Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties, 12823-12827 [E7-4876]
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12823
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 52 / Monday, March 19, 2007 / Notices
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Management Service
Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties
Minerals Management Service
(MMS), Interior.
ACTION: Notice summarizing Outer
Continental Shelf Civil Penalties paid
from January 1, 2006, through December
31, 2006.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice provides a listing
of civil penalties paid from January 1,
2006, through December 31, 2006, for
violations of the Outer Continental Shelf
Lands Act (OCSLA). The goal of the
MMS Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
Civil Penalties Program is to assure safe
and clean operations in the OCS.
Through the pursuit, assessment, and
collection of civil penalties and referrals
for the consideration of criminal
penalties, the program is designed to
encourage compliance with OCS
statutes and regulations. The purpose of
publishing the penalties summary is to
provide information to the public on
violations of special concern in OCS
operations and to provide an additional
incentive for safe and environmentally
sound operations.
Joanne McCammon, Program
Coordinator, at 703–787–1292.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Oil
Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90)
strengthened section 24 of the OCSLA
Amendments of 1978. Subtitle B of OPA
90, titled ‘‘Penalties,’’ increased the
amount of the civil penalty from a
maximum of $10,000 to a maximum of
$20,000 per violation for each day of
noncompliance. More importantly, in
cases where a failure to comply with
applicable regulations constitutes or
constituted a threat of serious,
irreparable, or immediate harm or
damage to life (including fish and other
aquatic life); property; any mineral
deposit; or the marine, coastal, or
human environment; OPA 90 provided
the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary)
with the authority to assess a civil
penalty without regard to the
requirement of expiration of a period of
time allowed for corrective action.
The provisions of OPA 90 also require
the Secretary to adjust the maximum
civil penalty to reflect any increases in
the Consumer Price Index. Every 3
years, MMS analyzes the civil penalty
maximum amount in conjunction with
the CPI prepared by the U.S.
Department of Labor. If an adjustment is
necessary, MMS informs the public
through the Federal Register of the new
maximum amount. The MMS has
published regulations adjusting the civil
penalty assessment to $25,000 on
August 8, 1997 (62 FR 42668), and to
$30,000 on November 28, 2003 (68 FR
61622).
Between August 18, 1990, and
January 2007, MMS initiated 583 civil
penalty reviews. Operators have paid
459 civil penalties for a total of
$15,370,792 in fines.
On September 1, 1997, the Associate
Director for Offshore Minerals
Management issued a notice informing
lessees and operators of Federal oil, gas,
and sulphur leases in the OCS that
MMS will annually publish a summary
of OCS civil penalties paid. The annual
summary will highlight the identity of
the party, the regulation violated, and
the amount paid. The following table
provides a listing of the 41 penalties
paid between January 1, 2006, and
December 31, 2006. The total amount
collected was $1,480,000. A quarterly
update of the list is posted on MMS’s
home page, https://www.mms.gov/
civilpenalties/CP_2006.HTM.
2006 CIVIL/CRIMINAL PENALTIES SUMMARY; ALL PENALTIES PAID IN CALENDAR 2006
[01/01/2006–12/31/2006]
Operator name (contractor) and
case No.
Violation and date(s)
The Houston Exploration Company.
(Grasso Production Management)
G–2003–004 .................................
PetroQuest Energy, LLC ..............
(Wood Group Production Services).
Failed to conduct one annual crane inspection ................................
G–2004–026 .................................
El Paso Production Oil and Gas
Company.
G–2005–007 .................................
Exxon Mobil Corporation ..............
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
G–2005–012 .................................
Apache Corporation .....................
(Wood Group Production Services).
G–2005–014 .................................
Noble Energy, Inc ........................
(Hercules Offshore Drilling) ..........
G–2005–015 .................................
Energy Partners Ltd .....................
G–2005–016 .................................
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:49 Mar 16, 2007
Penalty paid
and date paid
7/1/02–9/30/02
Missing grating & handrails, corroded unsafe steps, and severe
corrosion around the fuel scrubber created an unsafe situation
for personnel. Also, the flowline and departing pipeline did not
have secondary over-pressure protection.
6/29/04–6/29/04
Explosion and fire occurred on platform from welding and cutting
operations near hydrocarbons.
12/23/04–12/23/04
The Pressure Safety Low (PSL) for Well G–24 had the incorrect
spring and piston installed; the spring tension was backed off to
a point where it would not function. This violation occurred for
11 days.
12/19/04–12/29/04
During an annual inspection, the inspector discovered that the
Emergency Shut Down (ESD) stations for both the North and
South boat landings were out-of-service.
10/15/04–10/18/04
The gas detector panel that monitors the mud pit room and shale
shaker area was found to be in bypass during a monthly rig inspection. The operator forgot to put it back in service after calibrating the sensors. When the panel was taken out of bypass
and tested, the audible alarm failed to activate.
2/23/05–3/2/05
The level safety high (LSH) shut-in sensor for the deck drain sump
tank was bypassed at the main panel. Neither the LSH nor the
operating condition of the sump tank were being monitored by
platform personnel.
3/2/05–3/2/05
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Regulation(s)
violated
(30 CFR)
$10,000
8/25/06
§ 250.108.
$60,000
1/3/06
§ 250.802(b),
§ 250.107.
$25,000
2/7/06
§ 250.107
$25,000
6/8/06
§ 250.803(b)(2)(i).
$28,000
3/10/06
§ 250.803.
$160,000
2/15/06
§ 250.459(b).
$8,000
1/10/06
§ 250.803(c).
19MRN1
12824
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 52 / Monday, March 19, 2007 / Notices
2006 CIVIL/CRIMINAL PENALTIES SUMMARY; ALL PENALTIES PAID IN CALENDAR 2006—Continued
[01/01/2006–12/31/2006]
Operator name (contractor) and
case No.
Violation and date(s)
El Paso Production Oil and Gas
Company.
(Baker Energy, Inc.) .....................
G–2005–020 .................................
Apache Corporation .....................
(Wood Group Production Services).
G–2005–021 .................................
Apache Corporation .....................
(Wood Group Production Services).
Shut down valve connected in such a way that it would not operate as designed; pressure would not bleed off if an upset had
occurred.
3/10/05–3/10/05
Grating missing on the plus 10 deck level in two areas and area
not barricaded to prevent personnel from entering.
G–2005–022 .................................
ATP Oil & Gas Corporation .........
(Wood Group Production Services).
G–2005–023 .................................
Millennium Offshore Group, Inc ...
(TODCO) ......................................
G–2005–024 .................................
Noble Energy ...............................
G–2005–025 .................................
Apache Corporation .....................
G–2005–026 .................................
Pioneer Natural Resources USA,
Inc.
G–2005–027 .................................
SPN Resources, LLC ...................
G–2005–028 .................................
ATP Oil & Gas Corporation .........
G–2006–001 .................................
Petroquest Energy, LLC ...............
(Grasso Production Management)
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
G–2006–002 .................................
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:49 Mar 16, 2007
Penalty paid
and date paid
$10,000
8/7/06
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§ 250.803(c).
$21,000
6/22/06
§ 250.803(c).
$10,000
7/27/06
§ 250.107.
$8,000
3/24/06
§ 250.803(c).
$28,000
5/11/06
§ 250.107,
§ 250.615(c).
$45,000
5/10/06
§ 250.300(b),
§ 250.300(a),
§ 250.107(a).
$10,000
6/13/06
§ 250.300(b).
$5,000
6/27/06
§ 250.803(c).
$20,000
6/8/06
19MRN1
§ 250.107.
$24,000
3/13/06
5/17/05–5/19/05
Unsafe and un-workmanlike operations were conducted in that the
policies and procedures for Confined Space Entry were not
being adhered to as per Operator’s Health, Safety and Environment manual.
3/30/05–3/30/05
During an inspection on May 2, 2005, the top and bottom isolation
valves on the Level Safety Low (LSL) for the Bad Oil Tank
(ABJ–5020) were found blocked out of service and not flagged
or being monitored.
5/1/05–5/2/05
Apache failed to comply with the safe and workmanlike manner
and well control requirements addressed in the regulations. A
remote blowout preventer (BOP) station on the rig floor would
not operate nor function the bottom pipe ram and the hydraulic
(HCR) choke valve. An accumulation of hydraulic oil on derrick
beams and board rack, oily and slippery hand rail, and no grating over mud pits demonstrated Apache’s failure to maintain all
equipment in a safe condition.
7/25/05–7/25/05
Operations were not performed in a safe manner as Personnel attempted to replace a 2’’ ball valve on the water dump bypass
line on the Chem-Electric Treater without draining the vessel.
This created an uncontrolled oil release from the vessel over the
structure’s open grating, and into the containment skid which
was damaged and unable to contain the oil. As a result, approximately 1 barrel of oil polluted the Gulf.
6/10/05–6/10/05
The sump system could not automatically maintain the oil at a
level sufficient to prevent discharge of oil into offshore waters.
5/6/05–5/6/05
The Level Safety Low (LSL) on the water section of the Heater
Treater was bypassed and blocked out of service. Startup, maintenance, or testing procedures were not being performed; personnel were not monitoring the bypassed and blocked out functions; and the LSL was not flagged.
10/31/05–10/31/05
The Gas Detector Head (ASH) in the operator’s tool room was
found covered with plastic wrap, which rendered it inoperable.
Paint fumes were activating the ASH and plastic bags were
placed over it to prevent nuisance shut-ins and to keep the
fumes from contaminating the sensor.
6/19/05–6/20/05
§ 250.802(b).
$66,000
2/9/06
4/10/05–4/10/05
During a production follow-up inspection on February 20, 2005,
wells A002 and A003 Surface Safety Valves (SSVs) were
pinned out of service in the open position, and the wells were
not flagged or monitored.
2/20/05–2/20/05
The vertical run Surface Safety Valve (SSV) for Well C–2 was bypassed and locked out of service with a locking cap.
Jkt 211001
Regulation(s)
violated
(30 CFR)
§ 250.803(c).
12825
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 52 / Monday, March 19, 2007 / Notices
2006 CIVIL/CRIMINAL PENALTIES SUMMARY; ALL PENALTIES PAID IN CALENDAR 2006—Continued
[01/01/2006–12/31/2006]
Operator name (contractor) and
case No.
Violation and date(s)
Apache Corporation .....................
An employee was injured since work had been performed in an
unsafe and un-workmanlike manner. On 10–3–05, in order to
access a well slot, 33’’ openings were cut in the grating on the
well deck and on the lower production deck. The two holes cut
in the decking were never barricaded, covered, guarded, or
made inaccessible until 10–5–05, after the employee fell 8′
through the unguarded hole cut in the well deck and into the
opening cut on the lower production deck. He was able to catch
himself before falling completely through the second opening
into the cross members and well slot guide 40′ below..
10/3/05–10/5/05
While enroute to another destination, the Minerals Management
Service (MMS) Inspectors noticed a multi-colored sheen on the
water coming from the ST 196 Platform B. They landed on the
platform and found oil flowing out of the vent hatch on the Sump
Tank ABH–4760. The MMS Inspectors also found the Sump
System did not automatically maintain the oil level sufficiently
enough to prevent discharge of oil into offshore waters.
10/18/05–10/18/05
Three safety devices were found bypassed at the panel—the level
safety low for the wet/dry oil tank, the shut down valve for the
dry oil pump, and the shut down valve for the incoming pipeline.
Proposed amount mitigated from information supplied in letter.
11/12/04–11/12/04
An injury occurred as a result of unsafe and un-workmanlike operations. A contract worker fell 30’ through an unsecured access
hatch. Additionally, large openings in the deck were found and
sections of heliport skirting were missing.
10/29/04–11/6/04
A pollution incident occurred as a result of improperly isolating the
turbine compressor from the production train.
9/10/04–9/10/04
The primary and secondary surface safety valves (SSV), in addition to the fuel gas were bypassed on Caisson Well No. 28. The
relays were placed in bypass by BP Exploration and Production
employees (acting as contractors for Tana) on February 14,
2005. When an upset occurred on February 19, 2005, on the
upstream processing platform, the Well No. 28 did not shut in
due to these safety devices being bypassed. The pipeline experienced overpressure and the flange gasket ruptured allowing
gas/condensate to escape. The Well was shut in using the boat
landing emergency shut down pull loop.
2/14/05–2/19/05
The pressure safety low (PSL) on the departing high-pressure
transfer gas pipeline (KAH–103) was by-passed at the master
panel, leaving the pipeline unprotected from a leak or rupture.
The relay was not flagged and conditions were not being monitored.
7/6/05–7/7/05
Pollution occurred in offshore waters from overflow of vessel to
deck caused from a pipeline being tested which was using FSVs
instead of block valves. This overflow went to the deck containment system and the deck drain sump system tank was inoperable.
8/26/05–8/26/05
The fuel gas supply for the sump pump was manually closed,
placing the sump pump in an out of service mode. Neither the
sump pump nor the sump tank where being monitored by platform personnel.
12/12/05–12/12/05
Operations were not performed in a safe and workmanlike manner, and equipment had not been maintained in a safe condition.
Pollution occurred since a fuel tank was filled beyond capacity
and the sump system had not been properly maintained.
6/17/05–6/17/05
G–2006–003 .................................
Noble Energy, Inc ........................
G–2006–004 .................................
Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Corporation.
G–2006–005 .................................
ATP Oil & Gas Corporation .........
G–2006–006 .................................
Union Oil Company of California
G–2006–007 .................................
Tana Exploration Company, LLC
G–2006–008 .................................
Energy Partners, Ltd ....................
G–2006–009 .................................
Arena Offshore, LLC ....................
(Island Operators Co., Inc.) .........
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
G–2006–010 .................................
Callon Petroleum Operating Company.
G–2006–011 .................................
Forest Oil Corporation ..................
(Production Management Industries, LLC).
G–2006–012 .................................
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:49 Mar 16, 2007
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Penalty paid
and date paid
E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM
Regulation(s)
violated
(30 CFR)
$70,000
5/16/06
§ 250.107.
$50,000
7/13/06
§ 250.300(a),
§ 250.300(b).
$15,000
7/19/06
§ 250.1004,
§ 250.803.
$110,000
12/29/06
§ 250.107.
$25,000
7/25/06
§ 250.300(a).
$165,000
8/31/06
§ 250.803(c),
§ 250.803(c).
$10,000
6/22/06
§ 250.1004.
$27,000
8/25/06
§ 250.300(b),
§ 250.300(a).
$5,000
5/11/06
§ 250.300(b).
$45,000
9/6/06
§ 250.107,
§ 250.107,
§ 250.300(a).
19MRN1
12826
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 52 / Monday, March 19, 2007 / Notices
2006 CIVIL/CRIMINAL PENALTIES SUMMARY; ALL PENALTIES PAID IN CALENDAR 2006—Continued
[01/01/2006–12/31/2006]
Operator name (contractor) and
case No.
Violation and date(s)
Palace Operating Company .........
(Island Operators Co.) .................
During an annual inspection, the MMS inspector detected that the
Surface Safety Valve (SSV) on well #2 was locked open using a
fusible SSV stem cap rendering the valve inoperable or bypassed. This valve would not close had an undesirable event
occurred (under pressure or overpressure of the flowline).
11/28/05–11/28/05
The Emergency Shut Down Valves were bypassed on both boat
landings. The two PSVs on the Intermediate Production Separator were found closed thus taking them out of service (bypassed).
8/15/05–8/21/05
The level safety low (LSL) on the atmospheric bad oil tank was
manually closed placing it in bypass.
1/4/06–1/5/06
The Platform’s two primary means of escape had not been adequately maintained. Personnel on the platform had no safe
means of egress due to missing grating and handrails.
1/3/06–1/3/06
Platform’s emergency equipment had not been adequately maintained. The winch and lower flange kit on the south capsule was
severely corroded and unsafe for use.
8/9/05–8/9/05
The level controller which starts the sump pump was improperly
set, therefore rendering the sump pump incapable of maintaining
the oil in the sump tank at a safe level to prevent discharge into
the gulf waters.
9/19/04–9/19/04
The Emergency Shut Down (ESD) Stations on the condensate accumulator deck, sump deck, well bay area, and boat landing
were all rendered out of service since the ESD supply line was
disconnected.
11/9/04–11/9/04
The Temperature Sensing Element for the +10 deck drain Sump
Pump was bypassed.
9/23/04–9/30/04
Operations were not performed in a safe and workmanlike manner. While making an assessment of the unsafe conditions on
the platform that needed repairing, the construction crew did not
barricade a 3′4″ x 3′4″ opening in the stairway landing. Later,
one of the crew members was injured when he fell through the
open hole, approximately 20′ and into the Gulf of Mexico.
2/10/06–2/10/06
While attempting to secure and barricade hurricane related damages on the sub-cellar deck, a contract employee was seriously
injured since the work was not performed in a safe and
workmanlike manner. He was not wearing fall protection while
he was in the direct vicinity of open holes in the deck grating,
and he fell approximately 25–30 feet through a 3′ x 3′ opening
onto the +10 deck.
2/10/06–2/10/06
The main safety panel was bypassed during testing. In order to
test any safety device on this panel, they all had to be placed in
bypass. When the panel was in total bypass, the supply to the
indicators was removed not allowing them to trip when an abnormal condition became present, thus there was no way for
personnel to monitor the bypassed devices.
7/17/06–7/17/06
During well recompletion operations, an accident occurred, which
resulted in a loss of well control (blowout), and a 3 gallon oil
spill. An investigation revealed removal of a lockdown pin from
the well head during the alignment of the split tube hanger had
circumvented the blowout preventer system.
11/19/04–11/19/04
G–2006–013 .................................
Total E&P USA, Inc .....................
G–2006–014 .................................
Northstar Gulfsands, LLC ............
(Offshore Contract Services LLC)
G–2006–015 .................................
Nippon Oil Exploration U.S.A .......
G–2006–017 .................................
Chevron U.S.A. Inc ......................
G–2006–018 .................................
ATP Oil & Gas Corporation .........
G–2006–019 .................................
ATP Oil & Gas Corporation .........
(Wood Group Production Services).
G–2006–020 .................................
Marathon Oil Company ................
G–2006–022 .................................
BP America Production Company
G–2006–023 .................................
GOM Shelf LLC ............................
(Crown Oilfield Services, Inc.) .....
G–2006–026 .................................
Pioneer Natural Resources USA,
Inc.
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
G–2006–034 .................................
Venoco, Inc ..................................
P–2005–001 .................................
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:49 Mar 16, 2007
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Penalty paid
and date paid
E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM
Regulation(s)
violated
(30 CFR)
$5,000
10/27/06
§ 250.803(c).
$130,000
6/16/06
§ 250.803,
§ 250.803.
$15,000
9/6/06
§ 250.803.
$30,000
9/28/06
§ 250.107.
$30,000
10/30/06
§ 250.107(a)(2).
$12,000
9/22/06
§ 250.300(b).
$20,000
9/22/06
§ 250.803(c).
$40,000
11/9/06
§ 250.803.
$25,000
10/25/06
§ 250.107(a)(1).
$30,000
10/6/06
§ 250.107(a).
$20,000
12/13/06
§ 250.803(c).
$30,000
4/27/06
§ 250.300(a),
§ 250.107(a).
19MRN1
12827
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 52 / Monday, March 19, 2007 / Notices
2006 CIVIL/CRIMINAL PENALTIES SUMMARY; ALL PENALTIES PAID IN CALENDAR 2006—Continued
[01/01/2006–12/31/2006]
Operator name (contractor) and
case No.
Violation and date(s)
Nuevo Energy Company ..............
On February 16, 2004, a transformer on a variable speed drive
(VSD) unit over-heated and caught fire. A Minerals Management
Service (MMS) investigation of the incident determined the fire,
which was confined to the motor control center room, was due
to the following causes: The electrical overload protection on the
VSD had been placed in a non-functional mode. High amperage
from a downhole electric submersible pump caused transformer
to overload on the VSD, which subsequently overheated. Melting metal from the transformer dripped into a pan of threading
oil below the transformer. A cotton glove that was laying in the
pan of threading oil ignited. The resultant fire was extinguished
by platform personnel investigating the source of smoke from
the motor control center.
2/16/04–2/16/04
3/31/04–3/31/04
P–2004–002 .................................
Penalty paid
and date paid
$8,000
2/8/06
Regulation(s)
violated
(30 CFR)
§ 250.107,
§ 250.803(c)(1).
Total Penalties Paid: 1/1/2006–12/31/2006, 41 Cases: ($1,480,000)
The purpose of publishing the
penalties summary is to provide
information to the public on violations
of special concern in OCS operations
and to provide an additional incentive
for safe and environmentally sound
operations.
Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq., 31 U.S.C.
9701.
Dated: January 30, 2007.
Gregory J. Gould,
Acting Associate Director for Offshore
Minerals Management.
[FR Doc. E7–4876 Filed 3–16–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
General Management Plan/Draft
Environmental Impact Statement,
Valley Forge National Historical Park,
Pennsylvania
National Park Service,
Department of the Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Availability of the
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
for the General Management Plan,
Valley Forge National Historical Park.
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42
U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park
Service announces the availability of the
Draft General Management Plan and
Environmental Impact Statement for
Valley Forge National Historical Park,
Pennsylvania. An electronic version of
the document is currently available for
public review on the National Park
Service Planning, Environment and
17:49 Mar 16, 2007
The National Park Service will
accept comments on the Draft General
Management Plan and Environmental
Impact Statement from the public for a
period of 60 days following publication
of the Environmental Protection
Agency’s Notice of Availability in the
Federal Register. Public meetings will
be scheduled during the comment
period. Interested persons may check
the park Web site at https://
www.nps.gov/vafo for date, time, and
place.
DATES:
Information will be
available for public review and
comment online at https://
parkplanning.nps.gov, at the Valley
Forge NHP Welcome Center, 1400 North
Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia,
Pennsylvania, 610–783–1099 and at the
following locations:
Lower Providence Community Library,
50 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, PA
19403–1171.
Tredyffrin Public Library, 582 Upper
Gulph Rd., Strafford-Wayne, PA
19087–2052.
Phoenixville Public Library, 183 Second
Avenue, Phoenixville, PA 19460.
Montgomery County-Norristown Public
Library, 1001 Powell Street,
Norristown, PA 19401.
Upper Merion Township Library, 175
West Valley Forge Road, King of
Prussia, PA 19406.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deirdre Gibson, Valley Forge NHP, 1400
ADDRESSES:
National Park Service
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Public Comment Web site at https://
parkplanning.nps.gov. However, printed
copies of the document will not be
available until on or about February,
2007.
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North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia,
Pennsylvania 19406,
Deirdre_gibson@nps.gov.
If you
wish to comment, you may submit your
comments by any one of several
methods. You may mail comments to
Superintendent Mike Caldwell, Valley
Forge NHP, 1400 North Outer Line
Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406. You
may also comment via the Internet at
https://parkplanning.nps.gov. If you do
not receive a confirmation from the
system that we have received your
Internet message, contact us directly
(Deirdre Gibson, 610–783–1047).
Finally, you may hand-deliver
comments to Valley Forge NHP, 1400
North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia,
PA 19406. Before including your
address, phone number, e-mail 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Dated: January 22, 2007.
Michael A. Caldwell,
Acting Regional Director, Northeast Region,
National Park Service.
[FR Doc. E7–4907 Filed 3–16–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–DJ–P
E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM
19MRN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 52 (Monday, March 19, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12823-12827]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-4876]
[[Page 12823]]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Management Service
Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties
AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.
ACTION: Notice summarizing Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties paid
from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice provides a listing of civil penalties paid from
January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006, for violations of the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). The goal of the MMS Outer
Continental Shelf (OCS) Civil Penalties Program is to assure safe and
clean operations in the OCS. Through the pursuit, assessment, and
collection of civil penalties and referrals for the consideration of
criminal penalties, the program is designed to encourage compliance
with OCS statutes and regulations. The purpose of publishing the
penalties summary is to provide information to the public on violations
of special concern in OCS operations and to provide an additional
incentive for safe and environmentally sound operations.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joanne McCammon, Program Coordinator,
at 703-787-1292.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90)
strengthened section 24 of the OCSLA Amendments of 1978. Subtitle B of
OPA 90, titled ``Penalties,'' increased the amount of the civil penalty
from a maximum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 per violation for
each day of noncompliance. More importantly, in cases where a failure
to comply with applicable regulations constitutes or constituted a
threat of serious, irreparable, or immediate harm or damage to life
(including fish and other aquatic life); property; any mineral deposit;
or the marine, coastal, or human environment; OPA 90 provided the
Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) with the authority to assess a
civil penalty without regard to the requirement of expiration of a
period of time allowed for corrective action.
The provisions of OPA 90 also require the Secretary to adjust the
maximum civil penalty to reflect any increases in the Consumer Price
Index. Every 3 years, MMS analyzes the civil penalty maximum amount in
conjunction with the CPI prepared by the U.S. Department of Labor. If
an adjustment is necessary, MMS informs the public through the Federal
Register of the new maximum amount. The MMS has published regulations
adjusting the civil penalty assessment to $25,000 on August 8, 1997 (62
FR 42668), and to $30,000 on November 28, 2003 (68 FR 61622).
Between August 18, 1990, and January 2007, MMS initiated 583 civil
penalty reviews. Operators have paid 459 civil penalties for a total of
$15,370,792 in fines.
On September 1, 1997, the Associate Director for Offshore Minerals
Management issued a notice informing lessees and operators of Federal
oil, gas, and sulphur leases in the OCS that MMS will annually publish
a summary of OCS civil penalties paid. The annual summary will
highlight the identity of the party, the regulation violated, and the
amount paid. The following table provides a listing of the 41 penalties
paid between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2006. The total amount
collected was $1,480,000. A quarterly update of the list is posted on
MMS's home page, https://www.mms.gov/civilpenalties/CP_2006.HTM.
2006 Civil/Criminal Penalties Summary; All Penalties Paid in Calendar 2006
[01/01/2006-12/31/2006]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operator name (contractor) and Penalty paid Regulation(s) violated (30
case No. Violation and date(s) and date paid CFR)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Houston Exploration Company... Failed to conduct one $10,000 Sec. 250.108.
(Grasso Production Management).... annual crane inspection. 8/25/06
G-2003-004........................ 7/1/02-9/30/02 ...............
PetroQuest Energy, LLC............ Missing grating & $60,000 Sec. 250.802(b),
(Wood Group Production Services).. handrails, corroded 1/3/06 Sec. 250.107.
unsafe steps, and severe
corrosion around the fuel
scrubber created an
unsafe situation for
personnel. Also, the
flowline and departing
pipeline did not have
secondary over-pressure
protection.
G-2004-026........................ 6/29/04-6/29/04 ...............
El Paso Production Oil and Gas Explosion and fire $25,000 Sec. 250.107
Company. occurred on platform from 2/7/06
welding and cutting
operations near
hydrocarbons.
G-2005-007........................ 12/23/04-12/23/04 ...............
Exxon Mobil Corporation........... The Pressure Safety Low $25,000 Sec. 250.803(b)(2)(i).
(PSL) for Well G-24 had 6/8/06
the incorrect spring and
piston installed; the
spring tension was backed
off to a point where it
would not function. This
violation occurred for 11
days.
G-2005-012........................ 12/19/04-12/29/04 ...............
Apache Corporation................ During an annual $28,000 Sec. 250.803.
(Wood Group Production Services).. inspection, the inspector 3/10/06
discovered that the
Emergency Shut Down (ESD)
stations for both the
North and South boat
landings were out-of-
service.
G-2005-014........................ 10/15/04-10/18/04 ...............
Noble Energy, Inc................. The gas detector panel $160,000 Sec. 250.459(b).
(Hercules Offshore Drilling)...... that monitors the mud pit 2/15/06
room and shale shaker
area was found to be in
bypass during a monthly
rig inspection. The
operator forgot to put it
back in service after
calibrating the sensors.
When the panel was taken
out of bypass and tested,
the audible alarm failed
to activate.
G-2005-015........................ 2/23/05-3/2/05 ...............
Energy Partners Ltd............... The level safety high $8,000 Sec. 250.803(c).
(LSH) shut-in sensor for 1/10/06
the deck drain sump tank
was bypassed at the main
panel. Neither the LSH
nor the operating
condition of the sump
tank were being monitored
by platform personnel.
G-2005-016........................ 3/2/05-3/2/05 ...............
[[Page 12824]]
El Paso Production Oil and Gas Shut down valve connected $10,000 Sec. 250.802(b).
Company. in such a way that it 8/7/06
(Baker Energy, Inc.).............. would not operate as
designed; pressure would
not bleed off if an upset
had occurred.
G-2005-020........................ 3/10/05-3/10/05 ...............
Apache Corporation................ Grating missing on the $66,000 Sec. 250.107.
(Wood Group Production Services).. plus 10 deck level in two 2/9/06
areas and area not
barricaded to prevent
personnel from entering.
G-2005-021........................ 4/10/05-4/10/05 ...............
Apache Corporation................ During a production follow- $24,000 Sec. 250.803(c).
(Wood Group Production Services).. up inspection on February 3/13/06
20, 2005, wells A002 and
A003 Surface Safety
Valves (SSVs) were pinned
out of service in the
open position, and the
wells were not flagged or
monitored.
G-2005-022........................ 2/20/05-2/20/05 ...............
ATP Oil & Gas Corporation......... The vertical run Surface $21,000 Sec. 250.803(c).
(Wood Group Production Services).. Safety Valve (SSV) for 6/22/06
Well C-2 was bypassed and
locked out of service
with a locking cap.
G-2005-023........................ 5/17/05-5/19/05 ...............
Millennium Offshore Group, Inc.... Unsafe and un-workmanlike $10,000 Sec. 250.107.
(TODCO)........................... operations were conducted 7/27/06
in that the policies and
procedures for Confined
Space Entry were not
being adhered to as per
Operator's Health, Safety
and Environment manual.
G-2005-024........................ 3/30/05-3/30/05 ...............
Noble Energy...................... During an inspection on $8,000 Sec. 250.803(c).
May 2, 2005, the top and 3/24/06
bottom isolation valves
on the Level Safety Low
(LSL) for the Bad Oil
Tank (ABJ-5020) were
found blocked out of
service and not flagged
or being monitored.
G-2005-025........................ 5/1/05-5/2/05 ...............
Apache Corporation................ Apache failed to comply $28,000 Sec. 250.107,
with the safe and 5/11/06 Sec. 250.615(c).
workmanlike manner and
well control requirements
addressed in the
regulations. A remote
blowout preventer (BOP)
station on the rig floor
would not operate nor
function the bottom pipe
ram and the hydraulic
(HCR) choke valve. An
accumulation of hydraulic
oil on derrick beams and
board rack, oily and
slippery hand rail, and
no grating over mud pits
demonstrated Apache's
failure to maintain all
equipment in a safe
condition.
G-2005-026........................ 7/25/05-7/25/05 ...............
Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc Operations were not $45,000 Sec. 250.300(b),
performed in a safe 5/10/06 Sec. 250.300(a),
manner as Personnel Sec. 250.107(a).
attempted to replace a
2'' ball valve on the
water dump bypass line on
the Chem-Electric Treater
without draining the
vessel. This created an
uncontrolled oil release
from the vessel over the
structure's open grating,
and into the containment
skid which was damaged
and unable to contain the
oil. As a result,
approximately 1 barrel of
oil polluted the Gulf.
G-2005-027........................ 6/10/05-6/10/05 ...............
SPN Resources, LLC................ The sump system could not $10,000 Sec. 250.300(b).
automatically maintain 6/13/06
the oil at a level
sufficient to prevent
discharge of oil into
offshore waters.
G-2005-028........................ 5/6/05-5/6/05 ...............
ATP Oil & Gas Corporation......... The Level Safety Low (LSL) $5,000 Sec. 250.803(c).
on the water section of 6/27/06
the Heater Treater was
bypassed and blocked out
of service. Startup,
maintenance, or testing
procedures were not being
performed; personnel were
not monitoring the
bypassed and blocked out
functions; and the LSL
was not flagged.
G-2006-001........................ 10/31/05-10/31/05 ...............
Petroquest Energy, LLC............ The Gas Detector Head $20,000 Sec. 250.803(c).
(Grasso Production Management).... (ASH) in the operator's 6/8/06
tool room was found
covered with plastic
wrap, which rendered it
inoperable. Paint fumes
were activating the ASH
and plastic bags were
placed over it to prevent
nuisance shut-ins and to
keep the fumes from
contaminating the sensor.
G-2006-002........................ 6/19/05-6/20/05 ...............
[[Page 12825]]
Apache Corporation................ An employee was injured $70,000 Sec. 250.107.
since work had been 5/16/06
performed in an unsafe
and un-workmanlike
manner. On 10-3-05, in
order to access a well
slot, 33'' openings were
cut in the grating on the
well deck and on the
lower production deck.
The two holes cut in the
decking were never
barricaded, covered,
guarded, or made
inaccessible until 10-5-
05, after the employee
fell 8' through the
unguarded hole cut in the
well deck and into the
opening cut on the lower
production deck. He was
able to catch himself
before falling completely
through the second
opening into the cross
members and well slot
guide 40' below..
G-2006-003........................ 10/3/05-10/5/05 ...............
Noble Energy, Inc................. While enroute to another $50,000 Sec. 250.300(a),
destination, the Minerals 7/13/06 Sec. 250.300(b).
Management Service (MMS)
Inspectors noticed a
multi-colored sheen on
the water coming from the
ST 196 Platform B. They
landed on the platform
and found oil flowing out
of the vent hatch on the
Sump Tank ABH-4760. The
MMS Inspectors also found
the Sump System did not
automatically maintain
the oil level
sufficiently enough to
prevent discharge of oil
into offshore waters.
G-2006-004........................ 10/18/05-10/18/05 ...............
Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Corporation.. Three safety devices were $15,000 Sec. 250.1004,
found bypassed at the 7/19/06 Sec. 250.803.
panel--the level safety
low for the wet/dry oil
tank, the shut down valve
for the dry oil pump, and
the shut down valve for
the incoming pipeline.
Proposed amount mitigated
from information supplied
in letter.
G-2006-005........................ 11/12/04-11/12/04 ...............
ATP Oil & Gas Corporation......... An injury occurred as a $110,000 Sec. 250.107.
result of unsafe and un- 12/29/06
workmanlike operations. A
contract worker fell 30'
through an unsecured
access hatch.
Additionally, large
openings in the deck were
found and sections of
heliport skirting were
missing.
G-2006-006........................ 10/29/04-11/6/04 ...............
Union Oil Company of California... A pollution incident $25,000 Sec. 250.300(a).
occurred as a result of 7/25/06
improperly isolating the
turbine compressor from
the production train.
G-2006-007........................ 9/10/04-9/10/04 ...............
Tana Exploration Company, LLC..... The primary and secondary $165,000 Sec. 250.803(c),
surface safety valves 8/31/06 Sec. 250.803(c).
(SSV), in addition to the
fuel gas were bypassed on
Caisson Well No. 28. The
relays were placed in
bypass by BP Exploration
and Production employees
(acting as contractors
for Tana) on February 14,
2005. When an upset
occurred on February 19,
2005, on the upstream
processing platform, the
Well No. 28 did not shut
in due to these safety
devices being bypassed.
The pipeline experienced
overpressure and the
flange gasket ruptured
allowing gas/condensate
to escape. The Well was
shut in using the boat
landing emergency shut
down pull loop.
G-2006-008........................ 2/14/05-2/19/05 ...............
Energy Partners, Ltd.............. The pressure safety low $10,000 Sec. 250.1004.
(PSL) on the departing 6/22/06
high-pressure transfer
gas pipeline (KAH-103)
was by-passed at the
master panel, leaving the
pipeline unprotected from
a leak or rupture. The
relay was not flagged and
conditions were not being
monitored.
G-2006-009........................ 7/6/05-7/7/05 ...............
Arena Offshore, LLC............... Pollution occurred in $27,000 Sec. 250.300(b),
(Island Operators Co., Inc.)...... offshore waters from 8/25/06 Sec. 250.300(a).
overflow of vessel to
deck caused from a
pipeline being tested
which was using FSVs
instead of block valves.
This overflow went to the
deck containment system
and the deck drain sump
system tank was
inoperable.
G-2006-010........................ 8/26/05-8/26/05 ...............
Callon Petroleum Operating Company The fuel gas supply for $5,000 Sec. 250.300(b).
the sump pump was 5/11/06
manually closed, placing
the sump pump in an out
of service mode. Neither
the sump pump nor the
sump tank where being
monitored by platform
personnel.
G-2006-011........................ 12/12/05-12/12/05 ...............
Forest Oil Corporation............ Operations were not $45,000 Sec. 250.107,
(Production Management Industries, performed in a safe and 9/6/06 Sec. 250.107,
LLC). workmanlike manner, and Sec. 250.300(a).
equipment had not been
maintained in a safe
condition. Pollution
occurred since a fuel
tank was filled beyond
capacity and the sump
system had not been
properly maintained.
G-2006-012........................ 6/17/05-6/17/05 ...............
[[Page 12826]]
Palace Operating Company.......... During an annual $5,000 Sec. 250.803(c).
(Island Operators Co.)............ inspection, the MMS 10/27/06
inspector detected that
the Surface Safety Valve
(SSV) on well 2
was locked open using a
fusible SSV stem cap
rendering the valve
inoperable or by-passed.
This valve would not
close had an undesirable
event occurred (under
pressure or overpressure
of the flowline).
G-2006-013........................ 11/28/05-11/28/05 ...............
Total E&P USA, Inc................ The Emergency Shut Down $130,000 Sec. 250.803,
Valves were bypassed on 6/16/06 Sec. 250.803.
both boat landings. The
two PSVs on the
Intermediate Production
Separator were found
closed thus taking them
out of service (bypassed).
G-2006-014........................ 8/15/05-8/21/05 ...............
Northstar Gulfsands, LLC.......... The level safety low (LSL) $15,000 Sec. 250.803.
(Offshore Contract Services LLC).. on the atmospheric bad 9/6/06
oil tank was manually
closed placing it in
bypass.
G-2006-015........................ 1/4/06-1/5/06 ...............
Nippon Oil Exploration U.S.A...... The Platform's two primary $30,000 Sec. 250.107.
means of escape had not 9/28/06
been adequately
maintained. Personnel on
the platform had no safe
means of egress due to
missing grating and
handrails.
G-2006-017........................ 1/3/06-1/3/06 ...............
Chevron U.S.A. Inc................ Platform's emergency $30,000 Sec. 250.107(a)(2).
equipment had not been 10/30/06
adequately maintained.
The winch and lower
flange kit on the south
capsule was severely
corroded and unsafe for
use.
G-2006-018........................ 8/9/05-8/9/05 ...............
ATP Oil & Gas Corporation......... The level controller which $12,000 Sec. 250.300(b).
starts the sump pump was 9/22/06
improperly set, therefore
rendering the sump pump
incapable of maintaining
the oil in the sump tank
at a safe level to
prevent discharge into
the gulf waters.
G-2006-019........................ 9/19/04-9/19/04 ...............
ATP Oil & Gas Corporation......... The Emergency Shut Down $20,000 Sec. 250.803(c).
(Wood Group Production Services).. (ESD) Stations on the 9/22/06
condensate accumulator
deck, sump deck, well bay
area, and boat landing
were all rendered out of
service since the ESD
supply line was
disconnected.
G-2006-020........................ 11/9/04-11/9/04 ...............
Marathon Oil Company.............. The Temperature Sensing $40,000 Sec. 250.803.
Element for the +10 deck 11/9/06
drain Sump Pump was
bypassed.
G-2006-022........................ 9/23/04-9/30/04 ...............
BP America Production Company..... Operations were not $25,000 Sec. 250.107(a)(1).
performed in a safe and 10/25/06
workmanlike manner. While
making an assessment of
the unsafe conditions on
the platform that needed
repairing, the
construction crew did not
barricade a 3'4'' x 3'4''
opening in the stairway
landing. Later, one of
the crew members was
injured when he fell
through the open hole,
approximately 20' and
into the Gulf of Mexico.
G-2006-023........................ 2/10/06-2/10/06 ...............
GOM Shelf LLC..................... While attempting to secure $30,000 Sec. 250.107(a).
(Crown Oilfield Services, Inc.)... and barricade hurricane 10/6/06
related damages on the
sub-cellar deck, a
contract employee was
seriously injured since
the work was not
performed in a safe and
workmanlike manner. He
was not wearing fall
protection while he was
in the direct vicinity of
open holes in the deck
grating, and he fell
approximately 25-30 feet
through a 3' x 3' opening
onto the +10 deck.
G-2006-026........................ 2/10/06-2/10/06 ...............
Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc The main safety panel was $20,000 Sec. 250.803(c).
bypassed during testing. 12/13/06
In order to test any
safety device on this
panel, they all had to be
placed in bypass. When
the panel was in total
bypass, the supply to the
indicators was removed
not allowing them to trip
when an abnormal
condition became present,
thus there was no way for
personnel to monitor the
bypassed devices.
G-2006-034........................ 7/17/06-7/17/06 ...............
Venoco, Inc....................... During well recompletion $30,000 Sec. 250.300(a),
operations, an accident 4/27/06 Sec. 250.107(a).
occurred, which resulted
in a loss of well control
(blowout), and a 3 gallon
oil spill. An
investigation revealed
removal of a lockdown pin
from the well head during
the alignment of the
split tube hanger had
circumvented the blowout
preventer system.
P-2005-001........................ 11/19/04-11/19/04 ...............
[[Page 12827]]
Nuevo Energy Company.............. On February 16, 2004, a $8,000 Sec. 250.107,
transformer on a variable 2/8/06 Sec. 250.803(c)(1).
speed drive (VSD) unit
over-heated and caught
fire. A Minerals
Management Service (MMS)
investigation of the
incident determined the
fire, which was confined
to the motor control
center room, was due to
the following causes: The
electrical overload
protection on the VSD had
been placed in a non-
functional mode. High
amperage from a downhole
electric submersible pump
caused transformer to
overload on the VSD,
which subsequently
overheated. Melting metal
from the transformer
dripped into a pan of
threading oil below the
transformer. A cotton
glove that was laying in
the pan of threading oil
ignited. The resultant
fire was extinguished by
platform personnel
investigating the source
of smoke from the motor
control center.
P-2004-002........................ 2/16/04-2/16/04 ...............
3/31/04-3/31/04...........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Penalties Paid: 1/1/2006-12/31/2006, 41 Cases: ($1,480,000)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of publishing the penalties summary is to provide
information to the public on violations of special concern in OCS
operations and to provide an additional incentive for safe and
environmentally sound operations.
Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq., 31 U.S.C. 9701.
Dated: January 30, 2007.
Gregory J. Gould,
Acting Associate Director for Offshore Minerals Management.
[FR Doc. E7-4876 Filed 3-16-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
