Request for Information and Interest: Commercial Leasing for Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore the Commonwealth of Virginia

Doug Scott of SeaStead AI submits a comment urging the BOEM to include benthic PFAS re-mobilization as a mandatory review criterion in the environmental impact assessments for offshore mineral leasing. The commenter argues that commercial extraction could disturb legacy toxins in ocean sediments, threatening marine ecosystems and coastal shorelines.

Cashman Dredging & Marine Contracting Co., LLC (CDMC) supports the BOEM's evaluation of offshore mineral development in Virginia. They argue that the industry has the technical expertise to conduct responsible dredging and that domestic mineral recovery can enhance national security and economic resilience.

Captain Tom Burkett, owner of Seasider Charters LLC, opposes the proposed commercial mineral leasing offshore Virginia. He argues that mineral extraction would destroy marine habitats, harm fisheries, and negatively impact his ecotourism business which relies on a pristine coastal environment.

Clean Ocean Action, an environmental advocacy organization, opposes the proposed leasing program for offshore mineral extraction off the coast of Virginia. They argue that mining would cause significant environmental harm to endangered species and habitats, conflict with existing maritime industries, and that less damaging alternatives for mineral sourcing exist.

Fugro USA, Inc. supports the proposed action and recommends that BOEM conduct a comprehensive inventory of existing datasets and perform targeted seafloor and subsurface mapping to fill data gaps. They argue that high-resolution mapping is essential for de-risking exploration, ensuring environmentally responsible development, and maximizing lease revenues for the U.S. Treasury.

The Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA) submits comments providing guidance on how to conduct scientifically robust monitoring and fisheries coordination for potential mineral leasing. They do not take a position on whether the leasing should proceed but emphasize using existing offshore wind research and engaging directly with the fishing industry.

Ocean Harvesters, a commercial fishing company, expresses concern regarding the potential impact of offshore mineral mining on its menhaden fishery. They state they cannot provide specific precautions without more details on mining operations but emphasize the area's importance to their business and express a willingness to engage with BOEM in future developments.

Chincoteague Fisheries, Inc, a Virginia-based seafood processor and shipper, supports the administration's goals for energy independence and domestic mineral production but expresses significant concern regarding the environmental and economic impacts of offshore mining on the commercial fishing industry. They request that BOEM conduct detailed scientific studies, economic analyses, and develop mitigation and compensation programs to protect the seafood industry from sediment disturbance and habitat loss.