[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 233 (Monday, December 5, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75894-75897]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31084]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

[Docket ID No. BSEE-2011-0002; OMB Control Number 1010-0050]


Information Collection Activities: Pipelines and Pipeline Rights-
of-Way; Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; 
Comment Request

ACTION: 60-day Notice.

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

SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), BSEE 
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 a revision to the 
paperwork requirements in the regulations under Subpart J, ``Pipelines 
and Pipeline Rights-of-Way.''

DATES: You must submit comments by February 3, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods 
listed below.
     Electronically: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. In the 
entry titled ``Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter BSEE-2011-0002 then click 
search. Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view all 
related materials. We will post all comments.
     Email [email protected]. Mail or hand-carry comments 
to the Department of the Interior; Bureau of Safety and Environmental 
Enforcement; Regulations Development Branch; Attention: Nicole Mason; 
381 Elden Street, MS-4024; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817. Please 
reference ICR 1010-0050 in your comment and include your name and 
return address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Mason, Regulations Development 
Branch at (703) 787-1605 to request additional information about this 
ICR.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: 30 CFR Part 250, Subpart J, Pipelines and Pipeline Rights-
of-Way.
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0050.
    Form(s): BSEE-0149.
    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 necessary 
for the administration of the leasing provisions of the Act related to 
mineral resources on the OCS. Such rules and regulations will apply to 
all operations conducted under a lease, right-of-way, or a right-of-use 
and easement. Section 1334(e) authorizes the Secretary to grant ROWs 
through the submerged lands of the OCS for pipelines `` * * * for the 
transportation of oil, natural gas, sulphur, or other minerals, or 
under such regulations and upon such conditions as may be prescribed by 
the Secretary, * * * including (as provided in section 1347(b) of this 
title) assuring maximum environmental protection by utilization of the 
best available and safest technologies, including the safest practices 
for pipeline burial.
    The Independent Offices Appropriations Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), the 
Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104-133, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, 
1996), and OMB Circular A-25, authorize Federal agencies to recover the 
full cost of services that confer special benefits. Pipeline ROWs and 
assignments are subject to cost recovery, and BSEE regulations specify 
filing fees for applications.
    Regulations at 30 CFR 250, subpart J, implement these statutory 
requirements. We use the information to ensure those activities are 
performed in a safe manner. BSEE needs information concerning the 
proposed pipeline and safety equipment, inspections and tests, and 
natural and manmade hazards near the proposed pipeline route. BSEE uses 
the information to review pipeline designs prior to approving an 
application for an ROW or lease term pipeline to ensure that the 
pipeline, as constructed, will provide for safe transportation of 
minerals through the submerged lands of the OCS. They review proposed 
pipeline routes to ensure that the pipeline would not conflict with any 
State requirements or unduly interfere with other OCS activities. BSEE 
reviews proposals for taking pipeline safety equipment out of service 
to ensure alternate measures are used that will properly provide for 
the safety of the pipeline and associated

[[Page 75895]]

facilities (platform, etc.). They review notification of relinquishment 
of an ROW grant and requests to abandon pipelines to ensure that all 
legal obligations are met and pipelines are properly abandoned. BSEE 
monitors the records concerning pipeline inspections and tests to 
ensure safety of operations and protection of the environment and to 
schedule their workload to permit witnessing and inspecting operations. 
Information is also necessary to determine the point at which DOI or 
Department of Transportation (DOT) has regulatory responsibility for a 
pipeline and to be informed of the identified operator if not the same 
as the ROW holder.
    The following form is also submitted to BSEE under subpart J. The 
form and its purpose is:
    BSEE-0149--Assignment of Federal OCS Pipeline Right-of-Way Grant: 
BSEE uses the information to track the ownership of pipeline ROWs; as 
well as use the information to update the corporate database that is 
used to determine what leases are available for a Lease Sale and the 
ownership of all OCS leases.
    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 250.197, ``Data and information to be made available to the public 
or for limited inspection.'' No items of a sensitive nature are 
collected. Responses are mandatory.
    Frequency: On occasion, annual.
    Description of Respondents: Potential respondents include lessees, 
operators, and holders of pipeline ROWs.
    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: The currently 
approved annual reporting burden for this collection is 76,864 hours. 
The following chart details the individual components and respective 
hour burden estimates of this ICR. 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Hour burden
   Citation 30 CFR 250 subpart J and related                                                     ---------------
                    NTL(s)                           Reporting and recordkeeping requirement       Non-hour cost
                                                                                                      burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Lease Term (L/T) Pipeline (P/L) Applications
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(b)(1); 1004(b)(5); 1007(a)...............  Submit application and all required information              145
                                                 and notices to install new L/T P/L.
                                                                                                     $3,283 each
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(b)(1); 1007(b)...........................  Submit application and all required information               35
                                                 and notices to modify a L/T P/L.
                                                                                                     $1,906 each
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Right of Way (ROW) P/L Applications and Grants
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(b)(2), (d); 1004(b)(5); 1007(a); 1009(a);  Submit application and all required information              170
 1015; 1016.                                     and notices for new P/L ROW grant and to
                                                 install a new ROW P/L.
                                                                                                 ---------------
                                                                                                     $2,569 each
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(b)(2), (3); 1007(b); 1017................  Submit application and all required information               48
                                                 and notices to modify a P/L ROW grant and to
                                                 modify an ROW P/L (includes route
                                                 modifications, cessation of operations, partial
                                                 relinquishments, hot taps, and new and modified
                                                 accessory platforms).
                                                                                                 ---------------
                                                                                                     $3,865 each
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(b)(3); 1010(h); 1019; 1017(b)(2)(ii).....  Submit application and all required information                7
                                                 and notices to relinquish P/L ROW grant.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1015..........................................  Submit application and all required information               18
                                                 and notices for ROW grant to convert a lease-
                                                 term P/L to an ROW P/L.
                                                                                                 ---------------
                                                                                                       $219 each
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1016..........................................  Request opportunity to eliminate conflict when                 2
                                                 an application has been rejected.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1018..........................................  Submit application and all required information               16
                                                 and notices for assignment of a pipeline ROW
                                                 grant using Form BSEE-0149 (burden includes
                                                 approximately 30 minutes to fill out form).
                                                                                                 ---------------
                                                                                                       $186 each
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Notifications and Reports
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1004(b)(5)....................................  In lieu of a continuous volumetric comparison                 36
                                                 system, request substitution; submit any
                                                 supporting documentation if requested/required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1007(a)(4)(i)(A); (B); (C)....................  Provide specified information in your pipeline                 4
                                                 application if using unbonded flexible pipe.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1007(a)(4)(i)(D)..............................  Provide results of third party IVA review in                  40
                                                 your pipeline application if using unbonded
                                                 flexible pipe.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1007(a)(4)(ii)................................  Provide specified information in your pipeline                30
                                                 application.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 75896]]

 
1008(a).......................................  Notify BSEE before constructing or relocating a            \1/2\
                                                 pipeline.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1008(a).......................................  Notify BSEE before conducting a pressure test...           \1/2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1008(b).......................................  Submit L/T P/L construction report..............              17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1008(b).......................................  Submit ROW P/L construction report..............              17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1008(c).......................................  Notify BSEE of any pipeline taken out of service           \1/2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1008(d).......................................  Notify BSEE of any pipeline safety equipment               \1/5\
                                                 taken out of service more than 12 hours.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1008(e).......................................  Notify BSEE of any repair and include procedures               2
                                                                                                 ---------------
                                                                                                       $360 each
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1008(e).......................................  Submit repair report............................               3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1008(f).......................................  Submit report of pipeline failure analysis......              30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1008(g).......................................  Submit plan of corrective action and report of                12
                                                 any remedial action.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1008(h).......................................  Submit the results and conclusions of pipe-to-             \1/2\
                                                 electrolyte potential measurements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1010(c).......................................  Notify BSEE of any archaeological resource                     4
                                                 discovery.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1010(d).......................................  Notify BSEE of P/L ROW holder's name and address               0
                                                 changes. Not considered IC under 5 CFR
                                                 1320.3(h).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     General
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(c)(2)....................................  Identify in writing P/L operator on ROW if                 \1/4\
                                                 different from ROW grant holder.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(c)(3)....................................  Mark specific point on P/L where operating                     0
                                                 responsibility transfers to transporting
                                                 operator or depict transfer point on a
                                                 schematic located on the facility. One-time
                                                 requirement after final rule published; now
                                                 part of application or construction process
                                                 involving no additional burdens.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(c)(4)....................................  Petition BSEE for exceptions to general                        5
                                                 operations transfer point description.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(c)(8)....................................  Request BSEE recognize valves landward of last                 1
                                                 production facility but still located on OCS as
                                                 point where BSEE regulatory authority begins
                                                 (none received to date).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(c)(12)...................................  Petition BSEE to continue to operate under DOT                40
                                                 regulations upstream of last valve on last
                                                 production facility (one received to date).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000(c)(13)...................................  Transporting P/L operator petition to DOT and                 40
                                                 BSEE to continue to operate under BSEE
                                                 regulations (none received to date).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1004(c).......................................  Place sign on safety equipment identified as                   0
                                                 ineffective and removed from service.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1007(a)(4)....................................  Submit required documentation for unbonded                   150
                                                 flexible pipe.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000-1019.....................................  General departure and alternative compliance                   2
                                                 requests not specifically covered elsewhere in
                                                 subpart J regulations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Recordkeeping
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1000-1008.....................................  Make available to BSEE design, construction,                   5
                                                 operation, maintenance, testing, and repair
                                                 records on lease-term P/Ls \2\.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1005(a).......................................  Inspect P/L routes for indication of leakage,\1\              24
                                                 record results, maintain records 2 years \2\.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1010(g).......................................  Make available to BSEE design, construction,                   5
                                                 operation, maintenance, testing, and repair
                                                 records on P/L ROW area and improvements \2\.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ These activities are usual and customary practices for prudent operators.
\2\ Retaining these records is usual and customary business practice; required burden is minimal to make
  available to BSEE.

    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Non-Hour Cost Burden: We have 
identified seven non-hour paperwork cost burdens for this collection. 
The non-hour cost burdens required in 30 CFR 250, subpart J (and

[[Page 75897]]

respective cost-recovery fee amount per transaction) are required 
under:

Sec.  250.1000(b)--New Pipeline Application (lease term)--$3,283.
Sec.  250.1000(b)--Pipeline Application Modification (lease term)--
$1,906.
Sec.  250.1000(b)--Pipeline Application Modification (ROW)--$3,865.
Sec.  250.1008(e)--Pipeline Repair Notification--$360.
Sec.  250.1015(a)--Pipeline ROW Grant Application--$2,569.
Sec.  250.1015(a)--Pipeline Conversion from Lease term to ROW--$219.
Sec.  250.1018(b)--Pipeline ROW Assignment--$186.

    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 collection is necessary or 
useful; (b) evaluate the accuracy 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 technology.
    Agencies must also estimate the non-hour paperwork cost burdens to 
respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of 
information. Therefore, if you have other than hour burden 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. For further 
information on this burden, refer to 5 CFR 1320.3(b)(1) and (2), or 
contact the Bureau representative listed previously in this notice.
    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 Procedures

    Before including your address, phone number, email 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.
    Acting BSEE Information Collection Clearance Officer: Cheryl 
Blundon (703) 787-1607.

    Dated: November 18, 2011.
Douglas W. Morris,
Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs.
[FR Doc. 2011-31084 Filed 12-2-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P