[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 116 (Friday, June 16, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39470-39475]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12898]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

[Docket ID BSEE-2022-0014; EEEE500000 234E1700D2 ET1SF0000.EAQ000 OMB 
Control Number 1014-0026]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Application 
for Permit To Modify (APM) and Supporting Documentation

AGENCY: Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, 
the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) proposes to 
renew an information collection.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
July 17, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of 
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular 
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. Please 
provide a copy of your comments to Nikki Mason, BSEE ICCO, 45600 
Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166; or by email to [email protected]. 
Please reference OMB Control Number 1014-0026 in the subject line of 
your comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information 
about this ICR, contact Nikki Mason by email at [email protected], 
or by telephone at (703) 787-1607. Individuals in the United States who 
are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may 
dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay 
services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay 
services offered within their country to make international calls to 
the point-of-contact in the United States. You may also view the ICR at 
http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the PRA and 5 CFR 
1320.8(d)(1), we provide the general public and other Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and 
continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact 
of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's 
reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our information 
collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired 
format.
    A Federal Register notice with a 60-day public comment period 
soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on 
August 4, 2022 (87 FR 47791).
    As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent 
burdens, we are again soliciting comments from the public and other 
Federal agencies on the proposed ICR that is described below. We are 
especially interested in public comment addressing the following:
    (1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
    (2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection 
of information, including the validity of the methodology and 
assumptions used;
    (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
    (4) How might the agency minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of 
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., 
permitting electronic submission of response.
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. 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.
    Abstract: The regulations at 30 CFR 250 stipulate the various 
requirements that must be submitted with an APM. The form and the 
numerous submittals that are included and/or attached to the form are 
the subject of this collection. This request also covers related 
Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that BSEE issues to clarify, 
supplement, or provide additional guidance on some aspects of our 
regulations.
    The BSEE uses the information to ensure safe well control, 
completion, workover, and decommissioning operations and to protect the 
human, marine, and coastal environment. Among other things, BSEE 
specifically uses the information to ensure: the well control, 
completion, workover, and decommissioning unit (drilling/well 
operations) is fit for the intended purpose; equipment is maintained in 
a state of readiness and meets safety standards; each drilling/well 
operation crew is properly trained and able to promptly perform well-
control activities at any time during well operations; compliance with 
safety standards; and the current regulations will provide for safe and 
proper field or reservoir development, resource evaluation, 
conservation, protection of correlative rights, safety, and 
environmental protection. We also review well records to ascertain 
whether the operations have encountered hydrocarbons or H2S and to 
ensure that H2S detection equipment, personnel protective equipment, 
and training of the crew are adequate for safe operations in zones 
known to contain H2S and zones where the presence of H2S is unknown.
    Title of Collection: 30 CFR part 250, Application for Permit to 
Modify (APM) and supporting documentation.
    OMB Control Number: 1014-0026.
    Form Number: BSEE-0124.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Potential respondents include Federal 
OCS oil, gas, and sulfur lessees and/or operators and holders of 
pipeline rights-of-way.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: Currently there are 
approximately 555 Federal OCS oil, gas, and sulfur lessees and holders 
of pipeline rights-of-way. Not all the

[[Page 39471]]

potential respondents will submit information in any given year, and 
some may submit multiple times.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 11,322.
    Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 10 minutes to 
154 hours, depending on activity.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 16,431.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Frequency of Collection: Generally, on occasion and varies by 
section.
    Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $6,387,110.

                                                  Burden Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Reporting or
   Citation 30 CFR 250 APM's         recordkeeping         Hour burden     Average number of     Annual burden
                                     requirement *                         annual  responses    hours (Rounded)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Non-Hour Cost Burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subparts D, E, F, G, H, P, Q..  Submit APM plans (BSEE- 1 hour...........  1,718                           1,718
                                 0124). (This burden                        applications.
                                 represents only the
                                 filling out of the
                                 form, the
                                 requirements are
                                 listed separately
                                 below).
                                                       ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1,718 applications x $145 application fee = $249,110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subparts D, E, F, G, H, P, Q..  Submit Revised APM      1 hour...........  1,102                           1,102
                                 plans (BSEE-0124).                         applications.
                                 (This burden
                                 represents only the
                                 filling out of the
                                 form, the
                                 requirements are
                                 listed separately
                                 below) [no fee
                                 charged].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..................  ......................  .................  2,820 responses..         2,820 hours
                                                                          --------------------------------------
                                ......................  .................      $249,110 non-hour cost burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125...........................  Submit evidence of         Exempt under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1)                     0
                                 your fee for services
                                 receipt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
197...........................  Written                    Exempt under 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2)                     0
                                 confidentiality
                                 agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
300(b)(1), (2)................  Obtain approval to add  154 hours........  1 request........                 154
                                 petroleum-based
                                 substance to drilling
                                 mud system or
                                 approval for method
                                 of disposal of drill
                                 cuttings, sand, &
                                 other well solids,
                                 including those
                                 containing NORM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal of Subpart C.....  ......................  .................  1 response.......    154 hour burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
460(a); 465...................  There are some            Burden covered under 30 CFR 250,                     0
                                 regulatory                           1014-0025
                                 requirements that
                                 give respondents the
                                 option of submitting
                                 information with
                                 either their APD or
                                 APM; industry advised
                                 us that when it comes
                                 to this particular
                                 subpart, they submit
                                 a Revised APD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
471(c)........................  Submit SCCE             10 hours.........  2 submittals.....                  20
                                 capabilities for
                                 Worst Case Discharge
                                 (WCD) rate and
                                 demonstrate that your
                                 SCCE capabilities
                                 will meet the
                                 criteria in Sec.
                                 250.470(f) under the
                                 changed well design.
                                 (Arctic).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
471(c); 470(f); 465(a)........  Submit re-evaluation    5................  2 submittals.....                  10
                                 of your SCCE
                                 capabilities if well
                                 design changes;
                                 include any new WCD
                                 rate and demonstrate
                                 that your SCCE
                                 capabilities will
                                 comply with Sec.
                                 250.470(f).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal of Subpart D.........  ......................  .................  4 responses......     30 hour burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 39472]]

 
                                                    Subpart E
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
513...........................  Obtain written          1 hour...........  175 submittals...                 175
                                 approval for well-
                                 completion
                                 operations. Submit
                                 information,
                                 including but not
                                 limited to, request
                                 for completion
                                 (including changes);
                                 description of well-
                                 completion
                                 procedures; statement
                                 of expected surface
                                 pressure, type and
                                 weight of completion
                                 fluids; schematic
                                 drawing; a partial
                                 electric log; H2S
                                 presence or if
                                 unknown, service fee
                                 receipt.
518(f)........................  Submit descriptions     1 hour...........  50 submittals....                  50
                                 and calculations of
                                 production packer
                                 setting depth(s).
526(a)........................  Submit a notification   15 mins..........  68 notifications.                  17
                                 of corrective action
                                 of the diagnostic
                                 test.
    Subtotal of Subpart E.....  ......................  .................  293 responses....    242 hour burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart F
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
613(a), (b)...................  Request approval to     1 hour...........  802 requests.....                 802
                                 begin other than
                                 normal workover,
                                 which includes
                                 description of
                                 procedures, changes
                                 in equipment,
                                 schematic, info about
                                 H2S, etc.
613(c)........................  If completing a new     20 mins..........  195 submittals...                  65
                                 zone, submit reason
                                 for abandonment and
                                 statement of pressure
                                 data.
613(d)........................  Submit work as          20 mins..........  755 submittals...                 252
                                 performed 30 days
                                 after completing the
                                 well-workover
                                 operation.
619(f)........................  Submit descriptions     1 hour...........  50 submittals....                  50
                                 and calculations of
                                 production packer
                                 setting depth(s).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal of Subpart F.....  ......................  .................  1,802 responses..  1,169 hour burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart G
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
701...........................  Identify and discuss    3 hours..........  78 submittals....                 234
                                 your proposed
                                 alternate procedures
                                 or equipment [the
                                 request to use
                                 alternative
                                 procedures/equipment
                                 is covered under 1014-
                                 0022].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
702...........................  Identify and discuss    2 hours..........  55 submittals....                 110
                                 the departure from
                                 requirements [the
                                 request to depart
                                 from requirements is
                                 covered under 1014-
                                 0022].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
713...........................  Submit required         1.5 hours........  210 submittals...                 315
                                 information to use a
                                 MODU for well
                                 operations, including
                                 fitness & foundation
                                 requirements,
                                 contingency plan for
                                 moving off location,
                                 current monitoring
                                 (description of
                                 specific current
                                 speeds & specific
                                 measures to curtail
                                 rig operations and
                                 move off location).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
720(b)........................  Obtain approval to      1.5 hours........  151 submittals...                 227
                                 displace kill weight
                                 fluid with detailed
                                 step-by-step written
                                 procedures that
                                 include, but are not
                                 limited to, number of
                                 barriers, tests, BOP
                                 procedures, fluid
                                 volumes entering and
                                 leaving wellbore
                                 procedures.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
721(g)........................  Request approval for    1 hour...........  380 requests.....                 380
                                 test procedures and
                                 criteria for a
                                 successful negative
                                 pressure test,
                                 including any changes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 39473]]

 
731...........................  Submit complete         5 hours..........  198 submittals...                 990
                                 description of BOP
                                 system and
                                 components; schematic
                                 drawings;
                                 certification by ITP
                                 (additional ITP if
                                 BOP is subsea, in
                                 HTHP, or surface on
                                 floating facility);
                                 autoshear, deadman,
                                 EDS systems.
                                                       ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  $31,000 x 198 submittals = $6,138,000
                                                       ---------------------------------------------------------
733...........................  Description of annulus  30 mins..........  248 submittals...                 124
                                 monitoring plan and
                                 how you will secure
                                 the well in the event
                                 a leak is detected.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737(d)(2).....................  Submit test procedures  30 mins..........  48 submittals....                  24
                                 for District Manager
                                 approval for initial
                                 test when using water
                                 on surface BOP.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737(d)(3).....................  Submit test procedures  30 mins..........  45 submittals....                  23
                                 for District Manager
                                 approval to stump
                                 test a subsea BOP;
                                 including how you
                                 will test each ROV
                                 function for approval.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737(d)(4).....................  Submit test procedures  30 mins..........  48 submittals....                  24
                                 for District Manager
                                 approval to perform
                                 an initial subsea BOP
                                 test; including how
                                 you will test each
                                 ROV function for
                                 approval.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737(d)(12)....................  Submit test procedures  1 hour...........  260 submittals...                 260
                                 for District Manager
                                 approval, including
                                 schematics of the
                                 actual controls and
                                 circuitry of the
                                 system used during an
                                 actual autoshear or
                                 deadman event.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
738(m)........................  Request approval from   2 hours..........  311 requests.....                 622
                                 District Manager to
                                 utilize other well-
                                 control equipment;
                                 include report from
                                 BAVO on equipment
                                 design & suitability;
                                 other information
                                 required by District
                                 Manager.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
738(n)........................  Indicate which pipe/    45 mins..........  261 submittals...                 196
                                 variable bore rams
                                 have no current
                                 utility or well-
                                 control purposes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
750(a)(4).....................  Request approval to     1 hour...........  748 requests.....                 748
                                 conduct operations
                                 without downhole
                                 check valves,
                                 describe alternate
                                 procedures and
                                 equipment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal of Subpart G.....  ......................  .................  3,041 responses..  4,277 hour burdens
                                                                          --------------------------------------
                                                                              $6,138,000 non-hour costs burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart H
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
801(h)........................  Request approval to     30 mins..........  52 approvals.....                  26
                                 temporarily remove
                                 safety device for non-
                                 routine operations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
804(a)........................  Submit detailed         1 hour...........  18 submittals....                  18
                                 information that
                                 demonstrates the
                                 SSSVs and related
                                 equipment
                                 capabilities re HPHT;
                                 include discussions
                                 of design
                                 verification analysis
                                 and validation,
                                 functional listing
                                 process, and
                                 procedures used;
                                 explain fit-for-
                                 service.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal of Subpart H.....  ......................  .................  70 responses.....     44 hour burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart P
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It needs to be noted that for Sulfur Operations, while there may be burden hours listed that are associated with
 some form of an APM submittal, we have not had any sulfur leases for numerous years, therefore, we are
 submitting minimal burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 39474]]

 
1618(a), (b), (c).............  Request approval/       1 hour...........  1 plan...........                   1
                                 submit requests for
                                 changes in plans,
                                 changes in major
                                 drilling equipment,
                                 proposals to deepen,
                                 sidetrack, complete,
                                 workover, or plug
                                 back a well, or
                                 engage in similar
                                 activities; include
                                 but not limited to,
                                 detailed statement of
                                 proposed work
                                 changed; present
                                 state of well; after
                                 completion, detailed
                                 report of work done
                                 and results w/in 30
                                 days of completion;
                                 public information
                                 copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1619(b).......................  Submit duplicate        25 mins..........  1 submittal......                   1
                                 copies of the records
                                 of all activities
                                 related to and
                                 conducted during the
                                 suspension or
                                 temporary prohibition.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1622(a), (b)..................  Obtain written          20 mins..........  1 approval.......                   1
                                 approval to begin
                                 operations; include
                                 description of
                                 procedures followed;
                                 changes to existing
                                 equipment, schematic
                                 drawing; zones info
                                 re H2S, etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1622(c)(2)....................  Submit results of any   10 mins..........  1 submittal......                   1
                                 well tests and a new
                                 schematic of the well
                                 if any subsurface
                                 equipment has been
                                 changed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal of Subpart P.....  ......................  .................  4 responses......      4 hour burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart Q
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1704..........................  Request approval of     20 mins..........  705 requests.....                 235
                                 well abandonment
                                 operations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1704(g).......................  Submit with a final     1 hour...........  430 submittals...                 430
                                 well schematic,
                                 description, nature
                                 and quantities of
                                 material used;
                                 relating to casing
                                 string--description
                                 of methods used, size
                                 and amount of casing
                                 and depth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1712; 1704(g).................  Obtain and receive      2.5 hours........  251                               628
                                 approval before                            certifications.
                                 permanently plugging
                                 a well or zone.
                                 Include in request,
                                 but not limited to,
                                 reason plugging well,
                                 with relevant
                                 information; well
                                 test and pressure
                                 data; type and weight
                                 of well control
                                 fluid; a schematic
                                 listing mud and
                                 cement properties;
                                 plus testing plans.
                                 Submit Certification
                                 by a Registered
                                 Professional Engineer
                                 of the well
                                 abandonment design
                                 and procedures;
                                 certify the design.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Obtain and receive      2.5 hours........  438 submittals...               1,095
                                 approval before
                                 permanently plugging
                                 a well or zone.
                                 Include in request,
                                 but not limited to
                                 max surface pressure
                                 and determination;
                                 description of work;
                                 well depth,
                                 perforated intervals;
                                 casing and tubing
                                 depths/details, plus
                                 locations, types,
                                 lengths, etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1721; 1704(g).................  Submit the applicable   4 hours..........  1,278 submittals.               5,112
                                 information required
                                 to temporarily
                                 abandon a well for
                                 approval; after
                                 temporarily plugging
                                 a well, submit well
                                 schematic,
                                 description of
                                 remaining subsea
                                 wellheads, casing
                                 stubs, mudline
                                 suspension equipment
                                 and required
                                 information of this
                                 section; submit
                                 certification by a
                                 Registered
                                 Professional Engineer
                                 of the well
                                 abandonment design
                                 and procedures;
                                 certify design.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 39475]]

 
1722(a).......................  Request approval to     1 hour...........  18 requests......                  18
                                 install a subsea
                                 protective device.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1723(b).......................  Submit a request to     1 hour...........  161 requests.....                 161
                                 perform work to
                                 remove casing stub,
                                 mudline equipment,
                                 and/or subsea
                                 protective covering.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1743(a).......................  Submit signed           2 hours..........  6 certifications.                  12
                                 certification; date
                                 of verification work
                                 and vessel; area
                                 surveyed; method
                                 used; results of
                                 survey including
                                 debris or statement
                                 that no objects were
                                 recover; a post-
                                 trawling plot or map
                                 showing area.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal of Subpart Q.....  ......................  .................  3,287 responses..  7,691 hour burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total Burden..........  ......................  .................  11,322 Responses.       16,431 Burden
                                                                                                           Hours
                                                                          --------------------------------------
                                                                              $6,387,110 non-hour cost burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    An agency may not conduct, or sponsor and a person is not required 
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.
    The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Kirk Malstrom,
Chief, Regulations and Standards Branch.
[FR Doc. 2023-12898 Filed 6-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-VH-P