280.30—What activities will not require environmental analysis?
We anticipate that activities of the type listed below typically will not cause significant environmental impact and will normally be categorically excluded from additional environmental analysis. The types of activities include:
(d)
Water and biotic sampling, if the sampling does not adversely affect shellfish beds, marine mammals, or an endangered species or if permitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service or another Federal agency;
(f)
Hydrographic and oceanographic observations and measurements, including the setting of instruments;
(j)
Placement of positioning systems, including bottom transponders and surface and subsurface buoys reported in Notices to Mariners.