[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 67 (Friday, April 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14884-14887]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07004]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[MMAA104000; OMB Control Number 1010-0072; Docket ID: BOEM-2017-0016]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Prospecting for 
Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental 
Shelf and Authorizations of Noncommercial Geological and Geophysical 
Activities

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) is proposing to renew an 
information collection with revisions.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
June 5, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments on this information collection request 
(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, or by telephone at 703-
787-1025.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995, 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) Is the collection necessary to the proper 
functions of BOEM? (2) Will this information 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 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. We will include or summarize each comment in our request 
to OMB for approval of 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 comments to withhold your 
personal identifying information from public review, we cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to do so.
    Abstract: The information collection request concerns the paperwork 
requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR part 580, Prospecting for 
Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental 
Shelf (OCS), as well as authorizations of noncommercial geological and 
geophysical (G&G) prospecting and scientific research activities issued 
pursuant to Section 11 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as 
amended (43 U.S.C. 1331 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 1337(k)(1) 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.''
    Section 1340(a)(1) 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.'' Under 30 CFR part 580, G&G 
exploration to be performed by any person on unleased lands or lands 
under lease to a third party requires issuance of a BOEM permit or 
submission of a scientific research notice. Section 1340(g) further 
requires that permits for geologic exploration will only be issued if 
it is determined that the applicant for such permit is qualified; the 
exploration will not interfere with or endanger operations under any 
lease; and the exploration will not be unduly harmful to aquatic life 
in the area, result in pollution, 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.
    Prospecting for marine minerals includes certain aspects of 
exploration as defined in the OCS Lands Act at 43 U.S.C. 1331(k). That 
section defines the term ``exploration'' to mean the process of 
searching for minerals, including ``geophysical surveys where magnetic, 
gravity, seismic, or other systems are used to detect or characterize 
the presence of such minerals. . . .''
    As a Federal agency, BOEM has a responsibility to 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 any agency action in a manner that is not likely to jeopardize 
protected species or result in adverse modification of designated 
critical habitat, as well as a procedural duty to consult with the 
United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration Fisheries before engaging in a discretionary 
action that may affect a protected species.
    Respondents are required to submit form BOEM-0134 to provide the 
information necessary to evaluate their request to conduct G&G 
prospecting, exploration or scientific research activities, and upon 
approval, respondents are issued a permit or authorization. BOEM uses 
the information to ensure there is no adverse effect to the marine, 
coastal, or human environment, personal harm, unsafe operations and 
conditions, or unreasonable interference with other uses; to analyze 
and evaluate preliminary or planned mining

[[Page 14885]]

activities; to monitor progress and activities in the OCS; to acquire 
G&G data and information collected under a Federal permit offshore; and 
to determine eligibility for reimbursement from the Government for 
certain costs.
    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 affected coastal States.
    The Independent Offices Appropriations Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), the 
Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104-133, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, 
1996), and the OMB Circular A-25 authorize Federal agencies to recover 
the full cost of services that confer special benefits. Accordingly, 
all G&G permits for commercial prospecting are subject to cost 
recovery, and BOEM regulations at 30 CFR 580.12 specify the service 
fees for these requests.
    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), and under 
regulations at 30 CFR 580.70, applicable sections of 30 CFR parts 550 
and 552.
    Title of Collection: 30 CFR 580, Prospecting for Minerals other 
than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf and 
Authorizations of Noncommercial Geological and Geophysical Activities.
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0072.
    Form Number: 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.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Permittees/respondents, including 
those required to only file notices (scientific research).
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 38 responses.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 485 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.
    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: We expect the 
burden estimate for the renewal will be 485 hours, a decrease of 3 
burden hours.
    In calculating the burden, requesting Governor(s) comments on 
activities pursuant to 30 CFR 580.31(b) and 30 CFR 580.73 does not 
constitute information collection under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(4). These 
requests for comment are general solicitations of public comment, so 
BOEM has removed the three burden hours associated with this burden.
    The following table details the individual BOEM components and 
respective burden hours of this ICR. In calculating the burden hours, 
we assumed that respondents perform certain usual and customary 
requirements in the normal course of their activities.

                                                  Burden Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         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 (Form BOEM-0134)                88  2 permits..........             176
                                    for permit or                            2 authorizations...             176
                                    authorization to
                                    conduct G&G prospecting
                                    or exploration for
                                    mineral resources or
                                    notice to conduct
                                    scientific research on
                                    the OCS. 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...............................................................  7 Responses........             376
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          $4,024 Non-Hour Cost Burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21(a)............................  Report to BOEM if                      1  1 report...........               1
                                    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 written request                 1  2 requests.........               2
                                    for approval to modify
                                    operations, with
                                    required information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 14886]]

 
23(b)............................  Request reimbursement                  1  3 requests.........               3
                                    for food, quarters, and/
                                    or transportation
                                    expenses for BOEM
                                    inspection.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24...............................  Submit status and final               12  4 reports..........              48
                                    reports on specified
                                    schedule with daily log.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28...............................  Request relinquishment                 1  1 relinquishment                  1
                                    of permit by certified                    \3\.
                                    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...............................................................  11 Responses.......              55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40; 41; 50; 51; Permit Form......  Notify BOEM and submit                 8  3 submissions......              24
                                    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 & certain
                                    processing costs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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...............................................................  13 Responses.......              44
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     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 extensions.......               2
                                    permit/authorization
                                    time period.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Permits \4\......................  Retain G&G data/                       1  4 respondents......               4
                                    information for 10
                                    years and make
                                    available to BOEM upon
                                    request.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal...............................................................  7 Responses........              10
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total Burden.......................................................  38 Responses.......             485
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 14887]]

 
                                         $4,024 Non-Hour Cost Burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Fees are subject to modification per 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.).

    Dated: April 2, 2018.
Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
Chief, Office of Policy, Regulations, and Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2018-07004 Filed 4-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P