2019-19314. Agency Information Collection Activities; 30 CFR 550, Subpart A, General, and Subpart K, Oil and Gas Production Requirements in the Outer Continental Shelf  

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    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 anna.atkinson@boem.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 1010-0114 in the subject line of your comments.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    To request additional information about this ICR, contact Anna Atkinson by email, or by telephone at 703-787-1025.

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    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.Start Printed 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

    Citation 30 CFR 550 Subpart A and related forms/NTLsReporting or recordkeeping requirementHour burdenAverage number of annual responsesAnnual burden hours
    Non-hour cost burdens
    Authority and Definitions of Terms
    104; 181; Form BOEM-1832Appeal orders or decisions; appeal INCs; request hearing due to cancellation of leaseExempt under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2), (c)0
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    Performance Standards
    115; 116Request determination of well producibility; make available or submit data and information; notify BOEM of test590 responses450
    119Apply for subsurface storage of gas; sign storage agreement103 applications30
    Subtotal93 responses480
    Cost Recovery Fees
    125; 126; 140Cost Recovery Fees; confirmation receipt etc.; verbal approvals and written request to follow. Includes request for refundsCost Recovery Fees and related items are covered individually throughout this subpart0
    Designation of Operator
    143Report change of name, address, etcNot considered information collection under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1)0
    143(a-c); 144; Form BOEM-1123Submit designation of operator (Form BOEM-1123—form takes 30 minutes); report updates; notice of termination; submit designation of agent. Request exception. NO FEE12,584 forms2,584
    143(a-d); 144; Form BOEM-1123Change 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 FEE1930 forms930
    $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)0
    Subtotal3,514 responses3,514
    $162,750 non-hour cost burden
    Compliance
    101; 135; 136; Form BOEM-1832Submit response and required information for INC, probation, or revocation of operating status. Notify when violations corrected294 submissions188
    Request waiver of 14-day response time or reconsideration111
    135; 136Request reimbursement for services provided to BOEM representatives during reviews; comment1.52 requests3
    Subtotal97 responses192
    Special Types of Approval
    125(c); 140Request various oral approvals not specifically covered elsewhere in regulatory requirements1100 requests100
    141; 101-199Request approval to use new or alternative procedures; submit required information20100 requests2,000
    142; 101-199Request approval of departure from operating requirements not specifically covered elsewhere in regulatory requirements; submit required information2.5100 requests250
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    Subtotal300 responses2,350
    Right-of-Use and Easement
    160; 161; 123OCS 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 information926 applications234
    160(c)Establish a Company File for qualification; submit updated information, submit qualifications for lessee/bidder, request exceptionBurden covered under 30 CFR 556 (1010-0006)0
    160; 165; 123State 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 notifications51 application5
    $2,742 state lease fee × 1 = $2,742
    166State lessees: Furnish surety bond; additional security if requiredBurden covered under 30 CFR 556 (1010-0006)0
    Subtotal27 responses239
    $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)201 request20
    182; 183, 185; 194Various references to submitting new, revised, or modified exploration plan, development/production plan, or development operations coordination document, and related surveys/reportsBurden covered under 30 CFR 550, Subpart B (1010-0151)0
    184Request compensation for lease cancellation mandated by the OCS Lands Act (no qualified lease cancellations in many years; minimal burden)501 request50
    Subtotal2 responses70
    Information and Reporting Requirements
    186(a)Apply to receive administrative entitlements to eWell/TIMS system for electronic submissionsNot considered IC under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1)0
    186; NTL 2015-N01Submit information, reports, and copies as BOEM requires (as related to worst case discharge and blowout scenarios)101251,250
    135; 136Report apparent violations or non-compliance1.52 reports3
    194; NTL 2011-JOINT-G01Report archaeological discoveries. Submit archaeological and follow-up reports and additional information26 reports12
    194; NTL 2011-JOINT-G01Request departures from conducting archaeological resources surveys and/or submitting reports in GOMR12 requests2
    194Submit ancillary surveys/investigations reports, as requiredBurden covered under 30 CFR 550 Subpart B (1010-0151)0
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    196Submit data/information for G&G activity and request reimbursementBurden covered under 30 CFR 551 (1010-0048)0
    197(b)(2)Demonstrate release of G&G data would unduly damage competitive position111
    197(c)Submit confidentiality agreement111
    Subtotal137 responses1,269 hours
    Recordkeeping
    135; 136During reviews, make records available as requested by inspectors27 reviews14
    Subtotal7 responses14
    Citation 30 CFR 550 subpart K and related formsWell surveys and classifying reservoirsHour burdenAverage number of annual responsesAnnual burden hours
    1153Conduct static bottomhole pressure survey; submit Form BOEM-0140 (Bottomhole Pressure Survey Report)15400 surveys6,000
    1153(d)Submit justification, information, and Form BOEM-0140, to request a departure from requirement to run a static bottomhole pressure survey5100 survey departures500
    1154; 1167Submit request and supporting information to reclassify reservoir55 requests25
    1155; 1165(b); 1166; 1167Submit 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 MER6610 forms3,660
    1153-1167Request general departure or alternative compliance requests not specificallycovered elsewhere in regulatory requirements11010
    1165Submit proposed plan for enhanced recovery operations to BSEEBurden covered under BSEE 30 CFR 250 (1014-0019)0
    Subtotal1,125 responses10,195
    Total Burden5,302 Responses18,323
    $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.).

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    Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,

    Chief, Office of Policy, Regulation, and Analysis.

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    [FR Doc. 2019-19314 Filed 9-6-19; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P

Document Information

Published:
09/09/2019
Department:
Ocean Energy Management Bureau
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice of Information Collection; request for comment.
Document Number:
2019-19314
Dates:
Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before November 5, 2019.
Pages:
47317-47321 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
OMB Control Number 1010-0114, Docket ID: BOEM-2017-0016
PDF File:
2019-19314.Pdf
Supporting Documents:
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Commercial Prospecting, Noncommercial Geological and Geophysical Exploration, and Scientific Research for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Leasing of Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur in the Outer Continental Shelf
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Project Planning for the Use of Outer Continental Shelf Sand, Gravel, and Shell Resources in Construction Projects that Qualify for Negotiated Noncompetitive Agreement
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Evaluating Connections: BOEM's Environmental Studies and Assessments
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Oil Spill Financial Responsibility
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Leasing of Sulfur or Oil and Gas in the Outer Continental Shelf
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Oil and Gas Production Requirements in the Outer Continental Shelf
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Leasing of Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur in the Outer Continental Shelf
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas and Sulfur