80 FR 23050 - Information Collection: Prospecting for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf and Authorizations of Noncommercial Geological and Geophysical Activities; Proposed Collection for OMB Review; Comment Request
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 79 (April 24, 2015)
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 79 (April 24, 2015)
| Page Range | 23050-23053 | |
| FR Document | 2015-09589 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 79 (Friday, April 24, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 23050-23053] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-09589] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Ocean Energy Management [MMAA104000] Information Collection: Prospecting for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf and Authorizations of Noncommercial Geological and Geophysical Activities; Proposed Collection for OMB Review; Comment Request ACTION: 30-day notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is notifying the public that we have submitted an information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The ICR pertains to the regulations under 30 CFR 580, Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf, as well as authorizations of noncommercial [[Page 23051]] geological and geophysical (G&G) activities issued pursuant to Section 11 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). This notice provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of this collection. DATES: Submit written comments by May 26, 2015. ADDRESSES: Submit comments on this ICR to the Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior at OMB-OIRA at (202) 395-5806 (fax) or [email protected] (email). Please provide a copy of your comments to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia 20166 (mail) or [email protected] (email). Please reference ICR 1010-0072 in your comment and include your name and return address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Office of Policy, Regulations, and Analysis at [email protected] (email) or (703) 787-1025 (phone). You may review the ICR online at http://www.reginfo.gov. Follow the instructions to review Department of the Interior collections under review by OMB. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB Control Number: 1010-0072. Title: 30 CFR 580, Prospecting for Minerals other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf and Authorizations of Noncommercial Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Activities. Form: BOEM-0134, Requirements for G&G Prospecting, Exploration, or Scientific Research on the OCS Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur. Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. and 43 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to prescribe rules and regulations to administer leasing of the OCS. Section 1337(k) 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 outer 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.'' An amendment to the OCS Lands Act (Pub. L. 103-426) authorizes the Secretary to negotiate agreements (in lieu of the previously required competitive bidding process) for the use of OCS sand, gravel, and shell resources for certain specified types of public uses. The specified uses will support construction of governmental projects for beach nourishment, shore protection, and wetlands enhancement, or any such project authorized by the Federal Government. Section 1340 of the OCSLA 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 Act, and which are not unduly harmful to aquatic life in such area.'' Geological and geophysical exploration can only be performed pre-lease under a permit, authorization, or scientific research notice. The section further requires that permits to conduct such activities may only be issued if it is determined that the applicant is qualified; the activities do not result in pollution or create hazardous or unsafe conditions; the activities do not 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 OCSLA at 43 U.S.C. 1331(k). The term ``exploration'' means the process of searching for minerals, including geophysical surveys where magnetic, gravity, seismic, or other systems are used to detect or imply the presence of such minerals. The OCSLA requires all parties who are prospecting marine minerals for commercial purposes to be authorized. The OCSLA also requires non-Federal parties (such as State agencies and contractors of State agencies) to obtain authorization from the Secretary to conduct noncommercial G&G exploration activities (see 43 U.S.C. 1340(a)(1)). As a Federal agency, BOEM has a responsibility to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act, and Marine Mammal Protection Act, among other environmental laws. This includes a substantive duty not to take any agency action that may affect a protected species, as well as a procedural duty to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, when warranted, before engaging in a discretionary action that may affect a protected species. 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. All G&G permits for commercial prospecting are subject to cost recovery, and BOEM regulations specify service fees for these requests. The authority to carry out these responsibilities is contained in regulations under 30 CFR 580, as well as OCSLA Section 11 (43 U.S.C. 1340(a)(1)), which is the subject of this information collection renewal. BOEM uses the information to ensure there is no environmental degradation, personal harm, or unsafe operations and conditions, damage to historical or archaeological sites, or interference with other uses; to analyze and evaluate preliminary or planned mining 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. Respondents are required to submit form BOEM-0134 to provide the information necessary to evaluate their qualifications, and upon approval, respondents are issued a permit or authorization. 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 obtaining a proper balance among the potentials for environmental damage, the discovery of marine minerals, and associated impacts on affected coastal States. In this renewal, BOEM is expanding the use of form BOEM-0134 to include applications to conduct noncommercial prospecting (exploration) of marine minerals, such as OCS sand, gravel, and shell resources for public use. BOEM is also updating the form to clarify the types of copies being requested, delete incorrect language, make recommendations for faster processing, update addresses, and reference environmental mitigation requirements. To respond to the types of questions BOEM receives on the form, BOEM is also clarifying wording, providing examples/tables to reduce confusion, and clarifying Regional differences, when necessary, to further assist applicants. BOEM is not asking for more information, just outlining current requirements in more detail. However, to better account for the requirement to submit environmental information sufficient for the environmental review, BOEM is increasing the burden hours from 10 to 88 hours for all OCS Regions. We are also adding the terms ``authorization(s)'' and ``exploration'' throughout the form so that the form [[Page 23052]] also serves as the instrument to authorize entities to carry out noncommercial prospecting (exploration) of marine minerals. Responses are mandatory or required to obtain or retain a benefit. No questions of a sensitive nature are asked. The BOEM protects information considered proprietary according to 30 CFR 580.70, applicable sections of 30 CFR parts 550 and 552, and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR 2). Frequency: On occasion, annual, or as specified in permits. Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: There are four to seven permittees/respondents, including those required to only file notices (scientific research). Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: We estimate the burden for this information collection to be a total of 488 hours. The following table details the individual components and estimated hour burdens. 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 permits............. 176 authorization (Form 2 authorizations...... 176 BOEM-0134) to conduct prospecting/ exploration 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. Arrange alternative deadline. --------------------------------------- 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 or environmental hazards are detected or adverse effects occur. 22............................. Request approval to 1 2 requests............ 2 modify operations, with required information. 23(b).......................... Request reimbursement 1 3 requests............ 3 for expenses for BOEM inspection. 24............................. Submit status and final 12 4 reports............. 48 reports on specified schedule/format. 28............................. Request relinquishment 1 1 relinquishment \3\.. 1 of permit. 31(b); 73...................... Governor(s) of adjacent 1 3 submissions......... 3 State(s) submissions to BOEM: Comments on activities involving an environmental assessment; request for proprietary data, information, and samples; and disclosure agreement. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 33, 34......................... Appeal penalty, order, or decision--burden exempt under 5 CFR 0 1320.4(a)(2), (c) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subtotal ....................... .............. 14 Responses.......... 58 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subpart D ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40; 41; 50; 51; Permit Form.... Notify BOEM and submit 8 3 submissions......... 24 G&G data/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 of obligations. Part of licensing agreement between parties; no submission to BOEM. 42(c), (d); 52(c), (d)......... Notify BOEM of 3rd 1 1 notice.............. 1 party transactions. 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.. [[Page 23053]] 72(b).......................... Submit in not less than 4 1 response............ 4 5 days comments on BOEM's intent to disclose data/ information. 72(d).......................... Contractor submits 4 2 submissions......... 8 written commitment not to sell, trade, license, or disclose data/information. ------------------------------------------------------- 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........... ....................... .............. 41 Responses.......... 488 --------------------------------------- $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. Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Non-Hour Cost'' Burden: We have identified one non-hour cost burden for this collection. Under Sec. 580.12(a), there is an application fee of $2,012 when respondents submit a permit application (refer to the table above). Respondents conducting scientific research are required only to file a notice with BOEM and are not subject to the cost recovery fee. Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated to respond. Comments: We invite comments concerning this information collection on:Whether or not the collection of information is necessary, including whether or not the information will have practical utility; The accuracy of our burden estimates; Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and Ways to minimize the burden on respondents. To comply with the public consultation process, on December 30, 2014, BOEM published a Federal Register notice (79 FR 78473) announcing that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. This notice provided the required 60-day comment period. We received two comments. The first comment is not germane to the collection; and the second comment, from North American Submarine Cable Association (NASCA), urges BOEM to modify form BOEM-0134 to require permit applicants to identify and coordinate with NASCA with respect to submarine cables in the vicinity of any planned marine minerals activities. BOEM appreciates the detailed comments that NASCA submitted. We noted the new suggested mitigation measures not included in prior NASCA comments. Please note that a reference to submarine does appear in the form itself (under General Requirements of Permits and Notices paragraph E). Furthermore, we will add ``Submarine Cable Coordination'' to the list of Stipulations we attach to every permit. The NASCA would need to provide points of contact etc., for the permittee. The matter would then be dealt with between the permittee and NASCA. Public Availability of Comments: 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. Dated: April 14, 2015. Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka, Chief, Office of Policy, Regulations, and Analysis. [FR Doc. 2015-09589 Filed 4-23-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
![23050 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Notices
withhold your personal identifying Kings County VIRGINIA
information from public review, we Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Albemarle County
cannot guarantee that we will be able to Pkwy., Brooklyn, 15000232 Blue Ridge Swim Club, 1275 Owensville Rd.,
do so. Ivy, 15000248
Montgomery County
Dated: April 8, 2015. Harris Farm, 2950 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy.,
Canajoharie Historic District, Roughly Charlottesville, 15000249
J. Paul Loether, Church, Cliff, E. & W. Main, Mill, Moyer,
Chief, National Register of Historic Places/ Rock & Reed Sts., Erie Blvd., Canajoharie, Clarke County
National Historic Landmarks Program. 15000233 Josephine City Historic District, Josephine
DELAWARE St., Berryville, 15000250
Nassau County
Sussex County Barkin House, 84 E. Olive St., Long Beach, Gloucester County
Hebron Methodist Protestant Church and 15000234 Kenwood, 7437 Kenwood Ln., Gloucester,
Cemetery, 18282 Seashore Hwy., 15000251
Westchester County
Georgetown, 15000220 Newport News Independent City
Skinny House, 175 Grand St., Mamaroneck,
FLORIDA 15000235 Temple Sinai, 11620 Warwick Blvd.,
Newport News (Independent City),
Alachua County Waccabuc Historic District, 15000252
Hawthorne Cemetery, FL 20, Hawthorne, Mead St. & portions of Tarry-A-Bit Dr., Post Norfolk Independent City
15000221 Office & Chapel Rds., Lewisboro, 15000236
Norfolk and Western Railroad Historic
GEORGIA NORTH CAROLINA District, Parts of 21st through 27th Sts.,
Cobb County Bowden’s Ferry Rd., Colley, Colonial,
Cumberland County Debree, Llewellyn, Monticello Aves.,
Johnston’s River Line (Boundary Increase and Smith, Dr. Ezekiel Ezra, House, 135 S. Blount Norfolk (Independent City), 15000253
Additional Documentation), (Chattahooche St., Fayetteville, 15000237
River Line Battlefield MPS), 6700 Rockbridge County
Discovery Blvd.,Mableton, 15000222 Currituck County Boxerwood, 963 Ross Rd., Lexington,
Union Field Fortifications at Henderson Flyway Club, 221 Marsh Causeway Rd., 15000254
Road, (Chattahooche River Line Battlefield Knotts Island, 15000238 WISCONSIN
MPS), 6000 Henderson Rd. SE., Mableton,
15000223 OREGON Dane County
ILLINOIS Josephine County University of Wisconsin Memorial Union,
Lippincott, William J. and Sarah Wagner, 800 Langdon St., Madison, 15000255
Clay County
House, 14601 Watergap Rd., Williams, WYOMING
Clay County Courthouse, 300 Broadway St., 15000239
Louisville, 15000224 Sublette County
Linn County Craig Cabin, The, Approx. 4 mi. E. of Dell &
Cook County
Albany Hebrew Cemetery, 3165 Salem Ave., Jack Creeks, Bondurant, 15000256
Peck and Hills Furniture Company SE., Albany, 15000240 [FR Doc. 2015–09531 Filed 4–23–15; 8:45 am]
Warehouse, 909 W. Bliss St., Chicago,
15000225 PENNSYLVANIA BILLING CODE 4312–51–P
Tazewell County Montgomery County
North Eighth Street Plaza, 1500–1532 N. 8th Stewart, Walter and Gertrude May, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
St., Pekin, 15000226 Farmstead, 2600 Line Lexington Rd.,
Hartfield Township, 15000241 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
IOWA
Northampton County [MMAA104000]
Montgomery County
Villisca National Guard Armory, 316 E. 3rd Gosztonyi Savings and Trust, 530 E. 3rd St.,
Information Collection: Prospecting for
St., Villisca, 15000227 Bethlehem, 15000242
Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and
MISSOURI RHODE ISLAND Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf
Washington County and Authorizations of Noncommercial
Jasper County Geological and Geophysical Activities;
Murphysburg Historic District, (Historic Dunes Club, The, 137 Boston Neck Rd., Proposed Collection for OMB Review;
Resources of Joplin, Missouri), Roughly Narragansett, 15000243
Comment Request
bounded by S. Sergeant, S. Pearl & S. Byers TEXAS
Aves., W. 1st, W. 4th & W. 7th Sts., Joplin, ACTION: 30-day notice.
15000228 Bell County
Killeen High School, 101 N. College St., SUMMARY: To comply with the
NEW YORK
Killeen, 15000244 Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Bronx County (PRA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Bexar County Management (BOEM) is notifying the
Williamsbridge Oval Park, Reservoir Oval E.,
& W., Bronx, 15000229 Milam Building, 115 E. Travis St., San public that we have submitted an
Antonio, 15000246 information collection request (ICR) to
Dutchess County
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Dallas County the Office of Management and Budget
Murphy Grist Mill, 138 Beekman Poughquag (OMB) for review and approval. The ICR
Rd., Beekman, 15000230 One Main Place, 1201 Main St., Dallas,
15000245 pertains to the regulations under 30 CFR
Essex County 580, Prospecting for Minerals Other
Crown Point Green Historic District, Park Tyler County than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer
Ave., Creek Rd., NY 9N/22, Crown Point, Tyler County Courthouse, 100 W. Bluff St., Continental Shelf, as well as
15000231 Woodville, 15000247 authorizations of noncommercial
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Notices 23051
geological and geophysical (G&G) and shell resources for certain specified authorize Federal agencies to recover
activities issued pursuant to Section 11 types of public uses. The specified uses the full cost of services that confer
of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands will support construction of special benefits. All G&G permits for
Act (OCSLA). This notice provides the governmental projects for beach commercial prospecting are subject to
public a second opportunity to nourishment, shore protection, and cost recovery, and BOEM regulations
comment on the paperwork burden of wetlands enhancement, or any such specify service fees for these requests.
this collection. project authorized by the Federal The authority to carry out these
DATES: Submit written comments by Government. responsibilities is contained in
May 26, 2015. Section 1340 of the OCSLA states that regulations under 30 CFR 580, as well
ADDRESSES: Submit comments on this ‘‘. . . any person authorized by the as OCSLA Section 11 (43 U.S.C.
ICR to the Desk Officer for the Secretary may conduct geological and 1340(a)(1)), which is the subject of this
Department of the Interior at OMB– geophysical explorations in the [O]uter information collection renewal. BOEM
OIRA at (202) 395–5806 (fax) or OIRA_ Continental Shelf, which do not uses the information to ensure there is
submission@omb.eop.gov (email). Please interfere with or endanger actual no environmental degradation, personal
provide a copy of your comments to the operations under any lease maintained harm, or unsafe operations and
Information Collection Clearance or granted pursuant to this Act, and conditions, damage to historical or
Officer, Bureau of Ocean Energy which are not unduly harmful to aquatic archaeological sites, or interference with
Management, 45600 Woodland Road, life in such area.’’ Geological and other uses; to analyze and evaluate
Sterling, Virginia 20166 (mail) or geophysical exploration can only be preliminary or planned mining
nicole.mason@boem.gov (email). Please performed pre-lease under a permit, activities; to monitor progress and
reference ICR 1010–0072 in your authorization, or scientific research activities in the OCS; to acquire G&G
comment and include your name and notice. The section further requires that data and information collected under a
return address. permits to conduct such activities may Federal permit offshore; and to
only be issued if it is determined that determine eligibility for reimbursement
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
the applicant is qualified; the activities from the Government for certain costs.
Office of Policy, Regulations, and
do not result in pollution or create Respondents are required to submit
Analysis at nicole.mason@boem.gov
hazardous or unsafe conditions; the form BOEM–0134 to provide the
(email) or (703) 787–1025 (phone). You
activities do not unreasonably interfere information necessary to evaluate their
may review the ICR online at http:// with other uses of the area or disturb qualifications, and upon approval,
www.reginfo.gov. Follow the any site, structure, or object of historical respondents are issued a permit or
instructions to review Department of the or archaeological significance. authorization.
Interior collections under review by Prospecting for marine minerals BOEM uses the information collected
OMB. includes certain aspects of exploration to understand the G&G characteristics of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: as defined in the OCSLA at 43 U.S.C. marine mineral-bearing physiographic
OMB Control Number: 1010–0072. 1331(k). The term ‘‘exploration’’ means regions of the OCS. The information
Title: 30 CFR 580, Prospecting for the process of searching for minerals, aids BOEM in obtaining a proper
Minerals other than Oil, Gas, and including geophysical surveys where balance among the potentials for
Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf magnetic, gravity, seismic, or other environmental damage, the discovery of
and Authorizations of Noncommercial systems are used to detect or imply the marine minerals, and associated impacts
Geological and Geophysical (G&G) presence of such minerals. The OCSLA on affected coastal States.
Activities. requires all parties who are prospecting In this renewal, BOEM is expanding
Form: BOEM–0134, Requirements for marine minerals for commercial the use of form BOEM–0134 to include
G&G Prospecting, Exploration, or purposes to be authorized. The OCSLA applications to conduct noncommercial
Scientific Research on the OCS Related also requires non-Federal parties (such prospecting (exploration) of marine
to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and as State agencies and contractors of minerals, such as OCS sand, gravel, and
Sulphur. State agencies) to obtain authorization shell resources for public use. BOEM is
Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf from the Secretary to conduct also updating the form to clarify the
(OCS) Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended noncommercial G&G exploration types of copies being requested, delete
(43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. and 43 U.S.C. activities (see 43 U.S.C. 1340(a)(1)). incorrect language, make
1801 et seq.), authorizes the Secretary of As a Federal agency, BOEM has a recommendations for faster processing,
the Interior (Secretary) to prescribe rules responsibility to comply with the update addresses, and reference
and regulations to administer leasing of National Environmental Policy Act environmental mitigation requirements.
the OCS. Section 1337(k) of the OCS (NEPA), Endangered Species Act, and To respond to the types of questions
Lands Act authorizes the Secretary Marine Mammal Protection Act, among BOEM receives on the form, BOEM is
‘‘. . . to grant to the qualified persons other environmental laws. This includes also clarifying wording, providing
offering the highest cash bonuses on a a substantive duty not to take any examples/tables to reduce confusion,
basis of competitive bidding leases of agency action that may affect a and clarifying Regional differences,
any mineral other than oil, gas, and protected species, as well as a when necessary, to further assist
sulphur in any area of the outer procedural duty to consult with the U.S. applicants. BOEM is not asking for more
Continental Shelf not then under lease Fish and Wildlife Service and National information, just outlining current
for such mineral upon such royalty, Marine Fisheries Service, when requirements in more detail. However,
rental, and other terms and conditions warranted, before engaging in a to better account for the requirement to
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
as the Secretary may prescribe at the discretionary action that may affect a submit environmental information
time of offering the area for lease.’’ An protected species. sufficient for the environmental review,
amendment to the OCS Lands Act (Pub. The Independent Offices BOEM is increasing the burden hours
L. 103–426) authorizes the Secretary to Appropriations Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), the from 10 to 88 hours for all OCS Regions.
negotiate agreements (in lieu of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. We are also adding the terms
previously required competitive bidding 104–133, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, ‘‘authorization(s)’’ and ‘‘exploration’’
process) for the use of OCS sand, gravel, 1996), and the OMB Circular A–25 throughout the form so that the form
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BURDEN TABLE—Continued
Average number
Citation 30 CFR part 580, as Annual burden
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements Hour burden of annual
applicable hours
responses
Non-Hour Cost Burden 1
72(b) ...................................... Submit in not less than 5 days comments on BOEM’s in- 4 1 response ........ 4
tent to disclose data/information.
72(d) ...................................... Contractor submits written commitment not to sell, trade, li- 4 2 submissions ... 8
cense, or disclose data/information.
Subtotal ............................................................................................... ........................ 13 Responses .. 44
General
Part 580 ................................. General departure and alternative compliance requests not 4 1 request .......... 4
specifically covered elsewhere in Part 580 regulations.
Permits 4 ................................ Request extension of permit/authorization time period ........ 1 2 extensions ..... 2
Permits 4 ................................ Retain G&G data/information for 10 years and make avail- 1 4 respondents .. 4
able to BOEM upon request..
Subtotal ............................................................................................... ........................ 7 Responses .... 10
Total Burden ............ ............................................................................................... ........................ 41 Responses .. 488
$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.
Estimated Reporting and announcing that we would submit this to withhold your personal identifying
Recordkeeping ‘‘Non-Hour Cost’’ ICR to OMB for approval. This notice information from public review, we
Burden: We have identified one non- provided the required 60-day comment cannot guarantee that we will be able to
hour cost burden for this collection. period. We received two comments. The do so.
Under § 580.12(a), there is an first comment is not germane to the Dated: April 14, 2015.
application fee of $2,012 when collection; and the second comment, Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
respondents submit a permit application from North American Submarine Cable Chief, Office of Policy, Regulations, and
(refer to the table above). Respondents Association (NASCA), urges BOEM to Analysis.
conducting scientific research are modify form BOEM–0134 to require [FR Doc. 2015–09589 Filed 4–23–15; 8:45 am]
required only to file a notice with permit applicants to identify and
BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P
BOEM and are not subject to the cost coordinate with NASCA with respect to
recovery fee. submarine cables in the vicinity of any
Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA planned marine minerals activities.
(44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) provides that an BOEM appreciates the detailed JUDICIAL CONFERENCE OF THE
agency may not conduct or sponsor a comments that NASCA submitted. We UNITED STATES
collection of information unless it noted the new suggested mitigation
displays a currently valid OMB control Meeting of the Judicial Conference
measures not included in prior NASCA Committee on Rules of Practice and
number. Until OMB approves a comments. Please note that a reference
collection of information, you are not Procedure
to submarine does appear in the form
obligated to respond. itself (under General Requirements of AGENCY: Judicial Conference of the
Comments: We invite comments Permits and Notices paragraph E). United States.
concerning this information collection Furthermore, we will add ‘‘Submarine ACTION: Notice of open meeting.
on: Cable Coordination’’ to the list of
• Whether or not the collection of Stipulations we attach to every permit. SUMMARY: The Committee on Rules of
information is necessary, including The NASCA would need to provide Practice and Procedure will hold a two-
whether or not the information will points of contact etc., for the permittee. day meeting. The meeting will be open
have practical utility; The matter would then be dealt with to public observation but not
• The accuracy of our burden participation.
between the permittee and NASCA.
estimates;
• Ways to enhance the quality, utility, Public Availability of Comments: DATES: May 28–29, 2015, 8:30 a.m. to
and clarity of the information to be Before including your address, phone 5:00 p.m.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
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• Ways to minimize the burden on personal identifying information in your Judiciary Building, Mecham Conference
respondents. comment, you should be aware that Center, One Columbus Circle NE.,
To comply with the public your entire comment—including your Washington, DC 20544.
consultation process, on December 30, personal identifying information—may FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
2014, BOEM published a Federal be made publicly available at any time. Rules Committee Support Office,
Register notice (79 FR 78473) While you can ask us in your comment Administrative Office of the United
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