{ "culture": "en-US", "name": "", "guid": "", "catalogPath": "", "snippet": "The Sand Resource layer provides locations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) where there is an increased likelihood that a usable sand resource exists based interpretations of geological and geophysical data collected in the vicinity. These polygons generally indicate where resources exist within the focus area(s) of reconnaissance- and/or design-level resource assessments, or where additional OCS studies should be carried out in order to refine resource characterization in those areas. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) Marine Minerals Program (MMP) is responsible for managing non-energy minerals (primarily sand and gravel) on the OCS. Access to and identification of potential OCS sand resources is critical for the long-term success and cost-effectiveness of many shore protection, beach nourishment, and coastal habitat restoration projects along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean coasts. By replenishing beaches with sand from the OCS, the Nation's coastlines receive crucial resources for the maintenance of a healthy coastal ecosystem. Sand resource polygons were provided by BOEM in ArcGIS shapefile format and follow-up discussions were made with MMP scientists to assign the evaluation stage associated with each polygon in regards to the presence of restoration quality sand and gravel.", "description": "The Sand Resource layer contains delineations of areas on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and (if available) nearshore areas where there is some likelihood that a usable sand resource exists. The resources depicted in this feature class were identified and characterized during various reconnaissance- and design-level studies where geological (e.g. sediment cores, sediment profile images, etc.) and geophysical (e.g. high-resolution swath bathymetry, side-scan sonar, seismic reflection profiles, magnetometer surveys) data were collected, as least in part, to evaluate OCS sand resources. Resource attribution consists of OCS study area ID, location (state), area ID (e.g. shoal X), approximate areal extent, estimated volume, generalized (e.g. composite) sediment properties (mean grain size, %sand, %gravel, %fines etc.), and resource evaluation stage (see attribute definition for detailed explanation). Delineations are not guaranteed to be exact and mainly consist of approximate delineations based on interpretations of data, drawings, and or descriptions found in related study reports. Likewise, the character of sediment deposits qualifying as sand resource areas varies with region and prospective applications for use. If a sand resource area is deemed suitable for a given project (e.g. beach restoration), then entities may enter into a Negotiated Non-Competitive Lease or Memoranda of Agreement with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), in order to dredge sand, gravel or shell resources from the resource area. Section 8 (k) of the OCS Lands Act (OCSLA) as amended by Public Law 103-426 (enacted in 1994) gives BOEM the authority to negotiate an agreement for the use of OCS sand, gravel and shell resources for use in: (1) a project for shore protection, beach restoration, or coastal wetlands restoration undertaken by a Federal, State, or local government agency; or (2) for use in a construction project funded in whole or part by or authorized by the Federal government. This dataset and its related tables will be updated periodically as new and existing data are incorporated in to the MMIS geodatabase.", "summary": "The Sand Resource layer provides locations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) where there is an increased likelihood that a usable sand resource exists based interpretations of geological and geophysical data collected in the vicinity. These polygons generally indicate where resources exist within the focus area(s) of reconnaissance- and/or design-level resource assessments, or where additional OCS studies should be carried out in order to refine resource characterization in those areas. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) Marine Minerals Program (MMP) is responsible for managing non-energy minerals (primarily sand and gravel) on the OCS. Access to and identification of potential OCS sand resources is critical for the long-term success and cost-effectiveness of many shore protection, beach nourishment, and coastal habitat restoration projects along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean coasts. By replenishing beaches with sand from the OCS, the Nation's coastlines receive crucial resources for the maintenance of a healthy coastal ecosystem. Sand resource polygons were provided by BOEM in ArcGIS shapefile format and follow-up discussions were made with MMP scientists to assign the evaluation stage associated with each polygon in regards to the presence of restoration quality sand and gravel.", "title": "MMIS.SDE.SandResources", "tags": [ "GULF OF MEXICO", "Environment", "Mining and Mineral Extraction", "Offshore", "OCS", "Biological Research", "Non-Energy", "Geophysical Survey", "Shoal", "Physical Oceanography", "Geomorphology", "Reconnaissance", "Sand", "ATLANTIC OCEAN", "Outer Continental Shelf", "Mineral Resources", "Sand Resources", "Study", "Oceanographic Sensors", "Substrate", "GLOBAL OCEAN", "Cubic Yards", "Survey", "NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN", "SEA FLOOR", "Geology", "US", "Sediment Characteristics", "Physical Habitats", "Chemical Research", "Marine Geology" ], "type": "", "typeKeywords": [], "thumbnail": "", "url": "", "minScale": "NaN", "maxScale": "NaN", "spatialReference": "", "accessInformation": "", "licenseInfo": "The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) provides the data for use \"as is\". BOEM provides this information with the understanding that it is not guaranteed to be accurate, correct or complete and conclusions drawn from such information are the responsibility of the user. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, correctness and timeliness of materials presented within the limits of the current state of the art, BOEM assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, nor as a result of the failure of the data to function on a particular system. BOEM makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. Users are cautioned to consider carefully the provisional nature of these data and information before using them for decisions that concern personal or public safety or the conduct of business that involves substantial monetary or operational consequences. Conclusions drawn from or actions undertaken on the basis of, such data and information are the sole responsibility of the user. The maps shown here are for illustration and planning purposes only and are not suitable for site-specific decision making. The data are not suitable for navigational purposes. Information found here should not be used for making financial or any other commitments. This data was developed by the U.S. Government; no other proprietary rights may be attached to them nor may they be sold to the U.S. Government as part of any procurement of products or services. Public domain data from the U.S. Government are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) as the source of this information.", "portalUrl": "" }