0128-09-ss

Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

30 CFR 250, Subpart O, Well Control and Production Safety Training

OMB Control Number 1010-0128

Current Expiration Date: 31 August 2009

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. When statistical methods are employed, Section B of the Supporting Statement 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. 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 to prescribe rules and regulations to administer leasing of the OCS. Such rules and regulations will apply to all operations conducted under a lease, right-of-use and easement, and pipeline right-of-way. Operations in the OCS must preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in a manner that is consistent with the need to make such resources available to meet the 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 1332(6) of the OCS Lands Act requires that “operations in the [O]uter Continental Shelf should be conducted in a safe manner by well trained personnel using technology, precautions, and other techniques sufficient to prevent or minimize the likelihood of blowouts, loss of well control, fires, spillages, physical obstructions to other users of the waters or subsoil and seabed, or other occurrences which may cause damage to the environment or to property or endanger life or health.” To carry out these responsibilities, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) has issued rules governing training requirements for certain personnel working in the OCS at 30 CFR 250, Subpart O, Well Control and Production Safety Training.

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 will use the information collected under subpart O regulations to ensure that workers in the OCS are properly trained with the necessary skills to perform their jobs in a safe and pollution-free manner. In some instances, MMS will conduct oral interviews of offshore employees to evaluate the effectiveness of a company’s training program. We do the oral interviews to gauge how effectively the companies are implementing their own training program. The MMS would use the interview form and keep the information internally. This information is necessary to verify training compliance with the requirements.

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].

The below citations are the only subpart O requirements that would be submitted to MMS. The rest of the burden hours in this collection are not applicable since those requirements do not require a submission to MMS. Employee interviews will be oral. In light of these facts, 75 percent of all information is currently submitted electronically.

§ 250.1503(c) - Upon request, provide MMS copies of employee training documentation or provide copy of training plan.  The MMS has requested copies of training documentation from a few respondents, and also additional supporting information. This supporting information is generally submitted electronically.

§ 250.1510(b) - Revise training plan and submit to MMS (an average of 4 responses annually).  We assume that respondents would submit any revised training plans to correct deficiencies 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.

No similar information pertaining to training requirements for well control and production training in the OCS is collected by the DOI or other Federal agencies. The MMS maintains audit files only to determine that training requirements are being met in the OCS. Therefore; there would be no duplication of information in this program.

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

This collection of information will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. Any direct effects primarily impact OCS lessees and operators. Many of the OCS lessees and operators have less than 500 employees and are considered small businesses. The hour burden on any small entity subject to these regulations cannot be reduced to accommodate them. Small businesses operating on the OCS continue to have the option of using a third-party training organization to train their employees.

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 require the information, we would be unable to ascertain if personnel working in the OCS have received the training necessary to ensure safety of operations and protection of the environment. The recordkeeping is required when training plans are developed or revised and to document individual training activities. The regulations do not prescribe the frequency for these activities. The performance-based nature of the regulations provides the greatest flexibility. We believe this will still allow for well trained workers in the OCS. The reporting requirements would occur on an occasion basis and not under any set frequency.

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.

The guidelines are exceeded because regulations require respondents to retain training documentation for 5 years (§ 250.1503(c)(1)). The 5-year retention period ensures that records are available for the maximum time under the statute of limitations for audit purposes and is consistent with current rules.

(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 notice in the Federal Register on May 1, 2009 (74 FR 20330). Also, 30 CFR 250.199 explains that the MMS will accept comments at any time on the information collected and the burden. 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 estimates in A.12 reflect their input. The following companies were contacted:

Shell Exploration & Production – Sylvia Bellone – Regulatory Manager,

(504) 728-7215, Post Office Box 61933, New Orleans, LA 70161

Amerada Hess Corporation – Keith Dupuis – Senior EHS Specialist,

(713) 609-5926, One Allen Center, 500 Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77002

El Paso E&P Company – Beth Atwood – Regulatory Manager,

(713) 420-6288, 1001 Louisiana, RM E2241A, Houston, TX 77002

BP Exploration and Production, Inc – Scherie Douglas – Sr. Regulatory & Advocacy Advisor,

(281) 366-6843, 200 West lake Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77079

Venoco, Inc., – Alan Stetler – Senior Safety Advisor,

(805) 745-2283, 6267 Carpinteria Ave., Suite 100, Carpinteria, CA 93013-1423

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

The MMS will not provide payment or gifts to respondents.

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

The MMS will protect information considered proprietary under the Freedom of Information Act and under regulations at 30 CFR 250.197, Data and information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection, and 30 CFR Part 252, Outer Continental Shelf (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 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.

The MMS estimates there are approximately 130 potential Federal OCS oil and gas lessees and/or operators. The frequency of response is primarily on occasion. We estimate the annual burden will be 1,144 reporting and recordkeeping hours. Refer to the chart for a breakdown of the burden hours.

BURDEN BREAKDOWN

Citation 30 CFR 250 Subpart O	Reporting & Recordkeeping Requirement	Hour Burden	Average No. of Annual Responses	Annual Burden Hours
1503(b)	Develop training plans. Note: Existing lessees/ respondents already have training plans developed. This number reflects development of plans for any new lessees.	70	2	140
1503(c)	Maintain copies of training plan and employee training documentation/record for 5 years.	11/2 hr. (plan)	130	195
		2 hrs. for records		260
1503(c)	Upon request, provide MMS copies of employee training documentation or provide copy of training plan.	5	31	155
1507(b)	Employee oral interview conducted by MMS.	1/2 hr.	650	325
1507(c), (d); 1508; 1509	Written testing conducted by MMS or authorized representative.	Not considered information collection under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(7).		0
1510(b)	Revise training plan and submit to MMS.	12	5	60
250.1500-1510	General departure or alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in subpart O.	3	3	9
Total Hour Burden			821 Responses	1,144 Hours

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.

The average respondent cost is $58/hour (rounded). This cost is broken out in the below table using the Bureau of Labor Statistics* data for the Houston, TX area. See BLS website: http://www.bls.gov/bls/wages.htm.

Position	Level	Hourly pay rate ($/hour estimate)	Hourly rate including benefits (1.4** x $/hour)	Percent of time spent on collection	Weighted average ($/hour)
Administrative	7	$20	28	40%	$11
Regulatory***	13	$55	77	40%	$31
Engineers, Geologists	13	$59	83	5%	$4
Supv. Engineer	15	$59	83	15%	$12
Weighted Average ($/hour)					$58

* Note that this BLS source reflects their last update from July 2004.

** A multiplier of 1.4 (as implied by BLS news release USDL 08-1802, December 10, 2008) was added for benefits.

*** Professional Occupation n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified)

Based on a cost factor of $58 per hour, we estimate the total annual cost to industry is $66,352 ($58 x 1,144 hours = $66,352).

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.

The average government cost is $61/hour. This cost is broken out in the below table using the current Office of personnel Management salary data for REST OF UNITED STATES (Consisting of the portions of the lower 48 United States not located within another locality pay area). To analyze and review the information required by subpart O, we estimate the Federal Government will spend an average of approximately ½ hour for each hour spent by the respondents for a total of 572 hours (1,144 x ½ hour = 572 hours).

Position	Grade	Hourly pay rate ($/hour estimate*)	Hourly rate including benefits (1.5** x $/hour)	Percent of time spent on collection	Weighted average ($/hour*)
Clerical	GS-5/5	$17	$26	4%	$1
Technician(s)	GS-11/5	$31	$47	25%	$12
Engineer(s)	GS-13/5	$44	$66	65%	$43
Supervisory	GS-14/5	$52	$78	6%	$5
Weighted Average ($/hour)					$61

* Rounded

** A multiplier of 1.5 (as implied by BLS news release USDL 08-1802, December 10, 2008) was added for benefits.

Based on a cost factor of $61 per hour, the cost to the government is $34,892 (1,144 hours x ½ hour = 572 hours x $61 = $34,892).

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustment.

The currently approved annual hour burden is 2,106 hours. This submission requests 1,144 hours. The difference is an adjustment decrease of 962 hours. The adjustment resulted from re-estimating the amount of time required to respond based on consultations with respondents.

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.

The 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, “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.”

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