Description: The Construction Survey Measurements Mosaic Dataset is a collection of geophysical survey data, primarily multi and single beam sonar, sidescan sonar, and LiDAR survey depth, in raster format that were gathered as part of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) dredging activities associated with authorized leases maintained by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Entities are authorized to dredge sand, gravel or shell resources from the OCS after entering into a Negotiated Non-Competitive Lease or Memorandum of Agreement with BOEM. Measurements were taken before and after dredging occured with a time frame bound by the stipulations found in a Negotiated Non-Competitive Lease or Memorandum of Agreement with BOEM. Measurement values consist of elevation, depth, backscatter/intensity, and gamma. Any type of raster data created as a result of sand dredging activities related to authorized BOEM leases will be housed in this mosaic dataset. The intent is to update the dataset when leases are added or renewed and when further dredging activity occurs. Area covered: U.S. OCS (primarily 3nm to 12nm offshore).
The Construction Survey Measurement Mosaic Dataset is a spatial representation of the subbottom surface in areas of the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) before and after dredging occurs. This catalog serves as a visual aid to identify dredging locations within the borrow areas which allows quantitative and qualitative analyses of survey data to determine volume of sand removed. Furthermore, operational dredge data from the dredge quality management system is used to determine dredging intensity/ exposure. Having a centralized access to these layers facilitates decision making and administrative planning within the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Section 8 (k) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) as amended by Public Law 103-426 (enacted in 1994) provides the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), within the U.S. Department of the Interior, the authority to negotiate an agreement for the use of OCS sand, gravel and shell resources. As part of OCSLA 8(k), BOEMs Marine Minerals Program (MMP) is responsible for managing development of the nations offshore resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way. Key layers of information are needed to support marine mineral resource planning, development and decisions. Non-competitive leases and Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) are used to convey sand and gravel to support shore protection, beach and coastal wetlands restoration. Environmental studies and / or reports from BOEMs cooperative agreements assist Federal agencies, state agencies, localities and universities to assess offshore sand in federal waters. Data and conclusions from seismic, sidescan, and bathymetry surveys and reports are heavily relied upon by MMP when making decisions for how to best manage non-energy mineral resources on the OCS. Strong decision making by BOEM ensures that the removal of any mineral resource is conducted in a safe and environmentally sound manner, and that any potentially adverse impacts on the marine, coastal, or human environments are avoided or minimized.
Copyright Text: U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Marine Minerals Program