0043-07-ss

Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

30 CFR 250, Subpart F, Oil and Gas Well-Workover Operations

OMB Control Number 1010-0043

Expiration Date: October 31, 2007

Terms of Clearance: None

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 statistical methods are employed, 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 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 (Secretary) 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 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.

Section 5(a) of the OCS Lands Act requires the Secretary to prescribe rules and regulations “to provide for the prevention of waste, and conservation of the natural resources of the Outer Continental Shelf, and the protection of correlative rights therein” and to include provisions “for the prompt and efficient exploration and development of a lease area.” These authorities and responsibilities are among those delegated to the Minerals Management Service (MMS) to ensure that operations in the OCS will meet statutory requirements; provide for safety and protection of the environment; and result in diligent exploration, development, and production of OCS leases. This information collection request addresses the regulations at 30 CFR 250, subpart F, Oil and Gas Well-Workover Operations and the associated supplementary Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) intended to provide clarification, description, or explanation of these 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.]

MMS District Supervisors use the information collected to analyze and evaluate planned well-workover operations to ensure that operations result in personnel safety and protection of the environment. They use this evaluation in making decisions to approve, disapprove, or to require modification to the proposed well-workover operations. For example, MMS uses the information to:

• Review log entries of crew meetings to verify that safety procedures have been properly reviewed.

• Review well-workover procedures relating to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) to ensure the safety of the crew in the event of encountering H₂S.

• Review well-workover diagrams and procedures to ensure the safety of well-workover operations.

• Verify that the crown block safety device is operating and can be expected to function and avoid accidents.

• Verify that the proposed operation of the annular preventer is technically correct and will provide adequate protection for personnel, property, and natural resources.

• Verify the reasons for postponing blowout preventer (BOP) tests, verify the state of readiness of the equipment and to ascertain that the equipment meets safety standards and requirements, ensure that BOP tests have been conducted in the manner and frequency to promote personnel safety and protect natural resources. Specific testing information must be recorded to verify that the proper test procedures were followed.

• Assure that the well-workover operations are conducted on well casing that is structurally competent.

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, about 70 percent of information is submitted electronically. The MMS Offshore Minerals Management (OMM) program is moving to implement the Government Paperwork Elimination Act with re-engineered business processes. MMS is re-engineering select OMM business processes and related information collection burdens incrementally.

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 information collected is unique to a specific well-workover operation and does not duplicate any other available information. The information is site specific, and similar information is not available from other sources. The Department of the Interior and the U.S. Coast Guard have Memoranda of Understanding that define the respon­sibilities of their agencies with respect to activities in the OCS. These are effective in avoiding duplication of regulations and reporting requirements.

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

This collection of information does not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. In general, companies need large technical and financial resources and experience to conduct offshore activities safely. However, 70 percent of the lessees and operators may have less than 500 employees and would be considered small businesses. The burden on any small entity subject to these regulations cannot be reduced to accommodate them without sacrificing safe operations and pollution prevention.

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 carry out the mandate of the OCS Lands Act, as amended, that specifies, “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 the likelihood of blowouts, loss of well control . . . or other occurrences which may cause damage to the environment or to property, or endanger life or health.” The information is collected only once for each particular well-workover operation, and, therefore, the frequency of collection cannot be reduced.

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 published a 60-day review and comment notice in the Federal Register on January 23, 2007 (72 FR 2901). Also, 30 CFR 250.199 explains that MMS will accept comments at any time on the information collection requirements and burdens of our 30 CFR part 250 regulations and associated forms. We display the OMB control numbers and provide the address for sending comments to MMS. We received no comments in response to the Federal Register notice or unsolicited comments from respondents covered under these regulations.

During the comment period, MMS regional offices consulted with several respondents on the burden of collecting this information. The burden estimates in section A.12 reflect adjustments based on comments received from the following:

Energy Partners, Inc., Karen Vanacor, Regulatory Compliance Supervisor, 504-799-4822

201 St. Charles Ave., Suite #3400, New Orleans, LA 70170

GOM Shelf, LLC, Cheryl Powell, Regulatory Supervisor, 713-296-6811

2000 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite #100, Houston, TX 77056-4400

Maritech Resources, Inc., Annalisa Taylor, Regulatory Coordinator, 281-364-5077

25025 I-45 North, The Woodlands, TX 77380

BP America, Inc., Teri Haverson, Regulatory Compliance Specialist, 281-366-6292

200 Westlake Park Boulevard, Room #453, Houston, TX 77079

W&T Offshore, Inc., Bea Stong, Health Regulatory & Environmental Manager, 713-624-7338

Nine E. Greenway Plaza, Suite #300, Houston, TX 77046

Venoco, Inc., John Hood, Drilling Engineer, 805-745-2164

6267 Carpinteria Ave., Suite #100, Carpinteria, CA 93013

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 250.197, “Data and information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection.”

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.

MMS estimates there are approximately 130 respondents (Federal OCS lessees and operators). The frequency of response varies by section. We estimate the annual hour burden is 40,899 hours. Based on $65 per hour, the hour burden cost to respondents is $2,658,435. Refer to the chart below for a breakdown of the burden.

BURDEN TABLE

Citation 30 CFR 250	Reporting Requirement	Hour Burden	Average No. of Annual Reponses	Annual Burden Hours
Requests
602	Request exceptions prior to moving well-workover equipment.	1	400 requests	400
605; 613; 615(a), (e)(4); 616(d)	Request approval to begin subsea well-workover operations; submit Forms MMS‑124 (include, if required, alternate procedures and equipment; stump test procedures plan) and MMS-125.	Burden included in 1010-0141.		0
612	Request establishment/amendment/cancellation of field well-workover rules.	6	4 requests	24
616(a)	Request exception to rated working pressure of the BOP equipment; request exception to annular-type BOP testing.	2	187 requests	374
600-618	General departure and alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in subpart F regulations.	2	200 requests	400
Subtotal			791	1,198
Posting
614	Post number of stands of drill pipe or workover string and drill collars that may be pulled prior to filling the hole and equivalent well-control fluid volume.	0.25	1,210 postings	303
Subtotal			1,210	303
Submittals/Notifications
602	Notify MMS of any rig movement within Gulf of Mexico (Form MMS-144).	Burden included in 1010-0150.		0
617(b)	Pressure test, caliper, or otherwise evaluate tubing & wellhead equip­ment casing; submit results (every 30 days during prolonged operations).	6	182 reports	1,092
617(c)	Notify MMS if sustained casing pressure is observed on a well.	1	905 notifica-tions	905
Subtotal			1,087	1,997
Record/Document
606	Instruct crew members in safety requirements of operations to be performed; document meeting (weekly for 2 crews x 2 weeks per workover = 4).	1	1,476 workovers x 4 = 5,904	5,904
611	Perform operational check of traveling-block safety device; document results (weekly x 2 weeks per workover = 2).	1	1,226 workovers x 2 = 2,452	2,452
616(a), (b), (f), (g)	Perform BOP pressure tests, actua­tions, inspections & certifications; record results; retain records 2 years following completion of workover activities (when installed; at a minimum every 7 days x 2 weeks per workover = 2).	7	1,226 workovers x 2 = 2,452	17,164
616(b)(2)	Test blind or blind-shear rams; document results (every 30 days during operations). (Note: this is part of BOP test when BOP test is conducted.)	2	1,476 workovers	2,952
616(b)(2)	Record reason for postponing BOP system tests.	0.5	146 postponed tests	73
616(c)	Perform crew drills; record results (weekly for 2 crews x 2 weeks per workover = 4).	1.5	1,476 workovers x 4 = 5,904	8,856
Subtotal			18,334	37,401
Total Burden			21,422 Responses	40,899 Hours

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 reporting and recordkeeping non-hour 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 1/2 hour for each hour spent by respondents for a total of 20,450 hours (rounded) (40,899 x 1/2 = 20,450). Based on a cost factor of $55 per hour, the total annual estimated burden on the Government is $1,687,070 (40,899 hours x ½ hour = 20,450 hours x $55 = $1,124,750).

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

The current OMB inventory includes 19,459 burden hours for this collection of information. This submission requests 40,899 burden hours. The adjustment increase of 21,440 hours is due to re-estimating the average annual responses and the amount of time required to respond based on consultations. There is no cost burden.

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.

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.”

8