(a) The COTP may consider and approve alternative procedures, methods, or equipment standards to be used by a facility operator in lieu of any requirement in this part if:

(1) Compliance with the requirement is economically or physically impractical;

(2) The alternative provides an equivalent level of safety and protection from pollution by oil or hazardous material, which is documented in the request; and

(3) The facility operator submits a written request for the alternative.

(b) The COTP takes final approval or disapproval action on the request, submitted in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, in writing within 30 days of receipt of the request.