[Federal Register: June 30, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 125)] [Notices] [Page 35177-35178] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr30jn99-102] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [WO-310-00-1310 24 1A] Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection; OMB Approval No. 1004-0162 AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Paperwork Reduction Act requires Federal agencies to announce their intentions to request extension of approval for collecting information from individuals. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces its intention to request extension of approval for collecting certain information from entities who (1) submit a Notice of Intent to Conduct Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations (Form 3150-4) of Federal lands, and (2) summit a Notice of Completion of Oil and Gas Exploration Operations (Form 3150-5), BLM uses the information to determine who is conducting geophysical operations on public lands and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect the environment as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must be received by August 30, 1999 to be considered. ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to: Regulatory Affairs Group (WO- 630), Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C St., NW., Mail Stop 401 LS, Washington, DC 20240. Comments may be sent via the Internet to: WoComment@wo.blm.gov. Please include ``Attn: 1004-0162 and your name and address in your Internet address. Comments may be hand delivered to the Bureau of Land Management Administrative Record, Room 401, 1620 L Street, NW, Washington DC 20036. Comments will be available for public inspection and review at the L Street address during regular business hours, 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Gamble, Fluid Minerals Group, (202) 452-0338. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d) BLM is required to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning a collection of information contained in published current rules and other collection instrument to solicit comments on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The Mineral Leasing Act (MLA) of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), gives the Secretary of the Interior responsibility for oil and gas leasing on approximately 570 million acres of public lands and national forests, and private lands where minerals rights have been retained by the Federal Government. The Act of August 7, 1947 (Mineral Leasing Act of Acquired Lands), authorizes the Secretary to lease lands acquired by the United States (30 U.S.C. 341-359). The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) establishes a public land policy and provides for the management, protection, development, and enhancement of the public lands. The regulations at 43 CFR Group 3150 establish procedures for conducting oil and gas geophysical exploration operations on public lands when authorization for such operations is required from the BLM. The Notice of Intent to Conduct Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations (Form 3150-4) and the Notice of Completion of Oil and Gas Exploration Operations (Form 3140-5) were developed in 1990, and the information required from the public remains the same. BLM needs the information requested on the Notice of Intent to allow it to process applications for geophysical exploration operations on public lands and to manage environmental compliance requirements in accordance with the laws, regulations, and land use plans. BLM uses the information to determine that geophysical operations activities will be conducted in a manner consistent with the regulations, local land use plans, and Environmental Assessments. BLM needs the information requested on the Notice of Completion to determine whether rehabilitation of the lands is satisfactory or whether additional rehabilitation is necessary. [[Page 35178]] The forms may be submitted in person or by mail to the proper BLM office. The company name, address, and telephone number is needed to identify the person/entity conducting operations. BLM assigns the BLM Case Number to track each specific operation. Where a particular operation requires State approval also, the State Case Number is assigned by the appropriate State agency so that the Bureau may coordinate exploration activity with the State. The legal land description is required to determine where the involved public lands are located. Based on its experience administering onshore oil and gas geophysical exploration activities, BLM estimates the public reporting burden for completing the Notice of Intent to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations (Form 3150-4) is 1 hour, and for completing the Notice of Completion of Oil and Gas Exploration Operations (Form 3150- 5) is an average of 20 minutes. The information required is clearly outlined on the form and in the terms and conditions attached. The information is already maintained by the respondents for their own record-keeping purposes and needs only to be transferred or attached to the forms. BLM estimates the approximately 600 notices of intent and 600 notices of completion will be filed annually, with a total annual burden of 800 hours. Respondents vary from small businesses to major corporations. Any interested member of the public may request and obtain, without charge, a copy of Form 3150-4 or 3150-5 by contacting the person identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will also become part of the public record. Dated: June 25, 1999. Carole J. Smith, Information Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 99-16687 Filed 6-29-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-84-M