorizations; or

(3) Involve activities not previously identified and evaluated that could have significant environmental impacts or that may affect threatened or endangered species, or that may affect designated critical habitat of such species, or that may result in incidental take of marine mammals.

(e) When you propose a revision, we may approve the revision if we determine that the revision is:

(1) Designed not to cause undue harm or damage to natural resources; life (including human and wildlife); property; the marine, coastal, or human environment; or sites, structures, or objects of historical or archaeological significance; and

(2) Otherwise consistent with the provisions of subsection 8(p) of the OCS Lands Act.

§ 585.656 - What must I do if I cease activities approved in my GAP before the end of my term?

You must notify BOEM any time you cease activities under your approved GAP without an approved suspension. If you cease activities for an indefinite period that exceeds 6 months, BOEM may cancel your lease or grant under § 585.422, as applicable, and you must initiate the decommissioning process, as set forth in 30 CFR part 285, subpart I.

§ 585.657 - What must I do upon completion of approved activities under my GAP?

Upon completion of your approved activities under your GAP, you must decommission your project as set forth in 30 CFR part 285, subpart I. You must submit your decommissioning application as provided in 30 CFR 285.905 and 285.906.

Cable and Pipeline Deviations

§ 585.658 - Can my cable or pipeline construction deviate from my approved COP or GAP?

(a) You must make every effort to ensure that all cables and pipelines are constructed in a manner that minimizes deviations from the approved plan under your lease or grant.

(b) If BOEM determines that a significant change in conditions has occurred that would necessitate an adjustment to your ROW, RUE, or lease before the commencement of construction of the cable or pipeline on the grant or lease, BOEM will consider modifications to your ROW grant, RUE grant, or your lease addendum for a project easement in connection with your COP or GAP.

(c) If, after construction, it is determined that a deviation from the approved plan has occurred, you must:

(1) Notify the operators of all leases (including mineral leases issued under this subchapter) and holders of all ROW grants or RUE grants (including all grants issued under this subchapter) which include the area where a deviation has occurred and provide BOEM with evidence of such notification;

(2) Relinquish any unused portion of your lease or grant; and

(3) Submit a revised plan for BOEM approval as necessary.

(d) Construction of a cable or pipeline that substantially deviates from the approved plan may be grounds for cancellation of the lease or grant.

§ 585.659-585.699 - [Reserved]

Environmental Protection Requirements Under Approved Plans

§ 585.700 - What requirements must I include in my SAP, COP, or GAP regarding air quality?

(a) You must comply with the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7409) and its implementing regulations in 40 CFR part 55, according to the following table.

If your project is located . . . You must . . . (1) In the Gulf of Mexico west of 87.5° west longitude (western Gulf of Mexico) or offshore of the North Slope Borough of AlaskaInclude in your plan any information required for BOEM to make the appropriate air quality determinations for your project. (2) Anywhere else on the OCSFollow the appropriate implementing regulations as promulgated by the EPA under 40 CFR part 55.

(b) For air quality modeling that you perform in support of the activities proposed in your plan, you should contact the appropriate regulatory agency to establish a modeling protocol to ensure that the agency's needs are met and that the meteorological files used are acceptable before initiating the modeling work. In the western Gulf of Mexico (west of 87.5° west longitude) and offshore of the North Slope Borough of Alaska, you must submit to BOEM three copies of the modeling report and three sets of digital files as supporting information. The digital files must contain the formatted meteorological files used in the modeling runs, the model input file, and the model output file.

§ 585.701 - How must I conduct my approved activities to protect marine mammals, threatened and endangered species, and designated critical habitat?

(a) You must not conduct any activity under your lease or grant that may affect threatened or endangered species or that may affect designated critical habitat of such species until the appropriate level of consultation is conducted, as required under the ESA, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), to ensure that your actions are not likely to jeopardize a threatened or endangered species and are not likely to destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat.

(b) You must not conduct any activity under your lease or grant that is likely to result in an incidental taking of marine mammals until the appropriate authorization has been issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA) as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.).

(c) If there is reason to believe that a threatened or endangered species may be present while you conduct your BOEM-approved activities or may be affected by the direct or indirect effects of your actions:

(1) You must notify us that endangered or threatened species may be present in the vicinity of the lease or grant or may be affected by your actions; and

(2) We will consult with appropriate State and Federal fish and wildlife agencies and, after consultation, shall identify whether, and under what conditions, you may proceed.

(d) If there is reason to believe that designated critical habitat of a threatened or endangered species may be affected by the direct or indirect effects of your BOEM-approved activities:

(1) You must notify us that designated critical habitat of a threatened or endangered species in the vicinity of the lease or grant may be affected by your actions; and

(2) We will consult with appropriate State and Federal fish and wildlife agencies and, after consultation, shall identify whether, and under what conditions, you may proceed.

(e) If there is reason to believe that marine mammals are likely to be incidentally taken as a result of your proposed activities:

(1) You must agree to secure an authorization from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for incidental taking, including taking by harassment, that may result from your actions; and

(2) You must comply with all measures required by the NOAA or FWS, including measures to affect the least practicable impact on such species and their habitat and to ensure no immitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species for subsistence use.

(f) Submit to us:

(1) Measures designed to avoid or minimize adverse effects and any potential incidental take of the endangered or threatened species or marine mammals;

(2) Measures designed to avoid likely adverse modification or destruction of designated critical habitat of such endangered or threatened species;

(3) Your agreement to monitor for the incidental take of the species and adverse effects on the critical habitat, and provide the results of the monitoring as required;

(4) Your agreement to perform any relevant terms and conditions of the Incidental Take Statement that may result from the ESA consultation; and

(5) Your agreement to perform any relevant mitigation measures under an MMPA incidental take authorization.

§ 585.702 - What must I do if I discover a potential archaeological resource while conducting my approved activities?

(a) If you, your subcontractors, or any agent acting on your behalf discovers a potential archaeological resource while conducting construction activities, or any other activity related to your project, you must:

(1) Immediately halt all seafloor-disturbing activities within the area of the discovery;

(2) Notify BOEM of the discovery within 72 hours; and

(3) Keep the location of the discovery confidential and not take any action that may adversely affect the archaeological resource until we have made an evaluation and instructed you on how to proceed.

(b) We may require you to conduct additional investigations to determine if the resource is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under 36 CFR 60.4. We will do this if:

(1) The site has been impacted by your project activities; or

(2) Impacts to the site or to the area of potential effect cannot be avoided.

(c) If investigations under paragraph (b) of this section indicate that the resource is potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, we will tell you how to protect the resource, or how to mitigate adverse effects to the site.

(d) If we incur costs in protecting the resource, under section 110(g) of the NHPA, we may charge you reasonable costs for carrying out preservation responsibilities under the OCS Lands Act.

§ 585.703 - How must I conduct my approved activities to protect essential fish habitats identified and described under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act?

(a) If, during the conduct of your approved activities, BOEM finds that essential fish habitat or habitat areas of particular concern may be adversely affected by your activities, BOEM must consult with National Marine Fisheries Service.

(b) Any conservation recommendations adopted by BOEM to avoid or minimize adverse effects on essential fish habitat will be incorporated as terms and conditions in the lease and must be adhered to by the applicant. BOEM may require additional surveys to define boundaries and avoidance distances.

(c) If required, BOEM will specify the survey methods and instrumentations for conducting the biological survey and will specify the contents of the biological report.