Notice2024-13710
Agency Information Collection Activities; Commercial Prospecting, Noncommercial Exploration, and Scientific Research for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 24, 2024
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentOcean Energy Management Bureau
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information collection request (ICR) to renew Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1010-0072.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 121 (Monday, June 24, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 121 (Monday, June 24, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52501-52505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-13710]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
[OMB Control Number 1010-0072; Docket ID: BOEM-2024-0007]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Commercial Prospecting,
Noncommercial 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.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information
collection request (ICR) to renew Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
control number 1010-0072.
DATES: Comments must be received by BOEM no later than August 23, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Send written 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1e7f70707f307f6a7577706d71705e7c717b7330797168"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1c7d72727d327d687775726f73725c7e737971327b736a">[email protected]</span></a>. Please reference OMB control
number 1010-0072 in the subject line of your comments. You may comment
on the ICR and view related documents by searching for the docket
number ``BOEM-2024-0007'' at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anna Atkinson by email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1d7c73737c337c697674736e72735d7f727870337a726b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7b1a15151a551a0f1012150814153b19141e16551c140d">[email protected]</span></a>, or by telephone at 703-787-1025. Individuals in
the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a
speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access
telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside of the United
States should use the relay services offered within their country to
make international calls to the point of contact in the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995, BOEM provides the general public and other Federal
agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and
continuing collections of information. This helps BOEM assess the
impact of its 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 is soliciting comments on the proposed ICR described below.
BOEM is especially interested in public comments addressing the
following issues: (1) is the collection necessary to 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?
[[Page 52502]]
Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of
public record. BOEM will include or summarize each comment in its ICR
to OMB for approval of this information collection. You should be aware
that your entire comment--including your address, phone number, email
address, or other personally identifiable information included in your
comment--may be made publicly available at any time. Even if BOEM
withholds your personally identifiable information in the context of
this ICR, your comment is subject to the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552). Your information will only be withheld if a
determination is made that one of the FOIA exemptions to disclosure
applies. Such a determination will be made in accordance with the
Department of the Interior's (DOI) FOIA implementing regulations (43
CFR part 2) and applicable law.
In order for BOEM to consider withholding from disclosure your
personally identifiable information, you must identify, in a cover
letter, any information contained in the submittal of your comments
that, if released, would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
your personal privacy. You must also briefly describe any possible
harmful consequences of the disclosure of information, such as
embarrassment, injury, or other harm. Note that BOEM will make
available for public inspection, in their entirety, all comments
submitted by organizations and businesses, or by individuals
identifying themselves as representatives of organizations or
businesses.
BOEM protects proprietary information in accordance with FOIA,
DOI's implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2), and 30 CFR part 580.70,
promulgated pursuant to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCS
Lands Act) (43 U.S.C. 1352(c)).
Title of Collection: Commercial Prospecting, Noncommercial
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 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 involves
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 OCS Lands Act. 43 U.S.C. 1340.
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\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.
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Section 11(a)(1) of the OCS Lands Act states that ``any person
authorized by the Secretary [of the Interior] 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).
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(g) authorizes permits or authorizations for geological exploration
only if the Secretary determines that the applicant is qualified and
the exploration will not 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. A permit also is required to
conduct scientific research activities that involve the use of solid or
liquid explosives, the drilling of a deep stratigraphic test, or the
development of data and information for proprietary use or sale. 30 CFR
580.11(a). Otherwise, G&G activities conducted for scientific or
academic purposes require only the submission of a scientific research
notice. 30 CFR 580.11(b). G&G activities are also conducted for
noncommercial exploration purposes and may include, for example,
searching for sand, gravel, and other sources of sediment for potential
use in qualifying beach nourishment and coastal restoration projects.
See 43 U.S.C. 1337(k). Because 30 CFR part 580 does not apply to
noncommercial exploration, such G&G activities would be authorized
directly pursuant to section 11 of the OCS Lands Act.
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 National Historic Preservation Act
(54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), among other laws. Compliance with the
Endangered Species Act requires BOEM to carry out any agency action in
a manner that is not likely to jeopardize protected species or
adversely modify designated critical habitat and 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.
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 their requests to conduct G&G activities for commercial
prospecting, noncommercial exploration, and certain 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 will be neither
adverse effects to the marine, coastal, or human environment, personal
harm, unsafe operations and conditions, 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, Authorization for Noncommercial Geophysical Exploration,
or Permit for Scientific Research for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and
Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf,'' or Form BOEM-0136, ``Permit
for Geological Prospecting, Authorization for Noncommercial Geological
Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research for Minerals Other than
Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf'').
BOEM may use the information collected during G&G activities to
[[Page 52503]]
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: 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, Authorization for
Noncommercial Geophysical Exploration, or Permit for Scientific
Research for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer
Continental Shelf.''
BOEM-0136, ``Permit for Geological Prospecting, Authorization for
Noncommercial Geological Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research
for 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: 45 responses.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 826 hours.
Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory or required to retain or obtain
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.
The following table details the individual components and
respective annual burden estimates of this ICR. The current approved
annual burden hours are equal to 730 hours. This ICR increases annual
burdens by 96 hours to a total of 826 hours, based on BOEM's recent
collection of data and information. The changes in annual burden hours
include the following:
<bullet> For subpart B, BOEM is increasing the annual burden hours
from 24 hours to 72 hours, due to an increase in the estimated time
needed to file a notice to conduct scientific research activities
related to hard minerals (+48 hours).
<bullet> For subpart D, BOEM is increasing annual burden hours from
40 hours to 96 hours, due to an increase in the estimated time per
response and an increase in the number of submissions for notification
and submission of G&G data from 5 submissions to 6 (+56 hours). BOEM is
also decreasing annual burden hours from 8 hours to 4 hours, due to a
reduction in the number of submissions of information related to a
contractor's commitment not to sell, trade, license, or disclose data
from 2 submissions to 1 (-4 hours).
<bullet> BOEM is also decreasing annual burden hours from 6 hours
to 2 hours, due to a decrease in the number of respondents being
required by the issued permits to retain G&G data from 6 respondents to
2. (-4 hours)
BOEM assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in the
normal course of their activities and took that into account in
estimating the burden.
Burden Table
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Reporting and
Citation 30 CFR part 580, as recordkeeping Hour burden Average number of Annual burden
applicable requirements annual responses hours
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Non-hour cost burden \1\
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Subpart B
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10; 11(a); 12(a); 13; Permit Form Apply for permit or 88 2 permit 176
authorization (Form applications. 352
BOEM-0134) to conduct 4 applications for
commercial prospecting/ authorization.
noncommercial
exploration or G&G
scientific research
activities, including
prospecting/scientific
research plan and
environmental
assessment or required
drilling plan. Provide
notifications and
additional information
as required.
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$2,012 permit application fee \1\ x 2 permits \2\ =
$4,024
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11(b); 12(c)..................... File notice to conduct 24 3 notices........... 72
scientific research
activities related to
hard minerals not
covered by 30 CFR
580.11(a), including
notice to BOEM prior
to beginning and after
concluding activities.
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Subtotal..................... ....................... .............. 9 Responses......... 600
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$4,024 Non-Hour Cost Burden
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Subpart C
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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.
[[Page 52504]]
22............................... Submit written request 1 4 requests.......... 4
for 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.
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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.
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33, 34........................... Appeal civil penalty; Burden exempt under 5 CFR 0
appeal order or 1320.4(a)(2); (c)
decision.
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Subtotal..................... ....................... .............. 16 Responses........ 106
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Subpart D
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40; 41; 50; 51; Permit Form...... Notify BOEM and submit 16 6 submissions....... 96
G&G data including
analysis, processing
or interpretation of
information collected
under a permit 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 and
certain processing
costs.
70(d)(1)(i)...................... Enter into 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 1 submission........ 4
or agent prepares and
signs written
commitment not to
sell, trade, license,
or disclose data/
information without
BOEM approval.
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Subtotal..................... ....................... .............. 15 Responses........ 112
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General
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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 2 respondents....... 2
information for 10
years and make
available to BOEM upon
request.
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Subtotal..................... ....................... .............. 5 Responses......... 8
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Total 45 Responses........ 826
Burden...................
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$4,024 Non-Hour Cost Burdens
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\1\ Fees are subject to modification for inflation annually.
\2\ Only permits, not 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
do not incur 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.).
Karen Thundiyil,
Chief, Office of Regulations, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
[FR Doc. 2024-13710 Filed 6-21-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4340-98-P
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