(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.