In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
02/28/2023
36 Months From Approved
02/29/2020
5,302
0
7,567
18,323
0
30,635
165,492
0
165,492
This information collection request concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations in 30 CFR part 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 aspect 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 Nationâs energy needs as rapidly as possible; to balance orderly energy resources 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 âoperations in the [O]uter Continental Shelf should be conducted in a safe manner by well-trained personnel using technology, precautions, and techniques sufficient to prevent or minimize the likelihood of blowouts, loss of well controlâ¦physical obstruction 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.â
The BOEM will collect the information to ensure that operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) are carried out safely and in an environmentally sound manner, do not interfere with the rights of other users in the OCS, and balance the protection and development of OCS resources. Respondents are Outer Continental Shelf Federal and State oil, gas or sulphur lessees.
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, and include:
⢠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 BOEMâ0127 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 550.1153â1167, 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).
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form BOEM-1123 550.143-145 - Designation of Operator - Form BOEM-1123
2019-27079_30 day notice_12.17.19.pdf
30 CFR 550, Subpart A & K Reg Text Oct 19 2016.docx
550.115-116; 119 - Performance Standards