Re-submit MMS five-year comments by mail

The Minerals Management Service said Sept. 26 that anyone using the Internet to submit comments on its proposed five-year leasing plan on or after Aug. 26 should resubmit those comments in writing.

MMS’ Internet-based public comment system is hosted on computers in New Orleans, La., the agency said, and Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath disrupted the system. The agency said Sept. 26 that it does not know long it will take to restore the system.

MMS said it was able to receive comments submitted through its Internet Public Connect system before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on Aug. 29, but is advising anyone who submitted comments through the system on or after Aug. 26 to re-submit comments by mail to: Renee Orr, 5-year program manager, Minerals Management Service (MS-4010), Room 3120, 381 Elden St., Herndon VA 20170. Comments are due Oct. 11.

E-mail regarding the preparation of the EIS should be sent to [email protected] and e-mail regarding any other aspect of the five-year leasing program besides the EIS should be sent to [email protected].

Note: Among the federal offshore areas in Alaska that are part of the proposed five-year leasing plan are Bristol Bay, Chukchi Sea and Lower Cook Inlet.