In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2021
36 Months From Approved
06/30/2018
4,266
0
4,265
436,438
0
432,512
3,939,435
0
3,939,435
Sections 11 and 25 of the amended OCS Lands Act require the holders of OCS oil and gas or sulphur leases to submit exploration plans or development and production plans to the Secretary for approval prior to commencing these activities. As a Federal agency, we have a continuing affirmative duty to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This includes a substantive duty to carry out any agency action in a manner that is not likely to jeopardize protected species as well as a procedural duty to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries before engaging in a discretionary action that may affect a protected species.
The regulations at 30 CFR 550, Subpart B, concern plans and information that must be submitted to conduct activities on a lease, right-of-use and easement, or unit and are the subject of this collection. The collection also covers the related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that BOEM issues to clarify, supplement, or provide additional guidance on some aspects of our regulations.
BOEM engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and environmental scientists and other Federal agencies (e.g., FWS, NOAA Fisheries) analyze and evaluate the information and data collected under Subpart B to ensure that planned operations are safe; will not adversely affect the marine, coastal, or human environment; and will conserve the resources of the OCS. BOEM uses the information to: (a) make an informed decision on whether to approve the proposed EPs, DPPs, DOCDs as submitted, or whether modifications are necessary without the analysis and evaluation of the required information. The affected States also review the information collected to determine consistency with approved Coastal Zone Management (CZM) plans and (b) report annually to NOAA Fisheries the effectiveness of mitigation, any adverse effects of the proposed action, and any incidental take, in accordance with 50 CFR 402.14(i)(3).
In 2016, BOEM finalized regulations that addressed activities conducted on the Arctic OCS. The final rulemaking entitled, Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the OCS--Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic OCS, revised regulations at 30 CFR 550, subpart B. New regulations require operators to develop Integrated Operation Plans for each exploratory program on the Arctic OCS, as well as to submit additional planning information with their plans. These requirements were approved by OMB under OMB Control Number 1010-0189.
With this renewal, BOEM is consolidating the additional 3,930 burden hours approved as part of the rulemaking (under OMB Control Number 1010-0189) in this OMB Control Number. OMB Control Number 1010-0189 will be discontinued.
BOEM also adjusted burden hour estimates for two provisions based on solicitor review. The total of four burden hours were removed. Three hours were removed from the ancillary activity date provision (207; 210(b)). It is noted that 3 hours were duplication. One hour was removed for Governor recommendation provision( 267(a) ). The solicitorâs office determined this requirement falls under 1320.3(h)(4).
Overall, the burden hours increased to a total of 436,438. The currently approved annual reporting and recordkeeping non-hour cost burden is $3,939,435, and will remain the same with the information collection request.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form BOEM-0138 Air Emission Calculations for EPs
2018-06500 published 30 day FRN 3.29.18.pdf
1010-0151 Supporting Statement_2.21.18 - JP Feedback_2.26.18.doc
200-209; 211-228; 231-285 - Contents of Exploration Plans (EP)