2017-03855. Information Collection Activities: Application for Permit To Drill (APD, Revised APD), Supplemental APD Information Sheet, and All Supporting Documentation; Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request  

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    ACTION:

    30-day notice.

    SUMMARY:

    To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information collection request (ICR) to renew approval of the paperwork requirements in the regulations at 30 CFR part 250, Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf. This notice also provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the revised paperwork burden of these regulatory requirements.

    DATE:

    You must submit comments by March 30, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit comments by either fax (202) 395-5806 or email (OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov) directly to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior (1014-0025). Please provide a copy of your comments to BSEE by any of the means below.

    • Electronically go to http://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter BSEE-2016-0012 then click search. Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view all related materials. We will post all comments.
    • Email kye.mason@bsee.gov, fax (703) 787-1546, or mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the Interior; Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement; Regulations and Standards Branch; ATTN: Nicole Mason; 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166. Please reference ICR 1014-0025 in your comment and include your name and return address.
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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Nicole Mason, Regulations and Standards Branch, (703) 787-1607, to request additional information about this ICR. To see a copy of the entire ICR submitted to OMB, go to http://www.reginfo.gov (select Information Collection Review, Currently Under Review).

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    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: 30 CFR part 250, Application for Permit to Drill (APD, Revised APD), Supplemental APD Information Sheet, and all supporting documentation.

    Form(s): BSEE-0123 and -0123S.

    OMB Control Number: 1014-0025.

    Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act at 43 U.S.C. 1334 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe rules and regulations necessary for the administration of the leasing provisions of that Act related to mineral resources on the OCS. Such rules and regulations will apply to all operations conducted under a lease, right-of-way, or a right-of-use and easement. Operations on 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.

    In addition to the general rulemaking authority of the OCSLA at 43 U.S.C. 1334, section 301(a) of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act (FOGRMA), 30 U.S.C. 1751(a), grants authority to the Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations as are reasonably necessary to carry out FOGRMA's provisions. While the majority of FOGRMA is directed to royalty collection and enforcement, some provisions apply to offshore operations. For example, section 108 of FOGRMA, 30 U.S.C. 1718, grants the Secretary broad authority to inspect lease sites for the purpose of determining whether there is compliance with the mineral leasing laws. Section 109(c)(2) and (d)(1), 30 U.S.C. 1719(c)(2) and (d)(1), impose substantial civil penalties for failure to permit lawful inspections and for knowing or willful preparation or submission of false, inaccurate, or misleading reports, records, or other information. Because the Secretary has delegated some of the authority under FOGRMA to BSEE, 30 U.S.C. 1751 is included as additional authority for these requirements.

    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 OMB Circular A-25, authorize Federal agencies to recover the full cost of services that confer special benefits. Under the Department of the Interior's implementing policy, BSEE is required to charge fees for services that provide special benefits or privileges to an identifiable non-Federal recipient above and beyond those which accrue to the public at large. Applications for permits to drill are subject to cost recovery, and BSEE regulations specify a service fee for this request.

    This authority and responsibility are among those delegated to BSEE. The regulations at 30 CFR part 250 stipulates the various requirements that must be submitted with forms BSEE-0123, Application for Permit to Drill (APD), Revised APD, and BSEE-0123S, Supplemental APD Information Sheet. The forms and the numerous submittals included with them are the subject of this collection. There are no changes being made to the forms with this ICR submission. This request also covers any related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that BSEE issues to clarify, supplement, or provide Start Printed Page 12123additional guidance on some aspects of our regulations.

    Most responses are mandatory, while some are required to obtain or retain a benefit. No questions of a sensitive nature are asked. BSEE will protect any confidential commercial or proprietary information according to section 26 of OCSLA (43 U.S.C. 1352); the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); and DOI's implementing regulations (43 CFR 2), and according to 30 CFR 250.197, Data and information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection, and 30 CFR part 252, OCS Oil and Gas Information Program.

    BSEE uses the information from forms BSEE-0123 and BSEE-0123s to ensure safe drilling operations and to protect the human, marine, and coastal environment. Among other things, BSEE specifically uses the information to ensure: The drilling unit is fit for the intended purpose; the lessee or operator will not encounter geologic conditions that present a hazard to operations; equipment is maintained in a state of readiness and meets safety standards; each drilling crew is properly trained and able to promptly perform well-control activities at any time during well operations; compliance with safety standards; and the current regulations will provide for safe and proper field or reservoir development, resource evaluation, conservation, protection of correlative rights, safety, and environmental protection. We also review well records to ascertain whether drilling operations have encountered hydrocarbons or H2S and to ensure that H2S detection equipment, personnel protective equipment, and training of the crew are adequate for safe operations in zones known to contain H2S and zones where the presence of H2S is unknown.

    Also, we use the information to determine the conditions of a drilling site to avoid hazards inherent in drilling operations. Specifically, we use the information to evaluate the adequacy of a lessee's or operator's plan and equipment for drilling, sidetracking, or deepening operations. This includes the adequacy of the proposed casing design, casing setting depths, drilling fluid (mud) programs, cementing programs, and BOP systems to ascertain that the proposed operations will be conducted in an operationally safe manner that provides adequate protection for the environment. The BSEE also reviews the information to ensure conformance with specific provisions of the lease. In addition, except for proprietary data, BSEE is required by the OCS Lands Act to make available to the public certain information submitted on Forms BSEE-0123 and -0123S. The information on the forms is as follows:

    BSEE-0123

    Heading: BSEE uses the information to identify the type of proposed drilling activity for which approval is requested.

    Well at Total Depth/Surface: Information utilized to identify the location (area, block, lease, latitude and longitude) of the proposed drilling activity.

    Significant Markers Anticipated: Identification of significant geologic formations, structures and/or horizons that the lessee or operator expects to encounter. This information, in conjunction with seismic data, is needed to correlate with other wells drilled in the area to assess the risks and hazards inherent in drilling operations.

    Question/Information: The information is used to ascertain the adequacy of the drilling fluids (mud) program to ensure control of the well, the adequacy of the surface casing compliance with EPA offshore pollutant discharge requirements and the shut in of adjacent wells to ensure safety while moving a rig on and off a drilling location, as well that the worst case discharge scenario information reflects the well and is updated if applicable. This information is also provided in the course of electronically requesting approval of drilling operations via eWell.

    BSEE-0123S

    Heading: BSEE uses this information to identify the lease operator, rig name, rig elevation, water depth, type well (exploratory, development), and the presence of H2S and other data which is needed to assess operational risks and safety.

    Well Design Information: This engineering data identifies casing size, pressure rating, setting depth and current volume, hole size, mud weight, blowout preventer (BOP) and well bore designs, formation and BOP test data and other criteria. The information is utilized by BSEE engineers to verify operational safety and ensure well control to prevent blowouts and other hazards to personnel and the environment. This form accommodates requested data collection for successive sections of the borehole as drilling proceeds toward total depth below each intermediate casing point.

    Frequency: On occasion and as required by regulations.

    Description of Respondents: Potential respondents comprise Federal OCS oil, gas, or sulfur lessees and/or operators.

    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: The estimated annual hour burden for this information collection is a total of 63,561 hours and $862,104 non-hour costs. The following chart details the individual components and estimated hour burdens. In calculating the burdens, we assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in the normal course of their activities. We consider these to be usual and customary and took that into account in estimating the burden.

    [Note: In the Burden Table, a Revised APD hour burden is preceded by the letter R]

    Burden Breakdown

    Citation 30 CFR 250; application for permit to drill (APD)Reporting or recordkeeping requirement *Hour burdenAverage number of responsesAnnual burden hours (rounded)
    Non-hour cost burden
    Subparts A, C, D, E, G, H, PApply for permit to drill, sidetrack, bypass, or deepen a well submitted via Forms BSEE-0123 (APD) and BSEE-0123S (Supplemental APD)1408 applications408
    (This burden represents only the filling out of the forms, the requirements are listed separately below.)$2,113 fee × 408 = $862,104
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    Subparts D, E, GObtain approval to revise your drilling plan or change major drilling equipment by submitting a Revised APD and Supplemental APD [no cost recovery fee for Revised APDs]. (This burden represents only the filling out of the forms, the requirements are listed separately below)1662 submittals662
    Subtotal1,070 responses1,070
    $862,104 non-hour cost burdens
    Subpart A
    125Submit evidence of your fee for services receiptExempt under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1).0
    197Written confidentiality agreementExempt under 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2).0
    Subpart C
    300(b)(1), (2)Obtain approval to add petroleum-based substance to drilling mud system or approval for method of disposal of drill cuttings, sand, & other well solids, including those containing NORM1501 request150
    Subtotal for C1 response150
    Subpart D
    408; 414(h)Request approval of alternate procedures or equipment during drilling operationsBurden covered under subpart A, 1014-0022.0
    409Request departure approval from the drilling requirements specified in this subpart; identify and discuss1367 approvals367
    410(b); 417(b); 713Reference well and site-specific information in case it is not approved in your Exploration Plan, Development and Production Plan, Development Operations Coordination Document. Burdens pertaining to EPs, DPPs, DOCDs are covered under BOEM 1010-015181 submittal8
    410(d)Submit to the District Manager: An original and two complete copies of APD and Supplemental APD; separate public information copy of forms per § 250.1860.5380 submittals190
    R-0.5380 submittals190
    411; 412Submit plat showing location of the proposed well and all the plat requirements associated with this section2380 submittals760
    411; 413; 414; 415; 420Submit design criteria used and all description requirements;15707 submittals10,605
    drilling prognosis with description of the procedures you will follow; and
    casing and cementing program requirements
    411; 416; 731Submit diverter and BOP systems descriptions and all the regulatory requirements associated with this section11380 submittals4,180
    411; 713Provide information for using a MODU and all the regulatory requirements associated with this section10682 submittals6,820
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    411; 418Additional information required when providing an APD include, but not limited to, rated capacities of drilling rig and equipment if not already on file; drilling fluids program, including weight materials; directional plot; H2S contingency plan; welding plan; and information we may require per requirements, etc20380 submittals7,600
    420(a)(7)Include signed registered professional engineer certification and related information31,034 certification3,102
    423(c)Submit for approval casing pressure test procedures and criteria. On casing seal assembly ensure proper installation of casing or liner (subsea BOP's only)3527 procedures & criteria1,581
    428(b)Submit to District Manager for approval revised casing setting depths or hole interval drilling depth; include certification by PE1251 submittal125
    428(k)Submit a description of the plan to use a valve(s) on the drive pipe during cementing operations for the conductor casing, surface casing, or liner1251 submittal125
    432Request departure from diverter requirements; with discussion and receive approval853 requests424
    460(a)Include your projected plans if well testing along with the required information172 plans34
    462(c)Submit a description of your source control and containment capabilities to the Regional Supervisor and receive approval; all required information1251 submittal125
    490(c)Request to classify an area for the presence of H2S391 requests273
    Support request with available information such as G&G data, well logs, formation tests, cores and analysis of formation fluids373 submittals219
    Submit a request for reclassification of a zone when a different classification is needed14 requests4
    Alaska Region: 410; 412 thru 418; 420; 442; 444; 449; 456; 470; 472Due to the difficulties of drilling in Alaska, along with the shortened time window allowed for drilling, Alaska hours are done here as stand-alone requirements. Also, note that these specific hours are based on the first APD in Alaska in more than 10 years2,8001 request2,800
    Subpart D subtotal5,445 responses39,532
    Subpart E
    513Obtain written approval to begin well completion operations. If completion is planned and the data are available you may submit on forms3288 requests864
    R-31 request3
    Submit description of well-completion, schematics, logs, any H2S18.5295 submittals5,458
    R-261 submittal26
    Subpart E subtotal585 responses6,351
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    Subpart G
    701Identify and discuss your proposed alternate procedures or equipmentBurden covered under subpart A, 1014-00220
    702Identify and discuss departure requestsBurden covered under subpart A, 1014-00220
    713(b)Submit plat of the rig's anchor pattern for a moored rig approved in your EP, DPP, or DOCD1251 submittal125
    713(e)Provide contingency plan for using dynamically positioned MODU and all the regulatory requirements associated with this section10682 submittals6,820
    713(g)Describe specific current speeds when implementing rig shutdown and/or move-off procedures for water depths > 400 meters; discussion of specific measures you will take to curtail rig operations/move-off location451 submittal45
    720(b)Request approval to displace kill-weight fluid; include reasons why along with step-by-step procedures5518 approval requests2,590
    721(g)(4)Submit test procedures and criteria for a successful negative pressure test for approval. If any change, submit changes for approval2.5 R-4355 submittals 1 change888 4
    724(b)Submit certification that you have a real-time monitoring plan that meets the criteria listed1091 submittal109
    731Submit complete description of BOP system and components; schematic drawings; certification by BAVO (additional BAVO if BOP is subsea, in HTHP, or surface on floating facility); autoshear, deadman, EDS systems; certification for MIA report1141 submittal114
    733(b)Describe annulus monitoring plan; and how the well will be secured if leak is detected671 submittal67
    734(b)Submit verification report from BAVO documenting repairs & that BOP is fit for serviceR-641 report64
    734(c)Submit revision, including all verifications required, before drilling out surface casingR-661 submittal66
    737(a)Request approval from District Manager to omit BOP pressure test. Indicate which casing strings and liners meet the criteria for this request1358 casing/liner info358
    737(b)(2)Request approval of test pressures (RAM BOPs)2353 requests706
    737(b)(3)Request approval of pressure test (annular BOPs)380 requests760
    737(d)(2)Submit test procedures for approval for surface BOP2.5507 submittals1,268
    737(d)(3); (d)(4)Submit test procedures, including how you will test each ROV intervention function, for approval (subsea BOPs only)2507 submittals1,014
    737(d)(12)Submit test procedures (autoshear and deadman systems) for approval. Include documentation of the controls/circuitry system used for each test; describe how the ROV will be utilized during this operation2.5507 submittals1,268
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    738(m)Request approval to use additional well control equipment, including BAVO report; as well as other information required by District Manager661 request66
    738(n)Submit which pipe/variable bore rams have no current utility or well control purposes641 submittal64
    Subpart G subtotal4,177 response16,396
    Subpart H
    807(a)Submit detailed information that demonstrates the SSSVs and related equipment are capable of performing in HPHT131 submittal13
    Subpart H subtotal1 response13
    Subpart P
    Note that for Sulfur Operations, while there may be 49 burden hours listed, we have not had any sulfur leases for numerous years, therefore, we have submitted minimal burden.
    1605(b)(3)Submit information on the fitness of the drilling unit61 submittal6
    1617Submit fully completed application (Form BSEE-0123) include rated capacities of the proposed drilling unit and of major drilling equipment; as well as all required information listed in this section401 submittal40
    1622(b)Submit description of well-completion or workover procedures, schematic, and if H2S is present31 submittal3
    Subpart P subtotal3 responses49
    Total Burden11,282 Responses63,561
    $862,104 Non Hour Cost Burden
    * In the future, BSEE may require electronic filing of some submissions.

    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Non-Hour Cost Burden: We have identified one non-hour cost burden associated with the collection of information for a total of $862,104. It is the $2,113 service fee required to recover the Federal Government's processing costs of the APD. We have not identified any other non-hour cost burdens associated with this collection of information.

    Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.,) provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated to respond.

    Comments: Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.,) requires each agency “. . . to provide notice . . . and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of information . . .” Agencies must specifically solicit comments to: (a) Evaluate whether the collection is necessary or useful; (b) evaluate the accuracy of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of technology.

    To comply with the public consultation process, on September 22, 2016, we published a Federal Register notice (81 FR 65399) announcing that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. The notice provided the required 60-day comment period. In addition, § 250.199 provides the OMB Control Number for the information collection requirements imposed by the regulations and forms. The regulations also inform the public that they may comment at any time on the collections of information and provides the address to which they should send comments. We received no comments in response to the Federal Register notice, nor did we receive any unsolicited comments.

    Public Availability of Comments: Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

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    Dated: February 2, 2017.

    Eric Miller,

    Acting Deputy Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs.

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    [FR Doc. 2017-03855 Filed 2-27-17; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4310-VH-P

Document Information

Published:
02/28/2017
Department:
Safety and Environmental Enforcement Bureau
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
30-day notice.
Document Number:
2017-03855
Dates:
You must submit comments by March 30, 2017.
Pages:
12122-12128 (7 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket ID BSEE-2016-0012, OMB Number 1014-0025, 17XE1700DX EEEE500000 EX1SF0000.DAQ000
PDF File:
2017-03855.Pdf