Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Abstract: 1. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), at 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq., requires the Secretary of the Interior to preserve, protect, and develop oil and gas resources in the OCS; make such resources available to meet the Nation's energy needs as rapidly as possible; balance orderly energy resources development with protection of the human, marine, and coastal environment; ensure the public and fair and equitable return on the resources offshore; and preserve and maintain free enterprise competition. Section 30(a) of the OCSLA (43 U.S.C. 1356) requires the issuance of ``* * * regulations which require that any vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure--* * * (2) which is used for activities pursuant to this subchapter, comply, * * * with such minimum standards of design, construction, alteration, and repair as the Secretary or the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating establishes; * * * '' To carry out these responsibilities, the Director of MMS has issued rules governing structural safety of platforms and structures used in the OCS. These rules and the associated information collection requirements are contained in 30 CFR Part 250, Subpart I, Platforms and Structures. 2. MMS OCS Regions use the information collected to determine the structural integrity of all offshore structures and to ensure that such integrity will be maintained throughout the useful life of these structures. If we did not collect the information, we could not: a. Review information concerning damage to a platform to assess the adequacy of proposed repairs. b. Review plans for platform construction (construction is divided into three phases--design, fabrication, and installation) to ensure the structural integrity of the platform. c. Review verification plans and reports for unique platforms to ensure that all nonstandard situations are given proper consideration during the design, fabrication, and installation phases of platform construction. d. Review platform design, fabrication, and installation records to ensure that the platform is constructed according to approved plans. e. Review inspection reports to ensure that platform integrity is maintained for the life of the platform. 3. The reporting and recordkeeping requirements and number of respondents vary for each section. The estimates below are based on an average. Description of Respondents: Federal OCS oil and gas lessees. Frequency: On occasion; varies by section. Estimated Number of Respondents: 130. Estimate of Burden: Reporting average of 22.4 annual hours per response; recordkeeping average of 50 annual hours per recordkeeper. Estimate of Total Annual Burden on Respondents: Reporting burden estimate = 12,605; recordkeeping burden estimate = 6,000. Estimated combined total of 18,605. Estimate of Total Annual Cost to Respondents for Hour Burdens: Based on $35 per hour, the total cost to lessees is estimated to be $651,175. Estimate of Total Other Annual Costs to Respondents: Unknown. Type of Request: Extension. OMB Number: 1010-0058. Form Number: N/A. Comments: MMS will summarize written responses to this notice and include them in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. 1. MMS specifically solicits comments on the following questions: (a) Is the proposed collection of information necessary for the proper performance of MMS' functions and will it be useful? (b) Are the estimates of the burden of the proposed collection reasonable? (c) Do you have any suggestions that would enhance the quality, clarity, or usefulness of the information to be collected? (d) Is there a way to minimize the information collection burden on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology? 2. In addition, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 requires agencies to estimate the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. MMS needs your comments on this item. Your response should split the cost estimate into two components: (a) total capital and startup cost component and (b) annual operation, maintenance and purchase of services component. Your estimates should consider costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. You should include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors, including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, discount rate(s), and period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and startup 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. Generally, your estimates should not include equipment or services purchased: before October 1, 1995; to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection; for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the Government; or as part of customary and usual business or private practices. Bureau Clearance Officer: Carole A. deWitt (703) 787-1242.

Dated: April 2, 1996. Henry G. Bartholomew, Deputy Associate Director for Operations and Safety Management. [FR Doc. 96-8833 Filed 4-9-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MR-M