Bsee 1014-0019-ss-2022

Supporting Statement A

30 CFR 250, Subpart K, Oil and Gas Production Requirements

Forms BSEE-0126 and BSEE-0128

OMB Control Number 1014-0019

Expiration Date: January 31, 2023

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 (OCSLA) at 43 U.S.C. 1334 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, right-of-way, or a right-of-use and easement. 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.

In addition to the general rulemaking authority of the OCSLA at 43 U.S.C. 1334, section 301(a) of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act (FOGRMA), 30 U.S.C. 1751(a), grants authority to the Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations as are reasonably necessary to carry out FOGRMA’s provisions. While the majority of FOGRMA is directed to royalty collection and enforcement, some provisions apply to offshore operations. For example, section 108 of FOGRMA, 30 U.S.C. 1718, grants the Secretary broad authority to inspect lease sites for the purpose of determining whether there is compliance with the mineral leasing laws. Section 109(c)(2) and (d)(1), 30 U.S.C. 1719(c)(2) and (d)(1), impose substantial civil penalties for failure to permit lawful inspections and for knowing or willful preparation or submission of false, inaccurate, or misleading reports, records, or other information. Because the Secretary has delegated some of the authority under FOGRMA to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), 30 U.S.C. 1751 is included as additional authority for these requirements.

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 OMB Circular A-25, authorize Federal agencies to recover the full cost of services that confer special benefits. Under the Department of the Interior’s implementing policy, BSEE is required to charge fees for services that provide special benefits or privileges to an identifiable non-Federal recipient above and beyond those which accrue to the public at large. Several requests for approval required in Subpart K are subject to cost recovery and BSEE regulations specify service fees for these requests.

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(1)(C)) authorizes the President to adopt regulations that establish procedures, methods and equipment requirements to prevent oil spills and other hazardous substance discharges from offshore and other facilities. The regulatory authority for offshore facilities has been delegated to the Secretary and further delegated by the Secretary to BSEE.

This authority and responsibility are among those delegated to BSEE. The regulations at 30 CFR 250, subpart K and associated forms concern oil and gas production and are the subject of this collection. This request also covers any related Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) that BSEE issues to clarify, supplement, or provide additional guidance on some aspects of our regulations. Please see A.12 for a full breakout of the specific information collection.

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 information collected under Subpart K is used in our efforts to conserve natural resources, prevent waste, and protect correlative rights, including the Government’s royalty interest. Specifically, BSEE uses the information to:

• evaluate requests to burn liquid hydrocarbons and vent and flare gas to ensure that these requests are appropriate;

• determine if a maximum production or efficient rate is required; and,

• review applications for downhole commingling to ensure that action does not result in harm to ultimate recovery.

The forms used in this ICR are:

Form BSEE-0126, Well Potential Test Report

BSEE uses this information for reservoir, reserves, and conservation analyses, including the determination of maximum production rates (MPRs) when necessary for certain oil and gas completions. This requirement implements the conservation provisions of the OCS Lands Act and 30 CFR 250. The information obtained from the well potential test is essential to determine if an MPR is necessary for a well and to establish the appropriate rate. It is not possible to specify an MPR in the absence of information about the production rate capability (potential) of the well. The form asks for, in either fill in the blanks or check marks:

• general information about the well and the company;

• pertinent information relating to the well test; and

• 24-hour rates pertaining to test production.

Form BSEE-0128, Semiannual Well Test Report

BSEE uses this information to evaluate the results of well tests to determine if reservoirs are being depleted in a manner that will lead to the greatest ultimate recovery of hydrocarbons. This information is collected to determine the capability of hydrocarbon wells and to evaluate and verify an operator’s approved maximum production rate if assigned. The form was designed to present current well data on a semiannual basis to permit the updating of permissible producing rates, and to provide the basis for estimates of currently remaining recoverable gas reserves. The form requires, in either fill in the blanks or check marks:

• general information about the well;

• volumes;

• choke size;

• pressures;

• production method;

• API oil/condensate gravity; and

• date of test.

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.

BSEE encourages respondents to use the electronic fillable forms available on the website. Currently, in the Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR), an estimated 70 percent of Well Potential Test Reports (Form BSEE-0126) and Semiannual Well Test Reports (Form BSEE-0128) are submitted electronically. Currently, respondents in the Alaska Region (AKOCSR) have not opted to submit reports electronically because at this time, they receive very few forms. In the Pacific Region (POCSR), 90 percent of the Semiannual Well Test Reports (Form BSEE-0128) are submitted electronically, form BSEE-0126 is not 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.

The Department of the Interior has Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with other government agencies that define the responsibilities of each agency with respect to activities in the OCS. These MOUs are effective in avoiding duplication of regulations and reporting requirements. In most cases, the information collected is unique and site specific to each operation and not available from other sources. Some respondents are under the control of local authorities, which require respondents to submit similar air-pollution information. When this is applicable, BSEE will not require such reporting from those respondents, thereby avoiding duplication.

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

This collection of information could 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 may have less than 500 employees and would be considered small businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration. Regulations require safe work practices and protection of the environmental resources; therefore, the hour burden on any small entity subject to these regulations and associated collection of information 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 we did not collect the information, BSEE could not carry out the mandate of the OCS Lands Act pertaining to the administration of conservation of resources (30 USC 1334). Information collection is generally required upon occasion or as a result of certain events with no specific frequency. With respect to the Subpart K forms:

Form BSEE-0126 - the result could be a waste of energy resources in the OCS by production at imprudent rates, jeopardizing the ultimate full recovery of hydrocarbons. If BSEE did not require this information, respondents would still conduct initial potential tests for new completions to assess their producing capabilities and characteristics for use in well completion design evaluation, reservoir management, production equipment design, production allocation calculations, and other technical reviews and analyses. However, they might not report the results to BSEE unless required to do so. Reports are submitted as a result of situations encountered. They are not submitted at any set frequency; therefore, the frequency is not applicable.

Form BSEE-0128 - the result could be a waste of energy resources in the OCS by production at imprudent rates, jeopardizing the ultimate full recovery of hydrocarbons. Reports are submitted on a semiannual basis. Less frequent reporting would not identify changes that can occur in the oil and gas reservoirs over a prolonged reporting period.

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;

When required by the Regional Supervisor, monthly reporting is used to keep track of H₂S concentrations and look for any abnormal spikes or changes that could exceed the safety and environmental limits. The increased frequency of reporting is used to be able to respond to any changes that could be harmful to personnel or the environment in a timely matter.

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

Form BSEE-0126 must be submitted to BSEE within 15 days after the end of the test period. This gives operators 15 to 45 days to provide the written response, depending on when they run the test. This submission period has been in effect for many years without significant burden on respondents.

Section 250.1160(a)(3) requires respondents to report gas flaring/venting information within 72 hours after the blow down of transportation pipelines downstream of the royalty meter. This benefit is an exception to requesting advance approval to flare/vent gas.

(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;

Currently, § 250.1163(b) requires respondents to compile, retain, and make available to BSEE for 6 years, the records detailing gas flaring or venting; the records detailing liquid hydrocarbon burning; and meter records. These recordkeeping requirements were established in statute at 30 USC 1713(b).¹ For the first 2 years of the 6 years, the records must be kept on the facility and available for inspection by BSEE representatives. After the initial 2 years, records do not have to be kept at the facility but must be maintained and made available upon request over the next 4 years. Retaining this information for 6 years is critical for compliance with the statute and because these records are needed to demonstrate that payments of royalties are in compliance with lease terms, regulations, and orders.

(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;

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

(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

(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.

Not applicable in this collection.

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 provided a 60-day notice in the Federal Register on January 20, 2022 (87 FR 3122). Also, 30 CFR 250.199 explains that BSEE will accept comments at any time on the information collection aspects of 30 CFR 250. We display the OMB control number and provide the address for sending comments to BSEE. We received no comments in response to the Federal Register notice or unsolicited comments from respondents covered under these regulations.

To prepare this ICR, companies were contacted to determine the estimated burden this subpart places on respondents: The following company representatives that commented were:

Hilcorp Alaska, LLC, Regulatory Compliance Specialist, (907) 777-8435, 3800 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 1400, Anchorage, AK 99503

ANKOR Energy, LLC Regulatory, (504) 596-3737, 1615 Poydras Street New Orleans, LA 70112

Renaissance Offshore, LLC Director of Regulatory Affairs, (832) 333-7766, Two Memorial City Plaza 820 Gessner Rd., Suite 760, Houston, TX 77024

LLOG Exploration Company, LLC HSE & Compliance Manager, (985) 801-43001001 Ochsner Blvd., Suite 100 Covington, LA 70433

All the different reporting and recordkeeping requirements that are listed in the Subpart K burden table (Section A.12), were thoroughly reviewed by the company representatives listed. These representatives had no concerns regarding the availability of data, frequency of collection, clarity of instructions, and elements being collected at this time. The companies that replied to our request provided the burden estimates that are reflected in Section A.12.

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.

BSEE will protect any confidential commercial or proprietary information according to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and DOI’s implementing regulations (43 CFR 2); section 26 of OCSLA (43 U.S.C. 1352); 30 CFR 250.197, Data and information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection; and 30 CFR part 252, 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.

This collection does not include sensitive 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.

Currently there are approximately 550 Federal OCS oil, gas, and sulfur lessees and holders of pipeline rights-of-way. Not all 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, completing and reviewing the collection of information and are based on informal discussions with the listed respondents in Section A.8. Responses are mandatory or are required to obtain or retain a benefit. Submissions are generally on occasion, weekly, monthly, semi-annually, annually, and varies by section. We estimate the total annual burden is 37,750 hours. Refer to the following table for a breakdown of the burdens.

BURDEN TABLE

30 CFR 250 Subpart K and related NTLs	Reporting & Recordkeeping Requirements	Hour Burden	Average No. of Annual Responses	Annual Burden Hours (rounded)
		Non-Hour Cost Burdens
1151(a)(1), (c); 1167	Conduct well production test; submit Form BSEE-0126 (Well Potential Test Report) and supporting information within 15 days after end of test period.	5.25	154 forms	809
1151(a)(2), (c); 1167	Conduct well production test; submit Form BSEE-0128 (Semiannual Well Test Report) and supporting information within 45 days after end of calendar half-year.	4	4,735 forms	18,940
1151(b)	Request extension of time to submit results of semi-annual well test.	1.5	5 requests	8
1152(b), (c)	Request approval to conduct well testing using alternative procedures.	1	5 requests	5
1152(d)	Provide advance notice of time and date of well tests.	1	5 notices	5
1156; 1167	Request approval to produce within 500 feet of a unit or lease line; submit service fee and supporting information; notify adjacent operators and provide proof of notice date.	10	4 requests	40
		$4,527* x 4 requests = $18,108
1156(b); 1158(b)	Notify adjacent operators submit letters of acceptance or objection to BSEE within 30 days after notice; include proof of notice date.	3	4 letters	12
1157; 1167	Request approval before producing gas-cap gas with an associated gas cap, or to continue producing an oil well with characteristics of a gas well with an associated gas cap; submit service fee and supporting information.	22.5	10 requests	225
		$5,761* x 10 requests = $57,610
1158; 1167	Request approval to downhole commingle hydrocarbons; submit service fee and supporting information; notify operators and provide proof of notice date.	35	33 applications	1,155
		$6,722* x 33 applications = $221,826
1160; 1161; 1163(e)	Request approval to flare or vent natural gas or exceed specified time limits/volumes; submit evaluation/documentation; report flare/vent information due to blow down of transportation pipelines within 72 hours after incident.	4	73 requests/ reports	292
1160(b); 1164(b)(1), (2)	H2S Contingency, Exploration, or Development and Production Plans and, Development Operations Coordination Documents–burdens covered under 1014-0018 and BOEM’s 1010-0151. Monitor air quality and report – burdens covered under 1010-0057.			0
1162; 1163(e)	Request approval to burn produced liquid hydrocarbons; demonstrate no risk and/or submit documentation re transport. If approval needed, submit documentation with relevant information re hydrocarbons burned under the approval.	3	1 requests/ reports	3
1163	Initial purchase or replacement of gas meters to measure the amount of gas flared or vented.	10 meters @ $77,000 each - $770,000
1163(a)(1)	Notify BSEE when processing more than 2,000 bopd per month.	2	5 notices	10
1163(b)	Report to ONRR hydrocarbons produced, including measured gas flared/vented and liquid hydrocarbon burned—burden covered under 1012-0004.			0
1163(a), (c), (d)	Maintain records for 6 years detailing on a daily and monthly cumulative basis gas flaring/venting, liquid hydrocarbon burning; and flare/vent meter recordings; make available for inspection or provide copies upon request.	19.5	773 platforms (gas flare/vent)	15,074
		1	1 liquid hydrocarbon	1
1164(c)	Submit monthly reports of flared or vented gas containing H2S.	4.5	15 operators x 12 mos. = 180	810
1165	Submit proposed plan and supporting information for enhanced recovery operations.	12	20 plans	240
1165(c)	Submit periodic reports of volumes of oil, gas, or other substances injected, produced, or produced for a second time--burden covered under ONRR’s 1012-0004.			0
1166	Alaska Region only: submit annual reservoir management report and supporting information.	1	1 (req’d by State, BSEE gets copy)	1
		100	1 new develop-ment not State lands.	100
		20	1 revision	20
TOTAL BURDEN			6,021 Responses	37,750 Hours
			$1,067,544 non-hour cost burdens

* All cost recovery / service fees associated with this collection are located at § 250.125. Electronic payment instructions are located at § 250.126.

(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 the Federal Government.”

The average respondent cost is $138/hour. This cost is broken out in the following table using the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) data dated December 2020. See SPE document/website: https://www.spe.org/en/industry/oil-and-gas-salary-survey/.

Position	Base Pay Hourly Rate ($/hr)	Hourly Rate including Benefits (1.4* x $/hr)	Percent of time spent on collection	Weighted Average ($/hour/ rounded)
Non-Engineering Technical	$67.78	$94.89	15%	$14.23
Engineers - Drilling	$109.04	$152.66	55%	$83.96
Earth Science/Geologist	$93.60	$131.04	30%	$39.31
Weighted Average ($/hour)				$138

* A multiplier of 1.4 (as implied by BLS news release USDL-22-0469 March 18, 2022 (see http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm)) was added for benefits.

Based on a cost factor of $138 per hour, we estimate the hour burden as a dollar equivalent is $5,209,500 ($138 x 37,750 hours = $5,209,500).

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.

The Subpart K regulations require four non-hour cost burdens, for a total of $1,067,544. Three are service fees required to recover the Federal Government’s processing costs of certain submissions. The fourth cost is an IC equipment expenditure. The details are as follows:

§ 250.1156 requires a service fee when submitting a request for approval to produce within 500 feet of a unit or lease line.	$4,527
§ 250.1157 requires a service fee when submitting a request for approval before producing gas-cap gas from each completion in an oil reservoir known to have an associated gas cap, or to continue producing if an oil reservoir is not initially known to have an associated gas cap but begins to show characteristics of a gas well.	$5,761
§ 250.1158 requires a service fee for submitting a request for approval to downhole commingle hydrocarbons.	$6,722
§ 250.1163 requires respondents to purchase and install gas meters to measure the amount of gas flared or vented gas for those that produce more than 2,000 bopd and do not already have a meter or need to replace a meter.	$77,000

We have not identified any other non-hour cost burden associated with 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.

The average government cost is $80/hour. This cost is broken out in the below table using the current Office of Personnel Management salary data for the REST OF THE UNITED STATES (http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/).

Position	Grade	Hourly Pay rate ($/hour estimate)	Hourly rate including benefits (1.6* x $/hour)	Percent of time spent on collection	Weighted Average ($/hour)
Program Analyst	GS-11/5	$35.96	$57.54	20%	$11.51
Petroleum Engineer/Geologist/Geophysicist	GS-13/5	$51.25	$82.00	70%	$57.40
Supv. Petroleum Engineer/Geologist/Geophysicist	GS-15/5	$71.24	$113.98	10%	$11.40
Weighted Average ($/hour)					$80

*A multiplier of 1.6 (as implied by BLS news release USDL-22-0469 March 18, 2022 (see http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm)) was added for benefits.

To analyze and review the information, the Government spends an average of 1 hour for each hour spent by respondents for a total of 37,750 hours. Based on a cost factor of $80 per hour, the total annual estimated burden on the Government is $3,020,000 (37,750 hours x $80 = $3,020,000).

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

The adjustments are as follows:

The current OMB inventory for this collection is 46,466 burden hours. In this submission, we are requesting, 37,750 hours. This represents a program change decrease of -152 hours and is due to BSEE deleting the hours in this collection pertaining to §§ 250.1150-1167 - general departure and alternative compliance requests. The ability to request a general departure or alternative compliance are throughout all of 30 CFR Part 250 and the hour burdens are approved under 1014-0022 (subpart A); hence, avoiding double-counting hour burdens.

This also represents an adjustment decrease of -8,564 hours due to re-estimating the number of responses, times the hour burden submitted by respondents in A.8. Below is a complete breakdown of the changes in responses and hour burdens.

Citation 30 CFR 250 Subpart K and related NTL(s)	Reporting & Recordkeeping Requirement	Last renewal cycle	This renewal cycle	Changes between cycles	Reason
1150-1167	General departure or alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in Subpart K.	29 submissions 152 hours	0 hours	-29 Submissions -152 hours	Agency discretion
1151(a)(1), (c); 1167	Conduct well production test; submit Form BSEE-0126 (Well Potential Test Report) and supporting information within 15 days after end of test period.	236 forms 1,239 hours	154 forms 809 hours	-82 forms -430 hours	Change in agency estimate
1151(a)(2), (c); 1167	Conduct well production test; submit Form BSEE-0128 (Semiannual Well Test Report) and supporting information within 45 days after end of calendar half-year.	6018 forms 24072 hours	4735 forms 18940 hours	-1283 forms -5132 hours	Change in agency estimate
1151(b)	Request extension of time to submit results of semi-annual well test.	8 requests 12 hours	5 requests 8 hours	-3 requests -4 hours	Change in agency estimate
1152(b), (c)	Request approval to conduct well testing using alternative procedures.	13 requests 13 hours	5 requests 5 hours	-8 requests -8 hours	Change in agency estimate
1152(d)	Provide advance notice of time and date of well tests.	36 requests 36 hours	5 requests 5 hours	-31 requests -31 hours	Change in agency estimate
1156; 1167	Request approval to produce within 500 feet of a unit or lease line; submit service fee and supporting information; notify adjacent operators and provide proof of notice date.	4 requests 40 hours $15,568	4 requests 40 hours $18,108	0 requests 0 hours +$2,540	Agency Discretion
1157; 1167	Request approval before producing gas-cap gas with an associated gas cap, or to continue producing an oil well with characteristics of a gas well with an associated gas cap; submit service fee and supporting information.	10 requests 225 hours $49,530	10 requests 225 hours $57,610	0 requests 0 hours +$8,080	Agency Discretion
1158; 1167	Request approval to downhole commingle hydrocarbons; submit service fee and supporting information; notify operators and provide proof of notice date.	42 applications 1470 hours $242,718 non-hour costs	33 applications 1155 hours $221,826 non-hour costs	-9 applications -315 hours -$52,011 non-hour costs	Change in agency estimate
				+$31,119	Agency Discretion
1160; 1161; 1163(e)	Request approval to flare or vent natural gas or exceed specified time limits/volumes; submit evaluation/documentation; report flare/vent information due to blow down of transportation pipelines within 72 hours after incident.	84 requests 336 hours	73 requests 292 hours	-11 requests -44 hours	Change in agency estimate
1163(a)(1)	Notify BSEE when processing more than 2,000 bopd per month.	30 notices 60 hours	5 notices 10 hours	-25 notices -50 hours	Change in agency estimate
1163(a), (c), (d)	Maintain records for 6 years detailing on a daily and monthly cumulative basis gas flaring/venting, liquid hydrocarbon burning; and flare/vent meter recordings; make available for inspection or provide copies upon request.	902 platforms 17589 hours	773 platforms 15074 hours	-129 platforms -2515 hours	Change in agency estimate
1163(a), (c), (d)	Maintain records for 6 years detailing on a daily and monthly cumulative basis gas flaring/venting, liquid hydrocarbon burning; and flare/vent meter recordings; make available for inspection or provide copies upon request.	60 liquid Hydro 60 hours	1 liquid Hydro 1 hour	-59 liquid Hydro -59 hours	Change in agency estimate
1165	Submit proposed plan and supporting information for enhanced recovery operations.	18 plans 216 hours	20 plans 240 hours	+2 plans +24 hours	Change in agency estimate
Total				-8,716 Hour Burden

The current OMB non-hour cost burden inventory is $1,077,816. In this submission, we are requesting a total of $1,067,544. This represents an adjustment decrease of -$52,011. The decrease is due to less requests for approval to downhole commingle hydrocarbons in §§ 250.1158 and 250.1167 from the previous 3-year collection and re-estimating the average number of annual responses. This also represents a program change increase of $41,739. This increase is due to rulemaking 1014-AA54, Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the OCS-Adjustment of Service Fees [87 FR 19799], published April 6, 2022 (effective same date).

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. BSEE is not seeking a waiver from the requirement to display the expiration date of the OMB approved IC.

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

Not applicable. To the extent that the topics apply to this collection of information, BSEE is not making any exceptions to the Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions.

1 30 USC 1713 reads: “Records required by the Secretary with respect to oil and gas leases from Federal or Indian lands or the Outer Continental Shelf shall be maintained for 6 years after the records are generated unless the Secretary notifies the record holder that he has initiated an audit or investigation involving such records and that such records must be maintained for a longer period. In any case when an audit or investigation is underway, records shall be maintained until the Secretary releases the record holder of the obligation to maintain such records.”