(a) General. (1) The provisions of this section apply to both surface use plans of operations and master surface use plans of operations. Operators shall submit Applications for Permit to Drill or master development plans in accordance with 43 CFR part 3170, subpart 3171, to the Bureau of Land Management. The application for permit to drill or master development plan shall include the surface use plan of operations or master surface use plan of operations.

(2) A master surface use plan of operations can be submitted with a master development plan or with an individual application for permit to drill. If a master surface use plan of operations has been submitted, then subsequent Applications for Permit to Drill can reference the master surface use plan of operations if they are consistent with the master surface use plan of operations.

(b) Preparation of the surface use plan of operations. In preparing a surface use plan of operations, the operator must ensure that it contains the mandatory components of 43 CFR part 1370, subpart 3171, and provisions of § 228.105. The operator is also encouraged to contact the local Forest Service office to make use of such information as is available from the Forest Service concerning surface resources and uses, standard conditions of approval, environmental considerations, and local reclamation procedures. The surface use plan of operations must be consistent with lease terms and stipulations.

(c) Content of surface use plan of operations. The type, size, and intensity of the proposed operations and the sensitivity of the affected surface resources by the proposed operations determine the level of detail and the amount of information which the operator includes in a proposed surface use plan of operations. The surface use plan of operations shall also include planned infrastructure or facilities, to the extent known, to be used to execute the surface use plan of operations. This submission should specify what facilities or infrastructure are located within lease or agreement boundaries, and those that are located outside lease or agreement boundaries.