Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) of Federal Oil, Gas,
and Sulphur Leases in the Outer Continental Shelf

Annual Performance Review of Each Operator

The purpose of this notice is to inform lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases on the OCS that the Minerals Management Service (MMS) will conduct an Annual Performance Review of each operator. This annual review will examine the following areas:

• the operator's history of compliance as it relates to the MMS Inspection Program,

• any action that MMS has forwarded for review or has resulted in a civil penalty,

• the operator's safety record as it relates to accidents and incidents, and

• the operator's progress in implementing a Safety and Environmental Management Program.

This review does not require an operator to submit any information.

Operators will be sent a letter giving them a 45-day period in which to schedule their performance review meeting with the requesting office to discuss the above-mentioned areas. The operators are encouraged to bring their own information which may shed additional light on their performance during the preceding year.

The MMS will use this opportunity to learn and understand how operators plan to maintain and/or improve their compliance, safety, and environmental performance levels. Through this cooperative process, MMS hopes to improve its regulatory process and the overall safety of OCS operations.

Carolita U. Kallaur
Associate Director for Offshore Energy and Minerals Management