In accordance
with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three
years.
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 solicitor’s 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-0141 280-282; 284 - Post-Approval Requirements for the EP, DPP, and DOCD
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)