[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 21, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 9626]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-4110]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Management Service
30 CFR Part 254
RIN 1010-AB81
Spill-Response Plans for Offshore Facilities Including State
Submerged Lands and Pipelines
AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.
ACTION: Interim final rule; delay of expiration.
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SUMMARY: This document delays the expiration of the interim final rule
governing spill-response plans for offshore facilities. The Federal
Water Pollution Control Act as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990
(OPA) requires that a spill-response plan be submitted for offshore
facilities. The MMS published an interim final rule establishing
requirements for spill-response plans for offshore facilities including
pipelines on February 8, 1993. The rule was scheduled to expire on
February 18, 1995, or when superseded by a final rule. The MMS will not
have a final rule in place by February 18, 1995, and therefore will
extend the termination date of the interim final rule. This rulemaking
is being extended until superseded by a final rule.
EFFECTIVE DATE: The interim rule published February 8, 1993 (58 FR
7489) is extended indefinitely; it will not expire until the interim
rule is superseded by a final rule.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lawrence H. Ake, Engineering and Standards Branch, telephone (703) 787-
1600.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 8, 1993, MMS published an
interim final rule titled ``Spill-Response Plans for Offshore
Facilities Including State Submerged Lands and Pipelines'' (58 FR
7489). The interim final rule was given an effective date of February
18, 1993, and was to expire on February 18, 1995, or when superseded by
a final rule. At the time of publication of the interim final rule, it
was anticipated that a final rule would be in place before February 18,
1995. A final rule on this subject will not be published before the
published expiration date, yet there is still a need for a rule that
conveys MMS requirements for spill-response plans for offshore
facilities. The interim final rule provides necessary guidance to
operators for preparing and submitting spill-response plans that are
required by OPA. The MMS has determined that an immediate effective
date is necessary to provide continuity in the administration, review,
and approval of spill-response plans.
Author
This document was prepared by Lawrence H. Ake, Engineering and
Technology Division, MMS.
Rulemaking Analyses
E.O. 12866
Non significant.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
No significant impact.
Paperwork Reduction Act
OMB clearance number 1010-0057.
Takings Implication Assessment
No interference with constitutionally protected property rights.
E.O. 12778
Meets applicable standards.
National Environmental Policy Act
The Department of the Interior has determined that this action does
not constitute a major federal action affecting the quality of the
human environment; therefore, preparation of an Environmental Impact
Statement is not required.
List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 254
Continental shelf, Environmental protection, Oil and gas
development and production, Oil and gas exploration, Pipelines, Public
lands--mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: February 14, 1995.
Sylvia V. Baca,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.
[FR Doc. 95-4110 Filed 2-17-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-M
