(a) BOEM may prescribe or approve departures from these regulations when departures are necessary to:
(1) Facilitate the appropriate activities on a lease or grant under this part;
(2) Conserve natural resources;
(3) Protect life (including human and wildlife), property, or the marine, coastal, or human environment; or
(4) Protect sites, structures, or objects of historical or archaeological significance.
(b) Any departure approved under this section and its rationale must:
(1) Be consistent with subsection 8(p) of the OCS Lands Act;
(2) Protect the environment and the public health and safety to the same degree as if there was no approved departure from the regulations;
(3) Not impair the rights of third parties; and
(4) Be documented in writing.