Reference

Deepwater Port Act of 1974

Summary

The Deepwater Port Act of 1974 provides authority for Secretary of Transportation to issue licenses for the ownership, construction and operation of deepwater ports (33 U.S.C. 1503).

The term "deepwater port" refers to any fixed or floating manmade structures other than a vessel, or any group of such structures, located beyond the territorial sea and of the coast if the United States, and intended for the loading or unloading and further handling of oil for transportation, except as excluded in 33 U.S.C. 1522.

Main Points

• Allows for development of ports beyond the territorial sea and coastline
• Structures can be fixed or floating
• Included in the definition of deepwater ports are such components as pipelines, pumping stations, service platforms, mooring buoys, etc.
• Applicants for a license must meet the certain criteria, including the demonstration that the project will be constructed with the best technology to minimize adverse impacts on the marine environment and compliance with the Clean Water Act, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, and Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act