[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 21, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 9626]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-4110]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

30 CFR Part 254

RIN 1010-AB81


Spill-Response Plans for Offshore Facilities Including State 
Submerged Lands and Pipelines

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Interim final rule; delay of expiration.

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SUMMARY: This document delays the expiration of the interim final rule 
governing spill-response plans for offshore facilities. The Federal 
Water Pollution Control Act as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 
(OPA) requires that a spill-response plan be submitted for offshore 
facilities. The MMS published an interim final rule establishing 
requirements for spill-response plans for offshore facilities including 
pipelines on February 8, 1993. The rule was scheduled to expire on 
February 18, 1995, or when superseded by a final rule. The MMS will not 
have a final rule in place by February 18, 1995, and therefore will 
extend the termination date of the interim final rule. This rulemaking 
is being extended until superseded by a final rule.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The interim rule published February 8, 1993 (58 FR 
7489) is extended indefinitely; it will not expire until the interim 
rule is superseded by a final rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lawrence H. Ake, Engineering and Standards Branch, telephone (703) 787-
1600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 8, 1993, MMS published an 
interim final rule titled ``Spill-Response Plans for Offshore 
Facilities Including State Submerged Lands and Pipelines'' (58 FR 
7489). The interim final rule was given an effective date of February 
18, 1993, and was to expire on February 18, 1995, or when superseded by 
a final rule. At the time of publication of the interim final rule, it 
was anticipated that a final rule would be in place before February 18, 
1995. A final rule on this subject will not be published before the 
published expiration date, yet there is still a need for a rule that 
conveys MMS requirements for spill-response plans for offshore 
facilities. The interim final rule provides necessary guidance to 
operators for preparing and submitting spill-response plans that are 
required by OPA. The MMS has determined that an immediate effective 
date is necessary to provide continuity in the administration, review, 
and approval of spill-response plans.

Author

    This document was prepared by Lawrence H. Ake, Engineering and 
Technology Division, MMS.

Rulemaking Analyses

E.O. 12866

    Non significant.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    No significant impact.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    OMB clearance number 1010-0057.

Takings Implication Assessment

    No interference with constitutionally protected property rights.

E.O. 12778

    Meets applicable standards.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The Department of the Interior has determined that this action does 
not constitute a major federal action affecting the quality of the 
human environment; therefore, preparation of an Environmental Impact 
Statement is not required.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 254

    Continental shelf, Environmental protection, Oil and gas 
development and production, Oil and gas exploration, Pipelines, Public 
lands--mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: February 14, 1995.
Sylvia V. Baca,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.
[FR Doc. 95-4110 Filed 2-17-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-M