This appendix lists, by alternative, the stipulations on oil and gas leasing referenced in Chapter 2 of this Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Three types of surface stipulations can be applied to oil and gas leases to protect identified resource values: 1) no surface occupancy (NSO), 2) timing limitations (TLS), and 3) controlled surface use (CSU).
No Surface Occupancy: Areas closed to placement of surface facilities such as roads, oil and gas wells, and other facilities.
Timing Limitations: Areas closed to construction and developmental activities during identified time frames. Timing limitation areas may be open to maintenance activities, including associated vehicle travel, during the closed period unless otherwise specified in the stipulation.
Controlled Surface Use: Areas where surface uses are subject to specified controls or constraints.
BLM can not apply an NSO restriction after lease issuance. BLM can apply TLS and CSU restrictions, as conditions of approval (COAs) on an Application for Permit to Drill (APD) consistent with lease rights. The criteria for exceptions to COAs on APDs is the same as that for leasing in Table G-1. Additionally COAs on APDs do not apply to other portions of the lease such as maintenance and operation of existing facilities.
The RMP serves as the vehicle for explaining the conditions under which waivers, exceptions, or modifications of lease stipulations may be granted.