Geological Survey Permit Program

The Commission has jurisdiction over geological survey activities occurring on sovereign and school state lands. The Commission issues non-exclusive permits to qualified applicants to perform geological surveys on lands within the Commission’s jurisdiction. Operators may conduct surveys using specific types of geological equipment, subject to permit terms and conditions that were developed to minimize impacts to wildlife and the environment.

Project-Specific Geological Survey Permit

This nonexclusive permit authorizes geological survey activity related to a specifically defined survey or surveys. A Project-Specific Geological Survey Permit is required for geological surveys anywhere within the Commission’s jurisdiction. Environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) may be required (i.e., an Environmental Impact Report), which would inform permit terms and conditions specific to the activities being conducted. This permit will be valid for a period appropriate for the project, but not to exceed 3 years.

Required Application Documents

• Project Description, including project overview, purpose, and timeline.
• Notification of Geological Survey Equipment Used: a written list of the specific make and model of all such equipment the permittee intends to use to collect data

If the survey is occurring in water:

• Marine Wildlife Contingency Plan (MWCP)
  The MWCP should identify the marine mammals and reptiles that could be expected within the area being surveyed, including the protected status, minimum population estimate, current population trend, most likely periods of occurrence for each species/stock, identification of pinniped haul-out sites within or immediately adjacent to the proposed survey area, and observation recording procedures and reporting requirements in the event of an observed impact to marine organisms.
• Oil Spill Contingency Plan
  For accidental releases of petroleum and/or non-petroleum products. Said plans shall include, at a minimum:

Specific steps to be taken in the event of a spill, including notification names, phone numbers, and locations of: (i) nearby emergency medical facilities, (ii) wildlife rescue/response organizations (e.g., Oiled Wildlife Care Network), (iii) containment procedures, and (iv) cleanup procedures.

A description of crew training and equipment testing procedures.

A description, quantities, and location of spill response equipment onboard the vessel.

Active Permits

List of active geological survey permittees