The FOIA provides you the right to request access to Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) records. The Department of the Interior regulations are located at 43 CFR Part 2. It is the policy of the BSEE to make its records available to the public to the greatest extent possible in keeping with the spirit of the FOIA. The BSEE makes many of its records publicly available and a FOIA request may not be necessary. Take a minute to search the BSEE home page to see if the information you want is already available. You may want to go to the BSEE Library or FOIA Reading Room to see if a document is already there. You can also use the Search feature which is found at the bottom of the Reading Room page. If you have any questions about the need for a FOIA request, call one of the FOIA contacts listed below.
How Do I Make a FOIA Request?
Send a written request clearly describing the records you are seeking utilizing a method outlined in “Where Do I Send My Request?” below.
Reasonably describe the records you are requesting.
State the category of your request for fee purposes; i.e. Commercial, Media, Educational, or All Others. See Categories of Requesters listed below.
Authorize fees up to the maximum amount you are willing to pay.
If requesting a fee waiver, indicate how you qualify (see 43 CFR 2.45(a) and 43 CFR 2.48).
Specify the format in which you want your response (hard copy, diskette, magnetic tape, etc.).
Provide an address and telephone number where we can reach you should we need additional information.
Where Do I Send My Request?
Requests can be submitted electronically through FOIAXpress, FOIA.gov, by mail at the address below, or by Fax (703) 787-1207. If you are another federal agency who is sending a FOIA Consult or FOIA Referral, please send it to bseefoia@bsee.gov. For any questions or concerns, please contact us at bseefoia@bsee.gov.
Headquarters Offices
Other FOIA Contacts of the Former MMS
| |||||||||||
Categories of Requesters
Commercial Use
If you are in this category, you are charged for document search, review, and duplication.Educational and Noncommercial Scientific Institution
If you are in this category, you are charged for the cost of duplication alone. Requesters receive the first 100 pages of paper copies free. There is no charge for search or review.News Media
If you are in this category, you are charged for the cost of duplication alone. Requesters receive the first 100 pages of paper copies free. There is no charge for search or review.All Others
If you are in this category, you are charged for search and duplication, except that the first 2 hours of search time and the first 100 pages of paper copies are free. There is no charge for review.
DOI Search and Review Fees
Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Copies (standard size paper up to 8 1/2 x 14) | $0.15 per page |
Search and Review | |
| Managerial | $15.25 per 1/4 hour; $61.00 per hour |
| Professional | $10.50 per 1/4 hour; $42.00 per hour |
| Clerical | $ 6.00 per 1/4 hour; $24.00 per hour |
Other | |
| Microfiche | $0.08 per page |
| Computer and magnetic tapes | $25.00 each |
| Computer diskettes | $1.25 each |
| Other services (computer time, special mailing) | Actual Cost |
Fees will not be charged if the total amount to process your request is $50.00 or less.
For more detailed information on fees see 43 CFR Part 2, Subpart G.
FOIA Exemptions
Some documents are protected by the following exemptions:
Exemption 1 - Matters of National Defense or Foreign Policy
Exemption 2 - Internal Personnel Rules and Practices
Exemption 3 - Information Exempted by Other Statutes
Exemption 4 - Trade Secrets, Commercial or Financial Information (Confidential Business Information)
Exemption 5 - Privileged Interagency or Intra-agency Memoranda or Letters
Exemption 6 - Personal Information Affecting an Individual's Privacy
Exemption 7 - Records Compiled for Law Enforcement Purposes
Exemption 8 - Records of Financial Institutions
Exemption 9 - Geological and Geophysical Information Concerning Wells