[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 116 (Monday, June 17, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36244-36248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14093]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[OMB Control Number 1010-0114; MMAA104000]


Information Collection; Proposed Collection for OMB Review; 
Comment Request: General Oil and Gas and Sulphur and Production 
Requirements in the Outer Continental Shelf

ACTION: 60-day notice.

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SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the 
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is inviting comments on a 
collection of information that we will submit to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information 
collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the 
regulations under 30 CFR part 550, subparts A and K, General and 
Production Requirements.

DATES: Submit written comments by August 16, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Please send your comments on this ICR to the BOEM 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Arlene Bajusz, Bureau of 
Ocean Energy Management, 381 Elden Street, HM-3127, Herndon, Virginia 
20170 (mail); or [email protected] (email); or 703-787-1209 (fax). 
Please reference ICR 1010-0114 in your comment and include your name 
and return address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arlene Bajusz, Office of Policy, 
Regulations, and Analysis at (703) 787-1025 for a copy of the ICR or 
the forms.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0114.
    Title: 30 CFR 550, Subpart A, General, and Subpart K, Oil and Gas 
Production Requirements.
    Forms: BOEM-0127, BOEM-0140, BOEM-1123, BOEM-1832.
    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 in the OCS must 
preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in a 
manner that is consistent with the need to make such resources 
available to meet the Nation's energy needs as rapidly as possible; to 
balance orderly energy resource development with protection of human, 
marine, and coastal environments; to ensure the public a fair and 
equitable return on the resources of the OCS; and to preserve and 
maintain free enterprise competition. Section 1332(6) states that 
``operations in the [O]uter Continental Shelf should be conducted in a 
safe manner by well trained personnel using technology, precautions, 
and techniques sufficient to prevent or minimize . . . loss of well 
control . . . 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.''
    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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-25 
authorize Federal agencies to recover the full cost of services that 
confer special benefits. Under the Department of the Interior's (DOI) 
implementing policy, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is 
required to charge fees for services that provide special benefits or 
privileges to

[[Page 36245]]

an identifiable non-Federal recipient above and beyond those that 
accrue to the public.
    This ICR covers 30 CFR part 550, subpart A, General, and subpart K, 
Oil and Gas Production Requirements, which deal with regulatory 
requirements of oil, gas, and sulphur operations on the OCS. This 
request also covers the related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) 
that BOEM issues to clarify and provide guidance on some aspects of our 
regulations.
    The BOEM uses the information collected under the Subparts A and K 
regulations to ensure that operations in the OCS are carried out in a 
safe and environmentally sound manner, do not interfere with the rights 
of other users in the OCS, and balance the protection and development 
of OCS resources. Specifically, we use the information collected to:
     Determine the capability of a well to produce oil or gas 
in paying quantities or to determine the possible need for additional 
wells resulting in minimum royalty status on a lease.
     Provide lessees/operators greater flexibility to comply 
with regulatory requirements through approval of alternative equipment 
or procedures and departures if they demonstrate equal or better 
compliance with the appropriate performance standards.
     Ensure that subsurface storage of natural gas does not 
unduly interfere with development and production operations under 
existing leases.
     Record the designation of an operator authorized to act on 
behalf of the lessee/operating rights owner and to fulfill their 
obligations under the OCS Lands Act and implementing regulations, or to 
record the local agent empowered to receive notices and comply with 
regulatory orders issued (Form BOEM-1123, Designation of Operator). 
This form requires the respondent to submit general information such as 
lease number, name, address, company number of designated operator, and 
signature of the authorized lessee. With this renewal, BOEM is adding a 
line for the signator's name and title and clarifying explanations and 
terminology. We are also introducing instructions on how to fill out 
the form specific to the Gulf of Mexico Region to better facilitate the 
processing of the form, given the volume of form submissions and 
inquiries that the Gulf Region receives. We estimate the instructions 
will increase the time from 15 to 30 minutes to read and fill out the 
form; however, we believe the instructions will reduce the number of 
basic questions and result in faster processing time for respondents.
     Determine if an application for right-of-use and easement 
complies with the OCS Lands Act, other applicable laws, and BOEM 
regulations; and does not unreasonably interfere with the operations of 
any other lessee.
     Provide for orderly development or disqualification of 
leases to determine the appropriateness of lessee/operator performance.
     Approve requests to cancel leases and ascertain if/when 
the Secretary may cancel leases.
     Ensure the protection of any discovered archaeological 
resources.
     Form BOEM-0127, Sensitive Reservoir Information Report, is 
used to regulate production rates from sensitive reservoirs. BOEM 
engineers and geologists use the information for rate control and 
reservoir studies. The form requests general information about the 
reservoir and the company, volumetric data, and fluid analysis and 
production data. To assist respondents in filling out the form, BOEM is 
introducing instructions to clarify data entries. We expect the 
instructions to reduce or eliminate the number of form revisions in the 
future, although it could initially add 30 minutes to the form burden 
to read them.
     Form BOEM-0140, Bottomhole Pressure Survey Report, is used 
to manage reservoirs in our efforts to conserve natural resources, 
prevent waste, and protect correlative rights, including the 
Government's royalty interest. Specifically, BOEM uses the information 
in reservoir evaluations to determine maximum production and efficient 
rates and to review applications for downhole commingling to ensure 
that action does not harm ultimate recovery or undervalued royalties. 
The form requests information about the well and operator; test data 
information such as shut-in time, bottomhole temperature, kelly bushing 
elevation; and bottomhole pressure points that consist of measured 
depth(s), true vertical depth(s), pressure(s), and pressure 
gradient(s). With this renewal, BOEM is adding a line to record the 
distance between the kelly bushing and tubing-head flange and is 
modifying some wording for clarification. We expect no change to the 
hour burden as a result.
     Determine that respondents have corrected any Incidents of 
Non-Compliance (INCs), Form BOEM-1832, identified during compliance 
reviews. The BOEM issues this form to the operator and the operator 
then corrects the INC(s), signs and returns the form to the BOEM 
Regional Supervisor. To accommodate the split of regulatory 
responsibilities from the former Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 
Regulation, and Enforcement, BOEM will be revising this form to reflect 
BOEM's compliance authority and will obtain OMB approval under a 
separate submission.
    We will protect proprietary information according to the Freedom of 
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), its implementing regulations (43 CFR 
part 2), 30 CFR part 252, and 30 CFR 550.197, ``Data and information to 
be made available to the public or for limited inspection.'' 
Proprietary information concerning geological and geophysical data will 
be protected according to 43 U.S.C. 1352. No items of a sensitive 
nature are collected. Responses are mandatory.
    Frequency: Primarily on occasion; monthly.
    Description of Respondents: Federal and State oil and gas and 
sulphur lessees/operators.
    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: The currently 
approved annual burden for this collection is 67,251 hours. We expect 
the burden estimate for the renewal will be reduced because we are 
removing the requirements and burdens that were transferred to the 
responsibility of BSEE under Secretarial Order No. 3299, May 19, 2010. 
The following table details the individual BOEM components and 
respective hour burden estimates.

[[Page 36246]]



                                                Burden Breakdown
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                                                                                              Hour burden
    Citation 30 CFR 550 Subpart A and       Reporting or recordkeeping requirement   ---------------------------
           related forms/NTLs                                                            Non-hour cost burden
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                                        Authority and Definition of Terms
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104; 181; Form BOEM-1832................  Appeal orders or decisions; appeal INCs;    Exempt under 5 CFR
                                           request hearing due to cancellation of      1320.4(a)(2), (c).
                                           lease.
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                                              Performance Standards
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115; 116................................  Request determination of well               5.
                                           producibility; make available or submit
                                           data and information; notify BOEM of
                                           test.
119.....................................  Apply for subsurface storage of gas; sign   10.
                                           storage agreement.
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                                               Cost Recovery Fees
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125; 126; 140...........................  Cost Recovery Fees; confirmation receipt    Cost Recovery Fees and
                                           etc; verbal approvals and written request   related items are covered
                                           to follow. Includes request for refunds.    individually throughout
                                                                                       this subpart.
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                                             Designation of Operator
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143.....................................  Report change of address..................  Not considered information
                                                                                       collection under 5 CFR
                                                                                       1320.3(h)(1).
143(a-c); 144; 145; Form BOEM-1123......  Submit designation of operator (Form BOEM-  1.
                                           1123--form takes 30 minutes); report
                                           change of address; notice of termination;
                                           submit designation of agent. Request
                                           exception. NO FEE.
143(a-d); 144; 145; Form BOEM-1123......  Change designation of operator (Form BOEM-  1.
                                           1123--form takes 30 minutes); report       $175 fee.
                                           change of address; notice of termination;
                                           submit designation of agent; include
                                           pay.gov confirmation receipt. Request
                                           exception. SERVICE FEE.
186(a)(3); NTL..........................  Apply for user account in TIMS (electronic/ Not considered information
                                           digital form submittals).                   collection under 5 CFR
                                                                                       1320.3(h)(1).
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                                                   Compliance
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101; 135; 136; Form BOEM-1832...........  Submit response and required information    2.
                                           for INC, probation, or revocation of
                                           operating status. Notify when violations
                                           corrected.
                                          Request waiver of 14-day response time or   1.
                                           reconsideration..
135; 136................................  Request reimbursement for services          1.5.
                                           provided to BOEM representatives during
                                           reviews; comment.
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                                            Special Types of Approval
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125(c); 140.............................  Request various oral approvals not          1.
                                           specifically covered elsewhere in
                                           regulatory requirements.
141; 101-199............................  Request approval to use new or alternative  20.
                                           procedures; submit required information.
142; 101-199............................  Request approval of departure from          2.5
                                           operating requirements not specifically
                                           covered elsewhere in regulatory
                                           requirements; submit required
                                           information.
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                                            Right-of-use and Easement
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160; 161; 123...........................  OCS lessees: Apply for new or modified      9.
                                           right-of-use and easement to construct
                                           and maintain off-lease platforms,
                                           artificial islands, and installations and
                                           other devices; include notifications and
                                           submitting required information.
160(c)..................................  Establish a Company File for                Burden covered under 30
                                           qualification; submit updated               CFR 556 (1010-0006).
                                           information, submit qualifications for
                                           lessee/bidder, request exception.
160; 165; 123...........................  State lessees: Apply for new or modified    5.
                                           right-of-use and easement to construct     $2,742.
                                           and maintain off-lease platforms,
                                           artificial islands, and installations and
                                           other devices; include pay.gov
                                           confirmation and notifications.
166.....................................  State lessees: Furnish surety bond;         Burden covered under 30
                                           additional security if required.            CFR 256 (1010-0006).
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                   Primary Lease Requirements, Lease Term Extensions, and Lease Cancellations
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181(d); 182(b), 183(a)(b)...............  Request termination of suspension,          20.
                                           cancellation of lease, lesser lease term
                                           (no requests in recent years for
                                           termination/cancellation of a lease;
                                           minimal burden).
182; 183, 185; 194......................  Various references to submitting new,       Burden covered under 30
                                           revised, or modified exploration plan,      CFR 550, Subpart B (1010-
                                           development/production plan, or             0151).
                                           development operations coordination
                                           document, and related surveys/reports.

[[Page 36247]]

 
184.....................................  Request compensation for lease              50.
                                           cancellation mandated by the OCS Lands
                                           Act (no qualified lease cancellations in
                                           many years; minimal burden compared to
                                           benefit).
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                                     Information and Reporting Requirements
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186; NTL................................  Submit information, reports, and copies as  10.
                                           BOEM requires.
135; 136................................  Report apparent violations or non-          1.5.
                                           compliance.
194; NTL................................  Report archaeological discoveries. Submit   2.
                                           archaeological and follow-up reports and
                                           additional information.
194; NTL................................  Request departures from conducting          1.
                                           archaeological resources surveys and/or
                                           submitting reports.
194.....................................  Submit ancillary surveys/investigations     Burden covered under 30
                                           reports, as required.                       CFR 550 Subpart B (1010-
                                                                                       0151).
196.....................................  Submit data/information for G&G activity    Burden covered under 30
                                           and request reimbursement.                  CFR 251 (1010-0048).
197(b)(2)...............................  Demonstrate release of G&G data would       1.
                                           unduly damage competitive position.
197(c)..................................  Submit confidentiality agreement.           1.
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                                                  Recordkeeping
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135; 136................................  During reviews, make records available as   2.
                                           requested by inspectors.
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   Citation 30 CFR 550  Subpart K and
              related forms                 Well surveys and classifying reservoirs           Hour burden
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1153....................................  Conduct static bottomhole pressure survey;  14.
                                           submit Form BOEM-0140 (Bottomhole
                                           Pressure Survey Report) (within 60 days
                                           after survey).
1153(d).................................  Submit justification, information, and      1.
                                           Form BOEM-0140, to request a departure
                                           from requirement to run a static
                                           bottomhole survey.
1154; 1167..............................  Submit request and supporting information   6.
                                           to reclassify reservoir.
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                                                                                              Hour burden
   Citation 30 CFR 550  Subpart A and       Reporting or recordkeeping requirement   ---------------------------
           related forms/NTLs                                                            Non-hour cost burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1155; 1165(b); 1166; 1167...............  Submit Form BOEM-0127 (Sensitive Reservoir  3.
                                           Information Report) and supporting
                                           information/revisions (within 45 days
                                           after certain events or at least
                                           annually). AK Region: Submit BOEM-0127
                                           and request maximum efficiency rates.
1153-1167...............................  Request general departure or alternative    1.
                                           compliance requests not specifically
                                           covered elsewhere in regulatory
                                           requirements.
1165....................................  Submit proposed plan for enhanced recovery  Burden covered under BSEE
                                           operations to BSEE.                         30 CFR 250 (1014-0019).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Non-Hour Cost Burden: We have 
identified two non-hour cost burdens. Section 550.143 requires a fee 
for a change in designation of operator ($175). Section 550.165 
requires a State lessee applying for a right-of use and easement in the 
OCS to pay a cost recovery application fee ($2,742). These fees reflect 
the recent adjustment for inflation that became effective February 2, 
2013 (78 FR 5836, 1/28/13).
    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 on: (a) Whether or not the 
collection of information is necessary, including whether or not the 
information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of our burden 
estimates; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden on 
respondents.
    Agencies must also estimate the non-hour cost burdens to 
respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of 
information. Therefore, if you have costs to generate, maintain, and 
disclose this information, you should comment and provide your total 
capital and startup costs and annual operation, maintenance, and 
purchase of service costs. You should describe the methods you use to 
estimate major cost factors, including system and technology 
acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, discount 
rate(s), and the period over which you incur costs. Capital and startup 
costs include, among other items, computers and software you purchase 
to prepare for collecting information, monitoring, and record storage 
facilities. You should not include estimates for equipment or services 
purchased: (a) Before October 1, 1995; (b) to comply with requirements

[[Page 36248]]

not associated with the information collection; (c) for reasons other 
than to provide information or keep records for the Government; or (d) 
as part of customary and usual business or private practices.
    We will summarize written responses to this notice and address them 
in our submission for OMB approval. As a result of your comments, we 
will make any necessary adjustments to the burden in our submission to 
OMB.
    Public Availability of Comments: 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.

     Dated: June 6, 2013.
Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
Chief, Office of Policy, Regulations, and Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2013-14093 Filed 6-14-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-MR-P