MMS Information Collection Activity: 1010-0041 Oil and Gas Production Rates, Extension of a Collection; Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request, 36894-36897 [E8-14768]
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36894
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 126 / Monday, June 30, 2008 / Notices
Parties who do not file an appeal in
accordance with the requirements of 43
CFR Part 4, Subpart E, shall be deemed
to have waived their rights.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the decision may
be obtained from: Bureau of Land
Management, Alaska State Office, 222
West Seventh Avenue, #13, Anchorage,
Alaska 99513–7504.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The
Bureau of Land Management by phone
at 907–271–5960, or by e-mail at
ak.blm.conveyance@ak.blm.gov. Persons
who use a telecommunication device
(TTD) may call the Federal Information
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–
8330, 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, to contact the Bureau of Land
Management.
Robert Childers,
Land Law Examiner, Land Transfer
Adjudication II.
[FR Doc. E8–14729 Filed 6–27–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–JA–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Copies of the exploration
plan are available for review during
normal business hours in the following
offices (serialized under number
WYW176465): Bureau of Land
Management, Wyoming State Office,
5353 Yellowstone Road, P.O. Box 1828,
Cheyenne, WY 82003; and, Bureau of
Land Management, Rock Springs Field
Office, 280 Highway 191 North, Rock
Springs, WY 82901. The written notice
should be sent to the following
addresses: Bridger Coal Co., c/o
Interwest Mining Co., Attn: Scott M.
Child, 1407 West North Temple, Suite
310, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, and the
Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming
State Office, Branch of Solid Minerals,
Attn: Julie Weaver, P.O. Box 1828,
Cheyenne, WY 82003.
ADDRESSES:
All of the
coal in the above-described land
consists of unleased Federal coal within
the Red Desert and Rock Springs Known
Recoverable Coal Resource Areas. The
purpose of the exploration program is to
obtain information on the coal bearing
seams and geological formations in
addition to obtaining the following
characteristics: coal quality, quantity,
Btu content, percent ash, percent
moisture, percent sulfur and percent
sodium.
This notice of invitation will be
published in Rocket-Miner of Rock
Springs, WY once each week for two
consecutive weeks beginning the week
of June 30, 2008, and in the Federal
Register.
The foregoing is published in the
Federal Register pursuant to 43 CFR
3410.2–1(c)(1).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
[WY–920–09–1320–EL, WYW176465]
Coal Lease Exploration License, WY
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Invitation for Coal
Exploration License, Bridger Coal Co.,
WYW176465, Wyoming.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 2(b) of the
Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as
amended by section 4 of the Federal
Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1976,
90 Stat. 1083, 30 U.S.C. 201(b), and to
the regulations adopted as 43 CFR 3410,
all interested parties are hereby invited
to participate with Bridger Coal Co. on
a pro rata cost sharing basis in its
program for the exploration of coal
deposits owned by the United States of
America in the following-described land
in Sweetwater County, WY:
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
written notice to both the Bureau of
Land Management and Bridger Coal Co.
as provided in the ADDRESSES section
below, which must be received within
30 days after publication of this Notice
of Invitation in the Federal Register.
T. 21 N., R. 100 W., 6th P.M., Wyoming
Sec. 2: Lots 5–8, S1⁄2N1⁄2, S1⁄2;
Sec. 4: Lots 5–8, S1⁄2N1⁄2, S1⁄2;
Sec. 8: All;
Sec. 10: All;
Sec. 14: All;
Sec. 24: All;
T. 22 N., R. 100 W., 6th P.M., Wyoming
Sec. 28: All;
Sec. 32: All;
Sec. 34: All;
T. 22 N., R. 101 W., 6th P.M., Wyoming
Sec. 22: Lots 1–16;
Sec. 24: Lots 1–15, NW1⁄4NE1⁄4.
Containing 7050.90 acres, more or less.
Dated: June 19, 2008.
Pamela J. Lewis,
Acting Deputy State Director, Minerals and
Lands.
[FR Doc. E8–14473 Filed 6–26–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–22–P
Any party electing to participate
in this exploration program must send
DATES:
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Management Service
[Docket No. MMS–2007–OMM–0078]
MMS Information Collection Activity:
1010–0041 Oil and Gas Production
Rates, Extension of a Collection;
Submitted for Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment
Request
Minerals Management Service
(MMS), Interior.
ACTION: Notice of extension of an
information collection (1010–0041).
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 part 250, subpart K, Oil and Gas
Production Rates, 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
July 30, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You should submit
comments directly to the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs,
OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the
Department of the Interior (1010–0041),
either by fax (202) 395–6566 or e-mail
(OIRA_DOCKET@omb.eop.gov).
Please also send a copy to MMS by
either of the following methods:
• https://www.regulations.gov. Under
the tab ‘‘More Search Options,’’ click
Advanced Docket Search, then select
‘‘Minerals Management Service’’ from
the agency drop-down menu, then click
‘‘submit.’’ In the Docket ID column,
select MMS–2007–OMM–0078 to
submit public comments and to view
supporting and related materials
available for this rulemaking.
Information on using Regulations.gov,
including instructions for accessing
documents, submitting comments, and
viewing the docket after the close of the
comment period, is available through
the site’s ‘‘User Tips’’ link. The MMS
will post all comments.
• Mail or hand-carry comments to the
Department of the Interior; Minerals
Management Service; Attention: Cheryl
Blundon; 381 Elden Street, MS–4024;
Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817. Please
reference ‘‘Information Collection 1010–
0041’’ in your subject line and mark
your message for return receipt. Include
your name and return address in your
message text.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 126 / Monday, June 30, 2008 / Notices
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
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 K, Oil
and Gas Production Rates.
Forms: MMS–126, MMS–127, MMS–
128, and MMS–140.
OMB Control Number: 1010–0041.
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
(Secretary) 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 5(a) of the OCS Lands Act
requires the Secretary to prescribe rules
and regulations ‘‘to provide for the
prevention of waste, and conservation of
the natural resources of the Outer
Continental Shelf, and the protection of
correlative rights therein’’ and to
include provisions ‘‘for the prompt and
efficient exploration and development
of a lease area.’’
Section 1334(g)(2) states ‘‘ * * * the
lessee shall produce such oil or gas, or
both, at rates * * * to assure the
maximum rate of production which may
be sustained without loss of ultimate
recovery of oil or gas, or both, under
sound engineering and economic
principles, and which is safe for the
duration of the activity covered by the
approved plan.’’
In addition, MMS also issues various
Notices to Lessees (NTLs) and Operators
to clarify and provide additional
guidance on some aspects of the
regulations, as well as various forms to
capture the data and information. The
current subpart K regulations specify
the use of forms MMS–126 (Well
Potential Test Report), MMS–127
(Sensitive Reservoir Information
Report), MMS–128 (Semiannual Well
Test Report) and form MMS–140
(Bottomhole Pressure Survey Report).
Form MMS–140 is used in the Gulf of
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Mexico OCS Region (GOMR) for
submitting the results of static
bottomhole pressure surveys required
under § 250.1104(c).
Regulations implementing these
responsibilities are under 30 CFR part
250. Responses are mandatory or are
required to obtain or retain a benefit. No
questions of a ‘‘sensitive’’ nature are
asked. The MMS protects information
considered proprietary under the
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.
552) and its implementing regulations
(43 CFR 2), and under regulations at 30
CFR part 250.197, ‘‘Data and
information to be made available to the
public or for limited inspection,’’ 30
CFR part 252, ‘‘OCS Oil and Gas
Information Program.’’ Proprietary
information concerning geological and
geophysical data will be protected
according to 43 U.S.C. 1352.
The information collected under
subpart K is used in our efforts to
conserve natural resources, prevent
waste, and protect correlative rights,
including the Government’s royalty
interest. Specifically, MMS uses the
information to:
• Evaluate requests to burn liquid
hydrocarbons and vent and flare gas to
ensure that these requests are
appropriate;
• To determine if a maximum
production or efficient rate is required;
and,
• To review applications for
downhole commingling to ensure that
action does not result in harm to
ultimate recovery.
Forms are also submitted to MMS and
their purposes are:
Form 126—Well Potential Test
Report—The MMS uses this information
for reservoir, reserves, and conservation
analyses, including the determination of
maximum production rates (MPRs)
when necessary for certain oil and gas
completions. This requirement
implements the conservation provisions
of the OCS Lands Act and 30 CFR part
250. The information obtained from the
well potential test is essential to
determine if an MPR is necessary for a
well and to establish the appropriate
rate. It is not possible to specify an MPR
in the absence of information about the
production rate capability (potential) of
the well.
Form MMS–127, Sensitive Reservoir
Information Report—The MMS uses this
information to determine whether a
rate-sensitive reservoir is being
prudently developed. This represents an
essential control mechanism that MMS
may use to regulate production rates
from sensitive reservoirs. Occasionally,
the information available on a reservoir,
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36895
early in its producing life, may indicate
it to be non-sensitive, while later and
more complete information would
establish the reservoir as being
sensitive. Production from a well
completed in the gas cap of a sensitive
reservoir requires approval from the
Regional Supervisor. The information
submitted on this form provides
reservoir parameters that are revised at
least annually or sooner if reservoir
development results in a change in
reservoir interpretation. The engineers
and geologists use the information for
rate control and reservoir studies
Form MMS–128, Semiannual Well
Test Report—The MMS uses this
information to evaluate the results of
well tests to determine if reservoirs are
being depleted in a manner that will
lead to the greatest ultimate recovery of
hydrocarbons. This information is
collected to determine the capability of
hydrocarbon wells and to evaluate and
verify an operator’s approved maximum
production rate if assigned. The form
was designed to present current well
data on a semiannual basis to permit the
updating of permissible producing rates,
and to provide the basis for estimates of
currently remaining recoverable gas
reserves.
Form MMS–140, Bottomhole Pressure
Survey Report—The MMS uses the
information to effectively manage
reservoirs in our efforts to conserve
natural resources, prevent waste, and
protect correlative rights, including the
Government’s royalty interest.
Specifically, MMS uses the information
in reservoir evaluations to determine
maximum production and efficient
rates; and to review applications for
downhole commingling to ensure that
action does not result in harm to
ultimate recovery or undervalued
royalties.
Frequency: On occasion, monthly,
semi-annually, annually, and as a result
of situations encountered.
Estimated Number and Description of
Respondents: Approximately 130
Federal oil and gas lessees.
Estimated Reporting and
Recordkeeping ‘‘Hour’’ Burden: The
estimated annual ‘‘hour’’ burden for this
information collection is a total of
41,511 hours. The following chart
details the individual components and
estimated hour burdens. In calculating
the burdens, we assumed that
respondents perform certain
requirements in the normal course of
their activities. We consider these to be
usual and customary and took that into
account in estimating the burden.
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36896
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 126 / Monday, June 30, 2008 / Notices
Citation 30 CFR 250
Subpart K
Reporting and recordkeeping requirement
Average No. of annual
responses
Hour burden
Annual burden
hours
Non-Hour cost burdens
REQUESTS
1101(b) ..............................
Request approval to produce within 500 feet of a
lease line.
5
33 requests ......................
165
$3,300 fee × 33 requests = $108,900
1101(c) ..............................
Request approval to produce gas cap of a sensitive
reservoir.
12
51 requests ......................
612
$4,200 fee × 51 requests = $214,200
1102(b)(6) .........................
Request extension of time to submit results of semiannual well test.
.5
37 requests ......................
19
1103(a) ..............................
Request approval of test periods of less than 4
hours and pretest stabilization periods of less
than 6 hours.
.5
37 requests ......................
19
1105(a), (b) .......................
Request special approval to flare or vent oil-well gas
.5
1,007 requests .................
504
1105(c) ..............................
Request approval to burn produced liquid hydrocarbons.
.5
60 requests ......................
30
Subtotal .....................
....................................................................................
........................
1,225 responses ..............
1,349
$323,100 non-hour cost burden
Submittals
1102 ..................................
Submit form MMS–126 ..............................................
3
1,325 forms ......................
3,975
Submit form MMS–127 ..............................................
2.2
2,189 forms ......................
4,816
Submit form MMS–128 * ............................................
0.5–3
13,000 forms in GOM
1,336 *.
1,336 *
600 forms in POCS .........
........................
1102(a)(5) .........................
Submit alternative plan for overproduction status—
MMS is not currently collecting this information—
this is minimal burden requirement.
1
1 plan ...............................
1
1103(c) ..............................
Provide advance notice of time and date of well
tests.
.5
10 notices ........................
5
1104(c) ..............................
Submit results of all static bottomhole pressure surveys obtained by lessee. Information is submitted
on form MMS–140 in the Gulf of Mexico Region.
14
1,270 surveys ..................
17,780
1105(f) ...............................
Submit monthly reports of flared or vented gas containing H2S.
2
1106 ..................................
72
H2S Contingency, Exploration, or Development and Production Plans—burden covered under
1010–0141 and 1010–0049
1105(f) ...............................
3 operators × 12 mos. =
36.
0
Submit application to downhole commingle hydrocarbons.
6
48 applications .................
288
$4,900 fee × 48 applications = $235,200
Submit proposed plan for enhanced recovery operations.
12
14 plans ...........................
168
1107(c) ..............................
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1107(b) ..............................
Submit periodic reports of volumes of oil, gas, or
other substances injected, produced, or reproduced.
2
77 reports ........................
154
1100–1107 ........................
General departure or alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in subpart K, including bottomhole pressure survey
waivers and reservoir reclassification requests.
1
120 survey waivers ..........
120
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 126 / Monday, June 30, 2008 / Notices
Citation 30 CFR 250
Subpart K
Reporting and recordkeeping requirement
Average No. of annual
responses
Hour burden
36897
Annual burden
hours
Non-Hour cost burdens
6
Subtotal .....................
....................................................................................
20 requests ......................
120
........................
18,710 responses ............
28,835
$235,200 non-hour cost burden
Recordkeeping
1105(d), (e) .......................
Maintain records for 2 years detailing gas flaring or
venting.
13
869 platforms ...................
11,297
1105(d), (e) .......................
Maintain records for 2 years detailing liquid hydrocarbon burning.
.5
60 occurrences ................
30
Subtotal .....................
....................................................................................
........................
929 responses .................
11,327
Total Burden .............
....................................................................................
........................
20,864 responses ............
41,511
$558,300 Non-Hour Cost Burdens
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*Reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 0.5 to 3 hours per form depending on the number of well tests reported, including the
time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. See breakdown for form MMS–128
above.
Estimated Reporting and
Recordkeeping ‘‘Non-Hour Cost’’
Burden: We have identified three nonhour cost burdens. Section 250.1101(b)
requires a fee for a gas cap production
request. Section 250.1101(c) requires a
fee to produce within 500 feet of a lease
line. Section 250.1106 requests a fee for
a downhole commingling request. We
estimate a total reporting ‘‘non-hour
cost’’ burden of $558,300 and 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
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automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
To comply with the public
consultation process, on January 15,
2008, we published a Federal Register
notice (73 FR 2522) 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
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 have
received no comments in response to
these efforts.
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. The
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 July 30, 2008.
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
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cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
MMS Information Collection
Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz (202)
208–7744.
Dated: June 16, 2008.
E.P. Danenberger,
Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs.
[FR Doc. E8–14768 Filed 6–27–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
General Management Plan,
Environmental Impact Statement, John
Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic
Site, Massachusetts
National Park Service,
Department of the Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement for the
General Management Plan, John
Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic
Site (NHS).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42
U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park
Service is preparing an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) for the General
Management Plan (GMP) for the John
Fitzgerald Kennedy NHS,
Massachusetts. In cooperation with the
Town of Brookline, MA, attention will
be given to resources outside the
boundaries that affect the integrity of
the John Fitzgerald Kennedy NHS. The
plan will identify management
alternatives for the site. Major issues
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 126 (Monday, June 30, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36894-36897]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-14768]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Management Service
[Docket No. MMS-2007-OMM-0078]
MMS Information Collection Activity: 1010-0041 Oil and Gas
Production Rates, Extension of a Collection; 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 (1010-0041).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 part 250, subpart K, Oil
and Gas Production Rates, 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 July 30, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You should submit comments directly to the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for
the Department of the Interior (1010-0041), either by fax (202) 395-
6566 or e-mail (OIRA_DOCKET@omb.eop.gov).
Please also send a copy to MMS by either of the following methods:
https://www.regulations.gov. Under the tab ``More Search
Options,'' click Advanced Docket Search, then select ``Minerals
Management Service'' from the agency drop-down menu, then click
``submit.'' In the Docket ID column, select MMS-2007-OMM-0078 to submit
public comments and to view supporting and related materials available
for this rulemaking. Information on using Regulations.gov, including
instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing
the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through
the site's ``User Tips'' link. The MMS will post all comments.
Mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the
Interior; Minerals Management Service; Attention: Cheryl Blundon; 381
Elden Street, MS-4024; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817. Please reference
``Information Collection 1010-0041'' in your subject line and mark your
message for return receipt. Include your name and return address in
your message text.
[[Page 36895]]
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 K, Oil and Gas Production Rates.
Forms: MMS-126, MMS-127, MMS-128, and MMS-140.
OMB Control Number: 1010-0041.
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 (Secretary) 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 5(a) of the OCS Lands Act requires the Secretary to
prescribe rules and regulations ``to provide for the prevention of
waste, and conservation of the natural resources of the Outer
Continental Shelf, and the protection of correlative rights therein''
and to include provisions ``for the prompt and efficient exploration
and development of a lease area.''
Section 1334(g)(2) states `` * * * the lessee shall produce such
oil or gas, or both, at rates * * * to assure the maximum rate of
production which may be sustained without loss of ultimate recovery of
oil or gas, or both, under sound engineering and economic principles,
and which is safe for the duration of the activity covered by the
approved plan.''
In addition, MMS also issues various Notices to Lessees (NTLs) and
Operators to clarify and provide additional guidance on some aspects of
the regulations, as well as various forms to capture the data and
information. The current subpart K regulations specify the use of forms
MMS-126 (Well Potential Test Report), MMS-127 (Sensitive Reservoir
Information Report), MMS-128 (Semiannual Well Test Report) and form
MMS-140 (Bottomhole Pressure Survey Report). Form MMS-140 is used in
the Gulf of Mexico OCS Region (GOMR) for submitting the results of
static bottomhole pressure surveys required under Sec. 250.1104(c).
Regulations implementing these responsibilities are under 30 CFR
part 250. Responses are mandatory or are required to obtain or retain a
benefit. No questions of a ``sensitive'' nature are asked. The MMS
protects information considered proprietary under the Freedom of
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR
2), and under regulations at 30 CFR part 250.197, ``Data and
information to be made available to the public or for limited
inspection,'' 30 CFR part 252, ``OCS Oil and Gas Information Program.''
Proprietary information concerning geological and geophysical data will
be protected according to 43 U.S.C. 1352.
The information collected under subpart K is used in our efforts to
conserve natural resources, prevent waste, and protect correlative
rights, including the Government's royalty interest. Specifically, MMS
uses the information to:
Evaluate requests to burn liquid hydrocarbons and vent and
flare gas to ensure that these requests are appropriate;
To determine if a maximum production or efficient rate is
required; and,
To review applications for downhole commingling to ensure
that action does not result in harm to ultimate recovery.
Forms are also submitted to MMS and their purposes are:
Form 126--Well Potential Test Report--The MMS uses this information
for reservoir, reserves, and conservation analyses, including the
determination of maximum production rates (MPRs) when necessary for
certain oil and gas completions. This requirement implements the
conservation provisions of the OCS Lands Act and 30 CFR part 250. The
information obtained from the well potential test is essential to
determine if an MPR is necessary for a well and to establish the
appropriate rate. It is not possible to specify an MPR in the absence
of information about the production rate capability (potential) of the
well.
Form MMS-127, Sensitive Reservoir Information Report--The MMS uses
this information to determine whether a rate-sensitive reservoir is
being prudently developed. This represents an essential control
mechanism that MMS may use to regulate production rates from sensitive
reservoirs. Occasionally, the information available on a reservoir,
early in its producing life, may indicate it to be non-sensitive, while
later and more complete information would establish the reservoir as
being sensitive. Production from a well completed in the gas cap of a
sensitive reservoir requires approval from the Regional Supervisor. The
information submitted on this form provides reservoir parameters that
are revised at least annually or sooner if reservoir development
results in a change in reservoir interpretation. The engineers and
geologists use the information for rate control and reservoir studies
Form MMS-128, Semiannual Well Test Report--The MMS uses this
information to evaluate the results of well tests to determine if
reservoirs are being depleted in a manner that will lead to the
greatest ultimate recovery of hydrocarbons. This information is
collected to determine the capability of hydrocarbon wells and to
evaluate and verify an operator's approved maximum production rate if
assigned. The form was designed to present current well data on a
semiannual basis to permit the updating of permissible producing rates,
and to provide the basis for estimates of currently remaining
recoverable gas reserves.
Form MMS-140, Bottomhole Pressure Survey Report--The MMS uses the
information to effectively manage reservoirs in our efforts to conserve
natural resources, prevent waste, and protect correlative rights,
including the Government's royalty interest. Specifically, MMS uses the
information in reservoir evaluations to determine maximum production
and efficient rates; and to review applications for downhole
commingling to ensure that action does not result in harm to ultimate
recovery or undervalued royalties.
Frequency: On occasion, monthly, semi-annually, annually, and as a
result of situations encountered.
Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: Approximately 130
Federal oil and gas lessees.
Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Hour'' Burden: The
estimated annual ``hour'' burden for this information collection is a
total of 41,511 hours. The following chart details the individual
components and estimated hour burdens. In calculating the burdens, we
assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in the normal
course of their activities. We consider these to be usual and customary
and took that into account in estimating the burden.
[[Page 36896]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting and
Citation 30 CFR 250 Subpart K recordkeeping Hour burden Average No. of Annual burden
requirement annual responses hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Hour cost burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Requests
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1101(b).......................... Request approval to 5 33 requests........ 165
produce within 500 feet
of a lease line.
----------------------------------------------------
$3,300 fee x 33 requests = $108,900
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1101(c).......................... Request approval to 12 51 requests........ 612
produce gas cap of a
sensitive reservoir.
----------------------------------------------------
$4,200 fee x 51 requests = $214,200
----------------------------------------------------
1102(b)(6)....................... Request extension of .5 37 requests........ 19
time to submit results
of semiannual well test.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1103(a).......................... Request approval of test .5 37 requests........ 19
periods of less than 4
hours and pretest
stabilization periods
of less than 6 hours.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1105(a), (b)..................... Request special approval .5 1,007 requests..... 504
to flare or vent oil-
well gas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1105(c).......................... Request approval to burn .5 60 requests........ 30
produced liquid
hydrocarbons.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal..................... ........................ .............. 1,225 responses.... 1,349
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$323,100 non-hour cost burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submittals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1102............................. Submit form MMS-126..... 3 1,325 forms........ 3,975
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submit form MMS-127..... 2.2 2,189 forms........ 4,816
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submit form MMS-128 *... 0.5-3 13,000 forms in GOM 1,336 *
1,336 *.
---------------------
600 forms in POCS.. ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1102(a)(5)....................... Submit alternative plan 1 1 plan............. 1
for overproduction
status--MMS is not
currently collecting
this information--this
is minimal burden
requirement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1103(c).......................... Provide advance notice .5 10 notices......... 5
of time and date of
well tests.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1104(c).......................... Submit results of all 14 1,270 surveys...... 17,780
static bottomhole
pressure surveys
obtained by lessee.
Information is
submitted on form MMS-
140 in the Gulf of
Mexico Region.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1105(f).......................... Submit monthly reports 2 3 operators x 12 72
of flared or vented gas mos. = 36.
containing H2S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1105(f).......................... H2S Contingency, Exploration, or Development and Production 0
Plans--burden covered under 1010-0141 and 1010-0049
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1106............................. Submit application to 6 48 applications.... 288
downhole commingle
hydrocarbons.
----------------------------------------------------
$4,900 fee x 48 applications = $235,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1107(b).......................... Submit proposed plan for 12 14 plans........... 168
enhanced recovery
operations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1107(c).......................... Submit periodic reports 2 77 reports......... 154
of volumes of oil, gas,
or other substances
injected, produced, or
reproduced.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1100-1107........................ General departure or 1 120 survey waivers. 120
alternative compliance
requests not
specifically covered
elsewhere in subpart K,
including bottomhole
pressure survey waivers
and reservoir
reclassification
requests.
----------------------------------------------------
[[Page 36897]]
6 20 requests........ 120
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal..................... ........................ .............. 18,710 responses... 28,835
$235,200 non-hour cost burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recordkeeping
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1105(d), (e)..................... Maintain records for 2 13 869 platforms...... 11,297
years detailing gas
flaring or venting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1105(d), (e)..................... Maintain records for 2 .5 60 occurrences..... 30
years detailing liquid
hydrocarbon burning.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal..................... ........................ .............. 929 responses...... 11,327
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Burden................. ........................ .............. 20,864 responses... 41,511
------------------------------------
$558,300 Non-Hour Cost Burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 0.5 to 3 hours per form depending on the number of well
tests reported, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing
and reviewing the form. See breakdown for form MMS-128 above.
Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Non-Hour Cost'' Burden: We
have identified three non-hour cost burdens. Section 250.1101(b)
requires a fee for a gas cap production request. Section 250.1101(c)
requires a fee to produce within 500 feet of a lease line. Section
250.1106 requests a fee for a downhole commingling request. We estimate
a total reporting ``non-hour cost'' burden of $558,300 and 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 January 15,
2008, we published a Federal Register notice (73 FR 2522) 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 have received no comments in response to these
efforts.
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. The 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
July 30, 2008.
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: June 16, 2008.
E.P. Danenberger,
Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs.
[FR Doc. E8-14768 Filed 6-27-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
