(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) Adversely affect the environment;
(2) Interfere with authorized uses of the Outer Continental Shelf; or
(3) Pose a threat to human health and welfare.
(b) For the purpose of this subpart, ``site evaluation and pre-construction testing'' means studies performed at potential deepwater port locations, including:
(1) Preliminary studies to determine the feasibility of a site;
(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) Studies done for the preparation of the environmental analysis required under Sec. 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]