[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 126 (Friday, June 29, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30773-30776]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14046]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[MMAA104000; OMB Control Number 1010-0072; Docket ID: BOEM-2018-0016]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; 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

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) is proposing to renew an 
information collection.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
July 30, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments on this information collection request 
(ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget's Desk Officer for the 
Department of the Interior by email at [email protected]; or 
via facsimile to 202-395-5806. 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: To request additional information 
about this ICR, contact Anna Atkinson by email, or by telephone at 703-
787-1025. You may also view the ICR at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA), 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.
    A Federal Register notice with a 60-day public comment period 
soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on 
April 6, 2018 (83 FR 14884). No comments were received.
    We are again 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 through the use of 
information technology?
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. 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 comment to withhold your personal 
identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we 
will be able to do so.

[[Page 30774]]

    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. 1340).
    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(k)(1) of the OCS Lands Act, 43 
U.S.C. 1337(k)(1), 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 11(a)(1) of the OCS Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1340(a)(1), 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, 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 conducting ``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 (USFWS) and National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA 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, nor personal harm, unsafe operations and 
conditions, or unreasonable interference with other uses; to analyze 
and evaluate preliminary or planned mining activities; to monitor 
progress of 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, as well as 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.
    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 Cost: $4,024.
    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: We expect the 
burden estimate for the renewal will be 485 hours, which is 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 burden hours associated with this burden.
    The following table details the individual BOEM components and 
respective hour burden estimates of this ICR.

[[Page 30775]]



                                                  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 for permit or                   88  2 permit                        176
                                    authorization (Form                       applications.                  176
                                    BOEM-0134) to conduct                    2 applications for
                                    prospecting/exploration                   authorization.
                                    or G&G scientific
                                    research activities,
                                    including prospecting/
                                    scientific research
                                    plan and environmental
                                    assessment or required
                                    drilling plan. 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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 request \3\......               1
                                    of permit by certified
                                    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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 30776]]

 
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 requests.........               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
                                                                            ------------------------------------
                                                                                 $4,024 non-hour cost burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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.).

    Dated: June 22, 2018.
Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
 Chief, Office of Policy, Regulation and Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2018-14046 Filed 6-28-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P