[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 189 (Monday, September 30, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59968-59972]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23699]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
[Docket No. BOEM-2013-0050; MMAA104000]
Potential Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer
Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore Oregon, Request for Interest
AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior.
ACTION: Public Notice of an Unsolicited Request for a Commercial OCS
Wind Lease, Request for Interest (RFI), and Request for Public Comment.
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SUMMARY: The purpose of this public notice is to: (1) Describe the
proposal submitted to BOEM by Principle Power, Inc. (Principle Power)
to acquire an OCS commercial wind lease; (2) solicit submissions of
indications of interest in obtaining a commercial lease for wind energy
development on the OCS offshore Oregon in the area described in this
notice; and (3) solicit initial public input regarding the area
described in this notice, the potential environmental consequences of
wind energy development in the area, and the multiple uses of the area.
On May 15, 2013, BOEM received an unsolicited request from
Principle Power for a commercial wind lease on the OCS offshore Oregon.
Principle
[[Page 59969]]
Power's proposed project, the ``WindFloat Pacific Project,'' would
consist of a floating wind energy demonstration facility offshore Coos
Bay, Oregon. The project is designed to generate 30 megawatts (MW) of
electricity from five floating ``WindFloat'' units, each equipped with
a 6-MW offshore wind turbine, connected by inter-unit electrical
cabling, with a single transmission cable exporting electricity to the
mainland that would extend across both Federal and state lands. The
project would be located approximately 16 nautical miles (nmi) west of
Coos Bay, Oregon in water depths of approximately 1,400 feet.
Additional information on Principle Power's unsolicited lease request
can be viewed at http://www.boem.gov/State-Activities-Oregon/.
This RFI is published pursuant to subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS
Lands Act, as amended by section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(EPAct) (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3)), and the implementing regulations at 30
CFR 585.231(b). Subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS Lands Act requires that
OCS renewable energy leases, easements, and rights-of-way be issued
``on a competitive basis unless the Secretary of the Interior
(Secretary) determines after public notice of a proposed lease,
easement, or right-of-way that there is no competitive interest.'' This
RFI provides such public notice for the proposed lease area requested
by Principle Power and invites the submission of indications of
interest. BOEM is soliciting submissions of interest in commercial wind
energy development with this notice. BOEM will consider the responses
to this public notice to determine whether competitive interest exists
for the area requested by Principle Power, as required by 43 U.S.C.
1337(p)(3). Parties wishing to obtain a commercial lease for wind
energy development for the area described below under ``Description of
the Proposed Lease Area'' should submit detailed and specific
information as described in the section entitled, ``Required Indication
of Interest Information.''
This announcement also requests that interested and affected
parties comment and provide information about site conditions and
multiple uses within the area identified in this notice that would be
relevant to the proposed project or its impacts. This is the first step
in the OCS renewable energy leasing process. There will be additional
opportunities to provide comment pursuant to 30 CFR part 585 and
applicable laws, such as the opportunity to comment on the
environmental analysis that BOEM will prepare under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), before any lease is issued. A detailed
description of the proposed lease area can be found in the section of
this notice entitled, ``Description of the Area.''
DATES: If you are submitting an indication of interest in acquiring a
lease for the proposed lease area, your submission must be sent by
mail, postmarked no later than October 30, 2013 for your submission to
be considered. If you are providing comments or other submissions of
information, you may send them by mail, postmarked by this same date,
or you may submit them through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov, also by this same date.
Submission Procedures: If you are submitting an indication of
interest in a lease, please submit it by mail to the following address:
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Pacific Region Office of Strategic
Resources, 770 Paseo Camarillo, Second Floor, Camarillo, California
93010. Submissions must be postmarked by October 30, 2013 to be
considered by BOEM for the purposes of determining competitive
interest. In addition to a paper copy of your submission, include an
electronic copy; BOEM considers an Adobe PDF file stored on a compact
disk (CD) to be an acceptable format for submitting an electronic copy.
BOEM will list the parties that submit indications of interest on the
BOEM Web site after the 30-day comment period has closed.
If you are submitting comments or other information concerning the
proposed lease area, you may use either of the following two methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the
entry entitled, ``Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter BOEM-2013-0050 and then
click ``search.'' Follow the instructions to submit public comments and
view supporting and related materials available for this notice.
2. Alternatively, comments may be submitted by mail to the
following address: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Pacific Region
Office of Strategic Resources, 770 Paseo Camarillo, Second Floor,
Camarillo, California 93010.
If you wish to protect the confidentiality of your submissions 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 notice
entitled, ``Privileged or Confidential Information.'' BOEM will post
all comments on www.regulations.gov, unless labeled as confidential.
Information that is not labeled as privileged or confidential will be
regarded by BOEM as suitable for public release.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Jean Thurston, Renewable Energy
Program Specialist, BOEM, Pacific Region Office of Strategic Resources,
770 Paseo Camarillo, Second Floor, Camarillo, California 93010, Phone:
(805) 384-4704.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of this RFI
Responses to this public notice will allow BOEM to determine,
pursuant to 30 CFR 585.231, whether or not there is competitive
interest in acquiring an OCS commercial wind lease in the proposed
lease area. In addition, this notice provides an opportunity for
interested stakeholders to comment on the proposed lease area, the
proposed project, and any potential impacts wind energy development may
have in the area. BOEM may use comments received to further identify
and refine the area requested and inform future environmental analyses
related to the project. This is the first opportunity for public input;
additional opportunities will be provided pursuant to 30 CFR part 585
and applicable laws and BOEM practices.
If, in response to this notice, BOEM receives one or more
indications of interest in offshore wind energy development from
qualified entities that wish to compete for the proposed lease area,
BOEM may decide to move forward with the lease issuance process using
competitive procedures pursuant to 30 CFR Part 585. If BOEM receives no
competing indications of interest from qualified companies, BOEM may
decide to move forward with the lease issuance process using the non-
competitive procedures contained in 30 CFR part 585.
Background
National Offshore Wind Strategy
In 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of the
Interior Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy released the
National Offshore Wind Strategy, which identified challenges facing
development of offshore wind energy and outlined actions to support the
goals of developing an offshore wind industry in the United States.
DOE's
[[Page 59970]]
Wind and Water Power Program released a formal Offshore Wind Innovation
and Demonstration Initiative, consistent with the National Offshore
Wind Strategy goals, to promote and accelerate responsible commercial
offshore wind development in the United States. To address the
objectives of the Strategy, funding was planned for Advanced Technology
Demonstration Projects that verify innovative designs and technology
developments and validate full performance and cost under real
operating and market conditions. On December 12, 2012, the DOE
announced award funding for seven proposed offshore wind demonstration
projects under the ``Financial Assistance Funding Opportunity
Announcement (DOE-FOA-0000410) U.S. Offshore Wind: Advanced Technology
Demonstration Projects.'' The awards went to projects that demonstrated
the ability to progress toward achieving the national goals of the
National Offshore Wind Strategy. Principle Power submitted an
application in response to the DOE-FOA-0000410 and was selected as one
of the seven award recipients. From the seven original projects
selected for an award, DOE will choose three projects for continued
funding in the spring of 2014. Principle Power has submitted a lease
request to BOEM in an effort to move forward in the DOE funding
process.
Determination of Competitive Interest and Leasing Process
After the publication of this announcement, BOEM will evaluate
indications of interest in acquiring a commercial lease in the proposed
lease area. At the conclusion of the comment period for this public
notice, BOEM will review the submissions received and undertake a
completeness review for each of those submissions and a qualifications
review for each of the nominating entities. BOEM will then make a
determination as to whether competitive interest exists.
If BOEM determines that there is no competitive interest in the
proposed lease area, it will publish a notice stating that there is no
competitive interest in the Federal Register. At that point, BOEM may
decide to proceed with the noncompetitive lease issuance process
pursuant to 30 CFR 585.231, and Principle Power would need to submit
any required plan(s). If BOEM determines that there is competitive
interest, it may move forward with the leasing process outlined in 30
CFR 585.211.
Whether following competitive or non-competitive procedures, BOEM
would consult with the BOEM Oregon Intergovernmental Renewable Energy
Task Force and comply with all applicable requirements before making a
decision on whether or not to issue a lease and approve, disapprove, or
approve with modifications any associated plan(s). BOEM would
coordinate and consult, as appropriate, with relevant Federal agencies,
affected tribes, affected state agencies and affected local governments
during the lease development and issuance process.
Description of the Proposed Lease Area
The proposed lease area is located off the coast of Oregon,
approximately 16 nmi west of, Coos Bay, Oregon. From its most
northeastern point the area extends approximately 5.18 nmi south and
2.59 nmi west. The project area consists of four partial OCS blocks.
The entire area is approximately 15.01159 square miles (9,607.419 acres
or 3,888 hectares).
Table 1--List of OCS Blocks Included in the Request for Interest
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Block
Protraction name Protraction number number Sub block
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Coos Bay........................... NK 10-01.............. 6573 L,P
Coos Bay........................... NK 10-01.............. 6574 A,B,C,E,F,G,I,J,K,M,N,O
Coos Bay........................... NK 10-01.............. 6623 D,H,L,P
Coos Bay........................... NK 10-01.............. 6624 A,B,C,E,F,I,J,M,N
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The boundary of the proposed lease area follows the points listed
in Table 2 in clockwise order. Point numbers 1 and 25 are the same.
Coordinates are provided in X, Y (eastings, northings) UTM Zone 18N,
NAD 83 and geographic (latitude, longitude) NAD83.
Table 2--List of Boundary Points Included in the Request for Interest
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Point number X (Easting) Y (Northing) Latitude Longitude
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1................................... 360800 4804800 43.383163617505 -124.71850250843
2................................... 359600 4804800 43.3829400824461 -124.733310553746
3................................... 359600 4806000 43.3937405007104 -124.733618431238
4................................... 359600 4807200 43.4045408967447 -124.733926479511
5................................... 359600 4808400 43.4153412705474 -124.734234698679
6................................... 359600 4809600 43.4261416221169 -124.734543088854
7................................... 359600 4810800 43.4369419514513 -124.73485165015
8................................... 359600 4812000 43.4477422585492 -124.735160382679
9................................... 360800 4812000 43.4479662972019 -124.720336552948
10.................................. 360800 4813200 43.4587666660974 -124.720642820982
11.................................. 360800 4814400 43.4695670127825 -124.720949259014
12.................................. 362000 4814400 43.4697892973427 -124.706119986029
13.................................. 363200 4814400 43.4700096596489 -124.691290544395
14.................................. 364400 4814400 43.4702280996417 -124.676460935576
15.................................. 364400 4813200 43.4594275050812 -124.676162410122
16.................................. 364400 4813200 43.4486268883978 -124.675864050282
17.................................. 364400 4810800 43.437826249593 -124.675565855946
18.................................. 364400 4809600 43.4270255886685 -124.675267827005
19.................................. 364400 4808400 43.4162249056256 -124.67496996335
[[Page 59971]]
20.................................. 363200 4808400 43.4160068748692 -124.689786398592
21.................................. 363200 4807200 43.4052062514705 -124.689486069775
22.................................. 363200 4806000 43.394405605928 -124.689185907484
23.................................. 363200 4804800 43.3836049382433 -124.688885911607
24.................................. 362000 4804800 43.3833852361241 -124.703694293898
25.................................. 360800 4804800 43.383163617505 -124.71850250843
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Map of the Area
A map of the area proposed by Principle Power and included in this
RFI can be found at the following URL: http://www.boem.gov/State-Activities-Oregon/. A large scale map of the proposed lease area
showing boundaries of the area with the numbered blocks is available
from BOEM at the following address: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management,
Pacific Region Office of Strategic Resources, 770 Paseo Camarillo,
Second Floor, Camarillo, California 93010.
Department of Defense Activities and Stipulations
The Department of Defense (DOD) conducts offshore testing,
training, and operations on the OCS and may request that BOEM condition
any activities that might take place in the proposed lease area. BOEM
will consult with DOD regarding potential issues concerning offshore
testing, training, and operational activities, and will develop
appropriate stipulations to mitigate the effects of renewable energy
activities on any DOD activities in the proposed lease area.
Required Indication of Interest Information
If you intend to submit an indication of interest in a lease for
the area identified in this notice, you must provide the following:
(1) A statement that you wish to acquire a commercial wind lease
within the proposed lease area. For BOEM to consider your indication of
interest, it must include a proposal for a wind power project within
the proposed lease area. Any request for a commercial wind lease
located outside of the proposed lease area should be submitted
separately pursuant to 30 CFR 585.230;
(2) A general description of your objectives and the facilities
that you would use to achieve those objectives;
(3) A general 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
that you wish to lease, including energy and resource data and
information used to evaluate the area of interest. Where applicable,
spatial information should be submitted in a format compatible with
ArcGIS 9.3 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 part 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 Guidelines for the Renewable Energy Framework Guide
Book available at: http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/Index.aspx. 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); and
(6) Documentation demonstrating that you are technically and
financially capable of constructing, operating, maintaining and
decommissioning the facilities described in (2) above. Guidance
regarding the documentation that could be used to demonstrate your
technical and financial qualifications can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/Index.aspx. If you wish that any part of your technical and financial
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).
Your complete submission, including the items identified in (1)
through (6) above, must be provided to BOEM in both paper and
electronic formats. BOEM considers an Adobe PDF file stored on a CD to
be an acceptable format for submitting an electronic copy.
It is critical that you provide a complete submission of interest
so that BOEM may consider your submission in a timely manner. If BOEM
reviews your submission and determines that it is incomplete, BOEM will
inform you of this determination in writing and describe the
information that BOEM needs from you in order for BOEM to deem your
submission complete. You will be given 15 business days from the date
of the letter to provide the information that BOEM found to be missing
from your original submission. If you do not meet this deadline, or if
BOEM determines your second submission is also insufficient, BOEM may
deem your submission invalid. In such a case, BOEM would not consider
your submission.
Requested Information From Interested or Affected Parties
BOEM is also requesting from the public and other interested or
affected parties specific and detailed comments regarding the
following:
(1) Geological and geophysical conditions (including seabed
conditions and shallow hazards) in the area described in this notice;
(2) Historic properties and archaeological resources potentially
affected by the construction and installation of meteorological buoys
or commercial wind development in the area identified in this notice;
(3) Other uses of the area described in this notice, including but
not limited to navigation (commercial and recreational vessel usage),
commercial and recreational fishing, recreational activities (e.g.,
wildlife viewing, and scenic areas), aviation, other energy related
development activities, scientific research, and utilities and
communications infrastructure (e.g., undersea cables);
(4) Other relevant environmental information, including but not
limited to: protected species and habitats, marine mammals, sea
turtles, birds, fish, and cultural resources;
(5) Socioeconomic information, such as demographics and employment,
or
[[Page 59972]]
information relevant to environmental justice considerations.
Protection of Privileged or Confidential Information
Freedom of Information Act
BOEM will protect privileged or confidential information that you
submit as 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, subject to the requirements of FOIA. Please
label privileged or confidential information, ``Contains Confidential
Information,'' and consider submitting such information as a separate
attachment.
However, 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 geographic location of nominated facilities.
Information that is not labeled as privileged or confidential will be
regarded by BOEM as suitable for public release.
Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470w-
3(a))
BOEM is required, after consultation with the Secretary of the
Interior, to withhold the location, character, or ownership of historic
resources if it determines that disclosure may, among other things,
cause a significant invasion of privacy, risk harm to the historic
resources, or impede the use of a traditional religious site by
practitioners. Tribal entities and other interested parties should
designate such information that they wish to be held as confidential.
Dated: September 19, 2013.
Tommy P. Beaudreau,
Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
[FR Doc. 2013-23699 Filed 9-27-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P