[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 210 (Wednesday, October 30, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66046-66049]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26643]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Management Service
30 CFR Part 250
RIN 1010-AC65
Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental
Shelf--Decommissioning Activities
AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.
ACTION: Corrections to final regulations.
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SUMMARY: This document contains corrections to the final regulations
published on Friday, May 17, 2002 (67 FR 35398). The final regulations
related to decommissioning activities, and included requirements for
plugging a well, decommissioning a platform and pipeline, and clearing
a lease site. The
[[Page 66047]]
corrections being made are non-substantive and are necessary for
clarification purposes only.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 16, 2002.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Buffington, (703) 787-1147.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The final regulations that are the subject of these corrections add
a new subpart Q to the 30 CFR part 250 regulations. They update
decommissioning requirements to reflect changes in technology to ensure
that lessees and pipeline right-of-way holders conduct decommissioning
operations safely and effectively. The new subpart Q supersedes subpart
G (Abandonment of Wells) in its entirety and selected sections of
subpart J (Pipeline and Pipeline Rights-of-Way), and subpart I
(Platforms and Other Facilities). The effective date of the regulations
is July 17, 2002, and they affect all operators, lessees, and pipeline
right-of-way holders on the Outer Continental Shelf.
Need for Correction
As published, the final regulations contain some non-substantive
items which could prove to be misleading and should be clarified.
Explanations for the main issues follow:
(1) In several places, we are correcting inaccurate citation
references in the preamble and regulatory language.
(2) Our response to a comment recommending that MMS include the
requirements for the removal of subsea equipment, indicated that they
are ``* * * handled case-by-case. * * * Too many variables exist to
specify the requirements in regulations.'' We further stated that,
``However, lessees can assume that equipment must be removed unless the
requirements of Sec. Sec. 250.1725 through 250.1728. * * *'' The word
``unless'' should have been ``under'' to indicate that the assumption
is that subsea equipment must be removed and any exceptions would need
MMS district office approval on a case-by-case basis.
(3) The new subpart Q includes the requirements for both permanent
plugging and temporary plugging or abandonment of a well. With respect
to the latter, the regulations interchanged the terms temporarily
``abandoned'' and temporarily ``plugged.'' In order to be as consistent
as possible throughout our various regulations and with terms used on
our forms and other documents, we are correcting the final regulations
to consistently refer to this temporary status of a well as
``abandoned.''
(4) The table in Sec. 250.1704 was intended as a quick reference
listing of when decommissioning applications and reports are submitted.
We are correcting the table to redesignate paragraph (f) as (g), and to
add a new paragraph (f) to reference the site clearance report for
platforms or other facilities. The redesignated paragraph (g) is
corrected by adding additional references for when form MMS-124 must be
submitted. These were inadvertently omitted from the table. Subsequent
to publishing the final 30 CFR 250, subpart Q, regulations, through a
separate process, the title of this form is being changed from ``Sundry
Notices and Reports on Wells'' to ``Application for Permit to Modify.''
This change is reflected in this correction document.
(5) In Sec. 250.1712 paragraphs (e) and (f)(14) are corrected to
eliminate duplicative language.
(6) In the table in Sec. 250.1715 on permanent well plugging
requirements, we are clarifying the requirements to indicate that the
``plug(s)'' are ``set.'' Also, the line item on ``permafrost areas''
was inadvertently omitted and is added to the table as item (10).
(7) In Sec. Sec. 250.1712 and 250.1717, the correction clarifies
that the form MMS-124 reports should be submitted to the ``appropriate
District Supervisor.''
(8) The introductory text in Sec. 250.1726 is clarified to include
``pipeline rights-of-way'' as well as leases.
(9) In Sec. 250.1740, paragraphs (a) and (b) are corrected to
allow for options other than trawling to verify site clearance around
wells. This was an inadvertent oversight in the final rule and the
correction agrees with the proposed rule language.
(10) Sections 1740(c)(3) and 250.1743(b) are corrected to specify
``Regional'' rather than the ``District'' Supervisor.
(11) This document also makes other editorial corrections for
clarification.
Correction of Publication
The preamble of the final rule published on May 17, 2002, which was
the subject of FR Doc. 02-11640, is corrected as follows:
Preamble [Corrected]
On page 35400, in the 1st column, in the 7th paragraph under the
heading Section 250.1715 (Proposed section 250.1710), the citation
``Sec. 250.1710(i)'' is corrected to read ``Sec. 250.1710(j)'.
On page 35401, in the 1st column, in the 4th paragraph, the words
`` and 250.142'' are added after the citation ``30 CFR 250.141''.
On page 35401, in the 2nd column, in the 1st sentence, the word
``unless'' is corrected to read ``under'' and the words ``are met'' are
removed.
PART 250--[CORRECTED]
Part 250 is corrected by making the following correcting
amendments:
Subpart Q--Decommissioning Activities [Corrected]
Sec. 250.1700 [Corrected]
1. In Sec. 250.1700, the 2nd sentence in paragraph (c) is
corrected by removing ``templates and pilings'' and adding in its place
``templates, pilings''.
2. The table in Sec. 250.1704 is corrected as follows:
A. The heading in the 1st column of the table is revised to read
``Decommissioning applications and reports''.
B. Paragraph (f) in the 1st column is correctly designated as
paragraph (g), and is revised to read as set forth below.
C. A new paragraph (f) is added in the 1st column with
corresponding entries in the 2nd and 3rd columns as set forth below.
Sec. 250.1704 When must I submit decommissioning applications and
reports?
* * * * *
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Decommissioning applications
and reports When to submit Instructions
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* * * * * * *
(f) Site clearance report Within 30 days after Include information
for a platform or other you complete site required under Sec.
facility. clearance 250.1743(b).
verification
activities.
(g) Form MMS-124, (1) Before you Include information
Application for Permit to temporarily abandon required under Sec.
Modify (formerly Sundry or permanently plug Sec. 250.1712
Notices and Reports on a well or zone. and 250.1721.
Wells).
(2) Within 30 days Include information
after you plug a required under Sec.
well. 250.1717.
[[Page 66048]]
(3) Before you Refer to Sec.
install a subsea 250.1722(a).
protective device.
(4) Within 30 days Include information
after you complete required under Sec.
a protective device 250.1722(d).
trawl test.
(5) Before you Refer to Sec.
remove any casing 250.1723.
stub or mud line
suspension
equipment and any
subsea protective
device.
(5) Within 30 days Include information
after you complete required under Sec.
site clearance 250.1743(a).
verification
activities.
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3. Section 250.1712 is corrected by revising the 1st sentence in
the introductory text and paragraphs (e) and (f)(14) to read as
follows:
Sec. 250.1712 What information must I submit before I permanently
plug a well or zone?
Before you permanently plug a well or zone, you must submit form
MMS-124, Application for Permit to Modify, to the appropriate District
Supervisor and receive approval. * * *
* * * * *
(e) A description of the work; and
(f) * * *
(14) Your plans to protect archaeological and sensitive biological
features, including anchor damage during plugging operations, a brief
assessment of the environmental impacts of the plugging operations, and
the procedures and mitigation measures you will take to minimize such
impacts.
4. In Sec. 250.1715, in the table in paragraph (a), paragraphs
(a)(1) through (a)(4) are revised and paragraph (a)(10) is added to
read as follows:
Sec. 250.1715 How must I permanently plug a well?
(a) * * *
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If you have: Then you must use:
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(1) Zones in open hole....... Cement plug(s) set from at least 100 feet
below the bottom to 100 feet above the
top of oil, gas, and fresh-water zones
to isolate fluids in the strata.
------------------------------
(2) Open hole below casing... (i) A cement plug, set by the
displacement method, at least 100 feet
above and below deepest casing shoe;
(ii) A cement retainer with effective
back-pressure control set 50 to 100 feet
above the casing shoe, and a cement plug
that extends at least 100 feet below the
casing shoe and at least 50 feet above
the retainer; or
(iii) A bridge plug set 50 feet to 100
feet above the shoe with 50 feet of
cement on top of the bridge plug, for
expected or known lost circulation
conditions.
------------------------------
(3) A perforated zone that is (i) A method to squeeze cement to all
currently open and not perforations;
previously squeezed or (ii) A cement plug set by the
isolated. displacement method, at least 100 feet
above to 100 feet below the perforated
interval, or down to a casing plug,
whichever is less; or
(iii) If the perforated zones are
isolated from the hole below, you may
use any of the plugs specified in
paragraphs (a)(3)(iii)(A) through (E) of
this section instead of those specified
in paragraphs (a)(3)(i) and (a)(3)(ii)
of this section.
(A) A cement retainer with effective back-
pressure control set 50 to 100 feet
above the top of the perforated
interval, and a cement plug that extends
at least 100 feet below the bottom of
the perforated interval with at least 50
feet of cement above the retainer;
(B) A bridge plug set 50 to 100 feet
above the top of the perforated interval
and at least 50 feet of cement on top of
the bridge plug;
(C) A cement plug at least 200 feet in
length, set by the displacement method,
with the bottom of the plug no more than
100 feet above the perforated interval;
(D) A through-tubing basket plug set no
more than 100 feet above the perforated
interval with at least 50 feet of cement
on top of the basket plug; or
(E) A tubing plug set no more than 100
feet above the perforated interval
topped with a sufficient volume of
cement so as to extend at least 100 feet
above the uppermost packer in the
wellbore and at least 300 feet of cement
in the casing annulus immediately above
the packer.
------------------------------
(4) A casing stub where the (i) A cement plug set at least 100 feet
stub end is within the above and below the stub end;
casing. (ii) A cement retainer or bridge plug set
at least 50 to 100 feet above the stub
end with at least 50 feet of cement on
top of the retainer or bridge plug; or
(iii) A cement plug at least 200 feet
long with the bottom of the plug set no
more than 100 feet above the stub end.
------------------------------
* * * * * * *
(10) Permafrost areas........ (i) A fluid to be left in the hole that
has a freezing point below the
temperature of the permafrost, and a
treatment to inhibit corrosion; and
(ii) Cement plugs designed to set before
freezing and have a low heat of
hydration.
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[[Page 66049]]
* * * * *
5. The introductory text in Sec. 250.1717, is revised to read as
follows:
Sec. 250.1717 After I permanently plug a well, what information must
I submit?
Within 30 days after you permanently plug a well, you must submit
form MMS-124, Application for Permit to Modify (subsequent report), to
the appropriate District Supervisor, and include the following
information:
* * * * *
Temporary Abandoned Wells
6. The undesignated center heading preceding Sec. 250.1721 is
revised to read as set forth above.
Sec. 250.1721 [Corrected]
7. In Sec. 250.1721, in the section heading and two places in the
introductory text of Sec. 250.1721, the word ``plug'' is revised to
read ``abandon''.
Sec. 250.1722 [Corrected]
8. Section Sec. 250.1722 is corrected as follows:
A. In the introductory text, the citation ``Sec. 250.1721(f)'' is
revised to read ``Sec. 250.1721(f)(3)'';
B. In paragraph (c), the citation ``Sec. 250.1740(a)'' is revised
to read `` Sec. 250.1741(d) through (h)''; and
C. In paragraph (g), the word ``greater'' is revised to read
``less''.
Sec. 250.1723 [Corrected]
9. In the introductory text of Sec. 250.1723, the words
``temporarily plugged'' are revised to read ``temporary abandoned''.
10. In Sec. 250.1726, the introductory text is revised to read as
follows:
Sec. 250.1726 When must I submit an initial platform removal
application and what must it include?
An initial platform removal application is required only for leases
and pipeline rights-of-way in the Pacific OCS Region or the Alaska OCS
Region. It must include the following information:
* * * * *
Sec. 250.1740 [Corrected]
11. Section 250.1740 is corrected as follows:
A. Paragraph (a) is removed, paragraph (b) is redesignated
paragraph (a).
B. The introductory text in newly redesignated paragraph (a) is
revised, a new paragraph (b) is added, and the introductory text in
paragraph (c) is revised to read as set forth below.
C. In paragraph (c)(3), the word ``District'' is revisted to read
``Regional''.
Sec. 250.1740 How must I verify that the site of a permanently
plugged well, removed platform, or other removed facility is clear of
obstructions?
* * * * *
(a) For a well site, you must either:
* * * * *
(b) For a platform or other facility site in water depths less than
300 feet, you must drag a trawl over the site.
(c) For a platform or other facility site in water depths 300 feet
or more, you must either:
* * * * *
12. Section 250.1741 is corrected as follows:
A. Paragraph (b) is revised to read as set forth below.
B. In the table in paragraph (g), in paragraph (g)(3) the word
``active'' is added between the words ``diameter'' and ``pipelines'' to
read ``diameter active pipelines''.
Sec. 250.1741 If I drag a trawl across a site, what requirements must
I meet?
* * * * *
(b) You must trawl 100 percent of the limits described in paragraph
(a) of this section in two directions.
* * * * *
Sec. 250.1743 [Corrected]
13. In Sec. 250.1743, in paragraph (b), the word ``District'' is
revised to read ``Regional''.
Sec. Sec. 250.1721, 250.1722, 250.1723, 250.1743 [Corrected]
14. In addition to the corrections set forth above, remove the
words ``Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells'' and add, in their place,
the words ``Application for Permit to Modify'' in the following places:
A. Section 250.1721(a) and (g);
B. Section 250.1722(a) and (d);
C. Section 250.1723(b); and
D. Section 250.1743(a).
Dated: August 30, 2002.
Rebecca W. Watson,
Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.
[FR Doc. 02-26643 Filed 10-29-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MW-P