[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 70 (Thursday, April 13, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17855-17859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07479]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

[Docket ID BSEE-2016-0014; OMB Control Number 1014-0011; 17XE1700DX 
EEEE500000 EX1SF0000.DAQ000]


Information Collection Activities: Platforms and Structures; 
Submitted for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request

ACTION: 30-Day notice.

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SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the 
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is notifying the 
public that we have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) an information collection request (ICR) to renew approval of the 
paperwork requirements in the regulations under subpart I, Platforms 
and Structures. This notice also provides the public a second 
opportunity to comment on the revised paperwork burden of these 
regulatory requirements.

DATES: You must submit comments by May 15, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments by either fax (202) 395-5806 or email 
([email protected]) directly to the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of 
the Interior (1014-0011). Please provide a copy of your comments to 
BSEE by any of the means below.
     Electronically: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. In the 
Search box, enter BSEE-2016-0014 then click search. Follow the 
instructions to submit public comments and view all related materials. 
We will post all comments.
     Email [email protected], fax (703) 787-1546, or mail or 
hand-carry comments to the Department of the Interior; Bureau of Safety 
and Environmental Enforcement; Regulations and Standards Branch; ATTN: 
Nicole Mason; 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166. Please reference 
ICR 1014-0011 in your comment and include your name and return address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Mason, Regulations and 
Standards Branch, (703) 787-1607, to request additional information 
about this ICR. To see a copy of the entire ICR submitted to OMB, go to 
http://www.reginfo.gov (select Information Collection Review, Currently 
Under Review).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: 30 CFR 250, subpart I, Platforms and Structures.
    OMB Control Number: 1014-0011.
    Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act (OCSLA) at 43 
U.S.C. 1334 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, right-of-way, or a right-of-use and easement. Operations on 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.
    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 the Bureau of Safety and Environmental 
Enforcement (BSEE), 30 U.S.C. 1751 is included as additional authority 
for these requirements.
    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. Under the 
Department of the Interior's implementing policy, BSEE is required to 
charge fees for services that provide special benefits or privileges to 
an identifiable non-Federal recipient above and beyond those which 
accrue to the public at large. Various applications and reports for 
Platform Verification Program, fixed structure, Caisson/Well Protector, 
and modification repairs are subject to cost recovery, and BSEE 
regulations specify service fees for these requests (Sec.  250.125).
    On November 2, 2015, the President signed into law the Federal 
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act

[[Page 17856]]

Improvements Act of 2015 (Sec. 701 of Pub. L. 114-74) (FCPIA of 2015). 
The OCSLA directs the Secretary of the Interior to adjust the OCSLA 
maximum civil penalty amount at least once every three years to reflect 
any increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to account for inflation 
(43 U.S.C. 1350(b)(1)). The FCPIA of 2015 requires Federal agencies to 
adjust the level of civil monetary penalties with an initial ``catch-
up'' adjustment, if warranted, through rulemaking and then to make 
subsequent annual adjustments for inflation. The purpose of these 
adjustments is to maintain the deterrent effect of civil penalties and 
to further the policy goals of the underlying statutes.
    These authorities and responsibilities are among those delegated to 
BSEE. The regulations at 30 CFR 250, subpart I, pertain to Platforms 
and Structures and are the subject of this collection. This request 
also covers the related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that 
BSEE issues to clarify, supplement, or provide additional guidance on 
some aspects of our regulations.
    While most responses are mandatory, some are required to obtain or 
retain a benefit. No questions of a sensitive nature are asked. The 
BSEE will protect any confidential commercial or proprietary 
information according to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) 
and DOI's implementing regulations (43 CFR 2); section 26 of OCSLA (43 
U.S.C. 1352); 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.
    The BSEE uses the information submitted under subpart I to 
determine the structural integrity of all OCS platforms and floating 
production facilities and to ensure that such integrity will be 
maintained throughout the useful life of these structures. We use the 
information to ascertain, on a case-by-case basis, that the fixed and 
floating platforms and structures are structurally sound and safe for 
their intended use to ensure safety of personnel and prevent pollution. 
More specifically, we use the information to:
     Review data concerning damage to a platform to assess the 
adequacy of proposed repairs.
     Review applications for platform construction 
(construction is divided into three phases--design, fabrication, and 
installation) to ensure the structural integrity of the platform.
     Review verification plans and third-party reports for 
unique platforms to ensure that all nonstandard situations are given 
proper consideration during the platform design, fabrication, and 
installation.
     Review platform design, fabrication, and installation 
records to ensure that the platform is constructed according to 
approved applications.
     Review inspection reports to ensure that platform 
integrity is maintained for the life of the platform.
    Frequency: On occasion, as a result of situations encountered; and 
annually.
    Description of Respondents: Potential respondents include Federal 
OCS oil, gas, or sulfur lessees and/or operators.
    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: The estimated 
annual hour burden for this information collection is a total of 92,786 
hours and $988,210 non-hour costs. The following chart details the 
individual components and estimated hour burdens. In calculating the 
burdens, we assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in 
the normal course of their activities. We consider these to be usual 
and customary and took that into account in estimating the burden.

                                                Burden Breakdown
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Reporting and/or
 Citation 30 CFR 250 subpart I        recordkeeping           Hour burden      Average number of   Annual burden
        and related NTLs              requirement *                             annual reponses        hours
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                                                      Non-hour cost burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       General Requirements for Platforms
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
900 thru 921...................  General departure and       Burden covered under 30 CFR 250,                  0
                                  alternative compliance           subpart A, 1014-0022.
                                  requests not
                                  specifically covered
                                  elsewhere in subpart I
                                  regulations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
900(b), (c), (e); 901(b); 905;   Submit application,      552...............  43 applications...          23,736
 906; 910(c), (d); 911(c), (g);   along with reports/
 912; 913; 919; NTL(s).           surveys and relevant
[PAP 904-908; PVP 909-918].....   data, to install new
                                  platform or floating
                                  production facility or
                                  significant changes to
                                  approved applications,
                                  including but not
                                  limited to: Summary of
                                  safety factors
                                  utilized in design of
                                  the platform; use of
                                  alternative codes,
                                  rules, or standards;
                                  CVA changes; and
                                  Platform Verification
                                  Program (PVP) plan for
                                  design, fabrication,
                                  and installation of
                                  new, fixed, bottom-
                                  founded, pile-
                                  supported, or concrete-
                                  gravity platforms and
                                  new floating
                                  platforms. Consult as
                                  required with BSEE and/
                                  or USCG. Re/Submit
                                  application for major
                                  modification(s)/
                                  repairs to any
                                  platform and obtain
                                  approval; and related
                                  requirements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         $22,734 x 2 PVP = $45,468
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $3,256 x 5 fixed structure = $16,280
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                $1,657 x 6 Caisson/Well Protector = $9,942
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                                               $3,884 x 30 modifications/repairs = $116,520
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[[Page 17857]]

 
900(b)(4)......................  Submit application for   66................  2 applications....             132
                                  approval to convert an
                                  existing platform for
                                  a new purpose.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
900(b)(5)......................  Submit application for   37................  1 application.....              37
                                  approval to convert an
                                  existing mobile
                                  offshore drilling unit
                                  (MODU) for a new
                                  purpose.
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900(c).........................  Notify BSEE within 24    5.................  1 notices/                       5
                                  hours of damage and                          requests; reports.
                                  emergency repairs and
                                  request approval of
                                  repairs. Submit
                                  written completion
                                  report within 1 week
                                  upon completion of
                                  repairs.
                                                         --------------------                    ---------------
                                                          9.................                                   9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
900(e).........................  Submit platform          13................  13 submittals.....             169
                                  installation date and
                                  the final as-built
                                  location data to the
                                  Regional Supervisor
                                  within 45 days after
                                  platform installation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
900(e).........................  Resubmit an application  42................  1 application.....              42
                                  for approval to
                                  install a platform if
                                  it was not installed
                                  within 1 year after
                                  approval (or other
                                  date specified by
                                  BSEE).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
901(b).........................  Request approval for        Burden covered under 30 CFR 250,                  0
                                  alternative codes,                subpart A, 1014-0022
                                  rules, or standards.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
903............................  Record original and      247...............  115 lessees.......          28,405
                                  relevant material test
                                  results of all primary
                                  structural materials;
                                  retain records during
                                  all stages of
                                  construction. Compile,
                                  retain, and provide
                                  location/make
                                  available to BSEE for
                                  the functional life of
                                  platform, the as-built
                                  drawings, design
                                  assumptions/analyses,
                                  summary of
                                  nondestructive
                                  examination records,
                                  inspection results,
                                  and records of repair
                                  not covered elsewhere.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
903(c); 905(k).................  Submit certification      This statement is submitted with the                0
                                  statement [a                          application.
                                  certification
                                  statement is not
                                  considered information
                                  collection under 5 CFR
                                  1320.3(h)(1); the
                                  burden is for the
                                  insertion of the
                                  location of the
                                  records on the
                                  statement and the
                                  submittal to BSEE].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Platform Verification Program
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
911(c-e); 912(a-c); 914........  Submit complete          97................  2 schedules.......             194
                                  schedule of all phases
                                  of design,
                                  fabrication, and
                                  installation with
                                  required information;
                                  also submit Gantt
                                  Chart with required
                                  information and
                                  required nomination/
                                  documentation for CVA,
                                  or to be performed by
                                  CVA.
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $400,000 x 2 = $800,000 CVA costs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
912(a).........................  Submit design               Burden covered under 30 CFR 550,                  0
                                  verification plans                subpart B, 1010-0151
                                  with your DPP or DOCD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
913(a).........................  Resubmit a changed       28................  2 plans...........              56
                                  design, fabrication,
                                  or installation
                                  verification plan for
                                  approval.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
916(c).........................  Submit interim and       168...............  16 reports........           2,688
                                  final CVA reports and
                                  recommendations on
                                  design phase.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 17858]]

 
917(a), (c)....................  Submit interim and       180...............  12 reports........           2,160
                                  final CVA reports and
                                  recommendations on
                                  fabrication phase,
                                  including notices to
                                  BSEE and operator/
                                  lessee of fabrication
                                  procedure changes or
                                  design specification
                                  modifications.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
918(c).........................  Submit interim and       79................  8 reports.........             632
                                  final CVA reports and
                                  recommendations on
                                  installation phase.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Inspection, Maintenance, and Assessment of Platforms
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
919(a).........................  Develop in-service       280...............  117 lessees.......          32,760
                                  inspection plan and
                                  keep on file. Submit
                                  annual (November 1 of
                                  each year) report on
                                  inspection of
                                  platforms or floating
                                  production facilities,
                                  including summary of
                                  testing results.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
919(b) NTL.....................  After an environmental   37 (initial)......  1 reports.........              37
                                  event, submit to        24 (update).......  1 reports.........              24
                                  Regional Supervisor
                                  initial report
                                  followed by updates
                                  and supporting
                                  information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
919(c) NTL.....................  Submit results of        104...............  1 result..........             104
                                  inspections,
                                  description of any
                                  damage, assessment of
                                  structure to withstand
                                  conditions, and
                                  remediation plans.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
920(a).........................  Demonstrate platform is  81................  1 occurrence......              81
                                  able to withstand
                                  environmental loadings
                                  for appropriate
                                  exposure category.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
920(c).........................  Submit application and   87................  1 application.....              87
                                  obtain approval from
                                  the Regional
                                  Supervisor for
                                  mitigation actions
                                  (includes operational
                                  procedures).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
920(e).........................  Submit a list of all     60................  115 operators/5              1,380
                                  platforms you operate,                       years = 23 lists
                                  and appropriate                              per year.
                                  supporting data, every
                                  5 years or as directed
                                  by the Regional
                                  Supervisor.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
920(f).........................  Obtain approval from     48................  1 approval........              48
                                  the Regional
                                  Supervisor for any
                                  change in the platform.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Burden...............  .......................  ..................  362 Responses.....          92,786
                                                                             -----------------------------------
                                                                                $988,210 Non-Hour Cost Burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* In the future, BSEE will be allowing the option of electronic reporting for certain requirements.

    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Non-Hour Cost Burden: We have 
identified non-hour cost burdens for various platform applications/
installations that are associated with service fees (Sec.  250.125). 
The service fees are as follows: (1) $22,734 for installation under the 
Platform Verification Program; (2) $3,256 for installation of fixed 
structures under the Platform Approval Program; (3) $1,657 for 
installation of Caisson/Well Protectors; and (4) $3,884 for 
modifications and/or repairs. We also identified $400,000 associated 
with using Certified Verification Agents in the Platform Verification 
Program. We have not identified any other non-hour cost burdens 
associated with this collection of information, and we estimate a total 
annual reporting non-hour cost burden of $988,210.
    Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.,) 
provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of 
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 
Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated 
to respond.
    Comments: Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et 
seq.,) requires each agency ``. . . to provide notice . . . and 
otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies 
concerning each proposed collection of information . . .'' Agencies 
must specifically solicit comments to: (a) Evaluate whether the 
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.
    To comply with the public consultation process, on September 22, 
2016, we published a Federal Register notice (81 FR 65395) announcing 
that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. The notice provided 
the required 60-day comment period. In addition, Sec.  250.199 provides 
the OMB Control Number for the information collection requirements 
imposed by the

[[Page 17859]]

30 CFR 250, subpart I regulations. 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 received no comments in response to the Federal Register 
notice, nor did we receive any unsolicited comments.
    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.
    Information Collection Clearance Officer: Nicole Mason, (703) 787-
1607.

    Dated: February 15, 2017.
Eric Miller,
Acting Deputy Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs.
[FR Doc. 2017-07479 Filed 4-12-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-VH-P