§ 586.104 When may BOEM prescribe or approve departures from the regulations in this part?

(a) BOEM may prescribe or approve departures from these regulations when departures are necessary to: (1) Facilitate the appropriate activities on a grant under this part; (2) Conserve natural resources; (3) Protect life (including human and wildlife), property, or the marine, coastal, or human environment; or (4) Protect sites, structures, or objects of historical or archaeological significance. (b) Any departure approved under this section and its rationale must: (1) Be consistent with subsection 8(p) of the OCS Lands Act; (2) Protect the environment and the public health and safety to the same degree as if there was no approved departure from the regulations; (3) Not impair the rights of third parties; and (4) Be documented in writing.