[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 131 (Thursday, July 9, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 37094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-18192]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Coastal Zone Management: Federal Consistency Appeal by Chevron
U.S.A. Production Company by an Objection by the State of Florida
Department of Community Affairs
AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of appeal and request for comments.
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Chevron U.S.A. Production Company (Appellant), filed with the
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) a notice of appeal pursuant to
section 307(c)(3)(B) of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA),
as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq., and the Department of Commerce's
implementing regulations, 15 C.F.R. Part 930, Subpart H. The appeal is
taken from an objection by the State of Florida (State) to the
Appellant's consistency certification for a Development and Production
Plan to produce up to 21 natural gas wells in the Destin Dome 56 Unit,
some 15 miles from Florida waters and approximately 25 miles from
Pensacola. The Appellant has certified that the project is consistent
with the State's coastal management program.
The CZMA provides that a timely objection by a state precludes any
federal agency from issuing licenses or permits for the activity unless
the Secretary finds that the activity is either ``consistent with the
objectives'' of the CZMA (Ground I) or ``necessary in the interest of
national security'' (Ground II). Section 307(c)(3)(A). To make such a
determination, the Secretary must find that the proposed project
satisfies the requirements of 15 CFR 930.121 or 930.122.
The Appellant requests that the Secretary override the State's
consistency objections based on Ground I. To make the determination
that the proposed activity is ``consistent with the objectives'' of the
CZMA, the Secretary must find that: (1) the proposed activity furthers
one or more of the national objectives or purposes contained in
Secs. 302 or 303 of the CZMA, (2) the adverse effects of the proposed
activity do not outweigh its contribution to the national interest, (3)
the proposed activity will not violate the Clean Air Act or the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act, and (4) no reasonable alternative is
available that would permit the activity to be conducted in a manner
consistent with the State's coastal management program. 15 CFR 930.121.
Public comments are invited on the findings that the Secretary must
make as set forth in the regulations at 15 CFR 930.121. Comments are
due within 30 days of the publication of this notice and should be sent
to Ms. Mary O'Brien, Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Assistant General
Counsel for Ocean Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1305 East-West Highway,
Room 6111, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Copies of comments will also be
forwarded to the Appellant and the State.
All nonconfidential documents submitted in this appeal are
available for public inspection during business hours at the offices of
the State and the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Ocean
Services.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Mary O'Brien, Attorney-Adviser,
Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Ocean Services, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce,
1305 East-West Highway, Room 6111, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301-713-
2967.
(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog No. 11.419 Coastal Zone
Management Program Assistance)
Dated: June 25, 1998.
Monica Medina,
General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 98-18192 Filed 7-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-08-P
