1014-0023-SS-2024 for ROCIS

Supporting Statement A

30 CFR Part 250, Subpart C, Pollution Prevention and Control

OMB Control Number 1014-0023

Current Expiration Date: January 31, 2025

Terms of Clearance: None

General Instructions

A completed Supporting Statement A must accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement must be prepared in the format described below, and must contain the information specified below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When the question, “Does this information collection request (ICR) contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods?” is checked "Yes," then a Supporting Statement B must be completed. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.

Specific Instructions

A. Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.

The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act (OCSLA) 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 the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), 30 U.S.C. 1751 is included as additional authority for these requirements.

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(1)(C)) authorizes the President to adopt regulations that establish procedures, methods and equipment requirements to prevent oil spills and other hazardous substance discharges from offshore and other facilities. The regulatory authority for offshore facilities has been delegated to the Secretary and further delegated by the Secretary to BSEE.

This authority and responsibility are among those delegated to BSEE. The regulations at 30 CFR 250, subpart C requirements concern pollution prevention and control and are the subject of this collection. This request also covers any related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that BSEE issues to clarify, supplement, or provide additional guidance on some aspects of our regulations.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection. Be specific. If this collection is a form or a questionnaire, every question needs to be justified.

The information collected under Subpart C is used in our efforts to:

 record the location of items lost overboard to aid in recovery during site clearance activities on the lease;

 conduct operations according to all applicable regulations, requirements, and in a safe and workmanlike manner;

 properly handle for the protection of OCS workers and the environment the discharge or disposal of drill cuttings, sand, and other well solids, including those containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM); and

 inspect facilities daily for the prevention of pollution and ensure that any observed problems are corrected.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden and specifically how this collection meets GPEA requirements.

BSEE encourages respondents to use the electronic fillable forms available on the website. Currently, an estimated 95 percent of all information is submitted electronically.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

The Department of Interior has Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with other government agencies that define the responsibilities of each agency with respect to activities in the OCS. These MOUs are effective in avoiding duplication of regulations and reporting requirements. In most cases, the information collected is unique and site specific to each operation and not available from other sources. The information collected is unique to under each requirement, and similar information is not available from other sources.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

This collection of information could have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. Any direct effects primarily impact the OCS lessees and operators. However, many of the OCS lessees and operators have less than 500 employees and are considered small businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration. Regulations require safe work practices and protection of the environmental resources; therefore, the hour burden on any small entity subject to these regulations and associated collection cannot be reduced to accommodate them. With respect to the requirements for keeping the OCS free of physical obstructions, if these activities were not performed, it is more likely that the other users of the OCS would be adversely affected, many of which are small businesses.

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

If we did not collect the information, BSEE could not carry out the mandate of the OCS Lands Act to ensure safe and environmentally sound operations in the OCS. Information collection is generally required upon occasion or as a result of certain events with no specific frequency. The information collected is unique to each facility or item lost overboard.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

(a) requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

Daily and/or every 3^rd day inspection of facilities and recordkeeping for pollution are necessary to detect if pollution is occurring so that immediate corrective actions are taken.

(b) requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

(c) requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

(d) requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than 3 years;

(e) in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

(f) requiring the use of statistical data classification that has been reviewed and approved by OMB;

(g) that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

Not applicable in this collection.

(h) requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information, unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information’s confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

BSEE will protect any confidential commercial or proprietary information according to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and DOI’s implementing regulations (43 CFR 2); section 26 of OCSLA (43 U.S.C. 1352); 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.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency’s notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and in response to the PRA statement associated with the collection over the past 3 years and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years – even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

As required in 5 CFR 1320.8(d), BSEE provided a 60-day notice in the Federal Register on July 12, 2024 (89 FR 57165). Also, 30 CFR 250.199 explains that BSEE will accept comments at any time on the information collection aspects of 30 CFR 250. We display the OMB control number and provide the address for sending comments to BSEE. We received no comments in response to the Federal Register Notice.

To prepare this ICR, companies were contacted to determine the estimated burden this subpart places on respondents: The following company representatives that commented were:

EHS & Operations Manager, Beta Offshore, 562.606.5742, 111 W Ocean Beach Blvd Suite #1240, Long Beach, CA 90802

Regulatory Analyst, DCOR LLC, 805-901-2575, 1000 Town Center Drive, Suite 600, Oxnard, Ca, 93036

Regulatory Technician, Arena Offshore, LP, 281-210-0653, 2103 Research Forest Drive, Suite 200, The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Regulatory Affairs Manager, Beacon Offshore Energy, (985) 666-0143, 16564 E Brewster Rd STE 203, Covington, LA 70433

Regulatory Compliance Advisor, BP Exploration & Production Inc., 832-907-3565, 501 Westlake Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77079

Emergency Response Program Manager, Hilcorp Alaska, 907-777-8300, 3800 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 1400, Anchorage, AK 99503

All the different reporting and recordkeeping requirements that are listed in the Subpart C burden table (Section A.12) were thoroughly reviewed by the company representatives listed. These representatives had no concerns regarding the availability of data, frequency of collection, clarity of instructions, and elements being collected at this time. The companies that replied to our request provided the burden estimates that are reflected in Section A.12.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

BSEE will not provide payment or gifts to respondents in this collection.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

BSEE will protect any confidential commercial or proprietary information according to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and DOI’s implementing regulations (43 CFR 2); section 26 of OCSLA (43 U.S.C. 1352); 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.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

The collection does not include sensitive questions.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

(a) Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

(b) If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.

Potential respondents include Federal oil, gas, and sulfur lessees and holders of pipeline rights-of-way. Currently there are approximately 555 Oil and Gas Drilling and Production Operators in the OCS. Not all the potential respondents will submit information in any given year, and some may submit multiple time. The burden estimates include the time for reviewing the instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information and are based on informal discussions with the listed respondents in Section A.8. Responses are mandatory. Submissions are generally on occasion, weekly, and daily. We estimate the total annual burden is 137,835 hours. Refer to the following table for a breakdown of the burdens.

BURDEN BREAKDOWN

Citation 30 CFR 250 Subpart C and related NTL(s)	Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirement*	Hour Burden	Average No. of Annual Responses	Annual Burden Hours
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 NORM.	Burden covered under APDs or APMs 1014-0025 or 1014-0026.		0
300(c)	Mark items that could snag or damage fishing devices.	1 hour	133 markings	133
300(d)	Report and record items lost overboard.	1 hour ea x 2 = 2 hours	116 reports/ records	232
300(a), (b)(6), (c), (d); NTL	Submit request for training video.	1 hour	1 request	1
	Submit annual report to BSEE on training process and certification.	1.5 hours	212 records	318
	Training recordkeeping; make available upon request.	3 hours	212 records	636
	Post placards on vessels and structures (exempt from information collection burden because BSEE is providing exact language for the trash and debris warning, similar to the “Surgeon General’s Warning” exemption).			0
301	Inspect drilling/production facili­ties for pollution; maintain inspection/repair records 2 years.	22 min ea inspection x 365 days p/yr / 60 mins p/hr = 134 hours	898 manned facilities	120,332
		5 mins every 3rd day (365 days p/yr / 3 = 121.6 days x 5 mins p/day / 60 mins p/hr) = 10.14 hours	1,596 unmanned facilities	16,183
300-301	General departure and alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in subpart C regulations.	Burden covered under Subpart A, 1014-0022		0
Total Burden			3,168 responses	137,835 hours

* In the future, BSEE may require electronic filing of some submissions.

(c) Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included under “annual Cost to the Federal Government.”

The average respondent cost is $141/hour (rounded). This cost is broken out in the below table using the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) data dated November 2020. See SPE document/website:

https://www.spe.org/industry/docs/2020-Salary-Survey-Highlight-Report.pdf

Position	Base Pay Hourly Rate ($/hr)	Hourly Rate including Benefits (1.4* x $/hr)	Percent of time spent on collection	Weighted Average ($/hour/ rounded)
Non-Engineering Technical	$76.69	$107.36	15%	$16.10
Engineers - Drilling	$108.30	$151.62	63%	$95.52
Earth Science/Geology	$94.80	$132.72	22%	$29.20
Weighted Average ($/hour)				$141

*A multiplier of 1.4 (as implied by BLS news release USDL-24-1863, September 10, 2024, (see https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm)) was added for benefits.

Based on a cost factor of $141 per hour, we estimate the hour burden as a dollar equivalent to industry is $19,434,735 ($141 x 137,835 hours = $19,434,735).

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected in Item 12).

(a) The cost estimate should be split into two components: (1) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (2) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information (including filing fees paid for form processing). Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

(b) If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burden and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

(c) Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

We have not identified any non-hour paperwork cost burdens for the Subpart C regulations information collection.

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal Government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.

To analyze and review the information, the Government will spend an average of 0.25 hour for each hour spent by respondents.

The average government cost is $88/hour (rounded). This cost is broken out in the below table using the current Office of Personnel Management salary data for the REST OF THE UNITED STATES (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/).

Position	Grade	Hourly Pay rate ($/hour estimate)	Hourly rate including benefits (1.6* x $/hour)	Percent of time spent on collection	Weighted Average ($/hour rounded
Clerical	GS-7/5	$26.62	$42.59	10%	$4.26
Petroleum Engineer	GS-13/5	$56.16	$89.86	70%	$62.90
Supv. Petroleum Engineer	GS-14/5	$66.36	$106.18	20%	$21.24
Weighted Average ($/hour)					$88

*A multiplier of 1.6 as implied by BLS news release USDL-24-1863, September 10, 2024 (see https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm) was added for benefits.

Based on a cost factor of $88 per hour, we estimate the total annualized cost to the Government is $3,032,392 (137,835 hours x 0.25 = 34,459 (rounded) hours x $88 = $3,032,392).

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

The current OMB inventory for this collection includes 137,940 burden hours. In this submission we are requesting 137,835 which is an adjustment decrease of 105 burden hours. The reasoning for the decrease is the requirement to request a training video is no longer submitted. The NTL-2013-G03 provides the guidance that was in the training video. BSEE inadvertently missed this change in the prior renewal.

There are no non-hour cost burdens associated with this collection.

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions

BSEE will not tabulate or publish the data.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

BSEE will display the OMB control number and approved expiration date.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in, “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submission.”

To the extent that the topics apply to this collection of information, we are not making any exceptions to the “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions.”