Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf in the New York Bight-Call for Information and Nominations, 15602-15617 [2018-07445]
Download as PDF
15602
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
HAWAII
Hawaii County (Honoka’a Town, Hawaii
MPS)
Bank of Hawai’i, Ltd., 45–3568 Mamane St.,
Honoka’a, MP100002360
NEW YORK
Erie County
Colonial Flats and Annex, 399–401 Delaware
Ave, Buffalo, SG100002366
Greene County
Dunix, 593 Cornwallville Rd., Cornwallville
vicinity, SG100002364
Monroe County
Mount Hope Cemetery, Bounded by Mount
Hope and Elmwood Aves., and
Intercampus Dr., Rochester, SG100002361
Ulster County
Vernooy—Bevier Stone House and Barns,
7075 US 209, Wawarsing, SG100002365
Nominations submitted by Federal
Preservation Officers:
The State Historic Preservation Officer
reviewed the following nominations and
responded to the Federal Preservation Officer
within 45 days of receipt of the nominations
and supports listing the properties in the
National Register of Historic Places.
ARIZONA
Yavapai County
OK Ranch Historic District, Red Rock
Crossing, Sedona Ranger District, Coconino
National Forest, Sedona vicinity,
SG100002358
MONTANA
Gallatin County
Federal Building and US Post Office—
Bozeman, 10 E. Babcock St., Bozeman,
SG100002362
NORTH CAROLINA
Washington County
Whitehall Fire Station, 161 Main Street,
Whitehall, SG100002367
Iredell County
United States Post Office and Court House—
Statesville, 200 W. Broad St., Statesville,
SG100002363
PENNSYLVANIA
Allegheny County
Chatham Center, 112 Washington Place,
Pittsburgh, SG100002378
WISCONSIN
Douglas County
METEOR (whaleback carrier) (Boundary
Decrease), NW tip of Barkers Island,
Superior, C100002377
Bucks County
Delbar Products, Inc., 601 Spruce St.,
Perkasie, SG100002369
Authority: Section 60.13 of 36 CFR part 60
Jefferson County
Knapp, Joseph, Hotel and Store, 15285 PA
28, Clover Township, SG100002371
Philadelphia County
International Harvester Company Building—
Philadelphia Branch House, 2903–2909 N.
16th St., Philadelphia, SG100002370
Buick Motor Company Building, 2917–2937
N. 16 St., Philadelphia, SG100002372
Dated: March 22, 2018.
J. Paul Loether,
Chief, National Register of Historic Places/
National Historic Landmarks Program and
Keeper, National Register of Historic Places.
[FR Doc. 2018–07449 Filed 4–10–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312–52–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
VIRGINIA
Appomattox County
Gilliam—Irving Farm, 2012 Swan Rd.,
Pamplin vicinity, SG100002374
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Harrisonburg Independent city
Harrisonburg Downtown Historic District
(Boundary Increase), 245 and 240 Old
South High St., Harrisonburg,
BC100002376
Commercial Leasing for Wind Power
on the Outer Continental Shelf in the
New York Bight—Call for Information
and Nominations
[Docket No. BOEM–2018–0004]
Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, Interior.
ACTION: Call for Information and
Nominations for Commercial Leasing for
Wind Power on the Outer Continental
Shelf in the New York Bight.
AGENCY:
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
Hopewell Independent city
Downtown Hopewell Historic District
(Boundary Increase), Boundary includes
Main St., Appomattox St., Hopewell St.,
and East Broadway, Hopewell,
BC100002375
Additional documentation has been
received for the following resource:
OREGON
Marion County
Salem Downtown State Street—Commercial
Street Historic District, Roughly bounded
by Ferry, High, Chemeketa, and Fronts Sts.,
Salem, AD01001067
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
The Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management (BOEM) invites the
submission of information and
nominations for commercial wind leases
that would allow a lessee to propose the
construction of a wind energy project on
the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the
New York Bight, and to develop one or
more projects, if approved, after further
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
environmental review. Although this
announcement is not itself a leasing
announcement, the areas described
herein, or portions thereof, may be
available for future leasing. BOEM will
use responses to this Call for
Information and Nominations
(hereinafter referred to as ‘‘Call’’ or
‘‘notice’’) to gauge specific interest in
acquiring commercial wind leases in
some or all of the Call Areas, as required
by law. Parties wishing to submit a
nomination in response to this Call
should submit detailed and specific
information in response to the
requirements described in the section
entitled, ‘‘Required Nomination
Information.’’
This announcement also requests
comments and information from
interested and affected parties about site
conditions, resources, and multiple uses
in close proximity to, or within, the Call
Areas that would be relevant to BOEM’s
review of any nominations submitted
and/or to BOEM’s possible subsequent
decision to offer all or part of the Call
Areas for commercial wind leasing. The
information that BOEM is requesting is
described in the section of this Call
entitled, ‘‘Requested Information from
Interested or Affected Parties.’’
DATES: BOEM must receive nominations
describing your interest in one or more,
or any portion of, the Call Areas, by a
postmarked date of May 29, 2018 for
your nomination to be considered.
BOEM requests comments or
submissions of information to be
postmarked or delivered by this same
date. BOEM will consider only those
nominations received that conform to
this requirement.
ADDRESSES: If you are submitting a
nomination for a lease area in response
to this Call, please submit your
nomination, following the ‘‘Required
Nomination Information’’ section below,
to the following address: BOEM, Office
of Renewable Energy Programs, 45600
Woodland Road (VAM–OREP), Sterling,
Virginia 20166. In addition to a paper
copy of the nomination, include an
electronic copy of the nomination on a
data storage device. BOEM will list the
parties that submitted nominations and
the location of the proposed lease areas
(i.e., OCS blocks nominated) on the
BOEM website after the 45-day
comment period has closed.
Comments and other submissions of
information may be submitted by either
of the following two methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. In the entry
entitled, ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID,’’ enter
BOEM–2018–0004, and then click
‘‘search.’’ Follow the instructions to
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
submit public comments and view
supporting and related materials
available for this notice.
2. U.S. Postal Service or other
delivery service. Send your comments
and information to the following
address: Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, Office of Renewable
Energy Programs, 45600 Woodland
Road (VAM–OREP), Sterling, Virginia
20166.
All responses will be reported on
https://www.regulations.gov.
If you wish to protect the
confidentiality of your nominations or
comments, clearly mark the relevant
sections and request that BOEM treat
them as confidential. Please label
privileged or confidential information
‘‘Contains Confidential Information,’’
and consider submitting such
information as a separate attachment.
Treatment of confidential information is
addressed in the section of this Call
entitled, ‘‘Protection of Privileged or
Confidential Information.’’ Information
that is not labeled as privileged or
confidential will be regarded by BOEM
as suitable for public release.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Luke Feinberg, BOEM, Office of
Renewable Energy Programs, 45600
Woodland Road (VAM–OREP), Sterling,
Virginia 20166, (703) 787–1705 or
luke.feinberg@boem.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority
This Call is published pursuant to
subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS Lands Act,
43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3), which was added
by section 388 of the Energy Policy Act
of 2005 (EPAct), as well as the
implementing regulations at 30 CFR part
585.
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
Call Areas
The Call Areas described in this
notice are located on the OCS in the
New York Bight and are delineated as
Fairways North, Fairways South,
Hudson North, and Hudson South. The
four Call Areas include 222 whole OCS
blocks and 172 partial blocks in total,
and comprise approximately 2,047
square nautical miles (nmi) (702,192
hectares). These Call Areas were
established after considering the New
York State Area for Consideration for
the Potential Locating of Offshore Wind
Energy Areas (Area for Consideration),
as well as additional input from the
New York State Department of State,
New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority (NYSERDA),
and the Intergovernmental Renewable
Energy Task Force for the New York
Bight (which includes members of the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
New York and New Jersey Task Forces,
as well as regional representatives from
Connecticut, Rhode Island, and
Massachusetts). These areas will be
analyzed by BOEM during the area
identification (Area ID) portion of the
leasing process. For context, based on a
power density ratio of 0.01 megawatts
(MW) per acre, New York’s goal of
procuring 2.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore
wind energy by 2030 could likely be
accommodated by developing 14% of
the call areas presented. Development of
approximately 18% of the Call Areas
would be required to meet New York
State’s recommendation that BOEM
designate four 800 MW lease areas (3.2
GW of capacity). A detailed description
of the areas and how they were
developed is described in the section of
this Call entitled, ‘‘Description of the
Area.’’
Purpose of the Call for Information and
Nominations
The OCS Lands Act requires BOEM to
award leases competitively, unless
BOEM makes a determination that there
is no competitive interest (43 U.S.C.
1337(p)(3)). BOEM will make this
determination after reviewing the
nominations received in response to this
Call. This Call also requests information
from interested and affected parties on
issues relevant to potential leasing
within the Call Areas.
The responses to this Call could lead
to the initiation of a competitive leasing
process in some parts of the Call Areas
(i.e., where competition exists), and a
noncompetitive process in other parts of
the Call Areas (i.e., where no
competitive interest exists). The leasing
process is described more completely
under the ‘‘Determination of
Competitive Interest’’ and
‘‘Noncompetitive Leasing Process’’
sections of this Call. In any parts of the
Call Areas where a single entity has
shown interest, but BOEM determines
there is no competitive interest, BOEM
may proceed with the noncompetitive
lease process pursuant to 30 CFR
585.232. If BOEM determines that there
is competitive interest in some or all of
the Call Areas, then BOEM may proceed
with Area ID, as set forth in 30 CFR
585.211(b), and the competitive leasing
process as set forth under 30 CFR
585.211 through 585.225.
A lease, whether issued through a
competitive or noncompetitive process,
does not grant the lessee the right to
construct any facilities on the lease;
rather, the lease grants the lessee the
exclusive right to submit development
plans to BOEM, which BOEM must first
have approved before the lessee may
PO 00000
Frm 00054
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
15603
proceed to the next stage of the process
(30 CFR 585.600 and 585.601).
Whether the leasing process is
competitive or noncompetitive, it will
include additional opportunities for the
public to provide input, and any
proposed actions will be reviewed
thoroughly for potential environmental
and multiple use impacts. The area(s)
that may be offered for lease, if any, has/
have not yet been determined, and may
include less than the total footprint of
the Call Areas identified in this Call.
1
Background
1.1
Energy Policy Act of 2005
The EPAct amended the OCS Lands
Act by adding subsection 8(p)(1)(C),
which authorizes the Secretary of the
Interior to grant leases, easements, or
rights-of-way (ROWs) on the OCS for
activities that are not otherwise
authorized by law and that produce or
support production, transportation, or
transmission of energy from sources
other than oil or gas, including
renewable energy sources. The EPAct
also required the issuance of regulations
to carry out the new authority
pertaining to renewable energy on the
OCS. The Secretary delegated this
authority to issue leases, easements, and
ROWs, and to promulgate regulations, to
the Director of BOEM. On April 29,
2009, BOEM published regulations
entitled, Renewable Energy and
Alternate Uses of Existing Facilities on
the Outer Continental Shelf, which have
been codified at 30 CFR part 585, which
can be found at: https://www.boem.gov/
uploadedFiles/30_CFR_585.pdf.
1.2
Ocean Planning
BOEM participates in ocean planning
through a collaborative, data-based
approach to foster coordinated and
informed decisions about our shared
ocean resources and the many uses that
depend on them.
BOEM appreciates the importance of
coordinating its planning endeavors
with other OCS users, regulators, and
relevant Federal agencies—including
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS), the National Park Service
(NPS), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), and the
Department of Defense (DoD). BOEM
intends to coordinate with the regional
planning bodies, which include Federal
and state agencies; federally recognized
tribes; and Fishery Management
Councils. BOEM will also utilize
information contained in the Northeast
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
15604
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
and Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portals 1
in its decision-making, among other
sources of information, because the
Portals include maps of marine life,
habitat areas, cultural resources,
transportation, fishing, and other human
uses to be considered when new energy
or other infrastructure projects are
proposed. BOEM anticipates that
continued coordination with its
Intergovernmental Renewable Energy
Task Forces (Task Forces) will also help
inform comprehensive ocean planning
efforts.
1.3 BOEM Intergovernmental
Renewable Energy Task Forces
BOEM has established multiple Task
Forces to facilitate coordination among
relevant Federal agencies and affected
state, local, and tribal governments
throughout the leasing process. Task
Forces for New Jersey and New York
were previously established in 2009 and
2010, respectively, and will continue to
be engaged during the planning and
leasing process for the New York Bight
OCS area. This engagement includes
joint Task Force activities, such as the
webinar for the New York Bight that
was held on December 4, 2017. Meeting
materials for these two Task Forces are
available on the BOEM website at:
https://www.boem.gov/NY-Bight/.
Environmental Review Process
Prior to deciding whether and where
leases may be issued, BOEM will
prepare an environmental assessment
(EA) and conduct consultations to
consider the environmental
consequences associated with issuing
commercial wind leases within all or
some of the Call Areas. The EA will
consider the reasonably foreseeable
environmental consequences associated
with leasing, such as site
characterization activities (including
geophysical, geotechnical,
archaeological, and biological surveys).
BOEM would consider the
environmental effects of the
construction or operation of any wind
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
2
1 The Northeast Ocean Data Portal (maintained by
NROC, the Northeast Regional Ocean Council
https://www.northeastoceandata.org) and the MidAtlantic Ocean Data Portal (maintained by MARCO,
the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean
https://portal.midatlanticocean.org) draw upon data
from the MarineCadastre.gov national data portal,
which was developed through a partnership
between NOAA and BOEM. MarineCadastre.gov is
an integrated marine information system that
provides data, tools, and technical support for
ocean and Great Lakes planning, designed
specifically to support renewable energy siting on
the OCS, but is also being used for other oceanrelated efforts and is recognized by regional ocean
governance groups as the central place for
authoritative federal data, with data, metadata, and
map services.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
energy facility under a separate, projectspecific National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) process, which would
include additional opportunities for
public involvement. BOEM would also
conduct several consultations
concurrently with, and integrated into,
the NEPA process. These consultations
would include, but are not limited to,
those required by the Coastal Zone
Management Act (CZMA), the
Endangered Species Act (ESA), the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act,
Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act (NHPA), and Executive
Order 13175—‘‘Consultation and
Coordination with Tribal
Governments.’’
3 Actions Taken by the State of New
York in Support of Offshore Renewable
Energy Development
The State of New York has a stated
goal of developing 2.4 GW of offshore
wind energy by 2030. To facilitate this
effort, NYSERDA has spearheaded the
development of the New York Offshore
Wind Master Plan (the Master Plan
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/AllPrograms/Programs/Offshore-Wind/
New-York-Offshore-Wind-Master-Plan),
a comprehensive roadmap to advance
offshore wind energy development in
New York. The objective of New York’s
Master Plan is to ‘‘to ensure that
offshore wind in New York is developed
in the most responsible and costeffective manner possible.’’ To support
the Master Plan, NYSERDA has
conducted more than 20 studies and
engaged with stakeholders and the
public with the stated objective of
ensuring that offshore wind is
developed thoughtfully, responsibly,
and cost-effectively.
On October 2, 2017, BOEM received
the State of New York’s Area for
Consideration. This document identifies
an area of the New York Bight that the
State has determined, based on its
compilation and analysis of scientific,
stakeholder and analytical data, to be
most desirable for future offshore wind
development. BOEM has taken the
State’s recommendation into account in
designating areas for this Call, and will
consider the data and analyses
generated by the State at subsequent
stages of its planning and leasing
process in the New York Bight area.
4 BOEM’s Planning and Leasing
Process
4.1 Determination of Competitive
Interest
As stated in 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3), ‘‘the
Secretary shall issue a lease, easement,
PO 00000
Frm 00055
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
or right-of-way . . . on a competitive
basis unless the Secretary determines
after public notice of a proposed lease,
easement, or right-of-way that there is
no competitive interest.’’ The first step
in BOEM’s leasing process is therefore
to determine whether or not there is any
competitive interest in acquiring a lease
within the Call Areas for the purpose of
offshore wind development. At the same
time, BOEM will determine whether
there is overlapping interest in any
particular portion of the Call Areas that
would result in the need for a
competitive process. At the conclusion
of the comment period for this Call,
BOEM will review the nominations
received and determine whether
competitive interest exists in any
specific locations within the Call Areas.
After the close of the Call comment
period, if BOEM determines that
competitive interest exists for one or
more portions of the Call Area, you will
be able to submit a bid in a potential
future competitive lease sale for those
portions of the Call Area even if you did
not submit a nomination in response to
this Call.
For any portions of the Call Area, but
particularly portions with two or more
valid nominations, BOEM may consider
proceeding with competitive leasing as
described in the section of this Call
entitled, ‘‘Competitive Leasing Process.’’
For areas where BOEM determines that
there is a single interested entity, but
only one valid nomination, BOEM may
consider proceeding with
noncompetitive leasing, as described in
the section entitled, ‘‘Noncompetitive
Leasing Process.’’
Respondents to this Call and members
of the public should be aware that
BOEM will not issue any leases until it
has completed the necessary
consultations and environmental
analysis and given the public an
opportunity to comment. BOEM
reserves the right not to lease certain
nominated areas, or modify such areas
from their original, proposed form
before offering them for lease.
4.2 Competitive Leasing Process
If, after receiving responses and
nominations to this Call, BOEM
proceeds with the competitive leasing
process for certain areas, it will follow
the steps required by 30 CFR 585.211
through 585.225.
(1) Area Identification: Based on the
information it receives in response to
this Call, BOEM will determine the level
of commercial interest and identify the
area(s) that would be appropriate to
analyze for potential leasing. The area(s)
identified will constitute a Wind Energy
Area(s) (WEA) and will be subject to
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
environmental analysis as described
above, in consultation with appropriate
Federal agencies, states, local
governments, tribes, and other
interested parties.
(2) Proposed Sale Notice (PSN): If
BOEM decides to proceed with a
competitive lease sale within the WEAs
after completion of the environmental
analysis, BOEM will publish a PSN in
the Federal Register with a comment
period of 60 days. The PSN will
describe the area(s) to be offered for
leasing, the proposed conditions of a
lease sale, and the proposed auction
format, lease document, including
application addenda. Additionally, the
PSN will describe the criteria and
process for evaluating bids in the lease
sale.
(3) Final Sale Notice (FSN): After
considering the comments on the PSN,
if BOEM decides to continue to proceed
with a competitive lease sale, it will
publish the FSN in the Federal Register
at least 30 days before the date of the
lease sale.
(4) Bid Submission and Evaluation:
Following publication of a FSN in the
Federal Register, BOEM would offer the
lease areas through a competitive sale
process, using procedures specified in
the FSN. The conduct of the sale,
including bids and bid deposits, would
be reviewed for technical and legal
adequacy. BOEM will ensure that
bidders have complied with all
applicable regulations. BOEM reserves
the right to reject any or all bids and/
or withdraw an offer to lease an area,
even after bids have been submitted.
(5) Issuance of a Lease: Following the
selection of a winning bid(s) by BOEM,
the successful bidder(s) would be
notified of the decision and provided a
set of official lease documents for
execution. The successful bidder(s)
would be required to sign and return the
lease, pay the remainder of the bonus
bid, if applicable, and file the required
financial assurance within 10 days of
receiving the lease documents. Upon
receipt of the required payments,
financial assurance, and properly signed
lease forms, BOEM would execute a
lease with the successful bidder(s).
4.3 Noncompetitive Leasing Process
(1) Determination of No Competitive
Interest: If, after evaluating the
responses to this Call, BOEM
determines that there is only one
respondent interested in a particular
area and therefore no competitive
interest, BOEM would publish a notice
of Determination of No Competitive
Interest in the Federal Register, and
could proceed with the noncompetitive
lease issuance process pursuant to 30
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
CFR 585.232. If BOEM decides to
proceed with this process, it will ask the
sole respondent who nominated a
particular area if it wants to lease the
area by submitting an acquisition fee, as
specified in 30 CFR 585.502(a). If it
receives the acquisition fee, BOEM will
follow the process outlined in 30 CFR
585.231(d) through (i).
(2) Review of Lease Request: BOEM
will comply with the requirements of
OCSLA, NEPA, CZMA, ESA, NHPA,
and other applicable Federal statutes
before issuing a lease noncompetitively.
BOEM will coordinate and consult with
relevant Federal agencies, affected
tribes, and affected state and local
governments in formulating lease terms,
conditions, and stipulations, as
appropriate.
(3) Lease Issuance: After completing
its review of the lease request, BOEM
may offer a noncompetitive lease.
Within 10 days of receiving the lease,
the lessee must execute it and provide
a $100,000 lease-specific bond. Within
45 days of receiving the lease, the lessee
must pay BOEM the first 12 months’
rent.
5
Development of the Call Areas
BOEM delineated the Call Areas in
consultation with several parties and
information sources, including the State
of New York (including through its Area
for Consideration document), and the
Intergovernmental Renewable Energy
Task Force for the New York Bight. The
areas selected are intended to identify
portions of the OCS for further analysis
and to solicit information and
nominations so that potential use
conflicts can be analyzed and
considered in the Area Identification
process. BOEM’s future analysis during
Area Identification will evaluate the
Call Areas for their appropriateness for
offshore wind development, balanced
against potential ocean user conflicts.
After environmental reviews and
associated consultations, public
comments, and continued coordination
with other government agencies through
the BOEM Intergovernmental
Renewable Energy Task Forces, BOEM
anticipates developing and applying
terms and conditions—including any
measures necessary to mitigate
impacts—at the leasing, site assessment,
and/or construction and operations
phases.
On October 2, 2017, NYSERDA
submitted to BOEM its Area for
Consideration document. The document
specifically identifies two areas in the
Atlantic Ocean south of Long Island that
the State of New York asked BOEM to
consider as potential Call Areas. The
State of New York’s identification of
PO 00000
Frm 00056
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
15605
these areas was informed by over 20
scientific studies commissioned by the
State of New York in consultation with
BOEM and numerous Federal and state
resource agencies. The State of New
York concluded that the areas identified
in their Area for Consideration
document presented ‘‘the fewest
conflicts with ocean users, resources,
infrastructure, and wildlife, and has the
greatest potential for cost-effective
development of offshore wind energy to
meet [their] goals.’’ The State
recommended that BOEM
‘‘expeditiously consider this
submission, and then delineate and
lease at least four new WEAs within the
Area for Consideration, each capable of
siting at least 800 MW of offshore
wind.’’ For more information, please
refer to: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/
All-Programs/Programs/Offshore-Wind/
New-York-Offshore-Wind-Master-Plan/
Area-for-Consideration. The New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection
has noted that the development of the
Area of Consideration document did not
involve consultation with state elected
officials, the New Jersey Task Force, or
New Jersey state agencies.
The Call Areas outlined in this
document contain the areas identified in
the Area for Consideration document
submitted by the State of New York, but
also include the initial, more expansive
areas initially identified in New York’s
Area for Consideration document. Many
of the factors used to delineate New
York’s Area for Consideration were
informed by a series of draft studies,
which the State of New York finalized
and published after it issued its
recommendations; BOEM believes the
final studies should be evaluated prior
to modifying the initial areas identified
by New York. This Call will allow
additional stakeholders, including other
potentially affected states, to provide
input on these areas prior to further
modification during the Area
Identification process. For context,
please note that approximately 18% of
the Call Areas presented in this
document would need to be identified
as WEAs to meet the State of New
York’s request for four 800 MW lease
areas (assuming a power density ratio of
0.01 MW per acre); however, BOEM
may identify more or less of the Call
Area for leasing after considering
stakeholder comments.
BOEM will consider a wide range of
information regarding potential use
conflicts within the Call Areas and the
areas’ suitability for offshore wind
development, but is particularly
sensitive to—and interested in
information regarding—the following
issues:
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
15606
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
5.1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
Fisheries
BOEM is soliciting information
regarding the use of the areas included
in this Call as a fishery. BOEM
recognizes that several commercial and
recreational fisheries operate in the Call
Areas, including, but not limited to:
Butterfish, Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic
sea scallop, Atlantic surfclam and ocean
quahog, longfin and Illex squid,
monkfish, Northeast multispecies,
summer flounder, scup, and black sea
bass fisheries. BOEM also acknowledges
that representatives from the fishing
industry have already provided
comments and information to
NYSERDA regarding fishing in the
states Offshore Study Area. BOEM will
consider that information at the Area
Identification stage of its planning
process. BOEM is also aware that
several areas identified by the New
Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection’s Sport Ocean Fishing
Grounds atlas are within the Call Areas.
These areas include Yankee Spot, Mako
Hotel, George’s Bank, Bacardi, Triple
Wrecks North, Texas Tower, The
Slough, Little Italy, Yellowfin Lump,
North East Lump, Mako Hole, The
Fingers, Resor Wreck, Dusky Hole,
Triple Wrecks South, The Bomb, and
Glory Hole. BOEM is requesting
additional information regarding
recreational and commercial fisheries
that operate within these Call Areas,
including, but not limited to, the use of
the area for recreational tuna and marlin
tournaments, the fishing gear types
used, seasonal uses, and suggestions for
reducing use conflicts.
If BOEM concludes that fisheries
conflicts cannot be properly mitigated
in certain portions of the Call Areas, it
may exclude those areas from leasing at
the Area Identification stage, during the
environmental review process
conducted under NEPA, and/or as a
result of essential fish habitat
consultations under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act. BOEM may also
require measures to mitigate or avoid
fishery conflicts at the construction and
operations phase of its regulatory
process.
Although BOEM has largely erred on
the side of inclusion of areas at this
early stage in its process, it has accepted
the recommendation in the State of New
York’s Area for Consideration document
to exclude from the Call Areas the
Hudson Canyon Scallop Rotational Area
defined in 50 CFR 648.60(a)(4).
5.2
Avian Species
BOEM attempts to avoid leasing areas
with high concentrations of marine bird
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
species that may be most impacted by
offshore wind development. BOEM’s
preliminary analyses suggest, however,
that the Call Areas do not contain high
concentrations of such marine birds.
These preliminary analyses were based
on maps created from an ongoing
BOEM/NOAA study entitled,
‘‘Integrative Statistical Modeling and
Predictive Mapping of Seabird
Distribution and Abundance on the
Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf,’’
which can be found at https://
www.boem.gov/AT-13-03/. These maps
are publically available at https://
www.northeastoceandata.org/dataexplorer/?birds. However, more recent
maps from the study suggest that the
Hudson South Call Area may have
relatively high concentrations of
Northern Gannets in winter
(unpublished, Atlantic Marine Bird
Mapping Statistical Model Predictions
Release version 2.0). This finding
appears to be confirmed by the high
resolution aerial surveys that the State
of New York conducted in the winter of
2017 (https://remote.normandeau.com/
portal_data.php?public=1), and
supported by observations in a satellite
tracking study available at https://
www.boem.gov/BOEM-2017-069/.
Lastly, during the fall survey in 2017, a
roseate tern (listed as endangered under
ESA) was identified just north of the
Fairways North Call Area. BOEM will
further analyze and assess available
avian data as part of its Area
Identification process.
5.3 Marine Protected Species
Various marine protected species
utilize the New York Bight in the
vicinity of the Call Areas, including
marine mammals, sea turtles, and
Atlantic sturgeon. All marine mammal
species are protected under the Marine
Mammal Protection Act, while certain
whale species (including the North
Atlantic right whale), all sea turtles
species, and the Atlantic sturgeon are
afforded additional protections as listed
species under the Endangered Species
Act (ESA). While ESA-listed species are
known to be present in the Call Areas,
they do not contain National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS)-designated
critical habitat for any ESA-listed
species.
The Atlantic Marine Assessment
Program for Protected Species study
data show that several species may
utilize the habitats in the Call Areas for
feeding, resting, migrating, and
communication (https://
www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/AMAPPS/).
BOEM’s preliminary analyses suggest
that the continental shelf edge and slope
(located generally at or near the 200 m
PO 00000
Frm 00057
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
contour) contain the greatest densities
and species diversity of marine
mammals compared to less frequent
occurrences over the continental shelf
regions, where the Call Areas are
located (https://seamap.env.duke.edu/).
The exception is harbor porpoises,
which are a species that is commonly
found in high numbers over the
continental shelf in the winter and
spring. The available data further
indicates the presence of endangered
North Atlantic right whales primarily in
the Call Areas during the late fall and
winter seasons, while endangered and
threatened sea turtles are highly
migratory species that seasonally utilize
the continental shelf, including the Call
Areas, for foraging. The initial data
collected in recent surveys by the State
of New York’s high resolution aerial
surveys conducted in 2017 also
confirms marine mammal and sea turtle
sightings of various species in the Call
Areas (https://remote.normandeau.com/
portal_data.php?public=1).
In addition to marine mammals and
sea turtles, five Distinct Population
Segments of the Atlantic sturgeon, an
ESA-listed marine fish, likely occur in
the New York Bight. The occurrence of
Atlantic sturgeon in the New York Bight
has been well documented through
fisheries bycatch information, New York
bottom trawl sub-adult Atlantic
sturgeon surveys, a variety of tagging
studies, and more recently through an
offshore telemetry study funded by
BOEM and the New York Department of
Environmental Conservation (see:
https://www.boem.gov/Atlantic-FishTelemetry-Monitoring/). Atlantic
sturgeon may use the Call Areas as
overwintering and foraging areas. These
data, as well as ongoing passive acoustic
efforts by the Wildlife Conservation
Society’s New York Aquarium and the
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution,
will provide additional information for
BOEM’s consideration during the Area
Identification process.
BOEM will utilize information
received in response to the Call to assist
with its verification of any migratory
periods, persistent or seasonally
occurring oceanic habitat features
associated with the presence of
protected marine mammals, sea turtles,
and fish, periods of high species
abundance or diversity that may occur
within the Call Areas. BOEM also seeks
any additional information regarding
the use of the Call Areas by Atlantic
sturgeon, including specific known
overwintering habitats, such as holes or
troughs adjacent to shoals where
Atlantic sturgeon are regularly
encountered, as well as the time of year
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
15607
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
when those encounters are most likely
to occur.
BOEM will consider all the best
available information to identify and
assess potential areas of conflict with
marine protected species within the Call
Areas and consult with resource
agencies during the Area Identification
process, as necessary.
5.4
Navigation
Portions of the Call Areas are
regularly trafficked by multiple types of
vessels entering and leaving ports in
New Jersey and New York, based on
BOEM’s preliminary analysis of
Automatic Identification System (AIS)
data between 2010–2012, and the State
of New York’s analysis of 2013 AIS data
as part of its Area for Consideration
document. Portions of the Call Areas are
also used by cargo and tanker vessels
transiting between Delaware Bay and
Chesapeake Bay ports to eastern Long
Island and southeastern New England.
A majority of the vessels transiting the
Call Areas are cargo ships and tankers.
Other types of vessels using the area
include tug and barge, passenger,
military, recreational, and commercial
fishing. AIS data used to conduct this
analysis, in addition to other AIS tools,
can be downloaded at
www.marinecadastre.gov/AIS.
BOEM excluded the following
portions of the OCS from the Call Area
based on the State of New York’s
Navigation Study recommendations:
• Between the Hudson North and
Hudson South Call Areas, an area 30
nmi in length and approximately 15 nmi
wide from the entrance/exit of the New
York Southeastern Approach (Hudson
Canyon to Ambrose and Ambrose to
Hudson Canyon traffic lanes).
• All sub-blocks that overlap with a
1 nmi buffer along all outer edges of
traffic lanes, shipping safety fairways,
and the above-mentioned 30 nmi
delineated area.
BOEM coordinates with the U.S.
Coast Guard (USCG) on navigational
issues and will continue its engagement
throughout all phases of its regulatory
process. In 2015, as an outcome of its
Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study,
USCG issued Marine Planning
Guidelines (MPG), which recommends a
2 nmi parallel buffer between the outer
or seaward boundary of a traffic lane
and offshore structures, and a 5 nmi
buffer for a Traffic Separation Scheme
entry or exit. USCG has stated that these
buffers are guidelines, and has
acknowledged that navigational risks
can be mitigated on a project-by-project
basis, pending more detailed analysis
following the lessee’s submission of a
Navigational Safety Risk Assessment at
the construction and operations phase
of BOEM’s regulatory process. Pending
the outcome of future analysis, BOEM
may not offer some portions of the Call
Areas for leasing or development based
on information provided in response to
during the Call regarding safety
concerns and historic routes of vessel
traffic.
BOEM is also seeking information
regarding the following:
• Commercial Vessel Port-to-Port or
Port-to-Fishing Location Transit. AIS
data suggest the existence of historic
transit corridors through the Call Areas
between Chesapeake Bay ports and New
York/Newark ports; Delaware Bay and
Chesapeake Bay to smaller ports, such
as Buzzards Bay, MA; Providence, RI;
and Long Island East, NY.
• Recreational Port-to-Port Transit.
The State of New York identified an
Protraction name
Annapolis, MD to Newport, RI distance
sailing race route through its offshore
wind study area. BOEM seeks
information on other races or other
recreational port-to-port transit routes.
5.5 Department of Defense and United
States Coast Guard Training Areas
The Department of Defense (DoD)
conducts offshore testing, training, and
operations within portions of the Call
Areas. BOEM refined the Call Areas
based on the most recent DoD
assessment of compatibility between
commercial offshore wind development
and DoD testing, training and
operations. BOEM excluded from
consideration all OCS blocks that DoD
has determined to be incompatible.
BOEM is working with DoD to update
the offshore wind compatibility
assessment for the Atlantic that
identifies wind energy exclusion areas
and those OCS blocks that may require
site-specific conditions and stipulations
to ensure offshore wind facilities are
compatible with DoD activities. These
stipulations could include, but may not
be limited to: Hold and save harmless
agreements; mandatory coordination
with DoD on specified activities;
restrictions on electromagnetic
emissions; and evacuation procedures
from the lease area for safety reasons
when notified by the DoD. BOEM may
remove from leasing consideration any
OCS blocks identified as incompatible
in DoD’s updated compatibility
assessment.
Interested parties should also be
aware that the Call Areas contain some
OCS blocks that have never been
assessed by DoD, but will be included
in the updated compatibility
assessment. These OCS blocks and/or
portions thereof include:
Protraction No.
Block No.
NK18–12
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
6233
6306
6356
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
6406
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
New York ...........................................................................................................................................
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
6455
6456
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
6505
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
6506
6507
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
6555
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
PO 00000
Frm 00058
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
Sub-block
D.
M.
A, E, I, J,
M, N.
A, B, E, F,
I, J, K,
M, N, O.
D, H, L, P.
A, B, C, E,
F, G, H,
I, J, K,
L, M, N,
O, P.
D, G, H, K,
L, O, P.
All.
A, E, I, M,
N.
C, D, G, H,
K, L, O,
P.
15608
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
Protraction name
Protraction No.
Block No.
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
6556
6557
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
6605
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
6606
6607
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
6655
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
6656
6657
6658
6705
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
6706
6707
6708
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
6755
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
6756
6757
6758
Hudson Canyon .................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
6805
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
6806
6807
6808
6809
6855
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
6856
6857
6858
6859
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
The USCG Sector New York identified
the northern portion of the Hudson
South Call Area as an unofficially
designated weapons training range for
maintaining law enforcement
proficiency. They requested that this
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
Protraction name
New
New
New
New
York
York
York
York
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
PO 00000
Frm 00059
Protraction No.
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
All.
A, B, E, F,
I, J, M,
N, O.
B, C, D, F,
G, H, J,
K, L, N,
O, P.
All.
A, B, C, E,
F, G, I,
J, K, L,
M, N, O,
P.
B, C, D, F,
G, H, J,
K, L, N,
O, P.
All.
All.
E, I, M.
B, C, D, F,
G, H, J,
K, L, N,
O, P.
A, B, E, F,
I, J, M,
N, O.
B, C, D, F,
G, H, J,
K, L, N,
O, P.
All.
All.
A, B, C, E,
F, G, I,
J, K, M,
N, O, P.
B, C, D, F,
G, H, J,
K, L, N,
O, P.
All.
All.
All.
I, M.
B, C, D, F,
G, H, J,
K, L, N,
O, P.
All.
All.
All.
A, E, F, I,
J, M, N.
area be given consideration as an
existing use. These OCS blocks and/or
portions thereof include:
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Sub-block
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
11APN1
Block No.
6854
6855
6904
6905
Sub-block
H, L, P.
I, M.
D, H, L.
A, B, E, F,
G, I, J,
K, L, N,
O, P.
15609
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
Protraction name
Protraction No.
Block No.
New York ...........................................................................................................................................
NK18–12
6954
New York ...........................................................................................................................................
New York ...........................................................................................................................................
NK18–12
NK18–12
6955
7004
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
5.6 Bathymetric Conditions
The 60m water depth is a reasonable
estimate of the maximum limit for likely
development of utility scale fixed
foundation projects at the present time.
The National Renewable Energy
Laboratory’s (NREL) 2016 assessment of
US offshore wind potential identifies
three categories of foundation types
based on water depth: 0–30 meters for
gravity base or monopiles, 30 to 60
meters for jackets or tripods, and 60
meters or greater for floating structures.
However, BOEM is aware of nascent
floating foundation technology that has
been deployed on a limited basis in
water deeper than 60m, and new
support structure technologies are
continually under development. Given
the likelihood of continued
technological advancement in the
offshore wind industry in terms of
foundation design, materials use, and
turbine efficiency, BOEM requests
comment on the appropriateness of the
60m water depth contour as a factor
delineating the Call Areas.
5.7 Visual Impacts
The New Jersey and New York
coastlines to the north and west of the
Call Areas contain various natural areas,
lighthouses, beaches, and other public
spaces. These coastlines also contain
numerous National Historic Landmarks
(NHLs) and historic properties listed in,
or eligible for listing in, the National
Register of Historic Places. Additionally,
two units of the National Park Service,
Fire Island National Seashore (Fire
Island) and Gateway National
Recreation Area (Gateway) are located
in the vicinity of the Call Areas. Fire
Island was established by Congress to
preserve the beaches, dunes, and other
natural resources within Suffolk
County, New York, and is also a
designated Wilderness Area. Gateway
was established to preserve natural and
recreational resources in and around
Staten Island, Long Island, and northern
New Jersey.
BOEM previously consulted with
stakeholders regarding viewshed
concerns and completed a study
entitled, ‘‘Renewable Energy Viewshed
Analysis and Visualization Simulation
for the New York Outer Continental
Shelf Call Area’’ (https://
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
www.boem.gov/New-York-VisualSimulations), during the Area
Identification process for the New York
WEA designated on March 16, 2016 and
later refined into what is now Lease
OCS–A 0512 (https://www.boem.gov/
OCS-A-0512/). This study included a
meteorological assessment, viewshed
analysis, and photographic
documentation of a hypothetical
commercial wind facility from a series
of publicly accessible key observations
points. The National Park Service (NPS),
New York State Historic Preservation
Office (NY SHPO), and New Jersey State
Historic Preservation Office (NJ SHPO)
each expressed concern regarding the
potential for visual impacts to NHLs and
other onshore historic properties from
renewable energy development within
the New York Bight, including portions
of the Call Areas. Additionally, NPS
expressed concern that development
within these areas could negatively
impact historic and natural resources
within Fire Island and Gateway,
particularly with respect to the aircraft
and vessel collision avoidance safety
lighting to adversely affect the natural
darkness, night sky, and ocean views.
The State of New York initially
excluded areas within 15 nmi (17.3
statute miles) of shore from its Area for
of Consideration document in order to
reduce potential visual impacts to
onshore areas. Based on the results of
BOEM’s visual simulation study and
additional outreach conducted by the
State of New York, the state limited its
Area for Consideration document to
include areas at least 20 statute miles
(17.4 nautical miles) from shore. BOEM
has elected to use the State’s initial 15
nmi limit at this preliminary stage, and
seeks further stakeholder feedback
regarding viewshed concerns in
response to this Call—including specific
concerns about potential impacts to the
landscape or seascape of coastal areas of
New York and/or New Jersey, as well as
potential mitigation measures.
5.8 Cables and Other Existing
Infrastructure
As discussed in the Area for
Consideration document, the Call Areas
contain a significant number of fiberoptic and electrical transmission cables
traversing the seabed, as well as other
PO 00000
Frm 00060
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Sub-block
G, K, L, O,
P.
I, M, N.
C, D.
existing infrastructure, such as natural
gas pipelines. If BOEM ultimately leases
portions of the Call Areas that contain
existing infrastructure, lessees may need
to develop site-specific crossing and
proximity agreements with applicable
infrastructure owners, per BOEM’s
Construction Operation Plan GuidanceAttachment H: Coordination Efforts
Relating to Existing
Telecommunications Cables.
6
Description of the Area
The Call Areas described in this
notice are located on the OCS in the
New York Bight and are delineated as
Fairways North, Fairways South,
Hudson North, and Hudson South. The
four Areas include 222 whole OCS
blocks and 172 partial blocks in total,
and comprise approximately 2,047
square nmi (702,192 hectares). A map of
the Call Areas, and associated GIS files,
which are located in UTM Zone 18 and
UTM Zone 19, NAD83 Datum, can be
found at the following URL: https://
www.boem.gov/NY-Bight/.
6.1
Call Area Fairways North
The boundary of Call Area Fairways
North begins 15 nmi offshore and is
parallel to the coast. The area is 15 nmi
from both South Hampton, New York
and Montauk, New York. The area is
about 46 nmi in length from east to west
and at its widest point is about 11nmi
from north to south. Respondents
should be aware that New York NK18–
12 Blocks 6233, 6283, 6333, 6383, 6433
and Block Island Shelf NK19–10 Blocks
6202, 6252, 6302, 6352, 6402 border the
edge of Universe Transverse Mercator
(UTM) Zones 18 and 19. As a result,
while these blocks are considered full
OCS lease blocks, they vary in area and
are smaller than standard OCS blocks.
Official acreages for the blocks located
within Official Protraction Diagrams
(OPD) New York NK18–12 and Block
Island Shelf NK19–10 can be found at:
https://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-GasEnergy-Program/Mapping-and-Data/
NK18-12-01-MAY-2006.aspx and
https://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-GasEnergy-Program/Mapping-and-Data/
NK19-10-01-MAY-2006.aspx.
The entire area is approximately 250
square nmi (85,728 hectares) and is
described in the table below:
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
15610
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
Protraction name
Protraction No.
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Block Island Shelf ...................................................................
Call Area Fairways South
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
The boundary of Call Area Fairways
South begins at 15 nmi offshore Fire
York
York
York
York
York
Protraction No.
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
6233
6281
6282
6283
6330
6331
6332
6333
6378
6379
6380
6381
6382
6383
6425
6426
6427
6428
6429
6430
6431
6432
6433
6474
6475
6058
6059
6107
6108
6109
6154
6155
6156
6157
6158
6202
6203
6204
6205
6206
6207
6252
6253
6254
6255
6256
6302
6303
6304
6305
6306
6352
6353
6354
6355
6402
6403
6404
Island National Seashore in New York.
The area is about 43nmi in length from
east to west and about 4 nmi in width
from north to south. The entire area is
Protraction name
New
New
New
New
New
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
NK19–10
Block No.
PO 00000
Frm 00061
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Sub-block
P.
P.
H, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
K, L, M, N, O, P.
B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
All.
All.
K, L, M, N, O, P.
C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
O, P.
H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I.
D.
A.
O, P.
M.
L, M, N, O, P.
B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
A, E, F, I, J, M.
O, P.
H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
A, B, E, F, I, J, M.
A.
L, M, N, O, P.
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, E, F, I, M.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
A, B, C.
approximately 126.4 square nmi (43,344
hectares) and is described in the table
below:
Block No.
6526
6527
6528
6529
6530
Sub-block
O, P.
M, N, O, P.
M, N, O, P.
M, N, O, P.
K, L, M, N, O, P.
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
Protraction name
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
Protraction No.
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
Call Area Hudson North
The boundary of Call Area Hudson
North begins at about 20 nmi from
shore, the closest coastal location being
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
Protraction No.
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
6531
6532
6568
6569
6570
6571
6572
6573
6574
6575
6576
6577
6578
6579
6580
6581
6582
6616
6617
6618
6619
6620
6621
6622
6623
6624
6625
6626
Robert Moses State Park in New York.
Jones Beach State Park in New York is
about 25 nmi from the area. The area is
about 47 nmi in length from east to west
and about 30 nmi in width from north
Protraction name
VerDate Sep<11>2014
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
Block No.
PO 00000
Frm 00062
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Sub-block
I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
I, J, K, L, M, N, O.
O, P.
G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I.
K, L.
D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
A, B, C, D.
A, B, C, D.
A, B, C, D.
A, B, C, D.
to south. The entire area is
approximately 696.9 square nmi
(239,040 hectares) and is described in
the table below:
Block No.
6018
6019
6020
6021
6022
6023
6069
6070
6071
6072
6120
6121
6122
6678
6679
6716
6717
6718
6719
6720
6721
6722
6723
6724
6725
6726
6727
6728
6729
6730
6764
6765
6766
6767
6768
15611
Sub-block
D.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, E.
D.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, O, P.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, I, J, M.
D.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, L.
A.
M, N, O, P.
M, N, O, P.
N, O, P.
I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
E, I, J, K, M, N.
L, O, P.
C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
15612
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
Protraction name
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
Protraction No.
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
PO 00000
Frm 00063
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Block No.
6769
6770
6771
6772
6773
6774
6775
6776
6777
6778
6779
6780
6813
6814
6815
6816
6817
6818
6819
6820
6821
6822
6823
6824
6825
6826
6827
6828
6829
6862
6863
6864
6865
6866
6867
6868
6869
6870
6871
6872
6873
6874
6913
6914
6915
6916
6917
6918
6919
6920
6921
6922
6923
6924
6925
6926
6964
6965
6966
6967
6968
6969
6970
6971
6972
6973
6974
6975
6976
7015
7016
7017
7018
7019
Sub-block
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
A.
K, L, O, P.
B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
A.
L.
B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, M, N.
C, D, H.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N,
M.
C, D, H.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, E, I, M.
C, D, H.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
All.
All.
All.
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
K, L, M, N, O.
L, M, N, O, P.
K, L, M.
K, L.
K, L.
K.
L, M, N, O, P.
K, L, M, N, O, P.
K, L, M, N, O, P.
O, P.
K, L, M, N, O, P.
K, L, M, N, O, P.
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
Protraction name
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
Protraction No.
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
Call Area Hudson South
The boundary of Call Area Hudson
South begins 15 nmi offshore Neptune,
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Protraction No.
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
7020
7021
7022
7023
7024
7025
7066
7067
7068
7069
7070
7071
7072
7073
7117
7118
7119
7120
7121
7122
7123
New Jersey. The area is about 62 nmi in
length from north to south and about 30
nmi in width from east to west. The
Protraction name
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
Block No.
PO 00000
Frm 00064
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Sub-block
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D,
A, B, C, D,
A, B, C, D,
C, D, H.
A, B, C, D,
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
M.
D.
A, B, C, D,
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
E, F, G, H, I, J.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
entire area is approximately 974 square
nmi (334,080 hectares) and is described
in the table below:
Block No.
6005
6006
6007
6008
6009
6010
6055
6056
6057
6058
6059
6060
6061
6105
6106
6107
6108
6109
6110
6111
6112
6155
6156
6157
6158
6159
6160
6161
6162
6163
6206
6207
6208
6209
6210
6211
6212
6213
6214
6256
6257
6258
6259
6260
15613
Sub-block
B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
I, M, N.
B, C, D, G, H, K, L, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
I, M, N.
C, D, G, H, L, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
I, M, N.
D, H, L.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
E, I, J, M, N, O.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
E, I, J, M, N, O.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
P.
P.
P.
P.
15614
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
Protraction name
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Hudson
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
Canyon
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Protraction No.
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
PO 00000
Frm 00065
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Block No.
6261
6262
6263
6264
6265
6306
6307
6308
6309
6310
6311
6312
6313
6314
6315
6316
6355
6356
6357
6358
6359
6360
6361
6362
6363
6364
6365
6366
6405
6406
6407
6408
6409
6410
6411
6412
6413
6414
6415
6455
6456
6457
6458
6459
6460
6461
6462
6463
6464
6465
6505
6506
6507
6508
6509
6510
6511
6512
6513
6514
6515
6555
6556
6557
6558
6559
6560
6561
6562
6563
6605
6606
6607
6608
Sub-block
All.
All.
All.
All.
E, I, J, M, N, O.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
E, I, J, M, N, O.
D, H, L, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, E.
D, H, L, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O.
D, H, L, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, E, F, I, J, M.
D, G, H, K, L, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
A.
C, D, G, H, K, L, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, E, I.
B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
Protraction name
Protraction No.
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
Hudson Canyon ......................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
New York ................................................................................
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
6.2 Unsolicited Lease Request—PNE
Wind
On December 30, 2016, BOEM
received an unsolicited lease request
from PNE Wind USA, Inc. (PNE) for
40,920 acres offshore New York. PNE
seeks a lease to develop a 300–400 MW
project approximately 28 nmi southeast
from the Ruland Road Substation, as
described below. BOEM is subsuming
portions of PNE’s unsolicited request
into the Call Areas, and will subject the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NJ18–03
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
Block No.
6609
6610
6611
6612
6655
6656
6657
6658
6659
6660
6661
6662
6705
6706
6707
6708
6709
6710
6711
6755
6756
6757
6758
6759
6760
6805
6806
6807
6808
6809
6810
6855
6856
6857
6858
6859
6854
6855
6904
6905
6954
6955
7004
7005
7006
7007
7055
7056
7057
7058
7105
7106
7107
7108
7109
unsolicited request to the same Area ID
analysis and determination of
competitive interest as the remainder of
the Call Areas.
The unsolicited request is mostly
located within the Call Area Fairways
South and begins approximately 13.5
nmi from the shore near Fire Island
National Seashore in New York and
extends roughly 3 nmi seaward. It
extends from west to east approximately
15 nmi. It should be noted that 15 lease
blocks of the original unsolicited
PO 00000
Frm 00066
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
15615
Sub-block
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, E, F, G, I, J, M, N.
B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O.
A.
B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, E, F, I, M.
B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, M, N.
B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, E
B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P.
All.
All.
All.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, M, N.
H, L, P.
I, M.
D, H, L.
A, B, E, F, G, I, J, K, L N, O, P.
G, K, L, O, P.
I, M, N, O.
C, D, G, H.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P.
E, F, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
M.
B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P.
All.
A, B, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
M.
B, C, D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
All.
All.
A, B, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
I, M, N.
requests have not been included as part
of this Call. Specifically, 11 blocks in
the northwest portion of the original
request have been excluded by the 15
nautical mile visual buffer, and four
blocks along the southern and south
eastern border of the original request
were removed to accommodate a one
nautical mile buffer from an existing
navigational fairway. The entire area is
approximately 48.3 square nmi (16,560
hectares) and is described in the table
below:
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
15616
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
Protraction name
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
New
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
York
Protraction No.
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
7 Requested Information From
Interested or Affected Parties
BOEM requests specific and detailed
comments from the public and other
interested or affected parties regarding
the following:
1. Geological, geophysical, and
biological conditions (including bottom
and shallow hazards and live bottom) in
the area described in this notice.
2. Information regarding the
identification of historic properties or
potential effects to historic properties
from leasing, site assessment activities
(including the construction of
meteorological towers or the installation
of meteorological buoys), or commercial
wind energy development in the areas
identified in this Call. This includes
potential offshore archaeological sites or
other historic properties within the
areas described in this notice and also
onshore historic properties that could
potentially be affected by renewable
energy activities within the Call Areas.
This information will inform BOEM’s
review of future undertakings under
Section 106 of the NHPA and under
NEPA.
3. Information relating to whether or
not the visibility of wind turbines
located in the offshore Call Areas
identified in this notice would
adversely affect the landscape or
seascape of coastal areas of New York
and/or New Jersey, and ideas or
strategies that could be used to help
mitigate or minimize any adverse visual
effects, such as: How far offshore
turbines should be placed to minimize
the visual impact from the coastline;
specific locations or areas to avoid
development altogether; or any other
strategies to help reduce the visual
footprint (for example, the color of the
turbines [towers, nacelle, blades], the
arrangement or pattern of the turbine
array, the dimension of the turbines
(e.g., height and blade span), visual
navigational aviation lighting
requirements, the maximum number of
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
NK18–12
Block No.
6567
6568
6569
6570
6571
6572
6573
6617
6618
6619
6620
6621
6622
6623
turbines that should be allowed in a
specific area, etc.).
4. Information about potentially
conflicting uses of the Call Areas,
including navigation (commercial and
recreational vessel use), recreational
fishing hotspots, and commercial
fishing areas (see Section 5.1 for
additional information regarding known
fishing grounds located in the Call
Areas).
5. Additional information about portto-port or port-to-fishing location
corridors, determination of appropriate
buffers for safety based on the type of
vessel between these routes, and the
placement of structures in the Call
Areas, as well as the density of the types
of vessels that utilize these corridors
and their ability to use alternative
corridors.
6. Additional information regarding
recreational and commercial fisheries
that operate within these Call Areas,
including, but not limited to, the use of
the area for recreational tuna and marlin
tournaments, the fishing gear types
used, seasonal use, and suggestions for
reducing use conflicts in response to
this Call.
7. BOEM is currently participating in
interagency discussions with DOD,
Department of Energy, Federal Aviation
Administration, and NOAA and
conducting research on the potential
effect of offshore wind facilities on
coastal radar systems. BOEM is
requesting additional information
regarding the potential for interference
with radar systems covering the Call
Areas, including, but not limited to, the
use of coastal oceanographic radar
observations for offshore search and
rescue operations and for environmental
monitoring.
8. General interest by a developer(s)
in constructing a backbone transmission
system that would transport electricity
generated by wind projects located
offshore in the New York Bight,
including a general description of the
PO 00000
Frm 00067
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Sub-block
K, L, O, P.
I, J, K L,M, N, O, P.
H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N,
E, I, M.
C, D, G, H, K, L.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J,
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
A, E.
O, P.
O, P.
O, P.
K, L.
K.
transmission’s proposed path and
potential interconnection points.
9. Available and pertinent data and
information concerning renewable
energy resources and environmental
conditions in and around the Call Areas.
Where applicable, spatial information
should be submitted in a format
compatible with ArcGIS 10.0 in a
geographic coordinate system (NAD 83).
10. Potential buffers between WEAs
within the Call Area. Within the Area
for Consideration document, the State of
New York also included ‘‘indicative
areas’’ intended to provide a sense of
scale and outline what potential WEAs
could look like. The indicative areas
were drawn with buffers between the
leases, as seen in Europe. Should BOEM
delineate its WEAs with buffers to allow
for mitigation of potential conflicts, not
limited to wake effect, navigation, and/
or cumulative environmental effects?
Alternatively, should BOEM consider
adding stipulations in its leases limiting
development within a certain distance
of adjacent development without the
consent of the other developer (and if
so, what distance is appropriate)?
11. Size and number of WEAs within
the Call Areas. How should BOEM
determine the appropriate size and
number of wind energy areas to offer for
leasing? As discussed in Section 5,
approximately 18% of the Call Areas
presented in this document would need
to be identified as WEAs to meet the
State of New York’s request for four 800
MW lease areas. Considering the goals
of states within the region of a potential
wind energy area is a crucial component
of BOEM’s process. However, BOEM is
seeking further information on what
additional factors should be considered
in this process.
12. Habitats that may require special
attention during siting and construction.
13. Biologically important areas
(whether persistent or seasonal) for fish
(also see Section 5.3), avian, marine
mammal, or sea turtle species, which
may be vital for migration, foraging or
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 11, 2018 / Notices
other biologically important behaviors,
or that may seasonally concentrate these
species in high numbers.
14. Other relevant socioeconomic,
biological, and environmental
information.
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
8
Required Nomination Information
If you intend to submit one or more
nominations for a commercial wind
energy lease in the Call Areas identified
in this notice, you must provide the
following information for each
nomination:
1. The BOEM Protraction name,
number, and specific whole or partial
OCS blocks within the Call Area(s) that
you are interested in leasing, inclusive
of any potential buffers with adjacent
leases. Each area you identify should be
sized appropriately to accommodate the
development of a reasonable wind
energy facility. For context, BOEM
would consider the nomination of a
block of approximately 80,000 acres
reasonable, as it would likely be able to
support an 800 MW wind energy facility
(assuming a power density of 0.01 MW
per acre). Nominations that
considerably exceed approximately
80,000 acres, e.g. all of the Call Areas,
may be deemed unreasonable and not
accepted by BOEM. This information
should be submitted as a spatial file
compatible with ArcGIS 10.0 in a
geographic coordinate system (NAD 83)
in addition to your hard copy submittal.
If your proposed lease area(s) includes
one or more partial blocks, please
describe those partial blocks in terms of
a sixteenth (i.e., sub-block) of an OCS
block. If you are commercially
interested in an area outside the Call
Areas deeper than 60m of water depth,
BOEM may consider your nomination
either as part of this leasing process or
in a separate process at a later date.
2. A description of your objectives
and the facilities that you would use to
achieve those objectives.
3. A preliminary schedule of
proposed activities, including those
leading to commercial operations.
4. Available and pertinent data and
information concerning renewable
energy resources and environmental
conditions in the block(s) area(s) that
you wish to lease, including energy and
resource data and information used to
evaluate the Call Area. Where
applicable, spatial information should
be submitted in a format compatible
with ArcGIS 10.0 in a geographic
coordinate system (NAD 83).
5. Documentation demonstrating that
you are legally qualified to hold a lease,
as set forth in 30 CFR 585.106 and
585.107(c). Examples of the
documentation appropriate for
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:17 Apr 10, 2018
Jkt 244001
demonstrating your legal qualifications
and related guidance can be found in
Chapter 2 and Appendix B of the BOEM
Renewable Energy Framework Guide
Book available at: https://www.boem.gov/
REnGuidebook_03/. Legal qualification
documents will be placed in an official
file that may be made available for
public review. If you wish that any part
of your legal qualification
documentation be kept confidential,
clearly identify what should be kept
confidential, and submit it under
separate cover (see ‘‘Protection of
Privileged or Confidential Information
Section,’’ below).
6. Documentation demonstrating that
you are technically and financially
capable of constructing, operating,
maintaining and decommissioning the
facilities described in (2) above, as set
forth in 30 CFR 585.107(a). Guidance
regarding the required documentation to
demonstrate your technical and
financial qualifications can be found at:
https://www.boem.gov/RenewableEnergy-Program/RegulatoryInformation/QualificationGuidelinespdf.aspx. Any documentation you
submit to demonstrate your legal,
technical, and financial qualifications
must be provided to BOEM in both
paper and electronic formats. BOEM
considers an Adobe PDF file on a
storage media device to be an acceptable
format for an electronic copy.
It is not required that you submit a
nomination in response to this Call in
order to participate in a potential future
competitive lease sale in the New York
Bight, if BOEM determines that
competitive interest exists in one or
more portions of the Call Area after the
close of the Call comment period.
However, you will not be able to
participate in such a lease sale unless
you demonstrate prior to the sale that
you are legally, technically, and
financially qualified to hold a BOEM
renewable energy lease. To ensure that
BOEM has sufficient time to process
your qualifications package, you should
submit this package during the PSN 60day public comment period. More
information can be found at: https://
www.boem.gov/Renewable-EnergyProgram/Regulatory-Information/
QualificationGuidelines-pdf.aspx.
9 Protection of Privileged or
Confidential Information
9.1 Freedom of Information Act
BOEM will protect privileged or
confidential information that you
submit when required by the Freedom
of Information Act (FOIA). Exemption 4
of FOIA applies to trade secrets and
commercial or financial information
PO 00000
Frm 00068
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 9990
15617
that you submit that is privileged or
confidential. If you wish to protect the
confidentiality of such information,
clearly mark it and request that BOEM
treat it as confidential. BOEM will not
disclose such information if it qualifies
for exemption from disclosure under
FOIA. Please label privileged or
confidential information ‘‘Contains
Confidential Information’’ and consider
submitting such information as a
separate attachment.
BOEM will not treat as confidential
any aggregate summaries of such
information or comments not containing
such information. Additionally, BOEM
will not treat as confidential (1) the legal
title of the nominating entity (for
example, the name of your company), or
(2) the list of whole or partial blocks
that you are nominating. Information
that is not labeled as privileged or
confidential will be regarded by BOEM
as suitable for public release.
9.2 Personal Identifying Information
BOEM does not consider anonymous
comments; please include your name
and address as part of your submittal.
You should be aware that your entire
comment, including your name,
address, and your personal identifying
information, may be made publicly
available at any time. All submissions
from identified individuals, businesses
and organizations will be available for
public viewing on regulations.gov. In
order for BOEM to withhold from
disclosure your personal identifying
information, you must identify any
information contained in the submittal
of your comments that, if released,
would constitute a clearly unwarranted
invasion of your personal privacy. You
must also briefly describe any possible
harmful consequence(s) of the
disclosure of information, such as
embarrassment, injury or other harm.
9.3 Section 304 of the National
Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C.
470w–3(a))
BOEM is required, after consultation
with the Secretary, to withhold the
location, character, or ownership of
historic resources if it determines that
disclosure may, among other things, risk
harm to the historic resources or impede
the use of a traditional religious site by
practitioners. Tribal entities should
designate information that falls under
Section 304 of NHPA as confidential.
Dated: April 5, 2018.
Walter D. Cruickshank,
Acting Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management.
[FR Doc. 2018–07445 Filed 4–10–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 11, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15602-15617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07445]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
[Docket No. BOEM-2018-0004]
Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf
in the New York Bight--Call for Information and Nominations
AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior.
ACTION: Call for Information and Nominations for Commercial Leasing for
Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf in the New York Bight.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) invites the
submission of information and nominations for commercial wind leases
that would allow a lessee to propose the construction of a wind energy
project on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the New York Bight, and
to develop one or more projects, if approved, after further
environmental review. Although this announcement is not itself a
leasing announcement, the areas described herein, or portions thereof,
may be available for future leasing. BOEM will use responses to this
Call for Information and Nominations (hereinafter referred to as
``Call'' or ``notice'') to gauge specific interest in acquiring
commercial wind leases in some or all of the Call Areas, as required by
law. Parties wishing to submit a nomination in response to this Call
should submit detailed and specific information in response to the
requirements described in the section entitled, ``Required Nomination
Information.''
This announcement also requests comments and information from
interested and affected parties about site conditions, resources, and
multiple uses in close proximity to, or within, the Call Areas that
would be relevant to BOEM's review of any nominations submitted and/or
to BOEM's possible subsequent decision to offer all or part of the Call
Areas for commercial wind leasing. The information that BOEM is
requesting is described in the section of this Call entitled,
``Requested Information from Interested or Affected Parties.''
DATES: BOEM must receive nominations describing your interest in one or
more, or any portion of, the Call Areas, by a postmarked date of May
29, 2018 for your nomination to be considered. BOEM requests comments
or submissions of information to be postmarked or delivered by this
same date. BOEM will consider only those nominations received that
conform to this requirement.
ADDRESSES: If you are submitting a nomination for a lease area in
response to this Call, please submit your nomination, following the
``Required Nomination Information'' section below, to the following
address: BOEM, Office of Renewable Energy Programs, 45600 Woodland Road
(VAM-OREP), Sterling, Virginia 20166. In addition to a paper copy of
the nomination, include an electronic copy of the nomination on a data
storage device. BOEM will list the parties that submitted nominations
and the location of the proposed lease areas (i.e., OCS blocks
nominated) on the BOEM website after the 45-day comment period has
closed.
Comments and other submissions of information may be submitted by
either of the following two methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the
entry entitled, ``Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter BOEM-2018-0004, and then
click ``search.'' Follow the instructions to
[[Page 15603]]
submit public comments and view supporting and related materials
available for this notice.
2. U.S. Postal Service or other delivery service. Send your
comments and information to the following address: Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management, Office of Renewable Energy Programs, 45600 Woodland
Road (VAM-OREP), Sterling, Virginia 20166.
All responses will be reported on https://www.regulations.gov.
If you wish to protect the confidentiality of your nominations or
comments, clearly mark the relevant sections and request that BOEM
treat them as confidential. Please label privileged or confidential
information ``Contains Confidential Information,'' and consider
submitting such information as a separate attachment. Treatment of
confidential information is addressed in the section of this Call
entitled, ``Protection of Privileged or Confidential Information.''
Information that is not labeled as privileged or confidential will be
regarded by BOEM as suitable for public release.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luke Feinberg, BOEM, Office of
Renewable Energy Programs, 45600 Woodland Road (VAM-OREP), Sterling,
Virginia 20166, (703) 787-1705 or [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority
This Call is published pursuant to subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS
Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3), which was added by section 388 of the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), as well as the implementing
regulations at 30 CFR part 585.
Call Areas
The Call Areas described in this notice are located on the OCS in
the New York Bight and are delineated as Fairways North, Fairways
South, Hudson North, and Hudson South. The four Call Areas include 222
whole OCS blocks and 172 partial blocks in total, and comprise
approximately 2,047 square nautical miles (nmi) (702,192 hectares).
These Call Areas were established after considering the New York State
Area for Consideration for the Potential Locating of Offshore Wind
Energy Areas (Area for Consideration), as well as additional input from
the New York State Department of State, New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the Intergovernmental
Renewable Energy Task Force for the New York Bight (which includes
members of the New York and New Jersey Task Forces, as well as regional
representatives from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts).
These areas will be analyzed by BOEM during the area identification
(Area ID) portion of the leasing process. For context, based on a power
density ratio of 0.01 megawatts (MW) per acre, New York's goal of
procuring 2.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2030 could
likely be accommodated by developing 14% of the call areas presented.
Development of approximately 18% of the Call Areas would be required to
meet New York State's recommendation that BOEM designate four 800 MW
lease areas (3.2 GW of capacity). A detailed description of the areas
and how they were developed is described in the section of this Call
entitled, ``Description of the Area.''
Purpose of the Call for Information and Nominations
The OCS Lands Act requires BOEM to award leases competitively,
unless BOEM makes a determination that there is no competitive interest
(43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3)). BOEM will make this determination after
reviewing the nominations received in response to this Call. This Call
also requests information from interested and affected parties on
issues relevant to potential leasing within the Call Areas.
The responses to this Call could lead to the initiation of a
competitive leasing process in some parts of the Call Areas (i.e.,
where competition exists), and a noncompetitive process in other parts
of the Call Areas (i.e., where no competitive interest exists). The
leasing process is described more completely under the ``Determination
of Competitive Interest'' and ``Noncompetitive Leasing Process''
sections of this Call. In any parts of the Call Areas where a single
entity has shown interest, but BOEM determines there is no competitive
interest, BOEM may proceed with the noncompetitive lease process
pursuant to 30 CFR 585.232. If BOEM determines that there is
competitive interest in some or all of the Call Areas, then BOEM may
proceed with Area ID, as set forth in 30 CFR 585.211(b), and the
competitive leasing process as set forth under 30 CFR 585.211 through
585.225.
A lease, whether issued through a competitive or noncompetitive
process, does not grant the lessee the right to construct any
facilities on the lease; rather, the lease grants the lessee the
exclusive right to submit development plans to BOEM, which BOEM must
first have approved before the lessee may proceed to the next stage of
the process (30 CFR 585.600 and 585.601).
Whether the leasing process is competitive or noncompetitive, it
will include additional opportunities for the public to provide input,
and any proposed actions will be reviewed thoroughly for potential
environmental and multiple use impacts. The area(s) that may be offered
for lease, if any, has/have not yet been determined, and may include
less than the total footprint of the Call Areas identified in this
Call.
1 Background
1.1 Energy Policy Act of 2005
The EPAct amended the OCS Lands Act by adding subsection
8(p)(1)(C), which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant
leases, easements, or rights-of-way (ROWs) on the OCS for activities
that are not otherwise authorized by law and that produce or support
production, transportation, or transmission of energy from sources
other than oil or gas, including renewable energy sources. The EPAct
also required the issuance of regulations to carry out the new
authority pertaining to renewable energy on the OCS. The Secretary
delegated this authority to issue leases, easements, and ROWs, and to
promulgate regulations, to the Director of BOEM. On April 29, 2009,
BOEM published regulations entitled, Renewable Energy and Alternate
Uses of Existing Facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf, which have
been codified at 30 CFR part 585, which can be found at: https://www.boem.gov/uploadedFiles/30_CFR_585.pdf.
1.2 Ocean Planning
BOEM participates in ocean planning through a collaborative, data-
based approach to foster coordinated and informed decisions about our
shared ocean resources and the many uses that depend on them.
BOEM appreciates the importance of coordinating its planning
endeavors with other OCS users, regulators, and relevant Federal
agencies--including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the
National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Department of
Defense (DoD). BOEM intends to coordinate with the regional planning
bodies, which include Federal and state agencies; federally recognized
tribes; and Fishery Management Councils. BOEM will also utilize
information contained in the Northeast
[[Page 15604]]
and Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portals \1\ in its decision-making, among
other sources of information, because the Portals include maps of
marine life, habitat areas, cultural resources, transportation,
fishing, and other human uses to be considered when new energy or other
infrastructure projects are proposed. BOEM anticipates that continued
coordination with its Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Forces
(Task Forces) will also help inform comprehensive ocean planning
efforts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Northeast Ocean Data Portal (maintained by NROC, the
Northeast Regional Ocean Council https://www.northeastoceandata.org)
and the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal (maintained by MARCO, the
Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean https://portal.midatlanticocean.org) draw upon data from the
MarineCadastre.gov national data portal, which was developed through
a partnership between NOAA and BOEM. MarineCadastre.gov is an
integrated marine information system that provides data, tools, and
technical support for ocean and Great Lakes planning, designed
specifically to support renewable energy siting on the OCS, but is
also being used for other ocean-related efforts and is recognized by
regional ocean governance groups as the central place for
authoritative federal data, with data, metadata, and map services.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.3 BOEM Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Forces
BOEM has established multiple Task Forces to facilitate
coordination among relevant Federal agencies and affected state, local,
and tribal governments throughout the leasing process. Task Forces for
New Jersey and New York were previously established in 2009 and 2010,
respectively, and will continue to be engaged during the planning and
leasing process for the New York Bight OCS area. This engagement
includes joint Task Force activities, such as the webinar for the New
York Bight that was held on December 4, 2017. Meeting materials for
these two Task Forces are available on the BOEM website at: https://www.boem.gov/NY-Bight/.
2 Environmental Review Process
Prior to deciding whether and where leases may be issued, BOEM will
prepare an environmental assessment (EA) and conduct consultations to
consider the environmental consequences associated with issuing
commercial wind leases within all or some of the Call Areas. The EA
will consider the reasonably foreseeable environmental consequences
associated with leasing, such as site characterization activities
(including geophysical, geotechnical, archaeological, and biological
surveys). BOEM would consider the environmental effects of the
construction or operation of any wind energy facility under a separate,
project-specific National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process,
which would include additional opportunities for public involvement.
BOEM would also conduct several consultations concurrently with, and
integrated into, the NEPA process. These consultations would include,
but are not limited to, those required by the Coastal Zone Management
Act (CZMA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and Executive Order 13175--
``Consultation and Coordination with Tribal Governments.''
3 Actions Taken by the State of New York in Support of Offshore
Renewable Energy Development
The State of New York has a stated goal of developing 2.4 GW of
offshore wind energy by 2030. To facilitate this effort, NYSERDA has
spearheaded the development of the New York Offshore Wind Master Plan
(the Master Plan https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Offshore-Wind/New-York-Offshore-Wind-Master-Plan), a comprehensive
roadmap to advance offshore wind energy development in New York. The
objective of New York's Master Plan is to ``to ensure that offshore
wind in New York is developed in the most responsible and cost-
effective manner possible.'' To support the Master Plan, NYSERDA has
conducted more than 20 studies and engaged with stakeholders and the
public with the stated objective of ensuring that offshore wind is
developed thoughtfully, responsibly, and cost-effectively.
On October 2, 2017, BOEM received the State of New York's Area for
Consideration. This document identifies an area of the New York Bight
that the State has determined, based on its compilation and analysis of
scientific, stakeholder and analytical data, to be most desirable for
future offshore wind development. BOEM has taken the State's
recommendation into account in designating areas for this Call, and
will consider the data and analyses generated by the State at
subsequent stages of its planning and leasing process in the New York
Bight area.
4 BOEM's Planning and Leasing Process
4.1 Determination of Competitive Interest
As stated in 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3), ``the Secretary shall issue a
lease, easement, or right-of-way . . . on a competitive basis unless
the Secretary determines after public notice of a proposed lease,
easement, or right-of-way that there is no competitive interest.'' The
first step in BOEM's leasing process is therefore to determine whether
or not there is any competitive interest in acquiring a lease within
the Call Areas for the purpose of offshore wind development. At the
same time, BOEM will determine whether there is overlapping interest in
any particular portion of the Call Areas that would result in the need
for a competitive process. At the conclusion of the comment period for
this Call, BOEM will review the nominations received and determine
whether competitive interest exists in any specific locations within
the Call Areas. After the close of the Call comment period, if BOEM
determines that competitive interest exists for one or more portions of
the Call Area, you will be able to submit a bid in a potential future
competitive lease sale for those portions of the Call Area even if you
did not submit a nomination in response to this Call.
For any portions of the Call Area, but particularly portions with
two or more valid nominations, BOEM may consider proceeding with
competitive leasing as described in the section of this Call entitled,
``Competitive Leasing Process.'' For areas where BOEM determines that
there is a single interested entity, but only one valid nomination,
BOEM may consider proceeding with noncompetitive leasing, as described
in the section entitled, ``Noncompetitive Leasing Process.''
Respondents to this Call and members of the public should be aware
that BOEM will not issue any leases until it has completed the
necessary consultations and environmental analysis and given the public
an opportunity to comment. BOEM reserves the right not to lease certain
nominated areas, or modify such areas from their original, proposed
form before offering them for lease.
4.2 Competitive Leasing Process
If, after receiving responses and nominations to this Call, BOEM
proceeds with the competitive leasing process for certain areas, it
will follow the steps required by 30 CFR 585.211 through 585.225.
(1) Area Identification: Based on the information it receives in
response to this Call, BOEM will determine the level of commercial
interest and identify the area(s) that would be appropriate to analyze
for potential leasing. The area(s) identified will constitute a Wind
Energy Area(s) (WEA) and will be subject to
[[Page 15605]]
environmental analysis as described above, in consultation with
appropriate Federal agencies, states, local governments, tribes, and
other interested parties.
(2) Proposed Sale Notice (PSN): If BOEM decides to proceed with a
competitive lease sale within the WEAs after completion of the
environmental analysis, BOEM will publish a PSN in the Federal Register
with a comment period of 60 days. The PSN will describe the area(s) to
be offered for leasing, the proposed conditions of a lease sale, and
the proposed auction format, lease document, including application
addenda. Additionally, the PSN will describe the criteria and process
for evaluating bids in the lease sale.
(3) Final Sale Notice (FSN): After considering the comments on the
PSN, if BOEM decides to continue to proceed with a competitive lease
sale, it will publish the FSN in the Federal Register at least 30 days
before the date of the lease sale.
(4) Bid Submission and Evaluation: Following publication of a FSN
in the Federal Register, BOEM would offer the lease areas through a
competitive sale process, using procedures specified in the FSN. The
conduct of the sale, including bids and bid deposits, would be reviewed
for technical and legal adequacy. BOEM will ensure that bidders have
complied with all applicable regulations. BOEM reserves the right to
reject any or all bids and/or withdraw an offer to lease an area, even
after bids have been submitted.
(5) Issuance of a Lease: Following the selection of a winning
bid(s) by BOEM, the successful bidder(s) would be notified of the
decision and provided a set of official lease documents for execution.
The successful bidder(s) would be required to sign and return the
lease, pay the remainder of the bonus bid, if applicable, and file the
required financial assurance within 10 days of receiving the lease
documents. Upon receipt of the required payments, financial assurance,
and properly signed lease forms, BOEM would execute a lease with the
successful bidder(s).
4.3 Noncompetitive Leasing Process
(1) Determination of No Competitive Interest: If, after evaluating
the responses to this Call, BOEM determines that there is only one
respondent interested in a particular area and therefore no competitive
interest, BOEM would publish a notice of Determination of No
Competitive Interest in the Federal Register, and could proceed with
the noncompetitive lease issuance process pursuant to 30 CFR 585.232.
If BOEM decides to proceed with this process, it will ask the sole
respondent who nominated a particular area if it wants to lease the
area by submitting an acquisition fee, as specified in 30 CFR
585.502(a). If it receives the acquisition fee, BOEM will follow the
process outlined in 30 CFR 585.231(d) through (i).
(2) Review of Lease Request: BOEM will comply with the requirements
of OCSLA, NEPA, CZMA, ESA, NHPA, and other applicable Federal statutes
before issuing a lease noncompetitively. BOEM will coordinate and
consult with relevant Federal agencies, affected tribes, and affected
state and local governments in formulating lease terms, conditions, and
stipulations, as appropriate.
(3) Lease Issuance: After completing its review of the lease
request, BOEM may offer a noncompetitive lease. Within 10 days of
receiving the lease, the lessee must execute it and provide a $100,000
lease-specific bond. Within 45 days of receiving the lease, the lessee
must pay BOEM the first 12 months' rent.
5 Development of the Call Areas
BOEM delineated the Call Areas in consultation with several parties
and information sources, including the State of New York (including
through its Area for Consideration document), and the Intergovernmental
Renewable Energy Task Force for the New York Bight. The areas selected
are intended to identify portions of the OCS for further analysis and
to solicit information and nominations so that potential use conflicts
can be analyzed and considered in the Area Identification process.
BOEM's future analysis during Area Identification will evaluate the
Call Areas for their appropriateness for offshore wind development,
balanced against potential ocean user conflicts. After environmental
reviews and associated consultations, public comments, and continued
coordination with other government agencies through the BOEM
Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Forces, BOEM anticipates
developing and applying terms and conditions--including any measures
necessary to mitigate impacts--at the leasing, site assessment, and/or
construction and operations phases.
On October 2, 2017, NYSERDA submitted to BOEM its Area for
Consideration document. The document specifically identifies two areas
in the Atlantic Ocean south of Long Island that the State of New York
asked BOEM to consider as potential Call Areas. The State of New York's
identification of these areas was informed by over 20 scientific
studies commissioned by the State of New York in consultation with BOEM
and numerous Federal and state resource agencies. The State of New York
concluded that the areas identified in their Area for Consideration
document presented ``the fewest conflicts with ocean users, resources,
infrastructure, and wildlife, and has the greatest potential for cost-
effective development of offshore wind energy to meet [their] goals.''
The State recommended that BOEM ``expeditiously consider this
submission, and then delineate and lease at least four new WEAs within
the Area for Consideration, each capable of siting at least 800 MW of
offshore wind.'' For more information, please refer to: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Offshore-Wind/New-York-Offshore-Wind-Master-Plan/Area-for-Consideration. The New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection has noted that the development
of the Area of Consideration document did not involve consultation with
state elected officials, the New Jersey Task Force, or New Jersey state
agencies.
The Call Areas outlined in this document contain the areas
identified in the Area for Consideration document submitted by the
State of New York, but also include the initial, more expansive areas
initially identified in New York's Area for Consideration document.
Many of the factors used to delineate New York's Area for Consideration
were informed by a series of draft studies, which the State of New York
finalized and published after it issued its recommendations; BOEM
believes the final studies should be evaluated prior to modifying the
initial areas identified by New York. This Call will allow additional
stakeholders, including other potentially affected states, to provide
input on these areas prior to further modification during the Area
Identification process. For context, please note that approximately 18%
of the Call Areas presented in this document would need to be
identified as WEAs to meet the State of New York's request for four 800
MW lease areas (assuming a power density ratio of 0.01 MW per acre);
however, BOEM may identify more or less of the Call Area for leasing
after considering stakeholder comments.
BOEM will consider a wide range of information regarding potential
use conflicts within the Call Areas and the areas' suitability for
offshore wind development, but is particularly sensitive to--and
interested in information regarding--the following issues:
[[Page 15606]]
5.1 Fisheries
BOEM is soliciting information regarding the use of the areas
included in this Call as a fishery. BOEM recognizes that several
commercial and recreational fisheries operate in the Call Areas,
including, but not limited to: Butterfish, Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic
sea scallop, Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog, longfin and Illex
squid, monkfish, Northeast multispecies, summer flounder, scup, and
black sea bass fisheries. BOEM also acknowledges that representatives
from the fishing industry have already provided comments and
information to NYSERDA regarding fishing in the states Offshore Study
Area. BOEM will consider that information at the Area Identification
stage of its planning process. BOEM is also aware that several areas
identified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's
Sport Ocean Fishing Grounds atlas are within the Call Areas. These
areas include Yankee Spot, Mako Hotel, George's Bank, Bacardi, Triple
Wrecks North, Texas Tower, The Slough, Little Italy, Yellowfin Lump,
North East Lump, Mako Hole, The Fingers, Resor Wreck, Dusky Hole,
Triple Wrecks South, The Bomb, and Glory Hole. BOEM is requesting
additional information regarding recreational and commercial fisheries
that operate within these Call Areas, including, but not limited to,
the use of the area for recreational tuna and marlin tournaments, the
fishing gear types used, seasonal uses, and suggestions for reducing
use conflicts.
If BOEM concludes that fisheries conflicts cannot be properly
mitigated in certain portions of the Call Areas, it may exclude those
areas from leasing at the Area Identification stage, during the
environmental review process conducted under NEPA, and/or as a result
of essential fish habitat consultations under the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act. BOEM may also require measures
to mitigate or avoid fishery conflicts at the construction and
operations phase of its regulatory process.
Although BOEM has largely erred on the side of inclusion of areas
at this early stage in its process, it has accepted the recommendation
in the State of New York's Area for Consideration document to exclude
from the Call Areas the Hudson Canyon Scallop Rotational Area defined
in 50 CFR 648.60(a)(4).
5.2 Avian Species
BOEM attempts to avoid leasing areas with high concentrations of
marine bird species that may be most impacted by offshore wind
development. BOEM's preliminary analyses suggest, however, that the
Call Areas do not contain high concentrations of such marine birds.
These preliminary analyses were based on maps created from an ongoing
BOEM/NOAA study entitled, ``Integrative Statistical Modeling and
Predictive Mapping of Seabird Distribution and Abundance on the
Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf,'' which can be found at https://www.boem.gov/AT-13-03/. These maps are publically available at https://www.northeastoceandata.org/data-explorer/?birds. However, more recent
maps from the study suggest that the Hudson South Call Area may have
relatively high concentrations of Northern Gannets in winter
(unpublished, Atlantic Marine Bird Mapping Statistical Model
Predictions Release version 2.0). This finding appears to be confirmed
by the high resolution aerial surveys that the State of New York
conducted in the winter of 2017 (https://remote.normandeau.com/portal_data.php?public=1), and supported by observations in a satellite
tracking study available at https://www.boem.gov/BOEM-2017-069/.
Lastly, during the fall survey in 2017, a roseate tern (listed as
endangered under ESA) was identified just north of the Fairways North
Call Area. BOEM will further analyze and assess available avian data as
part of its Area Identification process.
5.3 Marine Protected Species
Various marine protected species utilize the New York Bight in the
vicinity of the Call Areas, including marine mammals, sea turtles, and
Atlantic sturgeon. All marine mammal species are protected under the
Marine Mammal Protection Act, while certain whale species (including
the North Atlantic right whale), all sea turtles species, and the
Atlantic sturgeon are afforded additional protections as listed species
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While ESA-listed species are
known to be present in the Call Areas, they do not contain National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)-designated critical habitat for any
ESA-listed species.
The Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species study
data show that several species may utilize the habitats in the Call
Areas for feeding, resting, migrating, and communication (https://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/AMAPPS/). BOEM's preliminary analyses suggest
that the continental shelf edge and slope (located generally at or near
the 200 m contour) contain the greatest densities and species diversity
of marine mammals compared to less frequent occurrences over the
continental shelf regions, where the Call Areas are located (https://seamap.env.duke.edu/). The exception is harbor porpoises, which are a
species that is commonly found in high numbers over the continental
shelf in the winter and spring. The available data further indicates
the presence of endangered North Atlantic right whales primarily in the
Call Areas during the late fall and winter seasons, while endangered
and threatened sea turtles are highly migratory species that seasonally
utilize the continental shelf, including the Call Areas, for foraging.
The initial data collected in recent surveys by the State of New York's
high resolution aerial surveys conducted in 2017 also confirms marine
mammal and sea turtle sightings of various species in the Call Areas
(https://remote.normandeau.com/portal_data.php?public=1).
In addition to marine mammals and sea turtles, five Distinct
Population Segments of the Atlantic sturgeon, an ESA-listed marine
fish, likely occur in the New York Bight. The occurrence of Atlantic
sturgeon in the New York Bight has been well documented through
fisheries bycatch information, New York bottom trawl sub-adult Atlantic
sturgeon surveys, a variety of tagging studies, and more recently
through an offshore telemetry study funded by BOEM and the New York
Department of Environmental Conservation (see: https://www.boem.gov/Atlantic-Fish-Telemetry-Monitoring/). Atlantic sturgeon may use the
Call Areas as overwintering and foraging areas. These data, as well as
ongoing passive acoustic efforts by the Wildlife Conservation Society's
New York Aquarium and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, will
provide additional information for BOEM's consideration during the Area
Identification process.
BOEM will utilize information received in response to the Call to
assist with its verification of any migratory periods, persistent or
seasonally occurring oceanic habitat features associated with the
presence of protected marine mammals, sea turtles, and fish, periods of
high species abundance or diversity that may occur within the Call
Areas. BOEM also seeks any additional information regarding the use of
the Call Areas by Atlantic sturgeon, including specific known
overwintering habitats, such as holes or troughs adjacent to shoals
where Atlantic sturgeon are regularly encountered, as well as the time
of year
[[Page 15607]]
when those encounters are most likely to occur.
BOEM will consider all the best available information to identify
and assess potential areas of conflict with marine protected species
within the Call Areas and consult with resource agencies during the
Area Identification process, as necessary.
5.4 Navigation
Portions of the Call Areas are regularly trafficked by multiple
types of vessels entering and leaving ports in New Jersey and New York,
based on BOEM's preliminary analysis of Automatic Identification System
(AIS) data between 2010-2012, and the State of New York's analysis of
2013 AIS data as part of its Area for Consideration document. Portions
of the Call Areas are also used by cargo and tanker vessels transiting
between Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay ports to eastern Long Island
and southeastern New England. A majority of the vessels transiting the
Call Areas are cargo ships and tankers. Other types of vessels using
the area include tug and barge, passenger, military, recreational, and
commercial fishing. AIS data used to conduct this analysis, in addition
to other AIS tools, can be downloaded at www.marinecadastre.gov/AIS.
BOEM excluded the following portions of the OCS from the Call Area
based on the State of New York's Navigation Study recommendations:
Between the Hudson North and Hudson South Call Areas, an
area 30 nmi in length and approximately 15 nmi wide from the entrance/
exit of the New York Southeastern Approach (Hudson Canyon to Ambrose
and Ambrose to Hudson Canyon traffic lanes).
All sub-blocks that overlap with a 1 nmi buffer along all
outer edges of traffic lanes, shipping safety fairways, and the above-
mentioned 30 nmi delineated area.
BOEM coordinates with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on navigational
issues and will continue its engagement throughout all phases of its
regulatory process. In 2015, as an outcome of its Atlantic Coast Port
Access Route Study, USCG issued Marine Planning Guidelines (MPG), which
recommends a 2 nmi parallel buffer between the outer or seaward
boundary of a traffic lane and offshore structures, and a 5 nmi buffer
for a Traffic Separation Scheme entry or exit. USCG has stated that
these buffers are guidelines, and has acknowledged that navigational
risks can be mitigated on a project-by-project basis, pending more
detailed analysis following the lessee's submission of a Navigational
Safety Risk Assessment at the construction and operations phase of
BOEM's regulatory process. Pending the outcome of future analysis, BOEM
may not offer some portions of the Call Areas for leasing or
development based on information provided in response to during the
Call regarding safety concerns and historic routes of vessel traffic.
BOEM is also seeking information regarding the following:
Commercial Vessel Port-to-Port or Port-to-Fishing Location
Transit. AIS data suggest the existence of historic transit corridors
through the Call Areas between Chesapeake Bay ports and New York/Newark
ports; Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay to smaller ports, such as
Buzzards Bay, MA; Providence, RI; and Long Island East, NY.
Recreational Port-to-Port Transit. The State of New York
identified an Annapolis, MD to Newport, RI distance sailing race route
through its offshore wind study area. BOEM seeks information on other
races or other recreational port-to-port transit routes.
5.5 Department of Defense and United States Coast Guard Training Areas
The Department of Defense (DoD) conducts offshore testing,
training, and operations within portions of the Call Areas. BOEM
refined the Call Areas based on the most recent DoD assessment of
compatibility between commercial offshore wind development and DoD
testing, training and operations. BOEM excluded from consideration all
OCS blocks that DoD has determined to be incompatible.
BOEM is working with DoD to update the offshore wind compatibility
assessment for the Atlantic that identifies wind energy exclusion areas
and those OCS blocks that may require site-specific conditions and
stipulations to ensure offshore wind facilities are compatible with DoD
activities. These stipulations could include, but may not be limited
to: Hold and save harmless agreements; mandatory coordination with DoD
on specified activities; restrictions on electromagnetic emissions; and
evacuation procedures from the lease area for safety reasons when
notified by the DoD. BOEM may remove from leasing consideration any OCS
blocks identified as incompatible in DoD's updated compatibility
assessment.
Interested parties should also be aware that the Call Areas contain
some OCS blocks that have never been assessed by DoD, but will be
included in the updated compatibility assessment. These OCS blocks and/
or portions thereof include:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York....................................... NK18-12 6233 D.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6306 M.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6356 A, E, I, J, M, N.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6406 A, B, E, F, I, J, K, M, N, O.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6455 D, H, L, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6456 A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6505 D, G, H, K, L, O, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6506 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6507 A, E, I, M, N.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6555 C, D, G, H, K, L, O, P.
[[Page 15608]]
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6556 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6557 A, B, E, F, I, J, M, N, O.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6605 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N,
O, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6606 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6607 A, B, C, E, F, G, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6655 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N,
O, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6656 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6657 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6658 E, I, M.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6705 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N,
O, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6706 ...............................
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6707 ...............................
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6708 A, B, E, F, I, J, M, N, O.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6755 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N,
O, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6756 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6757 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6758 A, B, C, E, F, G, I, J, K, M,
N, O, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6805 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N,
O, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6806 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6807 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6808 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6809 I, M.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6855 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N,
O, P.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6856 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6857 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6858 All.
Hudson Canyon.................................. NJ18-03 6859 A, E, F, I, J, M, N.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The USCG Sector New York identified the northern portion of the
Hudson South Call Area as an unofficially designated weapons training
range for maintaining law enforcement proficiency. They requested that
this area be given consideration as an existing use. These OCS blocks
and/or portions thereof include:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York....................................... NK18-12 6854 H, L, P.
New York....................................... NK18-12 6855 I, M.
New York....................................... NK18-12 6904 D, H, L.
New York....................................... NK18-12 6905 A, B, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, N,
O, P.
[[Page 15609]]
New York....................................... NK18-12 6954 G, K, L, O, P.
New York....................................... NK18-12 6955 I, M, N.
New York....................................... NK18-12 7004 C, D.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.6 Bathymetric Conditions
The 60m water depth is a reasonable estimate of the maximum limit
for likely development of utility scale fixed foundation projects at
the present time. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL)
2016 assessment of US offshore wind potential identifies three
categories of foundation types based on water depth: 0-30 meters for
gravity base or monopiles, 30 to 60 meters for jackets or tripods, and
60 meters or greater for floating structures. However, BOEM is aware of
nascent floating foundation technology that has been deployed on a
limited basis in water deeper than 60m, and new support structure
technologies are continually under development. Given the likelihood of
continued technological advancement in the offshore wind industry in
terms of foundation design, materials use, and turbine efficiency, BOEM
requests comment on the appropriateness of the 60m water depth contour
as a factor delineating the Call Areas.
5.7 Visual Impacts
The New Jersey and New York coastlines to the north and west of the
Call Areas contain various natural areas, lighthouses, beaches, and
other public spaces. These coastlines also contain numerous National
Historic Landmarks (NHLs) and historic properties listed in, or
eligible for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places.
Additionally, two units of the National Park Service, Fire Island
National Seashore (Fire Island) and Gateway National Recreation Area
(Gateway) are located in the vicinity of the Call Areas. Fire Island
was established by Congress to preserve the beaches, dunes, and other
natural resources within Suffolk County, New York, and is also a
designated Wilderness Area. Gateway was established to preserve natural
and recreational resources in and around Staten Island, Long Island,
and northern New Jersey.
BOEM previously consulted with stakeholders regarding viewshed
concerns and completed a study entitled, ``Renewable Energy Viewshed
Analysis and Visualization Simulation for the New York Outer
Continental Shelf Call Area'' (https://www.boem.gov/New-York-Visual-Simulations), during the Area Identification process for the New York
WEA designated on March 16, 2016 and later refined into what is now
Lease OCS-A 0512 (https://www.boem.gov/OCS-A-0512/). This study
included a meteorological assessment, viewshed analysis, and
photographic documentation of a hypothetical commercial wind facility
from a series of publicly accessible key observations points. The
National Park Service (NPS), New York State Historic Preservation
Office (NY SHPO), and New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office (NJ
SHPO) each expressed concern regarding the potential for visual impacts
to NHLs and other onshore historic properties from renewable energy
development within the New York Bight, including portions of the Call
Areas. Additionally, NPS expressed concern that development within
these areas could negatively impact historic and natural resources
within Fire Island and Gateway, particularly with respect to the
aircraft and vessel collision avoidance safety lighting to adversely
affect the natural darkness, night sky, and ocean views.
The State of New York initially excluded areas within 15 nmi (17.3
statute miles) of shore from its Area for of Consideration document in
order to reduce potential visual impacts to onshore areas. Based on the
results of BOEM's visual simulation study and additional outreach
conducted by the State of New York, the state limited its Area for
Consideration document to include areas at least 20 statute miles (17.4
nautical miles) from shore. BOEM has elected to use the State's initial
15 nmi limit at this preliminary stage, and seeks further stakeholder
feedback regarding viewshed concerns in response to this Call--
including specific concerns about potential impacts to the landscape or
seascape of coastal areas of New York and/or New Jersey, as well as
potential mitigation measures.
5.8 Cables and Other Existing Infrastructure
As discussed in the Area for Consideration document, the Call Areas
contain a significant number of fiber-optic and electrical transmission
cables traversing the seabed, as well as other existing infrastructure,
such as natural gas pipelines. If BOEM ultimately leases portions of
the Call Areas that contain existing infrastructure, lessees may need
to develop site-specific crossing and proximity agreements with
applicable infrastructure owners, per BOEM's Construction Operation
Plan Guidance-Attachment H: Coordination Efforts Relating to Existing
Telecommunications Cables.
6 Description of the Area
The Call Areas described in this notice are located on the OCS in
the New York Bight and are delineated as Fairways North, Fairways
South, Hudson North, and Hudson South. The four Areas include 222 whole
OCS blocks and 172 partial blocks in total, and comprise approximately
2,047 square nmi (702,192 hectares). A map of the Call Areas, and
associated GIS files, which are located in UTM Zone 18 and UTM Zone 19,
NAD83 Datum, can be found at the following URL: https://www.boem.gov/NY-Bight/.
6.1 Call Area Fairways North
The boundary of Call Area Fairways North begins 15 nmi offshore and
is parallel to the coast. The area is 15 nmi from both South Hampton,
New York and Montauk, New York. The area is about 46 nmi in length from
east to west and at its widest point is about 11nmi from north to
south. Respondents should be aware that New York NK18-12 Blocks 6233,
6283, 6333, 6383, 6433 and Block Island Shelf NK19-10 Blocks 6202,
6252, 6302, 6352, 6402 border the edge of Universe Transverse Mercator
(UTM) Zones 18 and 19. As a result, while these blocks are considered
full OCS lease blocks, they vary in area and are smaller than standard
OCS blocks. Official acreages for the blocks located within Official
Protraction Diagrams (OPD) New York NK18-12 and Block Island Shelf
NK19-10 can be found at: https://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-Gas-Energy-Program/Mapping-and-Data/NK18-12-01-MAY-2006.aspx and https://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-Gas-Energy-Program/Mapping-and-Data/NK19-10-01-MAY-2006.aspx.
The entire area is approximately 250 square nmi (85,728 hectares)
and is described in the table below:
[[Page 15610]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York...................................... NK18-12 6233 P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6281 P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6282 H, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6283 B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6330 K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6331 B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6332 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6333 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6378 K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6379 C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M,
N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6380 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6381 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6382 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6383 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6425 O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6426 H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6427 B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6428 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6429 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6430 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6431 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6432 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6433 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6474 D.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6475 A.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6058 O, P.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6059 M.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6107 L, M, N, O, P.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6108 B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6109 A, E, F, I, J, M.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6154 O, P.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6155 H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6156 C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M,
N, O, P.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6157 A, B, E, F, I, J, M.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6158 A.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6202 L, M, N, O, P.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6203 F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6204 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6205 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6206 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6207 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6252 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6253 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6254 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6255 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6256 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6302 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6303 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6304 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6305 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6306 A, B, C, E, F, I, M.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6352 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6353 All.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6354 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6355 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6402 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6403 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
Block Island Shelf............................ NK19-10 6404 A, B, C.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call Area Fairways South
The boundary of Call Area Fairways South begins at 15 nmi offshore
Fire Island National Seashore in New York. The area is about 43nmi in
length from east to west and about 4 nmi in width from north to south.
The entire area is approximately 126.4 square nmi (43,344 hectares) and
is described in the table below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York...................................... NK18-12 6526 O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6527 M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6528 M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6529 M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6530 K, L, M, N, O, P.
[[Page 15611]]
New York...................................... NK18-12 6531 I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6532 I, J, K, L, M, N, O.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6568 O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6569 G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6570 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6571 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6572 C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M,
N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6573 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6574 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6575 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6576 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6577 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6578 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6579 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6580 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6581 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6582 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6616 K, L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6617 D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6618 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6619 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6620 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6621 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6622 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6623 A, B, C, D.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6624 A, B, C, D.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6625 A, B, C, D.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6626 A, B, C, D.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call Area Hudson North
The boundary of Call Area Hudson North begins at about 20 nmi from
shore, the closest coastal location being Robert Moses State Park in
New York. Jones Beach State Park in New York is about 25 nmi from the
area. The area is about 47 nmi in length from east to west and about 30
nmi in width from north to south. The entire area is approximately
696.9 square nmi (239,040 hectares) and is described in the table
below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6018 D.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6019 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L,
O, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6020 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6021 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6022 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6023 A, B, E.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6069 D.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6070 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L,
O, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6071 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6072 A, B, C, D, E, F, I, J, M.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6120 D.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6121 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, L.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6122 A.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6678 M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6679 M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6716 N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6717 I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6718 I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6719 I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6720 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6721 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6722 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6723 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6724 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6725 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6726 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6727 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6728 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6729 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6730 E, I, J, K, M, N.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6764 L, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6765 C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M,
N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6766 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6767 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6768 All.
[[Page 15612]]
New York...................................... NK18-12 6769 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6770 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6771 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6772 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6773 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6774 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6775 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6776 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6777 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6778 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6779 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6780 A.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6813 K, L, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6814 B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6815 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6816 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6817 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6818 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6819 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6820 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6821 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6822 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6823 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6824 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6825 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6826 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6827 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6828 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6829 A.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6862 L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6863 B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6864 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6865 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6866 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6867 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6868 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6869 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6870 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6871 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6872 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6873 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6874 A, B, M, N.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6913 C, D, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6914 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6915 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6916 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6917 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6918 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6919 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6920 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6921 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6922 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6923 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6924 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6925 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6926 M.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6964 C, D, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6965 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6966 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6967 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6968 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6969 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6970 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6971 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6972 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6973 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6974 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6975 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6976 A, E, I, M.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7015 C, D, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7016 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7017 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7018 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7019 All.
[[Page 15613]]
New York...................................... NK18-12 7020 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7021 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7022 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7023 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7024 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7025 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7066 C, D, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7067 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7068 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7069 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7070 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7071 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7072 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7073 M.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7117 D.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7118 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7119 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7120 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7121 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7122 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7123 All.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call Area Hudson South
The boundary of Call Area Hudson South begins 15 nmi offshore
Neptune, New Jersey. The area is about 62 nmi in length from north to
south and about 30 nmi in width from east to west. The entire area is
approximately 974 square nmi (334,080 hectares) and is described in the
table below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6005 B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M,
N, O, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6006 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6007 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6008 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6009 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6010 I, M, N.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6055 B, C, D, G, H, K, L, O, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6056 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6057 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6058 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6059 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6060 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6061 I, M, N.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6105 C, D, G, H, L, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6106 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6107 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6108 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6109 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6110 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6111 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6112 I, M, N.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6155 D, H, L.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6156 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6157 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6158 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6159 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6160 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6161 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6162 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6163 E, I, J, M, N, O.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6206 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6207 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6208 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6209 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6210 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6211 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6212 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6213 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6214 E, I, J, M, N, O.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6256 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6257 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6258 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6259 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6260 All.
[[Page 15614]]
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6261 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6262 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6263 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6264 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6265 E, I, J, M, N, O.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6306 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6307 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6308 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6309 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6310 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6311 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6312 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6313 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6314 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6315 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6316 E, I, J, M, N, O.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6355 D, H, L, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6356 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6357 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6358 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6359 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6360 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6361 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6362 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6363 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6364 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6365 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6366 A, E.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6405 D, H, L, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6406 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6407 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6408 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6409 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6410 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6411 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6412 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6413 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6414 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6415 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6455 D, H, L, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6456 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6457 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6458 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6459 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6460 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6461 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6462 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6463 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6464 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6465 A, B, C, E, F, I, J, M.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6505 D, G, H, K, L, O, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6506 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6507 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6508 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6509 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6510 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6511 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6512 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6513 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6514 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6515 A.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6555 C, D, G, H, K, L, O, P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6556 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6557 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6558 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6559 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6560 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6561 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6562 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6563 A, B, E, I.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6605 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O,
P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6606 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6607 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6608 All.
[[Page 15615]]
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6609 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6610 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6611 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6612 A, B, C, E, F, G, I, J, M, N.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6655 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O,
P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6656 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6657 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6658 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6659 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6660 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6661 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, O.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6662 A.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6705 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O,
P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6706 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6707 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6708 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6709 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6710 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6711 A, B, C, E, F, I, M.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6755 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O,
P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6756 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6757 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6758 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6759 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6760 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
M, N.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6805 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O,
P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6806 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6807 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6808 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6809 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6810 A, B, E
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6855 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O,
P.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6856 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6857 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6858 All.
Hudson Canyon................................. NJ18-03 6859 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
M, N.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6854 H, L, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6855 I, M.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6904 D, H, L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6905 A, B, E, F, G, I, J, K, L N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6954 G, K, L, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6955 I, M, N, O.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7004 C, D, G, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7005 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L,
N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7006 E, F, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7007 M.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7055 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7056 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7057 A, B, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, M, N,
O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7058 M.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7105 B, C, D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M,
N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7106 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7107 All.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7108 A, B, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, M, N,
O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 7109 I, M, N.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.2 Unsolicited Lease Request--PNE Wind
On December 30, 2016, BOEM received an unsolicited lease request
from PNE Wind USA, Inc. (PNE) for 40,920 acres offshore New York. PNE
seeks a lease to develop a 300-400 MW project approximately 28 nmi
southeast from the Ruland Road Substation, as described below. BOEM is
subsuming portions of PNE's unsolicited request into the Call Areas,
and will subject the unsolicited request to the same Area ID analysis
and determination of competitive interest as the remainder of the Call
Areas.
The unsolicited request is mostly located within the Call Area
Fairways South and begins approximately 13.5 nmi from the shore near
Fire Island National Seashore in New York and extends roughly 3 nmi
seaward. It extends from west to east approximately 15 nmi. It should
be noted that 15 lease blocks of the original unsolicited requests have
not been included as part of this Call. Specifically, 11 blocks in the
northwest portion of the original request have been excluded by the 15
nautical mile visual buffer, and four blocks along the southern and
south eastern border of the original request were removed to
accommodate a one nautical mile buffer from an existing navigational
fairway. The entire area is approximately 48.3 square nmi (16,560
hectares) and is described in the table below:
[[Page 15616]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York...................................... NK18-12 6567 K, L, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6568 I, J, K L,M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6569 H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6570 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6571 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6572 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6573 E, I, M.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6617 C, D, G, H, K, L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6618 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6619 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6620 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6621 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6622 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
New York...................................... NK18-12 6623 A, E.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Requested Information From Interested or Affected Parties
BOEM requests specific and detailed comments from the public and
other interested or affected parties regarding the following:
1. Geological, geophysical, and biological conditions (including
bottom and shallow hazards and live bottom) in the area described in
this notice.
2. Information regarding the identification of historic properties
or potential effects to historic properties from leasing, site
assessment activities (including the construction of meteorological
towers or the installation of meteorological buoys), or commercial wind
energy development in the areas identified in this Call. This includes
potential offshore archaeological sites or other historic properties
within the areas described in this notice and also onshore historic
properties that could potentially be affected by renewable energy
activities within the Call Areas. This information will inform BOEM's
review of future undertakings under Section 106 of the NHPA and under
NEPA.
3. Information relating to whether or not the visibility of wind
turbines located in the offshore Call Areas identified in this notice
would adversely affect the landscape or seascape of coastal areas of
New York and/or New Jersey, and ideas or strategies that could be used
to help mitigate or minimize any adverse visual effects, such as: How
far offshore turbines should be placed to minimize the visual impact
from the coastline; specific locations or areas to avoid development
altogether; or any other strategies to help reduce the visual footprint
(for example, the color of the turbines [towers, nacelle, blades], the
arrangement or pattern of the turbine array, the dimension of the
turbines (e.g., height and blade span), visual navigational aviation
lighting requirements, the maximum number of turbines that should be
allowed in a specific area, etc.).
4. Information about potentially conflicting uses of the Call
Areas, including navigation (commercial and recreational vessel use),
recreational fishing hotspots, and commercial fishing areas (see
Section 5.1 for additional information regarding known fishing grounds
located in the Call Areas).
5. Additional information about port-to-port or port-to-fishing
location corridors, determination of appropriate buffers for safety
based on the type of vessel between these routes, and the placement of
structures in the Call Areas, as well as the density of the types of
vessels that utilize these corridors and their ability to use
alternative corridors.
6. Additional information regarding recreational and commercial
fisheries that operate within these Call Areas, including, but not
limited to, the use of the area for recreational tuna and marlin
tournaments, the fishing gear types used, seasonal use, and suggestions
for reducing use conflicts in response to this Call.
7. BOEM is currently participating in interagency discussions with
DOD, Department of Energy, Federal Aviation Administration, and NOAA
and conducting research on the potential effect of offshore wind
facilities on coastal radar systems. BOEM is requesting additional
information regarding the potential for interference with radar systems
covering the Call Areas, including, but not limited to, the use of
coastal oceanographic radar observations for offshore search and rescue
operations and for environmental monitoring.
8. General interest by a developer(s) in constructing a backbone
transmission system that would transport electricity generated by wind
projects located offshore in the New York Bight, including a general
description of the transmission's proposed path and potential
interconnection points.
9. Available and pertinent data and information concerning
renewable energy resources and environmental conditions in and around
the Call Areas. Where applicable, spatial information should be
submitted in a format compatible with ArcGIS 10.0 in a geographic
coordinate system (NAD 83).
10. Potential buffers between WEAs within the Call Area. Within the
Area for Consideration document, the State of New York also included
``indicative areas'' intended to provide a sense of scale and outline
what potential WEAs could look like. The indicative areas were drawn
with buffers between the leases, as seen in Europe. Should BOEM
delineate its WEAs with buffers to allow for mitigation of potential
conflicts, not limited to wake effect, navigation, and/or cumulative
environmental effects? Alternatively, should BOEM consider adding
stipulations in its leases limiting development within a certain
distance of adjacent development without the consent of the other
developer (and if so, what distance is appropriate)?
11. Size and number of WEAs within the Call Areas. How should BOEM
determine the appropriate size and number of wind energy areas to offer
for leasing? As discussed in Section 5, approximately 18% of the Call
Areas presented in this document would need to be identified as WEAs to
meet the State of New York's request for four 800 MW lease areas.
Considering the goals of states within the region of a potential wind
energy area is a crucial component of BOEM's process. However, BOEM is
seeking further information on what additional factors should be
considered in this process.
12. Habitats that may require special attention during siting and
construction.
13. Biologically important areas (whether persistent or seasonal)
for fish (also see Section 5.3), avian, marine mammal, or sea turtle
species, which may be vital for migration, foraging or
[[Page 15617]]
other biologically important behaviors, or that may seasonally
concentrate these species in high numbers.
14. Other relevant socioeconomic, biological, and environmental
information.
8 Required Nomination Information
If you intend to submit one or more nominations for a commercial
wind energy lease in the Call Areas identified in this notice, you must
provide the following information for each nomination:
1. The BOEM Protraction name, number, and specific whole or partial
OCS blocks within the Call Area(s) that you are interested in leasing,
inclusive of any potential buffers with adjacent leases. Each area you
identify should be sized appropriately to accommodate the development
of a reasonable wind energy facility. For context, BOEM would consider
the nomination of a block of approximately 80,000 acres reasonable, as
it would likely be able to support an 800 MW wind energy facility
(assuming a power density of 0.01 MW per acre). Nominations that
considerably exceed approximately 80,000 acres, e.g. all of the Call
Areas, may be deemed unreasonable and not accepted by BOEM. This
information should be submitted as a spatial file compatible with
ArcGIS 10.0 in a geographic coordinate system (NAD 83) in addition to
your hard copy submittal. If your proposed lease area(s) includes one
or more partial blocks, please describe those partial blocks in terms
of a sixteenth (i.e., sub-block) of an OCS block. If you are
commercially interested in an area outside the Call Areas deeper than
60m of water depth, BOEM may consider your nomination either as part of
this leasing process or in a separate process at a later date.
2. A description of your objectives and the facilities that you
would use to achieve those objectives.
3. A preliminary schedule of proposed activities, including those
leading to commercial operations.
4. Available and pertinent data and information concerning
renewable energy resources and environmental conditions in the block(s)
area(s) that you wish to lease, including energy and resource data and
information used to evaluate the Call Area. Where applicable, spatial
information should be submitted in a format compatible with ArcGIS 10.0
in a geographic coordinate system (NAD 83).
5. Documentation demonstrating that you are legally qualified to
hold a lease, as set forth in 30 CFR 585.106 and 585.107(c). Examples
of the documentation appropriate for demonstrating your legal
qualifications and related guidance can be found in Chapter 2 and
Appendix B of the BOEM Renewable Energy Framework Guide Book available
at: https://www.boem.gov/REnGuidebook_03/. Legal qualification documents
will be placed in an official file that may be made available for
public review. If you wish that any part of your legal qualification
documentation be kept confidential, clearly identify what should be
kept confidential, and submit it under separate cover (see ``Protection
of Privileged or Confidential Information Section,'' below).
6. Documentation demonstrating that you are technically and
financially capable of constructing, operating, maintaining and
decommissioning the facilities described in (2) above, as set forth in
30 CFR 585.107(a). Guidance regarding the required documentation to
demonstrate your technical and financial qualifications can be found
at: https://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/QualificationGuidelines-pdf.aspx. Any documentation you
submit to demonstrate your legal, technical, and financial
qualifications must be provided to BOEM in both paper and electronic
formats. BOEM considers an Adobe PDF file on a storage media device to
be an acceptable format for an electronic copy.
It is not required that you submit a nomination in response to this
Call in order to participate in a potential future competitive lease
sale in the New York Bight, if BOEM determines that competitive
interest exists in one or more portions of the Call Area after the
close of the Call comment period. However, you will not be able to
participate in such a lease sale unless you demonstrate prior to the
sale that you are legally, technically, and financially qualified to
hold a BOEM renewable energy lease. To ensure that BOEM has sufficient
time to process your qualifications package, you should submit this
package during the PSN 60-day public comment period. More information
can be found at: https://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/QualificationGuidelines-pdf.aspx.
9 Protection of Privileged or Confidential Information
9.1 Freedom of Information Act
BOEM will protect privileged or confidential information that you
submit when required by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Exemption 4 of FOIA applies to trade secrets and commercial or
financial information that you submit that is privileged or
confidential. If you wish to protect the confidentiality of such
information, clearly mark it and request that BOEM treat it as
confidential. BOEM will not disclose such information if it qualifies
for exemption from disclosure under FOIA. Please label privileged or
confidential information ``Contains Confidential Information'' and
consider submitting such information as a separate attachment.
BOEM will not treat as confidential any aggregate summaries of such
information or comments not containing such information. Additionally,
BOEM will not treat as confidential (1) the legal title of the
nominating entity (for example, the name of your company), or (2) the
list of whole or partial blocks that you are nominating. Information
that is not labeled as privileged or confidential will be regarded by
BOEM as suitable for public release.
9.2 Personal Identifying Information
BOEM does not consider anonymous comments; please include your name
and address as part of your submittal. You should be aware that your
entire comment, including your name, address, and your personal
identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time.
All submissions from identified individuals, businesses and
organizations will be available for public viewing on regulations.gov.
In order for BOEM to withhold from disclosure your personal identifying
information, you must identify any information contained in the
submittal of your comments that, if released, would constitute a
clearly unwarranted invasion of your personal privacy. You must also
briefly describe any possible harmful consequence(s) of the disclosure
of information, such as embarrassment, injury or other harm.
9.3 Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C.
470w-3(a))
BOEM is required, after consultation with the Secretary, to
withhold the location, character, or ownership of historic resources if
it determines that disclosure may, among other things, risk harm to the
historic resources or impede the use of a traditional religious site by
practitioners. Tribal entities should designate information that falls
under Section 304 of NHPA as confidential.
Dated: April 5, 2018.
Walter D. Cruickshank,
Acting Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
[FR Doc. 2018-07445 Filed 4-10-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P