Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; 30 CFR 550, Subpart B, Plans and Information
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Number 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)
Notices
Pages 13511-13514
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2018-06500
Page 13511
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
MMAA104000; OMB Control Number 1010-0151; Docket ID: BOEM-2018-0016
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; 30 CFR 550, Subpart B, Plans and Information
AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is proposing to renew an information collection with revisions.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before April 30, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments on this information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget's Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior by email at email protected; or via facsimile to 202-395-5806. Please provide a copy of your comments to the BOEM Information Collection Clearance Officer, Anna Atkinson, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia, 20166; or by email to email protected. Please reference Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number 1010-
0151 in the subject line of your comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information about this ICR, contact Anna Atkinson by email, or by telephone at 703-
787-1025. You may also view the ICR at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we provide the general public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps us 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.
A Federal Register notice with a 60-day public comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on December 15, 2017 (82 FR 59645). One comment was received from a private citizen, but it was not germane to the information collection in this ICR.
We are again soliciting comments on the proposed ICR that is 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) Will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) Is the estimate of burden 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 through the use of information technology?
Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. 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.
Abstract: 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 mineral resources on the OCS. Such rules and regulations apply to all operations conducted under a lease, or unit. The OCS Lands Act, at 43 U.S.C. 1340 and 1351, requires the holders of OCS oil and gas or sulphur leases to submit exploration plans (EPs) and development and production plans (DPPs) to the Secretary for approval prior to commencing these activities. Also, as a Federal agency, we have an affirmative duty to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Compliance with the ESA includes a substantive duty to carry out any agency action in a manner that is not likely to jeopardize protected species, as well as a procedural duty to consult with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries) before engaging in a discretionary action that may affect a protected species.
The regulations at 30 CFR part 550, subpart B, concern plans and information that must be submitted to conduct activities on a lease or unit, and are the subject of this collection. The collection also covers the related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that BOEM issues to clarify or provide additional guidance on some aspects of our regulations.
BOEM geologists, geophysicists, and environmental scientists and other Federal agencies (e.g., USFWS, NOAA Fisheries) analyze and evaluate the information and data collected under Subpart B to ensure that planned operations are safe; will not adversely affect the marine, coastal, or human environment; and will conserve the resources of the OCS. BOEM uses the information to make an informed decision on whether to approve the proposed EP or DPP as submitted, or require plan modifications. The affected States also review the information collected to determine consistency with approved Coastal Zone Management plans.
In 2016, BOEM published a final rule entitled, ``Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf--Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf.'' This rule finalized new regulations specific to activities conducted on the Arctic OCS that modify 30 CFR part 550, subpart B. The new regulations require operators to develop an Integrated Operations Plan (IOP) for each exploratory program on the Arctic OCS, as well as to submit additional planning information with the EPs. An additional 3,930 burden hours were approved as part of that rulemaking, and are included in the burden table for this control number. The Secretary's Order 3350 (May 1, 2017), which further implements the President's Executive Order entitled, ``Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy'' (82 FR 20815, May 3, 2017), directs BOEM to review the final rule. If the Secretary decides that the final determination is to suspend, revise, or rescind the rule, the related burden hours in this OMB control number will be adjusted accordingly.
We protect proprietary information, including the information collected under Subpart B, 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), 30 CFR 550.197, ``Data and information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection,'' and 30 CFR part 552, ``Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Information Program.''
Title of Collection: 30 CFR 550, Subpart B, Plans and Information.
OMB Control Number: 1010-00151.
Form Number:
Page 13512
BOEM-0137--OCS Plan Information Form
BOEM-0138--Exploration Plan (EP) Air Quality Screening Checklist
BOEM-0139--DOCD Air Quality Screening Checklist
BOEM-0141--ROV Survey Report
BOEM-0142--Environmental Impact Analysis Worksheet
Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Potential respondents comprise Federal OCS oil, gas, and sulphur lessees and operators.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 4,266.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 436,438.
Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion, semi-monthly, and varies by section.
Total Estimated Annual Non-Hour Cost: $3,939,435.
We have identified three non-hour costs associated with this information collection that are cost recovery fees. They consist of fees being submitted with EPs ($3,673), DPPs or Development Operation Coordination Documents (DOCDs) ($4,238), and Conservation Information Documents (CIDs) ($27,348).
There is also one non-hour cost associated with the Protected Species Observer program. The cost associated with this program is due to observation activities that are usually subcontracted to other service companies with expertise in these areas.
Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: We expect the estimated annual reporting burden for this collection to be 436,438 hours. We are transferring 3,930 annual burden hours from OMB control number 1010-0189, 30 CFR 550, Subpart B, Arctic OCS Activities, to this information collection request. These 3,930 annual burden hours are for Arctic exploration requirements which were approved by OMB in the final rule for Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic OCS, 81 FR 46478 (July 15, 2016). Once this information collection request is approved by OMB, we will be discontinuing OMB control number 1010-0189.
The following table details the individual BOEM components and respective hour burden estimates of this ICR.
Burden Breakdown
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Reporting &
Citation 30 CFR 550 subpart B and recordkeeping Hour burden Average number of Burden hours
NTLs requirement annual responses
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Non-hour costs
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200 thru 206..................... General requirements for Burden included with specific 0
plans and information; requirements below
fees/refunds, etc.
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201 thru 206; 211 thru 228: 241 BOEM posts EPs/DPPs/ Not considered IC as defined in 5 0
thru 262. DOCDs on FDMS, and CFR 1320.3(h)(4)
receives public
comments for
preparation of EAs.
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204 **........................... For new Arctic OCS 2,880 1.................. 2,880
exploration activities:
submit IOP, including
all required
information.
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Subtotal............................................................... 1.................. 2,880
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Ancillary Activities
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208; NTL 2009-G34 *.............. Notify BOEM in writing, 11 61 notices......... 671
and if required by the
Regional Supervisor
notify other users of
the OCS before
conducting ancillary
activities.
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208; 210(a)...................... Submit report 2 61 reports......... 122
summarizing & analyzing
data/information
obtained or derived
from ancillary
activities.
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208; 210(b)...................... Retain ancillary 2 61 records......... 122
activities data/
information; upon
request, submit to BOEM.
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Subtotal............................................................... 183 responses...... 915
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Contents of Exploration Plans (EP)
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209; 231(b); 232(d); 234; 235; Submit new, amended, 150 345 changed plans.. 51,750
281(3); 283; 284; 285; NTL 2015- modified, revised, or
N01 *. supplemental EP, or
resubmit disapproved
EP, including required
information; withdraw
your EP.
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209; 211 thru 228; NTL 2015-N01 * Submit EP and all 600 163 plans.......... 97,800
required information
(including, but not
limited to, submissions
required by BOEM Forms
0137, 0138, 0142; lease
stipulations; reports,
including shallow
hazards surveys; H2S;
G&G; archaeological
surveys & reports
(550.194) ***, in
specified formats.
Provide notifications...
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$3,673 x 163 EP surface locations = $598,699 non-
hour cost
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220.............................. Alaska-specific Burden included with EP 0
requirements. requirements (30 CFR 550.211-228).
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220 **........................... For new Arctic OCS 350 1.................. 350
exploration activities:
submit required Arctic-
specific information
with EP.
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220 **........................... For existing Arctic OCS 700 1.................. 700
exploration activities:
submit Arctic-specific
information, as
required.
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Page 13513
Subtotal............................................................... 510 responses...... 150,600
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$598,699 Non-Hour Costs
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Review and Decision Process for the EP
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235(b); 272(b); 281(d)(3)(ii).... Appeal State's objection Burden exempt as defined in 5 CFR 0
1320.4(a)(2) and (c)
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Contents of Development and Production Plans (DPP) and Development Operations Coordination Documents (DOCD)
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209; 266(b); 267(d); 272(a); 273; Submit amended, 235 353 changed plans.. 82,955
281(3)(i); 283; 284; 285; NTL modified, revised,
2015-N01 *. updated or supplemental
DPP or DOCD, including
required information,
or resubmit disapproved
DPP or DOCD.
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241 thru 262; 209; NTL 2015-N01 * Submit DPP/DOCD and 700 268 plans.......... 187,600
required/supporting
information (including,
but not limited to,
submissions required by
BOEM Forms 0137, 0139,
0142; lease
stipulations; reports,
including shallow
hazards surveys;
archaeological surveys
& reports such as
shallow hazards surveys
(CFR 550.194)), in
specified formats.
Provide notifications.
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$4,238 x 268 DPP/DOCD wells = $1,135,784
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Subtotal............................................................... 621 responses...... 270,555
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$1,135,784 Non-hour costs
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Review and Decision Process for the DPP or DOCD
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267(a)........................... Once BOEM deemed DPP/ Not considered IC as defined in 5 0
DOCD submitted; CFR 1320.3(h)(4)
Governor of each
affected State, local
government official;
etc., submit comments/
recommendations.
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267(b)........................... General public comments/ Not considered IC as defined in 5 0
recommendations CFR 1320.3(h)(4)
submitted to BOEM
regarding DPPs or DOCDs.
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269(b)........................... For leases or units in 3 1 response......... 3
vicinity of proposed
development and
production activities
RD may require those
lessees and operators
to submit information
on preliminary plans
for their leases and
units.
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Subtotal............................................................... 1 responses........ 3
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Post-Approval Requirements for the EP, DPP, and DOCD
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280(b)........................... In an emergency, request Burden included under 1010-0114 0
departure from your
approved EP, DPP, or
DOCD.
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281(a)........................... Submit various BSEE Burdens included under appropriate 0
applications for subpart or form (1014-0003; 1014-
approval and submit 0011; 1014-0016; 1014-0018)
permits.
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282.............................. Retain monitoring data/ 4 150 records........ 600
information; upon
request, make available
to BOEM.
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282(b)........................... Prepare and submit 2 6 plans............ 12
monitoring plan for
approval.
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Prepare and Submit 3 12 reports......... 36
monitoring reports and
data (including BOEM
Form 0141 used in GOMR).
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284(a)........................... Submit updated info on 4 56 updates......... 224
activities conducted
under approved EP/DPP/
DOCD.
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Subtotal............................................................... 224 responses...... 872
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Submit CIDs
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296(a); 297...................... Submit CID and required/ 375 14 documents....... 5,250
supporting information;
submit CID for
supplemental DOCD or
DPP.
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$27,348 x 14 = $382,872
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296(b); 297...................... Submit a revised CID for 100 13 revisions....... 1,300
approval.
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Subtotal............................................................... 27 responses....... 6,550
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Page 13514
$382,872 non-hour costs
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Seismic Survey Mitigation Measures and Protected Species Observer Program NTL *
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NTL 2016-G02 *; 211 thru 228; 241 Submit to BOEM observer 1.5 2 sets of material. 3
thru 262. training requirement
materials and
information.
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Training certification 1 1 new trainee...... 1
and recordkeeping.
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During seismic 1.5 344 reports........ 516
acquisition operations,
submit daily observer
reports semi-monthly.
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If used, submit to BOEM 2 6 submittals....... 12
information on any
passive acoustic
monitoring system prior
to placing it in
service.
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During seismic 1.5 1,976 reports...... 2,964
acquisition operations,
submit to BOEM marine
mammal observation
report(s) semi-monthly
or within 14 hours if
air gun operations were
shut down.
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During seismic 1.5 344 reports........ 516
acquisition operations,
when air guns are being
discharged, submit
daily observer reports
semi-monthly.
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Observation Duty (3 3 observers x 8 hrs x 365 days = 8,760 hours x 4
observers fulfilling an vessels observing = 35,040 man-hours x $52/hr =
8 hour shift each for $1,822,080 non-hour costs
365 calendar days x 4
vessels = 35,040 man-
hours). This
requirement is
contracted out; hence
the non-hour cost
burden.
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Subtotal............................................................... 2,673 responses.... 4,012
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$1,822,080 Non-Hour Costs
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Vessel Strike Avoidance and Injured/Protected Species Reporting NTL *
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NTL 2016-G01 *; 211 thru 228; 241 Notify BOEM within 24 1 1 notice........... 1
thru 262. hours of strike, when
your vessel injures/
kills a protected
species (marine mammal/
sea turtle).
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Subtotal............................................................... 1 response......... 1
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General Departure and Alternative Compliance
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200 thru 299..................... General departure and 2 25 requests........ 50
alternative compliance
requests not
specifically covered
elsewhere in Subpart B
regulations.
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Subtotal............................................................... 25 responses....... 50
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Total Burden....................................................... 4,266 responses.... 436,438
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* The identification number of NTLs may change when NTLs are reissued periodically to update information.
** NEW requirements from the Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf--Requirements for
Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf final rule.
*** Archaeological surveys and reports required under 30 CFR 550, Subpart A, in 550.194(a) are generally part of
the geohazard survey report required under 30 CFR 550, Subpart B. On average it takes an archaeologist 35
hours to prepare the archaeological survey and report. This hour burden is included in the overall hour burden
estimate for submission of EPs and all required information.
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.).
Dated: March 27, 2018.
Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka,
Chief, Office of Policy, Regulation and Analysis.
FR Doc. 2018-06500 Filed 3-28-18; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
