[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 185 (Tuesday, September 24, 2013)] [Notices] [Pages 58549-58553] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2013-23149] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement [Docket ID BSEE-2013-0001; OMB Control Number 1014-0010; 134E1700D2 EEEE500000 ET1SF0000.DAQ000] Information Collection Activities: Decommissioning Activities; Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request ACTION: 30-day Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information collection request (ICR) to renew approval of the paperwork requirements in the regulations under Subpart Q, Decommissioning Activities. This notice also provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the revised paperwork burden of these regulatory requirements. DATES: You must submit comments by October 24, 2013. ADDRESSES: Submit comments by either fax (202) 395-5806 or email ([email protected]) directly to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior (1014-0010). Please provide a copy of your comments to BSEE by any of the means below.Electronically: go to http://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter BSEE-2013-0001 then click search. Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view all related materials. We will post all comments. Email [email protected]:[email protected], fax (703) 787-1546, or mail or hand-carry comments to: Department of the Interior; Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement; Regulations and Standards Branch; Attention: Nicole Mason; 381 Elden Street, HE3313; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817. Please reference 1014- 0010 in your comment and include your name and return address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Mason, Regulations and Standards Branch, (703) 787-1605, to request additional information about this ICR. To see a copy of the entire ICR submitted to OMB, go to http://www.reginfo.gov (select Information Collection Review, Currently Under Review). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: 30 CFR 250, Subpart Q, Decommissioning Activities. OMB Control Number: 1014-0010 Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. and 43 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe rules and regulations necessary for the administration of the leasing provisions of that Act related to mineral resources on the OCS. Such rules and regulations will apply to all operations conducted under a lease, right-of-way, or a right-of-use and easement. Operations on the OCS must preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in a manner that is consistent with the need to make such resources available to meet the Nation's energy needs as rapidly as possible; to balance orderly energy resource development with protection of human, marine, and coastal environments; to ensure the public a fair and equitable return on the resources of the OCS; and to preserve and maintain free enterprise competition. Section 1332(6) states that ``operations in the [O]uter Continental Shelf should be conducted in a safe manner by well trained personnel using technology, precautions, and other techniques sufficient to prevent or [[Page 58550]] minimize the likelihood of blowouts, loss of well control, fires, spillages, physical obstructions to other users of the waters or subsoil and seabed, or other occurrences which may cause damage to the environment or to property or endanger life or health.'' In addition to the general rulemaking authority of the OCSLA at 43 U.S.C. 1334, section 301(a) of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act (FOGRMA), 30 U.S.C. 1751(a), grants authority to the Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations as are reasonably necessary to carry out FOGRMA's provisions. While the majority of FOGRMA is directed to royalty collection and enforcement, some provisions apply to offshore operations. For example, section 108 of FOGRMA, 30 U.S.C. 1718, grants the Secretary broad authority to inspect lease sites for the purpose of determining whether there is compliance with the mineral leasing laws. Section 109(c)(2) and (d)(1), 30 U.S.C. 1719(c)(2) and (d)(1), impose substantial civil penalties for failure to permit lawful inspections and for knowing or willful preparation or submission of false, inaccurate, or misleading reports, records, or other information. Because the Secretary has delegated some of the authority under FOGRMA to BSEE, 30 U.S.C. 1751 is included as additional authority for these requirements. The Independent Offices Appropriations Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104-133, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, 1996), and OMB Circular A-25, authorize Federal agencies to recover the full cost of services that confer special benefits. Respondents pay cost recovery fees when removing a platform or other facility, or for decommissioning a pipeline least term or a right-of-way. This authority and responsibility are among those delegated to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). The regulations at 30 CFR 250, Subpart Q, concern decommissioning of platforms, wells, and pipelines, as well as site clearance and platform removal and are the subject of this collection. This request also covers the related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that BSEE issues to clarify, supplement, or provide additional guidance on some aspects of our regulations. Regulations at 30 CFR 250, Subpart Q, implement these statutory requirements. We use the information for the following reasons: To determine the necessity for allowing a well to be temporarily abandoned, the lessee/operator must demonstrate that there is a reason for not permanently abandoning the well, and the temporary abandonment will not constitute a significant threat to fishing, navigation, or other uses of the seabed. We use the information and documentation to verify that the lessee is diligently pursuing the final disposition of the well, and the lessee has performed the temporary plugging of the wellbore. The information submitted in initial decommissioning plans in the Alaska and Pacific OCS Regions will permit BSEE to become involved on the ground floor planning of platform removals anticipated to occur in these OCS regions. Site clearance and platform or pipeline removal information ensures that all objects (wellheads, platforms, etc.) installed on the OCS are properly removed using procedures that will protect marine life and the environment during removal operations, and the site cleared so as not to conflict with or harm other uses of the OCS. Decommissioning a pipeline in place is needed to ensure that it will not constitute a hazard to navigation and commercial fishing operations, unduly interfere with other uses of the OCS, or have adverse environmental effects. The information is necessary to verify that decommissioning activities comply with approved applications and procedures and are satisfactorily completed. We will protect information from respondents considered proprietary under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2) and under regulations at 30 CFR 250.197, Data and information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection. No items of a sensitive nature are collected. Responses are mandatory. Frequency: On occasion, varies by section, and annual. Description of Respondents: Potential respondents comprise Federal oil, gas, or sulphur lessees and/or operators. Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: The estimated annual hour burden for this information collection is a total of 29,437 hours. The following chart details the individual components and estimated hour burdens. In calculating the burdens, we assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in the normal course of their activities. We consider these to be usual and customary and took that into account in estimating the burden. Burden Breakdown [L/T = Lease Term Burden Breakdown ROW = Right of Way] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-Hour Cost Burdens ------------------------------------------------- Citation 30 CFR 250 Subpart Q Reporting requirement Annual burden Hour Average No. of hours burden annual responses (Rounded) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- General ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1700 thru 1754.................... General departure and 4 175 requests......... 700 alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in Subpart Q regulations. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1703; 1704........................ Request approval for Burden included below. 0 decommissioning. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 58551]] 1704(g); 1707(d); 1712; 1715; Submit form BSEE-0124 to Burden covered under 0 1716; 1717; 1721(a), (d), (f), plug wells; provide 1014[dash]00181 (g); 1722(a), (b), (d); 1723(b); subsequent report; 1743(a). request alternate depth departure; request procedure to protect obstructions above seafloor; report within 30 days, results of trawling; certify area cleared of obstructions; remove casing stub or mud line suspension equipment and subsea protective covering; other departures; and all supporting or additional information required. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1705.............................. Submit a description of 29 250 submittals....... 7,250 your BOP and its components; schematic drawings; independent third party verification and all supporting information (evidence showing appropriate licenses, has expertise/ experience necessary to perform required verifications, etc.) with your APM. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1705(e)(2)(ii).................... Allow BSEE access to 0.5 10 submittals........ 5 witness testing, inspections, and information verification. Notify District Manager at least 72 hours prior to shearing ram tests. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1706(a)........................... Request approval of well 0.5 250 requests......... 125 abandonment operations; procedures indicating how the annular preventer will be utilized and how pressure limitations will be applied during each mode of pressure control, with your APM. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1706(f)(4)........................ Request approval of the 1 20 requests.......... 20 District Manager to conduct operations without downhole check values; describe procedures/equipment in APM. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1707(a)(2)........................ Request approval from 0.5 10 requests.......... 5 District Manager to test all BOP system components to rated working pressure; annular BOP less than 70 percent rated working pressure. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1707(b)(2)........................ State reason for 0.5 30 responses......... 15 postponing test in operations logs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1707(b)(2)........................ Request approval from 0.75 10 requests.......... 8 District Manager for alternate test frequencies if condition/ BOP warrant. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1707(f)........................... Request alternative method 0.5 20 requests.......... 10 to record test pressures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1707(f)........................... Record test pressures 1 250 records/ 250 during BOP and coiled certifications. tubing on a pressure chart or w/digital recorder; certify charts are correct. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1707(g)........................... Record or reference in 1 250 records.......... 250 operations log all pertinent information listed in this requirement; make all documents pertaining to BOP tests, actuations and inspections available for BSEE review at facility for duration of well abandonment activity; retain all records for 2 years at a location conveniently available for the District Manager. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1707(h)(1)........................ Submit test procedures 1 75 submittals........ 75 with your APM for District Manager approval. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1707(h)(1)(ii).................... Document all ROV 0.5 75 records........... 38 intervention test results; make available to BSEE upon request. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1707(h)(2)(ii).................... Document all autoshear and 0.5 75 records........... 38 deadman function test results; make available to BSEE upon request. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1708(a), (b)...................... Document BOP inspection 1 75 records........... 75 and maintenance procedures used; record results of BOP inspections and maintenance actions; maintain records for 2 years or longer if directed by BSEE; make available to BSEE upon request. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1708(a)........................... Request alternative method 0.5 5 requests........... 3 to inspect marine risers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 58552]] 1709.............................. Request approval from the 2.5 40 requests.......... 100 District Manager to displace kill-weight fluids in an unbalanced state; submit detailed written procedures with your APM. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subtotal............................................................. 1,620 responses...... 8,967 hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Permanently Plugging Wells ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1711.............................. Required data if Requirement not considered 0 permanently plugging a Information Collection under 5 well. CFR 1320.3(h)(9). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1712; 1721(h)..................... Submit with your APM all Burden covered under 1014-0018 0 documentation for this requirement; professional engineer certification. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1712(g); 1721(h).................. Submit evidence from the 1.5 250.................. 375 Registered Professional Engineer/firm of the well abandonment design and procedures; plugs in the annuli meet requirements of Sec. 250.1715; 2 independent barriers etc.; has the expertise and experience necessary to perform the verification(s), submit with the APM. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1713.............................. Notify BSEE 48 hours 0.5 700 notices.......... 350 before beginning operations to permanently plug a well. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subtotal............................................................. 950 responses........ 725 hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Temporary Abandoned Wells ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1721(e); 1722(e), (h)(1); 1741(c). Identify and report subsea U.S. Coast Guard requirements. 0 wellheads, casing stubs, or other obstructions; mark wells protected by a dome; mark location to be cleared as navigation hazard. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1722(c), (g)(2)................... Notify BSEE within 5 days 1 10 notices........... 10 if trawl does not pass over protective device or causes damages to it; or if inspection reveals casing stub or mud line suspension is no longer protected. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1722(f), (g)(3)................... Submit annual report on 2.5 95 reports........... 238 plans for re-entry to complete or permanently abandon the well and inspection report. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1722(h)........................... Request waiver of trawling 1.5 5 requests........... 8 test. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subtotal............................................................. 110 responses........ 256 hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Removing Platforms and Other Facilities ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1726; 1704(a)..................... Submit initial 20 2 applications....... 40 decommissioning application in the Pacific and Alaska OCS Regions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1725; 1727; 1728; 1730; 1704(b)... Submit final application 28 327 applications..... 9,156 and appropriate data to remove platform or other subsea facility structures (including alternate depth departure) or approval to maintain, to conduct other operations, or to convert to artificial reef. ------------------------------------------------- $4,342 fee x 327 = $1,419,834* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1725(e)........................... Notify BSEE 48 hours 0.5 277 notices.......... 139 before beginning removal of platform and other facilities. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1729; 1704(c)..................... Submit post platform or 9.5 277 reports.......... 2,632 other facility removal report; supporting documentation; signed statements, etc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1731(c)........................... Request deferral of 1.75 50 request........... 88 facility removal subject to RUE issued under 30 CFR 556. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subtotal............................................................. 933 responses........ 12,055 hours ---------------------------------------- [[Page 58553]] $1,419,834 Non-Hour Cost Burdens ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Site Clearance for Wells, Platforms, and Other Facilities ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1740; 1741(g)..................... Request approval to use 12.75 75 requests/contact.. 956 alternative methods of well site, platform, or other facility clearance; contact pipeline owner/ operator before trawling to determine its condition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1743(b); 1704(f).................. Verify permanently plugged 5 299 verifications.... 1,495 well, platform, or other facility removal site cleared of obstructions; supporting documentation; and submit certification letter. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subtotal............................................................. 374 responses........ 2,451 hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pipeline Decommissioning ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1750; 1751; 1752; 1754; 1704(d)... Submit application to 7.75 530 applications..... 4,108 decommission pipeline in place or remove pipeline (L/T or ROW). ------------------------------------------------- $1,059 L/T decommission fee x 350 = $370,650* ------------------------------------------------- $2,012 ROW decommission fee x 180 = $362,160* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1753; 1704(e)..................... Submit post pipeline 2.5 350 reports.......... 875 decommissioning report. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subtotal............................................................. 880 responses........ 4,983 hours ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- $732,810 non-hour cost burdens ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Burden......................................................... 4,867 Responses...... 29,437 hours ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- $2,152,644 Non-Hour Cost Burdens ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Cost recovery monies collected are based on actual submittals through Pay.gov for FY 2012. Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Non-Hour Cost Burden: We have identified three non-hour paperwork cost burdens for this collection. We estimate a total reporting non-hour cost burden of $2,152,644 for this collection. Respondents pay cost recovery fees when removing a platform or other facility under Sec. 250.1727 for $4,342, or for decommissioning a pipeline under Sec. 250.1751(a)--L/T for $1,059 or a ROW for $2,012. The fees are required to recover the Federal Government's processing costs. We have not identified any other non- hour cost burdens. Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.,) provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated to respond. Comments: Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.,) requires each agency ``* * * to provide notice * * * and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of information * * *'' Agencies must specifically solicit comments to: (a) evaluate whether the collection is necessary or useful; (b) evaluate the accuracy of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of technology. To comply with the public consultation process, on May 21, 2013, we published a Federal Register notice (78 FR 29772) announcing that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. The notice provided the required 60-day comment period. In addition, Sec. 250.199 provides the OMB control number for the information collection requirements imposed by the 30 CFR 250 regulations. The regulation also informs the public that they may comment at any time on the collections of information and provides the address to which they should send comments. We have received one comment in response to these efforts, but it was not germane to the paperwork burden associated with this information collection. Public Availability of Comments: Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment-- including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. BSSE Information Collection Clearance Officer: Cheryl Blundon (703) 787-1607. Dated: August 26, 2013.m Robert W. Middleton, Deputy Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs. [FR Doc. 2013-23149 Filed 9-23-13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-VH-P