[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 135 (Monday, July 17, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45444-45447]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-15059]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[OMB Control Number 1010-0048; Docket ID: BOEM-2023-0004]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Geological and 
Geophysical (G&G) Explorations of 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 1010-0048.

DATES: Comments must be received by BOEM no later than September 15, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: Send your 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 [email protected]. Please reference OMB control 
number 1010-0048 in the subject line of your comments. You may also 
view and comment on the ICR and its related documents by searching the 
docket number ``BOEM-2023-0004'' at https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anna Atkinson by email at 
[email protected], 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?
    Comments submitted 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. BOEM will make 
available for public inspection all comments in their

[[Page 45445]]

entirety (except proprietary information) submitted by organizations 
and businesses, or by individuals identifying themselves as 
representatives of organizations or businesses. BOEM protects 
proprietary information in accordance with FOIA and the DOI's 
implementing regulations.
    For BOEM to consider withholding from disclosure your personally 
identifiable information, you must identify, in a cover letter, any 
information contained in your comment that, if released, would 
constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of your privacy. You must 
also briefly describe any possible harmful consequences of the 
disclosure of information, such as embarrassment, injury, or other 
harm.
    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). If your comment is requested 
under FOIA, 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 DOI's FOIA 
implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2) and applicable law.
    Title of Collection: 30 CFR part 551, ``Geological and Geophysical 
(G&G) Explorations of the Outer Continental Shelf.''
    Abstract: This ICR concerns the paperwork requirement in the 
regulations in 30 CFR part 551. This request also covers Form BOEM-
0327, ``Requirements for Geological and Geophysical Explorations or 
Scientific Research on the Outer Continental Shelf.''
    Section 11(g) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as 
amended (43 U.S.C. 1340(g)), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior 
to prescribe rules and regulations to govern the issuance of permits 
for G&G exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The OCSLA 
states that ``any person authorized by the Secretary may conduct 
geological and geophysical explorations in the OCS, 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.'' It further provides that 
permits to conduct such activities may only be issued if it is 
determined that the applicant is qualified; the activities will not 
interfere with or endanger operations under any lease issued or 
maintained pursuant to OCSLA; and the activities 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.
    Applicants for permits are required to submit Form BOEM-0327 to 
provide the information necessary to evaluate their qualifications. 
Upon BOEM approval of the application, respondents are issued a permit 
using Form BOEM-0328, ``Permit for Geophysical Exploration for Mineral 
Resources or Scientific Research on the Outer Continental Shelf,'' for 
conducting geophysical exploration for mineral resources or scientific 
research, or Form BOEM-0329, ``Permit for Geological Exploration for 
Mineral Resources or Scientific Research on the Outer Continental 
Shelf,'' for conducting geological exploration for mineral resources or 
scientific research. These permits are filled in by BOEM and do not 
incur a respondent hour burden.
    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 OMB Circular A-25 authorize Federal agencies to recover the 
full cost of services that confer special benefits. All G&G permits are 
subject to cost recovery, and BOEM regulations specify service fees for 
these requests.
    Requirements for G&G Exploration or Scientific Research on the OCS 
are contained in 30 CFR part 551 and are the subject of this 
information collection renewal. BOEM is also renewing Form BOEM-0327. 
This form outlines the requirements for G&G activities requiring 
permits and notices and contains the application that the respondent 
submits to BOEM for approval as well as a nonexclusive use agreement 
for scientific research, if applicable.
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0048.
    Form Number: BOEM-0327, ``Requirements for Geological and 
Geophysical Explorations or Scientific Research on the Outer 
Continental Shelf.''
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Potential respondents comprise Federal 
OCS oil, gas, and sulfur permittees or notice filers.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 578 responses.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 21,454 hours.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion, annual, or as specified in 
permit.
    Total Estimated Annual Non-Hour Burden Cost: $116,696.
    The currently approved OMB paperwork burden is 35,254 annual burden 
hours, 688 annual responses, and the non-hour cost burden totals 
$136,816. Due to a reduction in the number of annual responses to 578, 
the annual burden for this renewal is adjusted to 21,454 hours and the 
non-hour cost burden is adjusted to $116,696. The following table 
details the regulatory sections containing information collections and 
their respective hour burden estimates. In calculating the burdens, we 
assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in the normal 
course of their activities. We consider these to be usual and customary 
and took that into account in estimating the burden.

                                                  Burden Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Non-hour cost burden *
                                                                ------------------------------------------------
       Citation 30 CFR 551         Reporting and recordkeeping                                            Annual
                                           requirement               Hour burden      Average number of   burden
                                                                                      annual responses    hours
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                                           30 CFR 551.1 through 551.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
551.4(a), (b); 551.5(a), (b),     Apply for permits (Form BOEM-  1,000 Alaska **...  2 Applications....    2,000
 (d); 551.6; 551.7.                0327) to conduct G&G          1,000 Atlantic &    1 Application.....    1,000
                                   exploration, including deep    Pacific **.        55 Applications...   16,500
                                   stratigraphic tests/          300 GOM...........
                                   revisions when necessary.
                                   Submit required information
                                   in manner specified.
                                                                ------------------------------------------------

[[Page 45446]]

 
                                                                       58 applications x $2,012 = $116,696
                                                                ------------------------------------------------
551.4(b); 551.5(c), (d); 551.6..  File notices to conduct        1.................  1 Notice..........        1
                                   scientific research
                                   activities, including notice
                                   to BOEM prior to beginning
                                   and after concluding
                                   activities.
551.6(b) 551.7(b)(5)............  Notify BOEM if specific        1.................  1 Notice..........        1
                                   actions occur; report
                                   archaeological resources (no
                                   instances reported since
                                   1982). Consult with other
                                   users.
                                                                ------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal....................  .............................  ..................  60 responses......   19,502
                                                                ------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        $116,696 non-hour cost
                                                                                                burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           30 CFR 551.7 through 551.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
551.7; 551.8....................  Submit Application for Permit  Burden included under BSEE regulations        0
                                   to Drill (APD) and              at 30 CFR 250, Subpart D (1014-0018)
                                   Supplemental APD to BSEE.
                                                                ----------------------------------------
551.7; 551.8(b).................  Submit information on test     1.................  1 Submission......        1
                                   drilling activities under a
                                   permit, including required
                                   information and plan
                                   revisions (e.g., drilling
                                   plan and environmental
                                   report).
551.7(c)........................  Enter into agreement for       1.................  1 Agreement.......        1
                                   group participation in test
                                   drilling, including
                                   publishing summary
                                   statement; provide BOEM copy
                                   of notice/list of
                                   participants (no agreements
                                   submitted since 1989).
                                                                ----------------------------------------
551.7(d)........................  Submit bond(s) on deep          Burden included under 30 CFR Part 556        0
                                   stratigraphic test and                      (1010-0006).
                                   required securities.
                                                                ----------------------------------------
551.8(a)........................  Request reimbursement for      1.................  1 Request.........        1
                                   certain costs associated
                                   with BOEM inspections (no
                                   requests in many years).
551.8(b), (c)...................  Submit modifications to        38 Alaska **......  2 Respondents x 10      760
                                   permits, and status/final     38 Atlantic &        Reports = 20.          380
                                   reports on, activities         Pacific **.        1 Respondents x 10      330
                                   conducted under a permit.     2 GOM.............   Reports = 10.
                                                                                     55 Respondents x 3
                                                                                      Reports = 165.
551.9(c)........................  Notify BOEM to relinquish a    1/2...............  2 Notices.........        1
                                   permit..
                                                                ------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal....................  .............................  ..................  200 responses.....    1,474
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          30 CFR 551.10 through 551.13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
551.10(c).......................  File appeals.................   Exempt under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2), (c)         0
                                                                ----------------------------------------
551.11; 551.12..................  Notify BOEM and submit G&G     4.................  40 Submissions....      160
                                   data and/or information
                                   collected and/or processed
                                   by permittees, bidders, or
                                   3rd parties, etc., including
                                   reports, logs or charts,
                                   results, analyses,
                                   descriptions, information as
                                   required, and agreements, in
                                   manner specified.
551.13..........................  Request reimbursement for      2.................  40 Submissions....       80
                                   certain costs associated
                                   with reproducing data/
                                   information.
                                                                ------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal....................  .............................  ..................  80 responses......      240
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  30 CFR 551.14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
551.14(a), (b)..................  Submit comments on BOEM        1.................  2 Comments........        2
                                   intent to disclose data and/
                                   or information to the public.
551.14(c)(2)....................  Submit comments on BOEM        1.................  2 Comments........        2
                                   intent to disclose data and/
                                   or information to an
                                   independent contractor/agent.
551.14(c)(4)....................  Contractor/agent submits       1.................  2 Commitments.....        2
                                   written commitment not to
                                   sell, trade, license, or
                                   disclose data and/or
                                   information without BOEM
                                   consent.
551.1-551.14....................  General departure and          1.................  2 Requests........        2
                                   alternative compliance
                                   requests not specifically
                                   covered elsewhere in part
                                   551 regulations.
                                                                ------------------------------------------------

[[Page 45447]]

 
    Subtotal....................  .............................  ..................  8 responses.......        8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Extension for Permit Form & Recordkeeping
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
551.14(b) (BOEM-0327)...........  Request extension of permit    1.................  100 Extensions....      100
                                   time period; enter
                                   agreements.
                                  Retain G&G data/information    1.................  130 Recordkeepers.      130
                                   for 10 years and make
                                   available to BOEM upon
                                   request.
                                                                ------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal....................  .............................  ..................  230 responses.....      230
                                                                ------------------------------------------------
        Total Burden............  .............................  ..................  578 Responses.....   21,454
                                                                                    ----------------------------
                                                                                        $116,696 Non-Hour Cost
                                                                                                Burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Fees are subject to modification per inflation annually.
** Burden hours for the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific OCS are significantly higher because of NEPA and
  mitigation requirements. BOEM is accounting for the total time to compile/submit the necessary information to
  obtain the required authorizations to acquire a BOEM permit. Survey permits under part 551 have not been
  issued in the Atlantic or Pacific since 2019 and 2006, respectively, however both regions currently have a
  pending survey permit application.

    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 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. 2023-15059 Filed 7-14-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4340-98-P