BLM NEPA process20 Oct 2022 12:25
1.Lease is obtained by operator (development must start within the term of the lease – typically 10 years - or the lease will expire).
2. Operator files a Notice of Staking.
3. BLM must schedule an on-site inspection of the NOS within ten days and post the NOS for a 30-day review. There is no time requirement for the actual inspection.
4. Within two weeks after the on-site inspection, a NEPA interdisciplinary team meeting takes place.
5. Operator files APD.
6. BLM has 10 days to review the APD and determine if it is complete.
7. If deficiencies in APD are found, operator has 45 days to address them.
8. If the APD is complete and NEPA requirements are met, BLM has 30 days to approve, deny or defer the permit.
9. After contractors submit the NEPA documentation (which averages 30 days to compile), BLM and specialists review it within 10 days.
10. If NEPA requirements are not met, the APD is placed into deferred status until they're met. There is no time requirement for deferred status.
11. Once NEPA documentation has been reviewed by specialists and requirements are met, it is reviewed by BLM planning and environmental coordinator, usually within 10 days.
12. The NEPA documentation then goes to BLM management for review.
13. If management determines a public comment period is needed, comment period may last up to 30 days.
14. Management may revisit the NEPA documentation in order to address substantive comments. There is no time limit for this process.
15. If a significant impact is found, an Environmental Impact Study is initiated.
16. Once all issues have been addressed, and if the BLM team determines there is no significant impact from drilling, the operator receives the approved permit, usually within a few days, along with any applicable conditions of approval. The operator is free to begin drilling (so long as any needed Right of Way approvals for roads, etc., have been obtained).
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