Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request, 50382-50387 [E7-17278]

Download as PDF 50382 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 169 / Friday, August 31, 2007 / Notices the northwest corner of Nevada. At this meeting, agenda topics will include an update on the Sagebrush Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Project, a status report on sage grouse conservation strategies, an update on the resource management plan protest process, a status report on wind energy proposals and information on current issues in the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program. All meetings are open to the public. Members of the public may present written comments to the council. Each formal council meeting will have time allocated for public comments. Depending on the number of persons wishing to speak, and the time available, the time for individual comments may be limited. Members of the public are welcome on field tours, but they must provide their own transportation and lunch. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation and other reasonable accommodations, should contact the BLM as provided above. Dated: August 27, 2007. Joseph J. Fontana, Public Affairs Officer. [FR Doc. E7–17363 Filed 8–30–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–40–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [AZ–210–5410–FR–A508; AZA–33808 and AZ–210–5410–FR–A508; AZA–33809] Correction to Notice of Realty Action: Applications for Conveyance of Federal Mineral Interests, Maricopa County, AZ Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Correction notice. AGENCY: sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES SUMMARY: This notice amends the Notice of Realty Action for 2 Applications for the Conveyance of Federal Mineral Interest, Maricopa County, Arizona, published in 72 FR 46497–46498. Under the sections entitled SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, the following corrections are made. The lands proposed for purchase and conveyance of the Federally-owned mineral interest is changed to: Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Maricopa County, Arizona T. 4 N., R. 2 W., Sec. 10, SE1⁄4; Sec. 11, NW1⁄4SW1⁄4, SW1⁄4NE1⁄4SW1⁄4, E1⁄2NE1⁄4SW1⁄4; Sec. 14, E1⁄2NE1⁄4NW1⁄4, NE1⁄4NW1⁄4SW1⁄4. The area described contains 260 acres more or less, in Maricopa County. VerDate Aug<31>2005 00:43 Aug 31, 2007 Jkt 211001 Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Maricopa County, Arizona T. 4 N., R. 2 W., Sec. 14, NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4. The area described contains 40 acres more or less, in Maricopa County. Dated: August 23, 2007. Teresa A. Raml, Phoenix District Manager. [FR Doc. E7–17307 Filed 8–30–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–32–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Notice of extension of an information collection (1010–0114). AGENCY: SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information collection request (ICR) to renew approval of the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 250, Subpart A, General, and related documents. This notice also provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of these regulatory requirements. DATES: Submit written comments by October 1, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments either by fax (202) 395–6566 or email (OIRA_DOCKET@omb.eop.gov) directly to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior (1010–0114). Mail or hand carry a copy of your comments to the Department of the Interior; Minerals Management Service; Attention: Cheryl Blundon; Mail Stop 4024; 381 Elden Street; Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817. If you wish to email your comments to MMS, the address is: rules.comments@mms.gov. Reference Information Collection 1010–0114 in your subject line and mark your message for return receipt. Include your name and return address in your message text. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Blundon, Regulations and Standards Branch, (703) 787–1607. You may also contact Cheryl Blundon to obtain a copy, at no cost, of the regulations and forms that require the subject collection of information. PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: 30 CFR part 250, Subpart A, General. Forms: MMS–132, MMS–1123, MMS– 1832. OMB Control Number: 1010–0114. Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. and 43 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe rules and regulations to administer leasing of the OCS. Such rules and regulations will apply to all operations conducted under a lease. Operations 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. Section 1332(6) states that ‘‘operations in the [O]uter Continental Shelf should be conducted in a safe manner by well trained personnel using technology, precautions, and other techniques sufficient to prevent or minimize the likelihood of blowouts, loss of well control, fires, spillages, physical obstructions to other users of the waters or subsoil and seabed, or other occurrences which may cause damage to the environment or to property or endanger life or health.’’ The Independent Offices Appropriations Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104–133, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, 1996), and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A–25, authorize Federal agencies to recover the full cost of services that confer special benefits. Under the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) implementing policy, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) 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. Regulations implementing these responsibilities are under 30 CFR part 250, subpart A, General. This request also covers the related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that MMS issues to clarify and provide additional guidance on some aspects of our regulations. Responses are mandatory. No questions of a ‘‘sensitive’’ nature are asked. We protect proprietary information according to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2), and 30 CFR 250.197, ‘‘Data and E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM 31AUN1 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 169 / Friday, August 31, 2007 / Notices information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection.’’ The MMS uses the information collected under the Subpart A regulations to ensure that operations on the OCS are carried out in a safe and pollution-free manner, do not interfere with the rights of other users on the OCS, and balance the protection and development of OCS resources. Specifically, we use the information collected to: • Review records of formal crane operator training, rigger training, crane operator qualifications, crane inspections, testing, and maintenance to ensure that lessees perform operations in a safe and workmanlike manner and that equipment is maintained in a safe condition. The MMS also uses the information to make certain that all new and existing cranes installed on OCS fixed platforms must be equipped with anti-two block safety devices, and to assure that uniform methods are employed by lessees for load testing of cranes. • Review welding, burning, and hot tapping plans, procedures, and records to ensure that these activities are conducted in a safe and workmanlike manner by trained and experienced personnel. • Provide lessees greater flexibility to comply with regulatory requirements through approval of alternative equipment or procedures and departures to regulations if they demonstrate equal or better compliance with the appropriate performance standards. • Determine the capability of a well to produce oil or gas in paying quantities or to determine the possible need for additional wells resulting in minimum royalty status on a lease. If a well does not yield hydrocarbons in sufficient quantity to warrant continued operation and production, MMS uses the information to verify the claim and to release the lessee from lease obligations. Conversely, the information is used to extend the term of the lease if additional wells will warrant continued operation and production. • Ensure that injection of gas promotes conservation of natural resources, prevents waste, and that subsurface storage of natural gas does not unduly interfere with development and production operations under existing leases. • Ensure the appropriateness of reimbursing lessees for costs incurred in reproducing geological and geophysical (G&G) data and information for submission to MMS and processing or reprocessing G&G information in a form and manner other than that normally VerDate Aug<31>2005 00:43 Aug 31, 2007 Jkt 211001 used in the conduct of a lessee’s business, or to determine the proper reimbursement of costs incurred during inspections. • Record the designation of an operator authorized to act on behalf of the lessee and to fulfill the lessee’s obligations under the OCS Lands Act and implementing regulations, or to record the local agent empowered to receive notices and comply with regulatory orders issued (Form MMS– 1123). • Determine if an application for right-of-use and easement serves the purpose specified in the grant when conducting exploration, development, and production activities or other operations on or off the lease; is maintained for such purposes; and does not unreasonably interfere with the operations of any other lessee. • Provide for orderly development of leases through the use of information to determine the appropriateness of lessee requests for suspension of operations, including production. For example, MMS needs the information to determine that a suspension is necessary to: (1) Ensure proper lease development, (2) allow time to construct or negotiate use of transportation facilities, (3) allow reasonable time to enter into a sales contract, (4) allow for unavoidable situations, (5) avoid continued operations resulting in premature abandonment of a producing well(s) that would be uneconomic, (6) comply with the National Environmental Policy Act or to conduct an environmental analysis, (7) install equipment for safety and environmental protection, (8) allow time for inordinate delays encountered in obtaining required permits or consents, (9) comply with judicial decrees, or (10) avoid activities that pose a threat of serious, irreparable, or immediate harm. • Improve safety and environmental protection on the OCS, through collection and analysis of accident reports to ascertain the cause of the accidents and, to determine ways to prevent recurrences. • Ascertain when the lease ceases production or when the last well ceases production in order to determine the 180th day after the date of completion of the last production. This requirement is expanded in the final rule to include reporting when lease production is initiated, resumes before the end of the 180-day period after production ceased, and when leaseholding operations occur during the referenced 180-day interval. The MMS will use this information to efficiently maintain the lessee/operator lease status. • Approve requests to cancel leases. PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50383 • Be informed when there could be a major disruption in the availability and supply of natural gas and oil due to natural occurrences/hurricanes, to advise the U.S. Coast Guard in case of the need to rescue offshore workers in distress, to monitor damage to offshore platforms and drilling rigs, and to advise the news media and interested public entities when production is shut in and when resumed. The OCS operations produce more than onequarter of the Nation’s natural gas and more than one-sixth of its oil, and it is essential to know when production is interrupted. The Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR) uses a reporting form for respondents to report evacuation statistics when necessary (Form MMS– 132, Evacuation Statistics). It is sent to respondents at the onset of each ‘‘hurricane season’’ in the GOMR. • Allow operators who exhibit unacceptable performance an incremental approach to improving their overall performance prior to a final decision to disqualify an operator or to pursue debarment proceedings through the execution of a performance improvement plan (PIP). The Subpart A regulations do not address the actual process that we will follow in pursuing the disqualification of operators under §§ 250.135 and 250.136. However, our internal enforcement procedures include allowing such operators to demonstrate a commitment to acceptable performance by the submission of a PIP. • Determine that respondents have corrected all Incidents of NonCompliance (INC)(s) identified during inspections (Form MMS–1832). The MMS issues this form to the operator. The operator then corrects the INC(s) and returns the form to the MMS Regional Supervisor no later than 14 days. • Review records of crane inspection, testing, maintenance, and crane operator qualifications to ensure that lessees perform operations in a safe and workmanlike manner and maintain equipment in a safe condition. Frequency: The frequency is ‘‘on occasion’’ for most of the requirements in Subpart A. The Form MMS–132 is submitted daily during the period of emergency. Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: Approximately 1 State and 130 Federal OCS oil and gas or sulphur lessees. Estimated Hour and Fee Burden: The estimated annual ‘‘hour’’ burden for this information collection is a total of 36,239 hours. The following chart details the individual components and estimated hour burdens and fees. In E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM 31AUN1 50384 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 169 / Friday, August 31, 2007 / Notices calculating the burdens, we assumed that respondents perform certain Citation 30 CFR 250 subpart A and related forms/NTLs 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. Fee Reporting or recordkeeping requirement Hour burden Average No. of annual responses Annual burden hours Authority and Definition of Terms 104; Form MMS–1832 Appeal orders or decisions; appeal INCs ...... Exempt under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2), (c) 0 Performance Standards 109(a); 110 ................ 2 ................................. 133 plans ................... 266 5 ................................. 90 responses ............. 450 10 ............................... 14 applications ........... 140 Subtotal .................................................................................................................................... 237 responses ........... 856 115; 116 ..................... 118; 119; 121; 124 .... Submit welding, burning, and hot tapping plans. Request determination of well producibility; submit data & information; notify MMS of test. Apply for injection or subsurface storage of gas. Fees 125 ............................. Service Fees .................................................. Fees covered individually throughout subpart. 0 Forms 130–133; Form MMS– 1832. 143; 144; 145; Form MMS–1123. 192; Form MMS–132 Submit ‘‘green’’ response copy of Form MMS–1832 indicating date violations (INCs) corrected. Submit designation of operator (Form MMS– 1123—15 mins. only); report change of address; notice of termination; submit designation of local agent. Daily report of evacuation statistics for natural occurrence/hurricane (Form MMS–132 in the GOMR) when circumstances warrant; inform MMS when you resume production. 2 ................................. 1,529 forms ................ 3,058 1 ................................. 1,470 forms ................ 1,470 $150 fee x 1,470 = $220,500 1 ................................. 1,800 reports or forms 1,800 Subtotal .................................................................................................................................... 4,799 responses ........ 6,328 $220,500 Inspection of Operations 130–133 ..................... 2 ................................. 178 requests .............. 356 1 ................................. .5 ................................ 510 waivers ................ 976 notices ................ 510 488 2 ................................. 12 requests ................ 24 Subtotal .................................................................................................................................... 1,676 responses ........ 1,378 4 plans ....................... 160 1 ................................. 360 requests .............. 360 20 ............................... 33 requests ................ 660 133 ............................. Request reconsideration from issuance of an INC. Request waiver of 14-day response time. ..... Notify MMS before returning to operations if shut-in. Request reimbursement for food, quarters, and transportation provided to MMS representatives (OCS Lands Act specifies reimbursement; no requests received in many years; minimal burden). Disqualification 135 MMS internal process. Submit PIP under MMS implementing procedures for enforcement actions. 40 ............................... sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Special Types of Approval 140 ............................. 141 ............................. VerDate Aug<31>2005 Request various oral approvals not specifically covered elsewhere in regulatory requirements. Request approval to use new or alternative procedures, including BAST not specifically covered elsewhere in regulatory requirements. 00:43 Aug 31, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM 31AUN1 50385 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 169 / Friday, August 31, 2007 / Notices Citation 30 CFR 250 subpart A and related forms/NTLs Fee Reporting or recordkeeping requirement Hour burden Average No. of annual responses 3 ................................. 62 requests ................ 186 Subtotal .................................................................................................................................... 455 responses ........... 1,206 142 ............................. Request approval of departure from operating requirements not specifically covered elsewhere in regulatory requirements. Annual burden hours Naming and Identifying Facilities and Wells (Does Not Include MODUs) 150; 151; 152; 154(a) 1 ................................. 149 new/ replacement signs. 1,016 new wells ......... 1,016 Subtotal .................................................................................................................................... 1,165 responses ........ 1,314 150; 154(b) ................ Name and identify facilities, artificial islands, MODUs, etc., with signs. Name and identify wells with signs ................ 2 ................................. 298 Right-of-use and Easement 160; 161 ..................... 160(c) ......................... 165 ............................. 166 ............................. OCS lessees: Apply for new or modified 10 ............................... 60 applications ........... 600 right-of-use and easement to construct and maintain off-lease platforms, artificial islands, and installations and other devices; including notifications. Establish a Company File for qualification; Burden covered under 1010–0006 0 submit updated information, submit qualifications for lessee/bidder, request exception. State lessees: Apply for new or modified 5 ................................. 2 applications ............. 10 right-of-use and easement to construct and maintain off-lease platforms, artificial islands, and installations and other devices. $2,350 state lease fee x 2 = $4,700 State lessees: Furnish surety bond ............... Burden included with 30 CFR 256 (1010– 0 0006). Subtotal .................................................................................................................................... 62 responses ............. 610 $4,700 Suspensions 168; 170; 171; 172; 174; 175; 177; 180(b), (d). 177(a) ......................... 177(b), (c), (d); 182; 183, 185; 194. Request suspension of operations or production; submit schedule of work leading to commencement*. Submit progress reports on SOO or SOP as condition of approval*. Conduct site-specific study; submit results. No instances requiring this study in several years—could be necessary if a situation occurred such as severe damage to a platform or structure caused by a hurricane or a vessel collision. Various references to submitting new, revised, or modified exploration plan, development/production plan, or development operations coordination document, and related surveys/reports. 10* .............................. 325 requests* ............. 3,250 $1,800 fee x 325 = $585,000 3* ................................ 1,070 reports* ............ 3,210 100 ............................. 1 study/report ............. Burden included with 30 CFR 250, Subpart B (1010–0151). Subtotal .................................................................................................................................... 1,396 responses ........ 100 0 6,560 $585,000 Primary Lease Requirements, Lease Term Extensions, and Lease Cancellations sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 180(a), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j). 180(a), (b), (c) ............ 180(e) ......................... VerDate Aug<31>2005 Notify and submit report on various leaseholding operations and lease production activities. When requested, submit production data to demonstrate production in paying quantities to maintain lease beyond primary term. Request more than 180 days to resume operations. 00:43 Aug 31, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 2 ................................. 1,400 reports or notices. 2,800 6 ................................. 70 submissions .......... 420 5 ................................. 5 requests .................. 25 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM 31AUN1 50386 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 169 / Friday, August 31, 2007 / Notices Citation 30 CFR 250 subpart A and related forms/NTLs Fee Reporting or recordkeeping requirement Hour burden Average No. of annual responses 20 ............................... 2 requests .................. 40 50 ............................... 1 request .................... 50 Subtotal .................................................................................................................................... 1,478 responses ........ 3,335 1,550 .......................... 775 181(d); 182(b), 183(b)(2). 184 ............................. Request termination of suspension and cancellation of lease (no requests in recent years for termination/cancellation of a lease; minimal burden). Request compensation for lease cancellation mandated by the OCS Lands Act (no qualified lease cancellations in many years; minimal burden compared to benefit). Annual burden hours Information and Reporting Requirements 186; 187; 188(a); 189; 190(c). Report to the District Manager immediately via oral communication and written followup within 15 calendar days, incidents pertaining to: Fatalities; injuries; LoWC; fires; explosions; all collisions resulting in property or equipment damage >$25K; structural damage to an OCS facility; cranes; incidents that damage or disable safety systems or equipment (including firefighting systems). 187(d) ......................... Report all spills of oil or other liquid pollutants. Report to District Manager hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas releases immediately by oral communication. Provide written report to the District Manager within 15 calendar days after incidents relating to: Injuries that result in 1 or more days away from work, on restricted work, or job transfer; gas releases that initiate equipment or process shutdown; property or equipment damage >$25K; operations personnel to muster for evacuation not related to weather or drills; any additional information required. Submit written statement/compensation re: accident investigation. Report apparent violations or non-compliance. Request departures from conducting archaeological resources surveys and/or submitting reports in GOMR. Report archaeological discoveries (only one instance in many years; minimal burden).. Submit data/information for post-lease G&G activity and request reimbursement. General departure or alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in Subpart A. 188(a)(5) .................... 188(b); 190(a), (b) ..... 191 ............................. 193 ............................. 194 NTL exception requests. 194(c) ......................... 196 ............................. 101–199 ..................... Oral .5 ........................ Written 4 .................... 1,535 .......................... Burden covered with 30 CFR 254 (1010–0091). Oral burden covered under 1010–0141. 4 ................................. 405 ............................. Exempt under 3 CFR 1320.4(a)(2), (c). 6,140 0 0 1,620 0 1.5 .............................. 3 reports ..................... 5 (rounded) 1 ................................. 95 requests ................ 95 10 ............................... 2 reports ..................... 20 Burden included with 30 CFR 251 (1010– 0048). 2 ................................. 21 requests ................ Subtotal .................................................................................................................................... 0 42 3,611 responses ........ 8,697 Retain records of design and construction for 2 ................................. life of crane, including installation records for any anti-two block safety devices; all inspection, testing, and maintenance for at least 4 years; crane operator and all rigger personnel qualifications for at least 4 years. Retain welding, burning, and hot tapping .5 ................................ plan and approval for the life of the facility. During inspections make records available 2 ................................. as requested by inspectors. 2,562 recordkeepers .. 5,124 822 operations ........... 411 130 lessees/ operators. 260 Subtotal .................................................................................................................................... 3,514 responses ........ 5,795 Recordkeeping sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 108(e) ......................... 109(b) ......................... 132(b)(3) .................... VerDate Aug<31>2005 00:43 Aug 31, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM 31AUN1 50387 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 169 / Friday, August 31, 2007 / Notices Citation 30 CFR 250 subpart A and related forms/NTLs Fee Reporting or recordkeeping requirement Hour burden Total Burden ............................................................................................................................ Average No. of annual responses 18,397 responses ...... Annual burden hours 36,239 hours $810,200 Fees sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES *Due to the Amber Resources Company v U.S. litigation involving 36 suspended leases, operators in the Pacific Region did not respond to our inquiry because of the sensitivity of the matter. Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ‘‘Non-Hour Cost’’ Burden: There are three non-hour costs associated with this information collection. The estimated non-hour cost burden is $810,200. Sections 250.143, 250.165, and 250.171 require respondents to pay filing fees when submitting a change in designation of operator, a State lessee applies for a right-of-use and easement, and for either a suspension of operations or production request (SOO/SOP). The application filing fees are required to recover the Federal Government’s processing costs. We have not identified any other ‘‘non-hour cost’’ burdens associated with this collection of information. 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 proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to perform its duties, including whether the information is useful; (b) evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate 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 automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. To comply with the public consultation process, on December 13, 2006, we published a Federal Register notice (71 FR 74937) announcing that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. The notice provided the required 60-day comment period. In addition, § 250.199 provides the OMB VerDate Aug<31>2005 00:43 Aug 31, 2007 Jkt 211001 control number for the information collection requirements imposed by the 30 CFR part 250 regulations and forms. 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 one comment in response to the Federal Register notice and it was not germane to the IC. If you wish to comment in response to this notice, you may send your comments to the offices listed under the ADDRESSES section of this notice. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information collection but may respond after 30 days. Therefore, to ensure maximum consideration, OMB should receive public comments by October 1, 2007. Public Availability of Comments: 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. MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz (202) 208–7744. Dated: April 13, 2007. E.P. Danenberger, Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs. Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the Federal Register on August 28, 2007. [FR Doc. E7–17278 Filed 8–30–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Central Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 205 AGENCY: Minerals Management Service, Interior. PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ACTION: Final Notice of Sale (FNOS) 205. SUMMARY: On October 3, 2007, the MMS will open and publicly announce bids received for blocks offered in Central GOM Oil and Gas Lease Sale 205, pursuant to the OCS Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331–1356, as amended) and the regulations issued thereunder (30 CFR part 256). The Final Notice of Sale 205 Package (FNOS 205 Package) contains information essential to bidders, and bidders are charged with the knowledge of the documents contained in the Package. DATES: Public bid reading will begin at 9 a.m., Wednesday, October 3, 2007, in the Grand Ballroom C of the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. All times referred to in this document are local New Orleans times, unless otherwise specified. ADDRESSES: Bidders can obtain a FNOS 205 Package containing this Notice of Sale and several supporting and essential documents referenced herein from the MMS Gulf of Mexico Region Public Information Unit, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123–2394, (504) 736–2519 or (800) 200–GULF, or via the MMS Internet Web site at https://www.gomr.mms.gov. Filing of Bids: Bidders must submit sealed bids to the Regional Director (RD), MMS Gulf of Mexico Region, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123–2394, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on normal working days, and from 8 a.m. to the Bid Submission Deadline of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 2, 2007. If bids are mailed, please address the envelope containing all of the sealed bids as follows: Attention: Supervisor, Sales and Support Unit (MS 5422), Leasing Activities Section, MMS Gulf of Mexico Region, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123–2394. Contains Sealed Bids for Oil and Gas Lease Sale 205. Please Deliver to Ms. Nancy Kornrumpf, 6th Floor, Immediately. Please note: Bidders mailing their bid(s) are advised to call Ms. Nancy Kornrumpf (504) 736–2726, immediately after putting their bid(s) in the mail. E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM 31AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 169 (Friday, August 31, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50382-50387]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17278]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Notice of extension of an information collection (1010-0114).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we 
are notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information 
collection request (ICR) to renew approval of the paperwork 
requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 250, Subpart A, General, 
and related documents. This notice also provides the public a second 
opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of these regulatory 
requirements.

DATES: Submit written comments by October 1, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments either by fax (202) 395-6566 or 
email (OIRA--DOCKET@omb.eop.gov) directly to the Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department 
of the Interior (1010-0114). Mail or hand carry a copy of your comments 
to the Department of the Interior; Minerals Management Service; 
Attention: Cheryl Blundon; Mail Stop 4024; 381 Elden Street; Herndon, 
Virginia 20170-4817. If you wish to email your comments to MMS, the 
address is: rules.comments@mms.gov. Reference Information Collection 
1010-0114 in your subject line and mark your message for return 
receipt. Include your name and return address in your message text.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Blundon, Regulations and 
Standards Branch, (703) 787-1607. You may also contact Cheryl Blundon 
to obtain a copy, at no cost, of the regulations and forms that require 
the subject collection of information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: 30 CFR part 250, Subpart A, General.
    Forms: MMS-132, MMS-1123, MMS-1832.
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0114.
    Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act, as amended 
(43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. and 43 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), authorizes the 
Secretary of the Interior to prescribe rules and regulations to 
administer leasing of the OCS. Such rules and regulations will apply to 
all operations conducted under a lease. Operations 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. Section 1332(6) states that 
``operations in the [O]uter Continental Shelf should be conducted in a 
safe manner by well trained personnel using technology, precautions, 
and other techniques sufficient to prevent or minimize the likelihood 
of blowouts, loss of well control, fires, spillages, physical 
obstructions to other users of the waters or subsoil and seabed, or 
other occurrences which may cause damage to the environment or to 
property or endanger life or health.''
    The Independent Offices Appropriations Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), the 
Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104-133, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, 
1996), and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-25, 
authorize Federal agencies to recover the full cost of services that 
confer special benefits. Under the Department of the Interior's (DOI) 
implementing policy, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) 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.
    Regulations implementing these responsibilities are under 30 CFR 
part 250, subpart A, General. This request also covers the related 
Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that MMS issues to clarify and 
provide additional guidance on some aspects of our regulations. 
Responses are mandatory. No questions of a ``sensitive'' nature are 
asked. We protect proprietary information according to the Freedom of 
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR 
part 2), and 30 CFR 250.197, ``Data and

[[Page 50383]]

information to be made available to the public or for limited 
inspection.''
    The MMS uses the information collected under the Subpart A 
regulations to ensure that operations on the OCS are carried out in a 
safe and pollution-free manner, do not interfere with the rights of 
other users on the OCS, and balance the protection and development of 
OCS resources. Specifically, we use the information collected to:
     Review records of formal crane operator training, rigger 
training, crane operator qualifications, crane inspections, testing, 
and maintenance to ensure that lessees perform operations in a safe and 
workmanlike manner and that equipment is maintained in a safe 
condition. The MMS also uses the information to make certain that all 
new and existing cranes installed on OCS fixed platforms must be 
equipped with anti-two block safety devices, and to assure that uniform 
methods are employed by lessees for load testing of cranes.
     Review welding, burning, and hot tapping plans, 
procedures, and records to ensure that these activities are conducted 
in a safe and workmanlike manner by trained and experienced personnel.
     Provide lessees greater flexibility to comply with 
regulatory requirements through approval of alternative equipment or 
procedures and departures to regulations if they demonstrate equal or 
better compliance with the appropriate performance standards.
     Determine the capability of a well to produce oil or gas 
in paying quantities or to determine the possible need for additional 
wells resulting in minimum royalty status on a lease. If a well does 
not yield hydrocarbons in sufficient quantity to warrant continued 
operation and production, MMS uses the information to verify the claim 
and to release the lessee from lease obligations. Conversely, the 
information is used to extend the term of the lease if additional wells 
will warrant continued operation and production.
     Ensure that injection of gas promotes conservation of 
natural resources, prevents waste, and that subsurface storage of 
natural gas does not unduly interfere with development and production 
operations under existing leases.
     Ensure the appropriateness of reimbursing lessees for 
costs incurred in reproducing geological and geophysical (G&G) data and 
information for submission to MMS and processing or reprocessing G&G 
information in a form and manner other than that normally used in the 
conduct of a lessee's business, or to determine the proper 
reimbursement of costs incurred during inspections.
     Record the designation of an operator authorized to act on 
behalf of the lessee and to fulfill the lessee's obligations under the 
OCS Lands Act and implementing regulations, or to record the local 
agent empowered to receive notices and comply with regulatory orders 
issued (Form MMS-1123).
     Determine if an application for right-of-use and easement 
serves the purpose specified in the grant when conducting exploration, 
development, and production activities or other operations on or off 
the lease; is maintained for such purposes; and does not unreasonably 
interfere with the operations of any other lessee.
     Provide for orderly development of leases through the use 
of information to determine the appropriateness of lessee requests for 
suspension of operations, including production. For example, MMS needs 
the information to determine that a suspension is necessary to: (1) 
Ensure proper lease development, (2) allow time to construct or 
negotiate use of transportation facilities, (3) allow reasonable time 
to enter into a sales contract, (4) allow for unavoidable situations, 
(5) avoid continued operations resulting in premature abandonment of a 
producing well(s) that would be uneconomic, (6) comply with the 
National Environmental Policy Act or to conduct an environmental 
analysis, (7) install equipment for safety and environmental 
protection, (8) allow time for inordinate delays encountered in 
obtaining required permits or consents, (9) comply with judicial 
decrees, or (10) avoid activities that pose a threat of serious, 
irreparable, or immediate harm.
     Improve safety and environmental protection on the OCS, 
through collection and analysis of accident reports to ascertain the 
cause of the accidents and, to determine ways to prevent recurrences.
     Ascertain when the lease ceases production or when the 
last well ceases production in order to determine the 180th day after 
the date of completion of the last production. This requirement is 
expanded in the final rule to include reporting when lease production 
is initiated, resumes before the end of the 180-day period after 
production ceased, and when leaseholding operations occur during the 
referenced 180-day interval. The MMS will use this information to 
efficiently maintain the lessee/operator lease status.
     Approve requests to cancel leases.
     Be informed when there could be a major disruption in the 
availability and supply of natural gas and oil due to natural 
occurrences/hurricanes, to advise the U.S. Coast Guard in case of the 
need to rescue offshore workers in distress, to monitor damage to 
offshore platforms and drilling rigs, and to advise the news media and 
interested public entities when production is shut in and when resumed. 
The OCS operations produce more than one-quarter of the Nation's 
natural gas and more than one-sixth of its oil, and it is essential to 
know when production is interrupted. The Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR) 
uses a reporting form for respondents to report evacuation statistics 
when necessary (Form MMS-132, Evacuation Statistics). It is sent to 
respondents at the onset of each ``hurricane season'' in the GOMR.
     Allow operators who exhibit unacceptable performance an 
incremental approach to improving their overall performance prior to a 
final decision to disqualify an operator or to pursue debarment 
proceedings through the execution of a performance improvement plan 
(PIP). The Subpart A regulations do not address the actual process that 
we will follow in pursuing the disqualification of operators under 
Sec. Sec.  250.135 and 250.136. However, our internal enforcement 
procedures include allowing such operators to demonstrate a commitment 
to acceptable performance by the submission of a PIP.
     Determine that respondents have corrected all Incidents of 
Non-Compliance (INC)(s) identified during inspections (Form MMS-1832). 
The MMS issues this form to the operator. The operator then corrects 
the INC(s) and returns the form to the MMS Regional Supervisor no later 
than 14 days.
     Review records of crane inspection, testing, maintenance, 
and crane operator qualifications to ensure that lessees perform 
operations in a safe and workmanlike manner and maintain equipment in a 
safe condition.
    Frequency: The frequency is ``on occasion'' for most of the 
requirements in Subpart A. The Form MMS-132 is submitted daily during 
the period of emergency.
    Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: Approximately 1 
State and 130 Federal OCS oil and gas or sulphur lessees.
    Estimated Hour and Fee Burden: The estimated annual ``hour'' burden 
for this information collection is a total of 36,239 hours. The 
following chart details the individual components and estimated hour 
burdens and fees. In

[[Page 50384]]

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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Fee
 Citation 30 CFR 250 subpart A        Reporting or      --------------------------------------------------------
    and  related forms/NTLs           recordkeeping                           Average No. of     Annual burden
                                       requirement          Hour burden      annual responses        hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Authority and Definition of Terms
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
104; Form MMS-1832.............  Appeal orders or        Exempt under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2), (c)  0
                                  decisions; appeal
                                  INCs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Performance Standards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
109(a); 110....................  Submit welding,         2................  133 plans........  266
                                  burning, and hot
                                  tapping plans.
115; 116.......................  Request determination   5................  90 responses.....  450
                                  of well
                                  producibility; submit
                                  data & information;
                                  notify MMS of test.
118; 119; 121; 124.............  Apply for injection or  10...............  14 applications..  140
                                  subsurface storage of
                                  gas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..............................................................  237 responses....  856
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125............................  Service Fees..........  Fees covered individually throughout  0
                                                                        subpart.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Forms
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
130-133; Form MMS-1832.........  Submit ``green''        2................  1,529 forms......  3,058
                                  response copy of Form
                                  MMS-1832 indicating
                                  date violations
                                  (INCs) corrected.
143; 144; 145; Form MMS-1123...  Submit designation of   1................  1,470 forms......  1,470
                                  operator (Form MMS-
                                  1123--15 mins. only);
                                  report change of
                                  address; notice of
                                  termination; submit
                                  designation of local
                                  agent.
                                                                       $150 fee x 1,470 = $220,500
192; Form MMS-132..............  Daily report of         1................  1,800 reports or   1,800
                                  evacuation statistics                      forms.
                                  for natural
                                  occurrence/hurricane
                                  (Form MMS-132 in the
                                  GOMR) when
                                  circumstances
                                  warrant; inform MMS
                                  when you resume
                                  production.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..............................................................  4,799 responses..  6,328
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  $220,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Inspection of Operations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
130-133........................  Request                 2................  178 requests.....  356
                                  reconsideration from
                                  issuance of an INC.
                                 Request waiver of 14-   1................  510 waivers......  510
                                  day response time..
                                 Notify MMS before       .5...............  976 notices......  488
                                  returning to
                                  operations if shut-in.
133............................  Request reimbursement   2................  12 requests......  24
                                  for food, quarters,
                                  and transportation
                                  provided to MMS
                                  representatives (OCS
                                  Lands Act specifies
                                  reimbursement; no
                                  requests received in
                                  many years; minimal
                                  burden).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..............................................................  1,676 responses..  1,378
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Disqualification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
135 MMS internal process.......  Submit PIP under MMS    40...............  4 plans..........  160
                                  implementing
                                  procedures for
                                  enforcement actions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Special Types of Approval
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
140............................  Request various oral    1................  360 requests.....  360
                                  approvals not
                                  specifically covered
                                  elsewhere in
                                  regulatory
                                  requirements.
141............................  Request approval to     20...............  33 requests......  660
                                  use new or
                                  alternative
                                  procedures, including
                                  BAST not specifically
                                  covered elsewhere in
                                  regulatory
                                  requirements.

[[Page 50385]]

 
142............................  Request approval of     3................  62 requests......  186
                                  departure from
                                  operating
                                  requirements not
                                  specifically covered
                                  elsewhere in
                                  regulatory
                                  requirements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..............................................................  455 responses....  1,206
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Naming and Identifying Facilities and Wells (Does Not Include MODUs)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
150; 151; 152; 154(a)..........  Name and identify       2................  149 new/           298
                                  facilities,                                replacement
                                  artificial islands,                        signs.
                                  MODUs, etc., with
                                  signs.
150; 154(b)....................  Name and identify       1................  1,016 new wells..  1,016
                                  wells with signs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..............................................................  1,165 responses..  1,314
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Right-of-use and Easement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
160; 161.......................  OCS lessees: Apply for  10...............  60 applications..  600
                                  new or modified right-
                                  of-use and easement
                                  to construct and
                                  maintain off-lease
                                  platforms, artificial
                                  islands, and
                                  installations and
                                  other devices;
                                  including
                                  notifications.
160(c).........................  Establish a Company        Burden covered under 1010-0006     0
                                  File for
                                  qualification; submit
                                  updated information,
                                  submit qualifications
                                  for lessee/bidder,
                                  request exception.
165............................  State lessees: Apply    5................  2 applications...  10
                                  for new or modified
                                  right-of-use and
                                  easement to construct
                                  and maintain off-
                                  lease platforms,
                                  artificial islands,
                                  and installations and
                                  other devices.
                                                                   $2,350 state lease fee x 2 = $4,700
166............................  State lessees: Furnish     Burden included with 30 CFR 256    0
                                  surety bond.                        (1010-0006).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..............................................................  62 responses.....  610
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   $4,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Suspensions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
168; 170; 171; 172; 174; 175;    Request suspension of   10*..............  325 requests*....  3,250
 177; 180(b), (d).                operations or
                                  production; submit
                                  schedule of work
                                  leading to
                                  commencement*.
                                                                       $1,800 fee x 325 = $585,000
                                 Submit progress         3*...............  1,070 reports*...  3,210
                                  reports on SOO or SOP
                                  as condition of
                                  approval*.
177(a).........................  Conduct site-specific   100..............  1 study/report...  100
                                  study; submit
                                  results. No instances
                                  requiring this study
                                  in several years--
                                  could be necessary if
                                  a situation occurred
                                  such as severe damage
                                  to a platform or
                                  structure caused by a
                                  hurricane or a vessel
                                  collision.
177(b), (c), (d); 182; 183,      Various references to     Burden included with 30 CFR 250,    0
 185; 194.                        submitting new,                Subpart B (1010-0151).
                                  revised, or modified
                                  exploration plan,
                                  development/
                                  production plan, or
                                  development
                                  operations
                                  coordination
                                  document, and related
                                  surveys/reports.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..............................................................  1,396 responses..  6,560
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  $585,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Primary Lease Requirements, Lease Term Extensions, and Lease Cancellations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
180(a), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j)  Notify and submit       2................  1,400 reports or   2,800
                                  report on various                          notices.
                                  leaseholding
                                  operations and lease
                                  production activities.
180(a), (b), (c)...............  When requested, submit  6................  70 submissions...  420
                                  production data to
                                  demonstrate
                                  production in paying
                                  quantities to
                                  maintain lease beyond
                                  primary term.
180(e).........................  Request more than 180   5................  5 requests.......  25
                                  days to resume
                                  operations.

[[Page 50386]]

 
181(d); 182(b), 183(b)(2)......  Request termination of  20...............  2 requests.......  40
                                  suspension and
                                  cancellation of lease
                                  (no requests in
                                  recent years for
                                  termination/
                                  cancellation of a
                                  lease; minimal
                                  burden).
184............................  Request compensation    50...............  1 request........  50
                                  for lease
                                  cancellation mandated
                                  by the OCS Lands Act
                                  (no qualified lease
                                  cancellations in many
                                  years; minimal burden
                                  compared to benefit).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..............................................................  1,478 responses..  3,335
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Information and Reporting Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
186; 187; 188(a); 189; 190(c)..  Report to the District  Oral .5..........  1,550............  775
                                  Manager immediately
                                  via oral
                                  communication and
                                  written follow-up
                                  within 15 calendar
                                  days, incidents
                                  pertaining to:
                                  Fatalities; injuries;
                                  LoWC; fires;
                                  explosions; all
                                  collisions resulting
                                  in property or
                                  equipment damage
                                  >$25K; structural
                                  damage to an OCS
                                  facility; cranes;
                                  incidents that damage
                                  or disable safety
                                  systems or equipment
                                  (including
                                  firefighting systems).
                                                         Written 4........  1,535............  6,140
187(d).........................  Report all spills of    Burden covered with 30 CFR 254 (1010- 0
                                  oil or other liquid                    0091).
                                  pollutants.
188(a)(5)......................  Report to District      Oral burden covered under 1010-0141.  0
                                  Manager hydrogen
                                  sulfide (H2S) gas
                                  releases immediately
                                  by oral communication.
188(b); 190(a), (b)............  Provide written report  4................  405..............  1,620
                                  to the District
                                  Manager within 15
                                  calendar days after
                                  incidents relating
                                  to: Injuries that
                                  result in 1 or more
                                  days away from work,
                                  on restricted work,
                                  or job transfer; gas
                                  releases that
                                  initiate equipment or
                                  process shutdown;
                                  property or equipment
                                  damage >$25K;
                                  operations personnel
                                  to muster for
                                  evacuation not
                                  related to weather or
                                  drills; any
                                  additional
                                  information required.
191............................  Submit written            Exempt under 3 CFR 1320.4(a)(2),    0
                                  statement/                              (c).
                                  compensation re:
                                  accident
                                  investigation.
193............................  Report apparent         1.5..............  3 reports........  5 (rounded)
                                  violations or non-
                                  compliance.
194 NTL exception requests.....  Request departures      1................  95 requests......  95
                                  from conducting
                                  archaeological
                                  resources surveys and/
                                  or submitting reports
                                  in GOMR.
194(c).........................  Report archaeological   10...............  2 reports........  20
                                  discoveries (only one
                                  instance in many
                                  years; minimal
                                  burden)..
196............................  Submit data/               Burden included with 30 CFR 251    0
                                  information for post-               (1010-0048).
                                  lease G&G activity
                                  and request
                                  reimbursement.
101-199........................  General departure or    2................  21 requests......  42
                                  alternative
                                  compliance requests
                                  not specifically
                                  covered elsewhere in
                                  Subpart A.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..............................................................  3,611 responses..  8,697
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Recordkeeping
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
108(e).........................  Retain records of       2................  2,562              5,124
                                  design and                                 recordkeepers.
                                  construction for life
                                  of crane, including
                                  installation records
                                  for any anti-two
                                  block safety devices;
                                  all inspection,
                                  testing, and
                                  maintenance for at
                                  least 4 years; crane
                                  operator and all
                                  rigger personnel
                                  qualifications for at
                                  least 4 years.
109(b).........................  Retain welding,         .5...............  822 operations...  411
                                  burning, and hot
                                  tapping plan and
                                  approval for the life
                                  of the facility.
132(b)(3)......................  During inspections      2................  130 lessees/       260
                                  make records                               operators.
                                  available as
                                  requested by
                                  inspectors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal..............................................................  3,514 responses..  5,795

[[Page 50387]]

 
     Total Burden.........................................................  18,397 responses.  36,239 hours
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               $810,200 Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Due to the Amber Resources Company v U.S. litigation involving 36 suspended leases, operators in the Pacific
  Region did not respond to our inquiry because of the sensitivity of the matter.

    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Non-Hour Cost'' Burden: 
There are three non-hour costs associated with this information 
collection. The estimated non-hour cost burden is $810,200. Sections 
250.143, 250.165, and 250.171 require respondents to pay filing fees 
when submitting a change in designation of operator, a State lessee 
applies for a right-of-use and easement, and for either a suspension of 
operations or production request (SOO/SOP). The application filing fees 
are required to recover the Federal Government's processing costs. We 
have not identified any other ``non-hour cost'' burdens associated with 
this collection of information.
    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 
proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to 
perform its duties, including whether the information is useful; (b) 
evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate 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 automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    To comply with the public consultation process, on December 13, 
2006, we published a Federal Register notice (71 FR 74937) 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 30 CFR part 250 regulations and forms. 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 one comment in response to the 
Federal Register notice and it was not germane to the IC.
    If you wish to comment in response to this notice, you may send 
your comments to the offices listed under the ADDRESSES section of this 
notice. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information 
collection but may respond after 30 days. Therefore, to ensure maximum 
consideration, OMB should receive public comments by October 1, 2007.
    Public Availability of Comments: 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.
    MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz (202) 
208-7744.

    Dated: April 13, 2007.
E.P. Danenberger,
Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs.

    Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the 
Federal Register on August 28, 2007.
[FR Doc. E7-17278 Filed 8-30-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.