[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 125 (Wednesday, June 30, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35177-35178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-16687]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[WO-310-00-1310 24 1A]


Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection; OMB 
Approval No. 1004-0162

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Paperwork Reduction Act requires Federal agencies to 
announce their intentions to request extension of approval for 
collecting information from individuals. The Bureau of Land Management 
(BLM) announces its intention to request extension of approval for 
collecting certain information from entities who (1) submit a Notice of 
Intent to Conduct Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations (Form 
3150-4) of Federal lands, and (2) summit a Notice of Completion of Oil 
and Gas Exploration Operations (Form 3150-5), BLM uses the information 
to determine who is conducting geophysical operations on public lands 
and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect the 
environment as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969.

DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must be received 
by August 30, 1999 to be considered.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to: Regulatory Affairs Group (WO-
630), Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C St., NW., Mail Stop 401 LS, 
Washington, DC 20240. Comments may be sent via the Internet to: 
WoC[email protected]. Please include ``Attn: 1004-0162 and your name 
and address in your Internet address.
    Comments may be hand delivered to the Bureau of Land Management 
Administrative Record, Room 401, 1620 L Street, NW, Washington DC 
20036.
    Comments will be available for public inspection and review at the 
L Street address during regular business hours, 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Gamble, Fluid Minerals Group, 
(202) 452-0338.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d) BLM is 
required to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register  concerning 
a collection of information contained in published current rules and 
other collection instrument 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 to respond, including 
through the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    The Mineral Leasing Act (MLA) of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), 
gives the Secretary of the Interior responsibility for oil and gas 
leasing on approximately 570 million acres of public lands and national 
forests, and private lands where minerals rights have been retained by 
the Federal Government. The Act of August 7, 1947 (Mineral Leasing Act 
of Acquired Lands), authorizes the Secretary to lease lands acquired by 
the United States (30 U.S.C. 341-359). The Federal Land Policy and 
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) establishes a public 
land policy and provides for the management, protection, development, 
and enhancement of the public lands.
    The regulations at 43 CFR Group 3150 establish procedures for 
conducting oil and gas geophysical exploration operations on public 
lands when authorization for such operations is required from the BLM. 
The Notice of Intent to Conduct Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration 
Operations (Form 3150-4) and the Notice of Completion of Oil and Gas 
Exploration Operations (Form 3140-5) were developed in 1990, and the 
information required from the public remains the same.
    BLM needs the information requested on the Notice of Intent to 
allow it to process applications for geophysical exploration operations 
on public lands and to manage environmental compliance requirements in 
accordance with the laws, regulations, and land use plans. BLM uses the 
information to determine that geophysical operations activities will be 
conducted in a manner consistent with the regulations, local land use 
plans, and Environmental Assessments. BLM needs the information 
requested on the Notice of Completion to determine whether 
rehabilitation of the lands is satisfactory or whether additional 
rehabilitation is necessary.

[[Page 35178]]

    The forms may be submitted in person or by mail to the proper BLM 
office. The company name, address, and telephone number is needed to 
identify the person/entity conducting operations. BLM assigns the BLM 
Case Number to track each specific operation. Where a particular 
operation requires State approval also, the State Case Number is 
assigned by the appropriate State agency so that the Bureau may 
coordinate exploration activity with the State. The legal land 
description is required to determine where the involved public lands 
are located.
    Based on its experience administering onshore oil and gas 
geophysical exploration activities, BLM estimates the public reporting 
burden for completing the Notice of Intent to Conduct Geophysical 
Exploration Operations (Form 3150-4) is 1 hour, and for completing the 
Notice of Completion of Oil and Gas Exploration Operations (Form 3150-
5) is an average of 20 minutes. The information required is clearly 
outlined on the form and in the terms and conditions attached. The 
information is already maintained by the respondents for their own 
record-keeping purposes and needs only to be transferred or attached to 
the forms.
    BLM estimates the approximately 600 notices of intent and 600 
notices of completion will be filed annually, with a total annual 
burden of 800 hours. Respondents vary from small businesses to major 
corporations.
    Any interested member of the public may request and obtain, without 
charge, a copy of Form 3150-4 or 3150-5 by contacting the person 
identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. 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 part of 
the public record.

    Dated: June 25, 1999.
Carole J. Smith,
Information Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-16687 Filed 6-29-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-M