(a) The application for partial removal shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(1) The applicant’s plan and schedule for partial removal of the offshore oil structure, including removal of any portion of the structure as appropriate to maintain navigational safety.

(2) A determination of the estimated cost of partial removal and the estimated cost of full removal.

(3) A determination of the environmental impacts and benefits to the marine environment from partial removal and full removal of the structure.

(4) Identification of all permits, leases, and approvals required by any governmental agency, including a permit issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers if required for offshore oil structures, and a lease issued by the commission if the proposed project involves state tidelands and submerged lands, and a proposed schedule for the applicant or the state to receive those permits, leases, and approvals.

(b) The department may require the applicant to submit a management plan for the structure following partial removal, including maintenance in a manner consistent with navigational safety, enforcement, and monitoring.

(c) The information submitted pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) shall be used by the department for advisory purposes only. Final determinations regarding the partial removal and management of the offshore oil structure, net benefit to the marine environment from partial removal, and cost savings from partial removal shall be made solely by the department, council, and commission, as specified in this chapter, based on their independent review and judgment.

(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 687, Sec. 1. (AB 2503) Effective January 1, 2011.)