Supporting Statement

Supporting Statement A

Oil and Gas Well Stimulation, Including Hydraulic Fracturing, on Federal and Indian Lands (43 CFR Part 3160)

OMB Control Number 1004-XXXX

Terms of Clearance: None.

General Instructions

A completed Supporting Statement A must accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement must be prepared in the format described below, and must contain the information specified below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When the question “Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods?” is checked "Yes," then a Supporting Statement B must be completed. OMB reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.

Specific Instructions

Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has the following authorities for collecting information from those who wish to undertake well stimulation operations in connection with oil and gas operations on public lands and tribal lands (except on the Osage Reservation, the Crow Reservation, and certain other areas):

1. The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.);

2. The Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 (30 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);

3. The Act of August 7, 1947 (Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands) (30 U.S.C. 351‑359);

4. The Indian Mineral Leasing Act, 25 U.S.C. 396 and 396a;

5. The Indian Mineral Development Act, 25 U.S.C. 2101;

6. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969;

7. The regulations at 43 CFR part 3160; and

8. Onshore Order Number 7, Disposal of Produced Water.

As part of a proposed rule on well stimulation, the BLM requests a new control number for new uses and burdens that would be associated with BLM Form 3160-5, Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells. Form 3160-5 has been approved by OMB for uses enumerated at 43 CFR 3162.3-2, and is one of 17 information collection activities that are included in control number 1004-0137, Onshore Oil and Gas Operations (43 CFR Part 3160) (expiration date October 31, 2014).

Upon publication of a final well stimulation rule and OMB’s approval of a new control number for the information collection activities in that final rule, the BLM plans to request that OMB merge the new control number, and the new uses and burdens, with control number 1004-0137.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection. Be specific. If this collection is a form or a questionnaire, every question needs to be justified.

Well stimulation techniques, including hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells, are used by oil and gas producers to increase oil and natural gas volumes. After drilling into hydrocarbon bearing rocks, producers use hydraulic fracturing to increase the effective permeability of oil and gas bearing strata and thereby increase oil and gas production.

The recent increased use of well stimulation practices, the development of new well stimulation technologies, the age of the current regulations (promulgated in 1982), and public concerns have led the BLM to consider updating its regulations pertaining to well stimulation. The existing regulations, at 43 CFR 3162.3-2, require prior BLM approval for “nonroutine fracturing jobs,” but not for “routine fracturing or acidizing jobs.” However, subsequent reports are required for all fracturing or acidizing jobs, whether routine or nonroutine. The existing regulations also require prior BLM approval and/or subsequent reports for a number of other operations, such as redrilling or deepening wells, and casing repairs.

The proposed rule is intended to increase transparency for the public regarding the fluids and additives used in well stimulation. The proposed rule would amend 43 CFR 3162.3-2 and add a new section 3162.3-3. The first of these regulations, section 3162.3-2, is titled, “Subsequent Well Operations.” OMB has approved the use of Form 3160-5 under control number 1004-0137 for the operations listed in existing section 3162.3-2. As amended, section 3162.3-2 would no longer include well stimulation jobs (i.e., nonroutine fracturing, routine fracturing, and acidizing) on the list of operations for which prior approval and subsequent reports would be required. Other categories of operations would remain subject to the information collection requirements in section 3162.3-2. Once the BLM is authorized to collect well-stimulation information under new section 3162.3-3 and a new control number, the BLM will request revision of control number 1004-0137 by removing the well-stimulation burdens from the existing approval of Form 3160-5.

New section 3162.3-3 would replace existing section 3162.3-3, which would be renumbered and revised as section 3162.3-4, and conforming changes would be made in the numbering of the rest of the regulations in 43 CFR Subpart 3162. In general, new 43 CFR 3162.3-3 would require operators to use Form 3160-5 both to seek prior BLM approval of well stimulation operations, and to submit a report on subsequent actual well stimulation operations. It would also encourage operators to use Form 3160-5 if they want to request a variance from the requirements of new section 3162.3-3.

Request for Prior Approval (i.e., Notice of Intent Sundry)

Section 3162.3-3(a) of the proposed rule would require operators to submit information on proposed well stimulation operations, for prior approval by the BLM. This information, called a Notice of Intent (NOI) Sundry in the proposed rule, would be required to be submitted to the BLM at least 30 days before the date the operator wants to begin well stimulation operations. The information to be included in this Notice of Intent Sundry, and the reasons for requiring it, are listed in the following table.

Proposed Regulation 43 CFR	Proposed Regulatory Text	Rationale
§ 3162.3-3(b)(1)	The geological names, a geological description, and the proposed measured depth of the top and the bottom of the formation into which well stimulation fluids are to be injected.	The BLM would use the information to determine the properties of the rock layers and the thickness of the producing formation, and identify the confining rocks above and below the zone that would be stimulated.
§ 3162.3-3(b)(2)	The proposed measured depths (both top and bottom) of all occurrences of usable water and the Cement Bond Logs (or another log acceptable to the authorized officer) proving that the occurrences of usable water have been isolated to protect them from contamination.	The BLM would use the information to help protect water resources.
§ 3162.3-3(b)(3)	The proposed measured depth of perforations or the open-hole interval, the source and location(s) of the water used in the stimulation fluid or trade name of the base fluid (if other than water), type of proppants, and estimated pump pressures. Information concerning water supply, such as rivers, creeks, springs, lakes, ponds, and wells, which may be shown by quarter-quarter section on a map or plat, or which may be described in writing. The NOI Sundry must also identify the source, access route, and transportation method for all water anticipated for use in stimulating the well.	The BLM would use the information to determine the impacts associated with operations and the need for any mitigation applicable to Federal and Indian lands.
§ 3162.3-3(b)(4)	A certification signed by the operator that the proposed treatment fluid complies with all applicable permitting and notice requirements as well as all applicable Federal, tribal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.	The BLM would use the information to make an informed decision on the proposed well stimulation.
§ 3162.3-3(b)(5)	A detailed description of the proposed well stimulation design, including: (i) the estimated total volume of fluid to be used; (ii) The anticipated surface treating pressure range; (iii) The maximum injection treating pressure; and (iv) the estimated or calculated fracture length and fracture height.	The information would enable the BLM to verify that the proposed engineering design is adequate for safely conducting the proposed well stimulation, that the maximum wellbore design burst pressure will not be exceeded at any stage of the well stimulation operations, and that the intended effects of the well stimulation operation will remain confined to the petroleum-bearing rock layers and will not have unintended consequences for other rock layers, such as aquifers.
§ 3162.3-3(b)(6)	The following information concerning the handling of recovered fluids: (i) the estimated volume of fluid to be recovered during flow back, swabbing, and recovery from production facility vessels; (ii) The proposed methods of handling the recovered fluids, including, but not limited to, pit requirements, chemical composition of the fluid, pipeline requirements, holding pond use, re-use for other stimulation activities, or injection; and (iii) The proposed disposal method of the recovered fluids, including, but not limited to, injection, hauling by truck, or transporting by pipeline.	The BLM would use the information to ensure that the facilities needed to process or contain the estimated volume of fluid will be available on location, that the handling methods will adequately ensure protection of public health and safety, and that the BLM has all necessary information regarding disposal of chemicals used, in the event it is needed to protect the environment and human health and safety and to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of the public lands.
§ 3162.3-3(b)(7)	Additional information, as requested by the authorized officer.	The information would allow the BLM to make an informed decision about the proposed well stimulation if special circumstances exist.

Subsequent Report (i.e., Subsequent Report Sundry Notice)

Within 30 days after the completion of well stimulation operations, section 3162.3-3(f) of the proposed rule would require operators to submit a Subsequent Report Sundry Notice on Form 3160-5 (Sundry Notices and Report on Wells). The information to be included in this Subsequent Report, and the reasons for requiring it, are listed in the following table:

Proposed Regulation 43 CFR	Proposed Regulatory Text	Rationale
3162.3-3(d)(1)	A continuous record of the annulus pressure must be submitted with the required Subsequent Report Sundry Notice (Form 3160-5, Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells) identified in paragraph (f) of this section.	The BLM would use the information to ensure that well stimulation activities are conducted as designed. The infomraiton would also show that stimulation fluids are going to the formation for which they were intended.
3162.3-3(d)(2)	If during the stimulation the annulus pressure increases by more than 500 pounds per square inch as compared to the pressure immediately preceding the stimulation, the operator must orally notify the authorized officer as soon as practicable, but no later than 24 hours following the incident. Within 15 days after the occurrence, the operator must submit a report containing all details pertaining to the incident, including corrective actions taken, as part of a Subsequent Report Sundry Notice (Form 3160-5, Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells).	The BLM would use the information to ensure that stimulation fluids are going into the formation for which they were designed. The BLM also needs to obtain reasonable assurance that other resources are adequately protected.
§ 3162.3-3(f)(1)	The actual measured depth of perforations or the open-hole interval, the source and location(s) of the water used in the stimulation fluid or trade name of base fluid (if other than water), type of proppants, and estimated pump pressures. Information concerning water supply, such as rivers, creeks, springs, lakes, ponds, and wells, which may be shown by quarter-quarter section on a map or plat, or which may be described in writing. It must also identify the source, access route, and transportation method for all water used in stimulating the well.	The BLM would use the information to determine the impacts associated with operations and the need for any mitigation applicable to Federal and Indian lands.
§ 3162.3-3(f)(2)	The actual total volume of the fluid used.	The BLM would use the information to maintain a record of the stimulation operation as actually performed.
§ 3162.3-3(f)(3)	The actual surface pressure and rate at the end of each fluid stage, and the actual flush volume, rate, and final pump pressure.	The BLM would use the information to ensure that the maximum allowable pressure has not been exceeded at any stage of the well stimulation operation.
§ 3162.3-3(f)(4) and (5)	(4) A report (table) that discloses all additives of the actual stimulation fluid, by additive trade name and purpose (such as, but not limited to, acid, biocide, breaker, brine, corrosion inhibitor, crosslinker, demulsifier, friction reducer, gel, iron control, oxygen scavenger, pH adjusting agent, proppant, scale inhibitor, or surfactant); and (5) A report (table) that discloses the complete chemical makeup of all materials used in the actual stimulation fluid without regard to original source additive (see paragraph (f)(4) of this section). For each chemical, the operator must provide the Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number as well as the percentage by mass. The percent mass value is the mass value for each component (Mc) divided by the value of the entire fluid mass (Mt) times 100. (Mc/Mt)*100 = percent value. The percent mass values should be for the entire stimulation operation, not for the individual stages.	The BLM would use the information to maintain a record of the stimulation operation as performed.
§ 3162.3-3(f)(6)	The actual, estimated, or calculated fracture length and fracture height.	The BLM would use the information to verify that the intended effects of the well stimulation operation remain confined to the petroleum-bearing rock layers and will not have unintended consequences on other rock layers or aquifers.
§ 3162.3-3(f)(7)	The Subsequent Report Sundry Notice (Form 3160-5, Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells) may be completed in whole or in part, as applicable, by attaching the service contractor’s job log or other report, so long as the information required in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(6) of this section is complete and readily apparent.	This provision would allow the operator the flexibility to submit a copy of the service company contractor’s job log or other report in lieu of all or part of the data described above, so long as the required information is complete and readily apparent.
§ 3162.3-3(f)(8)	A certification signed by the operator that the treatment fluid used complies with all applicable permitting and notice requirements as well as all applicable Federal, tribal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.	The BLM would use the information to help protect public health and safety and obtain the operator’s self-certification of compliance with all necessary permits and notice requirements.
§ 3162.3-3(f)(9)	A certification signed by the operator that wellbore integrity was maintained throughout the operation, as required by paragraphs (c), (d)(1), and (d)(2) of this section.	The BLM would use the information to help protect public health and safety and obtain the operator’s self-certification that wellbore integrity was maintained throughout the operation.
§ 3162.3-3(f)(10)	The following information concerning the handling of recovered fluids: (i) The volume of fluid recovered during flow back, swabbing, or recovery from production facility vessels; (ii) The methods of handling the recovered fluids, including, but not limited to, pipeline requirements, holding pond use, re-use for other stimulation activities, or injection; and (iii) The disposal method of the recovered fluids, including, but not limited to, injection, hauling by truck, or transporting by pipeline. The disposal of fluids produced during the flow back from the well stimulation process must follow the requirements set out in Onshore Order Number 7, Disposal of Produced Water, Section III. B.	The BLM would use the information to help protect human health and safety and prevent the contamination of the environment. The BLM also needs to confirm that the disposal methods used are those that were approved and conform to the regulations.
§ 3162.3-3(f)(11)	If the actual operations deviate from the approved plan, the deviation(s) must be documented.	The BLM would use the information to maintain a record of any deviations of the operation from the approved plan in the event such information is needed to protect health and safety and prevent undue degradation of the environment.

Requesting a Variance

Proposed 43 CFR 3162.3-3(i) would read as follows:

Requesting a Variance from the Requirements of this Section. The operator may make a written request to the authorized officer to request a variance from the requirements under this section. The BLM encourages submission using a Sundry Notice (Form 3160-5, Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells).

(1) A request for a variance must specifically identify the regulatory provision of this section for which the variance is being requested, explain the reason the variance is needed, and demonstrate how the operator will satisfy the objectives of the regulation for which the variance is being requested.

(2) The authorized officer, after considering all relevant factors, may approve the variance, or approve it with one or more conditions of approval, only if the BLM determines that the proposed alternative meets or exceeds the objectives of the regulation for which the variance is being requested. The decision whether to grant or deny the variance request is entirely within the BLM’s discretion.

(3) A variance under this section does not constitute a variance to provisions of other regulations, laws, or orders.

(4) Due to changes in Federal law, technology, regulation, BLM policy, field operations, noncompliance, or other reasons, the BLM reserves the right to rescind a variance or modify any conditions of approval. The authorized officer must provide a written justification if a variance is rescinded or a condition of approval is modified.

Other Information Requested on Form 3160-5

In addition to the information discussed above, we obtain the following information on Form 3160-5:

(Item 1) Identify the type of well. The BLM needs this information to identify the type of well for the individual operation.

(Items 2-3) Identify the name of the operator, address, and telephone number. The BLM needs this information to identify the operator of the individual operation.

(Item 4) Identify the location of well. The BLM needs this information to identify the location of the well for the individual operation.

(Item 5) Identify the lease serial number. The BLM needs this information to identify the lease serial number of the individual operation.

(Item 6) Identify the BIA identifier if the action is on Indian land. The BLM needs this information to identify if the individual operation is on Indian land.

(Item7) Identify the unit or CA agreement name and number. The BLM needs this information to identify if the individual operation is within a unit or CA agreement.

(Item 8) Identify the well name and number. The BLM needs this information to identify the well name and number of the individual operation.

(Item 9) Identify the API well number. The BLM needs this information to identify the API well number of the individual operation.

(Item 10) Identify the field and pool or exploratory area. The BLM needs this information to identify the field and pool or exploratory area of the individual operation.

(Item 11) Identify the county or parish. The BLM needs this information to identify the county or parish of the individual operation.

(Item 12) Identify the appropriate notice, report, or other data. The BLM needs this information to identify the appropriate notice, report, or other data on the individual operation.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden and specifically how this collection meets GPEA requirements.

Form 3160-5 is electronically available to the public in fillable, printable format on BLM’s Forms Web site at http://www.blm.gov/noc/st/en/business/eForms.html. Respondents may choose to submit their forms electronically by scanning and then emailing them to the appropriate agency office.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

No duplication of information occurs in the information we collect. The requested information is unique to the operator/operating rights owner and the lease and is not available from any other data source. No similar information is available or able to be modified. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

The BLM is not required to collect information on whether the respondents qualify as small businesses or small entities. The information we require from all respondents is limited to the minimum necessary to authorize and regulate oil and gas operations on public lands.

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

If we did not collect the information, or collected it less frequently, oil and gas leasing activities and operations could not occur on Federal or Indian leases in compliance with pertinent statutes and policies.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

* requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

* requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

* requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

* requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;

* in connection with a statistical survey that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

* requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

* that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

* requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information, unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

There are no special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and in response to the PRA statement associated with the collection over the past three years, and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every three years — even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

The BLM will invite public comments on these collections in its proposed rule.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

We do not provide payments or gifts to the respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

The proposed rule includes the following provision, which would be codified at 43 CFR 3162.3-3(g) and (h):

(g) Identifying Information Claimed to be Exempt from Public Disclosure. At the time of submission of any information required under this section, operators must:

(1) Specifically identify particular information claimed to be exempted from public disclosure by a Federal statute or regulation;

(2) Identify the Federal statute or regulation that prohibits the public disclosure of each piece of particular information, and explain in detail why the information is subject to the prohibition of the identified Federal statute or regulation; and

(3) Inform the BLM whether the particular information is available to the public through other means, such as disclosures required by state law.

(h) Any information that is provided in accordance with this section for which the operator does not substantiate a reason for withholding under paragraph (g) of this section shall be deemed not to be protected by the Trade Secrets Act or other Federal law and shall be released to the public. Any information that is provided in accordance with this section may be released if the BLM determines that the information is not prohibited from disclosure by Federal law, after providing the operator no fewer than ten workdays notice of the BLM’s determination.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

We do not require respondents to answer questions of a sensitive nature.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

* Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

* If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.

* Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here.

The weighted average hourly costs for respondents, as a result of the proposed rule, are shown in Table 12-1, below, and were determined using national Bureau of Labor Statistics data at: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm. The benefits multiplier of 1.4 is supported by information at http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm.

Table 12-1 — Estimated Weighted Average Hourly Costs

A. Position	B. Mean Hourly Pay Rate	C. Hourly Rate with Benefits (Column B x 1.4)	D. Percent of Collection Time	E. Weighted Average Hourly Cost (Column C x Column D)
General Office Clerk (43-9061)	$13.58	$19.01	10%	$1.90
Engineer (17-2199)	$44.12	$61.77	80%	$49.41
Engineering Manager (11-9041)	$60.53	$84.74	10%	$8.47
Totals			100%	$59.78

Hour and cost burdens to respondents are shown in the table below, and include time spent for researching, preparing, and submitting information. The weighted average hourly wage associated with the revised information collections is shown at Table 12-1, above. The frequency of response for each of the information collections is “on occasion.”

Table 12-2 — Estimates of Annual Hour and Cost Burdens

A. Type of Response	B. Number of Responses	C. Hours Per Response	D. Total Hours (Column B x Column C)	E. Total Wage Cost (Column D x $59.78)
Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells / Well Stimulation / Notice of Intent Sundry (43 CFR 3162.3-3) Form 3160-5	1,700	8	13,600	$813,008
Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells / Well Stimulation / Subsequent Report Sundry Notice (43 CFR 3162.3-3) Form 3160-5	1,700	8	13,600	$813,008
Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells / Well Stimulation / Variance Request (43 CFR 3162.3-3) Form 3160-5	170	8	1,360	$81,301
Totals	3,570		28,560	$1,707,317

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected in item 12.)

* The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information (including filing fees paid for form processing). Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

* If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

* Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

No capital, start-up costs, or non-hour costs would be involved with this information collection -- respondents would not have to purchase additional computer hardware or software to comply with these information collection requirements.

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.

Table 14-1 — Weighted Average Federal Wage Cost

The hourly cost to the Federal Government is based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Salary Table 2012-RUS located at http://www.opm.gov/oca/12tables/html/gs_h.asp. The benefits multiplier of 1.5 is implied by information at http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm.

Position	Pay Grade	Hourly Pay Rate ($/hour)	Hourly Rate with Benefits (x 1.5)	Percent of Collection Time	Weighted Avg. ($/hour)
Clerical	GS-5, step 5	$14.90	$22.35	10%	$2.24
Technical	GS-9, step 5	$22.57	$33.86	80%	$27.08
Managerial	GS-13, step 5	$38.92	$58.38	10%	$5.84
Weighted Average Hourly Pay Rate ($/hour): $35.16

The Table below shows the annualized Federal costs for each collection in the proposed rule. The weighted average hourly wage associated with these information collections is shown at Table 14-1, above.

Table 14-2 — Estimated Annual Cost to the Government as a Result of the Proposed Rule

A. Type of Response	B. Number of Responses	C. Hours Per Response	D. Total Hours (Column B x Column C)	E. Total Wage Cost (Column D x $35.16)
Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells / Well Stimulation / Notice of Intent Sundry (43 CFR 3162.3-3) Form 3160-5	1,700	4	6,800	$239,088
Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells / Well Stimulation / Subsequent Report Sundry Notice (43 CFR 3162.3-3) Form 3160-5	1,700	4	6,800	$239,088
Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells / Well Stimulation / Variance Request (43 CFR 3162.3-3) Form 3160-5	170	4	680	$23,909
Totals	3,570		14,280	$502,085

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

New burdens would be associated with new regulatory requirements.

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

The BLM will not publish the results of this collection.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

The BLM will display the expiration date of the OMB approval on the forms included in this information collection.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."

There are no exceptions to the certification statement.

18