1. (a) This subpart prescribes requirements under 33 U.S.C. 1504(b) for the activities that are involved in site evaluation and pre-construction testing at potential locations for deepwater ports and that may:

   1. (1) Adversely affect the environment;
   2. (2) Interfere with authorized uses of the Outer Continental Shelf; or
   3. (3) Pose a threat to human health and welfare.

2. (b) For the purpose of this subpart, “site evaluation and pre-construction testing” means studies performed at potential deepwater port locations, including:

   1. (1) Preliminary studies to determine the feasibility of a site;
   2. (2) Detailed studies of the topographic and geologic structure of the ocean bottom to determine its ability to support offshore structures and other equipment; and
   3. (3) Studies done for the preparation of the environmental analysis required under § 148.105 of this part.

[USCG-1998-3884, 71 FR 57651, Sept. 29, 2006, as amended by USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39177, July 1, 2013]