[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 196 (Thursday, October 11, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57957-57960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-19992]


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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 (1010-0086).

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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 250, subpart P, Sulphur 
Operations. This notice also provides the public a second opportunity 
to comment on the paperwork burden of these regulatory requirements.

DATES: Submit written comments by November 13, 2007.

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: Cheryl Blundon; 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, Regulations and 
Standards Branch, (703) 787-1607. 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 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 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 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.
    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

[[Page 57958]]

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 
250.197, ``Data and information to be made available to the public or 
for limited inspection'', 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Reporting and                                                   Annual
       Citation 30 CFR 250              recordkeeping           Hour burden        Average No. of       burden
                                         requirement                               annual reponses      hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Submittals/Notifications
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1600............................  Submit exploration or          Burden included in (1010-0151)                0
                                   development and
                                   production plan.
1605; 1617; 1618; 1619(b); 1622.  Submit forms MMS-123           Burden included in (1010-0141)                0
                                   (Application for Permit
                                   to Drill), MMS-124
                                   (Application for Permit
                                   to Modify), form MMS-
                                   125 (End of Operations
                                   Report).
                                                           -----------------------------------------
1605(b)(3)......................  Submit data and           4..................  1 submission......            4
                                   information on fitness
                                   of drilling unit.
1605(d).........................  Submit results of         1..................  1 submission......            1
                                   additional surveys and
                                   soil borings upon
                                   request*.
                                                           -----------------------------------------
1605(f).........................  Submit application for         Burden included in (1010-0149)                0
                                   installation of fixed
                                   drilling platforms or
                                   structures.
                                                           -----------------------------------------
1608............................  Submit well casing and    5..................  1 plan............            5
                                   cementing plan or
                                   modification.
1619(c), (d), (e)...............  Submit copies of          1..................  8 submissions.....            8
                                   records, logs, reports,
                                   charts, etc., upon
                                   request.
1628(b), (d)....................  Submit application for    4..................  1 application.....            4
                                   design and installation
                                   features of sulphur
                                   production facilities
                                   and fuel gas safety
                                   system; certify new
                                   installation conforms
                                   to approved design.
1630(a)(5)......................  Notify MMS of pre-        ...................  2 notifications...            1
                                   production test and
                                   inspection of safety
                                   system and commencement
                                   of production.
1633(b).........................  Submit application for    2..................  1 application.....            2
                                   method of production
                                   measurement.
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal....................  ........................  ...................  15................           25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Requests
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1603(a).........................  Request determination     1..................  1 request.........            1
                                   whether sulphur deposit
                                   can produce in paying
                                   quantities.
1605(e)(5)......................  Request copy of           1..................  1 request.........            1
                                   directional survey (by
                                   holder of adjoining
                                   lease)*.
1607............................  Request establishment,    8..................  2 requests........           16
                                   amendment, or
                                   cancellation of field
                                   rules for drilling,
                                   well-completion, or
                                   well-workover.
1610(d)(8)......................  Request exception to ram- 1..................  1 request.........            1
                                   type blowout preventer
                                   (BOP) system components
                                   rated working pressure.
1611(b); 1625(b)................  Request exception to      1..................  1 request.........            1
                                   water-rated working
                                   pressure to test ram-
                                   type and annular BOPs
                                   and choke manifold.
1611(f); 1625(f)................  Request exception to      1..................  1 request.........            1
                                   recording pressure
                                   conditions during BOP
                                   tests on pressure
                                   charts*.
1612............................  Request exception to      1..................  1 request.........            1
                                   Sec.   250.408
                                   requirements for well-
                                   control drills*.
1615............................  Request exception to      1..................  1 request.........            1
                                   blind-shear ram or pipe
                                   rams and inside BOP to
                                   secure wells.
1629(b)(3)......................  Request approval of       4..................  1 request.........            4
                                   firefighting systems;
                                   post firefighting
                                   system diagram.
1600 thru 1634..................  General departure and     2..................  1 request.........            2
                                   alternative compliance
                                   requests not
                                   specifically covered
                                   elsewhere in subpart P.
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------

[[Page 57959]]

 
    Subtotal....................  ........................  ...................  11................           29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Record/Retain
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1604(f).........................  Check traveling-block     \1/4\..............  1 lessee x 52 wks            26
                                   safety device for                              x 2 rigs = 104.
                                   proper operation weekly
                                   and after each drill-
                                   line slipping; enter
                                   results in log.
1605(c).........................  Report oceanographic,     1..................  1 report..........            1
                                   meteorological, and
                                   drilling unit
                                   performance data upon
                                   request*.
1609(a).........................  Pressure test casing;     2..................  1 lease x 60 tests/         120
                                   record time, conditions                         records = 60.
                                   of testing, and test
                                   results in log.
1611(d)(3); 1625(d)(3)..........  Record in driller's       10 minutes.........  1 lessee x 6                  1
                                   report the date, time,                         recordings = 6.
                                   and reason for
                                   postponing pressure
                                   testings.
1611(f), (g); 1625(f), (g)......  Conduct tests,            6..................  1 lessee x 52               312
                                   actuations,                                    weeks = 52.
                                   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    2..................  1 lessee on                 208
                                   sealing element/valves                         occasion (daily/
                                   weekly; actuate                                weekly during
                                   diverter sealing                               drilling) x 2
                                   element/valves/control                         rigs x 52 weeks =
                                   system every 24 hours;                         104.
                                   test diverter line for
                                   flow every 24 hours;
                                   record test times and
                                   results in driller's
                                   report.
                                                           -----------------------------------------
1616(c).........................  Retain training records    Burden covered under subpart O, 1010-             0
                                   for lessee and drilling                    0128
                                   contractor personnel.
                                                           -----------------------------------------
1619(a).........................  Retain records for each   12.................  1 lessee..........           12
                                   well and all well
                                   operations for 2 years.
1621............................  Conduct safety meetings   1..................  1 lessee x 50                50
                                   prior to well-                                 meetings/records
                                   completion or well-                            = 50.
                                   workover operations;
                                   record date and time.
1628(b), (d)....................  Maintain information on   1..................  1 lessee..........            1
                                   approved design and
                                   installation features
                                   for the life of the
                                   facility.
1629(b)(1)(ii), (iv)............  Retain pressure-          12.................  1 lessee..........           12
                                   recording charts used
                                   to determine operating
                                   pressure ranges for 2
                                   years.
1630(b).........................  Maintain records for      1..................  1 lessee..........            1
                                   each safety device
                                   installed for 2 years.
1631............................  Conduct safety device     1..................  1 lessee x 52               104
                                   training prior to                              train/ records x
                                   production operations                          2 rigs = 104.
                                   and periodically
                                   thereafter; record date
                                   and time.
1634(b).........................  Report evidence of        1..................  1 report..........            1
                                   mishandling of produced
                                   sulphur or tampering or
                                   falsifying any
                                   measurement of
                                   production.
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal....................  ........................  ...................  486...............          849
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
    Total Burden................  ........................  ...................  512...............          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 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 January 29, 
2006, we published a Federal Register notice (72 FR 4027) 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 
November 13, 2007.
    Public Comment Policy: Before including your address, phone number,

[[Page 57960]]

e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your 
comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your 
personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any 
time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal 
identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we 
will be able to do so.
    MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz (202) 
208-7744.

    Dated: June 1, 2007.
William S. Hauser,
Acting Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs.
 [FR Doc. E7-19992 Filed 10-10-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P