[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 122 (Friday, June 24, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41335-41342]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14830]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
[Docket No. BOEM-2016-0036]; [MMAA104000]
Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf
Offshore the Island of Oahu, Hawaii--Call for Information and
Nominations (Call)
AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior.
ACTION: Call for Information and Nominations for Commercial Leasing for
Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf, Offshore the Island of Oahu,
Hawaii.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: With this Call for Information and Nominations (Call), BOEM
invites the submission of information and nominations from parties
interested in obtaining one or more commercial wind energy leases that
would allow lessees to propose the construction of wind energy projects
on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) \1\ offshore the island of Oahu,
Hawaii. In general, the OCS is defined as 3--200 nautical miles from
shore. Although this announcement is not itself a leasing announcement,
the area described herein as the ``Oahu Call Area,'' or portions
thereof, may be made available for future leasing. BOEM will use
responses to this Call to gauge specific interest in acquiring
commercial wind leases in some or all of the Oahu Call Area, as
required by 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ As defined in 43 U.S.C. 1331(a), the term OCS means ``all
submerged lands lying seaward and outside of the area of lands
beneath navigable waters, as defined in section 1301 of this title,
and of which the subsoil and seabed appertain to the United States
and are subject to its jurisdiction and control.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parties wishing to submit a nomination in response to this Call
should submit detailed and specific information as described in the
section entitled, ``Required Nomination Information.'' A ``nomination''
for purpose of this Call would be a submission from a company
interested in a commercial wind energy lease within the Oahu Call Area.
This announcement also requests comments and information from
interested and affected parties about site conditions, resources, and
existing uses within or in close proximity to the Oahu Call Area that
would be relevant to BOEM's review of any nominations submitted and/or
to BOEM's subsequent decision to offer all or part of the Oahu Call
Area for commercial wind leasing. The information BOEM is requesting is
described in the section of this Call entitled, ``Requested Information
from Interested or Affected Parties.''
This Call is published pursuant to subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS
Lands Act (OCSLA), 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3), as well as the implementing
regulations at 30 CFR part 585.
The Oahu Call Area described in this notice is located on the OCS
offshore the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The Oahu Call Area consists of two
subareas, the area to the north of Oahu (``Oahu North'') and the area
to the south of Oahu (``Oahu South''). Oahu North is approximately 7 to
24 nautical miles Northwest of Kaena Point and consists of 17 full and
20 partial OCS blocks. Oahu South is approximately 7 to 35 nautical
miles South of Diamond Head and consists of 44 full and 32 partial OCS
blocks. In total, the Oahu Call Area consists of the sum of these two
subareas, totaling 61 full and 52 partial OCS blocks. A detailed
description of the area and how it was developed is described in the
section of this Call entitled, ``Description of the Oahu Call Area.''
DATES: BOEM must receive nominations describing your interest within
the Oahu Call Area by a postmarked date of August 8, 2016 for your
nomination to be considered. BOEM will consider only those nominations
received by August 8, 2016. BOEM requests comments or other submissions
of information by this same date. Parties having already submitted
unsolicited lease requests prior to this publication do not need to
resubmit the areas previously requested in their unsolicited lease
requests. However, such parties may submit modifications to the areas
they are requesting for lease during the comment period associated with
this notice. Such modifications must conform to the first requirement
of the section in this Call entitled, ``Required Nomination
Information.''
Submission Procedures: If you are submitting a nomination for a
lease in response to this Call, you must submit your nomination to the
following address: BOEM, Pacific OCS Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite
102 (CM 102), Camarillo, California 93010. A paper copy submitted to
this address, postmarked by the deadline noted above, is the only
method for submitting
[[Page 41336]]
a nomination that BOEM will accept. In addition to a paper copy of the
nomination, you must include an electronic copy of the nomination on a
data storage device. BOEM will list the parties who submitted
nominations and the location of the proposed lease areas (i.e., OCS
blocks nominated) on the BOEM Web site 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: http://www.regulations.gov. In the
entry entitled, ``Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter BOEM-2016-0036, and then
click ``search.'' Follow the instructions to submit public comments and
view supporting and related materials available for this notice.
2. U.S. Postal Service or other delivery service. Send your
comments and information to the following address: Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management, Pacific OCS Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102
(CM 102), Camarillo, California 93010.
All responses will be reported on http://www.regulations.gov. If
you wish to protect the confidentiality of your nomination or comment,
clearly mark the relevant sections and request that BOEM treat them as
confidential. Please label privileged or confidential information that
you consider privileged or confidential with the notation ``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: Ms. Karen Herrera, BOEM, Pacific OCS
Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102 (CM 102), Camarillo, California,
93010, (805) 384-6263 or [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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)). One of the purposes of this notice is to inform
the public that, based on the submittal of several unsolicited lease
requests, BOEM has determined that there may be competitive interest in
developing all or portions of the Oahu Call Area. Descriptions of the
unsolicited lease requests submitted are provided in the section of
this notice entitled, ``Existing Unsolicited Lease Requests Offshore
Oahu.'' With this Call, BOEM is also soliciting new expressions of
interest in obtaining a lease in the Oahu Call Area.
This Call also requests information from interested and affected
parties on issues relevant to BOEM's review of nominations for
potential leasing in the Oahu Call Area. A lease, whether issued
through a competitive or noncompetitive process, would give the lessee
the exclusive right to subsequently seek BOEM approval for the
development of wind energy in the lease area. A lease does not grant
the lessee the right to construct any facilities; rather, the lease
grants the lessee the right to submit to BOEM a Site Assessment Plan
(SAP) and Construction and Operations Plan (COP), which BOEM must
approve before the lessee may conduct the proposed activities in the
lease area (30 CFR 585.600 and 585.601).
Although BOEM believes that competitive interest may exist for the
Oahu Call Area, a formal determination will be made after the close of
the comment period provided in this Call. Depending on the input
received during the comment period for the Call, BOEM may proceed with
the competitive leasing process as set forth in 30 CFR 585.211 through
585.225; or the noncompetitive leasing process as set forth in 30 CFR
585.231 and 232; or a combination of the two. For instance, BOEM may
determine that there is no competitive interest in Oahu North and that
there is competitive interest in Oahu South. In this case, BOEM could
proceed with the noncompetitive leasing process for Oahu North and the
competitive leasing process for Oahu South. These processes are
explained in detail in the section of this notice entitled, ``BOEM's
Planning and Leasing Process.''
Regardless of whether the leasing process is competitive,
noncompetitive, or both, it will include subsequent opportunities for
the public to provide input, and any proposed actions will be reviewed
thoroughly for potential environmental impacts and multiple use/
planning consequences. For example, the Department of Defense (DOD)
conducts operations and readiness activities for both hardware and
personnel on the OCS. BOEM will consult with the DOD regarding
potential issues concerning offshore testing, training and operational
activities, and will develop appropriate stipulations to avoid or
mitigate conflicts with DOD in the Call Areas. The final area(s) that
may be offered for lease, if any, has not yet been determined, and may
differ from the Oahu Call Area as identified in this Call.
Background
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct)
EPAct amended OCSLA to authorize the Secretary of the Interior
(Secretary) to grant leases, easements, or rights-of-way (ROWs) on the
OCS for activities that are not otherwise authorized by law and produce
or support the production, transportation, or transmission of energy
from sources other than oil or gas. Subsection 8(p) requires the
Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the new energy development
authority on the OCS. The Secretary delegated this authority to issue
leases, easements, and ROWs, and to promulgate associated regulations,
to the Director of BOEM. On April 29, 2009, BOEM issued the Renewable
Energy and Alternate Uses of Existing Facilities on the OCS rule, 30
CFR part 585, which can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/uploadedFiles/30_CFR_585.pdf.
Executive Order 13547: Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the
Great Lakes
On July 19, 2010, the President signed Executive Order 13547
(Order) establishing a national ocean policy and the National Ocean
Council (75 FR 43023). The Order establishes a comprehensive,
integrated national policy for the stewardship of the ocean, our
coasts, and the Great Lakes. Where BOEM actions affect the ocean or
coast, the Order requires BOEM to take such action as necessary to
implement this policy, the stewardship principles and national priority
objectives adopted by the Order, with guidance from the National Ocean
Council. BOEM appreciates the importance of coordinating its planning
endeavors with other OCS users and regulators and relevant Federal
agencies (e.g., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the
National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), among others)
and intends to follow principles of marine planning and coordinate with
the Pacific Islands Regional Planning Body established by the National
Ocean Council.
BOEM Hawaii Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force
BOEM established a Hawaii Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task
Force (Task Force) in 2011, to facilitate coordination among relevant
Federal agencies and affected state and
[[Page 41337]]
local governments throughout the leasing process. The Task Force
supports the review of requests for commercial and research leases and
rights-of-way grants for power cables on the Federal OCS, and provides
public information on renewable energy developments proposed within
Federal OCS waters offshore of Hawaii coastlines. The Task Force
meeting materials are available on the BOEM Web site at: http://www.boem.gov/Hawaii/.
Actions Taken by the State of Hawaii in Support of Renewable Energy
Development
Establishing Renewable Portfolio Standards
The State of Hawaii established a renewable portfolio goal in 2001.
This goal was replaced with an enforceable renewable portfolio standard
(RPS) through Act 95 in 2004. In 2009, Act 155 increased the RPS to 40
percent by 2040. Finally, in 2015, State of Hawaii Governor David Ige
signed into law Act 97, which directs the state's utilities to generate
100 percent of their electricity sales from renewable energy resources
by 2045. As the most oil dependent state in the nation, Hawaii's
transition to renewable resources for power generation will improve
Hawaii's economy, environment and energy security.
Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative
In 2008, the State of Hawaii, in partnership with the U.S.
Department of Energy, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to
accomplish the goal of transforming Hawaii's energy economy from one
largely dependent on imported fossil fuels to one using only renewable
energy. This MOU established the foundation for the Hawaii Clean Energy
Initiative (HCEI). In 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy renewed its
long-term partnership with the State of Hawaii, in HCEI 2.0, and
committed to assisting Hawaii in exceeding the state's renewable energy
goals by working in collaboration with energy leaders, partners and
stakeholders to address Hawaii's unique energy challenges. To learn
more about the HCEI, see: http://www.hawaiicleanenergyinitiative.org/.
Existing Unsolicited Lease Requests Offshore Oahu
On January 22, 2015, BOEM received two lease requests from AW
Hawaii Wind, LLC (AW Hawaii). On October 8, 2015, BOEM received a lease
request from Progression Hawaii Offshore Wind, Inc. (Progression). BOEM
has determined that both potential developers are legally, technically,
and financially qualified to hold a renewable energy lease under 30 CFR
585.106 and 107.
AW Hawaii Oahu Northwest Project
AW Hawaii proposes to lease an area northwest of Oahu (``Oahu
Northwest Project''). The proposed Oahu Northwest Project consists of
the development of a floating offshore wind facility with an
approximate nameplate capacity of 400 megawatts (MW) of renewable
energy generation. The area included in the lease request consists of
10 partial OCS blocks (encompassing 32 sub-blocks in total) comprising
approximately 13.4 square nmi (4,608 hectares). A map of the AW Hawaii
Oahu Northwest Project is available on the BOEM Web site at: http://www.boem.gov/AWH-Northwest-Proposed-Map/.
AW Hawaii Oahu South Project
AW Hawaii also proposes to lease an area south of Oahu (``Oahu
South Project''). The proposed Oahu South Project consists of the
development of a floating offshore wind facility with an approximate
nameplate capacity of 400 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy
generation. The area included in the lease request consists of 10
partial OCS blocks (encompassing 34 sub-blocks in total) comprising
approximately 14.27 square nmi (4,896 hectares). A map of the AW Hawaii
Oahu South Project is available on the BOEM Web site at: http://www.boem.gov/AWH-South-Proposed-Map/.
Progression Lease Request
Progression submitted an unsolicited lease request proposing to
lease an area on the OCS south of Oahu's coast (``South Coast of Oahu
Project''), but distinct from the area requested for lease by AW Hawaii
in its Oahu South Project. Progression's South Coast of Oahu Project
consists of a floating offshore wind facility with an approximate
nameplate capacity of 400 MW of renewable energy. The lease request
includes 7 full and 12 partial OCS blocks (encompassing 218 sub-blocks
in total) comprising approximately 91.5 square nmi (31,392 hectares). A
map of the South Coast of Oahu Project is available on the BOEM Web
site at: http://www.boem.gov/Progression-Proposed-Project-Area-Map/.
BOEM's Planning and Leasing Process
Depending on the input received in response to this Call, BOEM will
proceed with the competitive leasing process, the noncompetitive
leasing process, or a combination of the two.
I. Competitive Leasing Process
If, after receiving nominations in response to this Call, BOEM
determines competitive interest exists in all or a portion of the Oahu
Call Area, it would follow the steps required by 30 CFR 585.211 through
585.225, as outlined below.
(1) Area Identification: BOEM will identify areas for environmental
analysis and consideration for leasing in consultation with appropriate
Federal agencies, states, local governments, and other interested
parties. BOEM will consider comments and nominations made in response
to this Call with respect to areas and issues that should receive
consideration and analysis, including but not limited to: areas with
unique geological conditions, archeological sites, and other uses of
the OCS. The environmental analysis will detail the potential effect of
leasing (primarily site characterization surveys and wind resource
assessment) on the human, marine, and coastal environments, and BOEM
will develop measures to mitigate adverse impacts, including lease
stipulations and conditions. BOEM will comply with the requirements of
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Coastal Zone
Management Act (CZMA), and other applicable Federal statutes as they
apply to its decision to issue one or more leases in the Oahu Call
Area.
(2) Proposed Sale Notice: If BOEM decides to proceed with
competitive leasing after conducting its Area Identification analysis
and completing the necessary environmental reviews, it will publish a
Proposed Sale Notice (PSN) in the Federal Register with a comment
period of 60 days and send the PSN to the necessary parties pursuant to
30 CFR 585.211. The PSN will describe the area(s) that may be offered
for leasing and the proposed terms and conditions of the potential
lease sale, including the proposed auction format, lease form, and
lease provisions. Additionally, the PSN will describe the proposed
criteria and process for evaluating bids.
(3) Final Sale Notice: If BOEM decides to proceed with a lease sale
after considering comments received in response to the PSN, it will
publish the Final Sale Notice (FSN) in the Federal Register at least 30
days before the date of the sale. BOEM will publish the criteria for
winning bid determinations in the FSN.
(4) Bid Submission and Evaluation: Following publication of the FSN
in the Federal Register, BOEM would offer the
[[Page 41338]]
lease(s) through a competitive auction process, using the procedures
specified in the FSN. The conduct of the sale, including bids and bid
deposits, if applicable, would be reviewed for technical and legal
adequacy. BOEM would ensure bidders have complied with all applicable
regulations and the terms of the FSN. BOEM reserves the right to reject
any or all bids, as well as the right to withdraw a lease area from the
sale.
(5) Issuance of a Lease: Following the selection of a winning bid
or bids by BOEM, the submitter(s) is/are notified of the decision and
provided a set of official lease documents for execution. The
successful bidder(s) will be required to execute the lease, pay the
remainder of the bonus bid, if applicable, and file the required
financial assurance within 10 business days of receiving the lease
documents. Upon receipt of the required payments, financial assurance,
and properly executed lease forms, BOEM would issue a lease to the
successful bidder(s).
II. Noncompetitive Leasing Process
BOEM's noncompetitive leasing process would include the following
steps:
(1) Determination of No Competitive Interest: If, after evaluating
all relevant information, including responses to this Call, BOEM
determines there is no competitive interest in all or a portion of the
Oahu Call Area, it may proceed with the noncompetitive lease issuance
process pursuant to 30 CFR 585.231 and 232. BOEM would ask if the sole
respondent who nominated a particular area wants to proceed with
acquiring the lease; if so, the respondent would be required to submit
an acquisition fee as specified in 30 CFR 585.502(a). After receiving
the acquisition fee, BOEM would follow the process outlined in 30 CFR
585.231(d) through (i), which would include the publication of a
Determination of No Competitive Interest in the Federal Register.
(2) Review of Lease Request: BOEM would comply with the relevant
requirements of NEPA, the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA),
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), National Historic Preservation
Act (NHPA), and other applicable Federal statutes before issuing a
lease noncompetitively. Further, BOEM would coordinate and consult, as
appropriate, with relevant Federal agencies, other affected or
interested parties, and affected state and local governments in
formulating lease terms, conditions, and stipulations.
(3) Lease Issuance: After completing its review of the lease
request, BOEM may offer the lease.
Environmental Review Process
BOEM intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) pursuant
to NEPA, which will consider the environmental impacts associated with
issuing commercial wind leases and approving site assessment activities
on those leases within some or all of the Oahu Call Area. BOEM is
publishing, concurrently with this Call, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to
prepare an EA, which seeks public input in identifying the
environmental issues and reasonable alternatives to be considered in
the EA to inform our leasing decision.
The EA will consider the environmental impacts associated with
leasing and site characterization scenarios (including geophysical,
geotechnical, archaeological, and biological surveys) and site
assessment scenarios (including the installation and operation of
meteorological towers and/or buoys) within the Oahu Call Area. The NOI
also solicits information pertaining to impacts to historic properties,
which include historic districts, archaeological sites, and National
Historic Landmarks. It is important to note that the environmental
effects of the construction or operation of any wind energy facility
would not be within the scope of this environmental review process, but
rather would be considered under a separate, subsequent, project-
specific NEPA analysis after a Construction and Operations Plan (COP)
is submitted.
Several consultations may be conducted concurrently with, and
integrated into, the NEPA process. These consultations include, but are
not limited to, those required by the CZMA, ESA, the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and Section 106 of the NHPA.
The NOI can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/hawaii/.
In the event a lease is issued and the lessee subsequently submits
a Site Assessment Plan (SAP) pursuant to 30 CFR 585.605-618, BOEM would
then determine whether the EA adequately considers the environmental
impacts of the activities proposed in the lessee's SAP. If BOEM
determines the analysis in the EA adequately considers these impacts,
then no further NEPA analysis would be required before BOEM makes a
decision on the SAP. If, on the other hand, BOEM determines the
analysis in the EA is inadequate for that purpose, BOEM would conduct
additional NEPA analysis before making a decision on the SAP. In either
case, after the completion of any necessary environmental reviews, BOEM
would make a decision to approve, approve with modifications, or
disapprove the SAP.
Once a lessee is prepared to propose a wind energy generation
facility on its lease, it would submit a Construction and Operations
Plan (COP). BOEM then would prepare a separate site- and project-
specific NEPA analysis of the proposed project. This analysis would
likely take the form of an Environmental Impact Statement, and would
provide stakeholders with comprehensive information regarding the
environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the proposed
facilities. This analysis would inform BOEM's decision to approve,
approve with modification, or disapprove a lessee's COP pursuant to 30
CFR 585.628. This NEPA process also would provide additional
opportunities for public involvement.
Description of the Oahu Call Area
The Oahu Call Area consists of two OCS sub-areas. Oahu North is
located approximately 7-24 nmi west of Kaena Point, Oahu. Oahu South is
located approximately 7-35 nmi south of Barbers Point, Oahu. BOEM may
adjust this potential leasing area in response to comment submissions
and information received in response to this Call and the associated
NOI, described above in the section entitled, ``Environmental Review
Process.''
Map of the Oahu Call Area
A map of the Oahu Call Area can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/Hawaii.apx. A large-scale map of the Oahu Call Area showing boundaries
with numbered blocks is available from BOEM at the following address:
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Pacific OCS Region, Renewable Energy
Section, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102 (CM 102), Camarillo, California
93010. Phone (805) 384-6263, Fax: (805) 388-1049.
Table 1--List of OCS Blocks Included in Oahu North
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6180 N, O, P.
[[Page 41339]]
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6181 M, N.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6228 F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6229 D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N,
O, P.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6230 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6231 A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6232 E, I, J, M, N, O, P.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6233 M.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6278 B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O,
P.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6279 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6280 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6281 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6282 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6283 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6284 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6285 A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6328 B, C, D, F, G, H, K, L, P.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6329 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6330 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6331 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6332 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6333 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6334 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
M, N.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6335 A, B.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6378 D, H.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6379 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6380 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6381 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6382 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6383 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
M, N, O.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6384 A.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6429 B, C, D, F, G, H.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6430 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, L.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6431 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, N, O.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6432 ALL.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6433 A, B, C, E, F, I, J, N.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6482 B, C, F.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2--List of OCS Blocks Included in Oahu South
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protraction
Protraction name No. Block No. Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6939 D, H.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6940 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, N, O, P.
Kauai Channel................................. NF04-08 6990 B, C, D, G, H, K, L, P.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6901 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6902 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6903 A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6904 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6905 I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6906 M, N, O, P.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6951 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6952 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6953 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6954 ALL
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6955 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6956 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6957 A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N, O, P.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6958 E, F, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 6959 M,N.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7001 A, B, C, D, F, G, H, K, L, O, P.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7002 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7003 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7004 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7005 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7006 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7007 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7008 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7009 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7010 E, I.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7051 D, H.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7052 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, N, O, P.
[[Page 41340]]
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7053 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7054 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7055 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7056 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7057 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7058 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7059 A, B, C, E, F, I.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7102 B, C, D, G, H, L, P.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7103 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7104 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7105 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7106 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7107 ALL.
Oahu.......................................... NF04-09 7108 A, B, C, E, F, G, I, J, M, N.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6003 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L,
N, O, P.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6004 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6005 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6006 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6007 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6008 A, B, E, M.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6053 B, C, D, G, H, L, P.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6054 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6055 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6056 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6057 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6058 A, M, N.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6103 D.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6104 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L,
N, O, P.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6105 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6106 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6107 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6108 A, B, E, F, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6109 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6110 A, E, I, M.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6154 C, D, G, H, K, L, P.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6155 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6156 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6157 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6158 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6159 ALL.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6160 A, E, I, M.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6205 A, B, C, D.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6206 A.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6208 B, C, D.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6209 A, B, C, D.
Maui.......................................... NF04-12 6210 A.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Areas Not Included in the Call
During the process of delineating the Oahu Call Area, BOEM
determined that the following areas would not be appropriate for
leasing and development at this time:
1. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
(Humpback Whale NMS). Under the OCSLA, BOEM may not issue leases within
any unit of a National Marine Sanctuary. Therefore, BOEM excluded the
Humpback Whale NMS from leasing consideration. Note that the Oahu Call
Area is located adjacent to the Humpback Whale NMS. BOEM will
coordinate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and other relevant agencies
regarding potential impacts to the Humpback Whale NMS and, if
necessary, will develop appropriate lease stipulations and mitigation
measures to reduce or eliminate such impacts.
2. Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas. Certain areas are set aside
by the State of Hawaii as Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas. In order
to avoid potential multiple use conflicts, BOEM is not including these
areas in the Oahu Call Area.
3. Areas with Water Depths Beyond 1,100 meters. BOEM removed areas
in water depths beyond 1,100 meters from consideration for leasing at
this time. Based on a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
technical report (NREL, TP-6A20-55049, Improved Offshore Wind Resource
Assessment in Global Climate Stabilization Scenarios, 2012), BOEM
considers 1,100 meters to be the reasonable limit on water depth for
the purposes of determining potential areas for lease, at this time.
4. Low Wind Resource Areas. BOEM removed areas with average annual
wind speeds below 7 meters per second (m/s). Based on the NREL
technical report (NREL, TP-6A20-55049, Improved Offshore Wind Resource
Assessment in Global Climate Stabilization Scenarios, 2012), a 7 m/s
wind speed was considered to be a conservative lower limit for offshore
wind resource.
Navigational Considerations
BOEM analyzed USCG 2013 and 2014 Automatic Identification System
(AIS) data, including density plots for various individual vessel types
(e.g., tankers,
[[Page 41341]]
cargo vessels, tugs, etc.) that traverse the OCS offshore Oahu. BOEM
used this AIS data to inform its determination of potential areas
suitable for leasing on the OCS offshore Oahu. The AIS data used to
conduct this analysis, in addition to other AIS tools, can be
downloaded at: http://marinecadastre.gov/ais/.
Consideration of Requested Areas
In developing the Oahu Call Area, BOEM considered the areas
requested by AW Hawaii and Progression. Both developers have conducted
stakeholder engagement on Oahu and have made their proposals
considering wind resource, water depth, and proximity to shore.
Areas of Interest for Further Analysis
BOEM is seeking public comment regarding the identification of
historic properties or potential impacts to historic properties located
in the vicinity of the Oahu Call Area that could result from the
proposed action (i.e., lease issuance and potential site assessment
activities). Specifically, BOEM is requesting information on historic
sites, districts, and National Historic Landmarks, as well as cultural
corridors, traditional cultural properties, and other historic
properties.
Required Nomination Information
If you intend to submit a nomination for a commercial wind energy
lease in the areas identified in this notice, you must provide the
following information:
1. The BOEM Protraction name, number, and specific whole or partial
OCS blocks within the Oahu Call Area that are of interest for
commercial wind leasing, including any required buffer area. If your
proposed lease area includes partial blocks, include the sub-block
letter (A-P). Additionally, you should submit a shapefile or
geodatabase of the project area compatible with ArcGIS 10.3 and
projected in WGS 84_UTM Zone 4N.
2. A description of your objectives and the facilities you would
use to achieve those objectives.
3. A preliminary schedule of proposed activities, including those
leading to commercial operations.
4. Available and pertinent data and information concerning
renewable energy resources and environmental conditions in the area(s)
you wish to lease, including energy and resource data and information
that you used to evaluate the Oahu Call Area. Where applicable, spatial
information should be submitted in a format compatible with ArcGIS 10.3
and projected in WGS 84_UTM Zone 4N.
5. Documentation demonstrating you are legally qualified to hold a
lease, as set forth in 30 CFR 585.106 and 107. Examples of the
documentation appropriate for demonstrating your legal qualifications
and related guidance can be found in Chapter 2 and Appendix B of the
BOEM Renewable Energy Framework Guide Book available at: http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/REnGuidebook_03August2009_3_-pdf.aspx. Legal qualification documents
will be placed in an official file that may be made available for
public review. If you wish any part of your legal qualification
documentation to be kept confidential, clearly identify what should be
kept confidential and why such documentation should be confidential,
and submit it under separate cover (see ``Protection of Privileged or
Confidential Information Section,'' below). Any documentation you
submit to demonstrate your legal 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.
6. Documentation demonstrating you are technically and financially
capable of constructing, operating, maintaining, and decommissioning
the facilities described in (2) above. Guidance regarding the required
documentation to demonstrate your technical and financial
qualifications can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/QualificationGuidelines-pdf.aspx. Any
documentation you submit to demonstrate your 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 critical that you submit a complete nomination so BOEM may
evaluate your submission in a timely manner. If BOEM reviews your
nomination and finds it is incomplete, BOEM will inform you in a letter
describing the specific information missing from your nomination. You
must then submit this missing information in order for BOEM to deem
your submission complete. You will be given 15 business days from the
date of that letter to submit the information. If you do not meet this
deadline, or if BOEM determines this second submission is still
incomplete, then BOEM retains the right to deem your nomination
invalid. In such a case, BOEM will not process your nomination.
Participating in a Lease Sale Without Responding to This Call
It is not required that you submit a nomination in response to this
Call in order to submit a bid in a potential competitive lease sale
offshore Oahu. However, you will not be able to participate in such a
lease sale unless you demonstrate prior to the sale that you are
legally qualified to hold a BOEM renewable energy lease, and you
demonstrate that you are technically and financially capable of
constructing, operating, maintaining, and decommissioning the
facilities you would propose to install on your lease. To ensure BOEM
has sufficient time to process your qualifications package, you must
submit this package prior to or during the PSN 60-day public comment
period. More information can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/QualificationGuidelines-pdf.aspx
Requested Information From Interested or Affected Parties
BOEM is requesting specific and detailed comments from Federal,
state, and local governments, Native Hawaiians, and the public
regarding the following:
1. Geological, geophysical, and biological conditions (including
bottom and shallow hazards and live bottom) in the area described in
this Call.
2. Historic properties, including archaeological or cultural
resources, potentially affected by the construction of meteorological
towers, the installation of meteorological buoys, or commercial wind
development in the areas identified in this Call.
3. Existing uses of the areas, including navigation (commercial and
recreational vessel use), fishing locations, and commercial fishing
areas.
4. Information relating to potential impacts resulting from the
siting of wind turbine generators in the Oahu Call Area.
5. Available and pertinent data and information concerning
renewable energy resources and environmental conditions in the area
identified in this Call. Where applicable, spatial information should
be submitted in a format compatible with ArcGIS 10.3 and projected in
WGS 84_UTM Zone 4N.
6. Habitats that may require special attention during siting and
construction.
7. Other relevant socioeconomic, technical, biological, and/or
environmental information. Socioeconomic information could
[[Page 41342]]
include information on non-monetary credits offered at the lease sale
stage or recommendations on community benefits.
Protection of Privileged or Confidential Information
Freedom of Information Act
BOEM will protect privileged or confidential information 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 is privileged or confidential. If you wish to protect the
confidentiality of such information, clearly label it with ``Contains
Confidential Information'' and request BOEM treat it as confidential,
and consider submitting such information as a separate attachment. BOEM
will not disclose such information if it qualifies for exemption from
disclosure under FOIA. Information not labeled as privileged or
confidential will be regarded by BOEM as suitable for public release.
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.
Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470w-
3(a))
BOEM is required to withhold the location, character, or ownership
of historic resources if it determines disclosure may, among other
things, risk harm to the historic resources or impede the use of a
traditional religious site by practitioners. Entities that are
protected under NHPA should designate information falling under Section
304 of NHPA as confidential.
Dated: June 16, 2016.
Abigail Ross Hopper,
Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
[FR Doc. 2016-14830 Filed 6-23-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P