0003-11-ss

Supporting Statement A for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

30 CFR 250, Subpart H, Oil and Gas Production Safety Systems

OMB Control Number 1014-0003

Current Expiration Date: March 31, 2012

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, 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 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, pipeline right-of-way, or a right-of-use and easement. Section 1332(6) states 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.”

The Independent Offices Appropriations Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104-133, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, 1996), and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-25, authorize Federal agencies to recover the full cost of services that confer special benefits. Facility Production Safety System Applications are subject to cost recovery and BSEE regulations specify filing fees for these applications.

This submittal also removes an IC requirement that was inadvertently included in this collection. The requirement pertains to the Pacific Region’s Emergency Action Plans that are submitted to local air quality agencies, which are included in the IC for 30 CFR 550, subpart C (§ 550.304).

This authority and responsibility are among those delegated to the BSEE. The regulations at 30 CFR 250, subpart H, Oil and Gas Production Safety Systems are the subject of this collection. This collection also covers the related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that BSEE issues to clarify and provide additional guidance on some aspects of the 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.

BSEE uses the information collected under subpart H to evaluate equipment and/or procedures that lessees and operators propose to use during production operations, including evaluation of requests for departures or use of alternate procedures or equipment. Information is also used to verify that production operations are safe and protect the human, marine, and coastal environment. BSEE inspectors review the records required by this subpart to verify compliance with testing and minimum safety requirements.

The Gulf of Mexico OCS Region (GOMR) has a policy regarding approval of requests to use a chemical-only fire prevention and control system in lieu of a water system. BSEE may require additional information be submitted to maintain approval. The information is used to determine if the chemical-only system provides the equivalent protection of a water system for the egress of personnel should a fire occur.

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, 5 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.

BSEE and other Federal Government agencies have Memoranda of Understanding that define the responsibilities of their agencies with respect to activities on the OCS. These are effective in avoiding duplication of regulations and most reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The information collected is unique to the site, well, or operation, and 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 does 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. Because of the factors involved when drilling for oil, gas, or sulphur, the hour burden on any small entity subject to these regulations cannot be reduced to accommodate them.

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 BSEE did not collect the information, we could not carry out the mandate of the OCS Lands Act to ensure safe operations in the OCS. Specifically, we could not:

• review safety system designs prior to installation to ensure that minimum safety standards will be met;

• review records of erosion control to ensure that erosion control programs are effective;

• review plans to ensure safety of operations when more than one activity is being conducted simultaneously on a production facility;

• review records of safety devices to ensure proper maintenance during the useful life of that equipment; and

• verify proper performance of safety and pollution prevention equipment (SPPE).

With one exception, there is no set frequency for collecting the information; it is collected on occasion. Submissions are made on the basis of each well completion, requiring the use of subsurface and/or surface SPPE. There is an annual requirement to verify that an injection well is incapable of flowing, which is the minimum frequency that we consider safe to waive the requirement for installation of a surface-controlled subsurface safety or injection valve to prevent backflow of a well.

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;

Not applicable in this collection.

(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

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.

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 published a 60-day review and comment notice in the Federal Register on August 16, 2011 (76 FR 50748). Also, 30 CFR 250.199 explains that BSEE will accept comments at any time on the information collection burden of our 30 CFR 250 regulations. We display the OMB control number and provide the address for sending comments to BSEE. We received one comment which was in support of the information collection; it did not pertain to the paperwork burden.

During the comment period, BSEE requested input from several respondents on the input to the availability of data, frequency of collection, clarity of instructions, and elements being collected. The burden estimates in Section A.12 reflect their input. The following respondents that commented were:

Apache Corporation, David Broussard, Regulatory Foreman

(337) 354-8003, 2014 W. Pinhook Road, Suite 800, Lafayette, LA 70508

Shell Exploration & Production Company, William Terrebonne, Regulatory Affairs Specialist

(504) 728-7281, PO Box 61933, New Orleans, LA 70161-1933

ExxonMobil Production Company, Jeffrey Wacaser, Offshore Permitting & Regulatory,

(281) 654-3586, PO Box 2180, Houston, TX 77252

Energy XXI USA, Inc. Dennis Cutcher, Senior Production Compliance Advisor,

(713) 351-3138, 1021 Main, Suite 2626, Houston, TX 77002

PXP/Arguello Inc., Tom Goeres, Operations Manager,

(805) 934-8221, 201 South Broadway, Orcutt, CA 93455

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.

We protect proprietary information according to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR 2), 30 CFR part 252, OCS Oil and Gas Information Program, 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.

Potential respondents include Federal OCS oil, gas, and sulphur lessees, operators, and holders of pipeline rights-of-way. It should be noted that not all of the potential respondents will submit information in any given year, and some may submit multiple times. The burden estimates include the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Submissions are generally on occasion and are mandatory. We estimate the total annual burden is 62,963 hours. Refer to the following table for a breakdown of the burdens.

Burden Table

Citation 30 CFR 250 subpart H and NTL(s)	Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirement	Hour Burden	Average No. of Annual Responses	Annual Burden Hours
		Non-Hour Cost Burdens*
Submittals
800; 801; 802; 803	Submit application, and all required/supporting information, for a production safety system with > 125 components.	16	1	16
		$5,030 per submission x 1 = $5,030 $13,238 per offshore visit x 1 = $13,238 $6,884 per shipyard visit x 1 = $6,884
	25 – 125 components.	13	10	130
		$1,218 per submission x 10 = $12,180 $8,313 per offshore visit x 1 = $8,313 $4,766 per shipyard visit x 1 = $4,766
	< 25 components.	8	20	160
		$604 per submission x 20 = $12,080
	Submit modification to application for production safety system with > 125 components.	9	180	1,620
		$561 per submission x 180 = $100,980
	25 – 125 components.	7	758	5,306
		$201 per submission x 758 = $152,358
	< 25 components.	5	329	1,645
		$85 per submission x 329 = $27,965
801(a)	Submit application for a determination that a well is incapable of natural flow.	6	41	246
803(b)(2)	Submit required documentation for unbonded flexible pipe.	Burden is covered by the application requirement in § 250.802(e).		0
803(b)(8); related NTLs	Request approval to use chemical only fire prevention and control system in lieu of a water system.	22	31	682
807	Submit detailed info regarding installing SSVs in an HPHT environment with your APD, APM, DWOP etc.	Burden is covered under 1010-0141.		0
Subtotal			1,370 responses	9,805 hours
			$343,794 non-hour costs
General
801(h)(2); 803(c)	Identify well with sign on wellhead that sub­surface safety device is removed; flag safety devices that are out of service.	Usual/customary safety proce­dure for removing or identify­ing out-of-service safety devices.		0
802(e), (f), (h)(3); 803(b)(2);	Specific alternate approval requests requiring District Manager approval.	Burden covered under 1010-0114.
803(b)(8)(iv); (v)	Post diagram of firefighting system; furnish evidence firefighting system suitable for operations in subfreezing climates.	5	38	190
804(a)(12); 800	Notify BSEE prior to production when ready to conduct pre-production test and inspection; upon commencement of production for a complete inspection.	1	76	76
806(c)	Request evaluation and approval of other quality assurance programs covering manufacture of SPPE.	2	1	2
Subtotal			115 responses	268 hours
Recordkeeping
801(h)(2); 802(e); 804(b)	Maintain records for 2 years on subsurface and surface safety devices to include approved design & installation features, testing, repair, removal, etc; make records available to BSEE.	36	615	22,140
803(b)(1)(iii), (b)(2)(i)	Maintain pressure-recorder charts.	23	615	14,145
803(b)(4)(iii)	Maintain schematic of the emergency shutdown (ESD) which indicates the control functions of all safety devices.	15	615	9,225
803(b)(11)	Maintain records of wells that have erosion-control programs and results for 2 years; make available to BSEE upon request.	12	615	7,380
Subtotal			2,460 responses	52,890 hours
Total Burden Hours			3,945 Responses	62,963 Hours
			$343,794 Non-Hour Cost Burdens

* Non-hour cost burdens that are associated with cost recovery monies collected are based on actual submittals through Pay.gov for FY 2010.

(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 Federal Government.”

The average respondent cost is $90 per 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)
Secretaries and Administrative assistants	6	$21	$29	10%	$3
Management**	13	$69	$97	40%	$39
Engineers/Geologists	All Workers	$68	$95	40%	$38
Supervisory	All Workers	$68	$95	10%	$10
Weighted Average ($/hour)					$90

* Note that this BLS source reflects their last update from December 2009.

** This position is closest representative to Regulatory Specialist.

***A multiplier of 1.4 (as implied by BLS news release USDL 11-1305, September 8, 2011 (see http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm)) was added for benefits.

We estimate the total annual burden is 62,963 burden hours. Based on a cost factor of $90 per hour, we estimate the total annual cost to industry is $5,666,670 ($90/hr x 62,963 hours = $5,666,670).

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.

This ICR includes 10 non-hour cost burdens, all of which are cost recovery fees required under § 250.802(e). However, the actual fee amounts are specified in 30 CFR 250.125, which provides a consolidated table of all of the fees required under the 30 CFR 250 regulations. The total non-hour cost burdens (cost recovery fees) in this IC request are $343,794 and are as follows:

• Submit application for a production safety system with > 125 components - $5,030 per submission; $13,238 per offshore visit; and $6,884 per shipyard visit.

• Submit application for a production safety system with 25 – 125 components - $1,218 per submission; $8,313 per offshore visit; and $4,766 per shipyard visit.

• Submit application for a production safety system with < 25 components - $604 per submission.

• Submit modification to application for production safety system with > 125 components - $561 per submission.

• Submit modification to application for production safety system with 25 – 125 components - $201 per submission.

• Submit modification to application for production safety system with < 25 components - $85 per submission.

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.

The average government cost is $65/hour (rounded). This cost is broken out in the below table using the Office of Personnel Management salary data for the REST OF THE UNITED STATES (http://www.opm.gov/oca/11tables/).

Position	Grade	Hourly Pay rate ($/hour estimate)	Hourly rate including benefits (1.5* x $/hour)	Percent of time spent on collection	Weighted Average ($/hour rounded
Clerical	GS-7/5	$21	$32	10%	$3
Petroleum Engineer	GS-13/5	$44	$66	70%	$46
Supv. Petroleum Engineer	GS-14/5	$53	$80	20%	$16
Weighted Average ($/hour)					$65

*A multiplier of 1.5 (as implied by BLS news release USDL 11-1305, September 8, 2011) was added for benefits.

To analyze and review the information required by subpart H, we estimate the Government will spend an average of approximately .5 hour for each hour spent by the respondents for a total of 31,482 (rounded) hours. Based on a cost factor of $65 per hour, the cost to the Government is $2,046,330 (62,963 hours x .5 hour = 31,482 (rounded) x $65 = $2,046,330).

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

(1) The current OMB inventory is 47,021 burden hours for this collection of information. This submission requests 62,963 burden hours. This represents:

(a) a program decrease of 1 hour. This submittal removes an IC requirement that was inadvertently included in this collection. The requirement pertains to the Pacific Region’s Emergency Action Plans that are submitted to local air quality agencies. This requirement is now included in the IC for 30 CFR 550, subpart C (§ 550.304); and

(b) an adjustment increase of 15,942 hours. The program increase is due to re-estimating the average annual responses and the amount of time required to respond based on consultations.

(2) The current OMB non-hour cost burden inventory is $482,309. This submission requests $343,794.  This represents an adjustment decrease of $138,515. The decrease is due to re-estimating the average number of annual responses times its associated non-hour 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.

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.

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

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

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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