(a) After the COTP receives the Letter of Intent under Sec. 127.007(a) or (b), the COTP issues a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) as to the suitability of the waterway for LNG or LHG marine traffic to the Federal, State, or local government agencies having jurisdiction for siting, construction, and operation, and, at the same time, sends a copy to the owner or operator, based on the--
(1) Information submitted under Sec. 127.007;
(2) Density and character of marine traffic in the waterway;
(3) Locks, bridges, or other man-made obstructions in the waterway;
(4) Following factors adjacent to the facility such as--
(i) Depths of the water;
(ii) Tidal range;
(iii) Protection from high seas;
(iv) Natural hazards, including reefs, rocks, and sandbars;
(v) Underwater pipelines and cables;
(vi) Distance of berthed vessel from the channel and the width of the channel; and
(5) Any other issues affecting the safety and security of the waterway and considered relevant by the Captain of the Port.
(b) An LOR issued under this section is a recommendation from the COTP to the agency having jurisdiction as described in paragraph (a), and does not constitute agency action for the purposes of Sec. 127.015 or the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.).
(c) The owner or operator, or a State, local, or Indian tribal government in the vicinity of the facility, may request reconsideration as set forth in Sec. 127.010.
(d) Persons other than the owner or operator, or State, local, or Indian tribal government in the vicinity of the facility, may comment on the LOR by submitting comments and relevant information to the agency having jurisdiction, as described in paragraph (a), for that agency's consideration in its permitting process.
(e) Paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section apply to LORs issued after December 28, 2012. For LORs issued prior to that date, persons requesting reconsideration must follow the process set forth in Sec. 127.015. [USCG-2011-0227, 77 FR 70890, Nov. 28, 2012]