Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties, 14151-14155 [E9-7061]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 59 / Monday, March 30, 2009 / Notices Resource Advisory Council (RAC), will meet as indicated below. DATES: The meeting will be held April 22, 2009 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. ADDRESSES: BLM Royal Gorge Field Office, 3028 East Main Street, Canon City, Colorado 81212. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cass Cairns, (719) 269–8553. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 15 member Council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with public land management in the Royal Gorge Field Office and San Luis Valley, Colorado. Planned agenda topics include: Manager updates on current land management issues, including 2009 Fire season outlook, Rags Over the Arkansas River (ROAR) on the Over The River proposed project, the Garden Park and Shaws Park Travel Management Plan Environmental Assessment alternatives, overview of Statewide RAC meeting held in February, and Charter renewal. All meetings are open to the public. The public is encouraged to make oral comments to the Council at 9:30 a.m. or written statements may be submitted for the Council’s consideration. Depending on the number of persons wishing to comment and time available, the time for individual oral comments may be limited. Summary minutes for the Council Meeting will be maintained in the Royal Gorge Field Office and will be available for public inspection and reproduction during regular business hours within thirty (30) days following the meeting. Meeting minutes and agenda (10 days prior to each meeting) are also available at: https:// www.blm.gov/rac/co/frrac/co_fr.htm . Dated: March 23, 2009. Roy L. Masinton, Field Manager, Royal Gorge Field Office. [FR Doc. E9–6983 Filed 3–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–JB–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Scientific Committee (SC); Announcement of Plenary Session AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Notice of Meeting. SUMMARY: The OCS Scientific Committee will meet at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel in Anchorage, AK. VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:33 Mar 27, 2009 Jkt 217001 DATES: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, April 30, 2009, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Friday, May 1, 2009, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, 401 E. 6th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501, telephone (907) 276–8700. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A copy of the agenda may be requested from MMS by calling Ms. Carolyn Beamer at (703) 787–1211. Other inquiries concerning the OCS SC meeting should be addressed to Dr. James Kendall, Executive Secretary to the OCS SC, Minerals Management Service, 381 Elden Street, Mail Stop 4043, Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817 or by calling (703) 787–1656. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OCS SC will provide advice on the feasibility, appropriateness, and scientific value of the OCS Environmental Studies Program to the Secretary of the Interior through the Director of the MMS. The SC will review the relevance of the research and data being produced to meet MMS scientific information needs for decision making and may recommend changes in scope, direction, and emphasis. The Committee will meet in plenary session on Wednesday, April 29. The Deputy Associate Director will address the Committee on the general status of the MMS and its activities. There will be an update on OCS activities in the Alaska OCS Region and Regional Supervisors for Environment and Leasing from each region will present an overview of the Environmental Studies Program and current issues. On Thursday, April 30, the Committee will meet in discipline breakout groups (i.e., biology/ecology, physical sciences, and social sciences) to review the specific research plans of the MMS regional offices for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011. On Friday, May 1, the Committee will meet in plenary session for reports of the individual discipline breakout sessions of the previous day and to continue with Committee business. The meetings are open to the public. Approximately 30 visitors can be accommodated on a first-come-firstserved basis at the plenary session. Authority: Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92–463, 5 U.S.C., Appendix I, and the Office of Management and Budget’s Circular A–63, Revised. Date: March 24, 2009. Chris C. Oynes, Associate Director for Offshore Energy and Minerals Management. [FR Doc. E9–7060 Filed 3–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14151 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Notice summarizing Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties paid from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008. SUMMARY: This notice provides a listing of civil penalties paid from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008, for violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. The goal of the MMS Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties Program is to assure safe and clean oil, gas, sulphur, or other minerals operations on the Outer Continental Shelf. Through the pursuit, assessment, and collection of civil penalties and referrals for the consideration of criminal penalties, the program is designed to encourage compliance with applicable statutes and regulations. The purpose of publishing the penalties summary is to provide information to the public on violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and to provide an additional incentive for safe and environmentally sound operations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joanne McCammon, Program Coordinator, at 703–787–1292. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) strengthened section 24 of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act Amendments of 1978. Section 8201 of OPA 90 increased the amount of the civil penalty from a maximum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 per violation for each day of noncompliance. More importantly, OPA 90 provided the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) with the authority to assess a civil penalty without first providing a period of time for corrective action in cases where a failure to comply with applicable regulations constitutes or constituted a threat of serious, irreparable, or immediate harm or damage to life (including fish and other aquatic life); property; any mineral deposit; or the marine, coastal, or human environment. The provisions of OPA 90 also require the Secretary to adjust the maximum civil penalty to reflect any increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Every 3 years, MMS analyzes the maximum civil penalty amount in conjunction with the CPI prepared by the U.S. Department of Labor. If an adjustment is necessary, MMS informs the public through the Federal Register of the new E:\FR\FM\30MRN1.SGM 30MRN1 14152 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 59 / Monday, March 30, 2009 / Notices maximum amount. The MMS has published regulations adjusting the civil penalty assessment to $25,000 on August 8, 1997 (62 FR 42667); to $30,000 on October 29, 2003 (68 FR 61622); and to $35,000 on February 28, 2007 (72 FR 8897). Between August 18, 1990, when OPA 90 was enacted, and December 31, 2008, MMS initiated 648 civil penalty reviews. Operators have paid 529 civil penalties for a total of $20,752,042 in fines. On September 1, 1997, the Associate Director of Offshore Minerals Management issued a notice informing lessees and operators of Federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases on the OCS that MMS will annually publish a summary of OCS civil penalties paid. The purpose of publishing the penalties summary is to provide information to the public on violations of the OCS Lands Act and to provide an additional incentive for safe and environmentally sound operations. The annual summary will highlight the identity of the party, a description of the violation, the amount of the penalty and date paid, and the regulation violated. The following table provides a listing of the 31 penalties paid between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008. The total amount collected is $2,210,250. The list is posted on the MMS’s Web page at https://www.mms.gov/civilpenalties/. 2008 CIVIL/CRIMINAL PENALTIES SUMMARY PENALTIES PAID IN CALENDAR YEAR 2008 [1/1/2008–12/31/2008] Operator name and case No. Violation and date(s) Penalty paid and date paid Pogo Producing Co., G–2007– 009. During the investigation of a 3/4 mile by 16 mile oil slick on November 29, 2006, the MMS Inspector discovered operators had bypassed basically the entire platform safety system including the emergency shut down to keep production online. Further investigation revealed a second pollution incident on November 21, 2006, in which oil was blown out of the flare boom leaving the platform covered with oil and causing pollution. 29–NOV–2006—29–NOV–2006 ....................................................... 29–NOV–2006—29–NOV–2006 ....................................................... 29–NOV–2006—29–NOV–2006 ....................................................... 29–NOV–2006—29–NOV–2006 ....................................................... 29–NOV–2006—29–NOV–2006 ....................................................... 21–NOV–2006—21–NOV–2006 ....................................................... 21–NOV–2006—21–NOV–2006 ....................................................... 29–NOV–2006—29–NOV–2006 ....................................................... 29–NOV–2006—29–NOV–2006 ....................................................... 29–NOV–2006—29–NOV–2006 ....................................................... 21–NOV–2006—29–NOV–2006 ....................................................... MMS Inspectors found the accumulator with no air supply connected to it. The remote blowout preventer (BOP) control station was also found with no operating pressure on it. The Inspection also revealed that there was not a full opening work-string safety valve or TIW wrench located on the rig floor. Personnel were witnessed working greater than 6 feet above the deck with no fall protection. The Inspector also found stairs to the BOP and pipe rack to be in an unsafe location which required personnel to climb over the handrails. 01–SEP–2006—01–SEP–2006 ........................................................ 01–SEP–2006—01–SEP–2006 ........................................................ 01–SEP–2006—01–SEP–2006 ........................................................ 01–SEP–2006—01–SEP–2006 ........................................................ 01–SEP–2006—01–SEP–2006 ........................................................ 01–SEP–2006—01–SEP–2006 ........................................................ Operator failed to properly barricade the 4′ X 4′ opening and a 7′10″ X 16″ opening during work over operations. 04–APR–2007—16–APR–2007 ........................................................ The operator failed to supply sufficient accumulator fluid capacity required to close and hold closed the 30-inch annular installed on the diverter system. 06–MAY–2007—07–MAY–2007 ....................................................... Firewater Pump low discharge pressure with two hoses opened and Aqueous Film Forming Foam Concentrate (AFFF) light water unit had lost the required pressure for the system. 31–MAR–2007—28–APR–2007 ....................................................... Failure to properly secure grating led to an accident with injury ..... $505,000, 2/8/2008. SPN Resources, LLC, G–2007– 012. W&T Offshore, Inc., G–2007–016 Helis Oil & Gas Company, LLC (Hercules Offshore Drilling) G– 2007–021. W&T Offshore, G–2007–022 ....... sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Remington Oil and Gas Corp., G– 2007–025. Exxon Mobil Corp., G–2007–027 VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:33 Mar 27, 2009 26–APR–2007—27–APR–2007 ........................................................ Well bypassed at the panel .............................................................. 12–APR–2007—17 APR–2007 ......................................................... Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\30MRN1.SGM Regulation(s) violated 30 CFR ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. $100,000, 1/18/08. § 250.803(c). § 250.803(c). § 250.803(c). § 250.803(c). § 250.803(c). § 250.300(a). § 250.300(a). § 250.1004. § 250.1004. § 250.1004. § 250.107. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. $130,000, 3/12/ 2008. ................................. $40,000, 1/17/2008. § 250.107(a). § 250.515(d). § 250.515(d). § 250.515(c). § 250.515(c). § 250.401. ................................. $145,000, 10/2/08. § 250.430. ................................. $45,000, 1/09/2008. § 250.803(b)(8). ................................. $30,000, 2/29/08. ................................. § 250.107. 30MRN1 § 250.107. § 250.803. 14153 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 59 / Monday, March 30, 2009 / Notices 2008 CIVIL/CRIMINAL PENALTIES SUMMARY PENALTIES PAID IN CALENDAR YEAR 2008—Continued [1/1/2008–12/31/2008] Operator name and case No. Violation and date(s) Penalty paid and date paid Pogo Producing Co., G–2007– 029. There was an excessive number of safety devices bypassed while bringing the platform online. With only one person watching the computer, it was impossible to safely monitor all of the bypassed devices. During these start-up operations, operators overflowed the float cell, pouring a hydrocarbon/water mixture onto the deck. Once the platform was shut-in, the operators received an alarm on the pressure safety high (PSH) for the fuel gas scrubber and there was no action taken in response to the alarm. The AFFF unit, which was protecting the wet/dry oil tanks, was found to be empty. 03–APR–2007—03–APR–2007 ........................................................ 03–APR–2007—03–APR–2007 ........................................................ 29–MAR–2007—08–MAY–2007 ....................................................... The actuator for the compressor suction shut down valve (SDV) had been removed. 13–MAY–2007—21–MAY–2007 ....................................................... The Inspectors noticed that the block valve for the pressure safety valve (PSV) located on the test separator had been left in the closed position. The Inspectors witnessed personnel working with no fall protection at a height greater than 6 feet above the deck. The Inspectors found that the AFFF unit which was protecting the wet/dry oil tanks contained an empty bottle; and additionally, that the valve handles had been removed from the fire monitors, which were the secondary form of protection for the wet/dry oil tanks. It was also discovered that the operator had ‘‘failed to correct’’ the location of the level safety high (LSH) for the sump. 29–MAR–2007—30–MAR–2007 ....................................................... 30–MAR–2007—30–MAR–2007 ....................................................... 30–MAR–2007—30–MAR–2007 ....................................................... 30–MAR–2007—30–MAR–2007 ....................................................... 30–MAR–2007—30–MAR–2007 ....................................................... Temperature safety element (TSE) on the rental generator was found with the block valve closed on the supply line, rendering the TSE inoperable. 17–MAY–2007—17–MAY–2007 ....................................................... Gas-lift line was open ended with 1,000 psi on the down stream side of the check valve and the gas-lift header was found with 700 psi on it and all flanges associated with the header had missing bolts. 17–MAY–2007—17–MAY–2007 ....................................................... 17–MAY–2007—17–MAY–2007 ....................................................... During welding/cutting operations to remove a cantilever deck, a fire/explosion occurred when hot slag fell between 10 and 15 feet into an open ended connection on top of the out of service oil storage tank. 26–JUN–2007—26–JUN–2007 ......................................................... The top block valve on the LSH fluid chamber was found closed ... $80,000, 2/08/2008. Exxon Mobil Corp., G–2007–030 Pogo Producing Co., G–2007– 031. Pogo Producing Co., G–2007– 033. Pogo Producing Co., G–2007– 034. Forest Oil Corp., G–2007–035 ..... Palm Energy Offshore, LLC, G– 2007–037. Energy XXI GOM, LLC, G–2007– 039. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Energy Resource Technology, Inc., G–2007–041. Apache Corp. (Island Operators, Inc.) G–2007–043. VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:33 Mar 27, 2009 10–JUL–2007—10–JUL–2007 .......................................................... There was a closed block valve upstream of the PSV on the First Stage Suction Scrubber which rendered the PSV inoperable. Also, the Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valve (SCSSV) was found with pressure trapped on the control line which locked open the SCSSV. 11–JUL–2007—11–JUL–2007 .......................................................... 11–JUL–2007—11–JUL–2007 .......................................................... A pollution event of less than 200 bbls, seventeen safety devices not tested prior to initiating production, leaking gas from 2’’ line, and four safety devices bypassed. 14–MAY–2007—17 MAY 2007 ......................................................... 15–MAY–2007—17 MAY 2007 ......................................................... 17–MAY–2007—17 MAY 2007 ......................................................... A flash fire that resulted in an injury, occurred since a flowline had not been properly isolated or blind flanged from the process header. The welder was injured when his torch came in contact with hydrocarbons that were released through the open ended flowline. 05–SEP–2007—07–SEP–2007 ........................................................ Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\30MRN1.SGM Regulation(s) violated 30 CFR ................................. ................................. ................................. $35,000, 1/14/2008. § 250.107(a). § 250.803(c). § 250.107. ................................. $150,250, 2/08/ 2008. § 250.803. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. $25,000, 2/11/2008. § 250.803(c). § 250.107(a). § 250.107. § 250.107. § 250.107. ................................. $40,000, 2/11/2008. § 250.803. ................................. ................................. $35,000, 3/31/08. § 250.107. § 250.107. ................................. $15,000, 2/11/2008. § 250.401. ................................. $15,000, 1/17/2008. § 250.803 ................................. ................................. $135,000, 9/26/08. § 250.803(c). § 250.803(c). ................................. ................................. ................................. $85,000, 4/29/08. § 250.101. § 250.107. § 250.300(a). ................................. § 250.803(c). 30MRN1 14154 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 59 / Monday, March 30, 2009 / Notices 2008 CIVIL/CRIMINAL PENALTIES SUMMARY PENALTIES PAID IN CALENDAR YEAR 2008—Continued [1/1/2008–12/31/2008] Operator name and case No. Violation and date(s) Penalty paid and date paid W&T Offshore, Inc., G–2007–044 Lead sump pump inoperable ............................................................ 21–JUN–2007—21–JUN–2007 ......................................................... The pneumatic fire detection system installed over the gas generator was found inoperable since the TSE was not connected to the supply line. 02–NOV–2007—02–NOV–2007 ....................................................... MMS Inspectors found the Surface Safety Valve (SSV) and Wing SDV on Well #4 bypassed with fusible caps. There was also a 1 inch open ended line on the fuel gas header where a PSV had been removed. 03–DEC–2007—07–DEC–2007 ........................................................ 03–DEC–2007—10–DEC–2007 ........................................................ The SCSSV for the B–1 well was bypassed at the panel for a total of 6 days. 01–DEC–2007—06–DEC–2007 ........................................................ The handrails on the north end of the well bay had not been maintained in a safe condition. The handrails were corroded and deteriorated to a point that they were no longer a suitable guard and they could not adequately hold a person’s weight. 08–NOV–2007—08–NOV–2007 ....................................................... Repairs were made to the damaged crane boom that was not in accordance with API RP 2D, Section 4.3.3(e) and the crane was placed back in service without conducting a load test. 14–JAN–2008—15–JAN–2008 ......................................................... The PSV for the Glycol Contactor was bypassed with a closed manual block valve. 28–NOV–2006—28–NOV–2006 ....................................................... The MMS Inspector found that the SCSSV and the vertical run SSV had been rendered inoperable. The SCSSV was blocked at the supply line; and the SSV was locked in the open position with a nonfusible cap. 18–DEC–2007—18–DEC–2007 ........................................................ The cantilever deck was not properly guard railed or barricaded .... $35,000, 4/11/08. ................................. $15,000, 5/9/08. § 250.300(b). ................................. $180,000, 8/7/08. § 250.803(c). ................................. ................................. $60,000, 12/30/08. § 250.803(c). § 250.803(c). ................................. $25,000, 8/5/08. § 250.803(c)(1). ................................. $50,000, 7/25/08. § 250.107. ................................. $5,000, 8/29/08. § 250.108. ................................. $30,000, 7/14/08. § 250.803(c). ................................. $15,000, 9/25/08. § 250.803(c). ................................. $75,000, 11/21/08. § 250.107 ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. $15,000, 12/30/08. § 250.107(a)(2). § 250.107(a)(2). § 250.107(a)(2). § 250.107(a)(2). § 250.107(b). § 250.107(b). § 250.107(b). ................................. $40,000, 4/8/08. § 250.107. ................................. ................................. $35,000, 1/30/2008. § 250.803(b)(1). § 250.803(b)(1). ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. ................................. $20,000, 4/8/08. § 250.107(a). § 250.108. § 250.108. § 250.108. § 250.606. ................................. § 250.107(a). Nexen Petroleum U.S.A., Inc., G– 2008–001. Linder Oil Company, A Partnership, G–2008–003. Forest Oil Corporation, G–2008– 004. Dauphin Island Gathering Partners, G–2008–005. Apache 006. Corporation, G–2008– Dominion Exploration & Production, Inc., g–2008–008. Marathon Oil Co., G–2008–009 ... McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC, G– 2008–011. Medco Energi 2008–012. U.S. LLC, G– SPN Resources, LLC, G–2008– 017. Plains Exploration & Production Company, P–2006–002. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES DCOR LLC, P–2006–003 ............ Arguello Inc., P–2006–004 .......... VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:33 Mar 27, 2009 14–APR–2008—14–APR–2008 ........................................................ Unsafe situations were discovered by the MMS Inspector on four Caissons. Equipment had not been maintained in a safe manner and precautions had not been made to provide for the safety of personnel. 06–MAY–2008—06–MAY–2008 ....................................................... 06–MAY–2008—06–MAY–2008 ....................................................... 06–MAY–2008—06–MAY–2008 ....................................................... 06–MAY–2008—06–MAY–2008 ....................................................... 06–MAY–2008—06–MAY–2008 ....................................................... 06–MAY–2008—06–MAY–2008 ....................................................... 29–APR–2008—29–APR–2008 ........................................................ A section of grating on the boat landing was severely corroded and damaged, creating a large opening that was unsafe for personnel. There was no barricade or guard to restrict the area and alert personnel of the hazard. 10–JUL–2008—10–JUL–2008 .......................................................... A flash fire involving a flare scrubber vessel resulted in minor burns to an employee. Work involving a glycol skid did not follow operator’s safety manual. 18–JUL–2006—18–JUL–2006 .......................................................... 18–JUL–2006—18–JUL–2006 .......................................................... Five Incidents of Non-Compliance were issued following a 7/27/06 incident that resulted in significant damage to the unit crane during an operation to remove stuck progressive cavity pump rods. 27–JUL–2006—27–JUL–2006 .......................................................... 27–JUL–2006—27–JUL–2006 .......................................................... 27–JUL–2006—27–JUL–2006 .......................................................... 27–JUL–2006—27–JUL–2006 .......................................................... 27–JUL–2006—27–JUL–2006 .......................................................... During rerouting of gas flow (in connection with drilling rig demobilization and work on the condensate stabilizer vessel) a valve was erroneously opened resulting in H2S exposure. 12–AUG–2006—12–AUG–2006 ....................................................... Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\30MRN1.SGM 30MRN1 Regulation(s) violated 30 CFR 14155 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 59 / Monday, March 30, 2009 / Notices 2008 CIVIL/CRIMINAL PENALTIES SUMMARY PENALTIES PAID IN CALENDAR YEAR 2008—Continued [1/1/2008–12/31/2008] Operator name and case No. Penalty paid and date paid Violation and date(s) Regulation(s) violated 30 CFR Total Penalties Paid: 1/1/08–12/31/08 31 Cases: $2,210,250 Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. Dated: March 12, 2009. Chris C. Oynes, Associate Director for Offshore Energy and Minerals Management. [FR Doc. E9–7061 Filed 3–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on Proposed Brooks River Bridge and Boardwalk at Katmai National Park National Park Service, Interior. Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement— Environmental Impact Statement on proposed Brooks River bridge and boardwalk at Katmai National Park. AGENCY: sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on a proposed Brooks River bridge and boardwalk, and associated access changes, to the Brooks Camp Area within Katmai National Park and Preserve. The purpose of the EIS is to evaluate a reasonable range of alternatives for a bridge and boardwalk that would span the lower Brooks River. The existing floating bridge would be removed. A new bridge would provide for the existing floatplane access to the Brooks Camp Area to continue, with planes beaching on the shore of Naknek Lake on the north side of Brooks River. This proposal would tier off the 1996 Brooks River Area Development Concept Plan (DCP) and EIS. If the decision is to construct a new bridge, it would result in an amendment to the access decision, which called for construction of a new floatplane dock, breakwater, one-mile access road on the south side of Brooks River, and required a shuttle system. In addition to the No Action alternative, the EIS will evaluate a reasonable range of alternatives to provide improved access to the Brooks Camp Area, to better protect natural and cultural resources, and to facilitate dependable travel between the north and south sides of Brooks River. VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:33 Mar 27, 2009 Jkt 217001 Dependable access across Brooks River will advance the phased relocation of facilities and operations from the north side to the south side of the river, as set forth in the record of decision following the 1996 DCP/EIS. Public input is sought by the NPS regarding the range of alternatives. This EIS is being prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4331 et seq.), and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR part 1500. Scoping: The NPS requests input from Federal and State agencies, local governments, private organizations, recreational users, and the public on the scope of issues to be addressed in this EIS. Scoping comments are being solicited. NPS representatives will be available to discuss issues, resource concerns, and the planning process at public scoping meetings. Scoping meetings will be held in Anchorage and King Salmon, Alaska in early 2009. When public meetings have been scheduled, their dates, times, and locations will be announced in local newspapers and posted on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) Web site at https:// parkplanning.nps.gov/KATM. 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 to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will always make submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives of or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of this EIS should be received 60 days after the last scoping meeting referenced above. The draft EIS is projected to be available to the public in the spring of 2010. Electronic comments may be submitted to the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (PEPC) Web site at https:// parkplanning.nps.gov/KATM. Written comments also may be mailed or faxed to the address and phone number provided below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ralph Moore, Superintendent, Katmai National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 7, King Salmon, Alaska 99613. Telephone (907) 246–3305, Fax (907) 246–2116. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Katmai National Monument, originally designated in 1918 and subsequently expanded by four Presidential Proclamations, was enlarged and redesignated as a National Park and Preserve by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) in 1980. Brooks Lodge was established in the 1950s on the north side of the lower Brooks River as a world-class recreational rainbow trout and salmon fishery and a premier recreational destination. In subsequent years, the Brooks Camp Area has become a highquality bear viewing location due to the large population of brown bears that feed on the abundant salmon at Brooks River. The Brooks Camp Area currently receives up to 15,000 visitors annually. In addition to its abundant natural resources, the Brooks Camp Area also contains an internationally significant concentration of cultural resources, with cultural remains spanning a 4,500 year period and comprising some of the largest and most important prehistoric cultural sites in Alaska. It is a designated National Historic Landmark (NHL) and elements of the NHL have been nominated as a Cultural Landscape. The record of decision following the 1996 DCP/EIS called for the relocation of facilities and infrastructure in the Brooks Camp Area to the south side of the Brooks River. The reasons for the proposed relocation were to protect natural and cultural resources, including prime brown bear habitat, and to improve visitor safety by reducing the potential for bear/human encounters. This proposal helps facilitate the phased relocation of NPS and concessionaire operations to the south side of the river, by providing a safe and dependable means of access across the river, and to the Brooks Camp Area via floatplane. E:\FR\FM\30MRN1.SGM 30MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 59 (Monday, March 30, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14151-14155]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-7061]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Notice summarizing Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties paid
from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008.

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SUMMARY: This notice provides a listing of civil penalties paid from
January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008, for violations of the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act. The goal of the MMS Outer Continental
Shelf Civil Penalties Program is to assure safe and clean oil, gas,
sulphur, or other minerals operations on the Outer Continental Shelf.
Through the pursuit, assessment, and collection of civil penalties and
referrals for the consideration of criminal penalties, the program is
designed to encourage compliance with applicable statutes and
regulations. The purpose of publishing the penalties summary is to
provide information to the public on violations of the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act and to provide an additional incentive for
safe and environmentally sound operations.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joanne McCammon, Program Coordinator,
at 703-787-1292.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90)
strengthened section 24 of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act
Amendments of 1978. Section 8201 of OPA 90 increased the amount of the
civil penalty from a maximum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 per
violation for each day of noncompliance. More importantly, OPA 90
provided the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) with the authority
to assess a civil penalty without first providing a period of time for
corrective action in cases where a failure to comply with applicable
regulations constitutes or constituted a threat of serious,
irreparable, or immediate harm or damage to life (including fish and
other aquatic life); property; any mineral deposit; or the marine,
coastal, or human environment.
The provisions of OPA 90 also require the Secretary to adjust the
maximum civil penalty to reflect any increases in the Consumer Price
Index (CPI). Every 3 years, MMS analyzes the maximum civil penalty
amount in conjunction with the CPI prepared by the U.S. Department of
Labor. If an adjustment is necessary, MMS informs the public through
the Federal Register of the new

[[Page 14152]]

maximum amount. The MMS has published regulations adjusting the civil
penalty assessment to $25,000 on August 8, 1997 (62 FR 42667); to
$30,000 on October 29, 2003 (68 FR 61622); and to $35,000 on February
28, 2007 (72 FR 8897).
Between August 18, 1990, when OPA 90 was enacted, and December 31,
2008, MMS initiated 648 civil penalty reviews. Operators have paid 529
civil penalties for a total of $20,752,042 in fines.
On September 1, 1997, the Associate Director of Offshore Minerals
Management issued a notice informing lessees and operators of Federal
oil, gas, and sulphur leases on the OCS that MMS will annually publish
a summary of OCS civil penalties paid. The purpose of publishing the
penalties summary is to provide information to the public on violations
of the OCS Lands Act and to provide an additional incentive for safe
and environmentally sound operations. The annual summary will highlight
the identity of the party, a description of the violation, the amount
of the penalty and date paid, and the regulation violated. The
following table provides a listing of the 31 penalties paid between
January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008. The total amount collected is
$2,210,250. The list is posted on the MMS's Web page at https://www.mms.gov/civilpenalties/.

2008 Civil/Criminal Penalties Summary Penalties Paid in Calendar Year 2008
[1/1/2008-12/31/2008]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation(s) violated 30
Operator name and case No. Violation and date(s) Penalty paid and date paid CFR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pogo Producing Co., G-2007-009....... During the investigation of a 3/4 mile by 16 mile $505,000, 2/8/2008.
oil slick on November 29, 2006, the MMS
Inspector discovered operators had bypassed
basically the entire platform safety system
including the emergency shut down to keep
production online. Further investigation
revealed a second pollution incident on November
21, 2006, in which oil was blown out of the
flare boom leaving the platform covered with oil
and causing pollution.
29-NOV-2006--29-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
29-NOV-2006--29-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
29-NOV-2006--29-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
29-NOV-2006--29-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
29-NOV-2006--29-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
21-NOV-2006--21-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.300(a).
21-NOV-2006--21-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.300(a).
29-NOV-2006--29-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.1004.
29-NOV-2006--29-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.1004.
29-NOV-2006--29-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.1004.
21-NOV-2006--29-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
SPN Resources, LLC, G-2007-012....... MMS Inspectors found the accumulator with no air $100,000, 1/18/08.
supply connected to it. The remote blowout
preventer (BOP) control station was also found
with no operating pressure on it. The Inspection
also revealed that there was not a full opening
work-string safety valve or TIW wrench located
on the rig floor. Personnel were witnessed
working greater than 6 feet above the deck with
no fall protection. The Inspector also found
stairs to the BOP and pipe rack to be in an
unsafe location which required personnel to
climb over the handrails.
01-SEP-2006--01-SEP-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(a).
01-SEP-2006--01-SEP-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.515(d).
01-SEP-2006--01-SEP-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.515(d).
01-SEP-2006--01-SEP-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.515(c).
01-SEP-2006--01-SEP-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.515(c).
01-SEP-2006--01-SEP-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.401.
W&T Offshore, Inc., G-2007-016....... Operator failed to properly barricade the 4' X 4' $130,000, 3/12/2008.
opening and a 7'10'' X 16'' opening during work
over operations.
04-APR-2007--16-APR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
Helis Oil & Gas Company, LLC The operator failed to supply sufficient $40,000, 1/17/2008.
(Hercules Offshore Drilling) G-2007- accumulator fluid capacity required to close and
021. hold closed the 30-inch annular installed on the
diverter system.
06-MAY-2007--07-MAY-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.430.
W&T Offshore, G-2007-022............. Firewater Pump low discharge pressure with two $145,000, 10/2/08.
hoses opened and Aqueous Film Forming Foam
Concentrate (AFFF) light water unit had lost the
required pressure for the system.
31-MAR-2007--28-APR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(b)(8).
Remington Oil and Gas Corp., G-2007- Failure to properly secure grating led to an $45,000, 1/09/2008.
025. accident with injury.
26-APR-2007--27-APR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
Exxon Mobil Corp., G-2007-027........ Well bypassed at the panel....................... $30,000, 2/29/08.
12-APR-2007--17 APR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803.

[[Page 14153]]

Pogo Producing Co., G-2007-029....... There was an excessive number of safety devices $80,000, 2/08/2008.
bypassed while bringing the platform online.
With only one person watching the computer, it
was impossible to safely monitor all of the
bypassed devices. During these start-up
operations, operators overflowed the float cell,
pouring a hydrocarbon/water mixture onto the
deck. Once the platform was shut-in, the
operators received an alarm on the pressure
safety high (PSH) for the fuel gas scrubber and
there was no action taken in response to the
alarm. The AFFF unit, which was protecting the
wet/dry oil tanks, was found to be empty.
03-APR-2007--03-APR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(a).
03-APR-2007--03-APR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
29-MAR-2007--08-MAY-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
Exxon Mobil Corp., G-2007-030........ The actuator for the compressor suction shut down $35,000, 1/14/2008.
valve (SDV) had been removed.
13-MAY-2007--21-MAY-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803.
Pogo Producing Co., G-2007-031....... The Inspectors noticed that the block valve for $150,250, 2/08/2008.
the pressure safety valve (PSV) located on the
test separator had been left in the closed
position. The Inspectors witnessed personnel
working with no fall protection at a height
greater than 6 feet above the deck. The
Inspectors found that the AFFF unit which was
protecting the wet/dry oil tanks contained an
empty bottle; and additionally, that the valve
handles had been removed from the fire monitors,
which were the secondary form of protection for
the wet/dry oil tanks. It was also discovered
that the operator had ``failed to correct'' the
location of the level safety high (LSH) for the
sump.
29-MAR-2007--30-MAR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
30-MAR-2007--30-MAR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(a).
30-MAR-2007--30-MAR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
30-MAR-2007--30-MAR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
30-MAR-2007--30-MAR-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
Pogo Producing Co., G-2007-033....... Temperature safety element (TSE) on the rental $25,000, 2/11/2008.
generator was found with the block valve closed
on the supply line, rendering the TSE inoperable.
17-MAY-2007--17-MAY-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803.
Pogo Producing Co., G-2007-034....... Gas-lift line was open ended with 1,000 psi on $40,000, 2/11/2008.
the down stream side of the check valve and the
gas-lift header was found with 700 psi on it and
all flanges associated with the header had
missing bolts.
17-MAY-2007--17-MAY-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
17-MAY-2007--17-MAY-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
Forest Oil Corp., G-2007-035......... During welding/cutting operations to remove a $35,000, 3/31/08.
cantilever deck, a fire/explosion occurred when
hot slag fell between 10 and 15 feet into an
open ended connection on top of the out of
service oil storage tank.
26-JUN-2007--26-JUN-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.401.
Palm Energy Offshore, LLC, G-2007-037 The top block valve on the LSH fluid chamber was $15,000, 2/11/2008.
found closed.
10-JUL-2007--10-JUL-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803
Energy XXI GOM, LLC, G-2007-039...... There was a closed block valve upstream of the $15,000, 1/17/2008.
PSV on the First Stage Suction Scrubber which
rendered the PSV inoperable. Also, the Surface
Controlled Subsurface Safety Valve (SCSSV) was
found with pressure trapped on the control line
which locked open the SCSSV.
11-JUL-2007--11-JUL-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
11-JUL-2007--11-JUL-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
Energy Resource Technology, Inc., G- A pollution event of less than 200 bbls, $135,000, 9/26/08.
2007-041. seventeen safety devices not tested prior to
initiating production, leaking gas from 2''
line, and four safety devices bypassed.
14-MAY-2007--17 MAY 2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.101.
15-MAY-2007--17 MAY 2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
17-MAY-2007--17 MAY 2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.300(a).
Apache Corp. (Island Operators, Inc.) A flash fire that resulted in an injury, occurred $85,000, 4/29/08.
G-2007-043. since a flowline had not been properly isolated
or blind flanged from the process header. The
welder was injured when his torch came in
contact with hydrocarbons that were released
through the open ended flowline.
05-SEP-2007--07-SEP-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).

[[Page 14154]]

W&T Offshore, Inc., G-2007-044....... Lead sump pump inoperable........................ $35,000, 4/11/08.
21-JUN-2007--21-JUN-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.300(b).
Nexen Petroleum U.S.A., Inc., G-2008- The pneumatic fire detection system installed $15,000, 5/9/08.
001. over the gas generator was found inoperable
since the TSE was not connected to the supply
line.
02-NOV-2007--02-NOV-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
Linder Oil Company, A Partnership, G- MMS Inspectors found the Surface Safety Valve $180,000, 8/7/08.
2008-003. (SSV) and Wing SDV on Well 4 bypassed
with fusible caps. There was also a 1 inch open
ended line on the fuel gas header where a PSV
had been removed.
03-DEC-2007--07-DEC-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
03-DEC-2007--10-DEC-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
Forest Oil Corporation, G-2008-004... The SCSSV for the B-1 well was bypassed at the $60,000, 12/30/08.
panel for a total of 6 days.
01-DEC-2007--06-DEC-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c)(1).
Dauphin Island Gathering Partners, G- The handrails on the north end of the well bay $25,000, 8/5/08.
2008-005. had not been maintained in a safe condition. The
handrails were corroded and deteriorated to a
point that they were no longer a suitable guard
and they could not adequately hold a person's
weight.
08-NOV-2007--08-NOV-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
Apache Corporation, G-2008-006....... Repairs were made to the damaged crane boom that $50,000, 7/25/08.
was not in accordance with API RP 2D, Section
4.3.3(e) and the crane was placed back in
service without conducting a load test.
14-JAN-2008--15-JAN-2008......................... ................................ Sec. 250.108.
Dominion Exploration & Production, The PSV for the Glycol Contactor was bypassed $5,000, 8/29/08.
Inc., g-2008-008. with a closed manual block valve.
28-NOV-2006--28-NOV-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
Marathon Oil Co., G-2008-009......... The MMS Inspector found that the SCSSV and the $30,000, 7/14/08.
vertical run SSV had been rendered inoperable.
The SCSSV was blocked at the supply line; and
the SSV was locked in the open position with a
nonfusible cap.
18-DEC-2007--18-DEC-2007......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(c).
McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC, G-2008-011.... The cantilever deck was not properly guard railed $15,000, 9/25/08.
or barricaded.
14-APR-2008--14-APR-2008......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107
Medco Energi U.S. LLC, G-2008-012.... Unsafe situations were discovered by the MMS $75,000, 11/21/08.
Inspector on four Caissons. Equipment had not
been maintained in a safe manner and precautions
had not been made to provide for the safety of
personnel.
06-MAY-2008--06-MAY-2008......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(a)(2).
06-MAY-2008--06-MAY-2008......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(a)(2).
06-MAY-2008--06-MAY-2008......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(a)(2).
06-MAY-2008--06-MAY-2008......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(a)(2).
06-MAY-2008--06-MAY-2008......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(b).
06-MAY-2008--06-MAY-2008......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(b).
29-APR-2008--29-APR-2008......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(b).
SPN Resources, LLC, G-2008-017....... A section of grating on the boat landing was $15,000, 12/30/08.
severely corroded and damaged, creating a large
opening that was unsafe for personnel. There was
no barricade or guard to restrict the area and
alert personnel of the hazard.
10-JUL-2008--10-JUL-2008......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107.
Plains Exploration & Production A flash fire involving a flare scrubber vessel $40,000, 4/8/08.
Company, P-2006-002. resulted in minor burns to an employee. Work
involving a glycol skid did not follow
operator's safety manual.
18-JUL-2006--18-JUL-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(b)(1).
18-JUL-2006--18-JUL-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.803(b)(1).
DCOR LLC, P-2006-003................. Five Incidents of Non-Compliance were issued $35,000, 1/30/2008.
following a 7/27/06 incident that resulted in
significant damage to the unit crane during an
operation to remove stuck progressive cavity
pump rods.
27-JUL-2006--27-JUL-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(a).
27-JUL-2006--27-JUL-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.108.
27-JUL-2006--27-JUL-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.108.
27-JUL-2006--27-JUL-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.108.
27-JUL-2006--27-JUL-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.606.
Arguello Inc., P-2006-004............ During rerouting of gas flow (in connection with $20,000, 4/8/08.
drilling rig demobilization and work on the
condensate stabilizer vessel) a valve was
erroneously opened resulting in H2S exposure.
12-AUG-2006--12-AUG-2006......................... ................................ Sec. 250.107(a).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 14155]]

Total Penalties Paid: 1/1/08-12/31/08
31 Cases: $2,210,250
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.

Dated: March 12, 2009.
Chris C. Oynes,
Associate Director for Offshore Energy and Minerals Management.
[FR Doc. E9-7061 Filed 3-27-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P

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