95-3985. Notice of Interpretation Concerning the Burning of Liquid Hydrocarbons

[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9298-9299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3985]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

30 CFR Part 250


Notice of Interpretation Concerning the Burning of Liquid 
Hydrocarbons

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of interpretation.

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SUMMARY: This notice presents the intention of the Minerals Management 
Service (MMS) to restrict the burning of liquid hydrocarbons. Guidance 
on burning liquid hydrocarbons is necessary because applicable 
regulations do not provide specific direction on burning liquid 
hydrocarbons.

EFFECTIVE DATE: February 17, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sharon Buffington, Engineering and Standards Branch, telephone (703) 
787-1600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Requests to burn liquid hydrocarbons (crude 
oil and condensate) have recently become more prevalent in the Outer 
Continental Shelf (OCS). The OCS Lands Act requires the Secretary of 
the Interior to provide for the prevention of waste and conservation of 
the natural resources of the OCS. Section 250.20(a) provides that 
lessees perform all operations in a safe and workmanlike manner and 
maintain all equipment in a safe condition for the protection of the 
lease and associated facilities, the health and safety of all persons, 
and the preservation and conservation of property and the environment. 
Conservation of property and the environment requires that lessees not 
burn liquid hydrocarbons.
    Therefore, it is the intention of MMS to prohibit the burning of 
liquid hydrocarbons unless the lessee demonstrates to the Regional 
Supervisor that the amount of liquid hydrocarbons to be burned is 
minimal or the alternatives are infeasible or pose a significant risk 
to offshore personnel or [[Page 9299]] the environment. Therefore, 
lessees must contact the appropriate MMS Regional Supervisor prior to 
burning liquid hydrocarbons.
    The MMS recognizes that the best way to provide restrictions on 
burning liquid hydrocarbons is by rulemaking. Therefore, MMS is issuing 
a proposed rule under a separate Federal Register Notice that will 
cover the restrictions on burning liquid hydrocarbons.
    The proposed rule will also give the public the opportunity to 
comment on the restrictions on burning liquid hydrocarbons.

    Dated: December 23, 1994.
Bob Armstrong,
Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.
[FR Doc. 95-3985 Filed 2-16-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-M