[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 107 (Friday, June 3, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35798-35801]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13102]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

[Docket ID: BSEE-2016-0007; OMB Control Number 1014-0006; 16XE1700DX 
EX1SF0000.DAQ000 EEEE500000]


Information Collection Activities: Sulphur Operations, Proposed 
Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY: Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Interior.

ACTION: 60-day Notice.

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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 renewal to the 
paperwork requirements in the regulations under, Subpart P, Sulphur 
Operations.

DATES: You must submit comments by August 2, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods 
listed below.
     Electronically: Go to www.regulations.gov and search for 
BSEE-2016-0007. 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; BSEE; Regulations and Standards Branch; 
Attention: Kelly Odom; 45600 Woodland Road, Suite 105, Sterling, VA 
20166. Please reference ICR 1014-0006 in your comment and include your 
name and return address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Odom, Regulations and Standards 
Branch at (703) 787-1775 to request additional information about this 
ICR.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: 30 CFR 250, Subpart P, Sulphur Operations.
    OMB Control Number: 1014-0006.
    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 that Act related to 
mineral resources on the OCS. Such rules and regulations will apply to 
all operations conducted under a lease. Operations on the OCS must 
preserve, protect, and develop mineral 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 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 BSEE 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.
    In addition to the general rulemaking authority of the OCSLA at 43 
U.S.C. 1334, section 301(a) of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty 
Management Act (FOGRMA), 30 U.S.C. 1751(a), grants authority to the 
Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations as are reasonably 
necessary to carry out FOGRMA's provisions. While the majority of 
FOGRMA is directed to royalty collection and enforcement, some 
provisions apply to offshore operations. For example, section 108 of 
FOGRMA, 30 U.S.C. 1718, grants the Secretary broad authority to inspect 
lease sites for the purpose of determining whether there is compliance 
with the mineral leasing laws. Section 109(c)(2) and (d)(1), 30 U.S.C. 
1719(c)(2) and (d)(1), impose substantial civil penalties for failure 
to permit lawful inspections and for knowing or willful preparation or 
submission of false, inaccurate, or misleading reports, records, or 
other information. Because the Secretary has delegated some of the 
authority under FOGRMA to BSEE, 30 U.S.C. 1751 is included as 
additional authority for these requirements.
    This ICR addresses the regulations at 30 CFR 250, Subpart P, 
Sulphur Operations, and any associated supplementary Notices to Lessees 
and Operators (NTLs) intended to provide clarification, description, or 
explanation of these regulations.
    Currently, there are no active sulphur lease operations on the OCS. 
Therefore, this ICR and its relevant hours represent one potential 
respondent.

[[Page 35799]]

    Regulations at 30 CFR 250, Subpart P, implement these statutory 
requirements. The BSEE uses the information collected to ascertain the 
condition of drilling sites for the purpose of preventing hazards 
inherent in sulphur 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. The BSEE 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 the adequacy and safety of firefighting plans; the 
drilling unit is fit for the intended purpose; and the adequacy of 
casing for anticipated conditions.
     Review drilling, well-completion, well-workover diagrams 
and procedures, as well as production operation procedures to ensure 
the safety of the proposed sulphur drilling, well-completion, well-
workover and proposed production operations.
     Monitor environmental data during sulphur operations in 
offshore areas where such data are not already available to provide a 
valuable source of information to evaluate the performance of drilling 
rigs under various weather and ocean conditions. This information is 
necessary to make reasonable determinations regarding safety of 
operations and environmental protection.
    The BSEE will protect proprietary information according to the 
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing 
regulations (43 CFR 2); 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. No items of a sensitive nature are 
collected. Responses are mandatory.
    Frequency: Occasional and varies by section, but information 
concerning drilling, well-completion, and well-workover operations and 
production is collected only once for each particular activity.
    Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: Approximately 1 
Federal OCS sulphur lessee.
    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: The currently 
approved annual reporting burden for this collection is 903 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Reporting and
       Citation 30 CFR 250               recordkeeping         Hour burden    Average number of    Annual burden
                                          requirement                          annual reponses         hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     General
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1605(b)(3); 1617; 1622(b)........  These sections contain     APD burden covered under 1014-xxxx
                                    references to
                                    information, approvals,
                                    requests, payments,
                                    etc., which are
                                    submitted with an APD,
                                    the burdens for which
                                    are covered under its
                                    own information
                                    collection.
1618(a), (b); 1619(b); 1622(a),    These sections contain     APM burden covered under 1014-xxxx
 (b), (c).                          references to
                                    information, approvals,
                                    requests, payments,
                                    etc., which are
                                    submitted with an APM,
                                    the burdens for which
                                    are covered under its
                                    own information
                                    collection.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Submittals/Notifications
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1600; 1617.......................  Submit exploration or      Burden covered under (1010-0151).                0
                                    development and
                                    production plan, under
                                    30 CFR 550, Subpart B.
                                                            -------------------------------------
1605(d)..........................  Submit results of                      1  1 submission.......               1
                                    additional surveys and
                                    soil borings upon
                                    request.
                                                            -------------------------------------
1605(f)..........................  Submit application for     Burden covered under (1014-0011).                0
                                    installation of fixed
                                    drilling platforms or
                                    structures.
                                                            -------------------------------------
1608(a), (c).....................  Submit well casing and                 5  1 plan.............               5
                                    cementing plan or
                                    modification.
                                                            -------------------------------------
1619(b); 1622(c).................  Submit form BSEE-0125      Burden covered under (1014-0018).                0
                                    (End of Operations
                                    Report); and all
                                    supporting
                                    documentation.
                                                            -------------------------------------
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)(6).......................  Notify BSEE of pre-                  0.5  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.....................  ........................  ..............  14 responses.......              21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 35800]]

 
                                                    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)(7), (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; certify by
                                    representative.
1612.............................  Request exception to                   1  1 request..........               1
                                    Sec.   250.462
                                    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.
1608(b), (c); 1629(b)(3); 1600-    General departure and/or               2  1 request..........               2
 1634.                              alternative compliance
                                    requests not
                                    specifically covered
                                    elsewhere in Subpart P.
                                                                            ------------------------------------
    Subtotal.....................  ........................  ..............  11 responses.......              29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Record/Retain
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1604(f)..........................  Check traveling-block               0.25  1 lessee x 52 wks x              26
                                    safety device for                         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                 0.17  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 weeks             312
                                    actuations,                               = 52.
                                    inspections,
                                    maintenance, and crew
                                    drills of BOP systems
                                    at least weekly; record
                                    results in driller's
                                    report; certify by
                                    representative; retain
                                    records for 2 years
                                    following completion of
                                    drilling activity.
1613(d)..........................  Pressure test diverter                 2  1 lessee (daily/                208
                                    sealing element/valves                    weekly during
                                    weekly; actuate                           drilling) x 2 rigs
                                    diverter sealing                          x 52 weeks = 104.
                                    element/valves/control
                                    system every 24 hours;
                                    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 1014-0008.    ..............
                                    for lessee and drilling
                                    contractor personnel.
                                                            -------------------------------------
1619(a); 1623(c).................  Retain records for each               12  1 lessee...........              12
                                    well and all well
                                    operations for 2 years;
                                    calculate well-control
                                    fluid volume and post
                                    near operators' station.
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)...................  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;
                                    make available for
                                    review.
1631.............................  Conduct safety device                  1  1 lessee x 52 train/            104
                                    training prior to                         records x 2 rigs =
                                    production operations                     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.
                                                                            ------------------------------------

[[Page 35801]]

 
    Subtotal.....................  ........................  ..............  486 responses......             849
                                                                            ------------------------------------
        Total Burden.............  ........................  ..............  511 responses......       899 Hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Non-Hour Cost Burden: There 
are no non-hour cost burdens associated with this collection.
    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.
    BSEE Information Collection Clearance Officer: Nicole Mason, (703) 
787-1607.

    Dated: May 27, 2016.
L. Keith Good,
Senior Advisor, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs.
[FR Doc. 2016-13102 Filed 6-2-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-VH-P