The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (the Department) is considering amending and/or promulgating a regulation in Title 11 of the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC).  This revision would establish a fee structure for the use of a recently acquired hyperspectral scanning instrument at the Geologic Materials Center.  This highly sophisticated technology can capture high resolution spectral data across hundreds of narrow wavelengths for every pixel of a rock or core sample.  The spectral signature is processed to identify and map mineralogy, alteration, grain-scale variations, compositional changes, and other characteristics of the core sample.  The result is a detailed spatial mineral map that supports more accurate characterization of lithology, fluid-rock interactions, and geologic heterogeneity. 

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) administers fees through the existing regulation 11 AAC 05.090, "Geological and geophysical survey, facilities, equipment, products, services, and publications." The potential regulation(s) could include provisions establishing a fee, creating a methodology to calculate fees, and/or administering the fee for the hyperspectral scanner.

The purpose of this notice is to allow the public to submit written comments on ideas and suggestions before the Department undertakes the task of drafting any specific proposed regulations for public review. The Department invites written suggestions for improving the efficiency, consistency, and reasonableness of fee implementation. This could include information or recommendations about fee calculation methodologies, collection administration, and other relevant aspects to be addressed in any future regulatory package.

The Department is not currently proposing any specific regulations, and there are no draft regulations to review at this time. Any future proposed regulation changes will be released for public review and comment in compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act in Alaska Statutes 44.62.

Please do not include any confidential information in the comments.

Written comments received by the Department submitted through email or by mail must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026.

Please send submissions via email:
dnr.dggs.comments@alaska.gov 

Or via mail:
Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Attn: Jess Thurman
3354 College Road
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709