0091-06-ss

Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

30 CFR 254, Oil-Spill Response Requirements for

Facilities Located Seaward of the Coast Line

OMB Control Number 1010-0091

Expiration Date: 12/31/2006

General Instructions

A Supporting Statement, including the text of the notice to the public required by 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(i)(iv) and its actual or estimated date of publication in the Federal Register, 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 in Section A below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. If this information collection employs statistical methods, then Section B of the Supporting Statement must be completed. 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. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), requires that a spill-response plan be submitted for offshore facilities prior to February 18, 1993. The OPA specifies that after that date, an offshore facility may not handle, store, or transport oil unless a plan has been submitted. This authority and responsibility are among those delegated to the Minerals Management Service (MMS) by Executive Order 12777. Regulations at 30 CFR 254 establish requirements for spill-response plans for oil-handling facilities seaward of the coast line, including associated pipelines.

To provide supplementary guidance and procedures, MMS issues Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) on a regional or national basis. Regulation 30 CFR 250.103 allows MMS to issue NTLs to clarify, supplement, or provide more detail about certain requirements. Additional guidance pertaining to Oil-Spill Response Requirements are provided by region specific NTLs when needed.

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 MMS uses the information collected under 30 CFR 254 to determine compliance with OPA by owners/ operators. Specifically, MMS needs the information to:

• Determine effectiveness of the spill-response capability of owners/operators.

• Review plans prepared under the regulations of a State and submitted to MMS to satisfy the requirements of this rule to ensure that they meet minimum requirements of OPA.

• Verify that personnel involved in oil-spill response are properly trained and familiar with the requirements of the spill-response plans and to witness spill-response exercises.

• Assess the sufficiency and availability of contractor equipment and materials.

• Verify that sufficient quantities of equipment are available and in working order.

• Oversee spill-response efforts and maintain official records of pollution events.

• Assess the efforts of owners/operators to prevent oil spills or prevent substantial threats of such discharges.

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].

Currently, 15 percent of all information is submitted electronically. Section 254.7 provides the opportunity for respondents to use improved information technology. The Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR) has in the past received revised response plans (required by 30 CFR 254.30) on CD ROM discs. The Pacific OCS Region (POCSR) has an operator of both Federal and State water facilities that is considering submitting oil-spill response updates on CD ROM discs with the certification included with the plan signed on paper. A growing percentage of oil-spill response plans are being submitted electronically and MMS will continue to explore opportunities and encourage respondents to use electronic filing for information collection submissions.

The MMS Offshore Minerals Management (OMM) program is moving to fully implement the Government Paperwork Elimination Act with re-engineered business processes. Re-engineering the OMM full complement of business processes and related information collection burdens will take place incrementally beginning with the pre-implementation effort in FY 2002 and continuing through FY 2007. The first component was the Public Commenting System implemented in July 2004.

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.

To avoid duplicate reporting requirements for oil-spill response plans, 30 CFR 254 regulations allow those with MMS-approved spill-response plans for facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to expand those plans to include facilities in State waters of the same geographic area. Owners and operators of facilities in State waters with plans approved by the State may submit the same plan to MMS, along with information pertaining to the approval and assurance that the plan contains several basic requirements of the OPA. In addition, since a particular facility may be subject to several Federal regulations, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) allows for the use of the National Response Team’s integrated contingency plan format for emergency response plans so that facility owners may address all the requirements in just one plan. The CFR also provides for regional response plans so that a group of leases or facilities having the same owner or operator and located in the same MMS Region may submit one plan.

The FWPCA requires immediate notification of spills of oil into any body of water. All such spills must be reported to the National Response Center (NRC), which is operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. The MMS has arranged with the NRC to receive reports of offshore spills, except for spills of one barrel or more. In those instances, respondents must notify MMS as well as the NRC so that MMS can oversee spill-response efforts in a timely manner.

The Departments of the Interior, Transportation, and the U.S. Coast Guard have executed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and several Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs) that are effective in eliminating duplication of responsibility. In addition, MMS has signed MOUs with the major oil-producing coastal States concerning the regulation and inspection of offshore facilities. The MOUs are designed to help ensure that Federal and State regulations are compatible; encourage uniform enforcement strategies; and provide for joint inspections, drills, and investigations. There is no similar information available at the Federal level since each offshore facility is unique with respect to its location, equipment, environment, distance to shore, or sensitive biota, etc.

In the GOMR, all OCS lessees/operators contract with Clean Gulf Associates or with one of two other Oil Spill Response Organizations (OSROs) for spill response coverage. In the POCSR, all the OCS lessees/operators contract with either Clean Seas or Clean Coastal Waters for spill response coverage although some of the operators are also required to maintain response equipment at or near their facilities by MMS. Each of these OSROs conducts the monthly inspections of their equipment required by 30 CFR 254.43 and maintains the inspection records. The MMS has agreed to accept these inspections as compliance with this requirement, considerably reducing the number of recordkeepers.

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

The collection of this information does not have a significant economic effect on any entity, regardless of size. Approximately, 70 percent of the companies complying with requirements under 30 CFR 254 may have less than 500 employees and would be considered small businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration. However, the hour burden on any small entity subject to these regulations cannot be reduced to minimize the impact and meet the mandate of OPA.

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 MMS did not collect the information, we could not ensure compliance with Title I of OPA. We would be unable to determine the overall effectiveness of owners/operators in preventing oil spills and their capability to respond in the event of an oil spill. The frequency of response is mostly on occasion. Respondents are required to review response plans at least once every 2 years, and any less frequent reviews would not ensure response capability. The OPA and the FWPCA mandate the submission of these plans and notifications. Monthly inspection of oil-spill response equipment assures that equipment is properly maintained in a ready-state in the event the equipment is needed should an oil spill occur.

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.

Not applicable in this collection.

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

Not applicable in this collection.

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

Not applicable in this collection.

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

Not applicable in this collection.

(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.

Not applicable in this collection.

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

There are no special circumstances with respect to 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2)(v) through (viii) as the collection is not a statistical survey and does not use statistical data classification.

(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.

This collection does not include a pledge of confidentiality not supported by statute or regulation.

(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.

This collection does not require proprietary, trade secret, or other confidential information not protected by agency procedures.

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. [Please list the names, titles, addresses, and phone numbers of persons contacted.] 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), MMS provided a 60-day notice in the Federal Register on April 10, 2006 (71 FR 18113). Also, 30 CFR 254.9 displays the OMB control number, specifies that the public may comment at anytime on the collection of information required in the 30 CFR 254 regula­tions, and provides the address for sending comments to MMS. We display the OMB control number and provide the address for sending comments to MMS. We received no comments in response to the Federal Register notice.

During the comment period, MMS regional offices requested input from several lessees. The burden estimate in A.12 reflects their input. The following companies were contacted:

Shell Offshore Inc., Philip Smith, Permits and Issues Manager,

(504) 728-6161, P.O. Box 61933, New Orleans, LA 70161

J. Connor Consulting, Inc., Jodie Connor, President,

(281) 578-3388, 16225 Park Ten Place, Suite #700, Houston, TX 77084

Newfield Exploration Company, Bekki Winfree, Offshore Regulatory Manager,

(281) 847-6000, 363 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Suite #2020, Houston, TX 77060

El Paso Production, Beth Atwood, Regulatory Manager,

(713) 420-6288, P.O. Box 2511, Houston, TX 77252-2511

Dos Cuadras Offshore Resources, Scott Robertson, Emergency Response Coordinator,

805-535-2000 ext 272, 290 Maple Court, Suite #290, Ventura, CA 93003

Plains Exploration and Production Company, Byron Everist, Petroleum Engineer,

805-934-8219, 201 S. Broadway, Orcutt, CA 93455

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

We 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.

We protect proprietary information according to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR 2), and 30 CFR 250.196, “Data and information to be made available to the public.”

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 or private 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.

(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 in Item 14.

There are approximately 197 owners or operators of facilities/oil-spill response companies located in both State and Federal waters seaward of the coast line. The frequency of response varies, but is mostly on occasion. We estimate the total annual reporting and recordkeeping “hour” burden to be 35,070 hours. Based on $50 per hour, the total cost to respondents is $1,753,500 (35,070 hours x $50 = $1,753,500). Refer to the chart below for a breakdown of the burden hours.

BURDEN BREAKDOWN

CITATION 30 CFR 254	Reporting Requirement	Hour Burden	Average No. of Annual Responses	Annual Burden Hours
1(a) thru (d); 2(a); 3 thru 5; 7; 20 thru 29; 44(b)	Submit spill response plan for OCS facilities and related documents.	120	26 new plans	3,120
1(e)	Request MMS jurisdiction over facility landward of coast line (no recent request received).	0.5	2 requests	1
2(b)	Submit certification of capability to respond to worst case discharge or substantial threat of such.	15	1 certification	15
2(c); 30	Submit revised spill response plan for OCS facilities at least every 2 years; notify MMS of no change.	36	177 revised plans	6,372
		1	1 No change	1
2(c)	Request deadline extension for submission of revised plan.	4	11	44
8	Appeal MMS orders or decisions.	Exempt under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2), (c).		0
40	Make records of all OSRO-provided services, equipment, personnel available to MMS.	5	20	100
41	Conduct annual training; retain training records for 2 years.	25	197 owners/ operators	4,925
42(a) thru (e)	Conduct triennial response plan exercise; retain exercise records for 3 years.	110	134 exercises	14,740
42(f)	Inform MMS of the date of any exercise (triennial).	1	170 notifications	170
43	Inspect response equipment monthly; retain inspection & maintenance records for 2 years.	3.5	55 inspections x 12 months = 660	2,310
46(a)	Notify NRC of all oil spills from owner/operator facility.	Burden would be included in the NRC inventory.		0
46(b)	Notify MMS of oil spills of one barrel or more from owner/operator facility; submit follow-up report.	2	61 notifications & reports	122
46(c)	Notify MMS & responsible party of oil spills from operations at another facility.	2	24 notifications	48
50; 51	Submit response plan for facility in State waters by modifying existing OCS plan.	42	10 plans	420
50; 52	Submit response plan for facility in State waters following format for OCS plan.	100	9 plans	900
50; 53	Submit response plan for facility in State waters developed under State requirements.	89	18 plans	1,602
54	Submit description of oil-spill prevention procedures.	5	36 submissions	180
TOTAL HOUR BURDEN			1,557	35,070 Hrs.

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 shown in Items 12 and 14).

(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]. 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 identified no paperwork cost burdens for this collection of information.

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. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single table.

To analyze and review the informa­tion, the Government spends an average of ³/₄ hour for each hour spent by respondents. The total estimated Government time is 26,303 (rounded) hours. Based on a cost factor of $50 per hour, the total annual estimated burden on the Government is $1,315,150 (35,070 hours x ³/₄ hour = 26,303 (rounded) hours x $50 = $1,315,150).

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported.

The current OMB inventory includes 38,322 burden hours for this collection of information. This submission requests 35,070 burden hours. The adjustment decrease of 3,252 hours is due to re-estimating the average annual responses and the amount of time required to respond based on consultations. Therefore, we are requesting a net decrease of 3,252 hours (38,322 current OMB inventory – 35,070 hours requested = -3,252 hour adjustment). There is no cost burden requested.

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.

MMS 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.

Not applicable, as this collection of information concerns requirements in regulations.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified.

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.”

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any case where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. If this information collection employs statistical methods, the following documentation should be included in the Supporting Statement to the extent that it applies to the methods proposed.

This section is not applicable for this collection. We will not employ statistical methods in this information collection.

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