Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Off Delaware, Notice of Proposed Lease Area and Request for Competitive Interest, 4716-4719 [2011-1594]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES 4716 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 26, 2011 / Notices Room 5230, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410–2000; e-mail myron.p.newry@hud.gov; telephone number (202) 708–2215 (this is not a toll-free number). A telecommunications device (TTY) for hearing and speech impaired persons is available at 1–800–877–8339 (this is a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department is submitting this proposed information collection requirement to OMB for processing, as described below. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed information collection in order to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the proposed collection of information; (3) Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information which must be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the information collection on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., electronic transmission of data. Title of Regulation: 24 CFR Part 125, Fair Housing Initiatives Program. OMB Control Number, if applicable: To be assigned. Description of information collection: The proposed information collection is intended to provide consistency in testing and testing methodologies. In addition, it will entail the creation of a course to train coordinators at fair housing organizations nationwide on paired testing. Participants will learn consistent methodologies for rental tests, home buying tests, and lending tests for race, familial status, disability, and national origin. The course will cover both in-person and telephone testing. With respect to methodology the course will cover, at minimum, testers training, creating tester profiles, proper and consistent procedures for structuring tests, producing tester reports, and debriefing testers. Agency form number(s), if applicable: HUD forms have been identified in the Department’s General Section. Members of affected public: Qualified Fair Housing Organizations (QFHOs) Fair Housing Organizations (FHOs); public or private non-profit organizations or institutions and other public or private entities that are working to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices; State and local governments; and Fair Housing Assistance Program Agencies. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:27 Jan 25, 2011 Jkt 223001 Estimation of the total numbers of hours needed to prepare the information collection including the number of respondents, frequency of response, and hours of response: An estimation of the total number of hours needed to prepare the information collection is 4,793, the likely number of respondents is 50, with a frequency response of 4 per annum. Status of the proposed information collection: Proposed new collection. Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended. Dated: January 19, 2011. Myron P. Newry, Director, FHIP Support Division, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. [FR Doc. 2011–1670 Filed 1–25–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement [Docket No. BOEM–2010–0075] Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Off Delaware, Notice of Proposed Lease Area and Request for Competitive Interest Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), Interior. ACTION: Request for Competitive Interest (RFCI) in Proposed Lease Area off Delaware. AGENCY: BOEMRE provides public notice of a proposed lease area for commercial wind development on the OCS off Delaware and requests submission of indications of competitive interest. The proposed lease area was identified through the issuance of a Request for Interest (RFI) published in the Federal Register on April 26, 2010 (75 FR 21653). In response to that notice, BOEMRE received two nominations of proposed lease areas: One from Bluewater Wind Delaware LLC (Bluewater) and another from Occidental Development & Equities, LLC (Occidental). Subsequently, BOEMRE determined that Bluewater is qualified to hold an OCS commercial wind lease in accordance with the regulatory requirements at 30 CFR 285.106 and .107, and that Occidental did not provide the necessary documentation demonstrating that it was qualified to hold an OCS commercial lease at the time. As a result, Occidental’s lease nomination was nullified and Bluewater’s nomination remained as the only SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 eligible expression of interest upon which to base the proposed lease area. In accordance with 30 CFR 285.232, by letter dated November 8, 2010, BOEMRE informed Bluewater that there appeared to be no competitive interest in the proposed lease area and requested that Bluewater inform BOEMRE if it wished to proceed with acquiring a lease. By correspondence dated December 3 and December 9, 2010, Bluewater Wind stated its intention to acquire a lease for the proposed lease area and provided documentation that it had submitted the required acquisition fee. This RFCI is published pursuant to subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS Lands Act, as amended by section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3)), and the implementing regulations at 30 CFR Part 285. Subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS Lands Act requires that OCS renewable energy leases, easements, and rights-of-way be issued ‘‘on a competitive basis unless the Secretary determines after public notice of a proposed lease, easement, or right-of-way that there is no competitive interest.’’ This RFCI provides such public notice for the proposed lease area. Also, with this announcement BOEMRE invites all interested and affected parties to comment and provide information—including information on existing uses and environmental issues and concerns—that will be useful in the environmental analysis of potential wind development activities in the proposed lease area. A detailed description of the proposed lease area is presented below. DATES: BOEMRE must receive your indication of competitive interest for this entire proposed lease area no later than February 10, 2011 for your submission to be considered. BOEMRE requests comments or other submissions of information by this same date. We will consider only valid submissions that meet the criteria set forth in 30 CFR Part 285 received by the due date above. SUBMISSION PROCEDURES: You may submit your indication of competitive interest by one of two methods: 1. Electronically: https:// www.regulations.gov. In the entry titled ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID,’’ enter BOEM– 2010–0075, and then click ‘‘search’’. Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view supporting and related materials available for this notice. BOEMRE will post all comments. 2. By mail, sending your indication of interest, comments, and information to the following address: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Office of Offshore E:\FR\FM\26JAN1.SGM 26JAN1 4717 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 26, 2011 / Notices Alternative Energy Programs, 381 Elden Street, Mail Stop 4090, Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin C. Trager, Projects and Coordination Branch, BOEMRE, Office of Offshore Alternative Energy Programs, 381 Elden Street, Mail Stop 4090, Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817; telephone (703) 787–1713. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose of This RFCI This RFCI gives parties the opportunity to express interest in competing for the acquisition of an OCS commercial wind lease for the proposed lease area. If BOEMRE receives valid indications of competitive interest in response to this notice, it may implement the competitive lease process outlined at 30 CFR 285.210– .225. If BOEMRE receives no valid indications of competitive interest and determines that there is no competitive interest, it may implement the noncompetitive lease process outlined at 30 CFR 285.232. Both the competitive and noncompetitive processes and related environmental review processes were described in the RFI dated April 26, 2010. Parties other than those interested in obtaining a commercial lease are welcome to submit comments in response to this RFCI. Additionally, BOEMRE has formed a Delaware OCS Renewable Energy Task Force for coordination with affected Federal agencies and state, local, and tribal governments throughout the leasing process. Task Force members and meeting materials are available on the BOEMRE Web site at: https://www. boemre.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy/ stateactivities.3htm#Delaware. Protraction name Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Protraction No. ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... In addition, the table below describes the partial sub-blocks included in the area of interest: The partial sub-blocks are bounded by the coordinates Protraction name Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury Salisbury ...................................... ...................................... ...................................... ...................................... ...................................... ...................................... ...................................... NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 Block No. NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 NJ18–05 6274 6275 6276 6374 6424 6425 6475 The proposed lease area consists of 10 OCS lease full blocks, 116 OCS lease sub-blocks, and 18 OCS lease partial sub-blocks. A sub-block for the purposes of this RFCI is 1/16 of an OCS lease full block. Following are the OCS lease full blocks: Salisbury NJ18–05 Blocks 6325, 6326, 6327, 6375, 6376, 6377, 6426, 6427, 6477, and 6527. In addition, the table below describes the OCS lease subblocks included within the area of interest. Note that the most western areas within the western column of subblocks in Salisbury NJ18–05 Blocks 6274 and 6324 will be stipulated to prohibit any development activities where the sub-block overlaps with the charted ‘‘Danger Area,’’ an explosives dumping ground. The sub-blocks that will be stipulated based on this known Explosives Dumping Ground are noted below with an asterisk (*). Block No. 6274 6275 6276 6277 6278 6324 6328 6374 6378 6424 6425 6428 6475 6476 6478 6526 6577 Sub-block M*,N,O,P. M,N,O,P. M,N,O,P. M,N,O,P. M,N. A*,B,C,D,E*,F,G,H,I*,J,K,L,M*,N,O,P. A,B,E,F,I,J,M,N. A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,J,K,L,O,P. A,B,E,F,I,J,M,N. D. A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,N,O,P. A,B,E,F,I,J,M. C,D,H. A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,N,O,P. A,E,I,M. B,C,D,G,H,L. B,C. provided below the table as referenced in the column Boundary edge. Coordinates are provided in X, Y (eastings, northings) UTM Zone 18N, Protraction No. Description of the Proposed Lease Area NAD 83 and geographic (longitude, latitude), NAD83. Partial sub-block Boundary edge J,K,L ........................................... I,J,K,L ......................................... I,J ................................................ I,N ............................................... C,H,L .......................................... M ................................................. B,G,L .......................................... Northern**. Northern**. Northern**. Southwestern***. Southwestern***. Southwestern***. Southwestern***. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES ** Northern boundary: Point No. X (easting) 1 ....................................................................................................... 2 ....................................................................................................... VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:27 Jan 25, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00109 Y (northing) 505537.918949 537257.896672 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Longitude 4289342.054910 4287622.083370 E:\FR\FM\26JAN1.SGM 26JAN1 ¥74.936267 ¥74.571316 Latitude 38.752755 38.736486 4718 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 26, 2011 / Notices *** Southwestern boundary: Point No. X (easting) 1 ....................................................................................................... 2 ....................................................................................................... Map of Proposed Lease Area A map of the proposed lease area is available at the following URL: https:// www.boemre.gov/offshore/ RenewableEnergy/ stateactivities.htm#Delaware. A large-scale map of the proposed lease area showing its boundaries and numbered blocks is available from BOEMRE at the following address: 505537.918949 530399.822669 Highlighted Portions of the Proposed Lease Area The proposed lease area includes portions that BOEMRE wishes to mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES X (easting) ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... Additional highlighted areas include those identified by comments submitted in response to the April 26, 2010 notice or through deliberations of the BOEMRE—Delaware OCS Renewable Energy Task Force as described below: Potential U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Anchorage Area—The USCG anticipates establishing through rulemaking an anchorage ground within the proposed lease area, east of the Delaware to Cape Henlopen Traffic Lane, defined by the area enclosed by the following points: 38–40.9N 74–52.0W, 38–40.9N 74– 48.8W, 38–37.6N 74–48.5W. Authority to create such an anchorage ground beyond 3 NM is included in The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 [Pub. L. 111–281]. Recreational Fishing Grounds— NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), identified five recreational fishing areas that reside partially or wholly within the proposed lease area in consultation with the MidAtlantic Fishery Management Council, including Old Grounds, Mussel Bed, Inside Mud Hole, Middle Mud Hole, and Outer Mud Hole. Summary of Comments Received in Response to the April 26, 2010, RFI On June 25, 2010, the comment period closed for the Delaware RFI (75 FR 21653). BOEMRE received eight VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:27 Jan 25, 2011 Jkt 223001 523043.216256 525024.306894 524708.429395 524599.514352 524255.539477 522091.708618 522393.836728 522464.137335 523043.216256 Frm 00110 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ¥74.936267 ¥74.651442 Latitude 38.752755 38.485007 highlight as areas of special interest or concern based on available information. These include the obstruction area consisting of a fish haven/artificial reef site identified on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) nautical charts, which was described in the April 26, 2010 notice (coordinates listed below): Y (northing) Longitude 4281282.246340 4281183.549880 4279986.367770 4279572.346900 4279604.189130 4279798.266490 4281025.207860 4281311.495710 4281282.246340 responses during the public comment period, including two commercial expressions of interest and comments from three government agencies, one marine waterway operator, one trade association, and a non-governmental organization. Comments received in response to the RFI are available at the following URL: https://www.boemre.gov/ offshore/RenewableEnergy/ stateactivities.htm#Delaware. BOEMRE convened a task force meeting on July 15, 2010, to inform the task force members of the RFI responses and discuss next steps. The task force meeting also gave representatives from the Federal agencies that submitted comments an opportunity to present and discuss those comments with the rest of the task force. Some of the comments requested a change to the RFI area considered for leasing and included suggestions such as identifying areas for exclusion, mitigation, or further study. Specific areas identified for exclusion or mitigation include the area charted as Explosives Dumping Ground in the westernmost part of the area of interest, an area that could potentially be designated as a vessel anchorage ground, and five recreational fishing areas, as depicted on the map of the proposed lease area. In addition, the USCG suggested—pending further study PO 00000 Longitude 4289342.054910 4259687.322270 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Office of Offshore Alternative Energy Programs, 381 Elden Street, Mail Stop 4090, Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817, Phone: (703) 787–1300, Fax: (703) 787–1708. Point No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 Y (northing) ¥74.735077 ¥74.712304 ¥74.715978 ¥74.717245 ¥74.721198 ¥74.746063 ¥74.742551 ¥74.741733 ¥74.735077 Latitude 38.679839 38.678896 38.668116 38.664388 38.664684 38.666490 38.677539 38.680118 38.679839 of traffic patterns—that a 0.5 NM (925 meters) buffer may be needed between the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) and the area identified for leasing, instead of the 500 meter buffer proposed in the RFI. Other comments expressed concern with navigational safety in the RFI area as a result of development in that area of interest. Given existing defense activities in the area of interest, the Department of Defense (DoD) informed BOEMRE of its assessment that wind energy infrastructure may be feasible in this area if the infrastructure is subject to DoD site specific conditions and stipulations. Stipulations could include: A hold and save harmless agreement between the developer and DoD; mandatory coordination with DoD on specified activities; restrictions on electromagnetic emissions; and a requirement for wind energy industry personnel to evacuate the area for safety reasons when notified by DoD. In addition, other comments suggested areas where further environmental data may be warranted, and provided environmental data that may further inform future environmental review. Given concerns about the safety of development in the charted Explosives Dumping Ground, BOEMRE has decided to exclude this area from potential development, which is reflected in the E:\FR\FM\26JAN1.SGM 26JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 26, 2011 / Notices map of the proposed lease area. The easternmost edge of the Explosives Dumping Ground will be stipulated as a ‘‘no build’’ area where it overlaps with the proposed lease area in OCS lease blocks NJ18–05 6274 and 6324. BOEMRE has decided to retain within its proposed lease area the area designated as a potential USCG vessel anchorage area, given that this potential anchorage ground is subject to a yet-tobe-made rulemaking decision. In the event that the designated area becomes a USCG vessel anchorage area, BOEMRE may consider applying mitigation measures such as designating the area as a ‘‘no build’’ zone. Further, BOEMRE will examine vessel traffic data for vessels equipped with automatic identification system (AIS) transponders before requiring a larger buffer between the edge of the TSS and the proposed lease area or applying other mitigation measures within the proposed lease area. BOEMRE, in consultation with the USCG, will conduct further study on traffic patterns and traffic density in the area of interest before modifying the proposed TSS buffer, which is currently set at 500 meters. If data suggests that heavy traffic transits within 0.5 NM of the edge of the TSS, BOEMRE has the discretion to require a larger buffer. For the purposes of the RFCI, the recreational fishing areas identified by NOAA NMFS and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, including Old Grounds, Mussel Bed, Inside Mud Hole, Middle Mud Hole, and Outer Mud Hole, will be retained in the proposed lease area rather than excluded at this time. Because little information is known about the potential impact of development on these sites, BOEMRE will consider available information during the NEPA process that will be undertaken in advance of commercial development. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Required Indication of Interest Information If you intend to express competitive interest in acquiring an OCS commercial wind lease for the proposed lease area, you must submit the following (note: Bluewater is not required to re-submit its expression of interest): (1) A statement that you wish to acquire a commercial wind lease for the proposed lease area (i.e., the entire area as described above). BOEMRE will not consider nominations valid if they cover less than the entire proposed lease area or describe any areas outside of the proposed lease area in this process. Any request for a commercial wind lease located outside of the proposed lease VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:27 Jan 25, 2011 Jkt 223001 area should be submitted separately pursuant to 30 CFR 285.230; (2) A description of your objectives and the facilities that you would use to achieve those objectives; (3) A schedule of proposed activities, including those leading to commercial operations; (4) Available and pertinent data and information concerning renewable energy and environmental conditions in the area of interest, including energy and resource data and information used to evaluate the area of interest; (5) Documentation demonstrating that you are qualified to hold a lease as set forth in 30 CFR 285.107, including documentation demonstrating that you are technically and financially capable of constructing, operating, maintaining, and decommissioning the facilities described in (2) above. It is critical that your submission of an indication of competitive interest is complete so that BOEMRE may proceed in a timely manner with the commercial wind leasing process for the lease area on the OCS off Delaware. If BOEMRE reviews your indication of competitive interest and determines that it is incomplete, BOEMRE will inform you of this determination in writing. This letter will describe the information BOEMRE determined to be missing and that you must submit in order for BOEMRE to deem your submission complete. You will be given 15 business days from the date of the letter to submit the information that BOEMRE has determined to be missing from your original submission. If you do not meet this deadline, or if BOEMRE determines that the additional information that you provided in response to its initial determination fails to complete your submission, then BOEMRE may deem your indication of competitive interest incomplete and may not consider it a valid submission. Privileged or Confidential Information BOEMRE will protect privileged or confidential information that you submit as required by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Exemption 4 of FOIA applies to trade secrets and commercial or financial information that you submit that is privileged or confidential. If you wish to protect the confidentiality of such information, clearly mark it and request that BOEMRE treat it as confidential. BOEMRE will not disclose such information, qualifying for withholding under the terms of FOIA. Please label privileged or confidential information ‘‘Contains Confidential Information’’ and consider submitting such information as a separate attachment. PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4719 However, BOEMRE will not treat as confidential any aggregate summaries of such information or comments not containing such information. Also, BOEMRE will not treat as confidential (1) the legal title of the nominating entity (for example, the name of your company), or (2) the list of whole or partial blocks that you are nominating. Dated: January 14, 2011. Michael R. Bromwich, Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement. [FR Doc. 2011–1594 Filed 1–24–11; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R7–R–2011–N003; 70133–1265–0000– S3] Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, Kotzebue, AK U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice to reopen the public comment period for the Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Selawik National Wildlife Refuge. AGENCY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published FR Doc. 2010–26655 in the Federal Register on October 21, 2010, announcing availability of the draft revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for Selawik National Wildlife Refuge. The document identified a review period ending on January 15, 2011. Due to the holiday rush and delayed postal delivery of some materials for public involvement, we are concerned that many people will not be able to meet our deadline; therefore we are reopening the comment period until March 15, 2011. SUMMARY: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by the new deadline of March 15, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments or requests for copies of the draft CCP and the EA or more information by any of the following methods. You may request hard copies or a CD–ROM of the document. Agency Web Site: Download a copy of the document at https://alaska.fws.gov/ nwr/planning/plans.htm. E-mail: selawik_planning@fws.gov; please include ‘‘Selawik National DATES: E:\FR\FM\26JAN1.SGM 26JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 26, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4716-4719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1594]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement

[Docket No. BOEM-2010-0075]

Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf
(OCS) Off Delaware, Notice of Proposed Lease Area and Request for
Competitive Interest

AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement
(BOEMRE), Interior.

ACTION: Request for Competitive Interest (RFCI) in Proposed Lease Area
off Delaware.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: BOEMRE provides public notice of a proposed lease area for
commercial wind development on the OCS off Delaware and requests
submission of indications of competitive interest. The proposed lease
area was identified through the issuance of a Request for Interest
(RFI) published in the Federal Register on April 26, 2010 (75 FR
21653). In response to that notice, BOEMRE received two nominations of
proposed lease areas: One from Bluewater Wind Delaware LLC (Bluewater)
and another from Occidental Development & Equities, LLC (Occidental).
Subsequently, BOEMRE determined that Bluewater is qualified to hold an
OCS commercial wind lease in accordance with the regulatory
requirements at 30 CFR 285.106 and .107, and that Occidental did not
provide the necessary documentation demonstrating that it was qualified
to hold an OCS commercial lease at the time. As a result, Occidental's
lease nomination was nullified and Bluewater's nomination remained as
the only eligible expression of interest upon which to base the
proposed lease area. In accordance with 30 CFR 285.232, by letter dated
November 8, 2010, BOEMRE informed Bluewater that there appeared to be
no competitive interest in the proposed lease area and requested that
Bluewater inform BOEMRE if it wished to proceed with acquiring a lease.
By correspondence dated December 3 and December 9, 2010, Bluewater Wind
stated its intention to acquire a lease for the proposed lease area and
provided documentation that it had submitted the required acquisition
fee.
This RFCI is published pursuant to subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS
Lands Act, as amended by section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(EPAct) (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3)), and the implementing regulations at 30
CFR Part 285. Subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS Lands Act requires that OCS
renewable energy leases, easements, and rights-of-way be issued ``on a
competitive basis unless the Secretary determines after public notice
of a proposed lease, easement, or right-of-way that there is no
competitive interest.'' This RFCI provides such public notice for the
proposed lease area. Also, with this announcement BOEMRE invites all
interested and affected parties to comment and provide information--
including information on existing uses and environmental issues and
concerns--that will be useful in the environmental analysis of
potential wind development activities in the proposed lease area. A
detailed description of the proposed lease area is presented below.

DATES: BOEMRE must receive your indication of competitive interest for
this entire proposed lease area no later than February 10, 2011 for
your submission to be considered. BOEMRE requests comments or other
submissions of information by this same date. We will consider only
valid submissions that meet the criteria set forth in 30 CFR Part 285
received by the due date above.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURES: You may submit your indication of competitive
interest by one of two methods:
1. Electronically: https://www.regulations.gov. In the entry titled
``Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter BOEM-2010-0075, and then click
``search''. Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view
supporting and related materials available for this notice. BOEMRE will
post all comments.
2. By mail, sending your indication of interest, comments, and
information to the following address: Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Office of Offshore

[[Page 4717]]

Alternative Energy Programs, 381 Elden Street, Mail Stop 4090, Herndon,
Virginia 20170-4817.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin C. Trager, Projects and
Coordination Branch, BOEMRE, Office of Offshore Alternative Energy
Programs, 381 Elden Street, Mail Stop 4090, Herndon, Virginia 20170-
4817; telephone (703) 787-1713.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose of This RFCI

This RFCI gives parties the opportunity to express interest in
competing for the acquisition of an OCS commercial wind lease for the
proposed lease area. If BOEMRE receives valid indications of
competitive interest in response to this notice, it may implement the
competitive lease process outlined at 30 CFR 285.210-.225. If BOEMRE
receives no valid indications of competitive interest and determines
that there is no competitive interest, it may implement the
noncompetitive lease process outlined at 30 CFR 285.232. Both the
competitive and noncompetitive processes and related environmental
review processes were described in the RFI dated April 26, 2010.
Parties other than those interested in obtaining a commercial lease
are welcome to submit comments in response to this RFCI. Additionally,
BOEMRE has formed a Delaware OCS Renewable Energy Task Force for
coordination with affected Federal agencies and state, local, and
tribal governments throughout the leasing process. Task Force members
and meeting materials are available on the BOEMRE Web site at: https://www.boemre.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy/stateactivities.3htm#Delaware.

Description of the Proposed Lease Area

The proposed lease area consists of 10 OCS lease full blocks, 116
OCS lease sub-blocks, and 18 OCS lease partial sub-blocks. A sub-block
for the purposes of this RFCI is 1/16 of an OCS lease full block.
Following are the OCS lease full blocks: Salisbury NJ18-05 Blocks 6325,
6326, 6327, 6375, 6376, 6377, 6426, 6427, 6477, and 6527. In addition,
the table below describes the OCS lease sub-blocks included within the
area of interest. Note that the most western areas within the western
column of sub-blocks in Salisbury NJ18-05 Blocks 6274 and 6324 will be
stipulated to prohibit any development activities where the sub-block
overlaps with the charted ``Danger Area,'' an explosives dumping
ground. The sub-blocks that will be stipulated based on this known
Explosives Dumping Ground are noted below with an asterisk (*).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6274 M*,N,O,P.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6275 M,N,O,P.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6276 M,N,O,P.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6277 M,N,O,P.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6278 M,N.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6324 A*,B,C,D,E*,F,G,H,I*,J,K,L,M*,N,
O,P.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6328 A,B,E,F,I,J,M,N.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6374 A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,J,K,L,O,P.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6378 A,B,E,F,I,J,M,N.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6424 D.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6425 A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,N,O,P.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6428 A,B,E,F,I,J,M.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6475 C,D,H.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6476 A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,N,O,P.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6478 A,E,I,M.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6526 B,C,D,G,H,L.
Salisbury..................................... NJ18-05 6577 B,C.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition, the table below describes the partial sub-blocks
included in the area of interest: The partial sub-blocks are bounded by
the coordinates provided below the table as referenced in the column
Boundary edge. Coordinates are provided in X, Y (eastings, northings)
UTM Zone 18N, NAD 83 and geographic (longitude, latitude), NAD83.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Partial sub-block Boundary edge
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salisbury......................... NJ18-05 6274 J,K,L................ Northern**.
Salisbury......................... NJ18-05 6275 I,J,K,L.............. Northern**.
Salisbury......................... NJ18-05 6276 I,J.................. Northern**.
Salisbury......................... NJ18-05 6374 I,N.................. Southwestern***.
Salisbury......................... NJ18-05 6424 C,H,L................ Southwestern***.
Salisbury......................... NJ18-05 6425 M.................... Southwestern***.
Salisbury......................... NJ18-05 6475 B,G,L................ Southwestern***.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

** Northern boundary:

[[Page 4718]]

*** Southwestern boundary:

Map of Proposed Lease Area

A map of the proposed lease area is available at the following URL:
https://www.boemre.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy/stateactivities.htm#Delaware.
A large-scale map of the proposed lease area showing its boundaries
and numbered blocks is available from BOEMRE at the following address:
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Office
of Offshore Alternative Energy Programs, 381 Elden Street, Mail Stop
4090, Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817, Phone: (703) 787-1300, Fax: (703)
787-1708.

Highlighted Portions of the Proposed Lease Area

The proposed lease area includes portions that BOEMRE wishes to
highlight as areas of special interest or concern based on available
information. These include the obstruction area consisting of a fish
haven/artificial reef site identified on National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) nautical charts, which was described
in the April 26, 2010 notice (coordinates listed below):

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point No. X (easting) Y (northing) Longitude Latitude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 523043.216256 4281282.246340 -74.735077 38.679839
2....................................... 525024.306894 4281183.549880 -74.712304 38.678896
3....................................... 524708.429395 4279986.367770 -74.715978 38.668116
4....................................... 524599.514352 4279572.346900 -74.717245 38.664388
5....................................... 524255.539477 4279604.189130 -74.721198 38.664684
6....................................... 522091.708618 4279798.266490 -74.746063 38.666490
7....................................... 522393.836728 4281025.207860 -74.742551 38.677539
8....................................... 522464.137335 4281311.495710 -74.741733 38.680118
1....................................... 523043.216256 4281282.246340 -74.735077 38.679839
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional highlighted areas include those identified by comments
submitted in response to the April 26, 2010 notice or through
deliberations of the BOEMRE--Delaware OCS Renewable Energy Task Force
as described below:
Potential U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Anchorage Area--The USCG
anticipates establishing through rulemaking an anchorage ground within
the proposed lease area, east of the Delaware to Cape Henlopen Traffic
Lane, defined by the area enclosed by the following points: 38-40.9N
74-52.0W, 38-40.9N 74-48.8W, 38-37.6N 74-48.5W. Authority to create
such an anchorage ground beyond 3 NM is included in The Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 [Pub. L. 111-281].
Recreational Fishing Grounds--NOAA, National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), identified five recreational fishing areas that reside
partially or wholly within the proposed lease area in consultation with
the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, including Old Grounds,
Mussel Bed, Inside Mud Hole, Middle Mud Hole, and Outer Mud Hole.

Summary of Comments Received in Response to the April 26, 2010, RFI

On June 25, 2010, the comment period closed for the Delaware RFI
(75 FR 21653). BOEMRE received eight responses during the public
comment period, including two commercial expressions of interest and
comments from three government agencies, one marine waterway operator,
one trade association, and a non-governmental organization. Comments
received in response to the RFI are available at the following URL:
https://www.boemre.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy/stateactivities.htm#Delaware.
BOEMRE convened a task force meeting on July 15, 2010, to inform
the task force members of the RFI responses and discuss next steps. The
task force meeting also gave representatives from the Federal agencies
that submitted comments an opportunity to present and discuss those
comments with the rest of the task force.
Some of the comments requested a change to the RFI area considered
for leasing and included suggestions such as identifying areas for
exclusion, mitigation, or further study. Specific areas identified for
exclusion or mitigation include the area charted as Explosives Dumping
Ground in the westernmost part of the area of interest, an area that
could potentially be designated as a vessel anchorage ground, and five
recreational fishing areas, as depicted on the map of the proposed
lease area. In addition, the USCG suggested--pending further study of
traffic patterns--that a 0.5 NM (925 meters) buffer may be needed
between the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) and the area identified for
leasing, instead of the 500 meter buffer proposed in the RFI. Other
comments expressed concern with navigational safety in the RFI area as
a result of development in that area of interest.
Given existing defense activities in the area of interest, the
Department of Defense (DoD) informed BOEMRE of its assessment that wind
energy infrastructure may be feasible in this area if the
infrastructure is subject to DoD site specific conditions and
stipulations. Stipulations could include: A hold and save harmless
agreement between the developer and DoD; mandatory coordination with
DoD on specified activities; restrictions on electromagnetic emissions;
and a requirement for wind energy industry personnel to evacuate the
area for safety reasons when notified by DoD. In addition, other
comments suggested areas where further environmental data may be
warranted, and provided environmental data that may further inform
future environmental review.
Given concerns about the safety of development in the charted
Explosives Dumping Ground, BOEMRE has decided to exclude this area from
potential development, which is reflected in the

[[Page 4719]]

map of the proposed lease area. The easternmost edge of the Explosives
Dumping Ground will be stipulated as a ``no build'' area where it
overlaps with the proposed lease area in OCS lease blocks NJ18-05 6274
and 6324.
BOEMRE has decided to retain within its proposed lease area the
area designated as a potential USCG vessel anchorage area, given that
this potential anchorage ground is subject to a yet-to-be-made
rulemaking decision. In the event that the designated area becomes a
USCG vessel anchorage area, BOEMRE may consider applying mitigation
measures such as designating the area as a ``no build'' zone.
Further, BOEMRE will examine vessel traffic data for vessels
equipped with automatic identification system (AIS) transponders before
requiring a larger buffer between the edge of the TSS and the proposed
lease area or applying other mitigation measures within the proposed
lease area. BOEMRE, in consultation with the USCG, will conduct further
study on traffic patterns and traffic density in the area of interest
before modifying the proposed TSS buffer, which is currently set at 500
meters. If data suggests that heavy traffic transits within 0.5 NM of
the edge of the TSS, BOEMRE has the discretion to require a larger
buffer.
For the purposes of the RFCI, the recreational fishing areas
identified by NOAA NMFS and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
Council, including Old Grounds, Mussel Bed, Inside Mud Hole, Middle Mud
Hole, and Outer Mud Hole, will be retained in the proposed lease area
rather than excluded at this time. Because little information is known
about the potential impact of development on these sites, BOEMRE will
consider available information during the NEPA process that will be
undertaken in advance of commercial development.

Required Indication of Interest Information

If you intend to express competitive interest in acquiring an OCS
commercial wind lease for the proposed lease area, you must submit the
following (note: Bluewater is not required to re-submit its expression
of interest):
(1) A statement that you wish to acquire a commercial wind lease
for the proposed lease area (i.e., the entire area as described above).
BOEMRE will not consider nominations valid if they cover less than the
entire proposed lease area or describe any areas outside of the
proposed lease area in this process. Any request for a commercial wind
lease located outside of the proposed lease area should be submitted
separately pursuant to 30 CFR 285.230;
(2) A description of your objectives and the facilities that you
would use to achieve those objectives;
(3) A schedule of proposed activities, including those leading to
commercial operations;
(4) Available and pertinent data and information concerning
renewable energy and environmental conditions in the area of interest,
including energy and resource data and information used to evaluate the
area of interest;
(5) Documentation demonstrating that you are qualified to hold a
lease as set forth in 30 CFR 285.107, including documentation
demonstrating that you are technically and financially capable of
constructing, operating, maintaining, and decommissioning the
facilities described in (2) above.
It is critical that your submission of an indication of competitive
interest is complete so that BOEMRE may proceed in a timely manner with
the commercial wind leasing process for the lease area on the OCS off
Delaware. If BOEMRE reviews your indication of competitive interest and
determines that it is incomplete, BOEMRE will inform you of this
determination in writing. This letter will describe the information
BOEMRE determined to be missing and that you must submit in order for
BOEMRE to deem your submission complete. You will be given 15 business
days from the date of the letter to submit the information that BOEMRE
has determined to be missing from your original submission. If you do
not meet this deadline, or if BOEMRE determines that the additional
information that you provided in response to its initial determination
fails to complete your submission, then BOEMRE may deem your indication
of competitive interest incomplete and may not consider it a valid
submission.

Privileged or Confidential Information

BOEMRE will protect privileged or confidential information that you
submit as required by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Exemption
4 of FOIA applies to trade secrets and commercial or financial
information that you submit that is privileged or confidential. If you
wish to protect the confidentiality of such information, clearly mark
it and request that BOEMRE treat it as confidential. BOEMRE will not
disclose such information, qualifying for withholding under the terms
of FOIA. Please label privileged or confidential information ``Contains
Confidential Information'' and consider submitting such information as
a separate attachment.
However, BOEMRE will not treat as confidential any aggregate
summaries of such information or comments not containing such
information. Also, BOEMRE will not treat as confidential (1) the legal
title of the nominating entity (for example, the name of your company),
or (2) the list of whole or partial blocks that you are nominating.

Dated: January 14, 2011.
Michael R. Bromwich,
Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and
Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2011-1594 Filed 1-24-11; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P

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