After payment of the appropriate cost recovery fees, BLM will complete the NEPA analysis and decision process for the entire proposal. The authorization will be subject to appropriate rental or other financial obligation determined by the authorized officer. However, it may be appropriate to negotiate with operators in this process for changes to existing facilities, such as road closures or burial of pipelines, where such changes would be in the best interests of all parties. Consultation with the operator should occur if a search of BLM records does not provide the necessary information to determine the original conditions of approval for these facilities. Since this action is a change in authorization and not a new approval, additional NEPA analysis and decision documents will not be required nor will cost recovery fees be charged.
Rentals are effective from the date of conversion.
These facilities may presently exist without valid formal authorization. The operators are encouraged to file for the changes in authorization on a lease, unit, or system basis wherever possible. When the operators notify the authorized officer of facilities or BLM identifies the facilities itself, the guidance provided on page 5 of this Information Notice will be followed.