Processing Paper Applications for Permit to Drill Submissions

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov

November 13, 2019

In Reply Refer To:
3160 (310) P  

EMS TRANSMISSION 11/14/2019
Information Bulletin No. 2020-007

To:                   All Field Office Officials

From:               Assistant Director of Energy, Minerals and Realty Management

Subject:           Processing Paper Applications for Permit to Drill Submissions

The purpose of this Information Bulletin (IB) is to encourage field offices to approve operators’ requests for waiver from the requirements for the electronic submission of an Application for Permit to Drill (APD), when deemed appropriate.

As a result of recent updates to the Automated Fluid Minerals Support System (AFMSS) some operators have experienced difficulties submitting APDs electronically.  Onshore Oil and Gas Order Number 1 (Order 1) allows for operators to request a waiver from the electronic submission requirement for an APD or Notice of Staking if compliance would cause hardship or the operator is unable to file these documents electronically.  Field Offices should allow operators to submit paper APDs, per Order 1, if an operator requests a waiver from electronic submission and the field office makes the determination that an operator is experiencing hardship. 

If there are any questions concerning this IB, please contact Lorenzo Trimble, Acting Division Chief, Fluid Minerals at 202-912-7342 or email ltrimble@blm.gov.

Signed by:                                                                   Authenticated by:
Nicholas E. Douglas                                                   Robert M. Williams
Assistant Director                                                       Division of Regulatory Affairs,WO-630
Energy, Minerals, and Realty Management