Supporting Statement

18

Supporting Statement A

Onshore Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration (43 CFR Part 3150 and 36 CFR Parts 228 and 251)

OMB Control Number 1004-0162

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.

Affected Federal Lands

This information collection pertains to onshore oil and gas geophysical exploration on Federal lands. Surface-disturbing activities associated with such exploration generally are regulated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or by the U.S. Forest Service (FS or Forest Service), depending on which agency manages the surface estate.

This information collection request includes permits for oil and gas geophysical exploration on Federal lands other than those managed by the BLM or the Forest Service when:

• An agency of the Department of Defense refers an application for exploration to the BLM (see 43 CFR 3153.1); or

• In accordance with an interagency agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and the BLM, an application is received for a project that would cross BOR lands (see BLM Manual 3150.5).

Within the National Wildlife Refuge System, which is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), federally owned mineral rights generally are not available for oil and gas exploration and production. Regulations of the Department of the Interior also prohibit leasing federal minerals underlying refuges outside of Alaska, except in cases where federal minerals are being drained by operations on property adjacent to the refuge. While these prohibitions do not extend to private parties that own mineral rights underlying refuge lands, it is quite rare for the BLM to authorize oil and gas geophysical exploration operations on lands managed by the FWS.

Why the Information is Needed

The BLM and the FS collect information on geophysical exploration from those who wish to participate in the evaluation, development, and utilization of oil and gas resources for mineral potential, in accordance with the following authorities:

1. The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended by the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act of 1987 (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.);

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

3. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1701 – 1785);

4. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 – 4347);

5. Regulations at 43 CFR Part 3150 (BLM); and

6. Regulations at 36 CFR Part 228, Subpart E and 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart B (FS).

The BLM and FS need the information in order to manage surface operations that are under their respective jurisdictions.

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.

Overview

An “operator,” within the meaning of this information collection request, is any entity that requests authorization from the BLM or the FS to conduct geophysical exploration operations, that is, surface-disturbing activities conducted for the purpose of exploration for oil and gas resources. This request covers the following requirements:

1. An operator must submit a Notice of Intent and Authorization to Conduct Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations (BLM Form 3150-4/FS Form 2800-16) to the BLM before conducting operations on BLM administered lands, to the FS for operations on National Forest System lands, and to both agencies for operations that overlap lands managed by both agencies. This form includes standard terms and conditions. In addition, the BLM and/or the FS may attach additional terms and conditions.

The surface-management agency usually conducts a pre-work field conference before approving geophysical exploration. The conference provides a means for the operator and the Federal Government to reach a consensus about the conditions under which operations may be conducted, thus alleviating the need for additional telephone calls and letters. If a pre-work conference is held, the Notice of Intent is completed and signed at the conference.

2. An operator must submit a Notice of Completion of Geophysical Exploration Operations (BLM 3150‑5/FS 2800-16a) upon completion of operations, including any required reclamation.

3. An operator who has conducted geophysical exploration in Alaska must submit to the BLM all data and information obtained in carrying out the Terms and Conditions for exploration that the operator reviewed and signed at the prework conference mentioned above.

Geophysical operations that are conducted for a lessee under the terms of a Federal oil and gas lease are considered lease operations that may be authorized through a Sundry Notice (approved under OMB control number 1004-0137) or by the Notice of Intent described above. The appropriate agency or agencies apprise operators of practices and procedures to be followed prior to commencing operations on BLM or FS lands.

Where minerals are federally owned and the surface is owned privately or by a State, no authorization is necessary from the Federal Government to conduct geophysical operations. However, in these cases, operators must work with surface owners to obtain access to their lands.

The BLM and the FS use the information to ensure a thorough, accurate, and timely review of the proposed geophysical activity to:

29200. Determine that geophysical operations activities are conducted in a manner consistent with the regulations, local land use plans, and environmental assessments;

29201. Maintain an accurate account of geophysical operations on jurisdictional lands;

29202. Identify operational points of contact; and

29203. Identify who is to be held accountable if there is environmental and/or surface resource damage.

Notice of Intent and Authorization to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations

The BLM and the FS require operators to submit the following information:

Identify the Project Name - The BLM and the FS use the Project Name to distinguish different jobs. One operator may be employed by several different companies and use a title for each exploration program.

Identify the lessee or operator, the lessee or operator representative, the geophysical company, and the geophysical company representative, along with street address, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, and email address – The BLM and the FS need this information in order to communicate with the responsible parties.

Submit bond information - The BLM and the FS need to determine that the applicant is conducting operations under a satisfactory bond.

Identify the crew chief - The BLM and the FS must be able to determine the person with whom to communicate locally.

Identify crew number - The crew number ties to the Project Name, and the BLM and the FS use it as an additional method of tracking the operation.

Identify the contractor/client - The BLM and the FS use this information to determine if the entity is operating under another company's bond.

Include a map at a scale comparable with BLM or FS maps - BLM or FS must be able to identify, for environmental purposes, the exact location of the proposed activity.

Identify the date of commencement of operations - The BLM and the FS require the date to determine when the operations will start. BLM or FS can then begin to plan compliance checks.

Identify the type of operation by technique and method - The BLM and the FS use this information to complete environmental analyses, which is required by law. The BLM and the FS must anticipate any environmental impacts that can be identified. The operator already has the information available as part of the specifications for the work that is scheduled to be performed.

Identify the type and amount of explosive; shotpoint pattern; shothole depth; number of source points per mile and provide a diagram if the charge is a multi‑hole pattern - The BLM and the FS require this information to determine any anticipated environmental impacts the operations cause, as NEPA requires. The operator already has the information as part of the specifications.

Notice of Completion of Geophysical Exploration Operations

In accordance with 43 CFR 3151.2 and 3152.7, the BLM and the FS use the information on the form designated as BLM 3150‑5 and FS 2800-16a to determine when oil and gas exploration operations are completed so the area can be inspected for compliance with the terms and conditions of the Notice of Intent and release of the bond. The company name and address, BLM Case Number, Crew Number, and Crew Chief are necessary to connect the form to the Notice of Intent to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations.

The BLM and the FS require the operator to:

Identify the number of miles of line completed on public land - The BLM and the FS use this information to determine the size of the project for planning purposes so that inspections are performed expeditiously to determine that the operator is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the notice to conduct operations. The information is also necessary to determine if the BLM and the FS can release the bond.

Attach maps indicating exact location of geophysical line and shot point - The BLM and the FS use this information to make on‑the‑ground inspections to identify the exact location of the project performed by a specific company to ensure compliance with NEPA requirements. This information is readily available, since the operator surveys and stakes the actual location of the line on the ground.

Describe the hole plugging process used - This information is necessary only if a hole is drilled.

Include copy of Hole Plugging Log - The BLM and the FS require the log only if requested. It may be used for State compliance purposes and Federal coordination. The log is sometimes part of local agreements if the geophysical line crosses different types of ownership boundaries (private or state lands in addition to public lands).

In addition to the information submitted on these forms, 43 CFR 3152.6 requires, for operations in Alaska, respondents to report all data and information obtained in carrying out the exploration plan. The BLM and the FS use the data to process and approve the plan of development and to ensure that production is accomplished for maximum recovery.

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.

These forms are 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. In the electronic format, respondents may complete the application portion of BLM Form 3150-4 / FS Form 2800-16 (Notice of Intent and Authorization to Conduct Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations), and the totality of BLM Form 3150-5 / FS Form 2800-16a (Notice of Completion of Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations. If the respondents choose to submit their forms electronically, they may do so by scanning and then emailing them to the appropriate agency office. The requested information is unique to each applicant/operator and to each specific operation because respondents are operators who apply to conduct geophysical activities on an as-needed basis.

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.

The BLM and the FS have combined their Notices of Intent into one form. They have also combined their Notices of Completion into one form. Combining the BLM and FS individual forms into BLM/FS forms helps to ensure consistent management of geophysical operations whether on BLM or FS lands. It also facilitates authorizing projects that extend over lands under both jurisdictions, since the BLM and the FS use the same information and process.

The BLM and the FS collect and use the information to maintain an accurate account of operations conducted on public lands and reference for accountability if there is damage to the lands. Geophysical operations are unique events, and each proposed operation is different, varying by location, equipment, or operator, for example. No duplication of information occurs, and there is no similar information already available to assess a new proposal. The information can only be supplied by the entity proposing to conduct geophysical exploration operations on the lands involved and is not available from any other data source.

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

The collection will not have a significant impact on small entities. The forms are simple to complete, and the BLM’s State and Field Offices provide maps and land descriptions for use by small businesses and individuals. Each State Office and District Office has a public room set aside that is equipped with computers, copying facilities, and land plats for the use of those who wish to verify land descriptions. The information the BLM and the FS require is limited to the minimum necessary to maintain a record of who conducts operations on the lands. For the FS, individual operators and companies have the option of completing a Notice when identifying their proposed geophysical operations, or they may supply the information in a different format, such as a letter. However, use of the standardized interagency forms reduces the paperwork and procedural burdens on individual operators and companies.

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.

Failure to collect the information would leave the BLM and the FS with no knowledge of who is conducting geophysical exploration operations on federal lands or where such operations are taking place. This lack of information would prevent the BLM and the FS from meeting their statutorily mandated responsibilities for responsible management of federal lands.

The BLM and the FS developed the forms in this collection for the convenience of applicants and to facilitate processing the information by the BLM and the FS. The applicant determines the frequency of when to submit the form or information. Uniform, case-by-case data submission and recordation may help identify unnecessary government requirements and permit better forecasting of future workloads.

Use of the interagency forms facilitates orderly and consistent respondent information. Through standardization of the data that the BLM and the FS collect utilizing these forms, the applicants will better understand FS and BLM requirements for permit review and approval. Also, the agencies will be able to better track and administer the geophysical permits and activities the BLM and the FS authorize. Use of the forms produces an improved data base inventory that provides current and reliable public information. Finally, it provides better information for planning and formulating budgets.

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 this collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with the guidelines. The BLM and the FS do not exceed 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 required 60-day notice was published in the Federal Register on December 24, 2014 (79 FR 77523). The comment period closed on February 23, 2015. The BLM received one comment, from DJ Environmental, Inc.

The commenter expressed confusion owing to the lack of a “specific proposal” in the notice, and asked if the notice is “a simple matter of continuing the geophysical NOI as currently written.” The BLM responded to the commenter via email, explaining that the notice pertains to a “collection of information” as that term is defined in the PRA, that the BLM is planning to seek renewal of control number 1004-0162, and that the notice is the first step in the renewal process. The collection of information was not modified in response to this comment.

During the approval period, the BLM consulted with the following respondents via e-mail, to solicit comments on the burden hour and cost estimates, availability of data, frequency of collection, and clarity of instructions. Only two respondents provided feedback and their comments are summarized below.

Debury Onshore LLC

On the Notice of Completion form, item 5 on page 1, the respondent suggested limiting the scope of what is reported to just those places where the surface disturbance has not been reclaimed and to show those areas on a USGS topo map.

On the Notice of Intent form, page 2, as to the request to “Describe the survey type”, the respondent suggested better guidance in needed as to what is being requested, in addition, the “Describe the survey method”, also needs a better definition.

Green River Energy

On the Notice of Intent form, item 1 should include GIS shape files. Item 4 should ask when do you expect to start casual use survey and then when do you expect to start exploration. On page 2, as to the request to “Describe the survey type”, the respondent suggested to change this to seismic type. In addition, the “Describe the survey method”, the respondent suggested to change this to seismic method.

The following companies were contacted but did not offer any comments:

Telsa Exploration Inc.

Zonge International Inc

West Bay Exploration

On the Notice of Completion, Item 5 will be changed to “Describe any surface disturbance, locations, and how you reclaimed it.” The BLM still wants all disturbed areas and their reclamation listed. We decided that it was important to be able to locate all the disturbed areas and ensure that reclamation has been completed adequately. Just listing the areas that haven't been reclaimed is inadequate.

Item 1 of the Notice of Intent form already requires submission of GIS data in a format that is useful for the BLM and will not be modified to include GIS shape files. However, item 1 will be changed to “A separate Plan of Operations is attached addressing items 1 – 5 below”. Item 4, starting Casual Use versus just starting Exploration - the BLM left this as is because usually the casual use surveys are wanted as soon as possible. The biggest concern from the BLM's perspective is when the equipment is going to be on location. Changing "survey type" to "seismic type" and "survey method" to "seismic method" - seismic is a type of survey and "Other" is an option for surveys that might not be seismic, for example, electromagnetic. No changes will be made to this part of the form.

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

The BLM and the FS 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 BLM and the FS maintain confidentiality for one year after the Notice of Completion is filed, if requested by the operator. Otherwise, the BLM and the FS protect confidentiality to the extent consistent with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).

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.

The BLM and the FS do not ask respondents 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. Instead, this cost should be included under “Annual Cost to Federal Government.”

Table 12-1, below, shows our estimate of the hourly cost burdens for respondents. The mean hourly wages for Table 12-1 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

Hourly Cost Calculation

A. Occupational Category	B. Mean Hourly Wage	C. Estimated Cost Per Hour (Column B x 1.4)
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers 17-2151	$46.61	$65.25

The estimated annual reporting burdens for this collection are shown below in Table 12-2:

Table 12-2

Estimates of Hour and Cost Burdens

A. Type of Response	B. Number of Responses	C. Time Per Response	D. Total Hours (Column B x Column C)	E. Annual Cost (Column D x $65.25)
Notice of Intent and Request to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations / Outside Alaska 43 CFR 3151.1 BLM Form 3150-4 / FS Form 2800-16	45 (20 to BLM and 25 to FS)	1 hour	45	$2,936
Notice of Intent and Request to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations / Alaska 43 CFR 3152.1, 3152.3, 3152.4, and 3152.5 BLM Form 3150-4	1	1 hour	1	$$65.25
Notice of Completion of Geophysical Exploration Operations 43 CFR 3151.2 and 3152.7 BLM Form 3150-5 / FS Form 2800-16a	53 (28 to BLM and 25 to FS)	20 minutes	18	$1,175
Data and Information Obtained in Carrying Out Exploration Plan (Alaska only) 43 CFR 3152.6	1	1 hour	1	$65.25
Totals	100		65	$4,241

The costs to respondents are for time spent compiling data, researching information, and completing the information collection. Geophysical contractors generally maintain the required information in their own records, are familiar with geophysical field work, and are familiar with the applicable regulations and statutes.

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.

Respondents are not required to purchase additional computer hardware or software to comply with these information requirements. Regulations at 43 CFR 3000.12, 3152.1, and 3152.3 require a filing fee for the information collection activity titled, “Notice of Intent and Request to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations / Alaska.” The amount of that fee is updated annually. The most recent update ($25) is at 79 FR 54176, at 57480 (Sept. 25, 2014). The total non-hour burden for this control number is estimated to be $25 annually (1 application for a geophysical permit in Alaska x $25 per notice).

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

Hourly Cost Calculations

The hourly cost to the Federal Government is based on the data at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2014/GS_h.pdf.

The benefits multiplier of 1.5 is implied by information at http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm.

A. Position	B. Pay Grade	C. Hourly Pay Rate ($/hour)	D. Hourly Rate with Benefits (Column C x 1.5)	E. Percent of the Information Collection Completed by Each Occupation	F. Weighted Average Cost Per Hour (Column D x Column E)
Manager	GS-14, Step 1	$40.99	$61.49	30	$18.45
Supervisor, Petroleum Engineer, and / or Geologist	GS-13, Step 1	$34.69	$52.04	40	$20.82
Surface Use Specialist	GS-12, Step 1	$29.17	$43.76	30	$13.13
Total Weighted Average: $52.40

Table 14-2, below, shows the estimated annual Federal costs for each aspect of the collection. The estimated processing time is based on the BLM's experience and includes conducting field inspections; on-the ground environmental analyses, which include monitoring endangered species sites and archeological sites; conducting archeological surveys; and determining reclamation measures. The weighted average hourly wage is shown at Table 14-1, above.

Table 14-2

Estimated Annual Cost to the Government

A. Type of Response	B. Number of Responses	C. Time Per Response	D. Total Hours (Column B x Column C)	E. Estimated Cost (Column D x $52.40)
Notice of Intent and Request to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations / Outside Alaska 43 CFR 3151.1 BLM Form 3150-4 / FS Form 2800-16	45 (20 to BLM and 25 to FS)	9 hours	405	$21,222
Notice of Intent and Request to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations / Alaska 43 CFR 3152.1, 3152.3, 3152.4, and 3152.5 BLM Form 3150-4	1	9 hours	9	$472
Notice of Completion of Geophysical Exploration Operations 43 CFR 3151.2 and 3152.7 BLM Form 3150-5 / FS Form 2800-16a	53 (28 to BLM and 25 to FS)	9 hours	477	$24,995
Data and Information Obtained in Carrying Out Exploration Plan (Alaska only) 43 CFR 3152.6	1	9 hours	9	$472
Totals	100		900	$47,161

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

There are no program changes. We have made downward adjustments in the estimated number of responses to reflect the BLM's recent experience with this collection of information. We are requesting approval of 100 responses. The number of previously approved responses is 1,253, a difference of 1,153 responses. Those adjustments are itemized in the following table.

Table 15-1

Adjustments in Numbers of Responses

A. Type of Response	B. Number of Requested Responses	C. Number of Previously Approved Responses	D. Difference Between Requested and Previously Approved Responses (Column B Minus Column C)
Notice of Intent and Request to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations / Outside Alaska 43 CFR 3151.1 BLM Form 3150-4 / FS Form 2800-16	45 (20 to BLM and 25 to FS)	622	-577
Notice of Intent and Request to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations / Alaska 43 CFR 3152.1, 3152.3, 3152.4, and 3152.5 BLM Form 3150-4	1	3	-2
Notice of Completion of Geophysical Exploration Operations 43 CFR 3151.2 and 3152.7 BLM Form 3150-5 / FS Form 2800-16a	53 (28 to BLM and 25 to FS)	625	-572
Data and Information Obtained in Carrying Out Exploration Plan (Alaska only) 43 CFR 3152.6	1	3	-2
Totals	100	1,253	-1,153

Our estimates of hour burdens have also been adjusted downward as a result of the reductions in the estimated numbers of responses. We are requesting 65 burden hours. The number of previously approved hours is 836, a difference of 771 hours. Those adjustments are itemized in the following table.

Table 15-2

Adjustments in Estimated Burden Hours

A. Type of Response	B. Number of Requested Burden Hours	C. Number of Previously Approved Burden Hours	D. Difference Between Requested and Previously Approved Burden Hours (Column B Minus Column C)
Notice of Intent and Request to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations / Outside Alaska 43 CFR 3151.1 BLM Form 3150-4 / FS Form 2800-16	45	622	-577
Notice of Intent and Request to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations / Alaska 43 CFR 3152.1, 3152.3, 3152.4, and 3152.5 BLM Form 3150-4	1	3	-2
Notice of Completion of Geophysical Exploration Operations 43 CFR 3151.2 and 3152.7 BLM Form 3150-5 / FS Form 2800-16a	18	208	-190
Data and Information Obtained in Carrying Out Exploration Plan (Alaska only) 43 CFR 3152.6	1	3	-2
Totals	65	836	-771

The estimated non-hour burdens have been adjusted downward to reflect the downward adjustment in estimated numbers of responses for the information collection activity titled, "Notice of Intent and Request to Conduct Geophysical Exploration Operations / Alaska." In this request we estimate the annual non-hour burden as $25 (1 notice x $25 per application). The previously approved non-hour burden for this control number is $75 (3 notices x $25 per notice). The difference is a downward adjustment of $50 per year.

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 data the BLM and the FS collect as a result of this information collection will not be published for statistical use. The NEPA process will make information in each form available to the public. For the FS, the Management Attainment Reporting will include information from the forms.

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.

BLM will display the expiration date of the OMB approval.

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.