R638-1-4. Procedures

a. Geologic information will be categorized as follows:

1. Category A: Information that is public and not maintained as confidential.

(a) Survey publications.

(b) Survey open-file reports.

(c) Samples and core accepted for storage.

(d) Inhouse-generated files and computer information unless otherwise covered in Category B.

2. Category B: Information that is temporarily withheld from the public until made available by open filing or publication of the information.

(a) Predecisional documents leading to a geologic explanation or publication.

(b) Manuscripts received from non-Survey sources.

(c) Geologic information and conclusions drawn by the Survey that have been contracted or legislatively mandated for other state agencies.

(d) Determination for Category B information will be made by the Director based upon:

(1) a likelihood that premature release would result in a competitive advantage or disadvantage to an individual or organization;

(2) a likelihood that premature release would result in misuse or harm the public;

(3) a judgement that premature release would compromise the Survey's ability to analyze data, or complete and make public the conclusions of a project in a timely manner.

(e) Category B information may be open-filed at any time by the Director.

3. Category C: Information that is not to be made available to the public except under terms and conditions agreed upon at the time of its acceptance.

(a) Information given to the Survey by other governmental agencies and classified as confidential by them.

(b) Information given to the Survey by private individuals or organizations and classified as confidential by them.

(c) Information purchased by the Survey with the understanding that it will be maintained as confidential.

b. Geologic information designated confidential will be recorded as received by the Survey at the requested level of confidentiality and maintained in locked files with controlled access.