Production Measurement Documents Incorporated by Reference, 18916-18922 [2012-7324]
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§ 25.53
be contained within part 25 of title 28
of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
This rule, which involves the minor
correction of an existing regulation,
contains no new information collection
or record-keeping requirements under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.).
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
This rule, which involves the minor
correction of an existing regulation, will
not result in the expenditure by State,
local, and tribal governments, in the
aggregate, or by the private sector, of
$100,000,000 or more in any one year,
and it will not significantly or uniquely
affect small governments. Therefore, no
actions were deemed necessary under
the provisions of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995.
List of Subjects in 28 CFR Part 25
Crime, Law enforcement, Motor
vehicle safety, Motor vehicles,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation.
Authority and Issuance
Accordingly, for the reasons set forth
in the preamble, Title 28, Part 25,
Subpart B of the Code of Federal
Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 25—DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
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Authority: Public Law 103–159, 107 Stat.
1536, 49 U.S.C. 30501–30505; Public Law
101–410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by Public
Law 104–134, 110 Stat. 1321.
Subpart B—National Motor Vehicle
Title Information System (NMVTIS)
[Amended]
2. In § 25.52, in the definition of Motor
vehicle, remove ‘‘3102(6)’’ and add in its
place ‘‘30102(6)’’.
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Dated: March 21, 2012.
Mary Lou Leary,
Acting Assistant Attorney General.
[FR Doc. 2012–7473 Filed 3–28–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410–18–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Safety and Environmental
Enforcement
30 CFR Part 250
[Docket ID BSEE–2012–0003]
RIN 1014–AA01
Production Measurement Documents
Incorporated by Reference
Bureau of Safety and
Environmental Enforcement (BSEE),
Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
BSEE is establishing a final
rule to incorporate by reference 12
additional production measurement
industry standards into the regulations
governing oil, gas, and sulphur
operations in the Outer Continental
Shelf. Incorporation of these production
measurement standards provides
industry with up-to-date standards for
measuring oil and gas production
volumes. This rule will result in more
accurate and efficient measurement of
oil and gas production.
DATES: Effective Date: This final rule
becomes effective on May 29, 2012. The
incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the rule is
approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of May 29, 2012.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wilbon Rhome, Regulations and
Standards Branch, at
Wilbon.Rhome@BSEE.gov, 703–787–
1587.
SUMMARY:
This Final
Rule falls under the authority of BSEE
and as such, new Regulation Identifier
Number (RIN) and Docket ID numbers
were assigned to this rulemaking. The
new RIN for this Final Rule is 1014–
AA01, will replace RIN 1010–AD53
from the proposed rule. The Docket is
now BSEE–2012–0003, replacing
BOEM–2010–0033.
BSEE uses standards, specifications,
and recommended practices developed
by standard-setting organizations and
the oil and gas industry as a means of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. The authority citation for 28 CFR
Part 25 continues to read as follows:
■
■
3. Section 25.53(f)(2) is amended by
removing ‘‘titled’’ and by adding in its
place ‘‘registered’’.
■
Regulatory Flexibility Act
This rule, which involves the minor
correction of an existing regulation, will
not have a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small
entities. This rule has no new cost to
State, local, or tribal governments, or to
the private sector. Such costs as the
NMVTIS program imposes exist by
virtue of the regulations promulgated in
2009 pursuant to notice and comment,
which contained an impact analysis.
Therefore, an analysis of the impact of
this regulation on such entities is not
required under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
§ 25.52
[Amended]
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establishing requirements for activities
in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
This practice, known as incorporation
by reference, allows BSEE to incorporate
the requirements of technical
documents into the regulations at 30
CFR 250.198 without increasing the
volume of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR).
The regulations found at 1 CFR part
51 govern how BSEE and other Federal
agencies incorporate by reference the
requirements found in various
documents. Agencies can incorporate by
reference only through publication in
the Federal Register. Agencies must
also obtain approval from the Director of
the Federal Register for each publication
incorporated by reference. Incorporation
by reference of a document or
publication is limited to the edition of
the document or publication cited in the
regulations. Accordingly, newer
editions, amendments, or revisions to
documents already incorporated by
reference in regulations are not part of
BSEE regulations.
In some cases, BSEE may not agree
with a standard or a specific section in
a standard. As a result, a standard may
not be included in the regulations at all
or only a portion may be included.
Why Technical Standards Are
Important
Industry standards incorporated in
BSEE regulations are invaluable for a
variety of reasons. In some instances
they enable us to avoid unnecessarily
detailed regulations. They have helped
us to evolve from a regulatory process
that reacts to inadequacies in OCS
operations to a more orderly process
that recognizes technical innovation and
progressive ideas aimed at improving
performance, safety, and efficiencies.
Industry standards are also important
because the law mandates their use by
Federal agencies under certain
circumstances.
Legal and Policy Mandates
Legal and Policy mandates to Federal
agencies, including BSEE, to use
industry standards include the
following:
• In October 1993, the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) issued
a revised Circular A–119 entitled,
‘‘Federal Participation in the
Development and Use of Voluntary
Standards’’. This Circular established
the policy for participation by Federal
employees in the development of
technical standards and the use of
voluntary standards by Federal
agencies.
• In March 1996, President Clinton
codified this OMB policy into Federal
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law when he signed the National
Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act (NTTAA). This Act requires Federal
agencies to achieve greater reliance on
technical standards developed or
adopted by voluntary consensus bodies,
that are consistent with the agency’s
mission, with lessened dependence on
in-house regulations.
• A final revision of OMB Circular A–
119 was issued effective February 19,
1998. The Circular now directs agencies
to use voluntary consensus standards in
lieu of government-unique standards
except where inconsistent with law or
otherwise impractical. The policies in
this Circular are intended to reduce to
a minimum the reliance by agencies on
government-unique standards.
Summary of Documents Incorporated
by Reference in This Rule
BSEE is incorporating the
requirements found in 12 measurement
documents (nine American Petroleum
Institute (API) and three American Gas
Association (AGA) documents) to add
the most current and updated
measurement standards to provide
industry with up-to-date guidance for
measurement technology. The
incorporation of these additional
standards will promote the use of the
best available and most accurate
measurement technologies while
operating in the OCS.
Measurement documents were chosen
for incorporation into the regulations
based on the latest technological
advances introduced in these standards
and highlighted in the synopsis below.
BSEE, with the cooperation of
independent reviewers from industry
and academia, reviewed and
commented on the contents of these
documents in the course of their
development. To ensure as consistent an
approach as possible to onshore and
offshore oil and gas measurement
regulations the Department of the
Interior’s Gas and Oil Measurement
Team (GOMT) reviewed the standards
proposed for incorporation in this final
rule. The GOMT, composed of BLM and
BSEE oil and gas measurement experts,
was established in August 2010 to
provide technical and regulatory
expertise to help ensure that oil and gas
produced from Federal and Indian
leases are accurately measured and
properly reported and to provide greater
regulatory consistency within the
Department where possible.
Based on its review, BSEE determined
that three of the standards in the
proposed rule would not be included in
this final rule. These standards may be
further considered in subsequent
rulemakings. The following three API
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standards are not included in this Final
Rule because they are generally not
applicable to offshore operations:
• API MPMS Chapter 2.2E—
Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum
Products—Calibration of Horizontal
Cylindrical Tanks–Part 1: Manual
Methods, First Edition, April 2004, ISO
12917–1: 2002 (Identical), Petroleum
and liquid petroleum products—
Calibration of horizontal cylindrical
tanks—Part 1: Manual methods;
• API MPMS Chapter 2.2F—
Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum
Products—Calibration of Horizontal
Cylindrical Tanks—Part 2: Internal
Electro-optical Distance-Ranging
Method, First Edition, April 2004, ISO
12917–2:2002 (Identical), Petroleum and
liquid petroleum products—Calibration
of horizontal cylindrical tanks—Part 2:
Internal electro-optical distance-ranging
method; and
• API MPMS Chapter 12—Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards
Chapter 12—Calculation of Petroleum
Quantities, Section 2—Calculation of
Petroleum Quantities Using Dynamic
Measurement Methods and Volumetric
Correction Factors, Part 5—Calculation
of Base Prover Volume by Master Meter
Method; First Edition, September 2001;
Reaffirmed October 2006.
BSEE regularly participates in the
reviews, revisions, and updates of
standards to determine if additional
versions should be incorporated into
our regulations. Additions may be
necessary because of changes in
technology, environmental concerns, or
operational incidents or trends in
industry. Also, BSEE may request that a
standard-writing body develop a new
standard based on incident analysis or
due to the introduction of new
exploration or production techniques or
new technologies.
BSEE has reviewed the following
requirements in the nine documents
discussed below and has decided to
incorporate the documents into the
regulations at 30 CFR part 250 to ensure
that industry uses the best available and
most accurate measurement
technologies. BSEE review shows that
using the standards contained in these
documents will not impose significant
additional costs on the offshore oil and
gas industry.
A summary of BSEE’s review of the
documents is provided below:
• AGA Report No. 7—Measurement
of Natural Gas by Turbine Meters;
Revised February 2006:
This standard applies to the
installation, calibration, and operation
of axial-flow turbine flow meters for
measurement of natural gas, typically 2inch and larger bore diameter, in which
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the entire gas stream flows through the
meter rotor. Typical applications
include measuring single-phase gas flow
found in production, process,
transmission, storage, distribution, and
end-use gas measurement systems.
• AGA Report No. 9—Measurement
of Gas by Multipath Ultrasonic Meters;
Second Edition, April 2007:
This standard describes the optimum
conditions and best practices for
multipath ultrasonic transit-time flow
meters used for the measurement of
natural gas. Multipath ultrasonic meters
have at least two independent pairs of
measuring transducers (acoustic paths).
Typical applications include measuring
the flow of gas through production
facilities, transmission pipelines,
storage facilities, distribution systems,
and large end-use customer meter sets.
BSEE currently requires multipath
ultrasonic meters used for gas royalty or
allocation measurement to contain at
least three independent pairs of
measuring transducers, and that
requirement remains unchanged.
• AGA Report No. 10—Speed of
Sound in Natural Gas and Other
Related Hydrocarbon Gases; January
2003:
This standard contains information
for computation of the speed of sound
in natural gas and other related
hydrocarbon gases. Procedures are
included for computation of several
related gas properties, including heat
capacity, enthalpy, and the critical flow
coefficient for sonic nozzles.
• API MPMS Chapter 4—Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards
Chapter 4—Proving Systems, Section
8—Operation of Proving Systems; First
Edition, November 1995; Reaffirmed
March 2007:
This standard provides information
on operating meter provers in singlephase liquid hydrocarbons, though
much of the information provided is
applicable to other fluids. It is intended
for use as a reference manual for
operating proving systems.
• API MPMS Chapter 5—Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards
Chapter 5—Metering, Section 6—
Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons
by Coriolis Meters; First Edition, October
2002; Reaffirmed March 2008:
This standard is applicable to custody
transfer applications for liquid
hydrocarbons. Topics covered are:
Æ Applicable API standards used in
the operation of Coriolis meters;
Æ Proving and verification using both
mass and volume-based methods; and
Æ Installation, operation, and
maintenance.
The mass and volume-based
calculation procedures for proving and
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quantity determination are included in
this document. Additionally, the
Coriolis meter is capable of
simultaneously determining density;
however, this document does not
address its use as a stand-alone
densitometer.
• API MPMS Chapter 5—Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards
Chapter 5—Metering, Section 8—
Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons
by Ultrasonic Flow Meters Using Transit
Time Technology; First Edition,
February 2005:
This standard defines the application
criteria for Ultrasonic Flow Meters
(UFMs) and addresses the appropriate
considerations regarding the liquids to
be measured. Also, this document
addresses the installation, operation,
and maintenance of UFMs in liquid
hydrocarbon service. This standard
pertains only to spool type, two-or
more-path ultrasonic flow meters with
permanently affixed transducer
assemblies. While this document was
specifically written for custody transfer
measurement, other acceptable
applications may include allocation
measurement, check meter
measurement, and leak detection
measurement.
• API MPMS Chapter 11—Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards
Chapter 11—Physical Properties Data,
Section 1—Temperature and Pressure
Volume Correction Factors for
Generalized Crude Oils, Refined
Products, and Lubricating Oils; May
2004; Addendum 1, September 2007:
This standard provides the algorithm
and implementation procedure for the
correction of temperature and pressure
effects on density and volume of liquid
hydrocarbons which fall within the
categories of crude oil, refined products,
or lubricating oils. Natural gas liquids
and liquid petroleum gases are excluded
from this standard. The combination of
density and volume correction factors
for both temperature and pressure is
collectively referred to in this standard
as a Correction for Temperature and
Pressure of a Liquid. The temperature
portion of this correction is termed the
Correction for the effect of Temperature
on Liquid, also historically known as
Volume Correction Factor. The pressure
portion is termed the Correction for the
effect of Pressure on Liquid.
• API MPMS Chapter 12—Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards
Chapter 12—Calculation of Petroleum
Quantities, Section 2—Calculation of
Petroleum Quantities Using Dynamic
Measurement Methods and Volumetric
Correction Factors, Part 3—Proving
Reports; First Edition, October 1998;
Reaffirmed 2009:
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This standard provides standardized
calculation methods for the
determination of meter factors under
defined conditions, regardless of the
point of origin or destination or units of
measure required by governmental
customs or statute. The criteria
contained here will allow different
entities using various computer
languages on different computer
hardware (or by manual calculations) to
arrive at identical results using the same
standardized input data. This document
also specifies the equations for
computing correction factors, including
the calculation sequence, discrimination
levels, and rules for rounding to be
employed in the calculations. No
deviations from these specified
equations are permitted, since the intent
of this document is to establish a
rigorous standard.
• API MPMS Chapter 12—Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards
Chapter 12—Calculation of Petroleum
Quantities, Section 2—Calculation of
Petroleum Quantities Using Dynamic
Measurement Methods and Volumetric
Correction Factors, Part 4—Calculation
of Base Prover Volumes by the
Waterdraw Method; First Edition,
December 1997; Reaffirmed 2009:
This standard provides standardized
calculation methods for the
quantification of liquids and the
determination of base prover volumes
under defined conditions, regardless of
the point of origin or destination or
units of measure required by
governmental organizations. The criteria
contained in this document allow
different individuals, using various
computer languages on different
computer hardware (or manual
calculations), to arrive at identical
results using the same standardized
input data. Part 4 of this standard
discusses the calculation procedures for
the waterdraw calibration method. It is
important to point out that this
publication specifies the equations for
computing correction factors, rules for
rounding, the sequence of the
calculations, and discrimination levels
of all numbers to be used in these
calculations. No deviations from these
specifications are permitted since the
intent of this document is to serve as a
rigorous standard.
• API MPMS, Chapter 21—Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards
Chapter 21—Flow Measurement Using
Electronic Metering Systems, Section
2—Electronic Liquid Volume
Measurement Using Positive
Displacement and Turbine Meters; First
Edition, June 1998:
This standard provides guidance for
effective utilization of electronic liquid
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measurement systems for custody
transfer measurement of liquid
hydrocarbons. The guidance applies to
systems using turbine or positive
displacement meters. The procedures
and techniques discussed in the
document are recommended for use
with new measurement applications.
Liquid measurement using existing
equipment and techniques not in
compliance with this standard may have
a higher uncertainty than liquid
measurement based on the
recommendations contained in this
document.
• API MPMS Chapter 21—Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards
Chapter 21—Flow Measurement Using
Electronic Metering Systems,
Addendum to Section 2—Flow
Measurement Using Electronic Metering
Systems, Inferred Mass; First Edition,
August 2000; Reaffirmed February 2006:
This standard specifically covers
inferred mass measurement systems
utilizing flow computers as the tertiary
flow calculation device and either
turbine or displacement-type meters,
working with on-line density meters, as
the primary measurement devices. The
procedures and techniques discussed in
this document are required for use with
new measurement applications. Liquid
measurement using existing equipment
and techniques not in compliance with
this standard may have a higher
uncertainty than liquid measurement
based on the recommendations
contained in this document.
• API RP 86, API Recommended
Practice for Measurement of Multiphase
Flow; First Edition, September 2005:
This recommended practice addresses
how the user measures (multiphase)
flow rates of oil, gas, water, and any
other fluids that are present in the
effluent stream. This recommended
practice requires the definition not only
of the methodology that is to be
employed, but also the provision of
evidence that this methodology will
produce a quality measurement in the
intended environment. It is intended
that this recommended practice be used
in conjunction with other similar
documents to guide the user toward
good measurement practice in upstream
hydrocarbon production applications.
The term ‘‘upstream’’ refers to those
measurement points prior to, but not
including, the custody transfer point.
Comments on the Proposed Rule
On November 26, 2010, the former
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE)
published a rule proposing to
incorporate 15 additional production
measurement industry standards into
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the regulations governing oil, gas, and
sulphur operations in the Outer
Continental Shelf (75 FR 72761). The
public comment period ended on
January 25, 2011. BOEMRE received
only two sets of comments on the
proposed rule; one set from API, the
other set was consolidated comments
from the API, International Association
of Drilling Contractors, Independent
Petroleum Association of America,
National Ocean Industries Association,
Offshore Operators Committee, and US
Oil and Gas Association. Some of the
comments raised issues related to
another rulemaking; those issues are not
included in the discussion of comments
on this rulemaking. You may view these
comments on BSEE’s Web site at: https://
www.BSEE.gov/federalregister/
2010.htm.
Discussion of Comments
Comment: API’s standards
committees comply with the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI)approved procedures for standards
development which, among other
things, require API standards to be
reviewed every five years. The comment
stated that API acknowledges that the
proposed rule refers to the latest
editions of the API standards listed in
the proposed rule. API further
commented, ‘‘However, we would like
to point out that a number of these
standards are under revision, consistent
with API’s ANSI-approved procedures
for standards development. As a result,
new or revised editions will likely be
published before the end of the year for
a number of standards cited in the
proposed rule, including:
API MPMS Chapter 4.8 Operation of
Proving Systems;
API MPMS Chapter 5.8
Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons
by Ultrasonic Flow Meters Using Transit
Time Technology;
API RP 86 Recommended Practice
for Measurement of Multiphase Flow (to
be replaced by API MPMS Chapter 20.3
Measurement of Multiphase Flow).’’
Response: New or revised editions of
the standards cited by API may be
considered for possible incorporation
either in whole or in part into BSEE’s
regulations at the appropriate time. Of
the documents suggested for
incorporation, only the new edition of
API MPMS Chapter 5.8 has been
published; the other documents are still
under development. API MPMS Chapter
5.8 was recently released and BSEE is
reviewing to determine if it wants to
incorporate it in the future. BSEE will
review revised or new standards when
they are released and will prepare a
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking if it
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decides to incorporate any or all of these
three new editions. However, BSEE does
not believe it is in the best interest of
either the government or the industry to
delay this rulemaking to incorporate the
one recently released new standard or to
wait for the publication of the other
standards. Therefore, BSEE will move
forward with the incorporation by
reference of 12 additional standards in
the form that they existed at the time
BSEE completed its review of the
standards for purposes of this Final
Rule. These standards will result in
more accurate and efficient
measurement of oil and gas production
in the OCS.
Comment: API asked BSEE to clarify
the intent of the new 30 CFR
250.198(a)(3), promulgated as part of an
Interim Final Rule, Increased Safety
Measures for Energy Development on
the Outer Continental Shelf, published
on October 14, 2010 (75 FR 63346) and
requested that BSEE give additional
clarification on what is actually
intended by the provision presented in
that rule at 30 CFR 250.198(a)(3), and
what is required.
Response: This comment is beyond
the scope of this rulemaking. The
revised language was published in
another proposed rule and BSEE will
address this comment when that final
rule is published.
Availability of Incorporated Documents
for Public Viewing
When a copyrighted technical
industry standard is incorporated by
reference into the agency’s regulations,
BSEE is obligated to observe and protect
that copyright. BSEE provides members
of the public with Web site addresses
where these standards may be accessed
for viewing—sometimes for free and
sometimes for a fee. The decision to
charge a fee is made by the standarddeveloping organization. API provides
free online public access to 160 key
industry standards, including a broad
range of technical standards. The
standards represent almost one-third of
all API standards and include all that
are safety-related or have been
incorporated into Federal regulations,
including the standards in this rule, as
of the effective date. The newly
accessible standards will be available
for review online, and hardcopies and
printable versions will continue to be
available for purchase. BSEE is
incorporating both API and AGA
standards. The addresses to these Web
site locations are:
API Standard/Document Contact IHS
at 1–800–854–7179 or 303–397–7956
Local and International, https://
www.global.ihs.com; and AGA
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Standard/Document 1–800–699–9277
Toll free in US & Canada https://
www.techstreet.com/contact.tmpl. You
may view or purchase these API
documents at: https://www.api.org/.
For the convenience of the viewing
public who may not wish to purchase or
view these final documents online, they
may be inspected at the Bureau of Safety
and Environmental Enforcement, 381
Elden Street, Room 3313, Herndon,
Virginia 20170; phone: 703–787–1587;
or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202–741–6030,
or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
These documents, now incorporated
in the final rule, will continue to be
made available to the public for viewing
when requested. Specific information
on where these documents can be
inspected or purchased can be found at
30 CFR 250.198, Documents
Incorporated by Reference.
Procedural Matters
Regulatory Planning and Review
(Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
This final rule is not a significant rule
as determined by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) and is
not subject to review under E.O. 12866.
This final rule:
(1) Will not have an annual effect of
$100 million or more on the economy.
It will not adversely affect in a material
way the economy, productivity,
competition, jobs, the environment,
public health or safety, or State, local,
or tribal governments or communities.
The primary purpose of this final rule
is to add the most current and updated
measurement standards so that lessees
use new measurement technology. BSEE
believes that these additional standards
will not result in any significant
additional costs. The benefits of the
final changes in this rule justify the
negligible cost incurred by the offshore
oil and gas industry. The cost to the
industry in most cases will be minor
equipment modification or replacement,
some additional training and the
purchase price of these documents.
Compliance with the standards in the
editions of these documents
incorporated by reference will assure
the use of the best available and most
accurate measurement technologies for
operations on the OCS.
(2) Will not create a serious
inconsistency or otherwise interfere
with an action taken or planned by
another agency because it does not
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affect the work of other agencies or
hinder other agencies from taking
action.
(3) Will not materially alter the
budgetary effects or entitlements, grants,
user fees, or loan programs or the rights
or obligations of their recipients.
(4) Will not raise novel, legal, or
policy issues arising out of legal
mandates, the President’s priorities, or
the principles set forth in E.O. 12866.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the
principles of E.O. 12866 while calling
for improvements in the nation’s
regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty,
and to use the best, most innovative,
and least burdensome tools for
achieving regulatory ends. The
executive order directs agencies to
consider regulatory approaches that
reduce burdens and maintain flexibility
and freedom of choice for the public
where these approaches are relevant,
feasible, and consistent with regulatory
objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes
further that regulations must be based
on the best available science and that
the rulemaking process must allow for
public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. This final rule has
been developed in a manner consistent
with these requirements.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Department of the Interior
certifies that this final rule will not have
a significant economic effect on a
substantial number of small entities
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
This final rule will affect lessees and
operators of oil and gas leases in the
OCS. This includes approximately 130
active Federal oil and gas lessees.
Lessees that conduct business under
this rule are coded under the Small
Business Administration’s (SBA) North
American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) codes 211111, Crude
Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction,
and 213111, Drilling Oil and Gas Wells.
For these NAICS code classifications, a
small company is defined as one with
fewer than 500 employees. BSEE
estimates that approximately 70 percent
of the 130 lessees and operators that
explore for and produce oil and gas on
the OCS meet the definition of a small
company. This rule, which will
incorporate 15 additional standards,
will not have a significant economic
effect on a substantial number of small
companies because the newly
incorporated standards will not impose
significant costs or burdens on any
lessees or operators. Therefore, the
primary economic effect of this rule on
small business will be the nominal cost
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associated with the purchase of the
standards.
Your comments are important. The
Small Business and Agriculture
Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman
and 10 Regional Fairness Boards were
established to receive comments from
small businesses about Federal agency
enforcement actions. The Ombudsman
will annually evaluate the enforcement
activities and rate each agency’s
responsiveness to small business. If you
wish to comment on the actions of
BSEE, call 1–888–734–3247. You may
comment to the Small Business
Administration without fear of
retaliation. Allegations of
discrimination/retaliation filed with the
Small Business Administration will be
investigated for appropriate action.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act
The final rule is not a major rule
under the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act (5 U.S.C. 801
et seq.). This final rule:
a. Will not have an annual effect on
the economy of $100 million or more.
b. Will not cause a major increase in
costs or prices for consumers,
individual industries, Federal, State, or
local government agencies, or
geographic regions. The cost to comply
with the rule will virtually be the same
as current requirements.
c. Will not have a significant adverse
effect on competition, employment,
investment, productivity, innovation, or
ability of U.S.-based enterprises to
compete with foreign-based enterprises.
The requirements will apply to all
entities operating on the OCS.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of
1995
This final rule will not impose an
unfunded mandate on State, local, or
tribal governments or the private sector
of more than $100 million per year. The
final rule will not have a significant or
unique effect on State, local, or tribal
governments or the private sector. A
statement containing the information
required by the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) is not
required.
Takings Implication Assessment (E.O.
12630)
Under the criteria in E.O. 12630, this
final rule does not have significant
takings implications. The final rule is
not a governmental action capable of
interference with constitutionally
protected property rights. A Takings
Implication Assessment is not required.
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Federalism (E.O. 13132)
Under the criteria in E.O. 13132, this
final rule does not have federalism
implications. This final rule will not
substantially and directly affect the
relationship between the Federal and
State governments. To the extent that
State and local governments have a role
in OCS activities, this final rule will not
affect that role. A Federalism
Assessment is not required.
Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
This rule complies with the
requirements of E.O. 12988.
Specifically, this rule:
(a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a)
requiring that all regulations be
reviewed to eliminate errors and
ambiguity and be written to minimize
litigation; and
(b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2)
requiring that all regulations be written
in clear language and contain clear legal
standards.
Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O.
13175)
Under the criteria in E.O. 13175, we
have evaluated this final rule and
determined that it has no potential
effects on federally recognized Indian
tribes. There are no Indian or tribal
lands in the OCS. Nor are tribally
owned businesses subject to the
regulation.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The final revisions do not contain any
information collection subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44
U.S.C. 3501 et. seq.); therefore, a
submission to OMB for review and
approval is not required.
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (NEPA)
This final rule does not constitute a
major Federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human
environment. BSEE has analyzed this
final rule under the criteria of NEPA
and 43 CFR part 46. This final rule
meets the criteria set forth in 43 CFR
46.210(i) for a Departmental
‘‘Categorical Exclusion’’ in that this
final rule is ‘‘* * * of an administrative,
financial, legal, technical, or procedural
nature * * *.’’ This final rule also
meets the criteria set forth in 516
Departmental Manual 15.4(C)(1) for a
BSEE ‘‘Categorical Exclusion’’ in that its
impacts are limited to administrative,
economic or technological effects. We
have also determined that the rule does
not involve any of the extraordinary
circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215
that will require further analysis under
NEPA.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
Data Quality Act
In developing this rule, BSEE did not
conduct or use a study, experiment, or
survey requiring peer review under the
Data Quality Act (Pub. L. 106–554, app.
C § 515, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–153–
154).
Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O.
13211)
This rule is not a significant energy
action under the definition in E.O.
13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is
not required.
List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 250
Continental shelf, Incorporation by
reference, Public lands—mineral
resources, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: March 16, 2012.
Marcilynn A. Burke,
Acting Assistant Secretary—Land and
Minerals Management.
For the reasons stated in the
preamble, BSEE proposes to amend 30
CFR part 250 as follows:
PART 250—OIL AND GAS AND
SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE
OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF
1. The authority citation for part 250
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334.
2. Amend § 250.198 by:
a. Removing paragraph (h)(75) and
redesignating (h)(76) through (h)(80) as
(h)(75) through (h)(79); and
■ b. Adding paragraphs (h)(80) through
(h)(88) and (l) to read as follows:
■
■
§ 250.198 Documents incorporated by
reference.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
*
*
*
*
*
(h) * * *
(80) API Manual of Petroleum
Measurement Standards (MPMS)
Chapter 4—Proving Systems, Section
8—Operation of Proving Systems; First
Edition, reaffirmed March 2007;
incorporated by reference at
§ 250.1202(a)(2), (a)(3), (f)(1), and (g);
(81) API Manual of Petroleum
Measurement Standards (MPMS)
Chapter 5—Metering, Section 6—
Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons
by Coriolis Meters; First Edition,
reaffirmed March 2008; incorporated by
reference at § 250.1202(a)(2) and (3);
(82) API Manual of Petroleum
Measurement Standards (MPMS)
Chapter 5—Metering, Section 8—
Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons
by Ultrasonic Flow Meters Using Transit
Time Technology; First Edition,
February 2005; incorporated by
reference at § 250.1202(a)(2) and (3);
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(83) API Manual of Petroleum
Measurement Standards (MPMS)
Chapter 11—Physical Properties Data,
Section 1—Temperature and Pressure
Volume Correction Factors for
Generalized Crude Oils, Refined
Products, and Lubricating Oils; May
2004, (incorporating Addendum 1,
September 2007); incorporated by
reference at § 250.1202(a)(2), (a)(3), (g),
and (l)(4);
(84) API Manual of Petroleum
Measurement Standards (MPMS)
Chapter 12—Calculation of Petroleum
Quantities, Section 2—Calculation of
Petroleum Quantities Using Dynamic
Measurement Methods and Volumetric
Correction Factors, Part 3—Proving
Reports; First Edition, reaffirmed 2009;
incorporated by reference at
§ 250.1202(a)(2), (a)(3), and (g);
(85) API Manual of Petroleum
Measurement Standards (MPMS)
Chapter 12—Calculation of Petroleum
Quantities, Section 2—Calculation of
Petroleum Quantities Using Dynamic
Measurement Methods and Volumetric
Correction Factors, Part 4—Calculation
of Base Prover Volumes by the
Waterdraw Method, First Edition,
reaffirmed 2009; incorporated by
reference at § 250.1202(a)(2), (a)(3),
(f)(1), and (g);
(86) API Manual of Petroleum
Measurement Standards (MPMS)
Chapter 21—Flow Measurement Using
Electronic Metering Systems, Section
2—Electronic Liquid Volume
Measurement Using Positive
Displacement and Turbine Meters; First
Edition, June 1998; incorporated by
reference at § 250.1202(a)(2);
(87) API Manual of Petroleum
Measurement Standards Chapter 21—
Flow Measurement Using Electronic
Metering Systems, Addendum to
Section 2—Flow Measurement Using
Electronic Metering Systems, Inferred
Mass; First Edition, reaffirmed February
2006; incorporated by reference at
§ 250.1202(a)(2);
(88) API RP 86, API Recommended
Practice for Measurement of Multiphase
Flow; First Edition, September 2005;
incorporated by reference at
§ 250.1202(a)(2), (a)(3), and
§ 250.1203(b)(2).
*
*
*
*
*
(l) American Gas Association (AGA
Reports), 400 North Capitol Street, NW.,
Suite 450, Washington, DC 20001,
https://www.aga.org; phone: 202–824–
7000;
(1) AGA Report No. 7—Measurement
of Natural Gas by Turbine Meters;
Revised February 2006; incorporated by
reference at § 250.1203(b)(2);
(2) AGA Report No. 9—Measurement
of Gas by Multipath Ultrasonic Meters;
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Frm 00015
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18921
Second Edition, April 2007;
incorporated by reference at
§ 250.1203(b)(2);
(3) AGA Report No. 10—Speed of
Sound in Natural Gas and Other Related
Hydrocarbon Gases; Copyright 2003;
incorporated by reference at
§ 250.1203(b)(2).
■ 3. In § 250.1202, revise paragraphs
(a)(2) and (3), (f)(1), (g) introductory text
and (g)(1) through (4), and (l)(4) to read
as follows:
§ 250.1202 Liquid hydrocarbon
measurement.
*
*
*
*
*
(a) * * *
(2) Use measurement equipment and
procedures that will accurately measure
the liquid hydrocarbons produced from
a lease or unit to comply with the
following additional API MPMS
industry standards or API RP:
(i) API MPMS, Chapter 4, Section 8
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(ii) API MPMS, Chapter 5, Section 6
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(iii) API MPMS, Chapter 5, Section 8
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(iv) API MPMS, Chapter 11, Section 1
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(v) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2,
Part 3 (incorporated by reference as
specified in § 250.198);
(vi) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2,
Part 4 (incorporated by reference as
specified in § 250.198);
(vii) API MPMS, Chapter 21, Section
2 (incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(viii) API MPMS, Chapter 21,
Addendum to Section 2 (incorporated
by reference as specified in § 250.198);
(ix) API RP 86 (incorporated by
reference as specified in § 250.198);
(3) Use procedures and correction
factors according to the applicable
chapters of the API MPMS or RP as
incorporated by reference in 30 CFR
250.198, including the following
additional editions:
(i) API MPMS, Chapter 4, Section 8
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(ii) API MPMS, Chapter 5, Section 6
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(iii) API MPMS, Chapter 5, Section 8
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(iv) API MPMS Chapter 11, Section 1
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(v) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2,
Part 3 (incorporated by reference as
specified in § 250.198);
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
(vi) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2,
Part 4 (incorporated by reference as
specified in § 250.198);
(vii) API RP 86 (incorporated by
reference as specified in § 250.198);
when obtaining net standard volume
and associated measurement
parameters; and
*
*
*
*
*
(f) * * *
(1) Calibrate mechanical-displacement
provers and tank provers at least once
every 5 years according to the API
MPMS as incorporated by reference in
30 CFR 250.198, including the following
additional editions:
(i) API MPMS, Chapter 4, Section 8
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(ii) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2,
Part 4 (incorporated by reference as
specified in § 250.198);
*
*
*
*
*
(g) * * * Calculate the following
correction factors using the API MPMS
as referenced in 30 CFR 250.198,
including the following additional
editions:
(1) API MPMS, Chapter 4, Section 8
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(2) API MPMS Chapter 11, Section 1
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198);
(3) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2,
Part 3 (incorporated by reference as
specified in § 250.198);
(4) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2,
Part 4 (incorporated by reference as
specified in § 250.198);
*
*
*
*
*
(l) * * *
(4) Obtain the volume and other
measurement parameters by using
corrections factors and procedures in
the API MPMS as incorporated by
reference in 30 CFR 250.198, including:
API MPMS Chapter 11, Section 1
(incorporated by reference as specified
in § 250.198).
■ 4. Revise § 250.1203(b)(2) to read as
follows:
§ 250.1203
Gas measurement.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(2) Design, install, use, maintain, and
test measurement equipment and
procedures to ensure accurate and
verifiable measurement. You must
follow the recommendations in API
MPMS or RP and AGA as incorporated
by reference in 30 CFR 250.198,
including the following additional
editions:
(i) API RP 86 (incorporated by
reference as specified in § 250.198);
(ii) AGA Report No. 7 (incorporated
by reference as specified in § 250.198);
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(iii) AGA Report No. 9 (incorporated
by reference as specified in § 250.198);
(iv) AGA Report No. 10 (incorporated
by reference as specified in § 250.198);
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2012–7324 Filed 3–28–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–VH–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R03–OAR–2011–0818; FRL–9654–1]
Approval and Promulgation of Air
Quality Implementation Plans;
Pennsylvania; Determinations of Clean
Data for the 2006 24-Hour Fine
Particulate Standard for the
Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle-York,
Allentown, Johnstown, and Lancaster
Nonattainment Areas
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
EPA is making a final
determination regarding the HarrisburgLebanon-Carlisle-York, Allentown,
Johnstown, and Lancaster
nonattainment areas (hereafter referred
to as ‘‘Areas’’) for the 24-hour 2006 fine
particulate matter (PM2.5) national
ambient air quality standard (NAAQS).
EPA is determining that the Areas have
clean data for the 24-hour 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS. These determinations are
based upon complete, quality-assured,
quality-controlled, and certified ambient
air monitoring data showing that these
Areas have monitored attainment of the
24-hour 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS based on
the 2008–2010 data in EPA’s Air Quality
System (AQS) database. EPA’s
determinations relieve these Areas from
the requirements to submit an
attainment demonstration, associated
reasonably available control measures, a
reasonable further progress plan,
contingency measures, and other
planning State Implementation Plans
(SIPs) related to attainment of the
standard for so long as these Areas
continue to meet the 24-hour 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS.
DATES: Effective Date: This final rule is
effective on April 30, 2012.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket ID
Number EPA–R03–OAR–2011–0818. All
documents in the docket are listed in
the www.regulations.gov Web site.
Although listed in the electronic docket,
some information is not publicly
available, i.e., confidential business
information (CBI) or other information
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
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whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as
copyrighted material, is not placed on
the Internet and will be publicly
available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are
available either electronically through
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy for
public inspection during normal
business hours at the Air Protection
Division, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Irene Shandruk, (215) 814–2166, or by
email at shandruk.irene@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Throughout this document whenever
‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean
EPA.
I. What action is EPA taking?
II. What is the effect of this action?
III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. What action is EPA taking?
EPA is making final determinations
that the Harrisburg-Lebanon-CarlisleYork, Allentown, Johnstown, and
Lancaster nonattainment areas have
clean data for the 24-hour 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS. These determinations are
based upon complete, quality-assured,
quality-controlled, and certified ambient
air monitoring data showing that these
Areas have monitored attainment of the
2006 PM2.5 NAAQS based on the 2008–
2010 monitoring data.
On January 20, 2012 (77 FR 2941),
EPA proposed determinations of clean
data for the Harrisburg-LebanonCarlisle-York, Allentown, Johnstown,
and Lancaster nonattainment areas. A
discussion of the rationale behind these
determinations and the effect of these
determinations were included in the
notice of proposed rulemaking. EPA
received no comments on this notice of
proposed rulemaking.
II. What is the effect of this action?
Under the provisions of EPA’s PM2.5
implementation rule (See 40 CFR
51.1004(c)), the requirements for the
Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle-York,
Allentown, Johnstown, and Lancaster
nonattainment areas to submit an
attainment demonstration and
associated reasonably available control
measures (including reasonably
available control technology), a
reasonable further progress plan,
contingency measures, and any other
planning SIPs related to attainment of
the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS are suspended
for so long as the Areas continue to meet
the 24-hour 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. If EPA
subsequently determines that these
Areas violate the 24-hour 2006 PM2.5
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]]>Agencies
- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
- Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18916-18922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7324]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
30 CFR Part 250
[Docket ID BSEE-2012-0003]
RIN 1014-AA01
Production Measurement Documents Incorporated by Reference
AGENCY: Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE),
Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: BSEE is establishing a final rule to incorporate by reference
12 additional production measurement industry standards into the
regulations governing oil, gas, and sulphur operations in the Outer
Continental Shelf. Incorporation of these production measurement
standards provides industry with up-to-date standards for measuring oil
and gas production volumes. This rule will result in more accurate and
efficient measurement of oil and gas production.
DATES: Effective Date: This final rule becomes effective on May 29,
2012. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May
29, 2012.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wilbon Rhome, Regulations and
Standards Branch, at Wilbon.Rhome@BSEE.gov, 703-787-1587.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Final Rule falls under the authority of
BSEE and as such, new Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) and Docket ID
numbers were assigned to this rulemaking. The new RIN for this Final
Rule is 1014-AA01, will replace RIN 1010-AD53 from the proposed rule.
The Docket is now BSEE-2012-0003, replacing BOEM-2010-0033.
BSEE uses standards, specifications, and recommended practices
developed by standard-setting organizations and the oil and gas
industry as a means of establishing requirements for activities in the
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This practice, known as incorporation by
reference, allows BSEE to incorporate the requirements of technical
documents into the regulations at 30 CFR 250.198 without increasing the
volume of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
The regulations found at 1 CFR part 51 govern how BSEE and other
Federal agencies incorporate by reference the requirements found in
various documents. Agencies can incorporate by reference only through
publication in the Federal Register. Agencies must also obtain approval
from the Director of the Federal Register for each publication
incorporated by reference. Incorporation by reference of a document or
publication is limited to the edition of the document or publication
cited in the regulations. Accordingly, newer editions, amendments, or
revisions to documents already incorporated by reference in regulations
are not part of BSEE regulations.
In some cases, BSEE may not agree with a standard or a specific
section in a standard. As a result, a standard may not be included in
the regulations at all or only a portion may be included.
Why Technical Standards Are Important
Industry standards incorporated in BSEE regulations are invaluable
for a variety of reasons. In some instances they enable us to avoid
unnecessarily detailed regulations. They have helped us to evolve from
a regulatory process that reacts to inadequacies in OCS operations to a
more orderly process that recognizes technical innovation and
progressive ideas aimed at improving performance, safety, and
efficiencies. Industry standards are also important because the law
mandates their use by Federal agencies under certain circumstances.
Legal and Policy Mandates
Legal and Policy mandates to Federal agencies, including BSEE, to
use industry standards include the following:
In October 1993, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
issued a revised Circular A-119 entitled, ``Federal Participation in
the Development and Use of Voluntary Standards''. This Circular
established the policy for participation by Federal employees in the
development of technical standards and the use of voluntary standards
by Federal agencies.
In March 1996, President Clinton codified this OMB policy
into Federal
[[Page 18917]]
law when he signed the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
(NTTAA). This Act requires Federal agencies to achieve greater reliance
on technical standards developed or adopted by voluntary consensus
bodies, that are consistent with the agency's mission, with lessened
dependence on in-house regulations.
A final revision of OMB Circular A-119 was issued
effective February 19, 1998. The Circular now directs agencies to use
voluntary consensus standards in lieu of government-unique standards
except where inconsistent with law or otherwise impractical. The
policies in this Circular are intended to reduce to a minimum the
reliance by agencies on government-unique standards.
Summary of Documents Incorporated by Reference in This Rule
BSEE is incorporating the requirements found in 12 measurement
documents (nine American Petroleum Institute (API) and three American
Gas Association (AGA) documents) to add the most current and updated
measurement standards to provide industry with up-to-date guidance for
measurement technology. The incorporation of these additional standards
will promote the use of the best available and most accurate
measurement technologies while operating in the OCS.
Measurement documents were chosen for incorporation into the
regulations based on the latest technological advances introduced in
these standards and highlighted in the synopsis below. BSEE, with the
cooperation of independent reviewers from industry and academia,
reviewed and commented on the contents of these documents in the course
of their development. To ensure as consistent an approach as possible
to onshore and offshore oil and gas measurement regulations the
Department of the Interior's Gas and Oil Measurement Team (GOMT)
reviewed the standards proposed for incorporation in this final rule.
The GOMT, composed of BLM and BSEE oil and gas measurement experts, was
established in August 2010 to provide technical and regulatory
expertise to help ensure that oil and gas produced from Federal and
Indian leases are accurately measured and properly reported and to
provide greater regulatory consistency within the Department where
possible.
Based on its review, BSEE determined that three of the standards in
the proposed rule would not be included in this final rule. These
standards may be further considered in subsequent rulemakings. The
following three API standards are not included in this Final Rule
because they are generally not applicable to offshore operations:
API MPMS Chapter 2.2E--Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum
Products--Calibration of Horizontal Cylindrical Tanks-Part 1: Manual
Methods, First Edition, April 2004, ISO 12917-1: 2002 (Identical),
Petroleum and liquid petroleum products--Calibration of horizontal
cylindrical tanks--Part 1: Manual methods;
API MPMS Chapter 2.2F--Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum
Products--Calibration of Horizontal Cylindrical Tanks--Part 2: Internal
Electro-optical Distance-Ranging Method, First Edition, April 2004, ISO
12917-2:2002 (Identical), Petroleum and liquid petroleum products--
Calibration of horizontal cylindrical tanks--Part 2: Internal electro-
optical distance-ranging method; and
API MPMS Chapter 12--Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards Chapter 12--Calculation of Petroleum Quantities, Section 2--
Calculation of Petroleum Quantities Using Dynamic Measurement Methods
and Volumetric Correction Factors, Part 5--Calculation of Base Prover
Volume by Master Meter Method; First Edition, September 2001;
Reaffirmed October 2006.
BSEE regularly participates in the reviews, revisions, and updates
of standards to determine if additional versions should be incorporated
into our regulations. Additions may be necessary because of changes in
technology, environmental concerns, or operational incidents or trends
in industry. Also, BSEE may request that a standard-writing body
develop a new standard based on incident analysis or due to the
introduction of new exploration or production techniques or new
technologies.
BSEE has reviewed the following requirements in the nine documents
discussed below and has decided to incorporate the documents into the
regulations at 30 CFR part 250 to ensure that industry uses the best
available and most accurate measurement technologies. BSEE review shows
that using the standards contained in these documents will not impose
significant additional costs on the offshore oil and gas industry.
A summary of BSEE's review of the documents is provided below:
AGA Report No. 7--Measurement of Natural Gas by Turbine
Meters; Revised February 2006:
This standard applies to the installation, calibration, and
operation of axial-flow turbine flow meters for measurement of natural
gas, typically 2-inch and larger bore diameter, in which the entire gas
stream flows through the meter rotor. Typical applications include
measuring single-phase gas flow found in production, process,
transmission, storage, distribution, and end-use gas measurement
systems.
AGA Report No. 9--Measurement of Gas by Multipath
Ultrasonic Meters; Second Edition, April 2007:
This standard describes the optimum conditions and best practices
for multipath ultrasonic transit-time flow meters used for the
measurement of natural gas. Multipath ultrasonic meters have at least
two independent pairs of measuring transducers (acoustic paths).
Typical applications include measuring the flow of gas through
production facilities, transmission pipelines, storage facilities,
distribution systems, and large end-use customer meter sets. BSEE
currently requires multipath ultrasonic meters used for gas royalty or
allocation measurement to contain at least three independent pairs of
measuring transducers, and that requirement remains unchanged.
AGA Report No. 10--Speed of Sound in Natural Gas and Other
Related Hydrocarbon Gases; January 2003:
This standard contains information for computation of the speed of
sound in natural gas and other related hydrocarbon gases. Procedures
are included for computation of several related gas properties,
including heat capacity, enthalpy, and the critical flow coefficient
for sonic nozzles.
API MPMS Chapter 4--Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards Chapter 4--Proving Systems, Section 8--Operation of Proving
Systems; First Edition, November 1995; Reaffirmed March 2007:
This standard provides information on operating meter provers in
single-phase liquid hydrocarbons, though much of the information
provided is applicable to other fluids. It is intended for use as a
reference manual for operating proving systems.
API MPMS Chapter 5--Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards Chapter 5--Metering, Section 6--Measurement of Liquid
Hydrocarbons by Coriolis Meters; First Edition, October 2002;
Reaffirmed March 2008:
This standard is applicable to custody transfer applications for
liquid hydrocarbons. Topics covered are:
[cir] Applicable API standards used in the operation of Coriolis
meters;
[cir] Proving and verification using both mass and volume-based
methods; and
[cir] Installation, operation, and maintenance.
The mass and volume-based calculation procedures for proving and
[[Page 18918]]
quantity determination are included in this document. Additionally, the
Coriolis meter is capable of simultaneously determining density;
however, this document does not address its use as a stand-alone
densitometer.
API MPMS Chapter 5--Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards Chapter 5--Metering, Section 8--Measurement of Liquid
Hydrocarbons by Ultrasonic Flow Meters Using Transit Time Technology;
First Edition, February 2005:
This standard defines the application criteria for Ultrasonic Flow
Meters (UFMs) and addresses the appropriate considerations regarding
the liquids to be measured. Also, this document addresses the
installation, operation, and maintenance of UFMs in liquid hydrocarbon
service. This standard pertains only to spool type, two-or more-path
ultrasonic flow meters with permanently affixed transducer assemblies.
While this document was specifically written for custody transfer
measurement, other acceptable applications may include allocation
measurement, check meter measurement, and leak detection measurement.
API MPMS Chapter 11--Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards Chapter 11--Physical Properties Data, Section 1--Temperature
and Pressure Volume Correction Factors for Generalized Crude Oils,
Refined Products, and Lubricating Oils; May 2004; Addendum 1, September
2007:
This standard provides the algorithm and implementation procedure
for the correction of temperature and pressure effects on density and
volume of liquid hydrocarbons which fall within the categories of crude
oil, refined products, or lubricating oils. Natural gas liquids and
liquid petroleum gases are excluded from this standard. The combination
of density and volume correction factors for both temperature and
pressure is collectively referred to in this standard as a Correction
for Temperature and Pressure of a Liquid. The temperature portion of
this correction is termed the Correction for the effect of Temperature
on Liquid, also historically known as Volume Correction Factor. The
pressure portion is termed the Correction for the effect of Pressure on
Liquid.
API MPMS Chapter 12--Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards Chapter 12--Calculation of Petroleum Quantities, Section 2--
Calculation of Petroleum Quantities Using Dynamic Measurement Methods
and Volumetric Correction Factors, Part 3--Proving Reports; First
Edition, October 1998; Reaffirmed 2009:
This standard provides standardized calculation methods for the
determination of meter factors under defined conditions, regardless of
the point of origin or destination or units of measure required by
governmental customs or statute. The criteria contained here will allow
different entities using various computer languages on different
computer hardware (or by manual calculations) to arrive at identical
results using the same standardized input data. This document also
specifies the equations for computing correction factors, including the
calculation sequence, discrimination levels, and rules for rounding to
be employed in the calculations. No deviations from these specified
equations are permitted, since the intent of this document is to
establish a rigorous standard.
API MPMS Chapter 12--Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards Chapter 12--Calculation of Petroleum Quantities, Section 2--
Calculation of Petroleum Quantities Using Dynamic Measurement Methods
and Volumetric Correction Factors, Part 4--Calculation of Base Prover
Volumes by the Waterdraw Method; First Edition, December 1997;
Reaffirmed 2009:
This standard provides standardized calculation methods for the
quantification of liquids and the determination of base prover volumes
under defined conditions, regardless of the point of origin or
destination or units of measure required by governmental organizations.
The criteria contained in this document allow different individuals,
using various computer languages on different computer hardware (or
manual calculations), to arrive at identical results using the same
standardized input data. Part 4 of this standard discusses the
calculation procedures for the waterdraw calibration method. It is
important to point out that this publication specifies the equations
for computing correction factors, rules for rounding, the sequence of
the calculations, and discrimination levels of all numbers to be used
in these calculations. No deviations from these specifications are
permitted since the intent of this document is to serve as a rigorous
standard.
API MPMS, Chapter 21--Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards Chapter 21--Flow Measurement Using Electronic Metering
Systems, Section 2--Electronic Liquid Volume Measurement Using Positive
Displacement and Turbine Meters; First Edition, June 1998:
This standard provides guidance for effective utilization of
electronic liquid measurement systems for custody transfer measurement
of liquid hydrocarbons. The guidance applies to systems using turbine
or positive displacement meters. The procedures and techniques
discussed in the document are recommended for use with new measurement
applications. Liquid measurement using existing equipment and
techniques not in compliance with this standard may have a higher
uncertainty than liquid measurement based on the recommendations
contained in this document.
API MPMS Chapter 21--Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards Chapter 21--Flow Measurement Using Electronic Metering
Systems, Addendum to Section 2--Flow Measurement Using Electronic
Metering Systems, Inferred Mass; First Edition, August 2000; Reaffirmed
February 2006:
This standard specifically covers inferred mass measurement systems
utilizing flow computers as the tertiary flow calculation device and
either turbine or displacement-type meters, working with on-line
density meters, as the primary measurement devices. The procedures and
techniques discussed in this document are required for use with new
measurement applications. Liquid measurement using existing equipment
and techniques not in compliance with this standard may have a higher
uncertainty than liquid measurement based on the recommendations
contained in this document.
API RP 86, API Recommended Practice for Measurement of
Multiphase Flow; First Edition, September 2005:
This recommended practice addresses how the user measures
(multiphase) flow rates of oil, gas, water, and any other fluids that
are present in the effluent stream. This recommended practice requires
the definition not only of the methodology that is to be employed, but
also the provision of evidence that this methodology will produce a
quality measurement in the intended environment. It is intended that
this recommended practice be used in conjunction with other similar
documents to guide the user toward good measurement practice in
upstream hydrocarbon production applications. The term ``upstream''
refers to those measurement points prior to, but not including, the
custody transfer point.
Comments on the Proposed Rule
On November 26, 2010, the former Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) published a rule proposing to
incorporate 15 additional production measurement industry standards
into
[[Page 18919]]
the regulations governing oil, gas, and sulphur operations in the Outer
Continental Shelf (75 FR 72761). The public comment period ended on
January 25, 2011. BOEMRE received only two sets of comments on the
proposed rule; one set from API, the other set was consolidated
comments from the API, International Association of Drilling
Contractors, Independent Petroleum Association of America, National
Ocean Industries Association, Offshore Operators Committee, and US Oil
and Gas Association. Some of the comments raised issues related to
another rulemaking; those issues are not included in the discussion of
comments on this rulemaking. You may view these comments on BSEE's Web
site at: https://www.BSEE.gov/federalregister/2010.htm.
Discussion of Comments
Comment: API's standards committees comply with the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved procedures for standards
development which, among other things, require API standards to be
reviewed every five years. The comment stated that API acknowledges
that the proposed rule refers to the latest editions of the API
standards listed in the proposed rule. API further commented,
``However, we would like to point out that a number of these standards
are under revision, consistent with API's ANSI-approved procedures for
standards development. As a result, new or revised editions will likely
be published before the end of the year for a number of standards cited
in the proposed rule, including:
API MPMS Chapter 4.8 Operation of Proving Systems;
API MPMS Chapter 5.8 Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by
Ultrasonic Flow Meters Using Transit Time Technology;
API RP 86 Recommended Practice for Measurement of Multiphase Flow
(to be replaced by API MPMS Chapter 20.3 Measurement of Multiphase
Flow).''
Response: New or revised editions of the standards cited by API may
be considered for possible incorporation either in whole or in part
into BSEE's regulations at the appropriate time. Of the documents
suggested for incorporation, only the new edition of API MPMS Chapter
5.8 has been published; the other documents are still under
development. API MPMS Chapter 5.8 was recently released and BSEE is
reviewing to determine if it wants to incorporate it in the future.
BSEE will review revised or new standards when they are released and
will prepare a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking if it decides to
incorporate any or all of these three new editions. However, BSEE does
not believe it is in the best interest of either the government or the
industry to delay this rulemaking to incorporate the one recently
released new standard or to wait for the publication of the other
standards. Therefore, BSEE will move forward with the incorporation by
reference of 12 additional standards in the form that they existed at
the time BSEE completed its review of the standards for purposes of
this Final Rule. These standards will result in more accurate and
efficient measurement of oil and gas production in the OCS.
Comment: API asked BSEE to clarify the intent of the new 30 CFR
250.198(a)(3), promulgated as part of an Interim Final Rule, Increased
Safety Measures for Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf,
published on October 14, 2010 (75 FR 63346) and requested that BSEE
give additional clarification on what is actually intended by the
provision presented in that rule at 30 CFR 250.198(a)(3), and what is
required.
Response: This comment is beyond the scope of this rulemaking. The
revised language was published in another proposed rule and BSEE will
address this comment when that final rule is published.
Availability of Incorporated Documents for Public Viewing
When a copyrighted technical industry standard is incorporated by
reference into the agency's regulations, BSEE is obligated to observe
and protect that copyright. BSEE provides members of the public with
Web site addresses where these standards may be accessed for viewing--
sometimes for free and sometimes for a fee. The decision to charge a
fee is made by the standard-developing organization. API provides free
online public access to 160 key industry standards, including a broad
range of technical standards. The standards represent almost one-third
of all API standards and include all that are safety-related or have
been incorporated into Federal regulations, including the standards in
this rule, as of the effective date. The newly accessible standards
will be available for review online, and hardcopies and printable
versions will continue to be available for purchase. BSEE is
incorporating both API and AGA standards. The addresses to these Web
site locations are:
API Standard/Document Contact IHS at 1-800-854-7179 or 303-397-7956
Local and International, https://www.global.ihs.com; and AGA Standard/
Document 1-800-699-9277 Toll free in US & Canada https://www.techstreet.com/contact.tmpl. You may view or purchase these API
documents at: https://www.api.org/.
For the convenience of the viewing public who may not wish to
purchase or view these final documents online, they may be inspected at
the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 381 Elden Street,
Room 3313, Herndon, Virginia 20170; phone: 703-787-1587; or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
These documents, now incorporated in the final rule, will continue
to be made available to the public for viewing when requested. Specific
information on where these documents can be inspected or purchased can
be found at 30 CFR 250.198, Documents Incorporated by Reference.
Procedural Matters
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
This final rule is not a significant rule as determined by the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and is not subject to review
under E.O. 12866. This final rule:
(1) Will not have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the
economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way the economy,
productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or
safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities. The
primary purpose of this final rule is to add the most current and
updated measurement standards so that lessees use new measurement
technology. BSEE believes that these additional standards will not
result in any significant additional costs. The benefits of the final
changes in this rule justify the negligible cost incurred by the
offshore oil and gas industry. The cost to the industry in most cases
will be minor equipment modification or replacement, some additional
training and the purchase price of these documents. Compliance with the
standards in the editions of these documents incorporated by reference
will assure the use of the best available and most accurate measurement
technologies for operations on the OCS.
(2) Will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere
with an action taken or planned by another agency because it does not
[[Page 18920]]
affect the work of other agencies or hinder other agencies from taking
action.
(3) Will not materially alter the budgetary effects or
entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or
obligations of their recipients.
(4) Will not raise novel, legal, or policy issues arising out of
legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth
in E.O. 12866.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while
calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends.
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. This final rule has been developed in a manner
consistent with these requirements.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Department of the Interior certifies that this final rule will
not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
This final rule will affect lessees and operators of oil and gas
leases in the OCS. This includes approximately 130 active Federal oil
and gas lessees. Lessees that conduct business under this rule are
coded under the Small Business Administration's (SBA) North American
Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes 211111, Crude Petroleum
and Natural Gas Extraction, and 213111, Drilling Oil and Gas Wells. For
these NAICS code classifications, a small company is defined as one
with fewer than 500 employees. BSEE estimates that approximately 70
percent of the 130 lessees and operators that explore for and produce
oil and gas on the OCS meet the definition of a small company. This
rule, which will incorporate 15 additional standards, will not have a
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small companies
because the newly incorporated standards will not impose significant
costs or burdens on any lessees or operators. Therefore, the primary
economic effect of this rule on small business will be the nominal cost
associated with the purchase of the standards.
Your comments are important. The Small Business and Agriculture
Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and 10 Regional Fairness Boards were
established to receive comments from small businesses about Federal
agency enforcement actions. The Ombudsman will annually evaluate the
enforcement activities and rate each agency's responsiveness to small
business. If you wish to comment on the actions of BSEE, call 1-888-
734-3247. You may comment to the Small Business Administration without
fear of retaliation. Allegations of discrimination/retaliation filed
with the Small Business Administration will be investigated for
appropriate action.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
The final rule is not a major rule under the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). This final
rule:
a. Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more.
b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government
agencies, or geographic regions. The cost to comply with the rule will
virtually be the same as current requirements.
c. Will not have a significant adverse effect on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or ability of U.S.-
based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. The
requirements will apply to all entities operating on the OCS.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
This final rule will not impose an unfunded mandate on State,
local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100
million per year. The final rule will not have a significant or unique
effect on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A
statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) is not required.
Takings Implication Assessment (E.O. 12630)
Under the criteria in E.O. 12630, this final rule does not have
significant takings implications. The final rule is not a governmental
action capable of interference with constitutionally protected property
rights. A Takings Implication Assessment is not required.
Federalism (E.O. 13132)
Under the criteria in E.O. 13132, this final rule does not have
federalism implications. This final rule will not substantially and
directly affect the relationship between the Federal and State
governments. To the extent that State and local governments have a role
in OCS activities, this final rule will not affect that role. A
Federalism Assessment is not required.
Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
This rule complies with the requirements of E.O. 12988.
Specifically, this rule:
(a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be
written to minimize litigation; and
(b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal
standards.
Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175)
Under the criteria in E.O. 13175, we have evaluated this final rule
and determined that it has no potential effects on federally recognized
Indian tribes. There are no Indian or tribal lands in the OCS. Nor are
tribally owned businesses subject to the regulation.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The final revisions do not contain any information collection
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et. seq.);
therefore, a submission to OMB for review and approval is not required.
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)
This final rule does not constitute a major Federal action
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. BSEE has
analyzed this final rule under the criteria of NEPA and 43 CFR part 46.
This final rule meets the criteria set forth in 43 CFR 46.210(i) for a
Departmental ``Categorical Exclusion'' in that this final rule is ``* *
* of an administrative, financial, legal, technical, or procedural
nature * * *.'' This final rule also meets the criteria set forth in
516 Departmental Manual 15.4(C)(1) for a BSEE ``Categorical Exclusion''
in that its impacts are limited to administrative, economic or
technological effects. We have also determined that the rule does not
involve any of the extraordinary circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215
that will require further analysis under NEPA.
[[Page 18921]]
Data Quality Act
In developing this rule, BSEE did not conduct or use a study,
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act
(Pub. L. 106-554, app. C Sec. 515, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-153-154).
Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)
This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition
in E.O. 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not required.
List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 250
Continental shelf, Incorporation by reference, Public lands--
mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: March 16, 2012.
Marcilynn A. Burke,
Acting Assistant Secretary--Land and Minerals Management.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, BSEE proposes to amend 30
CFR part 250 as follows:
PART 250--OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER
CONTINENTAL SHELF
0
1. The authority citation for part 250 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334.
0
2. Amend Sec. 250.198 by:
0
a. Removing paragraph (h)(75) and redesignating (h)(76) through (h)(80)
as (h)(75) through (h)(79); and
0
b. Adding paragraphs (h)(80) through (h)(88) and (l) to read as
follows:
Sec. 250.198 Documents incorporated by reference.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
(80) API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter
4--Proving Systems, Section 8--Operation of Proving Systems; First
Edition, reaffirmed March 2007; incorporated by reference at Sec.
250.1202(a)(2), (a)(3), (f)(1), and (g);
(81) API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter
5--Metering, Section 6--Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Coriolis
Meters; First Edition, reaffirmed March 2008; incorporated by reference
at Sec. 250.1202(a)(2) and (3);
(82) API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter
5--Metering, Section 8--Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by
Ultrasonic Flow Meters Using Transit Time Technology; First Edition,
February 2005; incorporated by reference at Sec. 250.1202(a)(2) and
(3);
(83) API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter
11--Physical Properties Data, Section 1--Temperature and Pressure
Volume Correction Factors for Generalized Crude Oils, Refined Products,
and Lubricating Oils; May 2004, (incorporating Addendum 1, September
2007); incorporated by reference at Sec. 250.1202(a)(2), (a)(3), (g),
and (l)(4);
(84) API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter
12--Calculation of Petroleum Quantities, Section 2--Calculation of
Petroleum Quantities Using Dynamic Measurement Methods and Volumetric
Correction Factors, Part 3--Proving Reports; First Edition, reaffirmed
2009; incorporated by reference at Sec. 250.1202(a)(2), (a)(3), and
(g);
(85) API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter
12--Calculation of Petroleum Quantities, Section 2--Calculation of
Petroleum Quantities Using Dynamic Measurement Methods and Volumetric
Correction Factors, Part 4--Calculation of Base Prover Volumes by the
Waterdraw Method, First Edition, reaffirmed 2009; incorporated by
reference at Sec. 250.1202(a)(2), (a)(3), (f)(1), and (g);
(86) API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter
21--Flow Measurement Using Electronic Metering Systems, Section 2--
Electronic Liquid Volume Measurement Using Positive Displacement and
Turbine Meters; First Edition, June 1998; incorporated by reference at
Sec. 250.1202(a)(2);
(87) API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 21--Flow
Measurement Using Electronic Metering Systems, Addendum to Section 2--
Flow Measurement Using Electronic Metering Systems, Inferred Mass;
First Edition, reaffirmed February 2006; incorporated by reference at
Sec. 250.1202(a)(2);
(88) API RP 86, API Recommended Practice for Measurement of
Multiphase Flow; First Edition, September 2005; incorporated by
reference at Sec. 250.1202(a)(2), (a)(3), and Sec. 250.1203(b)(2).
* * * * *
(l) American Gas Association (AGA Reports), 400 North Capitol
Street, NW., Suite 450, Washington, DC 20001, https://www.aga.org;
phone: 202-824-7000;
(1) AGA Report No. 7--Measurement of Natural Gas by Turbine Meters;
Revised February 2006; incorporated by reference at Sec.
250.1203(b)(2);
(2) AGA Report No. 9--Measurement of Gas by Multipath Ultrasonic
Meters; Second Edition, April 2007; incorporated by reference at Sec.
250.1203(b)(2);
(3) AGA Report No. 10--Speed of Sound in Natural Gas and Other
Related Hydrocarbon Gases; Copyright 2003; incorporated by reference at
Sec. 250.1203(b)(2).
0
3. In Sec. 250.1202, revise paragraphs (a)(2) and (3), (f)(1), (g)
introductory text and (g)(1) through (4), and (l)(4) to read as
follows:
Sec. 250.1202 Liquid hydrocarbon measurement.
* * * * *
(a) * * *
(2) Use measurement equipment and procedures that will accurately
measure the liquid hydrocarbons produced from a lease or unit to comply
with the following additional API MPMS industry standards or API RP:
(i) API MPMS, Chapter 4, Section 8 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(ii) API MPMS, Chapter 5, Section 6 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(iii) API MPMS, Chapter 5, Section 8 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(iv) API MPMS, Chapter 11, Section 1 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(v) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2, Part 3 (incorporated by
reference as specified in Sec. 250.198);
(vi) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2, Part 4 (incorporated by
reference as specified in Sec. 250.198);
(vii) API MPMS, Chapter 21, Section 2 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(viii) API MPMS, Chapter 21, Addendum to Section 2 (incorporated by
reference as specified in Sec. 250.198);
(ix) API RP 86 (incorporated by reference as specified in Sec.
250.198);
(3) Use procedures and correction factors according to the
applicable chapters of the API MPMS or RP as incorporated by reference
in 30 CFR 250.198, including the following additional editions:
(i) API MPMS, Chapter 4, Section 8 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(ii) API MPMS, Chapter 5, Section 6 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(iii) API MPMS, Chapter 5, Section 8 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(iv) API MPMS Chapter 11, Section 1 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(v) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2, Part 3 (incorporated by
reference as specified in Sec. 250.198);
[[Page 18922]]
(vi) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2, Part 4 (incorporated by
reference as specified in Sec. 250.198);
(vii) API RP 86 (incorporated by reference as specified in Sec.
250.198); when obtaining net standard volume and associated measurement
parameters; and
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(1) Calibrate mechanical-displacement provers and tank provers at
least once every 5 years according to the API MPMS as incorporated by
reference in 30 CFR 250.198, including the following additional
editions:
(i) API MPMS, Chapter 4, Section 8 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(ii) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2, Part 4 (incorporated by
reference as specified in Sec. 250.198);
* * * * *
(g) * * * Calculate the following correction factors using the API
MPMS as referenced in 30 CFR 250.198, including the following
additional editions:
(1) API MPMS, Chapter 4, Section 8 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(2) API MPMS Chapter 11, Section 1 (incorporated by reference as
specified in Sec. 250.198);
(3) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2, Part 3 (incorporated by
reference as specified in Sec. 250.198);
(4) API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2, Part 4 (incorporated by
reference as specified in Sec. 250.198);
* * * * *
(l) * * *
(4) Obtain the volume and other measurement parameters by using
corrections factors and procedures in the API MPMS as incorporated by
reference in 30 CFR 250.198, including: API MPMS Chapter 11, Section 1
(incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 250.198).
0
4. Revise Sec. 250.1203(b)(2) to read as follows:
Sec. 250.1203 Gas measurement.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) Design, install, use, maintain, and test measurement equipment
and procedures to ensure accurate and verifiable measurement. You must
follow the recommendations in API MPMS or RP and AGA as incorporated by
reference in 30 CFR 250.198, including the following additional
editions:
(i) API RP 86 (incorporated by reference as specified in Sec.
250.198);
(ii) AGA Report No. 7 (incorporated by reference as specified in
Sec. 250.198);
(iii) AGA Report No. 9 (incorporated by reference as specified in
Sec. 250.198);
(iv) AGA Report No. 10 (incorporated by reference as specified in
Sec. 250.198);
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2012-7324 Filed 3-28-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-VH-P
