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, 46877-46879 [2021-17831]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 159 / Friday, August 20, 2021 / Notices The BLM also welcomes suggestions for other potential approaches to the Federal coal program including approaches that may differ from those articulated below. We encourage commenters to be as specific as possible in identifying the types of changes to the program that the BLM should consider, including changes to regulations, guidance, and management practices. BLM also solicits input on the following: 1. Potential new leasing models, or potential reforms to the previous or existing leasing models of regional leasing and lease by application; 2. Other approaches to increase competition in the leasing process; 3. Data or analyses that justify a specific change to the royalty rate; 4. Potential approaches to improve the pre-sale estimate of fair market value; 5. Whether, and how, to account in the leasing process for the extent to which reclamation responsibilities have been met; 6. Potential approaches to design a ‘‘budget’’ for the amount of Federal coal and/or acreage to be leased over a given period; and 7. How to account for export potential in the leasing process. In submitting written comments, individuals should be aware that their entire comment—including personal identifying information (including address, phone number, and email address)—may be made publicly available at any time. While the commenter can request in the comment that the commenter’s personal identifying information be withheld from public review, this cannot be guaranteed. All comments from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety. The DOI will consult with Indian tribes on a government-to-government basis in accordance with Executive Order 13175 and other policies. Tribal concerns, including impacts on Indian trust assets and potential impacts to cultural resources, will be given due consideration. Federal, State, and local agencies, along with Tribes and other stakeholders that may be interested in or affected by the Federal coal program, are invited to participate in the review. Following closure of the comment period, the BLM will prepare a comment summary report, make the report available to the public, and will detail the scope and form of its VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:27 Aug 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 programmatic review. The BLM’s goal is to announce additional steps for the programmatic review by November 2021. (Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq., 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq., 30 U.S.C. 351 et. seq.) Nada Wolff Culver, Deputy Director, Programs and Policy, Bureau of Land Management. [FR Doc. 2021–17827 Filed 8–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–84–P 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 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes to renew an information collection request (ICR). DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before September 20, 2021. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent to the Office of Management and Budget’s Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior within 30 days of publication of this notice at www.reginfo.gov/public/ do/PRAMain. Find this information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. Please provide a copy of your comments to the BOEM Information Collection Clearance Officer, Anna Atkinson, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia 20166; or by email to anna.atkinson@ boem.gov. Please reference Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number 1010–0072 in the subject line of your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anna Atkinson by email at anna.atkinson@boem.gov or by telephone at 703–787–1025. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, BOEM provides SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46877 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 the information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand BOEM’s information collection requirements. 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. Abstract: This ICR covers the information collection requirements in 30 CFR part 580, ‘‘Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur 1 on the Outer Continental Shelf [OCS],’’ which concern 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 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). Additionally, the Secretary may 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 1 BOEM acknowledges that the generally and scientifically accepted spelling for this compound is sulfur. Throughout this notice, BOEM uses the spelling consistent with its current regulations. E:\FR\FM\20AUN1.SGM 20AUN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 46878 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 159 / Friday, August 20, 2021 / Notices 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). The OCS Lands Act defines the term ‘‘exploration’’ to mean the process of searching for minerals by, 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 authorizes permits or authorizations for geological exploration only if the Secretary determines that the applicant is qualified and the exploration will neither interfere with operations on an existing lease, unduly harm aquatic life in the area, result in pollution, create hazardous or unsafe conditions, unreasonably interfere with other uses of the area, nor 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.2 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.), National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 300101 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 and a procedural duty to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries 2 A permit is required for scientific research activities that involve the use of solid or liquid explosives, the drilling of a deep stratigraphic test, or the development of data for proprietary use or sale. 30 CFR 580.11(a). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:27 Aug 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 Service, as applicable, before engaging in a discretionary action that may affect a protected species. Under 30 CFR 580.12(a), applicants must submit form BOEM–0134, ‘‘Requirements for Geological and Geophysical Prospecting, Exploration, or Scientific Research on the Outer Continental Shelf Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur,’’ to provide the information necessary to evaluate requests to conduct G&G activities for commercial prospecting, noncommercial exploration, and certain scientific research.3 Under 30 CFR 580.11(b) and 580.12(c), a notice must be filed with BOEM for scientific research activities that do not involve explosives, deep stratigraphic drilling, or proprietary interests in the collected data. BOEM uses the submitted information for several purposes: (1) To ensure there are neither adverse effects to the marine, coastal, or human environments nor unreasonable interferences with other uses; (2) to enhance personal and operational safety; (3) to analyze and evaluate preliminary or planned mining activities; (4) to monitor progress and activities on the OCS; (5) to acquire G&G data and information collected under a Federal permit or authorization; and (6) to determine eligibility for reimbursement from the Government for certain costs. Upon approval, BOEM issues applicants a permit or an authorization (as currently titled form BOEM–0135, ‘‘Permit for Geophysical Prospecting for Mineral Resources or Scientific Research on the Outer Continental Shelf Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur,’’ or form BOEM–0136, ‘‘Permit for Geological Prospecting for Mineral Resources or Scientific Research on the Outer Continental Shelf Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur). BOEM may use the information collected during G&G activities to understand the 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: Please note: Upon OMB approval of this ICR, BOEM will implement new titles for the three existing forms discussed previously as 3 Form BOEM–0134 is required for scientific research activities involving explosives, deep stratigraphic drilling, or proprietary interests in the collected data. 30 CFR 580.11(a)(1)–(3). PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 follows. 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 permits or authorizations issued by BOEM based on information provided in BOEM– 0134: BOEM–0135, ‘‘Permit for Geophysical Prospecting, Authorization of Noncommercial Geophysical Exploration or Permit for Scientific Research Related to Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf.’’ BOEM–0136, ‘‘Permit for Geological Prospecting, Authorization of Noncommercial Geological Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research Related to Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf.’’ Type of Review: Renewal 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 or authorizations. 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-hour increase in annual burden hours over the currently approved information collection. The increase in burden hours is attributed to the expected increase in the number of annual applications, permits, and authorizations. A Federal Register notice with a 60day public comment period on this proposed ICR was published on April 5, 2021 (86 FR 17636). BOEM did not receive any comments during the 60-day comment period. BOEM is again soliciting comments on this proposed ICR. BOEM is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is the collection necessary to the proper functions of BOEM; (2) what can BOEM do to ensure this information will be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might BOEM enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the E:\FR\FM\20AUN1.SGM 20AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 159 / Friday, August 20, 2021 / Notices 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 that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. BOEM will include or summarize each comment in its request to OMB for approval of this ICR. You should be aware that your entire comment—including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifying information— may be publicly disclosed. In order to inform BOEM’s decision whether it can withhold from disclosure your personally identifiable information, you must identify any information contained in your comment that, if released, would clearly constitute an unwarranted invasion of your privacy. Also, you must 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 (FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 552), and the Department of the Interior’s implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2). A Federal 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 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995). Signed: Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka, Chief, Office of Policy, Regulation, and Analysis. [FR Doc. 2021–17831 Filed 8–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Ocean Energy Management khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES [Docket No. BOEM–2021–0066] Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement for South Fork Wind, LLC’s Proposed Wind Energy Facility Offshore Rhode Island Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; final environmental impact statement. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:27 Aug 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 In accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, BOEM announces the availability of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the construction and operation plan (COP) submitted by South Fork Wind, LLC, (South Fork Wind) for its proposed South Fork Wind Farm (SFWF) and South Fork Export Cable (SFEC) Project (Project). The FEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the Project as described in the COP (the proposed action) and alternatives to the proposed action and will inform BOEM’s decision whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the COP. SUMMARY: The FEIS can be found on BOEM’s website at: https:// www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/stateactivities/south-fork. ADDRESSES: For information on the FEIS or BOEM’s policies associated with this notice of availability (NOA), please contact: Michelle Morin, BOEM Office of Renewable Energy Programs, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia 20166, (703) 787–1722 or michelle.morin@boem.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed Action: South Fork Wind seeks approval to construct, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the Project—a wind energy facility on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) offshore Rhode Island and an associated export cable. The Project would be developed within the range of design parameters outlined in the South Fork Wind COP, subject to applicable mitigation measures. The SFWF as proposed in the COP would include up to 15 wind turbine generators with a nameplate capacity of 6 to 12 megawatts per turbine, submarine cables between the wind turbine generators (inter-array cables), and an offshore substation. The SFWF would be located entirely on the OCS in the area covered by Renewable Energy Lease OCS–A 0517 (Lease Area), approximately 19 miles southeast of Block Island, RI, and 35 miles east of Montauk Point, NY. The SFEC is an alternating current electric cable that would connect the SFWF to the existing mainland electric grid in East Hampton, NY. The Project also would include an operations and maintenance facility located onshore at either Montauk in East Hampton, NY, or Quonset Point in North Kingstown, RI, and a facility to connect the SFEC with the Long Island Power Authority electric transmission and distribution system in the town of East Hampton, NY. PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46879 Alternatives: BOEM considered 22 alternatives when preparing the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) and carried forward four alternatives for further analysis in the DEIS and FEIS. These four alternatives include three action alternatives and the no action alternative. Eighteen alternatives were rejected because they did not meet the purpose and need for the proposed action or did not meet screening criteria. The screening criteria included consistency with law and regulations; operational, technical, and economic feasibility; environmental impact; and geographical considerations. Availability of the FEIS: The FEIS, South Fork Wind COP, and associated information are available on BOEM’s website at: https://www.boem.gov/ South-Fork/. BOEM has distributed digital copies of the FEIS to all parties listed in the FEIS appendix B, which also includes the location of all libraries receiving a copy. If you require a CD or paper copy, BOEM will provide one upon request, as long as copies are available. You may request a CD or paper copy of the FEIS by calling (703) 787–1662. Cooperating Agencies: The following 10 agencies and governmental entities participated as cooperating agencies in the preparation of the FEIS: Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; National Marine Fisheries Service; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Coast Guard; the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management; Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management; Rhode Island Coastal Resource Management Council; and Town of East Hampton, and Trustees of the Freeholders and Commonality of the Town of East Hampton. Authority: This NOA was prepared under 42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq. (NEPA, as amended) and 40 CFR 1506.6. William Yancey Brown, Chief Environmental Officer, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. [FR Doc. 2021–17829 Filed 8–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation [RR83550000, 212R5065C6, RX.59389832.1009676] Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other WaterRelated Contract Actions AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior. E:\FR\FM\20AUN1.SGM 20AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 159 (Friday, August 20, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46877-46879]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17831]


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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, the 
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes to renew an 
information collection request (ICR).

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
September 20, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be sent to the Office of Management and 
Budget's Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior within 30 days 
of publication of this notice at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. 
Find this information collection by selecting ``Currently under 
Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. 
Please provide a copy of your comments 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 Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) Control Number 1010-0072 in the subject line of your 
comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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 the 
information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting 
burden. It also helps the public understand BOEM's information 
collection requirements.
    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.
    Abstract: This ICR covers the information collection requirements 
in 30 CFR part 580, ``Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and 
Sulphur \1\ on the Outer Continental Shelf [OCS],'' which concern 
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 U.S.C. 1340 et seq., and 43 U.S.C. 1801 et 
seq.).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ BOEM acknowledges that the generally and scientifically 
accepted spelling for this compound is sulfur. Throughout this 
notice, BOEM uses the spelling consistent with its current 
regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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). 
Additionally, the Secretary may 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

[[Page 46878]]

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). The OCS 
Lands Act defines the term ``exploration'' to mean the process of 
searching for minerals by, 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 
authorizes permits or authorizations for geological exploration only if 
the Secretary determines that the applicant is qualified and the 
exploration will neither interfere with operations on an existing 
lease, unduly harm aquatic life in the area, result in pollution, 
create hazardous or unsafe conditions, unreasonably interfere with 
other uses of the area, nor 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.\2\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ A permit is required for scientific research activities that 
involve the use of solid or liquid explosives, the drilling of a 
deep stratigraphic test, or the development of data for proprietary 
use or sale. 30 CFR 580.11(a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.), National Historic Preservation Act (54 
U.S.C. 300101 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 and 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.
    Under 30 CFR 580.12(a), applicants must submit form BOEM-0134, 
``Requirements for Geological and Geophysical Prospecting, Exploration, 
or Scientific Research on the Outer Continental Shelf Related to 
Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur,'' to provide the information 
necessary to evaluate requests to conduct G&G activities for commercial 
prospecting, noncommercial exploration, and certain scientific 
research.\3\ Under 30 CFR 580.11(b) and 580.12(c), a notice must be 
filed with BOEM for scientific research activities that do not involve 
explosives, deep stratigraphic drilling, or proprietary interests in 
the collected data. BOEM uses the submitted information for several 
purposes: (1) To ensure there are neither adverse effects to the 
marine, coastal, or human environments nor unreasonable interferences 
with other uses; (2) to enhance personal and operational safety; (3) to 
analyze and evaluate preliminary or planned mining activities; (4) to 
monitor progress and activities on the OCS; (5) to acquire G&G data and 
information collected under a Federal permit or authorization; and (6) 
to determine eligibility for reimbursement from the Government for 
certain costs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Form BOEM-0134 is required for scientific research 
activities involving explosives, deep stratigraphic drilling, or 
proprietary interests in the collected data. 30 CFR 580.11(a)(1)-
(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upon approval, BOEM issues applicants a permit or an authorization 
(as currently titled form BOEM-0135, ``Permit for Geophysical 
Prospecting for Mineral Resources or Scientific Research on the Outer 
Continental Shelf Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and 
Sulphur,'' or form BOEM-0136, ``Permit for Geological Prospecting for 
Mineral Resources or Scientific Research on the Outer Continental Shelf 
Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur).
    BOEM may use the information collected during G&G activities to 
understand the 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: Please note: Upon OMB approval of this ICR, BOEM will 
implement new titles for the three existing forms discussed previously 
as follows. 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 permits or authorizations issued by 
BOEM based on information provided in BOEM-0134:
    BOEM-0135, ``Permit for Geophysical Prospecting, Authorization of 
Noncommercial Geophysical Exploration or Permit for Scientific Research 
Related to Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer 
Continental Shelf.''
    BOEM-0136, ``Permit for Geological Prospecting, Authorization of 
Noncommercial Geological Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research 
Related to Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer 
Continental Shelf.''
    Type of Review: Renewal 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 or authorizations.
    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-hour increase in 
annual burden hours over the currently approved information collection. 
The increase in burden hours is attributed to the expected increase in 
the number of annual applications, permits, and authorizations.
    A Federal Register notice with a 60-day public comment period on 
this proposed ICR was published on April 5, 2021 (86 FR 17636). BOEM 
did not receive any comments during the 60-day comment period.
    BOEM is again soliciting comments on this proposed ICR. BOEM is 
especially interested in public comment addressing the following 
issues: (1) Is the collection necessary to the proper functions of 
BOEM; (2) what can BOEM do to ensure this information will be processed 
and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; 
(4) how might BOEM enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the

[[Page 46879]]

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 that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. BOEM will include or summarize each comment in its 
request to OMB for approval of this ICR. You should be aware that your 
entire comment--including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personally identifying information--may be publicly disclosed. In 
order to inform BOEM's decision whether it can withhold from disclosure 
your personally identifiable information, you must identify any 
information contained in your comment that, if released, would clearly 
constitute an unwarranted invasion of your privacy. Also, you must 
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 (FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 552), and the Department of 
the Interior's implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2).
    A Federal 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 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995).

    Signed:
Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
Chief, Office of Policy, Regulation, and Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2021-17831 Filed 8-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
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