[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 21, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25501-25504]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12543]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Management Service
Request for Federal Outer Continental Shelf Lease Sale for Sand
and Gravel Resources
AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.
ACTION: Request for Information and Interest (RFIN).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: On February 12, 1996, the Minerals Management Service received
a request for a nonenergy minerals (sand and gravel) lease sale. After
reviewing the request, MMS decided to initiate steps which may lead to
a lease sale, the first being the publication of this RFIN.
[[Page 25502]]
The planning area under consideration in this RFIN is depicted on the
accompanying page-sized map.
Authority: This RFIN is published pursuant to the Outer
Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act as amended (43 U.S.C. 1331-1356,
(1988) (OCSLA), and the regulations issued thereunder (30 CFR 281).
Purpose of the RFIN
The purpose of the RFIN is to (1) determine whether additional
interest exists in obtaining leases for sand and gravel resources on
the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and where that interest lies within
the planning area and (2) obtain other information that would be
relevant to the decision to hold a sand and gravel lease sale.
Information and nominations within the defined planning area are
sought from all interested parties. State and local governments,
industry, other Federal agencies and all other interested parties may
respond to a Request for Information and Interest. Information provided
may include but is not limited to geologic, archaeologic,
environmental, socioeconomic, biologic, navigational, recreational,
commercial and multiple-use considerations within the planning area.
This early planning and consultation step is important for ensuring
that all interests and concerns are communicated to the Department of
the Interior (DOI) for future decisions in the leasing process pursuant
to the OCS Lands Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1331-1356 (1988)), and
regulations at 30 CFR Part 281. This RFIN does not imply, nor should it
be construed to indicate, that a preliminary decision to lease in the
area described below has been made. However, should MMS later decide to
offer any of the planning area for lease, parties to such action will
be expected to comply with all applicable laws including the National
Environmental Policy Act, the OCS Lands Act, and the Coastal Zone
Management Act.
Description of the Area
The RFIN planning area is located off the northern coast of New
Jersey beginning 3 nautical miles from shore and extending north to
south from Sandy Hook to Surf City. The landward boundary is coincident
with the 3-mile demarcation between the Federal OCS and State submerged
lands jurisdiction. The seaward width of the RFIN planing area is
narrowest in the north (approximately 12 miles) and broadens gradually
to the south. The total area available for nominations and comments
consists of 160 whole or partial blocks (each whole block is
approximately 9 square miles). Respondents may nominate and comment on
any acreage within the entire RFIN planning area. A large scale map of
the RFIN planning area (hereinafter referred to as the RFIN map)
showing boundaries of the RFIN planning area with numbered blocks is
available from MMS at the following address: Minerals Management
Service, Office of International Activities and Marine Minerals (or
INTERMAR), 381 Elden St., Mail Stop 4030, Herndon, VA 22070 [Phone:
(703) 787-1292-FAX: (703) 787-1284].
The RFIN responses will help determine if lease tract size should
differ from present block configurations. Tract sizes will be
established if a proposed leasing notice is issued.
Instructions on the RFIN
Industry respondents are requested to nominate specific blocks or
acreage within the RFIN planning area that they would like considered
in a potential OCS lease sale. Nominations must be depicted on the
large scale RFIN map by outlining the area(s) of interest. Respondents
are also asked to submit a list of block numbers nominated (including
both whole and partial blocks) to facilitate correct interpretation of
their nominations on the RFIN map. Although the identities of those
submitting nominations become a matter of public record, the individual
acreage or block nominations are deemed to be proprietary information.
[[Page 25503]]
Respondents should rank areas nominated according to priority of
interest based on priority 1 (high), 2 (medium), or 3 (low). Areas
nominated that do not indicate priorities will be considered priority
3. Respondents are encouraged to be specific in indicating areas or
blocks by priority. Blanket priorities on large areas are less useful
in the analysis of industry interest. The name and telephone number of
a person in the respondent's organization to contact for additional
information or clarifications should be included in the response.
Comments are sought from all interested parties about particular
geological, environmental, biological, archaeological, navigational,
recreational, commercial, social, and economic conditions, multiple-use
considerations, or other information that might bear upon potential
leasing and development in the RFIN planning area. Comments are also
sought on potential conflicts with federally approved State and local
coastal zone management plans (CMPs) that may result from the proposed
sale or future mineral development activities. If possible, these
comments should identify specific CMP policies, the nature of the
conflicts foreseen, and steps that MMS could take to avoid or mitigate
the potential conflicts. Comments may be in terms of broad areas or
restricted to particular blocks. Those submitting comments are
requested to list block numbers or clearly outline the subject area on
the large-scale RFIN map.
Nominations, information, and/or comments must be received no later
than 60 days following publication of this document in the Federal
Register in envelopes labeled ``Nominations (or Information) for
Northern New Jersey RFIN''. The RFIN map with indications of interest
and/or comments should be submitted to: Minerals Management Service,
Office of International Activities and Marine Minerals (or INTERMAR),
381 Elden Street, Mail Stop 4030, Herndon, VA 22070.
Use of Information From the RFIN
Information submitted in response to this RFIN serves several
purposes. First, responses will be used to identify areas of potential
mineral leasing and development. Second, comments on possible
environmental impacts and multiple-use conflicts will aid in the
analysis and handling of concerns in and near the RFIN planning area.
Based on this information a preliminary determination will be made on
the potential advantages and disadvantages of OCS sand and gravel
exploration and development for the RFIN planning area and whether the
prelease process should be continued. Third, comments may be used to
identify potential conflicts between offshore activities and State or
local CMPs. Finally, comments may be used in developing lease terms and
conditions to ensure safe offshore mineral development activities, if
the lease sale is held.
Shallow Dredging and Prohibition on Disposal
To preserve ocean bottom topography and promote rapid
recolonization of biota in dredged areas, MMS intends to restrict
dredging to relatively shallow and uniform depths. The Agency does not
intend to issue leases in areas designated as mud dump sites nor will
it permit lessees to mine deep pits for use in the disposal of any
material.
While the MMS is generally aware of the existence of navigation
channels, mud dump sites, shipwrecks and other factors that could have
a bearing on leasing in the planning area, more detailed information is
solicited to insure that these factors receive full consideration.
Dated: May 12, 1996.
Cynthia Quarterman,
Director, Minerals Management Service.
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
[[Page 25504]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21MY96.002
[FR Doc. 96-12543 Filed 5-20-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-C
