[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7250-7253]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-3248]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Notice of extension of an information collection (1010-0086).

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SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS 
is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit 
to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. 
The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork 
requirements in

[[Page 7251]]

the regulations under ``30 CFR 250, Subpart P, Sulphur Operations.''

DATES: Submit written comments by April 13, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Mail or hand carry comments to the Department of the 
Interior; Minerals Management Service; Attention: Rules Processing 
Team; Mail Stop 4024; 381 Elden Street; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817. 
If you wish to e-mail comments, the address is: [email protected]. 
Reference ``Information Collection 1010-0086'' in your e-mail subject 
line and mark your message for return receipt. Include your name and 
return address in your message.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arlene Bajusz, Rules Processing Team 
at (703) 787-1600. You may also contact Arlene Bajusz to obtain a copy, 
at no cost, of the regulations that require the subject collection of 
information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: 30 CFR Part 250, Subpart P, Sulphur Operations.
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0086.
    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 (Secretary) 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 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 5(a) of the OCS Lands Act requires the Secretary to 
prescribe rules and regulations ``to provide for the prevention of 
waste, and conservation of the natural resources of the Outer 
Continental Shelf, and the protection of correlative rights therein'' 
and to include provisions ``for the prompt and efficient exploration 
and development of a lease area.'' These authorities and 
responsibilities are among those delegated to MMS under which we issue 
regulations to ensure that operations in the OCS will meet statutory 
requirements; provide for safety and protection of the environment; and 
result in diligent exploration, development, and production of OCS 
leases. This information collection request addresses the regulations 
at 30 CFR Part 250, Subpart P, Sulphur Operations, and the associated 
supplementary notices to lessees and operators intended to provide 
clarification, description, or explanation of these regulations.
    MMS uses the information collected to ascertain the condition of 
drilling sites for the purpose of preventing hazards inherent in 
drilling and production operations and to evaluate the adequacy of 
equipment and/or procedures to be used during the conduct of drilling, 
well-completion, well-workover, and production operations. For example, 
MMS uses the information to:
     Ascertain that a discovered sulphur deposit can 
be classified as capable of production in paying quantities.
     Ensure accurate and complete measurement of 
production to determine the amount of sulphur royalty payments due the 
United States; and that the sale locations are secure, production has 
been measured accurately, and appropriate follow-up actions are 
initiated.
     Ensure that the drilling unit is fit for the 
intended purpose.
     Review expected oceanographic and meteorological 
conditions to ensure the integrity of the drilling unit (this 
information is submitted only if it is not otherwise available).
     Review hazard survey data to ensure that the 
lessee will not encounter geological conditions that present a hazard 
to operations.
     Ensure the adequacy and safety of firefighting 
plans.
     Ensure the adequacy of casing for anticipated 
conditions.
     Review log entries of crew meetings to verify 
that crew members are properly trained.
     Review drilling, well-completion, and well-
workover diagrams and procedures to ensure the safety of the proposed 
drilling, well-completion, and well-workover operations.
     Review production operation procedures to ensure 
the safety of the proposed production operations.
     Monitor environmental data during operations in 
offshore areas where such data are not already available to provide a 
valuable source of information to evaluate the performance of drilling 
rigs under various weather and ocean conditions. This information is 
necessary to make reasonable determinations regarding safety of 
operations and environmental protection.
    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 250.196, ``Data and information to be made available to the 
public.'' No items of a sensitive nature are collected. Responses are 
mandatory.
    Frequency: Varies by section, but is generally ``on occasion'' or 
annual.
    Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: Approximately 1 
Federal OCS sulphur lessee.
    Estimated Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Hour'' Burden: The 
currently approved ``hour'' burden for this information collection is a 
total of 903 hours. The following chart details the individual 
components of this burden and estimated burden per response or record. 
In calculating the burden, 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.

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                                                                   Reporting or recordkeeping
                Citation 30 CFR 250 subpart P                             requirement              Hour  burden
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1600.........................................................  Submit exploration or development               0
                                                                and production plan. [Burden
                                                                included under 30 CFR 250,
                                                                subpart B (1010-0049).].
1603(a)......................................................  Request determination whether                   1
                                                                sulphur deposit can produce in
                                                                paying quantities.
1605(b)(3)...................................................  Submit data and information on                  4
                                                                fitness of drilling unit.
1605(c)......................................................  Report oceanographic,                           1
                                                                meteorological, and drilling
                                                                unit performance data upon
                                                                request*.
1605(d)......................................................  Submit results of additional                    1
                                                                surveys and soil borings upon
                                                                request*.
1605(e)(5)...................................................  Request copy of directional                     1
                                                                survey (by holder of adjoining
                                                                lease)*.
1605(f)......................................................  Submit application for                          0
                                                                installation of fixed drilling
                                                                platforms or structures. [Burden
                                                                included under 30 CFR 250,
                                                                subpart I (1010-0058).].
1607.........................................................  Request establishment, amendment,               8
                                                                or cancellation of field rules
                                                                for drilling, well- completion,
                                                                or well-workover.

[[Page 7252]]

 
1608.........................................................  Submit well casing and cementing                5
                                                                plan or modification.
1610(d)(8)...................................................  Request exception to ram-type                   1
                                                                blowout preventer (BOP) system
                                                                components rated working
                                                                pressure.
1611(b); 1625(b).............................................  Request exception to water-rated                1
                                                                working pressure to test ram-
                                                                type and annular BOPs and choke
                                                                manifold.
1611(f); 1625(f).............................................  Request exception to recording                  1
                                                                pressure conditions during BOP
                                                                tests on pressure charts*.
1612.........................................................  Request exception to Sec. 250.408               1
                                                                requirements for well-control
                                                                drills*.
1615.........................................................  Request exception to blind-shear                1
                                                                ram or pipe rams and inside BOP
                                                                to secure wells.
1617; 1618; 1619(b); 1622....................................  Submit forms MMS-123 (Application               0
                                                                for Permit to Drill), MMS-124
                                                                (Sundry Notices and Reports on
                                                                Wells), Form MMS-125 (Well
                                                                Summary Report). [Burden
                                                                included with forms: MMS-123
                                                                (1010-0044); MMS-124 (1010-
                                                                0045); MMS-125 (1010-0046).].
1619(c), (d), (e)............................................  Submit copies of records, logs,                 1
                                                                reports, charts, etc., upon
                                                                request.
1628(b), (d).................................................  Submit application for design and               4
                                                                installation features of sulphur
                                                                production facilities and fuel
                                                                gas safety system; certify new
                                                                installation conforms to
                                                                approved design.
1629(b)(3)...................................................  Request approval of firefighting                4
                                                                systems.
1630(a)(5)...................................................  Notify MMS of pre-production test               2
                                                                and inspection of safety system
                                                                and commencement of production.
1633(b)......................................................  Submit application for method of                2
                                                                production measurement.
1634(b)......................................................  Report evidence of mishandling of               1
                                                                produced sulphur or tampering or
                                                                falsifying any measurement of
                                                                production.
1600 thru 1634...............................................  General departure and alternative               2
                                                                compliance requests not
                                                                specifically covered elsewhere
                                                                in subpart P.
--------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Recordkeeping
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1604(f)......................................................  Check traveling-block safety                    3
                                                                device for proper operation
                                                                weekly and after each drill-line
                                                                slipping; enter results in log.
1609(a)......................................................  Pressure test casing; record                    2
                                                                time, conditions of testing, and
                                                                test results in log.
1611(d)(3); 1625(c)(3).......................................  Record in driller's report the               **10
                                                                date, time, and reason for
                                                                postponing pressure testings.
1611(f), (g); 1625(f), (g)...................................  Conduct tests, actuations,                      6
                                                                inspections, maintenance, and
                                                                crew drills of BOP systems at
                                                                least weekly; record results in
                                                                driller's report; retain records
                                                                for 2 years following completion
                                                                of drilling activity.
1613(e)......................................................  Pressure test diverter sealing                  2
                                                                element/valves weekly; actuate
                                                                diverter sealing element/valves/
                                                                control system every 24 hours;
                                                                test diverter line for flow
                                                                every 24 hours; record test
                                                                times and results in driller's
                                                                report.
1616(c)......................................................  Retain training records for                     0
                                                                lessee and drilling contractor
                                                                personnel. [Burden included
                                                                under 30 CFR 250, subpart O
                                                                (1010-0128).].
1619(a)......................................................  Retain records for each well and               12
                                                                all well operations for 2 years.
1621.........................................................  Conduct safety meetings prior to                1
                                                                well-completion or well-workover
                                                                operations; record date and time.
1628(d)......................................................  Maintain information on approved                1
                                                                design and installation features
                                                                for the life of the facility.
1629(b)(1)(ii) and (iii).....................................  Retain pressure-recording charts               12
                                                                used to and determine operating
                                                                pressure ranges for 2 years;
                                                                post firefighting system diagram.
1630(b)......................................................  Maintain records for each safety                1
                                                                device installed for 2 years.
1631.........................................................  Conduct safety device training                 1
                                                                prior to production operations
                                                                and periodically thereafter;
                                                                record date and time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We included a minimal burden, but it has not been necessary to request these data and/or no submissions
  received for many years.
** Minutes.

    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Non-Hour Cost'' Burden: We 
have identified no ``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: Before submitting an ICR to OMB, PRA section 
3506(c)(2)(A) 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 proposed collection of information is necessary for the 
agency to perform its duties, including whether the information is 
useful; (b) evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate 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 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Agencies must also estimate the ``non-hour cost'' burdens to 
respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of 
information. Therefore, if you have costs to generate, maintain, and 
disclose this information, you should comment and provide your total 
capital and startup cost components or annual operation, maintenance, 
and purchase of service components. You should describe the methods you 
use to estimate major cost factors, including system and technology 
acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, discount 
rate(s), and the period over which you incur costs. Capital and startup 
costs include, among other items, computers and

[[Page 7253]]

software you purchase to prepare for collecting information, 
monitoring, and record storage facilities. You should not include 
estimates for equipment or services purchased: (i) Before October 1, 
1995; (ii) to comply with requirements not associated with the 
information collection; (iii) for reasons other than to provide 
information or keep records for the Government; or (iv) as part of 
customary and usual business or private practices.
    We will summarize written responses to this notice and address them 
in our submission for OMB approval. As a result of your comments, we 
will make any necessary adjustments to the burden in our submission to 
OMB.
    Public Comment Policy: MMS's practice is to make comments, 
including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public 
review during regular business hours. If you wish your name and/or 
address to be withheld, you must state this prominently at the 
beginning of your comment. MMS will honor this request to the extent 
allowable by law; however, anonymous comments will not be considered. 
All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals 
identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations 
or businesses, will be made available for public inspection in their 
entirety.
    MMS Federal Register Liaison Officer: Denise Johnson (202) 208-
3976.

    Dated: February 5, 2004.
E.P. Danenberger,
Chief, Engineering and Operations Division.
[FR Doc. 04-3248 Filed 2-12-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P