Completing the SF-299 Application

While directions are included on page 3 of the form, the following instructions may also assist you.
Incomplete information is often the reason application processing is unnecessarily delayed.

An application consists of a completed SF-299 and a map. When you have all the required information, bring or mail the application to the appropriate BLM office.

A complete application form includes the following information:

Required | items 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 19, signature, and date
Required if applicable | items 2, 6, 11, 20 and “Supplemental” (p. 4), if a business entity
Optional | items 9 and 14 through 18

Detailed instructions for specific items

Item 6. Citizenship

This applies only to oil and gas pipelines, which are authorized under the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA), which requires applicants to be citizens of the United States. Citizenship is required of all partners in a partnership. Non-citizens may own or control stock in corporations if the laws of their countries do not deny similar privileges to citizens of the United States.

Item 7. Project Description

Be as specific as possible in describing your project and its location and dimensions, from initial construction through termination and rehabilitation of the affected public land. Include the legal description of the affected public land. You may need to attach separate sheets. You may want to review the list of items under the heading “ROW – Plan of Development Outline." You should also describe any temporary or short-term use areas needed (The section "Temporary Use Permit or Short-term ROW" below has more information).

Item 8. Map

Attach a map (BLM intermediate scale map, 1:100,000; U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle; aerial photo; or equivalent) showing the location of the proposed ROW and adjacent existing improvements. (Only improvements that may directly affect the proposal need to be mapped.) Include the township, range, section, and a North arrow.

Item 9. State/Local government approval

It is not mandatory to document other approvals at the time you submit your application. However, the BLM may require other agency approvals prior to or during our processing.

Item 10. Non-returnable application fee

Fees are detailed here. No fee is required at the time you file your application with the BLM. We will determine the appropriate fee after you have submitted a complete application and notify you of the fee in writing.

Item 12. Statement of technical and financial capability

If you have no doubts about your capability to complete the project, write in "[I am/We are] technically and financially capable of completing the project described in this application." The BLM may require you to post a performance bond or to hire a registered/licensed engineer, depending upon the scope and complexity of your project.

Item 13. Describe reasonable alternatives

Complete parts a. through c. to help the BLM understand alternatives that could be considered.

Items 14 - 18.

Generally not required; however, if you have information or have conducted studies relevant to these items, the information may be submitted to support processing.

Item 19. Hazardous materials

Information related to the use or transportation of any hazardous materials is mandatory. Do not write “N/A” in this block - state “None.”

Signature and Date

The application must be signed and dated. If you have an Authorized Agent acting on your behalf, and you want them to sign the application on your behalf, please complete Item 2. on the application and include evidence of permission allowing the person to act as your Authorized Agent.

Supplemental (p. 4 of the form)

This information is needed for all business applicants. For applications filed under FLPMA, check the appropriate boxes, and if the information has been previously submitted with another BLM ROW application or grant, provide the name of the office and file identification numbers. For Mineral Leasing Act applications (oil and gas pipelines), complete only Section I - f. and g. and Section II – e. or Section III – d.

Temporary Use Permit (TUP) or Short-Term ROW

All activities associated with the construction, operation and termination of your ROW must take place within the specified limits (length, width, timeframe, etc.) of the authorization. Additional land may be necessary for construction, stockpiling excess materials, equipment parking, etc. A TUP or short-term ROW can be granted for up to 3 years.

You can apply for these authorizations at the same time you apply for a ROW by describing its dimensions, location(s) and term needed in Item 7. of the SF-299 or in your Plan of Development.

You may also apply for a TUP/short-term ROW after your ROW has been granted. In this case, you would use a separate SF-299 form and pay additional processing/monitoring fees for BLM to process the authorization. This might require a separate environmental analysis and additional processing time.

If there is a possibility that you may need extra construction width or space, it is best to identify this in your ROW application. Temporary construction needs should be discussed during the pre-application meeting.