Agency Information Collection Activities; 30 CFR 550, Subpart A, General, and Subpart K, Oil and Gas Production Requirements in the Outer Continental Shelf, 47317-47321 [2019-19314]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 174 / Monday, September 9, 2019 / Notices
minimizing the burden through the use
of information technology?
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Comments submitted in response to
this
notice are a matter of public record.
[OMB Control Number 1010–0114; Docket
BOEM
will include or summarize each
ID: BOEM–2017–0016]
comment in our request to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
Agency Information Collection
approval of this ICR. You should be
Activities; 30 CFR 550, Subpart A,
aware that your entire comment—
General, and Subpart K, Oil and Gas
including your address, phone number,
Production Requirements in the Outer
email address, or other personally
Continental Shelf
identifiable information—may be made
AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy
publicly available at any time. In order
Management, Interior.
for BOEM to withhold from disclosure
your personally identifiable
ACTION: Notice of Information
information, you must identify any
Collection; request for comment.
information contained in the submittal
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
of your comments that, if released,
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
would constitute a clearly unwarranted
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
invasion of your personal privacy. You
(BOEM) is proposing to renew an
must also briefly describe any possible
information collection request (ICR)
harmful consequences of the disclosure
with revisions.
of information, such as embarrassment,
DATES: Interested persons are invited to
injury, or other harm. While you can ask
submit comments on or before
us in your comment to withhold your
personally identifiable information from
November 5, 2019.
public review, we cannot guarantee that
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on
we will be able to do so.
this ICR by mail to the BOEM
BOEM protects proprietary
Information Collection Clearance
information in accordance with the
Officer, Anna Atkinson, Bureau of
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.
Ocean Energy Management, 45600
552) and the Department of the
Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia
Interior’s implementing regulations (43
20166; or by email to anna.atkinson@
boem.gov. Please reference OMB Control CFR part 2), and under applicable
Number 1010–0114 in the subject line of sections of 30 CFR parts 550 and 552
promulgated pursuant to Outer
your comments.
Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) at
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To
43 U.S.C. 1352(c).
request additional information about
Abstract: This ICR addresses
this ICR, contact Anna Atkinson by
regulations at 30 CFR 550 Subparts A
email, or by telephone at 703–787–1025. and K, which deal with regulatory
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
requirements of oil, gas, and sulphur
accordance with the Paperwork
operations on the OCS. This request also
Reduction Act of 1995, BOEM provides
covers the related Notice to Lessees and
the general public and other Federal
Operators (NTLs) that BOEM issues to
agencies with an opportunity to
clarify and provide guidance on some
comment on new, proposed, revised,
aspects of our regulations, and forms
and continuing collections of
BOEM–0127, BOEM–0140, BOEM–
information. This helps BOEM assess
1123, and BOEM–1832.
the impact of our information collection
The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
requirements and minimize the public’s Lands Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1331
et seq. and 43 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.),
reporting burden. It also helps the
authorizes the Secretary of the Interior
public understand our information
collection requirements and provide the to prescribe rules and regulations to
administer leasing of the OCS. Such
requested data in the desired format.
rules and regulations will apply to all
BOEM is soliciting comments on the
operations conducted under a lease.
proposed ICR described below. We are
especially interested in public comment Operations in the OCS must preserve,
protect, and develop oil and natural gas
addressing the following issues: (1) Is
resources in a manner that is consistent
the collection necessary to the proper
functions of BOEM; (2) what can BOEM with the need to make such resources
available to meet the Nation’s energy
do to ensure that this information be
processed and used in a timely manner; needs as rapidly as possible; to balance
orderly energy resource development
(3) is the burden estimate accurate; (4)
with protection of human, marine, and
how might BOEM enhance the quality,
coastal environments; to ensure the
utility, and clarity of the information to
public a fair and equitable return on the
be collected; and (5) how might BOEM
resources of the OCS; and to preserve
minimize the burden of this collection
and maintain free enterprise
on the respondents, including
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
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competition. Section 1332(6) states that
‘‘operations in the [Outer] Continental
Shelf should be conducted in a safe
manner by well trained personnel using
technology, precautions, and techniques
sufficient to prevent or minimize . . .
loss of well control . . . physical
obstructions to other users of the waters
or subsoil and seabed, or other
occurrences which may cause damage to
the environment or to property or
endanger life or health.’’
The Independent Offices
Appropriations Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), the
Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L.
104–133, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26,
1996), and the Office of Management
and Budget Circular A–25, authorize
Federal agencies to recover the full cost
of services that provide special benefits.
Under the Department of the Interior’s
(DOI) implementing policy, BOEM is
required to charge the full cost for
services that provide special benefits or
privileges to an identifiable non-Federal
recipient above and beyond those that
accrue to the public at large. Approval
of transfer of a lease or interest are
subject to cost recovery, and BOEM
regulations specify the filing fee for
these transfer applications.
BOEM uses the information collected
under these regulations to ensure that
operations in the OCS are carried out in
a safe and environmentally sound
manner, do not interfere with the rights
of other users in the OCS, and balance
the protection and development of OCS
resources. Specifically, BOEM uses the
information collected to:
• Determine the capability of a well
to produce oil or gas in paying
quantities or to determine the possible
need for additional wells resulting in
minimum royalty status on a lease.
• Provide lessees/operators greater
flexibility to comply with regulatory
requirements through approval of
alternative equipment or procedures
and departures if they demonstrate
equal or better compliance with the
appropriate performance standards.
• Ensure that subsurface storage of
natural gas does not unduly interfere
with development and production
operations under existing leases.
• Determine if an application for
right-of-use and easement complies with
the OCS Lands Act, other applicable
laws, and BOEM regulations; and does
not unreasonably interfere with the
operations of any other lessee.
• Provide for orderly development of
oil and gas resources while protecting
the environment.
• Determine the appropriateness of
disqualification of a lessee/operator
based on performance.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 174 / Monday, September 9, 2019 / Notices
• Approve requests to cancel leases
and ascertain if/when the Secretary may
cancel leases.
• Ensure the protection of any
discovered archaeological resources.
• Form BOEM–0127, Sensitive
Reservoir Information Report, is used to
regulate production rates from sensitive
reservoirs. BOEM engineers and
geologists use the information for rate
control and reservoir studies. The form
requests general information about the
reservoir and the company, volumetric
data, and fluid analysis and production
data.
• Form BOEM–0140, Bottomhole
Pressure Survey Report, is used to
manage reservoirs in our efforts to
conserve natural resources, prevent
waste, and protect correlative rights,
including the Government’s royalty
interest. The form requests information
about the well and operator; test data
information such as shut-in time,
bottomhole temperature, kelly bushing
elevation; and bottomhole pressure
points that consist of measured depth(s),
true vertical depth(s), pressure(s), and
pressure gradient(s).
• Form BOEM–1123, Designation of
Operator, records the designation of an
operator authorized to act on behalf of
the lessee/operating rights owner and to
fulfill their obligations under the OCS
Lands Act and implementing
regulations, or to record the local agent
empowered to receive notices and
comply with regulatory orders issued.
This form requires the respondent to
submit general information such as
lease number, name, address, company
number of designated operator, and
signature of the authorized
representative of the lessee.
• Form BOEM–1832, Notification of
Incidents of Non-Compliance (INC), is
used to determine that respondents have
corrected any Incidents of NonCompliance identified during
compliance reviews. The BOEM issues
this form to the operator and the
operator then corrects the INC(s), signs
and returns the form to BOEM.
BOEM protects proprietary
information in accordance with the
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.
552) and the Department of the
Interior’s implementing regulations (43
CFR part 2), and under applicable
sections of 30 CFR parts 550 and 552
promulgated pursuant to Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) at
43 U.S.C. 1352(c).
Title of Collection: 30 CFR 550,
Subpart A, General, and Subpart K, Oil
and Gas Production.
OMB Control Number: 1010–0114.
Form Number:
• BOEM–0127, Sensitive Reservoir
Information Report;
• BOEM–0140, Bottomhole Pressure
Survey Report;
• BOEM–1123, Designation of
Operator; and
• BOEM–1832, Notification of
Incident(s) of Noncompliance.
Type of Review: Revision of a
currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Oil and
gas and sulphur lessees/operators.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Responses: 5,302 responses.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Burden Hours: 18,323 hours.
Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion,
monthly.
Total Estimated Annual Non-hour
Burden Cost: $165,492.
Estimated Reporting and
Recordkeeping Hour Burden: The
current annual burden hours for this
collection are 30,635 hours. BOEM
proposes to reduce annual burden hours
to 18,323 hours, which is a decrease of
12,312 annual burden hours. The
annual burden hour reduction is related
to adjustments in 30 CFR 550 subpart K.
• For 30 CFR 550.1153, the regions
re-evaluated the annual burden hours
for static bottomhole pressure surveys.
The average hour burden based on
industry feedback is 15 hours instead of
14 hours. Also, BOEM on average
reviews approximately 400 Bottomhole
Pressure Surveys per year instead of
1,161 surveys. The 2017 OMB approved
annual burden hours included 3 years of
data instead of annual data. Therefore,
BOEM is reducing the number of
respondents to correct this error. The
annual burden hours for 30 CFR 55.1153
is decreasing from 16,254 hours to 6,000
hours (¥10,254 hours).
• For 30 CFR 550.1153(d), BOEM is
increasing the hour burden from 1 to 5
based on industry feedback. BOEM is
currently reviewing fewer departures
annually than previously recorded
(decreasing number of departures from
200 to 100). With the increase in hour
burdens and the decrease in
respondents, the overall annual burden
hour for 30 CFR 550.1153(d) will
increase to 500 hours (+300 hours).
• For 30 CFR 550.1154 and 550.1167,
BOEM is changing the hour burden from
1 to 5 hours based on industry feedback.
However, the number of respondents is
dropping by 2/3rds (from 15 requests to
5 requests). Therefore, the annual
burden hour change will increase
slightly to from 15 hours to 25 hours
(+10 hours).
• For 30 CFR 550.1155, based on
outreach input, BOEM is increasing the
hour burden for form BOEM–0127 from
3 hours to 6 hours. However, BOEM
previously overestimated the number of
forms submitted. BOEM is reducing the
number of forms collected from 2,012 to
610 forms; therefore, the overall annual
burden hours will decrease from 6,036
hours to 3,660 hours (¥2,376 hours).
• For 30 CFR 550.1153–1167, BOEM
is increasing the respondents from 2 to
10 requests. With changes in
technology, operators are installing
permanent downhole gauges in wells.
These gauges show continuous readings
of the downhole pressure. Operators are
submitting this type of data, as
alternative compliance, to meet the
bottomhole pressure requirement, so
BOEM has seen a slight increase in
respondents. The increase in
respondents has caused the annual
burden hours to increase from 2 to 10
hours (+8 hours).
The following table details the
individual components and respective
hour burden estimates of this ICR.
BURDEN BREAKDOWN
Citation 30 CFR 550 Subpart A and related forms/
NTLs
Reporting or recordkeeping requirement
Hour burden
Average number of annual responses
Annual
burden hours
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Non-hour cost burdens
Authority and Definitions of Terms
104; 181; Form BOEM–
1832.
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Exempt under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2), (c)
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47319
BURDEN BREAKDOWN—Continued
Citation 30 CFR 550 Subpart A and related forms/
NTLs
Reporting or recordkeeping requirement
Average number of annual responses
Hour burden
Annual
burden hours
Non-hour cost burdens
Performance Standards
115; 116 ............................
Request determination of well producibility; make
available or submit data and information; notify
BOEM of test.
5
90 responses ...................
450
119 ....................................
Apply for subsurface storage of gas; sign storage
agreement.
10
3 applications ...................
30
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
93 responses ...................
480
Cost Recovery Fees and related items are
covered individually throughout this subpart
0
Cost Recovery Fees
125; 126; 140 ....................
Cost Recovery Fees; confirmation receipt etc.;
verbal approvals and written request to follow. Includes request for refunds.
Designation of Operator
143 ....................................
Report change of name, address, etc .......................
Not considered information collection under
5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1)
0
143(a–c); 144; Form
BOEM–1123.
Submit designation of operator (Form BOEM–
1123—form takes 30 minutes); report updates;
notice of termination; submit designation of agent.
Request exception. NO FEE.
1
2,584 forms ......................
2,584
143(a–d); 144; Form
BOEM–1123.
Change designation of operator (Form BOEM–
1123—form takes 30 minutes); report updates;
notice of termination; submit designation of agent;
include pay.gov confirmation receipt. Request exception. SERVICE FEE.
1
930 forms .........................
930
$175 fee × 930 = $162,750
186(a)(3) ...........................
Apply for user account in TIMS (electronic/digital
form submittals).
Not considered information collection under
5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1)
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
3,514 responses ..............
0
3,514
$162,750 non-hour cost burden
Compliance
101; 135; 136; Form
BOEM–1832.
Submit response and required information for INC,
probation, or revocation of operating status. Notify
when violations corrected.
Request waiver of 14-day response time or reconsideration.
2
94 submissions ................
188
1
1 .......................................
1
Request reimbursement for services provided to
BOEM representatives during reviews; comment.
1.5
2 requests ........................
3
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
97 responses ...................
192
135; 136 ............................
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Special Types of Approval
125(c); 140 ........................
Request various oral approvals not specifically covered elsewhere in regulatory requirements.
1
100 requests ....................
100
141; 101–199 ....................
Request approval to use new or alternative procedures; submit required information.
20
100 requests ....................
2,000
142; 101–199 ....................
Request approval of departure from operating requirements not specifically covered elsewhere in
regulatory requirements; submit required information.
2.5
100 requests ....................
250
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 174 / Monday, September 9, 2019 / Notices
BURDEN BREAKDOWN—Continued
Citation 30 CFR 550 Subpart A and related forms/
NTLs
Reporting or recordkeeping requirement
Average number of annual responses
Hour burden
Annual
burden hours
Non-hour cost burdens
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
300 responses .................
2,350
26 applications .................
234
Burden covered under 30 CFR 556 (1010–
0006)
0
Right-of-Use and Easement
160; 161; 123 ....................
OCS lessees: Apply for new or modified right-of-use
and easement to construct and maintain off-lease
platforms, artificial islands, and installations and
other devices; include notifications and submitting
required information.
160(c) ................................
Establish a Company File for qualification; submit
updated information, submit qualifications for lessee/bidder, request exception.
160; 165; 123 ....................
State lessees: Apply for new or modified right-of-use
and easement to construct and maintain off-lease
platforms, artificial islands, and installations and
other devices; include pay.gov confirmation and
notifications.
9
5
1 application ....................
5
$2,742 state lease fee × 1 = $2,742
166 ....................................
State lessees: Furnish surety bond; additional security if required.
Burden covered under 30 CFR 556 (1010–
0006)
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
27 responses ...................
0
239
$2,742 non-hour cost burden
Primary Lease Requirements, Lease Term Extensions, and Lease Cancellations
181(d); 182(b), 183(a)(b) ..
Request termination of suspension, cancellation of
lease, lesser lease term (no requests in recent
years for termination/cancellation of a lease; minimal burden).
182; 183, 185; 194 ............
Various references to submitting new, revised, or
modified exploration plan, development/production
plan, or development operations coordination document, and related surveys/reports.
184 ....................................
Request compensation for lease cancellation mandated by the OCS Lands Act (no qualified lease
cancellations in many years; minimal burden).
20
1 request ..........................
Burden covered under 30 CFR 550,
Subpart B (1010–0151)
20
0
50
1 request ..........................
50
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
2 responses .....................
70
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Information and Reporting Requirements
186(a) ................................
Apply to receive administrative entitlements to
eWell/TIMS system for electronic submissions.
186; NTL 2015–N01 .........
Submit information, reports, and copies as BOEM
requires (as related to worst case discharge and
blowout scenarios).
10
125 ...................................
1,250
135; 136 ............................
Report apparent violations or non-compliance ..........
1.5
2 reports ..........................
3
194; NTL 2011–JOINT–
G01.
Report archaeological discoveries. Submit archaeological and follow-up reports and additional information.
2
6 reports ..........................
12
194; NTL 2011–JOINT–
G01.
Request departures from conducting archaeological
resources surveys and/or submitting reports in
GOMR.
1
2 requests ........................
2
194 ....................................
Submit ancillary surveys/investigations reports, as
required.
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Not considered IC under 5 CFR 1320.3
(h)(1)
Burden covered under 30 CFR 550
Subpart B (1010–0151)
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BURDEN BREAKDOWN—Continued
Citation 30 CFR 550 Subpart A and related forms/
NTLs
Reporting or recordkeeping requirement
Average number of annual responses
Hour burden
Annual
burden hours
Non-hour cost burdens
196 ....................................
Submit data/information for G&G activity and request reimbursement.
197(b)(2) ...........................
Demonstrate release of G&G data would unduly
damage competitive position.
Submit confidentiality agreement ..............................
Burden covered under 30 CFR 551 (1010–
0048)
0
1
1 .......................................
1
1
1 .......................................
1
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
137 responses .................
1,269 hours
2
7 reviews .........................
14
Subtotal ..........................................................................................................................................
7 responses .....................
14
197(c) ................................
Recordkeeping
135; 136 ............................
Citation
30 CFR 550
subpart K
and related
forms
During reviews, make records available as requested by inspectors.
Well surveys and classifying reservoirs
Average number of annual
responses
Hour burden
Annual burden
hours
1153 ...........
Conduct static bottomhole pressure survey; submit Form
BOEM–0140 (Bottomhole Pressure Survey Report).
15
400 surveys .............................
6,000
1153(d) .......
Submit justification, information, and Form BOEM–0140, to
request a departure from requirement to run a static
bottomhole pressure survey.
5
100 survey departures ............
500
1154; 1167
Submit request and supporting information to reclassify reservoir.
5
5 requests ...............................
25
1155;
1165(b);
1166;
1167.
Submit Form BOEM–0127 (Sensitive Reservoir Information
Report) and supporting information/revisions (within 45
days after the beginning of production, discovering that the
reservoir is sensitive, the reservoir is classified as sensitive,
or when reservoir parameters are revised. SRI’s must be
submitted annually). AK Region: submit BOEM–0127 and
request MER.
6
610 forms ................................
3,660
1153–1167
Request general departure or alternative compliance requests
not specificallycovered elsewhere in regulatory requirements.
1
10 ............................................
10
1165 ...........
Submit proposed plan for enhanced recovery operations to
BSEE.
Burden covered under BSEE 30 CFR 250
(1014–0019)
0
Subtotal ...................................................................................................................................
1,125 responses ......................
10,195
Total Burden ....................................................................................................................
5,302 Responses ....................
18,323
$165,492 Non-Hour Cost Burdens
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An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
The authority for this action is the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
Chief, Office of Policy, Regulation, and
Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2019–19314 Filed 9–6–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
Notice of Receipt of Amended
Complaint; Solicitation of Comments
Relating to the Public Interest
U.S. International Trade
Commission.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Notice.
Notice is hereby given that
the U.S. International Trade
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 174 (Monday, September 9, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47317-47321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-19314]
[[Page 47317]]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
[OMB Control Number 1010-0114; Docket ID: BOEM-2017-0016]
Agency Information Collection Activities; 30 CFR 550, Subpart A,
General, and Subpart K, Oil and Gas Production Requirements in the
Outer Continental Shelf
AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Information Collection; request for comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is proposing to renew an
information collection request (ICR) with revisions.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
November 5, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on this ICR by mail to the BOEM
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Anna Atkinson, Bureau of
Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia 20166;
or by email to [email protected]. Please reference OMB Control
Number 1010-0114 in the subject line of your comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information
about this ICR, contact Anna Atkinson by email, or by telephone at 703-
787-1025.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995, BOEM provides the general public and other Federal
agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and
continuing collections of information. This helps BOEM assess the
impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the
public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our
information collection requirements and provide the requested data in
the desired format.
BOEM is soliciting comments on the proposed ICR described below. We
are especially interested in public comment addressing the following
issues: (1) Is the collection necessary to the proper functions of
BOEM; (2) what can BOEM do to ensure that this information be processed
and used in a timely manner; (3) is the burden estimate accurate; (4)
how might BOEM enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (5) how might BOEM minimize the burden
of this collection on the respondents, including minimizing the burden
through the use of information technology?
Comments submitted in response to this notice are a matter of
public record. BOEM will include or summarize each comment in our
request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of
this ICR. You should be aware that your entire comment--including your
address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable
information--may be made publicly available at any time. In order for
BOEM to withhold from disclosure your personally identifiable
information, you must identify any information contained in the
submittal of your comments that, if released, would constitute a
clearly unwarranted invasion of your personal privacy. You must also
briefly describe any possible harmful consequences of the disclosure of
information, such as embarrassment, injury, or other harm. While you
can ask us in your comment to withhold your personally identifiable
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.
BOEM protects proprietary information in accordance with the
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Department of the
Interior's implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2), and under
applicable sections of 30 CFR parts 550 and 552 promulgated pursuant to
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) at 43 U.S.C. 1352(c).
Abstract: This ICR addresses regulations at 30 CFR 550 Subparts A
and K, which deal with regulatory requirements of oil, gas, and sulphur
operations on the OCS. This request also covers the related Notice to
Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that BOEM issues to clarify and provide
guidance on some aspects of our regulations, and forms BOEM-0127, BOEM-
0140, BOEM-1123, and BOEM-1832.
The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act, as amended (43 U.S.C.
1331 et seq. and 43 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), authorizes the Secretary of
the Interior to prescribe rules and regulations to administer leasing
of the OCS. Such rules and regulations will apply to all operations
conducted under a lease. Operations in the OCS must preserve, protect,
and develop oil and natural gas resources in a manner that is
consistent with the need to make such resources available to meet the
Nation's energy needs as rapidly as possible; to balance orderly energy
resource development with protection of human, marine, and coastal
environments; to ensure the public a fair and equitable return on the
resources of the OCS; and to preserve and maintain free enterprise
competition. Section 1332(6) states that ``operations in the [Outer]
Continental Shelf should be conducted in a safe manner by well trained
personnel using technology, precautions, and techniques sufficient to
prevent or minimize . . . loss of well control . . . physical
obstructions to other users of the waters or subsoil and seabed, or
other occurrences which may cause damage to the environment or to
property or endanger life or health.''
The Independent Offices Appropriations Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), the
Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104-133, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26,
1996), and the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-25, authorize
Federal agencies to recover the full cost of services that provide
special benefits. Under the Department of the Interior's (DOI)
implementing policy, BOEM is required to charge the full cost for
services that provide special benefits or privileges to an identifiable
non-Federal recipient above and beyond those that accrue to the public
at large. Approval of transfer of a lease or interest are subject to
cost recovery, and BOEM regulations specify the filing fee for these
transfer applications.
BOEM uses the information collected under these regulations to
ensure that operations in the OCS are carried out in a safe and
environmentally sound manner, do not interfere with the rights of other
users in the OCS, and balance the protection and development of OCS
resources. Specifically, BOEM uses the information collected to:
Determine the capability of a well to produce oil or gas
in paying quantities or to determine the possible need for additional
wells resulting in minimum royalty status on a lease.
Provide lessees/operators greater flexibility to comply
with regulatory requirements through approval of alternative equipment
or procedures and departures if they demonstrate equal or better
compliance with the appropriate performance standards.
Ensure that subsurface storage of natural gas does not
unduly interfere with development and production operations under
existing leases.
Determine if an application for right-of-use and easement
complies with the OCS Lands Act, other applicable laws, and BOEM
regulations; and does not unreasonably interfere with the operations of
any other lessee.
Provide for orderly development of oil and gas resources
while protecting the environment.
Determine the appropriateness of disqualification of a
lessee/operator based on performance.
[[Page 47318]]
Approve requests to cancel leases and ascertain if/when
the Secretary may cancel leases.
Ensure the protection of any discovered archaeological
resources.
Form BOEM-0127, Sensitive Reservoir Information Report, is
used to regulate production rates from sensitive reservoirs. BOEM
engineers and geologists use the information for rate control and
reservoir studies. The form requests general information about the
reservoir and the company, volumetric data, and fluid analysis and
production data.
Form BOEM-0140, Bottomhole Pressure Survey Report, is used
to manage reservoirs in our efforts to conserve natural resources,
prevent waste, and protect correlative rights, including the
Government's royalty interest. The form requests information about the
well and operator; test data information such as shut-in time,
bottomhole temperature, kelly bushing elevation; and bottomhole
pressure points that consist of measured depth(s), true vertical
depth(s), pressure(s), and pressure gradient(s).
Form BOEM-1123, Designation of Operator, records the
designation of an operator authorized to act on behalf of the lessee/
operating rights owner and to fulfill their obligations under the OCS
Lands Act and implementing regulations, or to record the local agent
empowered to receive notices and comply with regulatory orders issued.
This form requires the respondent to submit general information such as
lease number, name, address, company number of designated operator, and
signature of the authorized representative of the lessee.
Form BOEM-1832, Notification of Incidents of Non-
Compliance (INC), is used to determine that respondents have corrected
any Incidents of Non-Compliance identified during compliance reviews.
The BOEM issues this form to the operator and the operator then
corrects the INC(s), signs and returns the form to BOEM.
BOEM protects proprietary information in accordance with the
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Department of the
Interior's implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2), and under
applicable sections of 30 CFR parts 550 and 552 promulgated pursuant to
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) at 43 U.S.C. 1352(c).
Title of Collection: 30 CFR 550, Subpart A, General, and Subpart K,
Oil and Gas Production.
OMB Control Number: 1010-0114.
Form Number:
BOEM-0127, Sensitive Reservoir Information Report;
BOEM-0140, Bottomhole Pressure Survey Report;
BOEM-1123, Designation of Operator; and
BOEM-1832, Notification of Incident(s) of Noncompliance.
Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Oil and gas and sulphur lessees/
operators.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 5,302 responses.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 18,323 hours.
Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion, monthly.
Total Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden Cost: $165,492.
Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: The current
annual burden hours for this collection are 30,635 hours. BOEM proposes
to reduce annual burden hours to 18,323 hours, which is a decrease of
12,312 annual burden hours. The annual burden hour reduction is related
to adjustments in 30 CFR 550 subpart K.
For 30 CFR 550.1153, the regions re-evaluated the annual
burden hours for static bottomhole pressure surveys. The average hour
burden based on industry feedback is 15 hours instead of 14 hours.
Also, BOEM on average reviews approximately 400 Bottomhole Pressure
Surveys per year instead of 1,161 surveys. The 2017 OMB approved annual
burden hours included 3 years of data instead of annual data.
Therefore, BOEM is reducing the number of respondents to correct this
error. The annual burden hours for 30 CFR 55.1153 is decreasing from
16,254 hours to 6,000 hours (-10,254 hours).
For 30 CFR 550.1153(d), BOEM is increasing the hour burden
from 1 to 5 based on industry feedback. BOEM is currently reviewing
fewer departures annually than previously recorded (decreasing number
of departures from 200 to 100). With the increase in hour burdens and
the decrease in respondents, the overall annual burden hour for 30 CFR
550.1153(d) will increase to 500 hours (+300 hours).
For 30 CFR 550.1154 and 550.1167, BOEM is changing the
hour burden from 1 to 5 hours based on industry feedback. However, the
number of respondents is dropping by 2/3rds (from 15 requests to 5
requests). Therefore, the annual burden hour change will increase
slightly to from 15 hours to 25 hours (+10 hours).
For 30 CFR 550.1155, based on outreach input, BOEM is
increasing the hour burden for form BOEM-0127 from 3 hours to 6 hours.
However, BOEM previously overestimated the number of forms submitted.
BOEM is reducing the number of forms collected from 2,012 to 610 forms;
therefore, the overall annual burden hours will decrease from 6,036
hours to 3,660 hours (-2,376 hours).
For 30 CFR 550.1153-1167, BOEM is increasing the
respondents from 2 to 10 requests. With changes in technology,
operators are installing permanent downhole gauges in wells. These
gauges show continuous readings of the downhole pressure. Operators are
submitting this type of data, as alternative compliance, to meet the
bottomhole pressure requirement, so BOEM has seen a slight increase in
respondents. The increase in respondents has caused the annual burden
hours to increase from 2 to 10 hours (+8 hours).
The following table details the individual components and
respective hour burden estimates of this ICR.
Burden Breakdown
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting or
Citation 30 CFR 550 Subpart A and recordkeeping Hour burden Average number of Annual burden
related forms/NTLs requirement annual responses hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-hour cost burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority and Definitions of Terms
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
104; 181; Form BOEM-1832......... Appeal orders or Exempt under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2), 0
decisions; appeal INCs; (c)
request hearing due to
cancellation of lease.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 47319]]
Performance Standards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
115; 116......................... Request determination of 5 90 responses....... 450
well producibility;
make available or
submit data and
information; notify
BOEM of test.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
119.............................. Apply for subsurface 10 3 applications..... 30
storage of gas; sign
storage agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 93 responses....... 480
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost Recovery Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125; 126; 140.................... Cost Recovery Fees; Cost Recovery Fees and related 0
confirmation receipt items are covered individually
etc.; verbal approvals throughout this subpart
and written request to
follow. Includes
request for refunds.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Designation of Operator
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
143.............................. Report change of name, Not considered information 0
address, etc. collection under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
143(a-c); 144; Form BOEM-1123.... Submit designation of 1 2,584 forms........ 2,584
operator (Form BOEM-
1123--form takes 30
minutes); report
updates; notice of
termination; submit
designation of agent.
Request exception. NO
FEE.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
143(a-d); 144; Form BOEM-1123.... Change designation of 1 930 forms.......... 930
operator (Form BOEM-
1123--form takes 30
minutes); report
updates; notice of
termination; submit
designation of agent;
include pay.gov
confirmation receipt.
Request exception.
SERVICE FEE.
----------------------------------------------------
$175 fee x 930 = $162,750
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
186(a)(3)........................ Apply for user account Not considered information 0
in TIMS (electronic/ collection under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1)
digital form
submittals).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 3,514 responses.... 3,514
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$162,750 non-hour cost burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
101; 135; 136; Form BOEM-1832.... Submit response and 2 94 submissions..... 188
required information
for INC, probation, or
revocation of operating
status. Notify when
violations corrected.
Request waiver of 14-day 1 1.................. 1
response time or
reconsideration.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
135; 136......................... Request reimbursement 1.5 2 requests......... 3
for services provided
to BOEM representatives
during reviews; comment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 97 responses....... 192
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Types of Approval
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125(c); 140...................... Request various oral 1 100 requests....... 100
approvals not
specifically covered
elsewhere in regulatory
requirements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
141; 101-199..................... Request approval to use 20 100 requests....... 2,000
new or alternative
procedures; submit
required information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
142; 101-199..................... Request approval of 2.5 100 requests....... 250
departure from
operating requirements
not specifically
covered elsewhere in
regulatory
requirements; submit
required information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 47320]]
Subtotal............................................................... 300 responses...... 2,350
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Right-of-Use and Easement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
160; 161; 123.................... OCS lessees: Apply for 9 26 applications.... 234
new or modified right-
of-use and easement to
construct and maintain
off-lease platforms,
artificial islands, and
installations and other
devices; include
notifications and
submitting required
information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
160(c)........................... Establish a Company File Burden covered under 30 CFR 556 0
for qualification; (1010-0006)
submit updated
information, submit
qualifications for
lessee/bidder, request
exception.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
160; 165; 123.................... State lessees: Apply for 5 1 application...... 5
new or modified right-
of-use and easement to
construct and maintain
off-lease platforms,
artificial islands, and
installations and other
devices; include
pay.gov confirmation
and notifications.
----------------------------------------------------
$2,742 state lease fee x 1 = $2,742
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
166.............................. State lessees: Furnish Burden covered under 30 CFR 556 0
surety bond; additional (1010-0006)
security if required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 27 responses....... 239
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$2,742 non-hour cost burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Primary Lease Requirements, Lease Term Extensions, and Lease Cancellations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
181(d); 182(b), 183(a)(b)........ Request termination of 20 1 request.......... 20
suspension,
cancellation of lease,
lesser lease term (no
requests in recent
years for termination/
cancellation of a
lease; minimal burden).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
182; 183, 185; 194............... Various references to Burden covered under 30 CFR 550, 0
submitting new, Subpart B (1010-0151)
revised, or modified
exploration plan,
development/production
plan, or development
operations coordination
document, and related
surveys/reports.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
184.............................. Request compensation for 50 1 request.......... 50
lease cancellation
mandated by the OCS
Lands Act (no qualified
lease cancellations in
many years; minimal
burden).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 2 responses........ 70
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information and Reporting Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
186(a)........................... Apply to receive Not considered IC under 5 CFR 0
administrative 1320.3(h)(1)
entitlements to eWell/
TIMS system for
electronic submissions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
186; NTL 2015-N01................ Submit information, 10 125................ 1,250
reports, and copies as
BOEM requires (as
related to worst case
discharge and blowout
scenarios).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
135; 136......................... Report apparent 1.5 2 reports.......... 3
violations or non-
compliance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
194; NTL 2011-JOINT-G01.......... Report archaeological 2 6 reports.......... 12
discoveries. Submit
archaeological and
follow-up reports and
additional information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
194; NTL 2011-JOINT-G01.......... Request departures from 1 2 requests......... 2
conducting
archaeological
resources surveys and/
or submitting reports
in GOMR.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
194.............................. Submit ancillary surveys/ Burden covered under 30 CFR 550 0
investigations reports, Subpart B (1010-0151)
as required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 47321]]
196.............................. Submit data/information Burden covered under 30 CFR 551 0
for G&G activity and (1010-0048)
request reimbursement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
197(b)(2)........................ Demonstrate release of 1 1.................. 1
G&G data would unduly
damage competitive
position.
197(c)........................... Submit confidentiality 1 1.................. 1
agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 137 responses...... 1,269 hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recordkeeping
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
135; 136......................... During reviews, make 2 7 reviews.......... 14
records available as
requested by inspectors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 7 responses........ 14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citation 30 CFR 550 subpart K and Well surveys and Average number of Annual burden
related forms classifying reservoirs Hour burden annual responses hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1153............................. Conduct static 15 400 surveys........ 6,000
bottomhole pressure
survey; submit Form
BOEM-0140 (Bottomhole
Pressure Survey Report).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1153(d).......................... Submit justification, 5 100 survey 500
information, and Form departures.
BOEM-0140, to request a
departure from
requirement to run a
static bottomhole
pressure survey.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1154; 1167....................... Submit request and 5 5 requests......... 25
supporting information
to reclassify reservoir.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1155; 1165(b); 1166; 1167........ Submit Form BOEM-0127 6 610 forms.......... 3,660
(Sensitive Reservoir
Information Report) and
supporting information/
revisions (within 45
days after the
beginning of
production, discovering
that the reservoir is
sensitive, the
reservoir is classified
as sensitive, or when
reservoir parameters
are revised. SRI's must
be submitted annually).
AK Region: submit BOEM-
0127 and request MER.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1153-1167........................ Request general 1 10................. 10
departure or
alternative compliance
requests not
specificallycovered
elsewhere in regulatory
requirements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1165............................. Submit proposed plan for Burden covered under BSEE 30 CFR 0
enhanced recovery 250 (1014-0019)
operations to BSEE.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................................................... 1,125 responses.... 10,195
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Burden....................................................... 5,302 Responses.... 18,323
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$165,492 Non-Hour Cost Burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
Chief, Office of Policy, Regulation, and Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2019-19314 Filed 9-6-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
