[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 26, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43175-43179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-14715]


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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 (1010-0141).

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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 part 250, Subpart D, ``Oil 
and Gas Drilling Operations,'' and related documents. This notice also 
provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork 
burden of these regulatory requirements.

DATES: Submit written comments by August 24, 2005.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this ICR directly to the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) either by e-mail ([email protected]) or by fax (202) 395-6566, directly to the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for 
the Department of the Interior (1010-0141).
    Submit a copy of your comments to the Department of the Interior, 
MMS, via:
     MMS's Public Connect on-line commenting system, https://ocsconnect.mms.gov. Follow the instructions on the Web site for 
submitting comments.
     E-mail MMS at [email protected]. Use

[[Page 43176]]

Information Collection Number 1010-0141 in the subject line.
     Fax: 703-787-1546. Identify with Information Collection 
Number 1010-0141.
     Mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the 
Interior; Minerals Management Service; Attention: Rules Processing Team 
(RPT); 381 Elden Street, MS-4024; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817. Please 
reference ``Information Collection 1010-0141'' in your comments.

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 and the associated forms that require 
the subject collection of information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: 30 CFR part 250, Subpart D, Oil and Gas Drilling Operations.
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0141.
    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 on the OCS must 
preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in a 
manner which 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 1332(6) states that 
``operations in the Outer Continental Shelf should be conducted in a 
safe manner by well trained personnel using technology, precautions, 
and other techniques sufficient to prevent or minimize the likelihood 
of blowouts, loss of well control, fires, spillages, physical 
obstructions to other 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.''
    This information collection (IC) request concerns the regulations 
at 30 CFR 250, subpart D, Oil and Gas Drilling Operations. It also 
covers the related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that the 
Minerals Management Service (MMS) issues to clarify and provide 
additional guidance on some aspects of the regulations.
    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,'' and 30 CFR part 252, ``OCS Oil and Gas Information Program.'' 
No items of a sensitive nature are collected. Responses are mandatory.
    Frequency: On occasion, weekly, monthly, semi-annually, annually, 
and varies by section.
    Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: Approximately 117 
Federal OCS oil and gas lessees.
    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Hour'' Burden: The 
estimated annual ``hour'' burden for this information collection is a 
total of 163,714 hours. The following chart 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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Citation 30 CFR 250 subpart D      Reporting and recordkeeping
           and NTL(s)                       requirement                  Hour burden          Average number annual responses      Annual burden hours
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
402(b).........................  Request approval to use blind or  0.25...................  6 requests.........................  2 (rounded)
                                  blind-shear ram or pipe rams
                                  and inside BOP.
403............................  Notify MMS of drilling rig        0.1....................  20 notices.........................  2
                                  movement on or off drilling
                                  location.
                                -----------------------------------
                                 In Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, rig movements reported on form MMS-144--burden covered under      0
                                  1010-0150.
                                -----------------------------------
408, 409.......................  Apply for use of alternative      5......................  20% of 1,200 drilling ops. = 240...  1,200
                                  procedures and/or departures
                                  not requested in MMS forms
                                  (including discussions with MMS
                                  or oral approvals).
408, 409, 410-418, plus various  Apply for permit to drill and     MMS-123 2.5+*..........  1,245..............................  MMS-123 3,135*
 other references in subpart D.   requests for various approvals   MMS-123S 1.5+*.........  MMS-123S 1,230.....................  MMS-123S 1,890*
                                  required in subpart D
                                  (including Sec.  Sec.
                                  250.423, 424, 427, 432, 442(c),
                                  447, 448(c), 451(g), 456(a)(3),
                                  (f), 460, 490(c)(1), (2)) and
                                  obtained via forms MMS-123
                                  (Application for Permit to
                                  Drill) and MMS-123S
                                  (Supplemental APD Information
                                  Sheet), and supporting
                                  information and notices to MMS.
                                -----------------------------------
410(b), 417(b).................  Reference to Exploration Plan, Development and Production Plan, Development Operations          0
                                  Coordination Document (30 CFR 250, subpart B)--burden covered under 1010-0049.
                                -----------------------------------
417(a), (b)....................  Collect and report additional     4......................  1 report...........................  4
                                  information on case-by-case
                                  basis if sufficient information
                                  is not available.
                                -----------------------------------
417(c).........................  Submit 3rd party review of drilling unit according to 30 CFR 250, subpart I--burden covered     0
                                  under 1010-0058.
                                -----------------------------------
418(e).........................  Submit welding and burning plan according to 30 CFR 250, subpart A--burden covered under 1010-  0
                                  0114.
                                -----------------------------------
421, 423, 428..................  Submit casing and cementing       2......................  20% of 1,000 drilling ops. = 200...  400
                                  program and revisions or
                                  changes.
                                -----------------------------------

[[Page 43177]]

 
424............................  Caliper, pressure test, or        4......................  20% of 1,000 wells = 200...........  800
                                  evaluate casing; submit
                                  evaluation results; request
                                  approval before resuming
                                  operations or beginning repairs
                                  (every 30 days during prolonged
                                  drilling).
456(c), (f)....................  Perform various calculations;     0.5....................  135 drilling rigs x 52 weeks =       3,510
                                  post information (on occasion,                             7,020.
                                  daily, weekly).
459(a)(3)......................  Request exception to procedure    2......................  5 requests.........................  10
                                  for protecting negative
                                  pressure area.
460, 465.......................  Submit revised plans, changes,    MMS-124 1.5+*..........  MMS-124 6,300......................  MMS-124 9,900*
                                  well/drilling records, etc., on  MMS-125 1.6+*..........  MMS-125 3,290......................  MMS-125 5,348*
                                  forms MMS-124 (Application for
                                  Permit to Modify) or MMS-125
                                  (End of Operations Report) and
                                  supporting information.
460............................  Submit plans for well testing     2......................  15 plans...........................  30
                                  and notify MMS before test.
461(e).........................  Provide copy of well directional  1......................  10 occasions.......................  10
                                  survey to affected leaseholder.
462(a).........................  Prepare and post well control     3......................  26 plans...........................  78
                                  drill plan for crew members.
463(b).........................  Request field drilling rules be   2.5....................  6 requests.........................  15
                                  established, amended, or
                                  canceled.
468(a).........................  Record and submit well logs,      1.5....................  1,000 logs/surveys.................  1,500
                                  survey results, etc..
                                 Record and submit directional     1......................  1,000 reports......................  1,000
                                  and vertical-well surveys.
                                 Record and submit velocity        1......................  55 reports.........................  55
                                  profiles and surveys.
                                 Record and submit core analyses.  1......................  150 analyses.......................  150
468(b), 465(b)(3)..............  In the GOM OCS Region, submit     0.8+*..................  15,500.............................  12,840*
                                  drilling activity reports
                                  weekly on forms MMS-133 (Well
                                  Activity Report) and MMS-133S
                                  (Bore Hole Data) and supporting
                                  information.
468(c).........................  In the Pacific and Alaska OCS     1......................  14 wells x 365 days x 20% = 1,022..  1,022
                                  Regions during drilling
                                  operations, submit daily
                                  drilling reports.N/A in GOM.
469............................  As specified by region, submit    1.5....................  300 submissions....................  450
                                  well records, paleontological
                                  interpretations or reports,
                                  service company reports, and
                                  other reports or records of
                                  operations.
490(c)(4), (d).................  Submit request for                2......................  27 responses.......................  54
                                  reclassification of H2S zone;
                                  notify MMS if conditions change.
490(f), also referred to in      Submit contingency plans for      25.....................  27 plans...........................  675
 418(d).                          operations in H2S areas (16
                                  drilling, 5 work-over, 6
                                  production).
                                -----------------------------------
490(i).........................  Display warning signs--no burden as facilities would display warning signs and use other        0
                                  visual and audible systems.
                                -----------------------------------
490(j)(12).....................  Propose alternatives to minimize or eliminate SO2 hazards--submitted with contingency plans--   0
                                  burden covered under 250.490(f).
                                -----------------------------------
490(j)(13)(vi).................  Label breathing air bottles--no burden as supplier normally labels bottles; facilities would    0
                                  routinely label if not.
                                -----------------------------------
490(l).........................  Notify (phone) MMS of unplanned   0.2....................  30 facilities x 2 = 60.............  12
                                  H2S releases (approx. 2/year).
490(o)(5)......................  Request approval to use drill     2......................  3 requests.........................  6
                                  pipe for well testing.
                                -----------------------------------
490(q)(1)......................  Seal and mark for the presence of H2S cores to be transported--no burden as facilities would    0
                                  routinely mark transported cores.
                                -----------------------------------
490(q)(9)......................  Request approval to use gas       2......................  3 requests.........................  6
                                  containing H2S for instrument
                                  gas.
490(q)(12).....................  Analyze produced water disposed   2.8....................  4 production platforms x 52 weeks =  583 (rounded)
                                  of for H2S content and submit                              208.
                                  results to MMS on occasion
                                  (approx. weekly).
400-490........................  General departure or alternative  2......................  22.................................  44
                                  compliance requests not
                                  specifically covered elsewhere
                                  in subpart D.
                                -----------------------------------
    Reporting Subtotal.........  ................................  .......................  39,191 Responses...................  44,731
                                -----------------------------------
404............................  Perform operational check of      0.25...................  135 drilling rigs x 52 weeks =       1,755
                                  crown block safety device;                                 7,020.
                                  record results (weekly).
426............................  Perform pressure test on all      2......................  135 drilling rigs x approx. 50 per   13,500
                                  casing strings and drilling                                rig = 6,750.
                                  liner lap; record results.

[[Page 43178]]

 
427(a).........................  Perform pressure-integrity tests  4......................  425 tests..........................  1,700
                                  and related hole-behavior
                                  observations; record results.
434, 467.......................  Perform diverter tests when       2......................  1,000 drilling ops. x 2 tests =      4,000
                                  installed and once every 7                                 2,000.
                                  days; actuate system at least
                                  once every 24-hour period;
                                  record results (average 2 per
                                  drilling operation).
450, 467.......................  Perform BOP pressure tests,       10.....................  135 drilling rigs x approx. 35       47,250
                                  actuations and inspections when                            tests per rig = 4,725.
                                  installed; at a minimum every
                                  14 days; as stated for
                                  components; record results.
450, 467.......................  Function test annulars and rams;  0.5....................  135 drilling rigs x approx. 20       1,350
                                  document results every 7 days                              tests per rig = 2,700.
                                  between BOP tests (biweekly).
                                  Note: this test is part of BOP
                                  test when BOP test is conducted.
451(c).........................  Record reason for postponing BOP  0.25...................  135 drilling rigs x 2 tests = 270..  68 (rounded)
                                  test (on occasion--approx. 2/
                                  year).
456(b), (i), 458(b)............  Record each drilling fluid        2......................  135 drilling rigs x 52 weeks =       14,040
                                  circulation; test drilling                                 7,020.
                                  fluid, record results; record
                                  daily inventory of drilling
                                  fluid/materials; test and
                                  recalibrate gas detectors;
                                  record results (on occasion,
                                  daily, weekly, quarterly).
462(c).........................  Perform well-control drills;      1......................  135 drilling rigs x 2 crews x 52     14,040
                                  record results (2 crews weekly).                           weeks = 14,040.
466, 467.......................  Retain drilling records for 90    1.5....................  Annual records maintenance for       1,500
                                  days after drilling is                                     1,000 wells.
                                  complete; retain casing/liner
                                  pressure, diverter, and BOP
                                  records for 2 years; retain
                                  well completion/well workover
                                  until well is permanently
                                  plugged/abandoned or lease is
                                  assigned.
490(g)(2), (g)(5)..............  Conduct H2S training; post        4......................  30 facilities x 2 trainings = 60...  240
                                  safety instructions; document
                                  training on occasion and annual
                                  refresher(approx. 2/year).
490(h)(2)......................  Conduct weekly drills and safety  2......................  30 facilities x 52 weeks = 1,560...  3,120
                                  meetings; document attendance.
490(j)(8)......................  Test H2S detection and            4......................  10 drilling rigs x 365 days = 3,650  14,600
                                  monitoring sensors during
                                  drilling; record testing and
                                  calibrations on occasion, daily
                                  during drilling (approx. 12
                                  sensors per rig).
  490(j)(8)....................  Test H2S detection and            3.5....................  20 production platforms x 26 tests   1,820
                                  monitoring sensors every 14                                = 520.
                                  days during production; record
                                  testing and calibrations
                                  (approx. 30 sensors/5 platforms
                                  + approx. 42 sensors/23
                                  platforms).
    Recordkeeping Subtotal.....  ................................  .......................  51,740 Recordkeepers...............  118,983
                                                                  ==========================
        Total Hour Burden......  ................................  .......................  90,931.............................  163,714
                                                                  ==========================
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Non-Hour Cost'' Burden: We 
have identified no paperwork ``non-hour cost'' burdens associated with 
the collection of information.
    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 
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 22, 
2005, we published a Federal Register notice (70 FR 8621) announcing 
that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. The notice provided 
the required 60-day comment period. In addition, Sec.  250.199 provides 
the OMB control number 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, you may send 
your comments to the offices listed under the ADDRESSES section of this 
notice. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information 
collection

[[Page 43179]]

but may respond after 30 days. Therefore, to ensure maximum 
consideration, OMB should receive public comments by August 25, 2005.
    Public Comment Procedures: MMS's practice is to make comments, 
including names and addresses of respondents, available for public 
review. 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 Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz (202) 
208-7744.

    Dated: May 25, 2005.
E.P. Danenberger,
Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs.
[FR Doc. 05-14715 Filed 7-25-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P