Negotiated Noncompetitive Agreements for the Use of Sand, Gravel, and/or Shell Resources on the Outer Continental Shelf, 45962-45977 [2017-21233]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 3, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45962-45977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21233]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

30 CFR Part 583

[Docket ID: BOEM-2010-0041; MMAA104000]
RIN 1010-AD90


Negotiated Noncompetitive Agreements for the Use of Sand, Gravel, 
and/or Shell Resources on the Outer Continental Shelf

AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule establishes new regulations to address the use 
of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sand, gravel, and/or shell resources 
for shore protection, beach restoration, or coastal wetlands 
restoration projects by Federal, state, or local government agencies, 
and for use in construction projects authorized by or funded in whole 
or in part by the Federal Government. The final rule describes the 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement process for qualifying projects and 
codifies new and existing procedures.

DATES: This rule is effective December 4, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka, Chief, Office 
of Policy, Regulations, and Analysis, Bureau of Ocean Energy 
Management, at: deanna.meyer-pietruszka@boem.gov or 202-208-6352.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 22, 2016, the Bureau of Ocean 
Energy Management (BOEM) published in the Federal Register (81 FR 
15190) a proposed rule entitled ``Negotiated Noncompetitive Leasing for 
the Use of Sand, Gravel, and Shell Resources on the Outer Continental 
Shelf.'' BOEM received comments from 8 individuals and organizations. 
BOEM reviewed these comments, categorized and organized them by 
subject, and has provided responses to those substantive comments in 
Section III below. These comments are available for viewing in their 
original form on www.regulations.gov by searching for the term: ``BOEM 
AD90.'' BOEM also renumbered the sections contained in the proposed 
rule to facilitate any later amendments that may be necessary. Finally, 
BOEM altered the title of the proposed rule by replacing ``Leasing'' 
with ``Agreements'' to more accurately reflect the types of instruments 
BOEM uses to convey offshore sand, gravel, and/or shell resources (i.e. 
leases or memoranda of agreement, as described below).

Table of Contents

I. Background
    A. Program Description
    B. Program History
II. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Final Rule
    A. Subpart A--General
    B. Subpart B--Reserved
    C. Subpart C--Outer Continental Shelf Sand, Gravel, and/or Shell 
Resources Negotiated Agreements
III. Summary of Comments Received on the Proposed Rule and BOEM 
Responses
IV. Legal and Regulatory Analysis

I. Background

    Congress amended the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 
1331-1356 (OCSLA), in 1994 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior 
to negotiate noncompetitive agreements with any person for the use of 
OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources in a program of, or project 
for, shore protection, beach restoration, or coastal wetlands 
restoration undertaken by a Federal, state, or local government agency, 
or in a construction project either authorized by, or funded in whole 
or in part by the Federal Government. See 43 U.S.C. 1337(k)(2). In 
negotiating an agreement for use of the OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources, OCSLA provides that ``the Secretary may assess a fee based 
on an assessment of the value of the resources and the public interest 
served by promoting development of the resources.'' However, the same 
provision of OCSLA also states that no fee will be assessed directly or 
indirectly against a Federal, state, or local government agency. See 43 
U.S.C. 1337(k)(2)(B).

A. Program Description

    Generally, shore protection and beach and coastal wetlands 
restoration projects are initiated to rebuild eroding shoreline 
segments, such as beaches and dunes, barrier islands, and wetlands. In 
sensitive wetland areas, these projects are intended to forestall 
further erosion, restore habitat and/or to provide protection from 
hurricanes and storms. These projects are typically accomplished by 
placing sand, gravel, or shell resources directly on the beach, in open 
water areas that are the location of an eroded beach, and/or within 
breaches in the shoreline that compromise the integrity of the beach or 
barrier island system or its capacity to form, and subsequently 
maintain, a beach. Material may also be placed updrift from the beach, 
allowing longshore processes to redistribute the

[[Page 45963]]

sand, gravel, and/or shell resources along the beach.
    OCSLA authorizes BOEM to enter into a negotiated noncompetitive 
agreement when the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources is 
authorized for qualifying projects. This negotiated agreement may take 
the form of a lease or a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), depending upon 
the type of applicant(s) requesting use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or 
shell resources. If a non-Federal entity requests the use of OCS sand, 
gravel, and/or shell resources, the negotiated noncompetitive agreement 
required by OCSLA would generally take the form of a lease. If a 
Federal agency requests the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources, BOEM and the Federal agency, as well as their Federal, 
state, or local government agency counterparts on the project, would 
enter into an MOA. For example, when a Federal agency partially or 
wholly funds a non-Federal entity to conduct a project that is 
otherwise eligible for OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources, the 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement may take the form of a three-party 
MOA. As warranted, the Federal applicant(s) and BOEM would designate a 
lead agency and enter into a cooperating agency agreement for the 
environmental analysis and review of the proposed project. Likewise, if 
another Federal agency is not involved, BOEM would ensure that 
appropriate environmental analysis and review is completed. The 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement in each of these situations would 
describe the project and procedures that would be followed, and 
identify environmental and administrative requirements that must be 
met. As described in Section III below in response to a comment 
received, the requirements and processes for entering into a negotiated 
noncompetitive agreement are the same whether the agreement takes the 
form of a lease or a MOA. The only distinction is that which Congress 
provides in OCSLA that, when these projects involve Federal agencies, 
the Federal agency ``shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with 
the Secretary. . . .'' See 43 U.S.C. 1337(k)(2)(D).

B. Program History

    BOEM and its predecessor agencies--the Minerals Management Service 
and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement--
through the Marine Minerals Program, have been exercising statutory 
authority regarding OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources under 
OCSLA pursuant to written guidelines, without the benefit of 
implementing regulations. BOEM has negotiated over 50 noncompetitive 
agreements, providing for the use of more than 100 million cubic yards 
of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources for shore protection, beach 
restoration, or coastal wetlands restoration projects undertaken by a 
Federal, state, or local government agency, and for federally 
authorized or funded construction projects. BOEM believes that 
promulgation of regulations at this time is advisable to provide 
additional clarity and certainty and to help ensure continuity of the 
Marine Minerals Program.

II. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Final Rule

Subpart A--General

Section 583.100 What is BOEM's authority for information collection 
(IC)?
    This section explains BOEM's authority for IC activities related to 
part 583. It explains the reasons the information is being collected 
and confirms the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the 
collection.
Section 583.105 What is the purpose of this rule and to whom does it 
apply?
    This section explains that the purpose of this rule is to refine 
and formally adopt procedures for entering into negotiated 
noncompetitive agreements for the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources for shore protection; beach or coastal wetlands restoration 
by a Federal, state, or local government agency; or for construction 
projects authorized or funded, in whole or in part, by the Federal 
Government. This section explains that the rule applies exclusively to 
the negotiated noncompetitive use of sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources on the OCS and does not apply to competitive leasing of 
minerals, including oil, gas, sulphur, geopressured-geothermal and 
associated resources, and all other minerals that are authorized by an 
Act of Congress to be produced from ``public lands'' as defined in 
section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as 
amended (FLPMA). (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)
Section 583.110 What is BOEM's authority for this rule?
    This section explains that in adopting these regulations, BOEM is 
operating under authority granted to the Secretary of the Interior by 
OCSLA.
Section 583.115 What definitions do I need to know?
    This section defines many of the terms commonly used in the Marine 
Minerals Program and now used in this part, including ``borrow area,'' 
``placement area,'' and ``project.'' This section also defines other 
terms for purposes of this part, including ``agreement,'' 
``amendment,'' ``applicant,'' ``BOEM,'' ``Federal agency,'' ``local 
government,'' ``modification,'' ``program,'' and ``Secretary.'' This 
section also makes the definitions applicable to Part 550 of Title 30 
of the CFR applicable to this part.
Section 583.120 Who is qualified for a project?
    This section explains who is qualified to enter into an agreement 
with BOEM for the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources, and 
explains the requirements to comply with the relevant debarment 
regulations.
Section 583.125 What are my rights to seek reconsideration of an 
unfavorable decision by BOEM?
    This section sets out the kinds of decisions that would be subject 
to reconsideration, and the process available to an unsuccessful 
applicant or adversely affected party for obtaining reconsideration.
Section 583.130 What are the minimum contents of an agreement to use 
OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources?
    This section explains who is allowed to use OCS sand, gravel, and/
or shell resources under these regulations, and explains that use 
authorizations are in the form of agreements that are negotiated on a 
case-by-case basis. It also explains that the agreements identify the 
location, type and volume of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources 
allowed to be used under the agreement. In addition, it explains that 
an authorization to use OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources is not 
exclusive. BOEM has modified language in this section from the proposed 
rule by adding language stating that ``terms and conditions and 
environmental stipulations'' will be included in the list of the 
minimum contents of an agreement, and adding language to clarify the 
conditions under which more than one entity may use the same borrow 
area.

[[Page 45964]]

Subpart B--Reserved

Subpart C--Outer Continental Shelf Sand, Gravel, and/or Shell Resources 
Negotiated Agreements

Section 583.300 How do I submit a request for an agreement?
    This section explains who may submit a request to BOEM to obtain an 
agreement for the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources. It 
lists the information that the request must include, such as a detailed 
description of the proposed project and how it qualifies as a program 
or project eligible under OCSLA to receive OCS sand, gravel, and/or 
shell resources pursuant to a negotiated noncompetitive agreement; a 
description of borrow and placement areas; certain maps and data; other 
uses of the OCS and infrastructure in the borrow area that are known to 
the applicant; a description of the environmental evaluations that have 
been completed or are being prepared that cover the project, including 
both onshore and offshore components; a target date or date range when 
the resources will be needed; a description of the person or government 
entities that are undertaking the project and points of contact; a list 
of permits, licenses and authorization required for the project; a 
description of potential inconsistencies with state coastal zone 
management plans or other applicable state and local laws; and a 
statement explaining who authorized the project and how the project 
will be funded. Since issuance of the proposed rule, BOEM replaced the 
requirement that hard copy maps be provided with the request for a 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement in section 583.300(a)(2)(i); 
instead, the final rule requires digital (pdf) maps be provided. This 
modification in the final rule recognizes changes in technology and 
that most submissions are now made electronically.
Section 583.305 How will BOEM determine if a project qualifies?
    This section lays out the factors that BOEM uses to determine 
whether a project qualifies for use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources under a negotiated noncompetitive agreement. The section 
enumerates the evaluation criteria, including: The project purpose; 
other uses of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources that are 
currently or previously authorized from the same borrow area; the 
project funding source(s) and amounts; the proposed design and 
feasibility of the project; any potential environmental and safety 
risks associated with the project; other Federal interests located near 
or within the specified borrow area; comments received from potentially 
affected state or local governments, if any; the applicant's background 
and experience working on similar projects or activities; whether the 
project operations can be conducted in a manner that protects the 
environment and promotes orderly development of OCS mineral resources; 
whether activities can be conducted in a manner that does not pose a 
threat of serious harm or damage to, or waste of, any natural 
resources, any life, property, or the marine, coastal, or human 
environment; and whether the project is consistent with applicable 
statutes and their implementing regulations, which may include, but are 
not limited to, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) (16 U.S.C. 1361 et 
seq.), the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act 
(MDRPRA) (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.), the Marine Plastic Pollution 
Research and Control Act (MPPRCA) (33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), the Federal 
Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) (33 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), and the 
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 
(MARPOL), MARPOL-Annex V Treaty.
Section 583.310 What process does BOEM use to technically and 
environmentally evaluate a qualified project?
    This section explains the process that BOEM follows to evaluate a 
project that qualifies for the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources to decide whether to enter into a negotiated noncompetitive 
agreement. It states that BOEM coordinates with relevant Federal 
agencies, states, and local governments, and any potentially affected 
federally recognized Indian tribes or Alaska Native corporations during 
this process. It also describes how BOEM evaluates the project and 
additional information provided under sections 583.300 and 583.305 to 
determine if the information is sufficient to conduct necessary 
technical and environmental reviews to comply with the requirements of 
applicable statutes and regulations, which may include, but are but not 
limited to: OCSLA (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.), the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.), the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), the 
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), 
and the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) (16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.). 
Finally, this section provides that BOEM will not enter into a 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement until the information requested for 
the evaluation has been provided and BOEM has evaluated it.
Section 583.315 What is the process for negotiating and executing an 
agreement?
    This section describes the steps BOEM takes once it has completed 
its technical, environmental and other evaluations. This section 
provides further that, once BOEM has completed its review of an 
application, BOEM will decide whether to enter into an agreement. This 
section provides that, if BOEM decides to enter into an agreement, BOEM 
will negotiate the terms of the agreement and prepare a draft agreement 
for the applicant's review and comment. The section also provides that, 
after BOEM considers the applicant's comments and suggestions, it may, 
at its discretion, finalize the agreement and send it to the applicant 
for signature. As provided in this section, once BOEM receives the 
agreement with the applicant's signature, BOEM will execute the 
agreement and distribute it to the parties to the agreement. Finally, 
this section describes the process BOEM would use when it decides not 
to approve an agreement.
Section 583.320 What kinds of information must be included in an 
agreement?
    This section describes the minimum information that an agreement is 
required to include, such as an agreement number assigned by BOEM; the 
purpose of, and authorities for, the agreement; the designated and 
delineated borrow area(s); the project description, including the 
timeframe within which the project is to be started and completed; the 
terms and conditions of the agreement, including any reporting 
requirements; all obligations of the parties; and the signatures of 
appropriate individuals authorized to bind the applicants and BOEM. In 
this final rule, in section 583.320(e), BOEM added ``environmental 
mitigations and operating parameters'' to the examples of terms and 
conditions that might be included in an agreement, to make clear that, 
if there are any environmental mitigations or operating parameters, 
that information must be included in negotiated noncompetitive 
agreements.

[[Page 45965]]

Section 583.325 What is the effective date of an agreement?
    This section describes what determines the effective date of the 
agreement.
Section 583.330 How will BOEM enforce the agreement?
    This section describes how BOEM would enforce the terms of an 
agreement and the consequences, including termination, for failure to 
comply with any applicable law or with the agreement terms. This 
section also provides that the failure to comply in a timely and 
satisfactory manner with any provision, term or condition of the 
agreement may delay or prevent BOEM's approval of future requests for 
use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources on the part of the 
parties to the agreement.
Section 583.335 What is the term of the agreement?
    This section explains when an agreement terminates: (1) By a date 
specified in the agreement; (2) pursuant to 30 CFR 583.350; or (3) when 
parties to the agreement notify BOEM in writing that sufficient 
resources, up to the amount authorized in the agreement, have been 
removed to complete the project. This section also explains that, 
absent extraordinary circumstances, no agreement will have a term that 
is longer than five years from its effective date. Examples of 
extraordinary circumstances where a term longer than five years may be 
appropriate include a program of multiple individual projects to be 
carried out over multiple seasons, or where the Congressional 
authorization for a project calls for multiple phases. It is within 
BOEM's sole discretion to determine when extraordinary circumstances 
warrant a term longer than five years. Prior to the end of the term in 
an agreement, the parties would have the option to request an extension 
or modification to the terms of the agreement, as set forth in section 
583.345.
Section 583.340 What debarment or suspension obligations apply to 
transactions and contracts related to a project?
    This section explains that the applicant has the obligation to 
ensure that all contracts and transactions related to an agreement 
issued under this part comply with the suspension and debarment 
regulations at 2 CFR part 180 and 2 CFR part 1400.
Section 583.345 What is the process for extending or modifying an 
agreement?
    This section explains how an applicant may seek to extend or modify 
an agreement and spells out the timeframes when this might be 
accomplished. It provides that BOEM is under no obligation to extend or 
modify an agreement and cannot be held liable for the consequences of 
the expiration of an agreement. If BOEM approves a modification, BOEM 
will prepare an amendment to the agreement and provide it for review by 
the parties to the agreement prior to execution of the amendment. If 
BOEM disapproves the request, BOEM will notify the parties to the 
agreement of the reasons in writing. Parties to the agreement may ask 
the BOEM Director for reconsideration in accordance with section 
583.125.
Section 583.350 When can an agreement be terminated?
    This section explains the circumstances under which the Director 
will terminate an agreement after notice and an opportunity to be 
heard. The termination factors include fraud or misrepresentation. This 
section also explains the circumstances under which the Director may 
immediately suspend and subsequently terminate an agreement, including 
when there is noncompliance with the agreement; national security or 
defense reasons; or when the Director determines that: (1) There are 
situations in which continuing with the agreement would cause serious 
harm or damage to natural resources, life, property, the marine, 
coastal, or human environment, or significant historical or 
archaeological sites, structures or objects; (2) the threat of harm or 
damage will not disappear or decrease to an acceptable extent within a 
reasonable period of time; and (3) the advantages of termination 
outweigh the advantages of continuing the agreement. This section also 
explains the process for terminations and suspensions and explains that 
none of the parties to the agreement will be entitled to compensation 
as a result of expenses or lost revenues that may result from the 
termination.

III. Summary of Comments Received on the Proposed Rule and BOEM 
Responses

General Comments on 30 CFR Part 583

    Comment: Two commenters commended BOEM for its existing program to 
utilize OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources to repair damaged 
coastal areas and improve shore protection, beach restoration and 
coastal wetlands protection. They commented that BOEM's activities are 
beneficial, lawful, and properly within the jurisdiction of the United 
States Department of the Interior.
    Response: BOEM and its predecessor agencies have been exercising 
statutory authority to successfully operate this popular program for 
many years. BOEM has negotiated over 50 agreements, providing for the 
use of more than 100 million cubic yards of OCS sand, gravel, and/or 
shell resources for shore protection, beach restoration, or coastal 
wetlands restoration. This final rule codifies the procedures BOEM has 
used to implement this program for many years and ensures consistency 
as the program continues to process requests for use of OCS sand, 
gravel, and/or shell resources and manage these resources into the 
future.
    Comment: Another commenter suggested that BOEM needs to more 
clearly identify the basis that staff will use to weigh the stated 
criteria for approval of a negotiated noncompetitive agreement in the 
face of competing interests. The commenter also suggested that a 
timeline for approval of an agreement be stated in the rule.
    Response: Currently, BOEM evaluates applications for the use of OCS 
sand, gravel, and/or shell resources on a case-by-case basis as they 
are submitted, taking into account relevant factors and criteria 
described in the rule and below. The criteria BOEM uses in evaluating 
an application are provided in Section 583.305. BOEM does not assign a 
weight to each criterion but considers each criterion in the context of 
the entire proposed project, as well as pending requests for other 
projects in the same or nearby borrow areas.
    The timelines for processing applications and requests vary based 
upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, completion of 
necessary environmental analyses (e.g., through the NEPA process) and 
consultation processes (e.g., Tribal consultations or ESA 
consultations). The environmental review process can range from six 
months to a year or more. The duration of the environmental review is 
variable and can be influenced by many factors that can drive different 
timeframes, including the scope and issues of a project, type of 
environmental review needed (e.g., Environmental Assessment (EA) or 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under NEPA), applicability of 
reviews or consultations previously completed, additional information 
or studies that may be necessary, emergent stakeholder concerns, and 
whether or not another Federal partner is leading, or

[[Page 45966]]

cooperating on, the environmental review and consultations. Once the 
environmental reviews and consultations are completed, it may take up 
to an additional six months to complete the process for issuing a final 
agreement, as project-specific stipulations in the agreement are 
negotiated between the applicant(s) and BOEM.
    Because every project must be evaluated using a number of factors 
and project-specific information, BOEM determined that it is not 
possible to modify the rule as requested by the commenters. Providing 
specific weighting of criteria or providing an inflexible review 
deadline would be unnecessarily restrictive given the complexities of 
evaluating individual, site specific projects while complying with 
multiple statutes governing environmental review and consultation.
    Comment: One commenter thought there should be public notice of 
every application and agreement to increase the transparency of the 
process. Another expressed that BOEM should consider a process to 
provide notice and solicit additional expressions of interest or 
proposals from the public when it receives an application for a 
particular area. Finally, one commenter stated that the procedures set 
out in the rule do not contain sufficient opportunities or avenues for 
public engagement.
    Response: BOEM is endeavoring to increase transparency of the 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement process through efforts such as 
posting formal request letters on its Web page and coordinating with 
the states in advance of anticipated requests for OCS sand, gravel, 
and/or shell resources. BOEM will be unable, however, to formally 
solicit additional expressions of interest each time it receives an 
application because the applicable statutory provision governing 
agreements issued pursuant to these regulations specifically provides 
for a noncompetitive process where agreements are negotiated on a 
qualifying program or project basis. See 43 U.S.C. 1337(k)(2). Public 
notice of projects will be provided through the BOEM Web site and, as 
appropriate, during the public participation process of NEPA; the 
permitting process for authorized U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 
civil works projects, through the USACE Section 404 permitting process, 
where applicable; and through BOEM engagement during stakeholder 
outreach and government-to-government consultations. In addition, to 
facilitate stakeholder awareness and engagement, BOEM holds annual 
regional Sand Management Working Group meetings in close consultation 
with the states to understand future projected OCS sand, gravel, and/or 
shell resource needs. BOEM seeks to make its process a collaborative 
effort that involves all interested stakeholders, where appropriate.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that since sand resources are 
often identified by and valuable to local governments, they should be 
granted exclusive use for those OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources if they expend the resources to develop them as potential 
borrow areas. The commenter referenced local government funding of 
borrow area studies and questioned whether funding would be reimbursed 
if the area studied is authorized for use by another party. The 
commenter suggested that BOEM should decide which particular use of 
resources is in the national interest.
    Response: An executed agreement grants the right to a party to 
extract and use OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources from a 
designated borrow area as further described below. The provision of 
OCSLA, which this final rule implements, does not provide for 
agreements that grant the exclusive use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or 
shell resources, but rather provides for the negotiation of agreements 
on a noncompetitive basis as qualifying projects and programs are 
proposed. See 43 U.S.C. 1337(k)(2). BOEM does not reimburse parties for 
independent studies conducted on the OCS. However, BOEM does often work 
with individual states through funded cooperative agreements to 
identify potential sand resources on the OCS. BOEM operates the program 
in the national interest and in keeping with the policies under OCSLA 
for providing access to OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources.
    Comment: A commenter expressed concern that a proximal OCS borrow 
area specifically identified for a local project as containing 
appropriate material could be removed by another entity, thereby 
increasing the cost to the original local sponsor as they have to haul 
material from a greater distance. A commenter also suggested that BOEM 
needs a way to prioritize projects.
    Response: BOEM encourages ongoing dialogue among stakeholders so 
that it can manage the interests of multiple parties in these critical 
resources going forward. BOEM facilitates such discussions through its 
annual regional Sand Management Working Group meetings. In addition, 
BOEM will undertake additional future coordination with interested 
stakeholders to identify and manage overlapping interest by state and 
local governments in using OCS borrow areas. As BOEM evaluates an 
individual project through the environmental analyses, it will consider 
potential cumulative impacts to borrow areas from other past, present 
and proposed uses.
    Comment: A commenter suggested that the non-exclusive use of 
resources provision is not workable because the rule does not specify 
that concurrent negotiated noncompetitive agreements will be non-
conflicting, and could provide an advantage to the first applicant 
granted access to use a resource.
    Response: Nothing in OCSLA authorizes BOEM to grant an ownership 
interest in OCS borrow areas or the sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources on the OCS, or the exclusive use of an OCS sand, gravel, or 
shell resource in a negotiated noncompetitive agreement (43 U.S.C. 
1337(k)(2)). In BOEM negotiated agreements, BOEM expressly reserves the 
right to authorize other uses in the designated borrow area that will 
not unreasonably interfere with activities authorized under the 
agreement. BOEM allows parties to an agreement to review and comment on 
any proposed authorizations for use of OCS sand resources in the 
designated borrow area while their agreement is in effect. To the 
extent there are multiple projects in the same borrow area, the 
negotiated noncompetitive agreements may encourage coordination between 
the parties to reduce the potential for space/use conflicts.
    This final rule modified language in the proposed rule at section 
583.130 to state ``BOEM may allow other entities to use OCS sand, 
gravel, and/or shell resources from the same borrow area if these uses 
are determined by BOEM to be non-conflicting and do not exceed the 
availability of the OCS resource.''
    Comment: One commenter stated that the proposed rule does not 
address borrow area sediment use, quantity, and quality.
    Response: Regarding borrow sediment use, section 583.120 (a) states 
that ``BOEM may enter into an agreement with any person proposing to 
use OCS sand, gravel, or shell resources for a program of, or project 
for, shore protection, beach restoration, or coastal wetlands 
restoration.'' Section 583.300(a) requires that the applicant detail 
how the material will be used and how the proposed project qualifies as 
an eligible project. Regarding quantity, section 583.130 calls for any 
issued agreement to identify the volume and type of OCS sand, gravel, 
and/or shell

[[Page 45967]]

resources that may be obtained from the authorized borrow site for the 
qualified project. gravel, and/or shell.
    Aside from identifying the type of resources included in an 
agreement, the regulation does not address quality. BOEM will not make 
representations as to any aspects of quality, other than the type, of 
any particular material utilized for qualified projects. It is the 
applicant's responsibility to assess the quality of the type of OCS 
sand, gravel, and/or shell resources in a borrow area as it relates to 
the suitability of these resources for the applicant's proposed use.
    Comment: A commenter suggested that BOEM prepare a programmatic 
environmental impact statement for this rule, as well as engage in 
consultation under the Endangered Species Act. The commenter felt that 
a project-by-project approach to NEPA and ESA consultations would fail 
to account for cumulative impacts from multiple projects.
    Response: These final regulations are administrative and procedural 
in nature and therefore meet the criteria set forth in 43 CFR 46.210(i) 
for a Departmental ``categorical exclusion'' in that this rule is ``. . 
. of an administrative, financial, legal, technical, or procedural 
nature. . . .'' BOEM has also determined that the rule does not involve 
any of the extraordinary circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215. 
Similarly, the rule does not itself result in any impacts to listed 
species under the ESA.
    BOEM has determined, in its discretion under NEPA, it will either 
individually or programmatically evaluate the environmental impacts of 
projects as they are proposed, when there is sufficient information on 
the proposal to be evaluated, including but not limited to the timing, 
location, and resources that may be implicated. Without these types of 
project specific details, impacts could not be reasonably evaluated at 
a national programmatic level. NEPA requires, even in project specific 
analyses, that cumulative impacts from past, present, and reasonably 
foreseeable activities be considered. There is a similar requirement 
during ESA consultations to ensure cumulative impacts on listed species 
are considered.

Comments Related to Specific Sections of the Rule

583.120 Who is qualified for a project?
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the rule seems to apply only 
to Federal projects and makes the application process to obtain an 
agreement easier when another Federal agency is one of the applicants. 
Another commenter noted that the proposed rule seems to apply only to 
projects funded in whole or in part by the Federal Government, and it 
questions how these regulations will affect local and state projects 
proposed without a Federal partner. A commenter asked how BOEM's 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement process addresses when non-Federal 
projects identify borrow areas that a Federal project also identifies.
    Response: OCSLA, at 43 U.S.C. 1337(k), provides that BOEM may enter 
into agreements for use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources in: 
(i) A program of, or project for, shore protection, beach restoration, 
or coastal wetlands restoration undertaken by a Federal, state, or 
local government agency; or (ii) for use in a construction project, 
other than a project described in clause (i), that is funded in whole 
or in part by or authorized by the Federal Government (emphasis added). 
These new regulations at 30 CFR part 583 codify the process for BOEM to 
enter into negotiated noncompetitive agreements for any of these types 
of projects. Therefore, a state or local government agency may qualify 
for a negotiated noncompetitive agreement to use these OCS resources 
for a project they undertake for shore protection, beach restoration, 
or coastal wetlands restoration, whether or not they have a Federal 
partner for the project. Whether a project is undertaken by or funded 
by a Federal partner or by a non-Federal applicant, the requests are 
reviewed and processed similarly by BOEM, including, but not limited 
to, analyzing multiple interests in the same borrow areas at the time a 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement is processed.
    Comment: A commenter stated that it appears the process for 
approval of a negotiated noncompetitive agreement will take more time 
and be more expensive than preparing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) 
for a Federal project.
    Response: The timing and expense to obtain an MOA for federally 
funded, authorized, or constructed projects is the same as for a lease 
for a non-federal project. Similar required information must be 
submitted in an application for any negotiated noncompetitive 
agreement, whether it takes the form of a lease (for projects that do 
not have a Federal partner) or an MOA (for projects including a Federal 
agency). Both will undergo the same environmental scrutiny. The 
decision to call an agreement a MOA versus a lease is strictly a matter 
of whether another Federal agency is involved, as mandated by OCSLA at 
43 U.S.C. 1337(k)(D) (``Any Federal agency which proposes to make use 
of sand, gravel, and/or shell resources subject to the provisions of 
this subchapter shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the 
Secretary concerning the potential use of those resources.''). The 
application review process and all other requirements are the same.
    Comment: A commenter asked whether a project might be approved to 
extract material and create a stockpile onshore, for use as needed over 
time. The commenter also inquired whether an entity would be allowed to 
sell any excess material deemed unnecessary for the original purpose to 
defray costs.
    Response: Regarding borrow sediment use, section 583.120(a) states 
that ``BOEM may enter into an agreement with any person proposing to 
use OCS sand, gravel, or shell resources for a program of, or project 
for, shore protection, beach restoration, or coastal wetlands 
restoration . . . '' (emphasis added). Other uses are not authorized 
under this section of OCSLA. BOEM, with the support of its sister 
agency the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), will 
enforce the provisions of the lease and will take appropriate 
enforcement actions, if necessary. The new regulation section 
583.300(a) specifically requires that the applicant detail how the 
material will be used and how it qualifies as an eligible project. 
Staging of the OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources onshore for 
ultimate use in a qualified project or program may be approved so long 
as the resources are ultimately used for the qualified project 
identified in the agreement, during the agreement term. However, the 
sale of excess material not needed for the project would not be a 
qualified use of the OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources and would 
therefore not be an authorized use.
583.125 What are my rights to seek reconsideration of an unfavorable 
decision by BOEM?
    Comment: One commenter suggested that besides the right to request 
reconsideration of the Director provided by section 583.125, appellants 
should be allowed to appeal pursuant to 30 CFR part 590, like appeals 
from other DOI land management decisions. Another commenter thought the 
appeals process was too limited and provided too much authority to the 
BOEM Director to decide whether a project qualifies. One commenter 
requested clarification that this regulation would not affect actions 
brought under the Administrative Procedure Act.
    Response: The reconsideration process for unsuccessful applicants 
in

[[Page 45968]]

this rule is consistent with the process BOEM has provided to 
unsuccessful bidders in other leasing programs administered by the 
Bureau. See e.g., 30 CFR 556.517 and 585.118. Due to the similarities 
between this program and other mineral leasing programs administered by 
BOEM, the Bureau determined that using a similar process to allow 
applicants to request reconsideration of disapprovals of applications 
for leases or MOAs related to OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources 
would give applicants an appropriate review opportunity. Therefore, the 
final rule includes BOEM's standard process of allowing unsuccessful 
applicants, whose request was disapproved or disqualified by the 
Regional Director or equivalent, to seek reconsideration by the 
Director. This final rule provides for a reconsideration process for 
decisions on negotiated noncompetitive agreements under 43 U.S.C. 
1337(k). Agreements typically include a dispute resolution process as 
part of the terms negotiated with the applicants; therefore, a separate 
appeals process is not necessary once the agreement is executed.
583.130 What are the minimum contents of an agreement to use OCS sand, 
gravel, and/or shell resources?
    Comment: A commenter requested that BOEM specify that the minimum 
contents of an agreement should include terms and conditions, including 
recommended, as well as required environmental mitigation requirements. 
A commenter questioned whether more than one entity might use the same 
resource.
    Response: Text has been added to this final rule in section 
583.130, to provide that the negotiated noncompetitive agreement will 
include ``terms and conditions and environmental stipulations.'' As 
noted above, text was also added to respond to a comment on non-
exclusive use of the resources in a borrow area to state, ``BOEM may 
allow other entities to use OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources 
from the same borrow area if these uses are determined by BOEM to be 
non-conflicting and do not exceed the availability of the OCS 
resource.''
583.300 How do I submit a request for an agreement?
    Comment: One commenter suggested that duplicative information is 
currently submitted in association with an application under this rule 
and a Clean Water Act application. It suggested instead that submission 
of the Clean Water Act application be allowed to fulfill the 
information request for any overlapping items.
    Response: BOEM needs the information identified in the regulations 
to inform its own decision on whether to issue a negotiated 
noncompetitive agreement for OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources. 
There may be information requested by section 583.300 that is also 
collected under the Clean Water Act permit application. In cases where 
duplicative information is required by more than one agency, BOEM will 
allow applicants to submit that portion of the Clean Water Act permit 
application to BOEM as part of the negotiated noncompetitive agreement 
application to reduce reporting burdens.
    Comment: Another commenter urged BOEM to modify its rule to include 
a requirement to identify the location of existing and planned 
submarine cables, called proximate critical infrastructure, and then 
for applicants to coordinate and consult about OCS sand, gravel, and/or 
shell resource extraction operations with the infrastructure owners as 
a condition to qualifying for a negotiated agreement with BOEM. The 
commenter encourages the establishment of default or minimum separation 
distances to protect submarine cables.
    Response: Although submarine cables are not identified specifically 
in the rule, the careful evaluation of other uses of potential OCS 
borrow areas are considered throughout the review process. Minimum 
separation distances from known infrastructure are already incorporated 
into the language of negotiated noncompetitive agreements. In addition, 
survey requirements help ensure that activities avoid hazards or 
anthropogenic resources, including, but not limited to, potential 
shipwrecks and infrastructure. BOEM has added a reference to 
infrastructure to the final rule at section 583.300(a)(4), a term which 
would include submarine cables and other similar such hazards. BOEM, 
however, encourages submarine cable owners and operators to coordinate 
with and inform BOEM on the placement and location of such 
infrastructure to further reduce the potential for space/use conflicts. 
BOEM appreciates recent overtures from this industry about this concern 
and we look forward to ongoing coordination on these issues.
    Comment: A commenter asked that BOEM specify that all requests for 
an agreement should include ecological information, including surveys 
of wildlife and habitat characterizations. A commenter requested that 
BOEM clarify that separate Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered 
Species Act permit authorizations may be required for geophysical data 
acquisition activities, such as sub-bottom profiling and seismic 
surveys.
    Response: BOEM believes these issues are already addressed 
adequately under section 583.300(a)(5) and (a)(8). The minimum list of 
items that should accompany a request is provided in section 
583.300(a). This list is not meant to be exhaustive of all steps/
authorizations that may be required in order to provide the necessary 
information, such as permits for survey work that may be required to 
support the request. For example, the need for Marine Mammal Protection 
Act and Endangered Species Act authorizations is project and species 
specific and cannot be determined in advance of a request.
583.310 What process does BOEM use to technically and environmentally 
evaluate a qualified project?
    Comment: One commenter suggested that an Environmental Impact 
Statement should be prepared about the effects of resource removal and 
placement.
    Response: Once BOEM determines that a project qualifies for a 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement, a project-specific environmental 
evaluation process begins, consistent with the Bureau's obligations 
under NEPA and other applicable law. BOEM will evaluate the project and 
all relevant information provided to determine if the information is 
sufficient to conduct necessary technical and environmental reviews to 
assure the project complies with the requirements of relevant statutes 
or regulations. As required by law, BOEM complies with NEPA in 
undertaking agency action. BOEM will determine the level of 
environmental review (e.g., environmental assessment or environmental 
impact statement) appropriate to the NEPA process once it has enough 
site-specific and project information. During that NEPA process and any 
related ESA consultation, BOEM identifies and evaluates cumulative 
impacts.
583.320 What kinds of information must be included in an agreement?
    Comment: A commenter suggested that BOEM should add language to its 
rule so that it may require environmental mitigation measures and a 
reservation for BOEM to modify the agreement and/or terms and 
conditions to further mitigate detrimental environmental effects.
    Response: BOEM considers potential mitigation measures throughout 
the environmental review process for the application and during 
drafting of

[[Page 45969]]

negotiated noncompetitive agreements. BOEM develops environmental 
protection or mitigation measures for an individual project when 
reviewing the application and while drafting the agreement or as a 
result of ESA consultation. BOEM includes these measures, as 
appropriate, as terms and conditions in the agreement. BOEM has 
modified the final rule language to explicitly reference environmental 
mitigations in section 583.320(e).
583.335 What is the term of the agreement?
    Comment: One commenter objected to a term of only five years, 
especially since non-federal projects, and those with multiple phases, 
may have a planning horizon of more than thirty years. The commenter 
suggested that any negotiated noncompetitive agreement should have a 
term that coincides with the permitting timelines of the relevant 
state. Another commenter noted that by limiting the term to only five 
years, non-federal sponsors may lose the borrow area for subsequent 
project phases. In addition, the commenter concluded that only 
federally authorized projects were eligible for a negotiated 
noncompetitive agreement extension based on the example of 
``extraordinary circumstances'' contained in the ``Section-by-Section 
Analysis of the Proposed Rule'' (81 FR 15190, 15193, March 22, 2016) 
that states that extensions may be obtained ``where the Congressional 
authorization for a project called for multiple phases.''
    Response: BOEM has determined that having a maximum term for 
negotiated noncompetitive agreements (see section 583.335(b)), absent 
an extraordinary circumstance, encourages timely and efficient use of 
the OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources, informs the environmental 
analyses necessary for BOEM to make a decision on the agreement, and 
enables BOEM to manage competing uses and requests for use of OCS sand, 
gravel, and/or shell resources from OCS borrow areas.
    BOEM examined a number of options for maximum terms for agreements, 
absent extraordinary circumstances. A longer maximum agreement term 
could serve as an incentive for agencies or authorities to seek 
authorizations for highly speculative projects far into the future that 
may be unlikely to be funded or that would change significantly in 
scope and require additional environmental analysis in the future. 
Therefore, BOEM selected five years as the maximum term for negotiated 
noncompetitive agreements, which considers the lead times needed for a 
project applicant to obtain an agreement and enter into related 
construction contracts. There must be some reasonable time limit within 
which BOEM expects the resources to be used and the project completed 
to fulfill the Bureau's statutory obligations and manage the resources 
responsibly for multiple stakeholders.
    Congressional authorization is not the only available condition for 
demonstrating an extraordinary circumstance justifying a term longer 
than five years under section 585.335, or for obtaining a negotiated 
noncompetitive agreement extension under section 585.345. When 
referring to section 583.307, the preamble to the proposed rule reads: 
``Examples of extraordinary circumstances where an initial term longer 
than five years may be appropriate would include a program of multiple 
individual projects to be carried out over multiple seasons or where 
the Congressional authorization for a project called for multiple 
phases.'' (81 FR 15190, 15193, March 22, 2016) (emphasis added). These 
are examples of instances where an initial negotiated noncompetitive 
agreement term of greater than five years may be considered, and are 
not meant to be an exhaustive list. Extensions to agreements are 
addressed in section 583.345 concerning processes for modification and 
may be granted, in BOEM's discretion, after it re-evaluates the project 
and conducts any additional reviews that may be appropriate.
583.345 What is the process for extending or modifying an agreement?
    Comment: A commenter expressed concern that BOEM would not be able 
to modify an agreement.
    Response: Per section 583.345, an agreement may be extended or 
modified; the rule provides a process for requesting such an amendment.

IV. Legal and Regulatory Analysis

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order (E.O.) 12866)

    E.O. 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs (OIRA), a part of the OMB, will review all significant rules. 
OIRA has determined that this rule is not significant.
    (1) A regulatory impact analysis is not required. This rule 
formalizes existing policies and procedures that govern the use of OCS 
sand, gravel, and/or shell resources. The existing policies, 
procedures, consultations and monitoring requirements for the 
noncompetitive use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources are 
longstanding and have remained relatively consistent for two decades. 
This rule does not materially change the existing requirements for 
authorizing the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources through 
leases or MOAs for shore protection, beach or wetlands restoration by a 
Federal, state or local government agency, or for construction projects 
authorized or funded, in whole or in part, by the Federal Government. 
The regulatory baseline is essentially the same as the rule. BOEM 
believes that any changes between the current BOEM process and this 
rule are immaterial and would not impose additional compliance 
obligations or costs upon the regulated entities.
    Formalizing the existing conveyance process will provide certainty 
to the public entities requesting noncompetitive leases or MOAs for OCS 
sand, gravel, and/or shell resources. BOEM believes there is a benefit 
to the regulated entities in the form of regulatory certainty when 
Federal, state and local government agencies desire to use OCS sand, 
gravel, and/or shell resources for qualifying projects. Entities 
affected by this rulemaking had the opportunity to comment through the 
rulemaking process on the proposed provisions, which are consistent 
with current practices for the conveyance of sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources.
    (2) This rule does not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise 
interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. It 
reflects the existing process developed over the life of the program in 
cooperation with other Federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service (FWS), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and state and local governments.
    (3) This rule does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 
million or more and does not adversely affect in a material way the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or state, local or tribal governments or communities. 
This rule simply codifies BOEM's longstanding existing practice.
    (4) This rule does not alter the budgetary effects of existing 
entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or 
obligations of their recipients.
    (5) This rule does not raise novel legal or policy issues arising 
out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles 
set forth in E.O. 12866.

[[Page 45970]]

Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review (E.O. 13563)

    E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866, while calling 
for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote 
predictability; reduce uncertainty; and use the best, most innovative, 
and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive 
order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce 
burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public 
where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with 
regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations 
must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking 
process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of 
ideas. BOEM has developed this rule in a manner consistent with these 
requirements.

Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs (E.O. 13771)

    This rule is not an E.O. 13771 regulatory action because it is not 
significant under E.O. 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    BOEM certifies this rule would not have a significant economic 
effect on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.). A Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required. 
Small public entities affected by this rulemaking may be cities, 
counties, towns, townships, villages or special districts, with a 
population of less than 50,000. Small entities are occasionally parties 
to an agreement for the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources. Over the last two decades, BOEM has issued nearly 50 leases 
or MOAs with 22 parties, of which five were small public entities. Four 
out of the five small public entities received significant Federal 
cost-shares to conduct beach replenishment projects. The application 
and monitoring requirements are necessary to comply with Federal law 
and provide BOEM and the public with the best information on the 
topographic changes in the OCS borrow areas due to dredging. Since BOEM 
is not proposing any material changes to the longstanding requirements 
for the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources, this 
rulemaking does not have a substantial effect on small entities.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    The Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman 
and 10 Regional Fairness Boards were established to receive comments 
from small businesses about Federal agency enforcement actions. The 
Ombudsman will annually evaluate the enforcement activities and rate 
each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment 
on the actions of BOEM enforcement activities, you may call 1-888-734-
3247. You may comment to the Small Business Administration without fear 
of retaliation. Allegations of discrimination/retaliation filed with 
the Small Business Administration will be investigated for appropriate 
action.
    This rule is not a major rule under the SBREFA (5 U.S.C. 804 (2)). 
This rule:
    (a) Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more;
    (b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions; and,
    (c) Will not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule would not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments, or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) is not required.

Takings Implication Assessment (E.O. 12630)

    Under the criteria in E.O. 12630, this rule will not have 
significant takings implications. The rule is not a governmental action 
capable of interference with constitutionally protected property 
rights. A Takings Implication Assessment is not required.

Federalism (E.O. 13132)

    Under the criteria in E.O. 13132, this rule does not have 
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment. This rule does not substantially and directly 
affect the relationship between the Federal and state and local 
governments. To the extent that State and local governments have a role 
in OCS activities, this rule would not affect that role. A Federalism 
Assessment is not required.

Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

    This rule complies with the requirements of E.O. 12988. 
Specifically, this rule:
    (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all 
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be 
written to minimize litigation; and,
    (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all 
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal 
standards.

Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175)

    The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) strives to strengthen its 
government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes through a 
commitment to consultation with Indian tribes and recognition of their 
right to self-governance and tribal sovereignty. BOEM's Tribal Liaison 
Officer has certified that this regulation does not have tribal 
implications as defined in section 1(a) of E.O. 13175 and has 
determined that the regulation does not have substantial and direct 
effects on federally recognized tribes or any Alaska Native Corporation 
established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) 
(43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)
    As it relates to any federally recognized Indian tribe, this rule 
merely formalizes existing policies and procedures that govern the use 
of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources. The existing policies, 
procedures, consultations and monitoring requirements for the 
noncompetitive use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources are 
longstanding and have remained relatively consistent for two decades. 
If BOEM determines an individual project authorized under this part may 
have effects on federally recognized tribes or any Alaska Native 
Corporation, BOEM will initiate consultation as soon as possible 
consistent with E.O. 13175 and DOI tribal consultation policies. A 
tribe or Alaska Native Corporation may also request BOEM to initiate 
consultation pursuant to E.O. 13175.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995

    This rule contains a collection of information request that was 
submitted to OMB for review and approval under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. 
The Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521) provides that an 
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to 
respond to, a ``collection of information,'' unless it has a currently 
valid OMB control number. Collections of information include requests 
and requirements that an individual, partnership, or corporation obtain 
information, and report it to a Federal Agency (44 U.S.C. 3502; 5 CFR 
1320.2(c) and (k)).
    BOEM included a request for approval of a collection of information 
in the

[[Page 45971]]

proposed rule. OMB approved the collection for the final rule under 
control number 1010-0191 for a total of 243 burden hours. The final 
rule adds a new part 583 to address the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or 
shell resources for shore protection or replenishment, wetland 
restoration, or qualified construction projects. This part describes 
the negotiated noncompetitive agreement process for qualifying projects 
and codifies procedures.
    The title of the IC request is ``30 CFR 583, Negotiated 
Noncompetitive Agreements for the Use of Sand, Gravel, and Shell 
Resources on the OCS.'' Respondents are other Federal, state, and local 
government agencies; corporations; and individual entities. Responses 
will primarily be required to obtain or retain a benefit. The frequency 
of response will vary depending on the requirement. BOEM will protect 
proprietary information according to 30 CFR 550.197, ``Data and 
information to be made available to the public or for limited 
inspection,'' the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its 
implementing regulations at 43 CFR part 2. BOEM will collect the 
information under this part to evaluate applications for leases/
agreements to access sand, gravel, or shell resources on the OCS; to 
balance multiple uses of the OCS; and to monitor activities for 
environmental protection and safety.
    In response to the proposed rule, BOEM received two comments that 
addressed aspects of the information collection for this rulemaking and 
are summarized below. One commenter suggested that the required 
information submitted with their permit application is duplicative of 
the information submitted in a Clean Water Act application. In cases 
where the information is duplicative in nature, BOEM will allow 
submission of the information in the Clean Water Act permit application 
to BOEM to comply with the filing requirements of this rule. However, 
BOEM did not change the burden hours for this requirement, because we 
do not have sufficient data to estimate how many parties seeking 
agreements will be able to use this means of reducing the burdens of 
the application process. This comment is addressed in more detail in 
the preamble of this final rule.
    Another commenter focused on consultation with the fishing industry 
regarding renewable energy projects, which is outside the scope of this 
rulemaking. This commenter stated that the information request does not 
include any provision requiring consultation with the fishing industry 
or reporting requirements that would ensure a project is compatible 
with consideration of fishing rights. However, such outreach and 
coordination does occur through the NEPA, MSFCMA and other consultation 
processes.
    The information collection burdens were not changed from the 
proposed rule. The following table provides a breakdown of the IC 
requirements and burdens in this part.

                                                  Burden Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      Average
                                     Reporting and recordkeeping                     number of     Annual burden
        Citation 30 CFR 583                  requirement            Hour burden       annual           hours
                                                                                     responses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Subpart A--General--Federal, State, & local governments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125................................  Apply for reconsideration                 2               1               2
                                      to the BOEM Director
                                      within 15 days of
                                      notification; include
                                      statement of reasons; 1
                                      copy to program office.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Subpart A--General--Corporations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125................................  Apply for reconsideration                 2               1               2
                                      to the BOEM Director
                                      within 15 days of
                                      notification; include
                                      statement of reasons; 1
                                      copy to program office.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Subpart A--General--Individuals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125................................  Apply for reconsideration                 2               1               2
                                      to the BOEM Director
                                      within 15 days of
                                      notification; include
                                      statement of reasons; 1
                                      copy to program office.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Subpart A.............................................  ..............               3               6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Subpart C--OCS Sand, Gravel, & Shell Resources Negotiated Agreements--State & local governments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
300................................  Submit to BOEM a written                 10               4              40
                                      request to obtain
                                      agreement; including, but
                                      not limited to: Detailed
                                      description of project;
                                      maps (geographic
                                      coordinates); G&G data;
                                      description/documentation
                                      of environmental
                                      evaluations; target dates;
                                      description of parties
                                      involved; required permits
                                      (status of/potential
                                      conflicts); points of
                                      contact info. for all
                                      parties involved;
                                      statement of funding.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
305; 310(d)........................  Submit additional                         5               1               5
                                      information as requested
                                      by BOEM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
315(b).............................  Request that the BOEM          Burden covered under 30 CFR                2
                                      Director reconsider a             part 583, subpart A
                                      disapproved agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
315(c)-(e).........................  Review and comment on draft               8               3              24
                                      agreement; sign and return
                                      copies for execution by
                                      BOEM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 45972]]

 
335(a).............................  Submit written notification               1               1               1
                                      to BOEM once resources
                                      authorized are obtained.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
340................................  Assure all contractors                    2               1               2
                                      comply with 2 CFR part 180
                                      & 2 CFR part 1400 in
                                      contract/transaction.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
345................................  Submit written request to                 2               2               4
                                      extend or modify agreement
                                      to BOEM within 180 days
                                      before expiration; submit
                                      any other documentation
                                      requested by BOEM; sign
                                      and return amendment;
                                      request that the BOEM
                                      Director reconsider a
                                      disapproved request to
                                      extend or modify.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
345(b).............................  Submit written request for                1               1               1
                                      letter amendment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Subpart C--OCS Sand, Gravel, & Shell Resources Negotiated Agreements--Corporations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
300................................  Submit to BOEM a written                 10               4              40
                                      request to obtain
                                      agreement; including, but
                                      not limited to: Detailed
                                      description of project;
                                      maps (geographic
                                      coordinates); G&G data;
                                      description/documentation
                                      of environmental
                                      evaluations; target dates;
                                      description of parties
                                      involved; required permits
                                      (status of/potential
                                      conflicts); points of
                                      contact info. for all
                                      parties involved;
                                      statement of funding.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
305; 310(d)........................  Submit additional                         5               1               5
                                      information as requested
                                      by BOEM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
315(b).............................  Request that the BOEM          Burden covered under 30 CFR                2
                                      Director reconsider a             part 583, subpart A
                                      disapproved agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
315(c)-(e).........................  Review and comment on draft               8               3              24
                                      agreement; sign and return
                                      copies for execution by
                                      BOEM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
335(a).............................  Submit written notification               1               1               1
                                      to BOEM once resources
                                      authorized are obtained.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
340................................  Assure all contractors                    2               1               2
                                      comply with 2 CFR part 180
                                      & 2 CFR part 1400 in
                                      contract/transaction.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
345................................  Submit written request to                 2               2               4
                                      extend or modify agreement
                                      to BOEM within 180 days
                                      before expiration; submit
                                      any other documentation
                                      requested by BOEM; sign
                                      and return amendment;
                                      request that the BOEM
                                      Director reconsider a
                                      disapproved request to
                                      extend or modify.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
345(b).............................  Submit written request for                1               1               1
                                      letter amendment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Subpart C--OCS Sand, Gravel, & Shell Resources Negotiated Agreements--Individuals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
300................................  Submit to BOEM a written                 10               4              40
                                      request to obtain
                                      agreement; including, but
                                      not limited to: Detailed
                                      description of project;
                                      maps (geographic
                                      coordinates); G&G data;
                                      description/documentation
                                      of environmental
                                      evaluations; target dates;
                                      description of parties
                                      involved; required permits
                                      (status of/potential
                                      conflicts); points of
                                      contact info. for all
                                      parties involved;
                                      statement of funding.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
305; 310(d)........................  Submit additional                         5               1               5
                                      information as requested
                                      by BOEM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
315(b).............................  Request that the BOEM          Burden covered under 30 CFR                2
                                      Director reconsider a             part 583, subpart A
                                      disapproved agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
315(c)-(e).........................  Review and comment on draft               8               3              24
                                      agreement; sign and return
                                      copies for execution by
                                      BOEM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
335(a).............................  Submit written notification               1               1               1
                                      to BOEM once resources
                                      authorized are obtained.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
340................................  Assure all contractors                    2               1               2
                                      comply with 2 CFR part 180
                                      & 2 CFR part 1400 in
                                      contract/transaction.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 45973]]

 
345................................  Submit written request to                 2               2               4
                                      extend or modify agreement
                                      to BOEM within 180 days
                                      before expiration; submit
                                      any other documentation
                                      requested by BOEM; sign
                                      and return amendment;
                                      request that the BOEM
                                      Director reconsider a
                                      disapproved request to
                                      extend, modify, or change.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
345(b).............................  Submit written request for                1               1               1
                                      letter amendment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Subpart C.............................................  ..............              39             237
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Grand Total.............................................  ..............              42             243
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to 
respond to, a collection of information unless it has a currently valid 
OMB control number. The public may comment, at any time, on the 
accuracy of the IC burden estimate in this rule and may submit any 
comments to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, Office of 
Policy, Regulation and Analysis; Bureau of Ocean Energy Management; 
VAM-BOEM DIR; 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia 20166.

National Environmental Policy Act

    This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment. BOEM has analyzed this 
rule under the criteria of the NEPA and DOI's NEPA implementing 
regulations at 43 CFR part 46. This rule meets the criteria set forth 
in 43 CFR 46.210(i) for a Departmental ``categorical exclusion'' in 
that this rule is ``. . . of an administrative, financial, legal, 
technical, or procedural nature . . . .'' BOEM has also determined that 
the rule does not involve any of the extraordinary circumstances listed 
in 43 CFR 46.215.

Information Quality Act (IQA)

    In accordance with the IQA, DOI has issued guidance regarding the 
quality of information that it relies upon for regulatory decisions. 
This guidance is available at DOI's Web site at https://www.doi.gov.
    Send your comments to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau 
of Ocean Energy Management, Office of Policy, Regulation and Analysis, 
Attn: IQA Comments, 45600 Woodland Road, VAM-BOEM DIR, Sterling, 
Virginia 20166.

Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)

    This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition 
in E.O. 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not required.

Clarity of This Regulation

    We are required by E.O. 12866, E.O. 12988, and the Presidential 
Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This 
means that each rule we publish must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever helpful.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 583

    Administrative practice and procedure, Beach restoration, Coastal 
wetlands restoration, Continental shelf, Federal lands, Gravel, 
Government contracts, Intergovernmental relations, Marine minerals, 
Marine minerals program, Noncompetitive agreements, Negotiated 
agreements, Outer Continental Shelf, Reporting and recordkeeping, Sand, 
Shell resources, and Shore protection.

    Dated: September 27, 2017.
Katharine S. MacGregor,
Acting Assistant Secretary--Land and Minerals Management.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, BOEM amends 30 CFR chapter 
V by adding 30 CFR part 583 to subchapter B to read as follows:

PART 583--NEGOTIATED NONCOMPETITIVE AGREEMENTS FOR THE USE OF OUTER 
CONTINENTAL SHELF SAND, GRAVEL, AND/OR SHELL RESOURCES

Subpart A--General
Sec.
583.100 What is BOEM's authority for information collection (IC)?
583.105 What is the purpose of this part and to whom does it apply?
583.110 What is BOEM's authority for this part?
583.115 What definitions do I need to know?
583.120 Who is qualified for a project?
583.125 What are my rights to seek reconsideration of an unfavorable 
decision by BOEM?
583.130 What are the minimum contents of an agreement to use OCS 
sand, gravel, and/or shell resources?
Subpart B--[Reserved]
Subpart C--Outer Continental Shelf Sand, Gravel, and/or Shell Resources 
Negotiated Agreements
Sec.
583.300 How do I submit a request for an agreement?
583.305 How will BOEM determine if a project qualifies?
583.310 What process does BOEM use to technically and 
environmentally evaluate a qualified project?
583.315 What is the process for negotiating and executing an 
agreement?
583.320 What kinds of information must be included in an agreement?
583.325 What is the effective date of an agreement?
583.330 How will BOEM enforce the agreement?
583.335 What is the term of the agreement?
583.340 What debarment or suspension obligations apply to 
transactions and contracts related to a project?
583.345 What is the process for extending or modifying an agreement?
583.350 When can an agreement be terminated?

    Authority:  43 U.S.C. 1334.

Subpart A--General


Sec.  583.100  What is BOEM's authority for information collection 
(IC)?

    The IC requirements contained in part 583 have been approved by OMB 
under 44 U.S.C. 3501 and assigned control number 1010-0191. The 
information is being collected to determine if the applicant for a 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement (agreement)

[[Page 45974]]

for the use of sand, gravel, and/or shell resources on the Outer 
Continental Shelf (OCS) is qualified to enter into such an agreement 
and to determine if the requested action is warranted. Applicants and 
parties to an agreement are required to respond to requests related to 
IC activities.


Sec.  583.105  What is the purpose of this part and to whom does it 
apply?

    The regulations in this part provide procedures for entering into 
negotiated noncompetitive agreements for the use of OCS sand, gravel, 
and/or shell resources. The rules of this part apply exclusively to 
negotiated noncompetitive use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell 
resources and do not apply to competitive leasing of minerals, 
including oil, gas, sulphur, geopressured-geothermal and associated 
resources, and all other minerals that are authorized by an Act of 
Congress to be produced from ``public lands'' as defined in section 103 
of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (43 
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).


Sec.  583.110  What is BOEM's authority for this part?

    (a) Pursuant to authority granted by section 8(k) of the Outer 
Continental Shelf Lands Act (OSCLA), as amended (43 U.S.C. 1337(k)), 
the Secretary has authority to negotiate a noncompetitive agreement for 
the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources:
    (1) In a program of, or project for, shore protection, beach 
restoration, or coastal wetlands restoration undertaken by a Federal, 
State, or local government agency; or
    (2) In a construction project, other than a project described in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section, that is funded in whole or in part by 
or authorized by the Federal Government.
    (b) The Secretary has delegated authority to BOEM to administer the 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement provisions of OCSLA and prescribe 
the rules and regulations necessary to carry out those provisions.


Sec.  583.115  What definitions do I need to know?

    The definitions at 30 CFR 550.105 apply to this part. In addition, 
when used in this part, the following terms will have the meaning given 
below:
    Agreement means a negotiated noncompetitive agreement that 
authorizes a person to use OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources in 
a program of, or project for, shore protection, beach restoration or 
coastal wetlands restoration undertaken by one or more Federal, state 
or local government agencies, or in a construction project authorized 
by, or funded in whole or in part by, the Federal government. The form 
of the agreement will be a Memorandum of Agreement (if one or more of 
the parties to the agreement, other than BOEM, is a Federal agency) or 
a lease (if all of the parties to the agreement other than BOEM are 
non-Federal agencies or persons).
    Amendment means a modification to the agreement between BOEM and 
the parties to the agreement that extends or modifies the terms of the 
agreement.
    Applicant means any person proposing to use OCS sand, gravel, and/
or shell resources for a shore protection, beach restoration or coastal 
wetlands restoration project undertaken by a Federal, state or local 
government agency, or a construction project authorized by, or funded 
in whole or in part by, the Federal Government. If multiple persons or 
Federal, state, or local governments, other than BOEM, partner on a 
project they will be considered joint applicants.
    BOEM means the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management of the U.S. 
Department of the Interior (DOI).
    Borrow area means the offshore geographic area(s) or region(s) 
where OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources have been identified for 
potential use in a specific project.
    Federal agency means any department, agency, or instrumentality of 
the United States.
    Local government means the governing authority at the county or 
city level with jurisdiction to administer a particular project(s).
    Modification means the process whereby parties to an agreement and 
BOEM mutually agree to change, alter or amend an existing agreement.
    Placement area means the geographic area in which OCS sand, gravel, 
and/or shell resources, used by agreement, will be placed pursuant to 
that agreement.
    Program means a group of related projects that may be the subject 
of a negotiated noncompetitive agreement for the use of OCS sand, 
gravel, and/or shell resources.
    Project means an undertaking that may be the subject of a 
negotiated noncompetitive agreement for the use of OCS sand, gravel, 
and/or shell resources.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.


Sec.  583.120  Who is qualified for a project?

    (a) BOEM may enter into an agreement with any person proposing to 
use OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources for a program of, or 
project for, shore protection, beach restoration, or coastal wetlands 
restoration undertaken by a Federal, state, or local government agency 
or in a construction project that is funded in whole or in part by or 
authorized by the Federal Government.
    (b) To request an agreement under this part, the applicant must be:
    (1) A Federal, state, or local government agency;
    (2) A citizen or national of the United States;
    (3) An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the 
United States, as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act, as 
amended (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20));
    (4) A private or public corporation organized under the laws of the 
United States, or of any State or territory thereof; or
    (5) An association of such citizens, nationals, resident aliens, or 
private or public corporations.
    (c) When entering into an agreement under this part, all applicants 
are subject to the requirements of 2 CFR part 180 and 2 CFR part 1400.


Sec.  583.125  What are my rights to seek reconsideration of an 
unfavorable decision by BOEM?

    (a) After being notified of disqualification or disapproval of an 
agreement or modification, an unsuccessful applicant, or adversely 
affected party to an agreement, may apply for reconsideration by the 
Director.
    (1) All applications for reconsideration must be submitted to the 
Director within 15 days of being notified of disqualification or 
disapproval of an agreement or modification, and must be accompanied by 
a statement of reasons for the requested reconsideration, with one copy 
also submitted to the program office whose decision is the subject of 
the request for reconsideration.
    (2) The Director will respond in writing within 30 days.
    (b) No appeal rights are available under 30 CFR part 590 and 43 CFR 
part 4, subpart E.


Sec.  583.130  What are the minimum contents of an agreement to use OCS 
sand, gravel, and/or shell resources?

    Any use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources in an agreement 
will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. The agreement will specify, 
at a minimum, who may use the OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources; 
the nature of the rights granted, including any terms and conditions 
and environmental stipulations; and the location, type, and

[[Page 45975]]

volume of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources. An authorization to 
use OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources identified in an agreement 
is not exclusive; BOEM may allow other entities to use OCS sand, 
gravel, and/or shell resources from the same borrow area if these uses 
are determined by BOEM to be non-conflicting and do not exceed the 
availability of the OCS resource.

Subpart B--[Reserved]

Subpart C--Outer Continental Shelf Sand, Gravel, and/or Shell 
Resources Negotiated Agreements


Sec.  583.300  How do I submit a request for an agreement?

    Any person may submit a written request to BOEM to obtain an 
agreement for the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources for 
use in a program of, or project for, shore protection, beach 
restoration, or coastal wetlands restoration undertaken by a Federal, 
state, or local government agency, or in a construction project that is 
funded in whole or in part by or authorized by the Federal Government.
    (a) The written request must include:
    (1) A detailed description of the proposed project for which the 
OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources will be used and how it 
qualifies as a program or project eligible under OCSLA to use OCS sand, 
gravel, or shell resources;
    (2) A description of the proposed borrow area(s) and placement 
area(s), along with maps with geographic coordinates depicting the 
location of the desired borrow area(s), the OCS block number(s), OCS 
Planning Area(s), OCS Protraction Diagram Designation(s), and the 
placement area(s). These should include:
    (i) A detailed set of digital (e.g., portable document format or 
pdf) maps with coordinates and navigation features of the desired OCS 
project area (including borrow area and other project features); and
    (ii) Digital geo-referenced spatial and tabular data depicting the 
borrow area with features, such as geological sampling locations and 
any hard or live-bottom benthic habitat present;
    (3) Any available geological and geophysical data used to select, 
design, and delineate the borrow area(s) and potential borrow areas 
considered but not selected for final design in digital format, geo-
referenced where relevant. These may include:
    (i) Sediment sampling (sediment cores and grab samples) data such 
as physical description sheets, photographs, core locations, and grain 
size analysis; and
    (ii) Geophysical data such as subbottom profiler, marine 
magnetometer, and side-scan sonar data, and bathymetry including geo-
referenced navigation survey tracklines, shotpoints, and/or timestamps;
    (4) Any other uses of the OCS or infrastructure in the borrow area 
that are known to the applicant at the time of application submittal;
    (5) A description of the environmental evaluations and 
corresponding documents that have been completed or are being prepared 
that cover all offshore and onshore components of the project, as 
applicable;
    (6) A target date or date range when the OCS sand, gravel, and/or 
shell resources will be needed;
    (7) A description of the person or government entities undertaking 
the project;
    (8) A list of any permits, licenses or authorizations required for 
the project and their current status;
    (9) A description of any potential inconsistencies with state 
coastal zone management plans and/or any other applicable state and 
local statutes, regulations or ordinances;
    (10) The name, title, telephone number, mailing address and email 
address of any points of contact for any Federal agencies, state, or 
local governments, and contractor(s) with whom the applicant has 
contracted or intends to contract;
    (11) A statement explaining who authorized the project and how the 
project is to be funded, indicating whether the project is federally 
funded, in whole or in part, and whether the project is authorized by 
the Federal Government; and
    (12) For any other Federal, state, or local government agency 
identified in the application, the name, title, mailing address, 
telephone number, and email address of both a primary and a secondary 
point of contact for the agency.
    (b) [Reserved]


Sec.  583.305  How will BOEM determine if a project qualifies?

    BOEM will make a determination as to whether the project, as 
described in Sec.  583.300, qualifies for a negotiated noncompetitive 
agreement for the use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources. 
Within 15 business days of receipt of the application, BOEM will 
determine if the application is complete or will request additional 
information. After it has determined the application is complete, BOEM 
will review the application and notify the applicant in writing whether 
the project qualifies for an agreement. In determining whether a 
project qualifies for an agreement, BOEM will consider, among other 
criteria, the following:
    (a) The project purpose;
    (b) Other uses of OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources from the 
same borrow area that are currently or were previously authorized by 
BOEM for other projects or programs, including the location, type and 
volume of such resources;
    (c) The project funding source(s) and amounts;
    (d) The proposed design and feasibility of the project;
    (e) Any potential environmental and safety risks associated with 
the project;
    (f) Other federal interests located near or within the specified 
borrow area;
    (g) Comments received from potentially affected state or local 
governments, if any;
    (h) The applicant's background and experience working on similar 
projects or activities;
    (i) Whether the project operations can be conducted in a manner 
that protects the environment and promotes orderly development of OCS 
mineral resources;
    (j) Whether activities can be conducted in a manner that does not 
pose a threat of serious harm or damage to, or waste of, any natural 
resource, any life (including fish and other aquatic life), property, 
or the marine, coastal, or human environment; and
    (k) Whether the project is consistent with the requirements of 
applicable statutes and their implementing regulations, which may 
include, but are not limited to, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) (16 
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and 
Reduction Act (MDRPRA) (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.), the Marine Plastic 
Pollution Research and Control Act (MPPRCA) (33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), 
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) (33 U.S.C. 1381 et 
seq.), and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution 
from Ships (MARPOL), MARPOL-Annex V Treaty.


Sec.  583.310  What process does BOEM use to technically and 
environmentally evaluate a qualified project?

    (a) Once BOEM has determined a project qualifies for an agreement, 
BOEM will begin the project evaluation process to decide whether to 
enter into a negotiated noncompetitive agreement.
    (b) BOEM will coordinate with relevant Federal agencies, State, and 
local governments and any potentially affected federally recognized 
Indian

[[Page 45976]]

tribes or Alaska Native Corporations in the project evaluation.
    (c) BOEM will evaluate the project and additional information 
provided pursuant to Sec. Sec.  583.300 and 583.305, to determine if 
the information is sufficient to conduct necessary technical and 
environmental reviews to comply with the requirements of applicable 
statutes and regulations, which may include, but are not limited to: 
OCSLA (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.), the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the 
MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), the 
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), 
and the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) (16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.).
    (d) BOEM will not enter into a negotiated noncompetitive agreement 
with the applicant until the information requested for the evaluation 
has been provided and BOEM has evaluated it.


Sec.  583.315  What is the process for negotiating and executing an 
agreement?

    (a) Upon completion of the technical, environmental and other 
evaluations established in Sec. Sec.  583.305 and 583.310, BOEM will 
decide whether to enter into a negotiated noncompetitive agreement with 
the applicant for use of OCS sand, gravel, or shell resources for its 
proposed project.
    (b) If BOEM decides not to enter into such an agreement, BOEM will 
inform the applicant of its reasons for not doing so. An applicant may 
ask the BOEM Director for reconsideration of this decision, in 
accordance with Sec.  583.125(a).
    (c) If BOEM has decided to enter into a negotiated noncompetitive 
agreement with the applicant, BOEM will negotiate the terms and 
conditions of the agreement with the applicant and prepare a draft 
agreement for the applicant's review.
    (d) After considering comments and suggestions from the applicant, 
BOEM, at its discretion, may finalize the agreement and distribute it 
to the applicant for signature.
    (e) Upon receipt of the agreement with the applicant's signature, 
BOEM will execute the agreement. A copy of the executed agreement will 
be mailed to the parties.


Sec.  583.320  What kinds of information must be included in an 
agreement?

    Every agreement is negotiated on a case-by-case basis, but at a 
minimum, must include:
    (a) An agreement number, as assigned by BOEM;
    (b) The purpose of, and authorities for, the agreement;
    (c) Designated and delineated borrow area(s);
    (d) A project description, including the timeframe within which the 
project is to be started and completed;
    (e) The terms and conditions of the agreement, including any 
reporting requirements, environmental mitigations, and operating 
parameters;
    (f) All obligations of the parties; and
    (g) The signatures of appropriate individuals authorized to bind 
the applicant and BOEM.


Sec.  583.325  What is the effective date of an agreement?

    The agreement will become effective on the date when all parties to 
the agreement have signed it.


Sec.  583.330  How will BOEM enforce the agreement?

    (a) Failure to comply with any applicable law or any provision, 
term, or condition of the agreement may result in the termination of 
the agreement, a referral to an appropriate Federal or State agency for 
enforcement, or both. Termination of the agreement for noncompliance 
will be in the sole discretion of the Director.
    (b) The failure to comply in a timely and satisfactory manner with 
any provision, term or condition of the agreement may delay or prevent 
BOEM's approval of future requests for use of OCS sand, gravel, and/or 
shell resources on the part of the parties to the agreement.


Sec.  583.335  What is the term of the agreement?

    (a) An agreement will terminate upon one of the following, 
whichever occurs first:
    (1) The agreement expires by its own terms, unless the term is 
extended prior to expiration under Sec.  583.345;
    (2) The project is terminated, as set forth in Sec.  583.350; or
    (3) A party to the agreement notifies BOEM, in writing, that 
sufficient OCS sand, gravel, and/or shell resources, up to the amount 
authorized in the agreement, have been obtained to complete the 
project.
    (b) Absent extraordinary circumstances, no agreement will be for a 
term longer than five years from its effective date.


Sec.  583.340  What debarment or suspension obligations apply to 
transactions and contracts related to a project?

    The parties to an agreement must ensure that all contracts and 
transactions related to an agreement issued under this part comply with 
the suspension and debarment regulations in 2 CFR part 180 and 2 CFR 
part 1400.


Sec.  583.345  What is the process for extending or modifying an 
agreement?

    (a) Unless otherwise provided for in the agreement, the parties to 
the agreement may submit to BOEM a written request to extend or modify 
an agreement. BOEM is under no obligation to extend or modify an 
agreement and cannot be held liable for the consequences of the 
expiration of an agreement. With the exception of paragraph (b) of this 
section, any such requests must be made at least 180 days before the 
term of the agreement expires. BOEM will respond to the request for 
modification within 30 days of receipt and request any necessary 
information and evaluations to comply with Sec.  583.305. BOEM may 
approve the request, disapprove it, or approve it with modifications 
subject to the requirements of Sec.  583.305.
    (1) If BOEM approves a request to extend or modify an agreement, 
BOEM will draft an agreement modification for review by the parties to 
the agreement in the form of an amendment to the original agreement. 
The amendment will include:
    (i) The agreement number, as assigned by BOEM;
    (ii) The modification(s) agreed to;
    (iii) Any additional mitigation required; and
    (iv) The signatures of the parties to the agreement and BOEM.
    (2) If BOEM disapproves a request to extend or modify an agreement, 
BOEM will inform the parties to the agreement of the reasons in 
writing. Parties to the agreement may ask the BOEM Director for 
reconsideration in accordance with Sec.  583.125.
    (b) By written request, for strictly minor modifications that do 
not change the substance of the project or the analyzed environmental 
effects of the project, including but not limited to, the change of a 
business address, the substitution of a different Federal, State or 
local government agency contact, or an extension of less than 30 days, 
parties to the agreement may memorialize the minor modification in a 
letter from BOEM to the parties indicating the request has been 
granted.


Sec.  583.350  When can an agreement be terminated?

    (a) The Director will terminate any agreement issued under this 
part upon proof that it was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, 
after notice and an opportunity to be heard has been afforded to the 
parties of the agreement.

[[Page 45977]]

    (b) The Director may immediately suspend and subsequently terminate 
any agreement issued under this part when:
    (1) There is noncompliance with the agreement, pursuant to Sec.  
583.330 (a); or
    (2) It is necessary for reasons of national security or defense; or
    (3) The Director determines that:
    (i) Continued activity under the agreement would cause serious harm 
or damage to natural resources; life (including human and wildlife); 
property; the marine, coastal, or human environment; or sites, 
structures, or objects of historical or archaeological significance;
    (ii) The threat of harm or damage will not disappear or decrease to 
an acceptable extent within a reasonable period of time; and
    (iii) The advantages of termination outweigh the advantages of 
continuing the agreement.
    (c) The Director will immediately notify the parties to the 
agreement of the suspension or termination. The Director will also mail 
a letter to the parties to the agreement at their record post office 
address with notice of any suspension or termination and the cause for 
such action.
    (d) In the event that BOEM terminates an agreement under this 
section, none of the parties to the agreement will be entitled to 
compensation as a result of expenses or lost revenues that may result 
from the termination.

[FR Doc. 2017-21233 Filed 10-2-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE -P