Form MMS-327 Aplication for Permit to Conduct G&G Exploration

OMB Control No. 1010-0048

OMB Approval Expires: August 31, 2012

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE

______________________________________________________________________

(Insert Appropriate Regional Office)

Requirements for Geological and Geophysical Explorations

or Scientific Research in the Outer Continental Shelf

Application for Permit to Conduct Geological or Geophysical

Exploration for Mineral Resources or Scientific Research

in the Outer Continental Shelf

(Attachment 1)

Nonexclusive Use Agreement for Scientific Research

(Attachment 2)

SUBMIT: Original, two copies, and one public information copy (all with original signatures).

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) requires us to inform you that the Minerals Management Service (MMS) collects this information to evaluate applications for permits to conduct pre-lease exploration offshore and to monitor activities of scientific research conducted under notices. The MMS uses the information to ensure there is no environmental degradation, personnel harm, damage to historical or cultural sites, or interference with other uses. Responses are mandatory to obtain a benefit. Proprietary information is protected in accordance with standards established by the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 (30 U.S.C. 1733), the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552(1), (4)), and the Department regulations (43 CFR 2). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget control number. The reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 6 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this form to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, Minerals Management Service, Mail Stop 5438, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240.

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE

REQUIREMENTS FOR GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATIONS

OR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

Authority

You must perform all geological and geophysical explorations or scientific research activities authorized and conducted in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) according to the OCS Lands Act, 30 CFR Part 251, and other applicable Federal statutes and regulations, and amendments thereto.

General Requirements of Permits and Notices

You must conduct geological and geophysical activities for mineral exploration or scientific research activities authorized under 30 CFR Part 251 so that those activities do not:

A. Interfere with or endanger operations under any lease or right-of-way or permit issued or maintained pursuant to the OCS Lands Act;

B. Cause harm or damage to aquatic life or to the marine, coastal, or human environment;

C. Cause pollution;

D. Create hazardous or unsafe conditions;

E. Unreasonably interfere with or harm other uses of the area; or

F. Disturb archaeological resources.

Any person conducting geological or geophysical activities for mineral exploration or scientific research under 30 CFR Part 251 must immediately report to the Director, MMS:

A. Detection of hydrocarbon occurrences;

B. Encounters of environmental hazards that constitute an imminent threat to human activity; or

C. Activities that adversely affect the environment, aquatic life, archaeological resources, or other uses of the area in which the exploration or scientific research activities are conducted.

Any person conducting shallow or deep stratigraphic test drilling activities under a permit for mineral exploration or scientific research under 30 CFR Part 251 must utilize the best available and safest technologies that MMS determines to be economically feasible.

The authorization that MMS grants you under 30 CFR Part 251 to conduct geological and geophysical explorations for minerals or for scientific research does not confer a right to any discovered oil, gas, or other minerals, or to a lease under the OCS Lands Act.

Time Restriction for Permits and Notices

Permitted activities approved for a specified period, including requests for extensions, and activities under a notice may not exceed 1 year.

Geological and Geophysical Activities Requiring Permits and Notices

Geological and Geophysical Explorations for Mineral Resources

You may not conduct geological and geophysical explorations for mineral resources in the OCS without an approved permit unless you conduct such activities pursuant to a lease issued or maintained under the OCS Lands Act. You must obtain separate permits for either geological or geophysical explorations for mineral resources. If MMS disapproves an application, the statement of rejection will state the reasons for the denial and will advise the applicant of those changes needed to obtain approval.

Geological and Geophysical Scientific Research

You may not conduct geological and geophysical scientific research related to oil, gas, and sulphur in the OCS without an approved application for permit or filing of a notice. You must obtain separate permits for geological and geophysical scientific research that involves the use of solid or liquid explosives or the drilling of a deep stratigraphic test. If MMS disapproves an application for permit, the statement of rejection will state the reasons for the denial and will advise the applicant of the changes needed to obtain approval.

You must file a notice with the MMS at least 30 days before you begin scientific research not requiring a permit. We may inform you of all environmental laws and regulations pertaining to the OCS.

Information Required for Permits

Each applicant for a permit must complete the applicable sections of the Application for Permit (Attachment 1) and must include a page-size plat(s) showing the location of the proposed activity. The plat(s) should show geographic coordinates relative to the MMS area and block numbers, an easily identified onshore point of reference, and the distance and direction from the point of reference to area of activity. Line locations should not be included on these plat(s). In addition, each applicant for a geological or geophysical permit must submit the appropriate attachment to section D of the application. Each applicant for a scientific research permit must also complete a Nonexclusive Use Agreement (Attachment 2).

The information provided on the Application for Permit (excluding section D) and on the Nonexclusive Use Agreement, including continuation sheets and the page-size plat(s), is considered NON-PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. These non-proprietary portions of the application constitute the “public information” copy of Form 327 and with the executed permit will be available to the public upon request.

The information listed in section D is considered PROPRIETARY INFORMATION and you should NOT attach it to the public information copy. The MMS will not make this information available to the public without the consent of the potential permittee or for a period mandated by law or regulation. However, MMS may determine that earlier release is necessary for the proper development of the area permitted.

Modifications to Approved Permits

The MMS Regional Supervisor must approve any modification to the permitted operations.

Filing Locations for Permits to Conduct Explorations for Mineral

Resources and for Permits or Notices to Conduct Scientific Research

File each notice or application for a permit in triplicate, plus one public information copy, at the following locations 30 days before you begin operations:

A. For the OCS off the State of Alaska:

Regional Supervisor for Resource Evaluation

Minerals Management Service

Alaska OCS Region

3801 Centerpoint Drive

Suite #500

Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5820

B. For the OCS in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Atlantic Coast:

Regional Supervisor for Resource Evaluation

Minerals Management Service

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard

New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394

C. For the OCS off the States of California, Oregon, Washington, or Hawaii:

Chief, Office of Reservoir Evaluation & Production

Minerals Management Service

Pacific OCS Region

770 Paseo Camarillo

Camarillo, California 93010-6092

Attachment 1

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE

______________________________________________

(Insert Appropriate Regional Office)

APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO CONDUCT GEOLOGICAL OR GEOPHYSICAL

EXPLORATION FOR MINERAL RESOURCES OR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

(Section 11, Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of August 7, 1953, as amended on September 18, 1978, by Public Law 95-372, 92 Statute 629, 43 U.S.C. 1340; and 30 CFR Part 251)

______________________________________________________________

Name of Applicant

______________________________________________________________

Number and Street

______________________________________________________________

City, State, and Zip Code

______________________________________________________________

Name of Service Company or Purchaser

(if different from above)

Application is made for the following activity: (check one)

_______Geological exploration for mineral resources

_______Geological scientific research

_______Geophysical exploration for mineral resources

_______Geophysical scientific research

Submit: Original, two copies, and one public information copy.

================================================

To be completed by MMS

Permit Number: __________________________ Date: ________________________

A. General Information

1. The activity will be conducted by:

________________________________ For_________________________________

Service Company Name Purchaser(s) of the Data

________________________________ ________________________________

Address Address

________________________________ ________________________________

City, State, Zip City, State, Zip

________________________________ ________________________________

Telephone/FAX Numbers Telephone/FAX Numbers

________________________________ ________________________________

E-Mail Address E-Mail Address

2. The purpose of the activity is: _________ Mineral exploration

_________ Scientific research

3. Describe the environmental effects of the proposed activity, including potential adverse effects on marine life and what steps are planned to minimize these adverse effects (use continuation sheets as necessary):

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

4. The expected commencement date is: ________________________________________________

The expected completion date is: ___________________________________________________

5. The name of the individual in charge of the field operation is: ____________________________

May be contacted at: _____________________________________________________________

Telephone (Local) ______________________ (Marine) _______________________________

Radio call sign ___________________________

6. The vessel(s) to be used in the operation is (are):

Name ________________________________ Registry number _________________________

Registered owner ________________________________________________________________

7. The port from which the vessel(s) will operate is: ______________________________________

8. Briefly describe the navigation system (vessel navigation only): ___________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

B. Complete for Geological Exploration for Mineral Resources or

Geological Scientific Research

1. The type of operation(s) to be employed is: (check one)

(a) __________ Deep stratigraphic test, or

(b) __________ Shallow stratigraphic test with proposed total depth of ___________, or

(c) __________ Other ____________________________________________________

2. Exact geographic coordinates of proposed test(s) (attach a page-size plat(s)): ________________

______________________________________________________________________________

C. Complete for Geophysical Exploration for Mineral Resources or

Geophysical Scientific Research

1. Proposed location of the activity (attach a page-size plat(s)): _____________________________

2. The type(s) of operation(s) to be employed is (are): ____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

(Seismic, gravity, magnetic, etc.)

3. The instrumentation and/or technique(s) to be used in the operation(s) is (are): _______________

___________________________________________________________________________

(Air gun, sparker, etc.)

4. Explosive charges will ______ will not ______ be used. If applicable, indicate the type of explosive and maximum charge size (in pounds) to be used:

Type ___________________ Pounds ____________ Equivalent Pounds of TNT ___________

D. Proprietary Information Attachments

Use the appropriate form on page 9 for a “geological” permit application or the form on page 10 for a “geophysical” permit application. You must submit a separate Form MMS-327 to apply for each geological or geophysical permit.

E. Certification

I hereby certify that foregoing and attached information are true and correct.

SIGNED ____________________________________________ DATE _____________________

TITLE __________________________________________________________________________

================================================

TO BE COMPLETED BY MMS

Permit No.__________________ Assigned by ________________________________ Date ________

of MMS

This application is hereby:

a. _____ Approved

b. _____ Returned for reasons in the attached

The approved permit is:

a. _____ Attached

b. _____ Will be forwarded at a later date

SIGNED __________________________ TITLE Regional Supervisor DATE _____________

Section D Proprietary Information Attachment

Required for an Application for Geological Permit

1. Description of method of drilling or sampling, including depth: ______________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

2. Description of drilling or sampling equipment to be used: ___________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

3. Number of boring or sample locations to be occupied: ______________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

4. Navigation system or method to be used to position sample locations: _________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

5. Method of sample analyses, storage, and handling: ________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

6. Description and list of the final analyzed and/or processed data that will result from operations

under the proposed activity: _________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

7. Estimated date on which samples, logs, and analyzed and/or processed data will be ready for

inspection: _______________________________________________________________________

8. Attach map(s), plat(s), and chart(s) (preferably at a scale of 1:250,000) showing latitude and longitude, scale, specific block numbers, specific boring sample locations, and total number of borings or samples proposed.

Section D Proprietary Information Attachment

Required for an Application for Geophysical Permit

1. Detailed narrative and visual description of the energy source(s) and streamer(s) (receiving array):

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

2. Total energy output per impulse (in db) and frequency range: __________________________________________________________________________________

3. Shot frequency per linear mile: __________________________________________________________________________________

4. Towing depth of the energy source: ____________________________________________________

5. Towing depth of the streamer: ________________________________________________________

6. Navigation system or method to be used to position shotpoint locations: _______________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

7. Area of activity and total number of line miles proposed: ___________________________________

8. Description and list of the final processed data that will result from operations under the proposed

activity: __________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

9. Estimated date on which processed data will be available for inspection: _______________________

10. Attach map(s), plat(s), and chart(s) (preferably at a scale of 1:250,000) showing latitude and longitude, scale, specific block numbers, specific track lines with line identifications, and the total number of line miles proposed.

Attachment 2

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE

______________________________________________

(Insert Appropriate Regional Office)

NONEXCLUSIVE USE AGREEMENT FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

A. State the time and manner in which data and information resulting from the proposed activity will be made available to the public for inspection and reproduction, such time being the earliest practicable time.

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

B. ____________________________________ (applicant) agrees that the data and information resulting from the proposed activity will not be sold or withheld for exclusive use.

_____________________________________________

(Signature of Applicant)

_____________________________________________

(Type or Print Name of Applicant)

_____________________________________________

(Title)

_____________________________________________

(Date)

Submit: Original, two copies, and one public information copy.

MMS Form MMS-327 (October 2009 - Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 11 of 14