[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 88 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25229-25230]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12164]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[WO-350-4210-01]


Extension of Approved Information Collection, OMB Number 1004-
0107

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is announcing its intention to request 
an extension of existing approval to collect certain information from 
respondents identified in 43 CFR 2800 and 2880. This information is in 
addition to that collected on the Form SF-299, OMB No. 1004-0060, and 
is necessary for those large complex projects which require a right-of-
way. The authorization for such collection is provided by the 2800 and 
2880 regulations. On multi-million dollar energy production and 
transmission projects, and complex communication sites for which a 
right-of-way is required, information over and above that provided on 
the application form is required such as construction and other plans; 
a more detailed map; specific certificates, permits, and approvals from 
other agencies; and any other necessary information relative to the 
completion of the project.

DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must be received 
by July 6, 1998 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to: Director (420), Bureau of Land 
Management, 1849 C Street NW., Room 401LS, Washington, DC 20240.
    Comments may be sent via Internet to: WoC[email protected]. Please 
include ``Attn: 1004-0107'' and your name and return address in your 
Internet message.
    Comments may be hand-delivered to the Bureau of Land Management 
Administrative Record, Room 401, 1620 L Street, NW., Washington, DC.
    Comments will be available for public review at the L Street 
address during regular business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m), Monday 
through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carl C. Gammon, (202) 452-7777.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.12(a), BLM is 
required to provide 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning a 
collection of information contained in a published current rule to 
solicit comments on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility, (b) the 
accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize 
the burden of the collection of information on those who are respond, 
including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology. The BLM will review and analyze any comments 
sent in response to this notice and include them with its request for 
approval from the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.
    BLM grants rights-of-way on public lands through the authority of 
Title V of the FLPMA, 90 Stat. 2776, 43 U.S.C. 1761 and the Mineral 
Leasing Act (MLA) of 1920, as amended, 30 U.S.C. 185. Information in 
addition to that collected on the right-of-way form (SF-299) is needed 
for large complex projects.There is no standard form for the collection 
of this required additional information. The authorization for such 
collection is provided by the 2800 and

[[Page 25230]]

2880 regulations. The information required in 43 CFR Parts 2800 and 
2880 is needed to enable the BLM to determine whether or not a right-
of-way may be granted, to establish the terms and conditions of the 
grant and to administer the grant when it is made.
    Additional information in the form of construction and other plans; 
detailed maps; certification, permits and approvals required by other 
agencies; and other information necessary for the completion of the 
project are authorized by 43 CFR 2802.4, 2881.2, and 2882.3. Each 
right-of-way is an individual situation and the information collected 
is specific to that individual proposal and only available from the 
applicant. Additional information in the form of a plan may be 
required. This plan is a product of the NEPA requirements. It is a 
useful working tool that enables both the BLM and the applicant to have 
a common understanding on how the project will proceed. An as-built map 
may also be required. These maps show greater detail than the basic 
location map required to be submitted with the application. A more 
exact location of the holder's right-of-way and related facilities will 
give the holder more protection for their improvements. The BLM also 
requires assurance that certifications, permits, and approvals required 
by others and identified during the NEPA analysis process have been 
obtained. A detailed description of alternative routes considered by 
the applicant when developing the proposal may be required and is used 
by the BLM to gain insight into the complexities and conflicts of the 
proposals. Statements of need and economic feasibility and of the 
environmental, social, and economic effects of the proposal may be 
requested and assist the BLM in evaluating the proposal with respect to 
NEPA compliance. If the BLM fails to properly collect the required 
information including plans, construction schedules, maps specific 
certificates, permits, and approvals necessary for the completion of 
the project, the BLM will reject the right-of-way application.
    Based on BLM's experience administering the activities described 
above, approximately 25 percent of the 4,000 applications the BLM 
receives annually require additional information collection. The 
applicants are usually large companies that seek to construct large 
complex projects on public lands which require a right-of-way. The 
public reporting burden for the information collected is estimated to 
average 16.8 hours per response. The frequency of response is once. The 
estimated total annual burden on new respondents is about 16,800 hours.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will 
also become a matter of public record.

    Dated: April 29, 1998.
Carol J. Smith,
Bureau of Land Management Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 98-12164 Filed 5-6-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-M