[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 167 (Monday, August 30, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52916-52919]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-19650]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 30 CFR 250, subpart P, ``Sulphur 
Operations,'' and related documents. This notice also provides the 
public a

[[Page 52917]]

second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of these 
regulatory requirements.

DATES: Submit written comments by September 29, 2004.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments either by fax (202) 395-6566 or e-
mail ([email protected]) directly to the Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department 
of the Interior (1010-0086). Mail or hand carry a copy of your 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 your comments to 
MMS, the address is: [email protected]. Reference Information 
Collection 1010-0086 in your subject line and mark your message for 
return receipt. Include your name and return address in your message 
text.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: 30 CFR 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 preserve, protect, and develop 
sulphur resources on the OCS; make such resources available to meet the 
Nation's energy needs as rapidly as possible; balance orderly energy 
resources development with protection of the human, marine, and coastal 
environments; ensure the public a fair and equitable return on the 
resources offshore; and 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 250, subpart P, Sulphur Operations, and the associated 
supplementary notices to lessees and operators intended to provide 
clarification, description, or explanation of these regulations.
    The 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.
    Responses are mandatory. No questions of a ``sensitive'' nature are 
asked. MMS will protect proprietary information according to 30 CFR 
250.196 (Data and information to be made available to the public) and 
30 CFR Part 252 (OCS Oil and Gas Information Program).
    Frequency: The frequency varies by section, but is generally ``on 
occasion''.
    Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: Approximately 1 
Federal OCS sulphur lessee.
    Estimated Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Hour'' Burden: The 
following chart details the components of the hour burden for the 
information collection requirements in Subpart P--an estimated total of 
903 burden hours. In estimating 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Annual
 Citation 30 CFR 250  subpart P     Reporting or recordkeeping        Hour burden        Average No.      burden
                                            requirement                               annual  responses   hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1600...........................  Submit exploration or               Burden included under 30 CFR 250,         0
                                  development and production plan.         Subpart B (1010-0049).
1603(a)........................  Request determination whether     1................  1 request........        1
                                  sulphur deposit can produce in
                                  paying quantities.
1605(b)(3).....................  Submit data and information on    4................  1 submission.....        4
                                  fitness of drilling unit.
1605(c)........................  Report oceanographic,             1................  1 report.........        1
                                  meteorological, and drilling
                                  unit performance data upon
                                  request*.
1605(d)........................  Submit results of additional      1................  1 submission.....        1
                                  surveys and soil borings upon
                                  request*.
1605(e)(5).....................  Request copy of directional       1................  1 request........        1
                                  survey (by holder of adjoining
                                  lease)*.

[[Page 52918]]

 
1605(f)........................  Submit application for              Burden included under 30 CFR 250,         0
                                  installation of fixed drilling           Subpart I (1010-0058)
                                  platforms or structures.
1607...........................  Request establishment,            8................  2 requests.......       16
                                  amendment, or cancellation of
                                  field rules for drilling, well-
                                  completion, or well-workover.
1608...........................  Submit well casing and cementing  5................  1 plan...........        5
                                  plan or modification.
1610(d)(8).....................  Request exception to ram-type     1................  1 request........        1
                                  blowout preventer (BOP) system
                                  components rated working
                                  pressure.
1611(b); 1625(b)...............  Request exception to water-rated  1................  1 request........        1
                                  working pressure to test ram-
                                  type and annular BOPs and choke
                                  manifold.
1611(f); 1625(f)...............  Request exception to recording    1................  1 request........        1
                                  pressure conditions during BOP
                                  tests on pressure charts*.
1612...........................  Request exception to Sec.         1................  1 request........        1
                                  250.408 requirements for well-
                                  control drills*.
1615...........................  Request exception to blind-shear  1................  1 request........        1
                                  ram or pipe rams and inside BOP
                                  to secure wells.
1617; 1618; 1619(b); 1622......  Submit forms MMS-123               Burden included with forms: MMS-123        0
                                  (Application for Permit to         (1010-0044); MMS-124 (1010-0045);
                                  Drill), MMS-124 (Sundry Notices           MMS-125 (1010-0046)
                                  and Reports on Wells), Form MMS-
                                  125 (Well Summary Report).
1619(c), (d), (e)..............  Submit copies of records, logs,   1................  8 submissions....        8
                                  reports, charts, etc., upon
                                  request.
1628(b), (d)...................  Submit application for design     4................  1 application....        4
                                  and 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................  1 request........        4
                                  systems.
1630(a)(5).....................  Notify MMS of pre-production      \1/2\............  2 notifications..        1
                                  test and inspection of safety
                                  system and commencement of
                                  production.
1633(b)........................  Submit application for method of  2................  1 application....        2
                                  production measurement.
1634(b)........................  Report evidence of mishandling    1................  1 report.........        1
                                  of produced sulphur or
                                  tampering or falsifying any
                                  measurement of production.
1600 thru 1634.................  General departure and             2................  1 request........        2
                                  alternative compliance requests
                                  not specifically covered
                                  elsewhere in Subpart P.
                                                                  --------------------
                                  Subtotal--Reporting............  .................  28...............       56
                                                                  ====================
1604(f)........................  Check traveling-block safety      \1/4\............  1 lessee x 52 x 2       26
                                  device for proper operation                          rigs = 104.
                                  weekly and after each drill-
                                  line slipping; enter results in
                                  log.
1609(a)........................  Pressure test casing; record      2................  1 lessee x 60          120
                                  time, conditions of testing,                         tests/records =
                                  and test results in log.                             60.
1611(d)(3); 1625(c)(3).........  Record in driller's report the    10 minutes.......  1 lessee x 6             1
                                  date, time, and reason for                           recordings = 6.
                                  postponing pressure testings.
1611(f), (g); 1625(f), (g).....  Conduct tests, actuations,        6................  1 lessee x 52          312
                                  inspections, maintenance, and                        weeks = 52.
                                  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................  1 lessee on            208
                                  element/valves weekly; actuate                       occasion (daily/
                                  diverter sealing element/valves/                     weekly during
                                  control system every 24 hours;                       drilling) 2 rigs
                                  test diverter line for flow                          x 52 weeks = 104.
                                  every 24 hours; record test
                                  times and results in driller's
                                  report.
1616(c)........................  Retain training records for         Burden included under 30 CFR 250,         0
                                  lessee and drilling contractor           Subpart O (1010-0128)
                                  personnel.
1619(a)........................  Retain records for each well and  12...............  1 lessee.........       12
                                  all well operations for 2 years.
1621...........................  Conduct safety meetings prior to  1................  1 lessee x 50           50
                                  well-completion or well-                             meetings/records
                                  workover operations; record                          = 50.
                                  date and time.
1628(d)........................  Maintain information on approved  1................  1 lessee.........        1
                                  design and installation
                                  features for the life of the
                                  facility.
1629(b)(1)(ii) and (iii).......  Retain pressure-recording charts  12...............  1 lessee.........       12
                                  used to determine operating
                                  pressure ranges for 2 years;
                                  post firefighting system
                                  diagram.
1630(b)........................  Maintain records for each safety  1................  1 lessee.........        1
                                  device installed for 2 years.
1631...........................  Conduct safety device training    1................  1 lessee x 52          104
                                  prior to production operations                       training/records
                                  and periodically thereafter;                         x 2 rigs = 104.
                                  record date and time.
                                                                  --------------------
                                  Subtotal--Recordkeeping........  .................  1 Recordkeeper...      847
                                                                  ====================
                                  Total Burden...................  .................  29...............     903
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We included a minimal burden, but it has not been necessary to request these data and/or no submissions
  received for many years.

    Estimated Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Non-Hour Cost'' 
Burden: We have identified no ``non-hour cost'' burdens.
    Comments: Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et 
seq.) requires each agency ``* * * to provide

[[Page 52919]]

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.
    To comply with the public consultation process, on February 13, 
2004, we published a Federal Register notice (69 FR 7250) announcing 
that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. The notice provided 
the required 60-day comment period. In addition, 250.199 displays the 
OMB control numbers for the information collection requirements imposed 
by the 30 CFR part 250 regulations and forms. 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 no comments in response to these efforts.
    If you wish to comment in response to this notice, send your 
comments directly to the offices listed under the ADDRESSES section of 
this notice. The OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the 
information collection but may respond after 30 days. Therefore, to 
ensure maximum consideration, OMB should receive public comments by 
September 29, 2004.
    Public Comment Policy: MMS's practice is to make comments, 
including names and 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 the request to the extent 
allowable by the 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 Information Collection Officer: Arlene Bajusz (202) 208-7744.

    Dated: May 25, 2004.
E.P. Danenberger,
Chief, Engineering and Operations Division.
[FR Doc. 04-19650 Filed 8-27-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P