Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf Offshore South Carolina-Call for Information and Nominations (Call) MMAA104000, 73818-73828 [2015-29908]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 227 (Wednesday, November 25, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73818-73828]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-29908]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[Docket No. BOEM-2015-0134]


Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf 
Offshore South Carolina--Call for Information and Nominations (Call) 
MMAA104000

AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior.

ACTION: Call for Information and Nominations for Commercial Leasing for 
Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf, Offshore South Carolina.

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SUMMARY: BOEM invites the submission of nominations for commercial wind 
leases that would allow a lessee to propose the construction of a wind 
energy project on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) offshore South 
Carolina, and to develop the project if approved after further 
environmental review. Although this announcement is not itself a 
leasing announcement, the Call Areas described herein, or portions 
thereof, may be available for future leasing. BOEM will use responses 
to this Call for Information and Nominations (Call) to gauge specific 
interest in acquiring commercial wind leases in some or all of the Call 
Areas, as required by 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3).
    Parties wishing to submit a nomination in response to this Call 
should submit detailed and specific information in response to the 
requirements described in the section entitled, ``Required Nomination 
Information.''
    This announcement also requests comments and information from 
interested and affected parties about site conditions, resources, and 
multiple uses in close proximity to, or within, the Call Areas that 
would be relevant to BOEM's review of any nominations submitted and/or 
to BOEM's subsequent decision to offer all or part of the Call Areas 
for commercial wind leasing. The information that BOEM is requesting is 
described in the section of this Call entitled, ``Requested Information 
from Interested or Affected Parties.''
    This Call is published pursuant to subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS 
Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3), which was added by section 388 of the 
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), as well as the implementing 
regulations at 30 CFR part 585.
    The Call Areas described in this notice are located on the OCS 
offshore South Carolina and are delineated as Grand Strand, Cape 
Romain, Winyah, and Charleston. The four Call Areas include 110 whole 
OCS blocks and 84 partial blocks in total and comprise approximately 
1,007.56 square nautical miles (nmi) (345,584 hectares). These Call 
Areas were established in consultation with the BOEM South Carolina 
Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force (Task Force). A detailed 
description of the areas and how they were developed is described in 
the section of this Call entitled, ``Description of the Area.''

DATES: BOEM must receive nominations describing your interest in one or 
more, or any portion of the Call Areas, by a postmarked date of January 
25, 2016 January 25, 2016 for your nomination to be considered. BOEM 
requests comments or submissions of information to be postmarked or 
delivered by this same date. BOEM will consider only those nominations 
received that conform to this requirement.
    Submission Procedures: If you are submitting a nomination for a 
lease in response to this Call, please submit your nomination to the 
following address: BOEM, Office of Renewable Energy Programs, 45600 
Woodland Road (VAM-OREP), Sterling, Virginia 20166. In addition to a 
paper copy of the nomination, include an electronic copy of the 
nomination on a data storage device. BOEM will list the parties that 
submitted nominations and the location of the proposed lease areas 
(i.e., OCS blocks nominated) on the BOEM Web site after the 60-day 
comment period has closed.
    Comments and other submissions of information may be submitted by 
either of the following two methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the 
entry titled ``Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter BOEM-2015-0134, and then 
click ``search.'' Follow the instructions to submit public comments and 
view supporting and related materials available for this notice.
    2. U.S. Postal Service or other delivery service. Send your 
comments and information to the following address: Bureau of Ocean 
Energy Management, Office of Renewable Energy Programs, 45600 Woodland 
Road (VAM-OREP), Sterling, Virginia 20166.

[[Page 73819]]

    All responses will be reported on https://www.regulations.gov.
    If you wish to protect the confidentiality of your nominations or 
comments, clearly mark the relevant sections and request that BOEM 
treat them as confidential. Please label privileged or confidential 
information ``Contains Confidential Information,'' and consider 
submitting such information as a separate attachment. Treatment of 
confidential information is addressed in the section of this Call 
entitled, ``Protection of Privileged or Confidential Information.'' 
Information that is not labeled as privileged or confidential will be 
regarded by BOEM as suitable for public release.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Browning, BOEM, Office of 
Renewable Energy Programs, 45600 Woodland Road (VAM-OREP), Sterling, 
Virginia 20166, (703) 787-1577 or Jeffrey.Browning@boem.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Purpose of the Call for Information and Nominations

    The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act requires BOEM to award 
leases competitively, unless BOEM makes a determination that there is 
no competitive interest (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3)). BOEM will make this 
determination after reviewing the nominations received in response to 
this Call.
    This Call also requests information from interested and affected 
parties on issues relevant to BOEM's review of nominations for 
potential leases in the Call Areas. A lease, whether issued through a 
competitive or noncompetitive process, gives the lessee the exclusive 
right to subsequently seek BOEM approval for the development of the 
leasehold. The lease does not grant the lessee the right to construct 
any facilities; rather, the lease grants the lessee the right to use 
the leased area to develop its plans, which BOEM must approve before 
the lessee may proceed to the next stage of the process (30 CFR 585.600 
and 585.601). The responses to this Call could lead to the initiation 
of a competitive leasing process in some parts of the Call Areas (i.e., 
where competition exists), and a noncompetitive process in other parts 
of the Call Areas (i.e., where no competitive interest exists). The 
leasing process is described more completely under the ``Determination 
of Competitive Interest'' and ``Noncompetitive Leasing Process'' 
sections of this Call. In any parts of the Call Areas where BOEM 
determines there is no competitive interest, BOEM may proceed with the 
noncompetitive lease process pursuant to 30 CFR 585.232. If BOEM 
determines that there is competitive interest in some or all of the 
Call Areas, then BOEM may proceed with Area Identification (Area ID), 
as set forth in 30 CFR 585.211(b), and the competitive leasing process 
set forth under 30 CFR 585.211 through 585.225. Whether the leasing 
process is competitive or noncompetitive, it will include additional 
opportunities for the public to provide input, and any proposed actions 
will be reviewed thoroughly for potential environmental and multiple 
use impacts. The area(s) that may be finally offered for lease, if any, 
has/have not yet been determined, and may include less than the total 
footprint of the Call Areas as identified in this Call.

Background

Energy Policy Act of 2005

    The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) amended the OCS Lands Act by 
adding subsection 8(p)(1)(C), which authorizes the Secretary of the 
Interior to grant leases, easements, or rights-of-way (ROWs) on the OCS 
for activities that are not otherwise authorized by law and that 
produce or support production, transportation, or transmission of 
energy from sources other than oil or gas, including renewable energy 
sources. The EPAct also required the issuance of regulations to carry 
out the new authority pertaining to renewable energy on the OCS. The 
Secretary delegated this authority to issue leases, easements, and 
ROWs, and to promulgate regulations, to the Director of BOEM. On April 
29, 2009, BOEM published the rule, Renewable Energy and Alternate Uses 
of Existing Facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf, at 30 CFR part 
585, which can be found at: https://www.boem.gov/uploadedFiles/30_CFR_585.pdf.

Executive Order 13547: Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the 
Great Lakes

    On July 19, 2010, the President signed Executive Order 13547 
(Order) establishing a national ocean policy and the National Ocean 
Council (75 FR 43023). The Order establishes a comprehensive, 
integrated national policy for the stewardship of the ocean, our 
coasts, and the Great Lakes. Where BOEM actions affect the ocean or 
coast, the Order requires BOEM to take such action as necessary to 
implement the policy, stewardship principles, and national priority 
objectives adopted by the Order, with guidance from the National Ocean 
Council.
    BOEM appreciates the importance of coordinating its planning 
endeavors with other OCS users, regulators and relevant Federal 
Agencies (e.g., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the 
National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)) and intends to 
follow principles of marine planning, and coordinate with the regional 
planning bodies as established by the National Ocean Council. BOEM 
anticipates that continued coordination with its Intergovernmental 
Renewable Energy Task Forces will help inform comprehensive marine 
planning efforts.

BOEM South Carolina Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force

    BOEM formed the South Carolina Intergovernmental Renewable Energy 
Task Force (the ``Task Force'') in March 2012, to facilitate 
coordination among relevant Federal agencies and affected state, local, 
and tribal governments throughout the leasing process. The Task Force 
meeting materials are available on the BOEM Web site at: https://www.boem.gov/State-Activities-South-Carolina/.

Environmental Review Process

    BOEM intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA), which 
will consider the environmental consequences associated with issuing 
commercial wind leases and approving site assessment activities on 
those leases within all or some of the Call Areas. BOEM is publishing, 
concurrently with this Call, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EA, 
which seeks public input in identifying the environmental issues and 
reasonable alternatives to be considered in the EA.
    The EA will consider the reasonably foreseeable environmental 
consequences associated with leasing and site characterization 
scenarios within the Call Areas (including geophysical, geotechnical, 
archaeological, and biological surveys), and site assessment scenarios 
(including the installation and operation of meteorological towers and/
or buoys) on the potential leaseholds. The environmental effects of the 
construction or operation of any wind energy facility would be 
considered under a separate, project-specific National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) process. The NOI also solicits information pertaining 
to impacts to historic properties, which include historic districts, 
archaeological sites, and National Historic Landmarks.

[[Page 73820]]

    Several consultations will be conducted concurrently with, and 
integrated into, the current NEPA process. These consultations include, 
but are not limited to, those required by the Coastal Zone Management 
Act (CZMA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and Executive Order 13175--
``Consultation and Coordination with Tribal Governments.'' The results 
of these consultations will assist BOEM in deciding whether and where 
leases may be issued.

Actions Taken by the State of South Carolina in Support of Offshore 
Renewable Energy Development

    BOEM recognizes the importance of the steps that the State of South 
Carolina has taken to encourage environmentally sound offshore wind 
energy development. While a state may promote such development, BOEM 
has the exclusive authority to issue leases, easements, and ROWs on the 
OCS for renewable energy purposes.
    The State of South Carolina has been engaged in a planning process 
to evaluate and identify areas of the OCS that may be suitable for 
offshore wind energy development. This process helped inform state 
recommendations to BOEM regarding potentially suitable areas for BOEM 
to consider when moving forward with its offshore wind energy leasing 
process.
    In 2008, the South Carolina General Assembly passed Act 318 to 
create the Wind Energy Production Farms Feasibility Study Committee 
(Committee) to study and make recommendations regarding the feasibility 
of wind turbines in the state, as well as the potential economic and 
environmental impacts of development.
    Also in 2008, the State of South Carolina, along with multiple 
partners, obtained a DOE grant entitled, The South Carolina Roadmap to 
Gigawatt-Scale Coastal Clean Energy Generation: Transmission, 
Regulation & Demonstration. The grant funded an offshore wind 
transmission study; a wind, wave, and current study; and a 
comprehensive spatial database on existing resources and activities.
    Also funded under this grant was a South Carolina Regulatory Task 
Force, which was established in April 2009 to review the current 
regulatory environment and identify potential barriers to wind, wave 
and tidal energy development off the coast of South Carolina. This 
group is composed of State and Federal regulatory and resource 
protection agencies, universities, private industry and utility 
companies, and is distinct from BOEM's Task Force.
    In 2014, BOEM initiated a cooperative research agreement with South 
Carolina that was coordinated through the South Carolina Sea Grant 
Consortium. Information from this research agreement will assist BOEM 
in planning efforts offshore South Carolina, including environmental 
documents and consultations.

BOEM's Planning and Leasing Process

Determination of Competitive Interest

    The first step in the leasing process is to determine whether or 
not there is any interest in acquiring a lease within the Call Areas 
for the purpose of offshore wind development. At the same time, BOEM 
can determine whether there is overlapping interest in any particular 
portion of the Call Areas that would result in the need for a 
competitive process. At the conclusion of the comment period for this 
Call, BOEM will review the nominations received, undertake completeness 
and qualifications reviews, and determine whether competitive interest 
exists in any specific location within the Call Areas.
    If two nominated areas of interest fully or partially overlap, BOEM 
may proceed with competitive leasing as described in the section of 
this Call entitled, ``Competitive Leasing Process.'' For areas where 
BOEM determines that there is no competitive interest, BOEM may proceed 
with noncompetitive leasing described in the section entitled, 
``Noncompetitive Leasing Process.'' BOEM may consult with the Task 
Force throughout the leasing process.
    Situations may arise in which multiple parties nominate areas that 
do not overlap. Under those circumstances, BOEM could choose to employ 
an allocation system of leases that involves the creation of 
competition across tracts. This system is referred to as intertract 
competition and would also be implemented under the competitive process 
outlined in the regulations. BOEM may consult with the Task Force in 
determining the need for, and/or use of, intertract competition.
    Respondents to this Call and members of the public should be aware 
that no lease will be issued, either competitively or noncompetitively, 
until the necessary consultations and environmental analysis have been 
completed and the public has been given an opportunity to comment. As a 
result, it is also possible that certain areas nominated may not be 
leased, or that the areas nominated may be modified from their 
original, proposed form before being offered for lease. It is possible 
that responses to this Call may result in a determination that there is 
competitive interest in acquiring leases in some areas, but not in 
others. BOEM will publicly announce its determinations before 
proceeding with any type of leasing process.

Competitive Leasing Process

    If, after receiving responses and nominations to this Call, BOEM 
proceeds with the competitive leasing process for certain areas, it 
would follow the steps required by 30 CFR 585.211 through 585.225.
    (1) Area Identification: Based on the information submitted in 
response to this Call and the NOI, BOEM would determine the level of 
interest and identify the area(s) that would be appropriate to move 
forward within the planning and leasing process. The area(s) identified 
will constitute a Wind Energy Area (WEA) under the Secretary's ``Smart 
from the Start'' wind energy initiative and will be subject to 
environmental analysis, in consultation with appropriate Federal 
agencies, states, local governments, tribes, and other interested 
parties.
    (2) Proposed Sale Notice (PSN): If BOEM decides to proceed with 
competitive lease issuance in the WEAs after completion of the 
environmental analysis, then BOEM would publish the PSN in the Federal 
Register with a comment period of 60 days and send the PSN to the 
Governor of each affected state, and the executive of any affected 
local government. BOEM will also share the PSN with the Task Force. The 
PSN would describe the area(s) to be offered for leasing, the proposed 
conditions of a lease sale, and the proposed auction format, lease 
document, and lease provisions/stipulations. Additionally, the PSN 
would describe the criteria and process for evaluating bids.
    (3) Final Sale Notice (FSN): If BOEM decides to proceed with 
competitive lease issuance after considering comments on the PSN, then 
it would publish the FSN in the Federal Register at least 30 days 
before the date of the lease sale.
    (4) Bid Submission and Evaluation: Following publication of the FSN 
in the Federal Register, BOEM would offer the leases through a 
competitive process, using procedures specified in the FSN. The conduct 
of the sale, including bids and bid deposits, would be reviewed for 
technical and legal adequacy. BOEM will ensure that bidders have 
complied with all applicable regulations. BOEM reserves the right to 
reject any or all bids

[[Page 73821]]

and the right to withdraw an offer to lease an area, even after bids 
have been submitted.
    (5) Issuance of a Lease: Following the selection of a winning 
bid(s) by BOEM, the bidder(s) would be notified of the decision and 
provided a set of official lease documents for execution. The 
successful bidder(s) would be required to sign and return the lease, 
pay the remainder of the bonus bid, if applicable, and file the 
required financial assurance within 10 days of receiving the lease 
documents. Upon receipt of the required payments, financial assurance, 
and properly signed lease forms, BOEM would execute a lease with the 
successful bidder(s).

Noncompetitive Leasing Process

    (1) Determination of No Competitive Interest: If, after evaluating 
the responses to this Call, BOEM determines that there is no 
competitive interest in a proposed lease area, it may proceed with the 
noncompetitive lease issuance process pursuant to 30 CFR 585.232, as 
amended by the rulemaking which took effect on June 15, 2011 (76 FR 
28178). Should BOEM decide to proceed with the noncompetitive leasing 
process, it would ask if the sole respondent who nominated a particular 
area wants to proceed with acquiring the lease. If so, the respondent 
must submit an acquisition fee as specified in 30 CFR 585.502(a). After 
receiving the acquisition fee, BOEM would follow the process outlined 
in 30 CFR 585.231(d) through (i). If BOEM determines there is no 
competitive interest, BOEM would publish a notice of Determination of 
No Competitive Interest in the Federal Register.
    (2) Review of Lease Request: BOEM would comply with the 
requirements of NEPA, CZMA, ESA, NHPA, and other applicable Federal 
statutes before issuing a lease noncompetitively. BOEM would coordinate 
and consult, as appropriate, with relevant Federal agencies, affected 
tribes, and affected state and local governments prior to issuing a 
noncompetitive lease, and in formulating lease terms, conditions, and 
stipulations.
    (3) Lease Issuance: After completing the review of the lease 
request, BOEM may offer a noncompetitive lease. BOEM will require a 
$100,000 lease-specific bond from the lessee before lease issuance. The 
first 12 months' rent payment is due within 45 days of the date that 
the lease is received by the Lessee for execution.

Description of the Area

    The Call Areas offshore South Carolina are delineated as Grand 
Strand, Cape Romain, Charleston, and Winyah. The four Areas include 110 
whole OCS blocks and 84 partial blocks in total, and comprise 
approximately 1,007.56 square nmi (345,584 hectares).

Call Area Grand Strand

    The boundary of Call Area Grand Strand begins 3 nmi from the shore 
and extends roughly 23 nmi seaward. It extends from northeast to 
southwest approximately 46 nmi. Respondents should be aware that 
Georgetown NI17-09 Blocks 6224,6225,6273,6274, 6322, 6323 border the 
edge of Submerged Lands Act (SLA) boundary. As a result, while these 
blocks are considered full OCS lease blocks, they vary in area and are 
smaller than standard OCS blocks. Official acreages for the blocks 
located within Official Protraction Diagram (OPD) Georgetown NI17-09 
can be found at: https://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-Gas-Energy-Program/Mapping-and-Data/NI17-09-01-APR-2008.aspx. The entire area is 
approximately 740.96 square nmi (254,144 hectares) and is described in 
the table below:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Protraction
        Protraction name                No.          Block No.                       Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6224  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6225  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6226  I,M,N,O.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6273  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6274  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6275  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6276  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6277  E,F,G,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6278  I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6279  I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6280  D,G,H,K,L,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6322  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6323  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6324  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6325  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6326  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6327  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6328  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6329  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6330  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6331  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6372  D,H,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6373  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6374  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6375  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6376  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6377  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6378  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6379  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6380  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6381  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6382  A,B,C,E,F,I.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6421  D,G,H,K,L,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6422  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6423  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6424  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6425  All.

[[Page 73822]]

 
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6426  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6427  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6428  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6429  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6430  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6431  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6472  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6473  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6474  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6475  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6476  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6477  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6478  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6479  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6480  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6481  A,B,C,E,F,I,J,M.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6521  A,B,C,D,F,G,H,J,K,L,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6522  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6523  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6524  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6525  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6526  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6527  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6528  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6529  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6530  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,M,N,O.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6571  B,C,D,G,H,K,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6572  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,L,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6573  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6574  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6575  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6576  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6577  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6578  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,L,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6579  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,M,N,O.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6580  A,B,F.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6621  C,D,G,H,L,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6622  D,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6623  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6624  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6625  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6626  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6627  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6628  D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6629  A,B,E.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6671  B,C,D,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6672  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6673  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6674  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6675  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6676  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6677  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6678  A,B,C,E,F,I.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6720  H,K,L,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6721  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6722  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6723  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6724  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6725  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6726  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6727  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,I,J,M.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6769  L,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6770  B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6771  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6772  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6773  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6774  A,E,I,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6775  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6776  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,M,N.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6777  A.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6818  D.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6819  A,B,E,F,I,J,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6820  A,B,C,D,F,G,H,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6821  All.

[[Page 73823]]

 
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6822  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6823  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6824  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6825  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6826  A,B,E.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6869  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6870  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6871  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6872  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6873  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6874  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6875  A,B,C,E,F,I.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6920  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6921  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6922  A,B,C,D,E,F,I,J,M,N.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6923  A,B,C,D,F,G,H,J,K,L,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6924  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,I,J,M.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6971  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6972  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6973  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,M.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            6974  A.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7022  A,B,C,D,E,F,I.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Call Area Cape Romain

    The boundary of Call Area Cape Romain begins 6 nmi from the shore 
and extends roughly 11.5 nmi seaward. It extends from northeast to 
southwest approximately 32 nmi. The entire area is approximately 183.46 
square nmi (62,928 hectares) and is described in the table below:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Protraction
        Protraction name                No.          Block No.                       Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Island....................         NI17-12            6014  H,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6015  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6016  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6017  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6018  A,B,C,E.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6062  J,K,L,M,N.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6063  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6064  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6065  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6066  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,M.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6111  L,M,N,O,P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6112  A,E,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6113  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6114  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6115  A,B,C,E,F.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6159  P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6160  C,D,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6161  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6162  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6163  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,M.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6164  A,B.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6209  C,D,F,G,H,J,K,L,N,O,P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6210  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6211  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6212  A,B,C,D,E,F,I.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6259  B,C,D,F,G,H,K,L.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6260  A,B,C,D,E,F,G.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6261  A,B.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7016  H,L,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7017  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7065  P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7066  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7067  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,M,N.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7068  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,J,K,L,N,O.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7115  B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7116  All.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7117  A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7118  B,C,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
Georgetown......................         NI17-09            7119  C,D,G,I.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 73824]]

Call Area Charleston

    The boundary of Call Area Charleston begins approximately 23 nmi 
from the shore and extends roughly 10.5 nmi seaward. It extends from 
northeast to southwest approximately 10 nmi. The entire area is 
approximately 41.98 square nmi (14,400 hectares) and is described in 
the table below:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Protraction
        Protraction name                No.          Block No.                       Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Island....................         NI17-12            6414  O,P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6415  G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6462  O,P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6463  I,J,M,N,O,P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6464  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6511  D,H.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6512  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,J,K,L,P.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6513  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6514  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6563  B,C,D,G,H.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6564  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,J,K,L,O,P.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Call Area Winyah

    The boundary of Call Area Winyah begins 35 nmi from the shore and 
extends roughly 6 nmi seaward. It extends from northeast to southwest 
approximately 16 nmi. The entire area is approximately 41.14 square nmi 
(14,112 hectares) and is described in the table below:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Protraction
        Protraction name                No.          Block No.                       Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Island....................         NI17-12            6179  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6180  A,B,C,D,E,F,I.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6226  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6227  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6228  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,M,N.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6229  A,B,E.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6276  All.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6277  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,I.
James Island....................         NI17-12            6326  A,B,C,E.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Areas Not Included in the Call

    BOEM considered the findings of several studies conducted by the 
State of South Carolina, Task Force input, and other relevant studies 
and removed the following areas from further leasing consideration:
    1. Artificial reefs that are managed as Habitat Areas of Particular 
Concern (HAPC's): Lease blocks containing known artificial reefs have 
not been included because it would likely be impractical to conduct 
ocean-bottom penetrating activities or install foundations on existing 
subsea structures or hazards. In addition, there could be the potential 
for multiple-use issues (i.e., commercial and recreational vessel use, 
fishing hotspots, and commercial fishing areas). Artificial reefs and 
their name, reef ID, and known inventory are described in the following 
table. BOEM may later require set-backs from these or other features.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Reef name                 Reef ID          Known inventory
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bp-25 Reef....................  Pa-06............  160' Ship (Bp-25),
                                                    New York City Subway
                                                    Cars.
Little River Offshore Reef....  Pa-02............  Reef Buoy, Landing
                                                    Craft, Concrete
                                                    Culvert Pipe,
                                                    Concrete Rubble,
                                                    Army Armored
                                                    Personnel Carriers,
                                                    150' Dive Barge,
                                                    120' Deck Barge, 50'
                                                    Tugboat.
Bill Perry Jr Reef............  Pa-08............  Reef Buoy, 115'
                                                    Landing Craft, 56'
                                                    Landing Craft, 45'
                                                    Shrimp Boat, 56'
                                                    Landing Craft, 65'
                                                    Tugboat, 20 Shipping
                                                    Containers, New York
                                                    City Subway Cars.
Vermilion Reef................  Pa-17............  460' Ship
                                                    (Vermilion), New
                                                    York City Subway
                                                    Cars.
Will Goldfinch Reef...........  Pa-03............  Reef Buoy, 175' Ship
                                                    (Yo-225), 120' Fuel
                                                    Barge, Concrete Zs.
Wayne Upchurch Reef...........  Pa-13............  Reef Buoy, Concrete
                                                    Structures, Army
                                                    Armored Personnel
                                                    Carriers, 45'
                                                    Tugboat.
Bruce Rush Reef...............  Pa-10............  Reef Buoys, 100
                                                    Concrete Cones, 65'
                                                    Crewboat, 78' Shrimp
                                                    Boat, Concrete Reef
                                                    Balls, Deck Barges,
                                                    Tugboat & Barge, A-7
                                                    Airplane, Shipping
                                                    Containers.
Greenville Reef...............  Pa-18............  140' Deck Barge,
                                                    Drydock Units, 130'
                                                    Deck Barge, 175'
                                                    Ship (Yog-78), 106'
                                                    Fuel Barge, 105'
                                                    Tugboat (America),
                                                    105' Tugboat
                                                    (Eagle), 175' Ship.
Paradise Reef.................  Pa-09............  Reef Buoy, Deck
                                                    Barge, Concrete Reef
                                                    Balls, Army Armored
                                                    Personnel Carriers,
                                                    100 Concrete Cones,
                                                    Concrete Zs, 65'
                                                    Barge & Culvert
                                                    Pipe, Concrete
                                                    Culvert Pipe.
Georgetown Reef...............  Pa-14............  Reef Buoy, 100' Ship
                                                    Wreck, Steel
                                                    Structures, 100'
                                                    Deck Barge, 56'
                                                    Landing Craft,
                                                    Concrete Cones,
                                                    Shipping Containers,
                                                    50' Tugboat, Army
                                                    Armored Personnel
                                                    Carriers.
Pawleys Island Reef...........  Pa-11............  Reef Buoy, 56'
                                                    Landing Craft,
                                                    Concrete Cones, 48'
                                                    Tugboat, Army
                                                    Armored Personnel
                                                    Carriers, Concrete
                                                    Culvert Pipe.

[[Page 73825]]

 
C.J. Davidson Jr Reef.........  Pa-16............  Reef Buoy, 140' Deck
                                                    Barge, Steel & Tire
                                                    Units, 200 Concrete
                                                    Reef Balls, 20 Army
                                                    Armored Personnel
                                                    Carriers, 100
                                                    Concrete Cones,
                                                    Concrete Culvert
                                                    Pipe.
North Inlet Reef..............  Pa-12............  Shipping Containers,
                                                    200 Concrete Reef
                                                    Balls, Reef Buoy,
                                                    175 Steel Pup Tents,
                                                    Concrete Culvert
                                                    Pipe.
Cape Romain Reef..............  Pa-19............  Reef Buoy, 100' Deck
                                                    Barge, 65' Tugboat,
                                                    Army Armored
                                                    Personnel Carriers,
                                                    Concrete Rubble, 90'
                                                    Tugboat (Dolphin),
                                                    Concrete Culvert
                                                    Pipe.
Hector Reef...................  Pa-20............  300' Ship (Hector),
                                                    22' Bk Barges, 56'
                                                    Landing Craft, Deck
                                                    Barge, Concrete
                                                    Culvert Pipe.
Y-73 Reef.....................  Pa-23............  180' Tanker (Y-73),
                                                    90' Tug Boats, Steel
                                                    Pyramid, Shipping
                                                    Containers, Cooper
                                                    River Bridge Rubble.
Comanche Reef.................  Pa-27............  165' Ship (Comanche),
                                                    105' Tug Boat (Anne
                                                    Richards), New York
                                                    City Subway Cars,
                                                    Cooper River Bridge
                                                    Rubble, 80' Trawler.
Cca-Mcclellanville Reef.......  Pa-34............  Reef Buoy, Concrete
                                                    Rubble, 105'
                                                    Tugboat, Cooper
                                                    River Bridge Rubble,
                                                    45' Tug Boat,
                                                    Concrete Culvert
                                                    Pipe.
Capers Reef (R8)..............  Pa-22............  Reef Buoy, CG Buoy
                                                    R8, Reef Balls, Tug
                                                    Boats, Deck Barges,
                                                    Caisson, 56' Landing
                                                    Craft, Cooper Bridge
                                                    Rubble, Concrete
                                                    Filled Steel Drums,
                                                    Army Armored
                                                    Personnel Carriers.
Charleston 60' Reef...........  Pa-24............  Reef Buoy, Concrete
                                                    Reef Balls & Cones,
                                                    Equipment Sections,
                                                    Steel, Missile
                                                    Sleeves, Army
                                                    Armored Personnel
                                                    Carriers, Deck
                                                    Barges, Cooper River
                                                    Bridge Rubble,
                                                    Memorial Plaque.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. Areas of High Avian Densities: BOEM attempts to avoid leasing 
areas with high concentrations of marine birds that are most vulnerable 
to offshore wind development. In order to protect marine birds, BOEM 
has removed areas with moderate or greater concentration of near-shore 
marine birds. Counts of birds from USFWS's wintering sea duck surveys 
from 2008-2011 were used to identify areas of high concentrations of 
scoters. In addition, a map that predicts relatively high 
concentrations of near-shore marine bird species near the Cape Romain 
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and Winyah Bay was used to fill in 
information gaps between the sea duck transect lines and to cover other 
migratory species. The map uses data from an ongoing BOEM/NOAA study 
entitled, ``Integrative Statistical Modeling and Predictive Mapping of 
Seabird Distribution and Abundance on the Atlantic Outer Continental 
Shelf,'' which can be found at https://www.boem.gov/AT-13-03/. The map 
is based on NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science's (NCCOS) 
version 1.0 models for the US Atlantic (Florida to Maine) that fused 
environmental predictors with a large database of at-sea transect 
survey data (extracted from the Avian Compendium database as of August 
1, 2014, which can be found at https://www.data.boem.gov/PI/PDFImages/ESPIS/5/5209.pdf) for the following near-shore marine birds: Black 
scoter; brown pelican; common loon; common tern; least tern; red-
throated loon; and white-winged scoter. Relative to the 177 bird 
species that use the Atlantic OCS, these near-shore species, except the 
least tern, ranked high in their relative vulnerability to collision 
with wind turbines. In addition, these species, except the brown 
pelican and least tern, ranked high in their vulnerability to 
displacement from wind facilities according to the BOEM study entitled, 
``The Relative Vulnerability of Migratory Bird Species to Offshore Wind 
Energy Projects on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf,'' which can be 
found at https://www.data.boem.gov/PI/PDFImages/ESPIS/5/5319.pdf.
    As with the sea duck survey data, the BOEM/NOAA study confirms that 
the concentration of birds declines dramatically with distance from 
shore and that the distance from shore before the dramatic decline in 
concentration varies widely along the South Carolina coast. Lastly, a 
study of 28 black scoters that were fitted with satellite transmitters 
found that most bird locations along the portion of the South Carolina 
coast encompassing the Call Areas were within five miles of the coast. 
In fact, out of the 20,333 scoters observed off South Carolina in 
February during the USFWS winter sea duck surveys, approximately 100 
scoters were within the proposed Call Areas.
    3. Cape Romain NWR: BOEM has taken steps to protect species that 
use the Cape Romain NWR by removing blocks with high concentrations of 
near-shore marine birds. Although Call Area Cape Romain is located 
offshore of the Cape Romain NWR, certain onshore activities associated 
with offshore wind energy, such as cable landfalls and staging 
activities, may not be compatible with the Cape Romain NWR. BOEM will 
work with the USFWS regarding potential impacts to Cape Romain NWR and, 
if necessary, will develop appropriate stipulations and mitigation 
measures to eliminate or reduce impacts.
    4. Military Areas: The Department of Defense (DOD) conducts 
operations and readiness activities for both hardware and personnel on 
the OCS. The Call Areas were refined based on DOD assessments of 
compatibility between potential commercial offshore wind development 
and DOD testing, training and operational activities. OCS blocks 
determined to be incompatible with these activities were removed from 
consideration, although site specific stipulations may be necessary for 
remaining lease blocks in the Call Areas to avoid conflicts with DOD 
activities. BOEM will consult with the DOD regarding potential issues 
concerning offshore testing, training and operational activities, and 
will develop appropriate stipulations to avoid or mitigate conflicts 
with DOD in the Call Areas.
    5. Navigation: The United States Coast Guard (USCG) ensures the 
safety of navigation and provides safe access routes for the movement 
of vessel traffic proceeding to or from ports or places subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States. The USCG uses a color-coding system 
to designate portions of the four Call Areas as green, yellow, or red 
for navigational safety. A designation of green indicates that the USCG 
believes that an area, if developed, would pose minimal to no 
detrimental impact on navigational safety, but that the area should 
still be subject to further study. A designation of yellow indicates 
that the USCG believes that development of the area could have 
unacceptable effects on navigational safety and that further study is 
required to determine the potential effect that development of the

[[Page 73826]]

area would have on navigational safety. A designation of red indicates 
that the USCG believes that development of that area would have an 
unacceptable effect on navigational safety based on existing 
navigational routes. BOEM has refined the Call Areas based on USCG 
assessments and areas designated as red have been removed from the 
Call. Although OCS blocks determined to pose the greatest risk to 
navigational safety were removed from consideration, site-specific 
stipulations may be necessary for remaining lease blocks in the Call 
Areas. A map showing the OCS blocks (including sub-blocks) and their 
corresponding color coding can be found at: https://www.boem.gov/State-Activities-South-Carolina/.
    6. Pawleys Island Historic District--Visual Impacts: BOEM has 
removed aliquots from the Grand Strand Call Area that are located 
within 18.5 km kilometers (10 nmi) of the shoreline surrounding the 
Pawleys Island Historic District. In making its decision, BOEM 
considered the following information: Comments shared with BOEM at the 
South Carolina Task Force meeting on September 9, 2015; NHPA Section 
106 consultations for the development of the South Atlantic 
Programmatic Agreement, during which the South Carolina State Historic 
Preservation Office requested that BOEM consider the visual effects of 
the introduction of a wind energy facility on the historic setting and 
feeling of onshore historic properties; and a letter sent to BOEM from 
the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office on September 18, 
2015, asking BOEM to consider ``how the views of the ocean contribute 
to the historic location, setting, feeling, and association'' of these 
historic properties.
    The unique characteristics of Pawleys Island Historic District that 
may qualify it for the National Register of Historic Places include 
integrity of setting and feeling. As described by the National Register 
of Historic Places (NRHP) Nomination Form for Pawleys Island Historic 
District, ``this Island, especially the central part, exemplifies a way 
of life in its beauty, its setting, and its overall land use. Pawleys 
is one of the earliest--if not the earliest--of South Carolina's summer 
beach settlements and maintains integrity in the natural relationship 
of marsh, beach, and dune.'' The nomination form can be found here: 
https://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/georgetown/S10817722005/S10817722005.pdf.
    The decision to set the buffer at 10 nmi is consistent with 
information obtained from the North Carolina Visual Simulations study, 
which analyzed meteorological conditions within the North Carolina 
study areas and are expected to be meteorologically similar to the 
South Carolina Call Areas. This is the best information presently 
available to us for use in estimating an effective setback for the 
purposes of reducing impacts to viewshed for sensitive areas in South 
Carolina. The study may be found here: https://www.boem.gov/Renewable-
Energy-Program/State-Activities/NC/Task-6_Meteorological-Conditions-
Final-Report.aspx.
    With a setback of 10 nmi, the turbines will not be visible from the 
shoreline for a majority of the time. The data show that, for an 
average 24-hour period, there is visibility to 18.5 km (10 nmi) for the 
majority of the day, 132 days per year (or 36% of the year). At a 10 
nmi setback, there will be no effect on the viewshed for the majority 
of the day, 233 days per year (or 64% of the year). Additional 
consideration of viewshed impacts to potentially affected historic 
properties--including the Pawleys Island Historic District--may be 
undertaken during subsequent Section 106 reviews conducted by BOEM for 
activities proposed within this area.
    7. Grand Strand Call Area--Visual Impacts on Sunset Beach, NC: 
Portions of the adjacent Grand Strand Call Area are within 10 nmi of 
Sunset Beach, NC. During the public comment period for the North 
Carolina Call (published in December 2012), certain stakeholders raised 
concerns regarding potential visual impacts of offshore wind energy 
development in areas within the Wilmington West Wind Energy Area (WEA). 
Based on BOEM's analysis of these concerns, including the North 
Carolina Visual Simulations study described above, BOEM announced that 
areas within 10 nmi of Sunset Beach, NC would not be included as part 
of the Wilmington West WEA. Consistent with its approach in North 
Carolina, BOEM has therefore removed the OCS blocks from the Grand 
Strand Call Area that are within 10 nmi of Sunset Beach, NC.

Areas of Interest for Further Analysis

    Based on requests received from members of the Task Force, comments 
received during public information meetings, and initiatives passed by 
local government officials, BOEM is considering the potential effects 
of wind energy development on historic properties early in the planning 
process. BOEM therefore requests specific information on historic 
properties located in nearshore areas adjacent to the Call Areas. 
Specifically, BOEM is requesting information on historic sites, 
districts, and National Historic Landmarks, as well as cultural 
corridors and other historic properties, whose viewsheds may be a 
contributing element to eligibility to the NRHP.
    There are a total of 88 known properties listed in, or determined 
to be eligible for listing in, the NRHP located along the coastline 
within Horry, Georgetown, and Beaufort Counties. These properties 
include sites, structures, districts, and objects. Specifically, there 
are seven NRHP-listed lighthouses located within the coastal vicinity 
of South Carolina (Georgetown Light, Cape Romain Lighthouse, Morris 
Island Light, Hunting Island Light, Hilton Head Range Light, and Bloody 
Point Range Lights (within the Daufuskie Island Historic District)). In 
addition, there are five National Historic Landmarks located within the 
coastal vicinity of South Carolina (Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens, 
Robert William Roper House, USS Yorktown, USS Laffey, and USS 
Clamagore).
    Early in the planning process, BOEM considers the effects of 
introducing visual elements associated with offshore wind energy 
development into the landscape. As such, BOEM is requesting information 
that may guide early development of effective mitigation measures. 
Potential visual impacts may be mitigated through various means, 
including siting facilities away from sensitive areas.

Areas Under National Park Service (NPS) Jurisdiction

    The mission of the NPS, as set forth under the NPS Organic Act, is 
to protect the natural and cultural resources, including the scenery, 
in units of the National Park System, and to provide for their 
enjoyment in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for future 
generations (https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/index.htm; also see 16 U.S.C. 
1). The NPS has advised BOEM that they are concerned with any project 
features that would impact the viewshed from Fort Sumter National 
Monument and other historic properties.

Proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Critical Habitat Expansion

    On February 20, 2015, NMFS published a proposed rule to expand 
critical habitat for North Atlantic right whales in the North Atlantic, 
adding two new areas (80 FR 9314). Proposed Critical Habitat Unit 2 
includes marine waters from Cape Fear, NC southward to 29' N latitude 
(approximately 43 miles north of Cape Canaveral, Florida). The Grand 
Strand and Cape Romain Call Areas overlap with Unit 2 areas in the

[[Page 73827]]

proposed rule. The proposed critical habitat in the areas that overlap 
with the Call Areas is based on habitat suitable for North Atlantic 
right whale calving. BOEM will work with NOAA NMFS regarding potential 
impacts to any critical habitats and, if necessary, develop appropriate 
stipulations and mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce impacts.

Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor

    The Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor (Corridor) was 
designated by Congress in 2006 (Pub. L. 109-338) and extends from 
Wilmington, North Carolina to Jacksonville, Florida. The Corridor is 
home to a unique culture that was first shaped by West African slaves 
brought to the southern United States. Their traditions continue today 
through their descendants, known as the Gullah/Geechee people. The 
Corridor was established to:
     Recognize the important contributions made to American 
culture and history by African Americans known as the Gullah/Geechee 
who settled in the coastal counties of South Carolina, Georgia, North 
Carolina, and Florida;
     assist state and local governments and public and private 
entities in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida in 
interpreting the story of the Gullah/Geechee and preserving Gullah/
Geechee folklore, arts, crafts, and music; and
     assist in identifying and preserving sites, historical 
data, artifacts, and objects associated with the Gullah/Geechee for the 
benefit and education of the public.

As a Federal agency potentially affecting the Corridor, BOEM has the 
responsibility to:
     consult with the Secretary of the Interior and the Gullah/
Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission (GGCHCC) with respect to 
such activities;
     cooperate with the Secretary of the Interior and the 
GGCHCC in carrying out their duties and, to the maximum extent 
practicable, coordinate such activities with the carrying out of such 
duties; and
     to the maximum extent practicable, conduct or support such 
activities in a manner which the GGCHCC determines will not have an 
adverse effect on the Corridor.
    BOEM is asking for information on areas within the Corridor which 
may be affected by wind energy development on the OCS offshore South 
Carolina and any mitigation measures which may be implemented to reduce 
potential impacts.

Navigational Issues

    BOEM has analyzed USCG 2009 through 2012 Automatic Identification 
System (AIS) data, including density plots (by 1/16th of an OCS Block) 
for various individual vessel types (e.g. tankers, cargo vessels, tugs, 
etc.) that traverse the OCS offshore South Carolina. The AIS data used 
to conduct this analysis, in addition to other AIS tools, can be 
downloaded at: https://www.marinecadastre.gov/AIS/default.aspx. BOEM 
encourages respondents and interested parties to incorporate this 
information into their decision-making and comments and when nominating 
areas.
    The USCG considers the placement of offshore wind assessment and 
generation facilities in any area within 2 nmi of traditional shipping 
routes poses a risk to navigational safety and therefore does not 
recommend placement of such facilities in those areas. The USCG 
considers placement of such wind facilities in areas greater than 5 nmi 
from existing shipping routes to pose minimal risk to navigational 
safety. Areas considered for placement of wind facilities between 2 nmi 
and 5 nmi would require additional USCG analysis to determine if 
mitigation factors could be applied to bring navigational safety risk 
within USCG acceptable levels.

North Carolina: Wilmington West Wind Energy Area

    The Grand Strand Call Area is adjacent to the Wilmington West WEA 
in North Carolina. Certain North Carolina stakeholders have expressed 
concerns over visual impacts from offshore wind energy development. The 
state of North Carolina and other local governments have requested a 24 
nmi buffer from the North Carolina coastline. BOEM considers the 
effects of visual elements associated with offshore wind energy 
development, and will continue to do so throughout the planning process 
offshore South Carolina. As such, BOEM is requesting information and 
comments that may guide the early development of potential mitigation 
measures for visual impacts in Call Areas offshore South Carolina.

Required Nomination Information

    If you intend to submit a nomination for a commercial wind energy 
lease in the areas identified in this notice, you must provide the 
following information: (1) The BOEM Protraction name, number, and 
specific whole or partial OCS blocks within the Call Area(s) that are 
of interest for commercial wind leasing, including any required buffer 
area. This information should be submitted as a spatial file compatible 
with ArcGIS 10.0 in a geographic coordinate system (NAD 83) in addition 
to your hard copy submittal. If your proposed lease area(s) includes 
one or more partial blocks, please describe those partial blocks in 
terms of a sixteenth (i.e., sub-block) of an OCS block. BOEM will not 
consider any areas outside of the Call Areas in this process.
    (2) A description of your objectives and the facilities that you 
would use to achieve those objectives.
    (3) A preliminary schedule of proposed activities, including those 
leading to commercial operations.
    (4) Available and pertinent data and information concerning 
renewable energy resources and environmental conditions in the area(s) 
that you wish to lease, including energy and resource data and 
information used to evaluate the Call Areas. Where applicable, spatial 
information should be submitted in a format compatible with ArcGIS 10.0 
in a geographic coordinate system (NAD 83).
    (5) Documentation demonstrating that you are legally qualified to 
hold a lease, as set forth in 30 CFR 585.106 and 107. Examples of the 
documentation appropriate for demonstrating your legal qualifications 
and related guidance can be found in Chapter 2 and Appendix B of the 
BOEM Renewable Energy Framework Guide Book available at: https://www.boem.gov/REnGuidebook_03/. Legal qualification documents will be 
placed in an official file that may be made available for public 
review. If you wish that any part of your legal qualification 
documentation be kept confidential, clearly identify what should be 
kept confidential, and submit it under separate cover (see ``Protection 
of Privileged or Confidential Information Section'', below).
    (6) Documentation demonstrating that you are technically and 
financially capable of constructing, operating, maintaining and 
decommissioning the facilities described in (2) above. Guidance 
regarding the required documentation to demonstrate your technical and 
financial qualifications can be found at: https://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/QualificationGuidelines-pdf.aspx. Any documentation you submit to 
demonstrate your legal, technical, and financial qualifications must be 
provided to BOEM in both paper and electronic formats. BOEM considers 
an Adobe PDF file on a storage media device to be an acceptable format 
for an electronic copy.

[[Page 73828]]

    It is critical that you submit a complete nomination so that BOEM 
may evaluate your submission in a timely manner. If BOEM reviews your 
nomination and determines that it is incomplete, BOEM will inform you 
of this determination in a letter describing the information that BOEM 
determined to be missing from your nomination. You must then submit 
this information in order for BOEM to deem your submission complete. 
You will be given 15 business days from the date of that letter to 
submit the information that BOEM found to be missing from your original 
submission. If you do not meet this deadline, or if BOEM determines 
this second submission is insufficient and has failed to complete your 
nomination, then BOEM retains the right to deem your nomination 
invalid. In such a case, BOEM will not process your nomination.
    It is not required that you submit a nomination in response to this 
Call in order to submit a bid in a potential competitive lease sale 
offshore South Carolina, should BOEM determine that competitive 
interest exists in one or more portions of the Call Areas after the 
close of the Call comment period. However, you will not be able to 
participate in such a lease sale unless you demonstrate prior to the 
sale that you are legally qualified to hold a BOEM renewable energy 
lease, and you demonstrate that you are technically and financially 
capable of constructing, operating, maintaining, and decommissioning 
the facilities you would propose to install on your lease. To ensure 
that BOEM has sufficient time to process your qualifications package, 
you should submit this package during the PSN 60-day public comment 
period. More information can be found at: https://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/QualificationGuidelines-pdf.aspx.

Requested Information From Interested or Affected Parties

    BOEM is requesting specific and detailed comments from the public 
and other interested or affected parties regarding the following:
    1. Geological, geophysical, and biological conditions (including 
bottom and shallow hazards and live bottom) in the area described in 
this notice.
    2. Known archaeological and/or cultural resource sites on the 
seabed in the areas described in this notice.
    3. Historic properties potentially affected by the construction of 
meteorological towers, the installation of meteorological buoys, or 
commercial wind development in the areas identified in this Call.
    4. Multiple uses of the areas, including navigation (commercial and 
recreational vessel use), fishing hotspots, and commercial fishing 
areas.
    5. Information relating to whether or not offshore wind turbines 
located in the areas identified in this notice would adversely affect 
the South Carolina seascape, and ideas or strategies that could be used 
to help mitigate or minimize any adverse visual effects, such as: how 
far offshore turbines should be placed to minimize the visual impact 
from the coastline; specific locations or areas to avoid development 
altogether; or any other strategies to help reduce the visual footprint 
(for example, the color of the turbines [towers, nacelle, blades], the 
arrangement or pattern of the turbine array, the dimension of the 
turbines (e.g., height and blade span), visual navigational lighting 
requirements, the maximum number of turbines that should be allowed in 
a specific area, etc.).
    6. The type of transmission system (e.g., Alternating Current (AC), 
High Voltage-Direct Current (HVDC), etc.) a prospective developer would 
likely utilize for a wind facility offshore South Carolina. If AC, 
please state and explain the maximum distance you would be willing to 
run an AC transmission system to deliver power from an offshore wind 
facility to an onshore substation.
    7. General interest by a developer(s) in constructing a backbone 
transmission system that would transport electricity generated by wind 
projects located offshore South Carolina, including a general 
description of the transmission's proposed path and potential 
interconnection points.
    8. Available and pertinent data and information concerning 
renewable energy resources and environmental conditions in the area 
identified in this notice. Where applicable, spatial information should 
be submitted in a format compatible with ArcGIS 10.0 in a geographic 
coordinate system (NAD 83).
    9. Habitats that may require special attention during siting and 
construction.
    10. Other relevant socioeconomic, biological, and environmental 
information.

Protection of Privileged or Confidential Information

Freedom of Information Act

    BOEM will protect privileged or confidential information that you 
submit when 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 BOEM treat it as 
confidential. BOEM will not disclose such information if it qualifies 
for exemption from disclosure under FOIA. Please label privileged or 
confidential information ``Contains Confidential Information'' and 
consider submitting such information as a separate attachment.
    BOEM will not treat as confidential any aggregate summaries of such 
information or comments not containing such information. Additionally, 
BOEM 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. Information 
that is not labeled as privileged or confidential will be regarded by 
BOEM as suitable for public release.

Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470w-
3(a))

    BOEM is required, after consultation with the Secretary, to 
withhold the location, character, or ownership of historic resources if 
it determines that disclosure may, among other things, risk harm to the 
historic resources or impede the use of a traditional religious site by 
practitioners. Tribal entities should designate information that falls 
under Section 304 of NHPA as confidential.

    Dated: November 18, 2015.
Abigail Ross Hopper,
Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
[FR Doc. 2015-29908 Filed 11-24-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P