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.