Agency Information Collection Activities; Commercial Prospecting, Noncommercial Geological and Geophysical Exploration, and Scientific Research for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf, 17636-17639 [2021-06973]
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17636
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 63 / Monday, April 5, 2021 / Notices
Comments that you submit in
response to this notice are a matter of
public record. We will include or
summarize each comment in our request
to OMB to approve this ICR. Before
including your address, phone number,
email address, or other personal
identifying information in your
comment, you should be aware that
your entire comment—including your
personal identifying information—may
be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment
to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Abstract: The BLM collections the
information on the Resource Advisory
Council Application (Form No. 1120–
19) to determine education, training,
and experience related to possible
service on advisory committees
established under the authority of
Section 309 of the Federal Land Policy
and Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1739)
and the Federal Advisory Committee
Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. This information
is necessary to ensure that each advisory
council is structured to provide fair
membership balance, both geographic
and interest-specific, in terms of the
functions to be performed and points of
view to be represented, as prescribed by
its charter. This request is for OMB to
renew for this OMB control number for
an additional three years.
Title of Collection: Bureau of Land
Management Resource Advisory
Council Application (43 CFR Subpart
1784).
OMB Control Number: 1004–0204.
Form Number: 1120–19.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Persons
who apply for positions on Resource
Advisory Councils.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Respondents: 200.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Responses: 200.
Estimated Completion Time per
Response: 4 hours.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Burden Hours: 800.
Respondent’s Obligation: Required to
obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour
Burden Cost: None.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor and, notwithstanding any other
provision of law, a person is not
required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
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The authority for this action is the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
especially interested in comments
addressing the following issues: (1) Is
the collection necessary to conduct the
proper functions of BOEM; (2) what can
Darrin A. King,
BOEM do to ensure that this
Information Collection Clearance Officer.
information is processed and used in a
[FR Doc. 2021–06908 Filed 4–2–21; 8:45 am]
timely manner; (3) is the burden
BILLING CODE 4310–84–P
estimate accurate; (4) how might BOEM
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity
of the information to be collected; and
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
(5) how might BOEM minimize the
burden of this collection on the
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
respondents, including minimizing the
[OMB Control Number 1010–0072; Docket
burden through the use of information
ID: BOEM–2017–0016]
technology?
Comments submitted in response to
Agency Information Collection
this notice are a matter of public record.
Activities; Commercial Prospecting,
BOEM will include or summarize each
Noncommercial Geological and
comment in its request to the Office of
Geophysical Exploration, and
Management and Budget (OMB) for
Scientific Research for Minerals Other
approval of this ICR. You should be
Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer
aware that your entire comment—
Continental Shelf
including your address, phone number,
AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy
email address, or other personally
Management, Interior.
identifiable information—may be
ACTION: Notice of information collection; publicly disclosed. In order to inform
BOEM’s decision on whether it can
request for comment.
withhold from disclosure your
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
personally identifiable information, you
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
must identify any information contained
(PRA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy
in your comments that, if released,
Management (BOEM) proposes to renew would constitute a clearly unwarranted
an information collection request (ICR)
invasion of your privacy, and briefly
with revisions.
describe possible harmful consequences
DATES: Interested persons are invited to
of disclosing that information, such as
submit comments on or before June 4,
embarrassment, injury, or other harm.
2021.
While you can ask BOEM in your
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on
comment to withhold your personally
this ICR by mail to the BOEM
identifiable information from public
Information Collection Clearance
disclosure, BOEM cannot guarantee that
Officer, Anna Atkinson, Bureau of
it will be able to do so.
Ocean Energy Management, 45600
BOEM protects proprietary
Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia
information in accordance with the
20166; or by email to anna.atkinson@
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.
boem.gov. Please reference OMB Control 552) and the Department of the
Number 1010–0072 in the subject line of Interior’s implementing regulations (43
your comments.
CFR part 2).
Title of Collection: Commercial
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To
Prospecting, Noncommercial Geological
request additional information about
and Geophysical Exploration, and
this ICR, contact Anna Atkinson by
email at anna.atkinson@boem.gov, or by Scientific Research for Minerals Other
Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer
telephone at 703–787–1025.
Continental Shelf (Applicable, in part,
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
to 30 CFR part 580).
accordance with the Paperwork
Abstract: This ICR concerns the
Reduction Act of 1995, BOEM provides
information collection requirements in
the general public and Federal agencies
30 CFR part 580, ‘‘Prospecting for
with an opportunity to comment on
new, proposed, revised, and continuing Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and
Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf
collections of information. This helps
[OCS]’’, which includes commercial
BOEM assess the impact of our
information collection requirements and prospecting and scientific research. This
minimize the public’s reporting burden. request also includes information
collection requirements related to
It also helps the public understand
authorizations of noncommercial
BOEM’s information collection
requirements and provide the requested geological and geophysical (G&G)
exploration issued pursuant to section
data in the desired format.
11 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands
BOEM seeks comments on the
proposed ICR described below. BOEM is Act (OCS Lands Act), as amended (43
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 63 / Monday, April 5, 2021 / Notices
U.S.C. 1340 et seq., and 43 U.S.C. 1801
et seq.).
The OCS Lands Act authorizes the
Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to
prescribe rules and regulations to
administer leasing of mineral resources
on the OCS. Section 8 of the OCS Lands
Act authorizes the Secretary ‘‘. . . to
grant to the qualified persons offering
the highest cash bonuses on a basis of
competitive bidding leases of any
mineral other than oil, gas, and sulphur
in any area of the [O]uter Continental
Shelf not then under lease for such
mineral upon such royalty, rental, and
other terms and conditions as the
Secretary may prescribe at the time of
offering the area for lease.’’ 43 U.S.C.
1337(k)(1). The same section also
authorizes the Secretary to
noncompetitively negotiate agreements
for the use of OCS sand, gravel, and
shell resources for use in shore
protection, beach restoration, or coastal
wetlands restoration projects
undertaken by a Federal, State, or local
government agency, or for use in a
construction project funded in whole or
in part by or authorized by the Federal
Government. 43 U.S.C. 1337(k)(2).
Section 11 of the OCS Lands Act
states that ‘‘. . . any person authorized
by the Secretary may conduct geological
and geophysical explorations in the
[O]uter Continental Shelf, which do not
interfere with or endanger actual
operations under any lease maintained
or granted pursuant to this subchapter,
and which are not unduly harmful to
aquatic life in such area.’’ 43 U.S.C.
1340(a)(1). Section 2 of the OCS Lands
Act defines the term ‘‘exploration’’ to
mean the process of searching for
minerals, including, among other things,
‘‘geophysical surveys where magnetic,
gravity, seismic, or other systems are
used to detect or imply the presence of
such minerals.’’ 43 U.S.C. 1331(k).
Section 11 also requires that permits or
authorizations for geologic exploration
be issued if it is determined that the
applicant is qualified and the
exploration will neither result in
pollution nor create hazardous or unsafe
conditions, unreasonably interfere with
other uses of the area, or disturb any
site, structure, or object of historical or
archaeological significance. 43 U.S.C.
1340(g).
BOEM considers applications for
commercial prospecting and
noncommercial exploration for marine
minerals as well as scientific research
related to marine minerals. Under 30
CFR part 580, G&G prospecting by any
person on unleased lands or on lands
leased to a third party requires a BOEM
permit. G&G activities conducted for
scientific or academic purpose require
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submission of a scientific research
notice. See 30 CFR 580.11. Because 30
CFR part 580 does not apply to
noncommercial exploration, such
activities are authorized directly
pursuant to section 11 of the OCS Lands
Act. Noncommercial exploration
includes searching for sand, gravel, and
other sources of sediment for potential
use in qualifying beach nourishment
and coastal restoration projects.
As a Federal agency, BOEM must
comply with the National
Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.), Endangered Species Act
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and Marine
Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361
et seq.), among other environmental
laws. Compliance with the Endangered
Species Act includes a substantive duty
to carry out agency action in a manner
that is unlikely to jeopardize protected
species or adversely modify designated
critical habitat as well as a procedural
duty to consult with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service and National Marine
Fisheries Service, as applicable, before
engaging in a discretionary action that
may affect a protected species.
Respondents must submit form
BOEM–0134, ‘‘Requirements for
Geological and Geophysical
Prospecting, Exploration, or Scientific
Research on the OCS Related to
Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and
Sulphur,’’ to provide the information
necessary to evaluate their request to
conduct G&G prospecting, exploration,
or scientific research activities. BOEM
uses the submitted information to
ensure there will be neither adverse
effects to the marine, coastal, or human
environment, personal harm, unsafe
operations and conditions, nor
unreasonable interference with other
uses; to analyze and evaluate
preliminary or planned mining
activities; to monitor progress and
activities in the OCS; to acquire G&G
data and information collected under a
Federal permit or authorization; and to
determine eligibility for reimbursement
from the Government for certain costs.
Upon approval, BOEM issues
respondents a permit or an
authorization (BOEM–0135 form,
‘‘Permit for Geophysical Prospecting for
Mineral Resources, Authorization of
Geophysical Exploration for Minerals
Resources, or Scientific Research on the
OCS Related to Minerals Other than Oil,
Gas, and Sulphur,’’ and BOEM–0136
form, ‘‘Permit for Geological Prospecting
for Mineral Resources, Authorization of
Geological Exploration for Minerals
Resources, or Scientific Research on the
OCS Related to Minerals Other than Oil,
Gas, and Sulphur).
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BOEM uses the information collected
to understand the G&G characteristics of
marine mineral-bearing physiographic
regions of the OCS. The information
aids BOEM in analyzing and weighing
the potential for environmental damage,
the discovery of marine minerals, and
any associated impacts on adjacent
coastal States.
OMB Control Number: 1010–0072.
Form Number: BOEM–0134,
‘‘Requirements for Geological and
Geophysical Prospecting, Exploration,
or Scientific Research on the OCS
Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas,
and Sulphur.’’
The following forms are the permit
forms issued by BOEM based on
information provided in BOEM–0134:
BOEM–0135, ‘‘Permit for Geophysical
Prospecting for Mineral Resources,
Authorization of Geophysical
Exploration for Minerals Resources, or
Scientific Research on the OCS Related
to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and
Sulphur.’’
BOEM–0136, ‘‘Permit for Geological
Prospecting for Mineral Resources,
Authorization of Geological Exploration
for Minerals Resources, or Scientific
Research on the OCS Related to
Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and
Sulphur.’’
Type of Review: Revision of a
currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public:
Permittees, applicants, and other
respondents, including those required to
only file notices (scientific research).
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Responses: 49 responses.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Burden Hours: 730 hours.
Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory
or required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion,
annual, or as specified in permits.
Total Estimated Annual Non-Hour
Burden Cost: $4,024 non-hour cost
burden.
Estimated Reporting and
Recordkeeping Hour Burden: BOEM
estimates 730 burden hours for this
renewal, which is a 245 annual burden
hour increase over the currently
approved information collection. The
increase in burden hours is in
relationship to the increases in the
number of annual applications and
authorizations.
The following table details the
individual BOEM components and
respective hour burden estimates of this
ICR. In calculating the burden hours,
BOEM assumed that respondents
perform certain usual and customary
requirements in the normal course of
their activities.
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17638
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 63 / Monday, April 5, 2021 / Notices
Citation 30 CFR part 580,
as applicable
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
Average number of
annual responses
Hour burden
Annual
burden hours
Non-hour cost burden 1
Subpart B
10; 11(a); 12; 13; Permit
Form.
Apply for permit or authorization (Form BOEM–
0134) to conduct prospecting or noncommercial
G&G exploration, including prospecting/exploration plan and environmental assessment or required drilling plan. Provide notifications & additional information as required.
88
2 permit applications .......
4 applications for authorization.
176
352
$2,012 permit application fee × 2 permits 2 = $4,024
11(b); 12(c) .......................
File notice to conduct scientific research activities
related to hard minerals, including notice to
BOEM prior to beginning and after concluding activities.
8
3 notices ..........................
24
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
9 responses .....................
552 hours
$4,024 non-hour cost burden
Subpart C
21(a) ..................................
Report to BOEM if hydrocarbon/other mineral occurrences are detected; if environmental hazards that
imminently threaten life and property are detected; or adverse effects occur to the environment, aquatic life, archaeological resources, or
other uses of the area.
1
2 reports ..........................
2
22 ......................................
Submit request for approval to modify operations,
with required information.
1
4 requests ........................
4
23(b) ..................................
Request reimbursement for food, quarters, and/or
transportation expenses for BOEM inspection.
1
3 requests ........................
3
24 ......................................
Submit status and final reports on specified schedule with daily log.
16
6 reports ..........................
96
28 ......................................
Request relinquishment of permit by certified or registered mail.
1
1 request 3 .......................
1
31(b); 73(a)(b) ...................
Governor(s) of adjacent State(s) submit to BOEM:
Comments on activities involving an environmental assessment; any agreement between
Governor and Secretary upon Governor’s request
for proprietary data, information, and samples;
and any disclosure agreement.
Not considered IC as defined in 5 CFR
1320.3(h)(4).
0
33, 34 ................................
Appeal civil penalty; appeal order or decision ..........
Burden exempt under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2);
(c).
0
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
16 responses ...................
106
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Subpart D
40; 41; 50; 51; Permit
Form.
Notify BOEM and submit G&G data including analysis, processing or interpretation of information
collected under a permit/authorization and/or
processed by permittees or 3rd parties, including
reports, logs or charts, results, analyses, descriptions, etc., as required.
8
5 submissions ..................
40
42(b); 52(b) .......................
Advise 3rd party recipient in writing that it assumes
obligations as condition precedent of sale—no
submission to BOEM is required.
12
⁄
4 notices ..........................
2
42(c), (d); 52(c), (d) ..........
Written notification to BOEM of sale, trade, transfer,
or licensing of data and identify recipient.
1
1 notice ............................
1
60; 61 ................................
Request reimbursement for costs of reproducing
data/information & certain processing costs.
1
1 request 3 .......................
1
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 63 / Monday, April 5, 2021 / Notices
Citation 30 CFR part 580,
as applicable
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
Average number of
annual responses
Hour burden
17639
Annual
burden hours
Non-hour cost burden 1
70 ......................................
Enter disclosure agreement .......................................
4
1 agreement ....................
4
72(b) ..................................
Submit comments on BOEM’s intent to disclose
data/information for reproduction, processing, and
interpretation.
4
1 response .......................
4
72(d) ..................................
Independent contractor or agent prepares and signs
written commitment not to sell, trade, license, or
disclose data/information without BOEM approval.
4
2 submissions ..................
8
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
15 responses ...................
60
General
Part 580 ............................
General departure and alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in Part
580 regulations.
4
1 request ..........................
4
Permits 4 ............................
Request extension of permit/authorization time period.
1
2 requests ........................
2
Permits 4 ............................
Retain G&G data/information for 10 years and make
available to BOEM upon request.
1
6 respondents ..................
6
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
9 responses .....................
12 hours
Total Burden ............................................................................................................................
49 responses ...................
730 hours
$4,024 non-hour cost burdens
1 Fees
are subject to modification for inflation annually. Fees only apply to prospecting permits, not scientific research notices or noncommercial G&G exploration authorizations.
2 Only prospecting permits, not scientific research notices or noncommercial G&G exploration authorizations, are subject to cost recovery.
3 No requests received for many years. Minimal burden for regulatory (PRA) purposes only.
4 These permits/authorizations are prepared by BOEM and sent to respondents; therefore, the forms themselves carry minimal burden hours.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
The authority for this action is the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
Chief, Office of Policy, Regulation, and
Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2021–06973 Filed 4–2–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement
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[S1D1S SS08011000 SX064A000
211S180110; S2D2S SS08011000
SX064A000 21XS501520; OMB Control
Number 1029–0061]
Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
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In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE),
are proposing to renew an information
collection.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before June 4,
2021.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on
this information collection request (ICR)
by mail to Mark Gehlhar, Office of
Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement, 1849 C Street NW, Room
4556–MIB, Washington, DC 20240, or by
email to mgehlhar@osmre.gov. Please
reference Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) Control Number 1029–
0061 in the subject line of your
comments.
SUMMARY:
To
request additional information about
this ICR, contact Mark Gehlhar by email
at mgehlhar@osmre.gov, or by telephone
at 202–208–2716. Individuals who are
hearing or speech impaired may call the
Federal Relay Service at 1–800–877–
8339 for TTY assistance. You may also
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Permanent Regulatory
Program—Small Operator Assistance
Program
AGENCY:
Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
ACTION:
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view the ICR at https://www.reginfo.gov/
public/do/PRAMain.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we
provide the general public and other
Federal agencies with an opportunity to
comment on new, proposed, revised,
and continuing collections of
information. This helps us assess the
impact of our information collection
requirements and minimize the public’s
reporting burden. It also helps the
public understand our information
collection requirements and provide the
requested data in the desired format.
We are soliciting comments on the
proposed ICR that is described below.
We are especially interested in public
comment addressing the following
issues: (1) Whether or not the collection
of information is necessary for the
proper performance of the functions of
the agency, including whether or not the
information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the
burden for this collection of
information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility,
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 63 (Monday, April 5, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17636-17639]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06973]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
[OMB Control Number 1010-0072; Docket ID: BOEM-2017-0016]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Commercial Prospecting,
Noncommercial Geological and Geophysical Exploration, and Scientific
Research for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer
Continental Shelf
AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA),
the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes to renew an
information collection request (ICR) with revisions.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
June 4, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on this ICR by mail to the BOEM
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Anna Atkinson, Bureau of
Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia 20166;
or by email to [email protected]. Please reference OMB Control
Number 1010-0072 in the subject line of your comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information
about this ICR, contact Anna Atkinson by email at
[email protected], or by telephone at 703-787-1025.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995, BOEM provides the general public and Federal agencies with
an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing
collections of information. This helps BOEM assess the impact of our
information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting
burden. It also helps the public understand BOEM's information
collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired
format.
BOEM seeks comments on the proposed ICR described below. BOEM is
especially interested in comments addressing the following issues: (1)
Is the collection necessary to conduct the proper functions of BOEM;
(2) what can BOEM do to ensure that this information is processed and
used in a timely manner; (3) is the burden estimate accurate; (4) how
might BOEM enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information
to be collected; and (5) how might BOEM minimize the burden of this
collection on the respondents, including minimizing the burden through
the use of information technology?
Comments submitted in response to this notice are a matter of
public record. BOEM will include or summarize each comment in its
request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of
this ICR. You should be aware that your entire comment--including your
address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable
information--may be publicly disclosed. In order to inform BOEM's
decision on whether it can withhold from disclosure your personally
identifiable information, you must identify any information contained
in your comments that, if released, would constitute a clearly
unwarranted invasion of your privacy, and briefly describe possible
harmful consequences of disclosing that information, such as
embarrassment, injury, or other harm. While you can ask BOEM in your
comment to withhold your personally identifiable information from
public disclosure, BOEM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
BOEM protects proprietary information in accordance with the
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Department of the
Interior's implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2).
Title of Collection: Commercial Prospecting, Noncommercial
Geological and Geophysical Exploration, and Scientific Research for
Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf
(Applicable, in part, to 30 CFR part 580).
Abstract: This ICR concerns the information collection requirements
in 30 CFR part 580, ``Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and
Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf [OCS]'', which includes
commercial prospecting and scientific research. This request also
includes information collection requirements related to authorizations
of noncommercial geological and geophysical (G&G) exploration issued
pursuant to section 11 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCS
Lands Act), as amended (43
[[Page 17637]]
U.S.C. 1340 et seq., and 43 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).
The OCS Lands Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior
(Secretary) to prescribe rules and regulations to administer leasing of
mineral resources on the OCS. Section 8 of the OCS Lands Act authorizes
the Secretary ``. . . to grant to the qualified persons offering the
highest cash bonuses on a basis of competitive bidding leases of any
mineral other than oil, gas, and sulphur in any area of the [O]uter
Continental Shelf not then under lease for such mineral upon such
royalty, rental, and other terms and conditions as the Secretary may
prescribe at the time of offering the area for lease.'' 43 U.S.C.
1337(k)(1). The same section also authorizes the Secretary to
noncompetitively negotiate agreements for the use of OCS sand, gravel,
and shell resources for use in shore protection, beach restoration, or
coastal wetlands restoration projects undertaken by a Federal, State,
or local government agency, or for use in a construction project funded
in whole or in part by or authorized by the Federal Government. 43
U.S.C. 1337(k)(2).
Section 11 of the OCS Lands Act states that ``. . . any person
authorized by the Secretary may conduct geological and geophysical
explorations in the [O]uter Continental Shelf, which do not interfere
with or endanger actual operations under any lease maintained or
granted pursuant to this subchapter, and which are not unduly harmful
to aquatic life in such area.'' 43 U.S.C. 1340(a)(1). Section 2 of the
OCS Lands Act defines the term ``exploration'' to mean the process of
searching for minerals, including, among other things, ``geophysical
surveys where magnetic, gravity, seismic, or other systems are used to
detect or imply the presence of such minerals.'' 43 U.S.C. 1331(k).
Section 11 also requires that permits or authorizations for geologic
exploration be issued if it is determined that the applicant is
qualified and the exploration will neither result in pollution nor
create hazardous or unsafe conditions, unreasonably interfere with
other uses of the area, or disturb any site, structure, or object of
historical or archaeological significance. 43 U.S.C. 1340(g).
BOEM considers applications for commercial prospecting and
noncommercial exploration for marine minerals as well as scientific
research related to marine minerals. Under 30 CFR part 580, G&G
prospecting by any person on unleased lands or on lands leased to a
third party requires a BOEM permit. G&G activities conducted for
scientific or academic purpose require submission of a scientific
research notice. See 30 CFR 580.11. Because 30 CFR part 580 does not
apply to noncommercial exploration, such activities are authorized
directly pursuant to section 11 of the OCS Lands Act. Noncommercial
exploration includes searching for sand, gravel, and other sources of
sediment for potential use in qualifying beach nourishment and coastal
restoration projects.
As a Federal agency, BOEM must comply with the National
Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), Endangered Species
Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and Marine Mammal Protection Act (16
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), among other environmental laws. Compliance with
the Endangered Species Act includes a substantive duty to carry out
agency action in a manner that is unlikely to jeopardize protected
species or adversely modify designated critical habitat as well as a
procedural duty to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
National Marine Fisheries Service, as applicable, before engaging in a
discretionary action that may affect a protected species.
Respondents must submit form BOEM-0134, ``Requirements for
Geological and Geophysical Prospecting, Exploration, or Scientific
Research on the OCS Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and
Sulphur,'' to provide the information necessary to evaluate their
request to conduct G&G prospecting, exploration, or scientific research
activities. BOEM uses the submitted information to ensure there will be
neither adverse effects to the marine, coastal, or human environment,
personal harm, unsafe operations and conditions, nor unreasonable
interference with other uses; to analyze and evaluate preliminary or
planned mining activities; to monitor progress and activities in the
OCS; to acquire G&G data and information collected under a Federal
permit or authorization; and to determine eligibility for reimbursement
from the Government for certain costs. Upon approval, BOEM issues
respondents a permit or an authorization (BOEM-0135 form, ``Permit for
Geophysical Prospecting for Mineral Resources, Authorization of
Geophysical Exploration for Minerals Resources, or Scientific Research
on the OCS Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur,'' and
BOEM-0136 form, ``Permit for Geological Prospecting for Mineral
Resources, Authorization of Geological Exploration for Minerals
Resources, or Scientific Research on the OCS Related to Minerals Other
than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur).
BOEM uses the information collected to understand the G&G
characteristics of marine mineral-bearing physiographic regions of the
OCS. The information aids BOEM in analyzing and weighing the potential
for environmental damage, the discovery of marine minerals, and any
associated impacts on adjacent coastal States.
OMB Control Number: 1010-0072.
Form Number: BOEM-0134, ``Requirements for Geological and
Geophysical Prospecting, Exploration, or Scientific Research on the OCS
Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur.''
The following forms are the permit forms issued by BOEM based on
information provided in BOEM-0134:
BOEM-0135, ``Permit for Geophysical Prospecting for Mineral
Resources, Authorization of Geophysical Exploration for Minerals
Resources, or Scientific Research on the OCS Related to Minerals Other
than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur.''
BOEM-0136, ``Permit for Geological Prospecting for Mineral
Resources, Authorization of Geological Exploration for Minerals
Resources, or Scientific Research on the OCS Related to Minerals Other
than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur.''
Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Permittees, applicants, and other
respondents, including those required to only file notices (scientific
research).
Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 49 responses.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 730 hours.
Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory or required to obtain or retain
a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion, annual, or as specified in
permits.
Total Estimated Annual Non-Hour Burden Cost: $4,024 non-hour cost
burden.
Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: BOEM estimates
730 burden hours for this renewal, which is a 245 annual burden hour
increase over the currently approved information collection. The
increase in burden hours is in relationship to the increases in the
number of annual applications and authorizations.
The following table details the individual BOEM components and
respective hour burden estimates of this ICR. In calculating the burden
hours, BOEM assumed that respondents perform certain usual and
customary requirements in the normal course of their activities.
[[Page 17638]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting and
Citation 30 CFR part 580, as recordkeeping Hour burden Average number of Annual burden
applicable requirements annual responses hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-hour cost burden 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart B
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10; 11(a); 12; 13; Permit Form... Apply for permit or 88 2 permit 176
authorization (Form applications. ..............
BOEM-0134) to conduct 4 applications for 352
prospecting or authorization.
noncommercial G&G
exploration, including
prospecting/exploration
plan and environmental
assessment or required
drilling plan. Provide
notifications &
additional information
as required.
----------------------------------------------------
$2,012 permit application fee x 2 permits 2 =
$4,024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11(b); 12(c)..................... File notice to conduct 8 3 notices.......... 24
scientific research
activities related to
hard minerals,
including notice to
BOEM prior to beginning
and after concluding
activities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 9 responses........ 552 hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$4,024 non-hour cost burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21(a)............................ Report to BOEM if 1 2 reports.......... 2
hydrocarbon/other
mineral occurrences are
detected; if
environmental hazards
that imminently
threaten life and
property are detected;
or adverse effects
occur to the
environment, aquatic
life, archaeological
resources, or other
uses of the area.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22............................... Submit request for 1 4 requests......... 4
approval to modify
operations, with
required information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23(b)............................ Request reimbursement 1 3 requests......... 3
for food, quarters, and/
or transportation
expenses for BOEM
inspection.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24............................... Submit status and final 16 6 reports.......... 96
reports on specified
schedule with daily log.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28............................... Request relinquishment 1 1 request 3........ 1
of permit by certified
or registered mail.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31(b); 73(a)(b).................. Governor(s) of adjacent Not considered IC as defined in 5 0
State(s) submit to CFR 1320.3(h)(4).
BOEM: Comments on
activities involving an
environmental
assessment; any
agreement between
Governor and Secretary
upon Governor's request
for proprietary data,
information, and
samples; and any
disclosure agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33, 34........................... Appeal civil penalty; Burden exempt under 5 CFR 0
appeal order or 1320.4(a)(2); (c).
decision.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 16 responses....... 106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40; 41; 50; 51; Permit Form...... Notify BOEM and submit 8 5 submissions...... 40
G&G data including
analysis, processing or
interpretation of
information collected
under a permit/
authorization and/or
processed by permittees
or 3rd parties,
including reports, logs
or charts, results,
analyses, descriptions,
etc., as required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42(b); 52(b)..................... Advise 3rd party \1/2\ 4 notices.......... 2
recipient in writing
that it assumes
obligations as
condition precedent of
sale--no submission to
BOEM is required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42(c), (d); 52(c), (d)........... Written notification to 1 1 notice........... 1
BOEM of sale, trade,
transfer, or licensing
of data and identify
recipient.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
60; 61........................... Request reimbursement 1 1 request 3........ 1
for costs of
reproducing data/
information & certain
processing costs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 17639]]
70............................... Enter disclosure 4 1 agreement........ 4
agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
72(b)............................ Submit comments on 4 1 response......... 4
BOEM's intent to
disclose data/
information for
reproduction,
processing, and
interpretation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
72(d)............................ Independent contractor 4 2 submissions...... 8
or agent prepares and
signs written
commitment not to sell,
trade, license, or
disclose data/
information without
BOEM approval.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 15 responses....... 60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 580......................... General departure and 4 1 request.......... 4
alternative compliance
requests not
specifically covered
elsewhere in Part 580
regulations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Permits 4........................ Request extension of 1 2 requests......... 2
permit/authorization
time period.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Permits 4........................ Retain G&G data/ 1 6 respondents...... 6
information for 10
years and make
available to BOEM upon
request.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 9 responses........ 12 hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Burden....................................................... 49 responses....... 730 hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$4,024 non-hour cost burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Fees are subject to modification for inflation annually. Fees only apply to prospecting permits, not
scientific research notices or noncommercial G&G exploration authorizations.
2 Only prospecting permits, not scientific research notices or noncommercial G&G exploration authorizations, are
subject to cost recovery.
3 No requests received for many years. Minimal burden for regulatory (PRA) purposes only.
4 These permits/authorizations are prepared by BOEM and sent to respondents; therefore, the forms themselves
carry minimal burden hours.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
Chief, Office of Policy, Regulation, and Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2021-06973 Filed 4-2-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
