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(B) For nonlinear facilities, $250 for each 40 acres or fraction thereof.

(C) Where an application includes both linear and nonlinear facilities, payment will be the aggregate of amounts under paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section.

(D) When an application is received, the Regional Director will estimate the costs expected to be incurred in processing the application. If the estimated costs exceed the payments under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) (A), (B), or (C) of this section by an amount greater than the cost of maintaining actual cost records, the Regional Director shall require the applicant to make periodic payments in advance of the incurrence of such costs by the United States except for the last payment which will reflect final reimbursement for actual costs of the United States in processing the application. Overpayments may be refunded or adjusted by the Regional Director as appropriate.

(E) The Regional Director shall, on request by an applicant or prospective applicant, give an estimate based on the best available cost information, of the costs which would be incurred by the United States in processing an application. However, reimbursement will not be limited to the estimate of the Regional Director if the actual costs exceed the estimate. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult with the Regional Director in advance of filing an application in regard to probable costs and other requirements.

(3)(i) By accepting an easement or permit under this subpart, the holder agrees to reimburse the United States for reasonable costs incurred by the Fish and Wildlife Service in monitoring the construction, operation, maintenance, and termination of facillities within or adjacent to the easement or permit area. No reimbursement of monitoring costs will be required of (A) State or local governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof except as to right-of-way, easements, or permits granted under section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 as amended by Pub. L. 93–153, or (B) Federal Government agencies.

(ii) Within 60 days of the issuance of an easement or permit the holder must submit a nonreturnable payment in accordance with the following:

(A) For linear facilities e.g., powerlines, pipelines, roads, etc.).

(B) For nonlinear facilities, $100 for each 40 acres or fraction thereof.

(C) Where an easement or permit includes both linear and nonlinear facilities, payment will be the aggregate amounts under paragraph (a)(3)(2)(ii) (A) and (B) of this section.

(D) When an easement or permit is granted the Regional Director shall estimate the costs, based on the best available cost information, expected to be incurred by the United States in monitoring holder activity. If the estimated costs exceed the payments under paragraph (a)(3)(2) (ii), (A), (B), or (C) of this section by an amount which is greater than the cost of maintaining actual cost records for the monitoring process, the Regional Director shall require the holder to make periodic payments of the estimated reimbursable costs prior to the incurrence of such costs by the United States. Overpayments may be refunded or adjusted by the Regional Director as appropriate.

(E) Following the termination of an easement or permit, the former holder will be required to pay additional amounts to the extent the actual costs to the United States have exceeded the payments required by paragraphs (a)(3)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) of this section.

(4) All applications filed pursuant to this subpart must include a detailed environmental analysis which shall include information concerning the impact of the proposed use of the environment including the impact on air and water quality; scenic and esthetic features; historic, architectural, archeological, and cultural features; wildlife, fish and marine life, etc. The analysis shall include sufficient data so as to enable the Service to prepare an environmental assessment and/or impact statement in accordance with section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and comply with the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), the Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 469 et seq.), Executive Order 11593 “Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment” of May 13, 1971 (36 FR 8921), and “Procedures for the Protection of Historic and Cultural Properties” (36 CFR, part 800). Concerning the National Environmental Policy Act, the Regional Director may, at his discretion, rely on an environmental assessment or impact statement prepared by a “lead agency.”

(b) Maps. A map or plat must accompany each copy of the application and must show the right-of-way in such detail that the right-of-way can be accurately located on the ground. Ties to Service land boundary corner monuments or some prominent cultural features which can be readily recognized and recovered should be shown where the right-of-way enters and leaves Service project land together with courses and distances of the centerline. The width of the right-of-way on each side of the centerline together with the acreage included within the right-of-way or site must also be shown. If the right-of-way or site is located wholly within Service project land, a tie to a Government corner or prominent cultural feature which can be readily recognized and recovered should be shown.

(c) Regional or Area Director's Addresses. (1) For the States of California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington:

Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lloyd 500 Building, Suite 1692, 500 NE. Multnomah Street, Portland Oregon 97232.

(2) For the States of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas:

Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103.

(3) For the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin:

Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Building, Fort Snelling, Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111.

(4) For the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands:

Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Richard B. Russell, Federal Building, Suite 1200, 75 Spring Street, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

(5) For the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia:

Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, One Gateway Center, Suite 700, Newton Corner, Massachusetts 03158.

(6) For the States of Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming:

Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225.

(7) For the State of Alaska:

Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1101 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503.

[31 FR 16026, Dec. 15, 1966, as amended at 42 FR 43917, Aug. 31, 1977; 44 FR 42976, July 23, 1979; 48 FR 31655, July 11, 1983]

(a) Where the land administered by the Secretary is owned in fee by the United States and the right-of-way is compatible with the objectives of the area, permit or easement may be approved and granted by the Regional Director. Generally an easement or permit will be issued for a term of 50 years or so long as it is used for the purpose granted, or for a lesser term when considered appropriate. For rights-of-way granted under authority of section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, for pipelines for the transportation of oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid or gaseous fuels, or any refined product produced therefrom, the grant may be for a term not to exceed 30 years and the right-of-way may not exceed 50 feet, plus the area occupied by the pipeline and its related facilities unless the Regional Director finds, and records the reasons for his finding, that, in his judgment, a wider right-of-way is necessary for operation and maintenance after construction, or to protect the environment or public safety. Related facilities include but are not limited to valves, pump stations, supporting structures, bridges, monitoring and communication devices, surge and storage tanks, terminals, etc. However, a temporary permit supplementing a right-of-way may be granted for additional land needed during construction, operation, maintenance, or termination of the pipeline, or to protect the natural environment or public safety.

(b) Unless otherwise provided, no interest granted shall give the grantee any right whatever to remove any material, earth, or stone for construction or other purpose, except that stone or earth necessarily removed from the right-of-way in the construction of a project may be used elsewhere along the same right-of-way in the construction of the same project.

[31 FR 16026, Dec. 15, 1966, as amended at 42 FR 43918, Aug. 31, 1977]

(a) Any right-of-way easement or permit granted will be subject to outstanding rights, if any, in third parties.

(b) An applicant, by accepting an easement or permit agrees to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Regional Director in the granting document. Such terms and conditions shall include the following, unless waived in part by the Regional Director, and may include additional special stipulations at his discretion. See §29.21–8 for special requirements for electric powerlines and §29.21–9 for special requirements for oil and gas pipelines.

(1) To comply with State and Federal laws applicable to the project within which the easement or permit is granted, and to the lands which are included in the right-of-way, and lawful existing regulations thereunder.

(2) To clear and keep clear the lands within the easement or permit area to the extent and in the manner directed by the project manager in charge; and to dispose of all vegetative and other material cut, uprooted, or otherwise accumulated during the construction and maintenance of the project in such a manner as to decrease the fire hazard and also in accordance with such instructions as the project manager may specify.

(3) To prevent the disturbance or removal of any public land survey monument or project boundary monument unless and until the applicant has requested and received from the Regional Director approval of measures the applicant will take to perpetuate the location of aforesaid monument.

(4) To take such soil and resource conservation and protection measures, including weed control on the land covered by the easement or permit as the project manager in charge may request.

(5) To do everything reasonably within his power, both independently and on request of any duly authorized representative of the United States, to prevent and suppress fires on or near, lands to be occupied under the easement or permit area, including making available such construction and maintenance forces as may be reasonably obtainable for the suppression of such fires.

(6) To rebuild and repair such roads, fences, structures, and trails as may be destroyed or injured by construction work and upon request by the Regional Director, to build and maintain necessary and suitable crossings for all roads and trails that intersect the works constructed, maintained, or operated under the right-of-way.

(7) To pay the United States the full value for all damages to the lands or other property of the United States caused by him or by his employees, contractors, or employees of the contractors, and to indemnify the United States against any liability for damages to life, person or property arising from the occupancy or use of the lands under the easement or permit, except where the easement or permit is granted hereunder to a State or other governmental agency which has no legal power to assume such a liability with respect to damages caused by it to lands or property, such agency in lieu thereof agrees to repair all such damages. Where the easement of permit involves lands which are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States, the holder or his employees, contractors, or agents of the contractors, shall be liable to third parties for injuries incurred in connection with the easement or permit area. Grants of easements or permits involving special hazards will impose liability without fault for injury and damage to the land and property of the United States up to a specified maximum limit commensurate with the foreseeable risks or hazards presented. The amount of no-fault liability for each occurrence is hereby limited to no more than $1,000,000.

(8) To notify promptly the project manager in charge of the amount of merchantable timber, if any, which will be cut, removed, or destroyed in the construction and maintenance of the project, and to pay the United States in advance of construction such sum of money as the project manager may determine to be the full stumpage value of the timber to be so cut, removed, or destroyed.

(9) That all or any part of the easement or permit granted may be terminated by the Regional Director, for failure to comply with any or all of the terms or conditions of the grant, or for abandonment. A rebuttable presumption of abandonment is raised by deliberate failure of the holder to use for any continuous 2-year period the easement or permit for the purpose for which it was granted or renewed. In the event of noncompliance of abandonment, the Regional Director will notify in writing the holder of the easement or permit of his intention to suspend or terminate such grant 60 days from the date of the notice, stating the reasons therefor, unless prior to that time the holder completes such corrective actions as are specified in the notice. The Regional Director may grant an extension of time within which to complete corrective actions when, in his judgment, extenuating circumstances not within the holder's control such as adverse weather conditions, disturbance to wildlife during breeding periods or periods of peak concentration, or other compelling reasons warrant. Should the holder of a right-of-way issued under authority of the Mineral Leasing Act, as amended, fail to take corrective action within the 60-day period, the Regional Director will provide for an administrative proceeding pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 554, prior to a final Departmental decision to suspend or terminate the easement or permit. In the case of all other right-of-way holders, failure to take corrective action within the 60-day period will result in a determination by the Regional Director to suspend or terminate the easement or permit. No administrative proceeding shall be required where the easement or permit terminates under its terms.

(10) To restore the land to its original condition to the satisfaction of the Regional Director so far as it is reasonably possible to do so upon revocation and/or termination of the easement or permit, unless this requirement is waived in writing by the Regional Director. Termination also includes permits or easements that terminate under the terms of the grant.

(11) To keep the project manager informed at all times of his address, and, in case of corporations, of the address of its principal place of business and the names and addresses of its principal officers.

(12) That in the construction, operation, and maintenance of the project, he shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, or national origin and shall require an identical provision to be included in all subcontracts.

(13) That the grant of the easement or permit shall be subject to the express condition that the exercise thereof will not unduly interfere with the management, administration, or disposal by the United States of the land affected thereby. The applicant agrees and consents to the occupancy and use by the United States, its grantees, permittees, or lessees of any part of the easement of permit area not actually occupied for the purpose of the granted rights to the extent that it does not interfere with the full and safe utilization thereof by the holder. The holder of an easement or permit also agrees that authorized representatives of the United States shall have the right of access to the easement or permit area for the purpose of making inspections and monitoring the construction, operation and maintenance of facilities.

(14) That the easement or permit herein granted shall be subject to the express covenant that any facility constructed thereon will be modified or adapted, if such is found by the Regional Director to be necessary, without liability or expense to the United States, so that such facility will not conflict with the use and occupancy of the land for any authorized works which may hereafter be constructed thereon under the authority of the United States. Any such modification will be planned and scheduled so as not to interfere unduly with or to have minimal effect upon continuity of energy and delivery requirements.

(15) That the easement or permit herein granted shall be for the specific use described and may not be construed to include the further right to authorize any other use within the easement or permit area unless approved in writing by the Regional Director.

[31 FR 16026, Dec. 15, 1966, as amended at 42 FR 43918, Aug. 31, 1977]

(a) If construction is not commenced within two (2) years after date of right-of-way grant, the right-of-way may be canceled by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at his discretion.

(b) Proof of construction: Upon completion of construction, the applicant shall file a certification of completion with the Regional Director.

[42 FR 43919, Aug. 31, 1977]

(a) Change in jurisdiction over and disposal of lands. The final disposal by the United States of any tract of land traversed by a right-of-way shall not be construed to be a revocation of the right-of-way in whole or in part, but such final disposition shall be deemed and taken to be subject to such right-of-way unless it has been specifically canceled.

(b) Transfer of easement or permit. Any proposed transfer, by assignment, lease, operating agreement or otherwise, of an easement or permit must be filed in triplicate with the Regional Director and must be supported by a stipulation that the transferee agrees to comply with and be bound by the terms and conditions of the original grant. A $25 nonreturnable service fee must accompany the proposal. No transfer will be recognized unless and until approved in writing by the Regional Director.

(c) Disposal of property on termination of right-of-way. In the absence of any agreement to the contrary, the holder of the right-of-way will be allowed 6 months after termination to remove all property or improvements other than a road and useable improvements to a road, placed thereon by him; otherwise, all such property and improvements shall become the property of the United States. Extensions of time may be granted at the discretion of the Regional Director.

[31 FR 16026, Dec. 15, 1966, as amended at 42 FR 43919, Aug. 31, 1977]

(a) Payment for use and occupancy of lands under the regulations of this subpart will be required and will be for fair market value as determined by appraisal by the Regional Director. At the discretion of the Regional Director, the payment may be a lump sum payment or an annual fair market rental payment, to be made in advance. If any Federal, State or local agency is exempted from such payment by and any other provision of Federal law, such agency shall otherwise compensate the Service by any other means agreeable to the Regional Director, including, but not limited to, making other land available or the loan of equipment or personnel, except that any such compensation shall relate to, and be consistent with the objectives of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Regional Director may waive such requirement for compensation if he finds such requirement impracticable or unnecessary.

(b) When annual rental payments are used, such rates shall be reviewed by the Regional Director at any time not less than 5 years after the grant of the permit, right-of-way, or easement or the last revision of charges thereunder, The Regional Director will furnish a notice in writing to the holder of an easement or permit of intent to impose new charges to reflect fair market value commencing with the ensuing charge year. The revised charges will be effective unless the holder files an appeal in accordance with §29.22.

[42 FR 43919, Aug. 31, 1977, as amended at 65 FR 62483, Oct. 18, 2000]

By accepting a right-of-way for a power transmission line, the applicant thereby agrees and consents to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions, except those which the Secretary may waive in a particular case, in addition to those specified in §29.21–4(b).

(a) To protect in a workmanlike manner, at crossings and at places in proximity to his transmission lines on the right-of-way authorized, in accordance with the rules prescribed in the National Electric Safety Code, all Government and other telephone, telegraph and power transmission lines from contact and all highways and railroads from obstruction and to maintain his transmission lines in such manner as not to menace life or property.

(b) Neither the privilege nor the right to occupy or use the lands for the purpose authorized shall relieve him of any legal liability for causing inductive or conductive interference between any project transmission line or other project works constructed, operated, or maintained by him on the servient lands, and any radio installation, telephone line, or other communication facilities now or hereafter constructed and operated by the United States or any agency thereof.

[42 FR 43919, Aug. 31, 1977, as amended at 48 FR 31655, July 11, 1983]

(a) Application procedure. Applications for pipelines and related facilities under this section are to be filed in accordance with §29.21–2 of these regulations with the following exception:

When the right-of-way or proposed facility will occupy Federal land under the control of more than one Federal Agency and/or more than one bureau or office of the Department of the Interior, a single application shall be filed with the appropriate State Director of the Bureau of Land Management in accordance with regulations in 43 CFR part 2800.

Any portion of the facility occupying land of the National Wildlife Refuge System will be subject to the provisions of these regulations.

(b) Right-of-way grants under this section will be subject to the special requirements of section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 185), as amended, as set forth below. Gathering lines and associated structures used solely in the production of oil and gas under valid leases on the lands administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service are excepted from the provisions of this section.

(1) Pipeline safety. Rights-of-way or permits granted under this section will include requirements that will protect the safety of workers and protect the public from sudden ruptures and slow degradation of the pipeline. An applicant must agree to design, construct, and operate all proposed facilities in accordance with the provisions of parts 192 and/or 195 of title 49 of the CFR and in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Pub. L. 91–596, including any amendments thereto.

(2) Environmental protection. An application for a right-of-way must contain environmental information required by §29.21–2(a)(4) of this subpart. If the Regional Director determines that a proposed project will have a significant affect on the environment, there must also be furnished a plan of construction, operations, and rehabilitation of the proposed facilities. In addition to terms and conditions imposed under §29.21–4, the Regional director will impose such stipulations as may be required to assure: (i) Restoration, revegetation and curtailment of erosion of the surface; (ii) that activities in connection with the right-of-way or permit will not violate applicable air and water quality standards in related facilities siting standards established by law; (iii) control or prevention of damage to the environment including damage to fish and wildlife habitat, public or private property, and public health and safety; and (iv) protection of the interests of individuals living in the general area of the right-of-way or permit who rely on the fish, wildlife, and biotic resources of the area for subsistence purposes.

(c) Disclosure. If the applicant is a partnership, corporation, association, or other business entity it must disclose the identity of the participants in the entity. Such disclosure shall include where applicable (1) the name and address of each partner, (2) the name and address of each shareholder owning 3 percentum or more of the shares, together with the number and percentage of any class of voting shares of the entity which such shareholder is authorized to vote, and (3) the name and address of each affiliate of the entity together with, in the case of an affiliate controlled by the entity, the number of shares and the percentage of any class of voting stock of that affiliate owned, directly or indirectly, by that entity, and in the case of an affiliate which controls that entity, the number of shares and the percentage of any class of voting stock of that entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the affiliate.

(d) Technical and financial capability. The Regional Director may grant or renew a right-of-way or permit under this section only when he is satisfied that the applicant has the technical and financial capability to construct, operate, maintain and terminate the facility. At the discretion of the Regional Director, a financial statement may be required.

(e) Reimbursement of costs. In accordance with §29.21–2(a)(3) of this subpart, the holder of a right-of-way or permit must reimburse the Service for the cost incurred in monitoring the construction, operation, maintenance, and termination of any pipeline or related facilities as determined by the Regional Director.

(f) Public hearing. The Regional Director shall give notice to Federal, State, and local government agencies, and the public, and afford them the opportunity to comment on right-of-way applications under this section. A notice will be published in the Federal Register and a public hearing may be held where appropriate.

(g) Bonding. Where appropriate the Regional Director may require the holder of a right-of-way or permit to furnish a bond, or other security satisfactory to him, to secure all or any of the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the right-of-way or permit or by any rule or regulation, not to exceed the period of construction plus one year or a longer period if necessary for the pipeline to stabilize.

(h) Suspension of right-of-way. If the Project Manager determines that an immediate temporary suspension of activities within a right-of-way or permit area is necessary to protect public health and safety or the environment, he may issue an emergency suspension order to abate such activities prior to an administrative proceeding. The Regional Director must make a determination and notify the holder in writing within 15 days from the date of suspension as to whether the suspension should continue and list actions needed to terminate the suspension. Such suspension shall remain in effect for only so long as an emergency condition continues.

(i) Joint use of rights-of-way. Each right-of-way or permit shall reserve to the Regional Director the right to grant additional rights-of-way or permits for compatible uses on or adjacent to rights-of-way or permit areas granted under this section after giving notice to the holder and an opportunity to comment.

(j) Common carriers. (1) Pipelines and related facilities used for the transportation of oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid or gaseous fuels, or any refined product produced therefrom shall be constructed, operated, and maintained as common carriers.

(2)(i) The owners or operators of pipelines subject to this subpart shall accept, convey, transport, or purchase without discrimination all oil or gas delivered to the pipeline without regard to whether such oil or gas was produced on Federal or non-Federal lands.

(ii) In the case of oil or gas produced from Federal lands or from the resources on the Federal lands in the vicinity of the pipelines, the Secretary may, after a full hearing with due notice thereof to the interested parties and a proper finding of facts, determine the proportionate amounts to be accepted, conveyed, transported or purchased.

(3)(i) The common carrier provisions of this section shall not apply to any natural gas pipeline operated by any person subject to regulation under the Natural Gas Act or by any public utility subject to regulation by a State or municipal regulatory agency having jurisdiction to regulate the rates and charges for the sale of natural gas to consumers within the State or municipality.

(ii) Where natural gas not subject to state regulatory or conservation laws governing its purchase by pipelines is offered for sale, each such pipeline shall purchase, without discrimination, any such natural gas produced in the vicinity of the pipeline.

(4) The Regional Director shall require, prior to granting or renewing a right-of-way, that the applicant submit and disclose all plans, contracts, agreements, or other information or material which he deems necessary to determine whether a right-of-way shall be granted or renewed and the terms and conditions which should be included in the right-of-way. Such information may include, but is not limited to: (i) Conditions for, and agreements among owners or operators, regarding the addition of pumping facilities, looping, or otherwise increasing the pipeline or terminal's throughput capacity in response to actual or anticipated increases in demand; (ii) conditions for adding or abandoning intake, offtake, or storage points or facilities; and (iii) minimum shipment or purchase tenders.

(k) Limitations on export. Any domestically produced crude oil transported by pipeline over rights-of-way granted pursuant to section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, except such crude oil which is either exchanged in similar quantity for convenience or increased efficiency of transportation with persons or the government of an adjacent foreign state, or which is temporarily exported for convenience or increased efficiency of transportation across parts of an adjacent foreign state and reenters the United States, shall be subject to all of the limitation and licensing requirements of the Export Administration Act of 1969.

(l) State standards. The Regional Director shall take into consideration, and to the extent practical comply with, applicable State standards for right-of-way construction, operation, and maintenance.

(m) Congressional notification. The Secretary shall notify the House and Senate Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs promptly upon receipt of an application for a right-of-way for pipeline 24 inches or more in diameter, and no right-of-way for such a pipeline shall be granted until 60 days (not including days on which the House or Senate has adjourned for more than three days) after a notice of intention to grant the right-of-way together with the Secretary's detailed findings as to terms and conditions he proposes to impose, has been submitted to the Committees, unless each Committee by resolution waives the waiting period.

[42 FR 43921, Aug. 31, 1977]

An appeal may be taken from any final disposition of the Regional Director to the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and, except in the case of a denial of a right-of-way application, from the latter's decision to the Secretary of the Interior. Appeals to the Secretary shall be taken pursuant to 43 CFR part 4, subpart G.

[44 FR 42976, July 23, 1979]

Where mineral rights to lands in wildlife refuge areas are vested in the United States, the provisions of 43 CFR 3101.3–3, 3109.4, 3201.1–6 and 3501.2–2 govern.

[31 FR 16026, Dec. 15, 1966, as amended at 44 FR 42976, July 23, 1979]

Persons holding mineral rights in wildlife refuge lands by reservation in the conveyance to the United States and persons holding mineral rights in such lands which rights vested prior to the acquisition of the lands by the United States shall, to the greatest extent practicable, conduct all exploration, development, and production operations in such a manner as to prevent damage, erosion, pollution, or contamination to the lands, waters, facilities and vegetation of the area. So far as is practicable, such operations must also be conducted without interference with the operation of the refuge or disturbance to the wildlife thereon. Physical occupancy of the area must be kept to the minimum space compatible with the conduct of efficient mineral operations. Persons conducting mineral operations on refuge areas must comply with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations for the protection of wildlife and the administration of the area. Oil field brine, slag, and all other waste and contaminating substances must be kept in the smallest practicable area, must be confined so as to prevent escape as a result of rains and high water or otherwise, and must be removed from the area as quickly as practicable in such a manner as to prevent contamination, pollution, damage, or injury to the lands, waters, facilities, or vegetation of the refuge or to wildlife. Structures and equipment must be removed from the area when the need for them has ended. Upon the cessation of operations the area shall be restored as nearly as possible to its condition prior to the commencement of operations. Nothing in this section shall be applied so as to contravene or nullify rights vested in holders of mineral interests on refuge lands.

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