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2006 OCS Natural Gas and Oil Program
Advance
Notice of Proposed Rules (2006)
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Oil, Gas, and
Sulphur Operations and Leasing in the Outer Continental Shelf
(OCS)—Safety and Environmental Management Systems
Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 1010-AD15
Federal Register Cite: 71 No. 98 FR 29277
(05/22/06)
Summary: MMS is
seeking comments on how to improve our regulatory approach to
safety and environmental management systems (SEMS) for
operations conducted in the OCS. The various approaches for SEMS
include voluntary and mandatory implementation of partial and
full SEMS. In addition, the MMS is seeking comments on a
regulatory scheme that would allow companies with outstanding
performance records to operate under an alternative compliance
program. MMS is investigating ways to develop an improved
regulatory program that is more efficient and responsive to
evolving conditions.
Public Comments |
Notice of Proposed Rules (2006)
MMS Proposed Rule RIN 1010-AD18,
Revisions to Subpart A, I and J
Summary: MMS is proposing to amend its
regulations to require lessees, lease operators, and pipeline
right-of-way (ROW) holders to submit assessment information on the
structural integrity of their OCS platforms each year, and to submit an
inspection program to MMS yearly. Also, a damage report would be
required if a facility or pipeline was damaged by a hurricane or other
natural phenomena. Lessees, lease operators, and pipeline ROW holders
proposing to use unbonded flexible pipe for pipelines, or to install
pipeline risers on floating platforms, would have to provide additional
information on their projects. The proposed rule also would incorporate
an industry-developed standard concerning the in-service inspection of
mooring hardware for floating drilling units. These proposed changes
would allow MMS to better regulate the safety of the oil and gas
infrastructure, and to promptly assess damage resulting from hurricanes
or other natural phenomena.
Public Comments
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Oil, Gas,
and Sulphur Operations and Leasing in the Outer Continental Shelf
(OCS)—Incorporate API RP 65 for Cementing Shallow Water Flow Zones
Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 1010-AD19
Federal
Register Cite: 71 No. 98 FR 29280
(05/22/06)
Summary: MMS is proposing to incorporate by reference the First
Edition of the American Petroleum Institute's Recommended Practice
for Cementing Shallow Water Flow Zones in Deep Water Wells (API RP
65) into MMS regulations. Since 1987, at least 113 OCS wells have
encountered shallow water flow (SWF) to varying degrees. The
majority of these wells experienced SWF to only a minor degree;
however, there were instances of severe encounters resulting in
abandonment of well sites and loss of wells. This action would
establish best practices for cementing wells in deep water areas of
the OCS that are prone to SWF.
Public
Comments |
Notices (2006)
Final Rules (2006)
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Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations
in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and Oil-Spill Response Requirements
for Facilities Located Seaward of the Coast Line—Change in Reference to
Official Title
Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 1010-AD35
Federal Register Cite: 71, No. 156 FR 46398
(08/14/06)
Summary: MMS is changing the title ‘‘District Supervisor’’ to
‘‘District Manager’’ in regulations to make them consistent with a
change in the title within MMS.
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Recovery of Costs Related to the
Regulation of Oil and Gas Activities on the OCS
Regulatory
Information Number (RIN) 1010-AD23
Federal Register Cite: 71,
No. 138 FR 40904
(07/19/06)
Summary: MMS is
implementing regulations which impose new fees to process certain
plans, applications, and permits. The service fees will offset MMS’s
costs of processing these plans, applications, and permits.
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Oil, Gas, and Sulphur Operations
and Leasing in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)—30 CFR 250 Subpart
A, General—Data Release and Definitions
Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 1010-AC99
Federal Register
Cite: 71, No. 79 FR 23858
(04/25/06) |
Summary: This final rule will
revise certain existing definitions, clarify the basis upon which the
Regional Director invokes the requirement for an archaeological survey
on a lease area, add notification requirements on production status of
wells, and update both public information and Information Collection
sections. MMS recently redesigned and renamed some of its forms to
streamline data submission. MMS also discovered inconsistent practices
in first production reporting, which is a prime parameter in determining
inspection and testing schedules for safety system devices. This final
rulemaking will update the regulations to correspond to recently revised
forms, provide clarity and explanation of definitions and forms, and
clarify the requirements for first production notices.
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