Gulf OCS Blocks with Significant Sediment Resources

This data set contains OCS block outlines and delineated polygons for the BOEM Gulf of America Region that contain sediment resources and areas of disposal in support of the Marine Minerals Program. Coastal restoration, beach nourishment, and levee reconstruction are crucial to mitigate future coastal erosion, land loss, flooding, and storm damage in the Gulf. The success of that long-term effort depends on locating and securing significant quantities of OCS sediment resources that are compatible with the target environments being restored. Offshore sediment resources, like upland sources, are extremely scarce where most needed. Additionally, vast areas of these relatively small offshore sediment resources are not extractable because of the presence of oil and gas infrastructure, archaeologically sensitive areas, and biologically sensitive areas. Since the use of OCS sediment resources is authorized by the BOEM through its Marine Mineral Program, the bureau is implementing several measures to help safeguard the most significant OCS sediment resources, reduce multiple use conflicts, and minimize interference with oil and gas operations under existing leases or rights-of-way. During the planning process, entities may reference the block attributes provided in this dataset to inquire about specific resources within those areas. As new information becomes available, blocks designated as significant sediment resource areas will be updated. In doing so, the BOEM MMP can continue to serve as an effective steward of our OCS resources. For more information on how BOEM manages multiple uses on the OCS or to get the most up to date information on official OCS block designations as significant sediment resource areas, visit https://www.boem.gov/marine-minerals/managing-multiple-uses-gulf-mexico. 

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