eological and
Geophysical Exploration Regulations
Geological and Geophysical Exploration Regulations/Coordination
Geological and geophysical (G&G) surveys and activities provide information and
data used by government and industry to analyze and evaluate the potential for oil and gas
resources and potential geologic hazards of offshore areas. The G&G data collection
begins prior to leasing and continues throughout the term of the lease.
Pursuant to 30 CFR 251.4, a permit must be obtained in order to conduct either
geological or geophysical exploration for mineral resources, except exploration by a
lessee on a lease. A permit is required also for geological or geophysical scientific
research. Scientific research that involves shallow test drilling requires only a notice
of intent. A permit gives the permittee the right to conduct specified G&G exploration
in accordance with appropriate statutes, regulations, and stipulations, and limits the
permittee's activities to specified areas for a specified period of time of not more than
one year, unless a permit is issued by MMS.
"Geological exploration for mineral resources" means any operation conducted
on the OCS that uses geological and geochemical techniques, including, but not limited to,
core and test drilling, well logging techniques, and various bottom-sampling methods, to
produce information and data, in support of possible exploration and development
activities, including pipelines. "Geophysical exploration for mineral resources"
means any operation conducted on the OCS that uses geophysical techniques, including, but
not limited to, gravity, magnetic, and seismic survey methods to produce information and
data in support of possible exploration and development activities. "Geological or
geophysical scientific research" means any scientific research investigation
conducted on the OCS using solid or liquid explosives, or deep stratigraphic test
drilling, that includes the gathering and analysis of geological or geophysical data and
information which are made available to the public.
Permit applications for G&G activities must be submitted to MMS in accordance with
the requirements outlined in 30 CFR 251.5 and 30 CFR 251.6 and explained further in
applicable Letters to Permittees. The Letter to Permittees dated January 20, 1989,
specifies forms and maps, stipulations, and special provisions applicable to most permit
activity.
The 30 CFR 251 regulations do not apply to G&G activities conducted by, or on
behalf of, a lessee on a leased block. Such G&G activities are governed by 30 CFR 250
regulations and by applicable Letters to Lessees and Operators.
When required under a coastal zone management program approved under the Coastal Zone
Management Act, proposed G&G permit activities must receive State concurrence prior to
MMS permit approval and issuance (30 CFR 251.6-2(c)(1)). The Gulf Coast States are not
involved in the review process for specific G&G permit applications, except for
continental offshore stratigraphic tests (COST). A COST, or deep stratigraphic test well,
by definition of 30 CFR 251.2, is penetration into the sea bottom of more than 50 ft (15
m) of consolidated rock or a total penetration of more than 300 ft (91 m). Test drilling
to depths less than these is considered shallow test drilling. In accordance with 30 CFR
251.6-2, a Drilling Plan and an Environmental Report must be submitted with a permit
application to drill a COST well. Both the Drilling Plan and the Environmental Report are
made available to appropriate Federal agencies and the public. Both deep and shallow test
drilling must use the best and safest technology.
Upon receiving a complete G&G permit application, MMS prepares a Categorical
Exclusion Review (CER), an Environmental Assessment (EA), or an EIS in accordance with
NEPA and applicable MMS policies and guidelines. Most G&G permits require a CER. An EA
is automatically required for COST wells, for operations involving the use of explosives,
and for other activities that have the potential to significantly affect the quality of
the human environment. For G&G permit applications proposing the use of explosives,
the MMS may require additional environmental information and may initiate Endangered
Species Act Section 7 consultation.