[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 208 (Monday, October 28, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64237-64241]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-25322]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
[OMB Number 1010-0114]
Information Collection: General and Oil and Gas Production
Requirements in the Outer Continental Shelf; Submitted for OMB Review;
Comment Request
ACTION: 30-Day notice.
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MMAA104000
SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is notifying the public that
we have submitted an information collection request (ICR) to the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The ICR
pertains to the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR
Part 550, Subparts A and K, General and Oil and Gas Production
Requirements. This notice provides the public a second opportunity to
comment on the paperwork burden of this collection.
DATE: Submit written comments by November 27, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments on this ICR to the Desk Officer for the
Department of the Interior at OMB-OIRA at (202) 395-5806 (fax) or
[email protected] (email). Please provide a copy of your
comments to the BOEM Information Collection Clearance Officer, Arlene
Bajusz, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 381 Elden Street, HM-3127,
Herndon, Virginia 20170 (mail) or [email protected] (email).
Please reference ICR 1010-0114 in your comment and include your name
and return address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arlene Bajusz, Office of Policy,
Regulations, and Analysis at [email protected] (email) or (703)
787-1025 (phone). You may review the ICR online at http://www.reginfo.gov. Follow the instructions to review Department of the
Interior collections under review by OMB.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
OMB Control Number: 1010-0114.
Title: 30 CFR Part 550, Subpart A, General, and Subpart K, Oil and
Gas Production Requirements.
Forms: BOEM-0127, BOEM-0140, BOEM-1123, BOEM-1832.
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 to
administer leasing of the OCS. Such rules and regulations will apply to
all operations conducted under a lease. Operations in 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;
balance orderly energy resource development with protection of human,
marine, and coastal environments; ensure the public a fair and
equitable return on the resources of the OCS; and 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 techniques
sufficient to prevent or minimize . . . loss of well control . . .
physical obstructions to 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.''
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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-25
authorize Federal agencies to recover the full cost of services that
confer special benefits. Under the Department of the Interior's (DOI)
implementing policy, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is
required to charge fees for services that provide special benefits or
privileges to an identifiable non-Federal recipient above and beyond
those that accrue to the public.
This ICR covers 30 CFR 550, Subpart A, General, and Subpart K, Oil
and Gas Production Requirements, which deal with regulatory
requirements of oil, gas, and sulphur operations on the OCS. This
request also covers the related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs)
[[Page 64238]]
that BOEM issues to clarify and provide guidance on some aspects of our
regulations.
The BOEM uses the information collected under the Subpart A and K
regulations to ensure that operations in the OCS are carried out in a
safe and environmentally sound manner, do not interfere with the rights
of other users in the OCS, and balance the protection and development
of OCS resources. Specifically, we use the information collected to:
Determine the capability of a well to produce oil or gas
in paying quantities or to determine the possible need for additional
wells resulting in minimum royalty status on a lease.
Provide lessees/operators greater flexibility to comply
with regulatory requirements through approval of alternative equipment
or procedures and departures if they demonstrate equal or better
compliance with the appropriate performance standards.
Ensure that subsurface storage of natural gas does not
unduly interfere with development and production operations under
existing leases.
Record the designation of an operator authorized to act on
behalf of the lessee/operating rights owner and to fulfill their
obligations under the OCS Lands Act and implementing regulations, or to
record the local agent empowered to receive notices and comply with
regulatory orders issued (Form BOEM-1123, Designation of Operator).
This form requires the respondent to submit general information such as
lease number, name, address, company number of designated operator, and
signature of the authorized lessee. With this renewal, BOEM is adding a
line for the signator's name and title and clarifying explanations and
terminology. We are also introducing instructions on how to fill out
the form specific to the Gulf of Mexico Region to better facilitate the
processing of the form, given the volume of form submissions and
inquiries that the Gulf Region receives. We estimate the instructions
will increase the time from 15 to 30 minutes to read and fill out the
form; however, we believe the instructions will reduce the number of
basic questions and result in faster processing time for respondents.
Determine if an application for right-of-use and easement
complies with the OCS Lands Act, other applicable laws, and BOEM
regulations; and does not unreasonably interfere with the operations of
any other lessee.
Provide for orderly development or disqualification of
leases to determine the appropriateness of lessee/operator performance.
Approve requests to cancel leases and ascertain if/when
the Secretary may cancel leases.
Ensure the protection of any discovered archaeological
resources.
Regulate production rates from sensitive reservoirs (Form
BOEM-0127, Sensitive Reservoir Information Report). BOEM engineers and
geologists use the information for rate control and reservoir studies.
The form requests general information about the reservoir and the
company, volumetric data, and fluid analysis and production data. To
assist respondents in filling out the form, BOEM is introducing
instructions to clarify data entries. We expect the instructions to
reduce or eliminate the number of form revisions in the future,
although it could initially add 30 minutes to the form burden to read
them.
Manage reservoirs in our efforts to conserve natural
resources, prevent waste, and protect correlative rights, including the
Government's royalty interest (Form BOEM-0140, Bottomhole Pressure
Survey Report). Specifically, BOEM uses the information in reservoir
evaluations to determine maximum production and efficient rates and to
review applications for downhole commingling to ensure that action does
not harm ultimate recovery or undervalued royalties. The form requests
information about the well and operator; test data information such as
shut-in time, bottomhole temperature, kelly bushing elevation; and
bottomhole pressure points that consist of measured depth(s), true
vertical depth(s), pressure(s), and pressure gradient(s). With this
renewal, BOEM is adding a line to record the distance between the kelly
bushing and tubing-head flange and is modifying some wording for
clarification. We expect no change to the hour burden as a result.
Determine that respondents have corrected any Incidents of
Non-Compliance (INCs), Form BOEM-1832, identified during compliance
reviews. The BOEM issues this form to the operator and the operator
then corrects the INC(s), signs and returns the form to the BOEM
Regional Supervisor. To accommodate the split of regulatory
responsibilities from the former Bureau of Ocean Energy Management,
Regulation, and Enforcement, BOEM will be revising this form to reflect
BOEM's compliance authority and will obtain OMB approval under a
separate submission.
We will protect proprietary information according to the Freedom of
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), its implementing regulations (43 CFR
part 2), 30 CFR part 252, and 30 CFR 550.197, ``Data and information to
be made available to the public or for limited inspection.''
Proprietary information concerning geological and geophysical data will
be protected according to 43 U.S.C. 1352. No items of a sensitive
nature are collected. Responses are mandatory.
Frequency: Primarily on occasion; monthly.
Description of Respondents: Federal oil and gas and sulphur
lessees/operators.
Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: The estimated
annual hour burden for this collection is 30,635 hours. The following
table 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
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Non-hour cost burdens
Reporting or -----------------------------------------------------------
Citation 30 CFR 550 Subpart A recordkeeping Average number
and related forms/NTLs requirement Hour burden of annual Annual burden
responses hours
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Authority and Definition of Terms
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104; 181; Form BOEM-1832..... Appeal orders or Exempt under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2), (c) 0
decisions; appeal
INCs; request
hearing due to
cancellation of
lease.
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[[Page 64239]]
Performance Standards
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115; 116..................... Request determination 5........................ 90 responses... 450
of well
producibility; make
available or submit
data and
information; notify
BOEM of test.
119.......................... Apply for subsurface 10....................... 3 applications. 30
storage of gas; sign
storage agreement.
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Subtotal................................................................... 93 responses... 480
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Cost Recovery Fees
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125; 126; 140................ Cost Recovery Fees; Cost Recovery Fees and related items are 0
confirmation receipt covered individually throughout this
etc; verbal subpart
approvals and
written request to
follow. Includes
request for refunds.
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Designation of Operator
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143.......................... Report change of Not considered information collection 0
name, address, etc. under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1)
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143(a-c); 144; 145; Form BOEM- Submit designation of 1........................ 2,584 forms.... 2,584
1123. operator (Form BOEM-
1123--form takes 30
minutes); report
updates; notice of
termination; submit
designation of
agent. Request
exception. NO FEE.
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143(a-d); 144; 145; Form BOEM- Change designation of 1........................ 930 forms...... 930
1123. operator (Form BOEM-
1123--form takes 30
minutes); report
updates; notice of
termination; submit
designation of
agent; include
pay.gov confirmation
receipt. Request
exception. SERVICE
FEE.
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$175 fee x 930 = $162,750
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186(a)(3); NTL............... Apply for user Not considered information collection 0
account in TIMS under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1)
(electronic/digital
form submittals).
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Subtotal................................................................... 3,514 responses 3,514
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$162,750 non-hour cost burden
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Compliance
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101; 135; 136; Form BOEM-1832 Submit response and 2........................ 94 submissions. 188
required information
for INC, probation,
or revocation of
operating status.
Notify when
violations corrected.
Request waiver of 14- 1........................ 1.............. 1
day response time or
reconsideration.
135; 136..................... Request reimbursement 1.5...................... 2 requests..... 3
for services
provided to BOEM
representatives
during reviews;
comment.
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Subtotal................................................................... 97 responses... 192
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Special Types of Approval
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125(c); 140.................. Request various oral 1........................ 100 requests... 100
approvals not
specifically covered
elsewhere in
regulatory
requirements.
141; 101-199................. Request approval to 20....................... 100 requests... 2,000
use new or
alternative
procedures; submit
required information.
142; 101-199................. Request approval of 2.5...................... 100 requests... 250
departure from
operating
requirements not
specifically covered
elsewhere in
regulatory
requirements; submit
required information.
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Subtotal................................................................... 300 responses.. 2,350
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[[Page 64240]]
Right-of-use and Easement
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160; 161; 123................ OCS lessees: Apply 9........................ 26 applications 234
for new or modified
right-of-use and
easement to
construct and
maintain off-lease
platforms,
artificial islands,
and installations
and other devices;
include
notifications and
submitting required
information.
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160(c)....................... Establish a Company Burden covered under 30 CFR 556 (1010- 0
File for 0006)
qualification;
submit updated
information, submit
qualifications for
lessee/bidder,
request exception.
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160; 165; 123................ State lessees: Apply 5........................ 1 application.. 5
for new or modified
right-of-use and
easement to
construct and
maintain off-lease
platforms,
artificial islands,
and installations
and other devices;
include pay.gov
confirmation and
notifications.
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$2,742 state lease fee x 1 = $2,742
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166.......................... State lessees: Burden covered under 30 CFR 556 (1010- 0
Furnish surety bond; 0006)
additional security
if required.
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Subtotal................................................................... 27 responses... 239
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$2,742 non-hour cost burden
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Primary Lease Requirements, Lease Term Extensions, and Lease Cancellations
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181(d); 182(b), 183(a)(b).... Request termination 20....................... 1 request...... 20
of suspension,
cancellation of
lease, lesser lease
term (no requests in
recent years for
termination/
cancellation of a
lease; minimal
burden).
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182; 183, 185; 194........... Various references to Burden covered under 30 CFR 550, Subpart B 0
submitting new, (1010-0151)
revised, or modified
exploration plan,
development/
production plan, or
development
operations
coordination
document, and
related surveys/
reports.
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184.......................... Request compensation 50....................... 1 request...... 50
for lease
cancellation
mandated by the OCS
Lands Act (no
qualified lease
cancellations in
many years; minimal
burden compared to
benefit).
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Subtotal................................................................... 2 responses.... 70
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Information and Reporting Requirements
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186(a)....................... Apply to receive Not considered IC under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1) 0
administrative
entitlements to
eWell/TIMS system
for electronic
submissions.
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186; NTL..................... Submit information, 10....................... 125............ 1,250
reports, and copies
as BOEM requires.
135; 136..................... Report apparent 1.5...................... 2 reports...... 3
violations or non-
compliance..
194; NTL..................... Report archaeological 2........................ 6 reports...... 12
discoveries. Submit
archaeological and
follow-up reports
and additional
information.
194; NTL..................... Request departures 1........................ 2 requests..... 2
from conducting
archaeological
resources surveys
and/or submitting
reports in GOMR.
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194.......................... Submit ancillary Burden covered under 30 CFR 550 Subpart B 0
surveys/ (1010-0151)
investigations
reports, as required.
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196.......................... Submit data/ Burden covered under 30 CFR 551 (1010- 0
information for G&G 0048)
activity and request
reimbursement.
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197(b)(2).................... Demonstrate release 1........................ 1.............. 1
of G&G data would
unduly damage
competitive position.
[[Page 64241]]
197.......................... Submit 1........................ 1.............. 1
confidentiality
agreement.
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Subtotal................................................................... 137 responses.. 1,269
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Recordkeeping
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135; 136..................... During reviews, make 2........................ 7 reviews...... 14
records available as
requested by
inspectors.
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Subtotal................................................................... 7 responses.... 14
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Non-hour cost burdens
Citation 30 CFR 550 Subpart K Well surveys and -------------------------------------------------------
and related forms/NTLs classifying reservoirs Average number of Annual burden
Hour burden annual responses hours
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1153........................... Conduct static 14................. 1,161 surveys.... 16,254
bottomhole pressure
survey; submit Form
BOEM-0140 (Bottomhole
Pressure Survey
Report) (within 60
days after survey).
1153(d)........................ Submit justification, 1.................. 200 survey 200
information, and Form departures.
BOEM-0140, to request
a departure from
requirement to run a
static bottomhole
survey.
1154; 1167..................... Submit request and 1.................. 15 requests...... 15
supporting information
to reclassify
reservoir.
1155; 1165(b); 1166; 1167...... Submit Form BOEM-0127 3.................. 2,012 forms...... 6,036
(Sensitive Reservoir
Information Report)
and supporting
information/revisions
(within 45 days after
certain events or at
least annually). AK
Region: submit BOEM-
0127 and request MER.
1153-1167...................... Request general 1.................. 2................ 2
departure or
alternative compliance
requests not
specifically covered
elsewhere in
regulatory
requirements.
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1165........................... Submit proposed plan Burden covered under BSEE 30 CFR 250 0
for enhanced recovery (1014-0019)
operations to BSEE.
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Subtotal................................................................. 3,390 responses.. 22,507
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Total Burden............................................................. 7,567 responses.. 30,635
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$165,492 non-hour cost burdens
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Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Non-Hour Cost Burden: We have
identified two non-hour cost burdens. Section 550.143 requires a fee
for a change in designation of operator ($175). Section 550.165
requires a State lessee applying for a right-of use and easement in the
OCS to pay a cost recovery application fee ($2,742). These fees reflect
the recent adjustment for inflation that became effective February 2,
2013 (78 FR 5836, 1/28/13). The total non-hour cost burden for this
collection is estimated at $165,492.
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 estimates; (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 June 17, 2013,
BOEM published a Federal Register notice (78 FR 36244) announcing that
we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. This notice provided the
required 60-day comment period. We received no comments in response to
the notice; however, comments are accepted at any time.
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.
Dated: September 16, 2013.
Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
Chief, Office of Policy, Regulations, and Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2013-25322 Filed 10-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P