30 CFR § 550.221 - What environmental monitoring information must accompany the EP?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t30/s550.221"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "30 CFR § 550.221 - What environmental monitoring information must accompany the EP?"
title_number: 30
title_name: "Mineral Resources"
section_number: "550.221"
section_name: "What environmental monitoring information must accompany the EP?"
chapter_name: "BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "OFFSHORE"
part_number: "550"
part_name: "OIL AND GAS AND SULFUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "30 U.S.C. 1751; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1334."
regulatory_source: "76 FR 64623, Oct. 18, 2011, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "550"
---


# 550.221 What environmental monitoring information must accompany the EP?

The following environmental monitoring information, as applicable, must accompany your EP:

(a) *Monitoring systems.* A description of any existing and planned monitoring systems that are measuring, or will measure, environmental conditions or will provide project-specific data or information on the impacts of your exploration activities.

(b) *Incidental takes.* If there is reason to believe that protected species may be incidentally taken by planned exploration activities, you must describe how you will monitor for incidental take of:

(1) Threatened and endangered species listed under the ESA; and

(2) Marine mammals, as appropriate, if you have not already received authorization for incidental take as may be necessary under the MMPA.

(c) *Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS).* If you propose to conduct exploration activities within the protective zones of the FGBNMS, a description of your provisions for monitoring the impacts of an oil spill on the environmentally sensitive resources at the FGBNMS.