OMB Approval Number 1004-0136; Information Collection Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has submitted the proposed collection of information listed below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 3501 et seq.). On August 18, 2000, the BLM published a notice in the Federal Register (65 FR 50559) requesting comments on the collection. The comment period ended October 17, 2000. No comments were received. Copies of the proposed collection of information and related forms and explanatory material may be obtained by contacting the BLM Clearance Officer at the telephone number listed below.

OMB is required to respond to this request within 60 days but may respond after 30 days. For maximum consideration your comments and suggestions on the requirement should be made within 30 days directly to the Office of Management and Budget, Interior Department Desk Officer (1004-0136), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503. Please provide a copy of your comments to the Bureau Clearance Officer (WO-630), 1849 C St., NW., Mail Stop 401 LS, Washington, DC 20240.

Nature of Comments: We specifically request your comments on the following.

1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper functioning of the Bureau of Land Management, including whether the information will have practical utility;

2. The accuracy of BLM's estimate of the burden of collecting the information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

3. The quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and

4. How to minimize the burden of collecting the information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology.

Title: Application for Permit for Drill, Deepen, or Plug Back (as required by 43 CFR 3162).

OMB Approval Number: 1004-0136.

Abstract: Data submitted by oil and gas operators are used for agency approval of proposed drilling operations through review of technical and environmental factors.

Bureau Form Number: 3160-3.

Frequency: On occasion.

Description of Respondents; Oil and gas operators.

Estimated Completion Time: 30 minutes.

Annual Responses: 4,000.

Annual Burden Hours: 2,000.

Filing Fee Per Response: 0.

Bureau Clearance Officer: Michael Schwartz, (202) 452-5033.