The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has updated its Guidelines for Providing Geophysical, Geotechnical, and Geohazard Information Pursuant to 30 CFR Part 585. These guidelines provide crucial information for industry professionals involved in offshore renewable energy projects.
These guidelines were last published in May 2020 and were primarily developed for the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). However, now that BOEM has held lease sales in the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico OCS, it is necessary to update the guidelines to accommodate differences in anticipated geohazards and water depth.
Purpose of the Update
The primary purpose of this update is to provide guidance to industry professionals regarding data resolution recommendations for projects proposed for construction in water depths greater than 50 meters. The content has been expanded to include guidance for water depths exceeding 100 meters. Text was also updated to reflect likely changes to regulations if the Modernization Rule is finalized. Additionally, changes have been made to reduce redundancy and provide more context for a recommended phased approach to data collection.
Summary of Changes
The updated guidelines include several key changes, including:
- Site Investigations: This section combines information previously in an associated appendix and describes three recommended sequential phases: site reconnaissance, suitability assessment, and site-specific design. Clarification has been added to distinguish that site investigations pertain to data collected. Site characterization refers to analysis and interpretation of data.
- High-Resolution Geophysical Survey: This section has been modified to align with the phased approach described in the Site Investigations section. It includes recommendations for survey coverage, data acquisition instrumentation, and data resolution based on the survey purpose and water depths exceeding 50 meters.
- Contact Information: Contact information for the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico Regional offices has been added to this section.
The updated guidelines are available on BOEM's website.
-- BOEM --
The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for America’s offshore energy and mineral resources. The bureau promotes energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of energy and mineral resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.