Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

30 CFR Part 250

RIN 1010-AC03

Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Minerals Management Service (MMS) proposes to amend the

documents incorporated by reference in regulations governing oil, gas,

and sulphur operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The

organizations that publish the incorporated documents have revised some

of the recommended practices and standards and have published new

editions. The new editions will continue to ensure that lessees use the

best available and safest technologies while operating in the OCS.

DATES: Comments must be received or postmarked on or before October 16,

1995 to be considered in this rulemaking.

ADDRESSES: Written comments or recommendations must be mailed or hand-

carried to the Department of the Interior; Minerals Management Service;

381 Elden Street; Mail Stop 4700; Herndon, Virginia 22070-4817;

Attention: Chief, Engineering and Standards Branch.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Andy Radford, Engineering and Standards Branch, telephone (703) 787-

1600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: MMS uses standards, specifications, and

recommended practices developed by standard-setting organizations and

the oil and gas industry as means of establishing requirements for

activities in the OCS. This practice, known as incorporation by

reference, allows MMS to incorporate the requirements of technical

documents into the regulations without increasing the volume of the

code of federal regulations. MMS currently incorporates by reference 68

documents into the offshore operating regulations.

The regulations found at 1 CFR part 51 govern how MMS and other

Federal agencies incorporate various documents by reference. Agencies

can only incorporate by reference through publication in the Federal

Register. This generally includes standard rulemaking procedures, i.e.,

that the agency provide notice and opportunity for comment.

Agencies must also gain approval by the Director of the Federal

Register for each publication incorporated by reference. Incorporation

by reference of a document or publication is limited to the edition of

the document or publication cited in the regulations. This means that

newer editions, amendments, or revisions to documents already

incorporated by reference in regulations are not part of MMS's

regulations.

The organizations that develop and publish the referenced technical

documents revise and/or update most documents on a regular basis. Some

organizations publish revisions to their documents every 6 months while

others revise their documents every 2 to 5 years, if necessary. When

these organizations publish revisions or new editions to referenced

documents, MMS must determine if the changes warrant incorporating the

new document in the regulations.

Currently, over 50 documents incorporated by reference into MMS

regulations are out of date. For most documents the changes between the

old and new editions are minor. However, MMS must update these

documents because the older editions may not be readily available to

the affected parties. For instance, some American Petroleum Institute

(API) documents currently referenced by MMS are out-of-print and no

longer available. Other documents have undergone major revisions, and

after reviewing these documents, MMS has determined that we must

incorporate these documents to ensure the use of the best and safest

technologies.

In the future, MMS would like to keep the number of out of date

documents incorporated by reference to a

[[Page 42820]]

minimum. To accomplish this we are including language in the

regulations to streamline the rulemaking process. Under our proposal,

MMS would review new editions of documents we incorporate by reference

as we do now. If MMS determines that the revisions are minor, or result

in safety improvements, or represent new industry standard technology,

and do not impose undue costs on the affected parties, MMS would update

the documents incorporated by reference section of our regulations with

a final rule published in the Federal Register. This means that the new

document(s) would become effective without the public having prior

opportunity to comment. This option is provided to agencies under 5

U.S.C. 533(b) when the agency finds that notice and comment would be

contrary to the public interest. MMS has found that most of the

documents we propose for incorporation by reference come from

organizations that have as members the parties affected by MMS

regulations. By the time they release a new edition of a document,

these parties have already commented on the new edition. It is

redundant for MMS to issue the document for additional comments and

unnecessarily delay the implementation of new ideas in the document.

MMS will use the notice and comment process in any case where we have

not previously incorporated the document by reference or when the new

edition of a document already incorporated introduces controversial

issues.

Document Incorporated by Reference in Subpart A

API Recommended Practice (RP) 2D, Recommended Practice for

Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, Third Edition, June 1,

1995. It replaces the Second Edition of the same title. The new edition

has a new format and is generally improved compared to the second

edition. The third edition clearly defines who is qualified to operate

and inspect offshore cranes. It also establishes minimum classroom

training requirements for crane operators.

Documents Incorporated by Reference in Subpart D

API RP 500, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations

for Electrical Installation at Petroleum Facilities, First Edition,

June 1, 1991. This document replaces API RP 500B, Recommended Practice

for Classification of Areas for Electrical Installations at Drilling

Rigs and Production Facilities on Land and on Marine Fixed and Mobile

Platforms, Second Edition, with Supplement. API RP 500 combined API RP

500A, 500B, and 500C into a single document to provide guidelines for

classifying locations at petroleum facilities for the selection and

installation of electrical equipment. API RP 500 contains essentially

the same information contained in API RP 500B.

Documents Incorporated by Reference in Subpart H

1. American National Standards Institute/American Society of

Mechanical Engineers (ANSI/ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (1995)

Section I, Power Boilers including Appendices; Section IV, Heating

Boilers including Nonmandatory Appendices A, B, C, D, E, F, H, I, and J

and the Guide to Manufacturers Data Report forms; and Section VIII,

Pressure Vessels, Divisions 1 and 2 including Nonmandatory Appendices.

These documents replace the 1983 Edition, with Summer and Winter 1983

and 1984 and Summer 1985 Addenda. The MMS determined that the new code

should be adopted into the regulations.

2. API Spec 14A, Specification for Subsurface Safety Valve

Equipment, Ninth Edition, December 1, 1994. This document replaces the

seventh edition, with Supplement 1, of the same title. The new edition

has a new format, but the major technical specifications essentially

remain the same. The new edition also serves as the basis for

International Standard Organization (ISO) document ISO 10432: 1993,

titled Petroleum and natural gas industries-subsurface safety valve

equipment.

3. API RP 14B, Recommended Practice for Design, Installation,

Repair and Operation of Subsurface Safety Valve Systems, Fourth

Edition, July 1, 1994. This document replaces the Second Edition titled

API RP 14B, Recommended Practice for Design, Installation, and

Operation of Subsurface Safety Valve Systems. The new edition contains

new classifications for subsurface safety valve equipment. Other

revisions and additions clarify the document. The new edition also

serves as the basis for ISO document ISO 10417: 1993, titled Petroleum

and natural gas industries-Design, installation, repair and operations

of subsurface safety valve systems.

4. API Spec 14D, Specification for Wellhead Surface Safety Valves

and Underwater Safety Valves for Offshore Service, Ninth Edition, June

1, 1991. This document, with errata dated August 1, 1994, replaces the

Seventh Edition of the same title. The new edition has a new format,

but the major technical specifications essentially remain the same.

5. API RP 14E, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of

Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems, Fifth Edition, October 1,

1991. This document replaces the Fourth Edition of the same title. The

Fifth Edition includes the following technical changes:

--Statement added to caution readers in the use of materials listed in

National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) MR-01-75, Material

Requirements, Sulfide Stress Cracking Resistant Metallic Material for

Oil Field Equipment, because the materials listed may be resistant to

sulfide stress corrosion environments but may not be suitable for use

in chloride stress cracking environments;

--Statement added concerning surge factors in large diameter flow lines

between platforms;

--Equations revised in section 2.4 to incorporate Moody friction factor

in lieu of Fanning friction factor because the Fanning factor was often

misunderstood for the Moody friction factor causing numerous errors

when determining pressure drop; and

--Section 3.2 revised to specify limitations of butterfly valves to use

where tight shut off is not required.

6. API RP 14F, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of

Electrical Systems for Offshore Production Platforms, Third Edition,

September 1, 1991. This document replaces the Second Edition of the

same title. The third edition includes the following technical changes:

--Section 2.5 revised to reflect that wiring for intrinsically safe

systems needs only meet the requirements of article 504 of the National

Electrical Code; therefore, eliminating the requirement for bulky,

explosion-proof enclosures;

--Statement added in section 3.2 that a nationally recognized testing

laboratory should verify ignition systems as suitable for hazardous

locations;

--Statement added in section 4.4 to require an operator to equip oil

treaters with a device to ground or deenergize the grid before the

liquid level falls below the electrical equipment;

--Statement added in section 4.4 that an operator should route cable

trays and cables so as to avoid mechanical damage; and

--Statement added in section 4.7 to address the use of flexible cords

when initially installed.

7. API RP 14G, Recommended Practice for Fire Prevention and Control

[[Page 42821]]

on Open Type Offshore Production Platforms, Third Edition, December 1,

1993. This document replaces the Second Edition of the same title. The

new edition has requirements for bulk storage of flammable liquids

where the old edition only had storage requirements for diesel fuel.

The new edition has new requirements addressing fire detection and

control.

8. API RP 14H, Recommended Practice for Installation, Maintenance,

and Repair of Surface Safety Valves and Underwater Safety Valves

Offshore, Fourth Edition, July 1, 1994. This document replaces the

Second Edition of the same title. The new edition recommends that the

pressure test duration for surface safety valves and underwater safety

valves should be a minimum of 5 minutes, whereas the current edition

contained no minimum test period. The new edition also serves as the

basis for ISO document ISO 10419:1993, titled Petroleum and natural gas

industries-Drilling and production equipment-Installation, maintenance,

and repair of surface safety valves and underwater safety valves

offshore.

Three other documents incorporated by reference in subpart H are

also out-of-date, but MMS has chosen not to update them in this

rulemaking. Following are the reasons we are not updating these

documents at this time.

1. ASME/ANSI Safety and Pollution Prevention Equipment (SPPE1-1988

and SPPE-1a-1988, SPPE-1b-1989, SPPE-1c-1989, and SPPE-1d-1990

(addenda), Quality Assurance and Certification of Safety and Pollution

Prevention Equipment Used in Offshore Oil and Gas Operations. The MMS

is currently evaluating its role in the SPPE program. Current plans

call for MMS to organize focused workshops with all interested parties

to clarify many of the issues involved in the SPPE program. Any updates

to this document will be made following the workshops.

2. API Spec Q1, Specification for Quality Programs, Third Edition.

This document is also a part of the SPPE program. Any updates to this

document will also be made following the workshops.

3. API RP 14C, Recommended Practice for Analysis, Design,

Installation and Testing of Basic Surface Safety Systems for Offshore

Production Platforms, Fourth Edition, September 1, 1986. The new

edition API issued contained many problems. Although API issued an

errata sheet to correct these deficiencies, MMS feels that the

deficiencies still remaining need to be corrected before we will

incorporate the edition into our regulations.

Documents Incorporated by Reference in Subpart I

The title and publication date of each proposed document

incorporated by reference is listed below. A brief discussion of any

major changes between the new and current edition is also listed below.

1. American Concrete Institution (ACI) Standard 318-89, Building

Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete, plus Commentary on Building

Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete (ACI 318R-89). These

documents replace the 1983 editions of the same title. The MMS has

determined that the changes between the 1983 and 1989 editions are

minor.

2. American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Standard S335,

Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, Allowable Stress Design

and Plastic Design, June 1, 1989 with Commentary. This document

replaces AISC Standard S326, Specification for the Design, Fabrication

and Erection of Structural Steel for Buildings, 1978 Edition. The MMS

has determined that there are no significant differences between the

two editions.

3. API RP 2A, Recommended Practice for Planning, Designing and

Constructing Fixed Offshore Platforms Working Stress Design, Nineteenth

Edition, August 1, 1992. This document replaces the Eighteenth Edition

of the same title. The new edition contains a new section regarding the

reuse of old platforms.

4. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard C33-

90, Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates including

Nonmandatory Appendix, 1990. This document replaces ASTM Standard C33-

86, 1986. The MMS has determined that the changes between the 1990 and

1986 standards are minor.

5. ASTM Standard C94-91a. Standard Specification for Ready-Mixed

Concrete, 1991. This document replaces ASTM Standard C94-86b. MMS has

determined that the changes between the 1991 and 1986 standards are

minor.

6. ASTM Standard C150-89, Standard Specification for Portland

Cement, 1989. This document replaces ASTM Standard C150-86. The MMS has

determined that the changes between the 1989 and 1986 standards are

minor.

7. ASTM Standard C330-89, Standard Specification for Light-weight

Aggregates for Structural Concrete, 1989. This document replaces ASTM

Standard C330-87. The MMS has determined that the changes between the

1989 and 1987 standards are minor.

8. ASTM Standard C595-89, Standard Specification for Blended

Hydraulic Cements, 1989. This document replaces ASTM Standard C595-86.

MMS has determined that the changes between the 1989 and the 1986

standards are minor.

9. American Welding Society (AWS) ANSI/AWS D1.1-92, Structural

Welding Code--Steel including Commentary, 1992. This document replaces

AWS D1.1-86, 1986. MMS has determined that the changes between the 1992

and 1986 standards are minor.

Several other documents incorporated by reference in subpart I have

not undergone revisions since publication of the presently referenced

editions. These documents are listed below:

1. ACI Standard 357-R-84, Guide for the Design and Construction of

Fixed Offshore Concrete Structures, 1984.

2. AWS D1.4, Structural Welding Code--Reinforcing Steel, 1979.

3. NACE Standard RP-01-76, Recommended Practice, Corrosion Control

of Steel, Fixed Offshore Platforms Associated with Petroleum Production

(1983 Revision).

Documents Incorporated by Reference in Subpart J

The title and publication date of each proposed document

incorporated by reference is listed below. A brief discussion of any

major changes between the new and current edition is also listed below.

1. ANSI/ASME B 31.8-1989, with B 31.8A-1990 and Special Errata

dated July 6, 1990, Gas transmission and Distribution Piping Systems.

This document replaces the 1986 edition of the same title. The new

edition contains additional design requirements for ``t'' valves. MMS

has determined that there are no significant differences between the

two editions.

2. ANSI B 16.5-1988 and 1991 Supplement, Pipe Flanges and Flanged

Fittings. This document replaces 1981 edition of the same title. MMS

has determined that there are no significant differences between the 2

editions.

3. API Spec 6A, Specification for Valves and Wellhead Equipment,

Sixteenth Edition, October 1, 1989 with Supplement 1, October 1991 and

Supplement 2, July 1992. This document replaces the Fifteenth Edition

titled Specifications for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment, April

1, 1986, with Supplement 1, December 1986. The new edition contains

changes in nomenclature and specifications for valve sizing and flow

lines and is written in a more concise manner.

4. API Spec 6D, Specification for Pipeline Valves (Gate, Plug,

Ball, and Check Valves), Twenty-first Edition, March 31, 1994. This

document replaces

[[Page 42822]]

Eighteenth Edition titled Specification for Pipeline Valves, End

Closures, Connectors and Swivels, with Supplement 3, July 1985. The new

edition includes detailed drawings and valve specifications that aid in

efficient and proper pipe scheduling and valve sizing, important in

determining flow considerations and leak prevention. It also clarifies

the types of valves covered by the RP and the testing and marking

requirements for the valves. Also, tables have been simplified and

converted to metric equivalents.

Documents Incorporated by Reference in Subpart L

The title and publication date of each proposed document

incorporated by reference is listed below. A brief discussion of any

major changes between the new and current edition is also listed below.

1. API RP 2556, Recommended Practice for Correcting Gage Tables for

Incrustation, Second Edition, August 1993. This document replaces 1968

edition of the same title. The new edition adds metric unit measurement

units to supplement the usual inch-pound measurement units and contains

some minor editorial changes.

2. API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS), Chapter

4--Proving Systems:

The following 7 sections replace the single reference to Chapter 4,

Proving Systems, First Edition, May 1978.

MPMS, Chapter 4.1, Introduction, First Edition, July 1988,

reaffirmed October 1993. This document is a rewrite and combination of

the old introduction in Chapter 4 and old section 4.5.

3. MPMS, Chapter 4.2, Conventional Pipe Provers, First Edition,

October 1988, reaffirmed October 1993. This document replaces the old

section 4.2 in Chapter 4.

4. MPMS, Chapter 4.3, Small Volume Provers, First Edition, July

1988, reaffirmed October 1993. This document is a new standard for the

use of small volume provers.

5. MPMS, Chapter 4.4, Tank Provers, First Edition, October 1988,

reaffirmed October 1993. This document replaces the old section 4.3 in

Chapter 4.

6. MPMS, Chapter 4.5, Master-Meter Provers, First Edition, October

1988, reaffirmed October, 1993. This document replaces the old section

4.4 in Chapter 4.

7. MPMS, Chapter 4.6, Pulse Interpolation, First Edition, July

1988, reaffirmed October 1993. This document is a new standard with

primary application to the use of small provers.

8. MPMS, Chapter 4.7, Field-Standard Test Measures, First Edition,

October 1988, reaffirmed March 1993. This document replaces the old

section 4.1 in Chapter 4.

9. MPMS, Chapter 5.1, General Considerations for Measurement by

Meters, Second Edition, November 1987, reaffirmed October 1992. This

document replaces Chapter 5.1, Foreward, General Considerations and

Scope of the First Edition, November 1976. The new edition expands and

contains the general guidelines for selecting either positive

displacement meters versus turbine meters.

10. MPMS, Chapter 5.2, Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by

Displacement Meters, Second Edition, November 1987, reaffirmed October

1992. This document replaces Chapter 5.2, First Edition, January 1977,

of the same title. This edition removes references to mass measurement

applications and the 30-day recommended proving schedule. An analysis

of a meterfactor control chart replaced the proving schedule.

11. MPMS, Chapter 5.3, Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by

Turbine Meters, Second Edition, November 1987, reaffirmed October 1992.

This document replaces Chapter 5.3, Turbine Meters, First Edition, July

1976. This edition changes Appendix A by using the Darcy-Weisbach

friction instead of the Fanning pipe friction factor.

12. MPMS, Chapter 5.4, Accessory Equipment for Liquid Meters,

Second Edition, November 1987, reaffirmed October 1992. This document

replaces Chapter 5.4, Instrumentation or Accessory Equipment for Liquid

Hydrocarbon Metering Systems, First Edition, July 1976. The new edition

expands the areas of electric pulse generation and use in automated

counters/controls due to the large increase in flow computers and data

transmission over the 10 year interim period. The new edition also adds

a security section. This edition is generally a guideline on accessory

equipment which cross references other chapters of MPMS for the actual

standards.

13. MPMS, Chapter 6.1, Lease Automatic Custody Transfer (LACT)

Systems, Second Edition, May 1991. This document replaces Chapter 6.1,

LACT Systems, First Edition, February 1981. The MMS has determined that

there are no significant differences between the two editions.

14. MPMS, Chapter 6.6, Pipeline Metering Systems, Second Edition,

May 1991. This document replaces the First Edition, August 1981, of the

same title. The MMS has determined that there are no significant

differences between the two editions.

15. MPMS, Chapter 6.7, Metering Viscous Hydrocarbons, Second

Edition, May 1991. This document replaces the First Edition, January

1981, of the same title. The new edition recommends not using turbine

meters for viscous hydrocarbons. Other changes are minor with regards

to OCS activities.

16. MPMS, Chapter 8.1, Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum

Products, Second Edition, October 1989. This document replaces the

First Edition, October 1981, of the same title. The MMS has determined

that there are no significant differences between the two editions.

17. MPMS, Chapter 10, Sediment and Water, Section 4-Determination

of Water and Sediment in Crude Oils by the Centrifuge Method (Field

Procedure), Second Edition, May 1988. The new document replaces Chapter

10.4, Standard Methods of Test for Water and Sediment in Crude Oils,

First Edition, October 1977. The new edition includes information also

contained in Chapter 10, Sections 1, 2, and 3. The new edition adds an

appendix with personnel safety precautions to be taken while handling

the oils and solvents.

18. MPMS, Chapter 14, Natural Gas Fluids Measurement, Section 3--

Concentric, Square-Edged Orificed Meters, Part 1--General Equations and

Uncertainty Guidelines, Third Edition, September 1990, available as

ANSI/API 2530, Part 1, 1991, API Stock No. 852-30350, Part 2--

Specification and Installation Requirements, Third Edition, February

1991, also available as ANSI/API 2530, Part 2, 1991, API Stock No. 852-

30351, and Part 3--Natural Gas Applications, Third Edition, August

1992, available as ANSI/API 2530, Part 3, 1991, API Stock No. 852-

30353. These three parts replace Chapter 14.3, all three parts

incorporated by reference at Sec. 250.181(c)(1). Orifice Metering of

Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocarbon Fluids, Second Edition,

September 1985. These changes afford greater accuracy in measuring gas

production.

19. MPMS, Chapter 14.6, Continuous Density Measurement, Second

Edition, April 1991. This document replaces Chapter 14.6, Installing

and Proving Density Meters Used to Measure Hydrocarbon Liquid with

Densities between 0.3 to 0.7gm/cc at 15.56 deg. (60 deg.F) and

Saturation Vapor Pressures, First Edition, September 1979. The

technical changes in the new edition reflect 10 years of improvements

in the area of continuous density measurement.

[[Page 42823]]

The following documents incorporated by reference in subpart L have

been reaffirmed without change by the API.

1. API Standard 2545, Method of Gaging Petroleum and Petroleum

Products, October 1965, reaffirmed October 1992.

2. API Standard 2550, Method for Measurement and Calibration of

Upright Cylindrical Tanks, First Edition, October 1965, reaffirmed

October 1992.

3. API Standard 2551, Standard Method for Measurement and

Calibration of Horizontal Tanks, First Edition, 1965, reaffirmed

October 1992.

4. API Standard 2552, Measurement and Calibration of Spheres and

Spheroids, First Edition, 1966, reaffirmed October 1992.

5. API Standard 2555, Method for Liquid Calibration of Tanks, First

Edition, September 1966, reaffirmed October 1992.

6. MPMS, Chapter 5.5 Fidelity and Security of Flow Measurement

Pulsed Data Transmission Systems, First Edition, June 1982, reaffirmed

October 1992.

7. MPMS, Chapter 7.3, Static Temperature Determination Using

Portable Electronic Thermometers, First Edition, July 1985, reaffirmed

March 1990.

8. MPMS, Chapter 8.2 Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum

Products, First Edition, April 1983, reaffirmed October 1987.

9. MPMS, Chapter 9.1, Hydrometer Test Method for Density, Relative

Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and

Liquid Petroleum Products, First Edition, June 1981, reaffirmed October

1992.

10. MPMS, Chapter 9.2, Pressure Hydrometer Test Method for Density

or Relative Density, First Edition, April 1982, reaffirmed October

1992.

11. MPMS, Chapter 10.1, Determination of Sediment in Crude Oils and

Fuel Oils by the Extraction Method, First Edition, April 1981,

reaffirmed October 1992.

12. MPMS, Chapter 10.2, Determination of Water in Crude Oil by

Distillation, First Edition, April 1981, reaffirmed October 1992.

13. MPMS, Chapter 10.3, Determination of Water and Sediment in

Crude Oil by the Centrifuge Method (Laboratory Procedure), First

Edition, April 1981, reaffirmed October 1992.

14. MPMS, Chapter 11.1, Volume Correction Factors, Volume I, Table

5A--Generalized Crude Oils and JP-4 Correction of Observed API Gravity

to API Gravity at 60 deg.F, and Table 6A--Generalized Crude Oils and

JP-4 Correction of Volume to 60 deg.F Against API Gravity at 60

deg.F, First Edition, August 1980, reaffirmed August 1987.

15. MPMS, Chapter 11.2.1, Compressibility Factors for Hydrocarbons:

0-90 deg. API Gravity Range, First Edition, August 1984, reaffirmed

March 1990.

16. MPMS, Chapter 11.2.2, Compressibility Factors for Hydrocarbons:

0.350-0.637 Relative Density (60 deg.F/60 deg.F) and -50 deg.F to

140 deg.F Metering Temperature, Second Edition, October 1986,

reaffirmed October 1992.

17. MPMS, Chapter 11.2.3, Water Calibration of Volumetric Provers,

First Edition, 1984, reaffirmed March 1990.

18. MPMS, Chapter 12.2, Calculation of Liquid Petroleum Quantities

Measured by Turbine or Displacement Meters, First Edition, September

1981, reaffirmed August 1987.

19. MPMS, Chapter 14.5, Calculation of Gross Heating Value,

Specific Gravity, and Compressibility of Natural Gas Mixtures From

Compositional Analysis, First Edition, January 1981, reaffirmed August

1987.

20. MPMS, Chapter 14.8, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Measurement, First

Edition, February 1983, reaffirmed March 1990.

The following document incorporated by reference in subpart L has

not been changed or reaffirmed by the API.

MPMS, Chapter 7.2, Dynamic Temperature Determination, First

Edition, June 1985, API Stock No. 852-30142, Incorporated by Reference

at: Sec. 250.180 (c)(6)(iv)(A) and (f)(2)(iii)(A). This document is

unchanged.

Author. The principal author for this proposed rule is Andy

Radford, Engineering and Standards Branch, MMS.

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

This rule was reviewed under E.O. 12866. The rule was determined to

not be a significant rule under the criteria of E.O. 12866 and,

therefore, was not reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

The Department of the Interior (DOI) has also determined that this

proposed rule will not have a significant economic effect on a

substantial number of small entities because, in general, the entities

that engage in activities offshore are not considered small due to the

technical complexities and level of financial resources necessary to

safely conduct such activities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This rule does not contain collections of information that require

approval by OMB under (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Takings Implication Assessment

The DOI certifies that the proposed rule does not represent a

governmental action capable of interference with constitutionally

protected property rights. Thus, a Takings Implication Assessment need

not be prepared pursuant to E.O. 12630, Government Action and

Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.

E.O. 12778

The DOI has certified to OMB that this proposed rule meets the

applicable civil justice reform standards provided in Sections 2(a) and

2(b)(2) of E.O. 12778.

National Environmental Policy Act

The DOI has determined that this action does not constitute a major

Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human

environment; therefore, preparation of an Environmental Impact

Statement is not required.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 250

Continental shelf, Environmental impact statements, Environmental

protection, Government contracts, Incorporation by reference,

Investigations, Mineral royalties, Oil and gas development and

production, Oil and gas exploration, Oil and gas reserves, Penalties,

Pipelines, Public lands--mineral resources, Public lands--rights-of-

way, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulphur development and

production, Sulphur exploration, Surety bonds.

Dated: July 10, 1995.

Sylvia V. Baca,

Acting Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.

For the reasons set out in the preamble, 30 CFR part 250 is

proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 250--OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER

CONTINENTAL SHELF

1. The authority citation for part 250 continues to read as

follows:

Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1334.

2. In Sec. 250.1 the third sentence in the introductory paragraph

is revised and a new sentence is added following the third sentence,

and, paragraphs (a)(1), (b), (c)(1) through (c)(4), (c)(6), and (d) are

revised to read as follows:

Sec. 250.1 Documents incorporated by reference.

* * * The Minerals Management Service (MMS) will publish a notice

of

[[Page 42824]]

any changes in these documents in the Federal Register. The rule change

will become effective without prior opportunity to comment when MMS

determines that the revisions to a document result in safety

improvements or represent new industry standard technology, and do not

impose undue costs on the affected parties. * * *

(a) * * *

(1) ACI Standard 318-89, Building Code Requirements for

Reinforced Concrete, plus Commentary on Building Code Requirements

for Reinforced Concrete (ACI 218R-89), Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.138(b)(4)(i), (b)(6)(i), (b)(7), (b)(8)(i), (b)(9),

(b)(10), (c)(3), (d)(1)(v), (d)(5), (d)(6), (d)(7), (d)(8), (d)(9),

(e)(1)(i), and (e)(2)(i).

(b) American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Document. The

AISC document listed in this paragraph may be purchased from the

American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc., P.O. Box 4588, Chicago,

Illinois 60680.

AISC Standard S335, Specification for Structural Steel Buildings,

Allowable Stress Design and Plastic design, June 1, 1989, with

Commentary, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.137(b)(1)(ii),

(c)(4)(ii), and (c)(4)(vii).

(c) * * *

(1) The ANSI/ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section I,

Power Boilers including Appendices, 1995 Edition, Incorporated by

Reference at: Secs. 250.123(b)(1) and (b)(1)(i); and 250.292(b)(1)

and (b)(1)(i).

(2) The ANSI/ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IV,

Heating Boilers, including Nonmandatory Appendices A, B, C, D, E, F,

H, I, and J and the Guide to Manufacturers Data Report Forms, 1995

Edition, Incorporated by Reference at: Secs. 250.123(b)(1) and

(b)(1)(i) and 250.292(b)(1) and (b)(1)(i).

(3) ANSI/ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII,

Pressure Vessels, Divisions 1 and 2, including Nonmandatory

Appendices, 1995 Edition, Incorporated by Reference at:

Secs. 250.123(b)(1) and (b)(1)(i) and 250.292(b)(1) and (b)(1)(i).

(4) ANSI/ASME B 31.8-1989, with B 31.8A-1990 and Special Errata

dated July 6, 1990, Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping

Systems, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.152(a).

* * * * *

(6) ANSI B 16.5-1988 and 1991 Supplement, Pipe Flanges and

Flanged Fittings, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.152(b)(2).

* * * * *

(d) American Petroleum Institute (API) Documents. The API documents

listed in this paragraph may be purchased from the American Petroleum

Institute,1220 L Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005. (Paragraphs (d)(22)

through (d)(57) of this section refer to the API Manual of Petroleum

Measurement Standards (MPMS)).

(1) API Spec Q1, Specification for Quality Programs, Third

Edition, June 1990, API Stock No. 811-00001, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.126(c)(3).

(2) API RP 2A-WSD, Recommended Practice for Planning, Designing

and Constructing Fixed Offshore Platforms Working Stress Design,

Nineteenth Edition, August 1, 1992, API Stock No. 811-00200,

Incorporated by Reference at: Secs. 250.130(g) and 250.142(a).

(3) API RP 2D, Recommended Practice for Operation and

Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, Third Edition, June 1, 1995, API

Stock No. 811-02D03, Incorporated by Reference at: Secs. 250.20(c)

and 250.260(g).

(4) API Spec 6A, Specification for Valves and Wellhead

Equipment, Sixteenth Edition, October 1, 1986, with Supplement 1,

October 1991 and Supplement 2, July 1992, API Stock No. 811-03100,

Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.152 (b)(1) and (b)(2).

(5) API Spec 6D, Specification for Pipeline Valves (Gate, Plug,

Ball, and Check Valves), Twenty-first Edition, March 31, 1994, API

Stock No. 811-03200, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.152(b)(1).

(6) API Spec 14A, Specification for Subsurface Safety Valve

Equipment, Ninth Edition, December 1, 1994, API Stock No. 881-14A09,

Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.126 paragraphs (c)(3) and

(e)(2) and (3).

(7) API RP 14B, Recommended Practice for Design, Installation,

Repair and Operation of Subsurface Safety Valve Systems, Fourth

Edition, July 1, 1994, API Stock No. 811-14B04, Incorporated by

Reference at: Secs. 250.121(e)(4), 250.124(a)(1)(i), and 250.126(d).

(8) API RP 14C, Recommended Practice for Analysis, Design,

Installation and Testing of Basic Surface Safety Systems for

Offshore Production Platforms, Fourth Edition, September 1, 1994,

API Stock No. 811-07180, incorporated by reference at

Secs. 250.122(b) and (e)(2); 250.123(a), (b)(2)(i), (b)(4),

(b)(5)(i), (b)(7), (b)(9)(v), and (c)(2); 250.124(a) and (a)(5);

250.152(d); 250.154(b)(9); 250.291(c) and (d)(2); 250.292(b)(2) and

(b)(4)(v); and 250.293(a).

(9) API Spec 14D, Specification for Wellhead Surface Safety

Valves and Underwater Safety Valves for Offshore Service, Ninth

Edition, June 1, 1994, with errata dated August 1, 1994, API Stock

No. 811-07183, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.126 paragraphs

(c)(3) and (e)(2) and (3).

(10) API RP 14E, Recommended Practice for Design and

Installation of Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems, Fifth

Edition, October 1, 1991, API Stock No. 811-07185, Incorporated by

Reference at: Secs. 250.122(e)(3) and 250.291(b)(2) and (d)(3).

(11) API RP 14F, Recommended Practice for Design and

Installation of Electrical Systems for Offshore Production

Platforms, Third Edition, September 1, 1991, API Stock No. 811-

07190, Incorporated by Reference at: Secs. 250.53(c),

250.123(b)(9)(v), and 250.292(b)(4)(v).

(12) API RP 14G, Recommended Practice for Fire Prevention and

Control on Open Type Offshore Production Platforms, Third Edition,

December 1, 1993, API Stock No. 811-07194, Incorporated by Reference

at: Secs. 250.123(b)(8) and (b)(9)(v) and 250.292(b)(3) and

(b)(4)(v).

(13) API RP 14H, Recommended Practice for Installation,

Maintenance and Repair of Surface Safety Valves and Underwater

Safety Valves Offshore, Fourth Edition, July 1, 1994, API Stock No.

811-14H04, Incorporated by Reference at: Secs. 250.122(d) and

250.126(d).

(14) API RP 500, Recommended Practice for Classification of

Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities,

First Edition, June 1, 1991, API Stock No. 811-06005, Incorporated

by Reference at: Secs. 250.53(b), 250.120(b), 250.122(e)(4)(i),

250.123(b)(9)(i) 250.291(b)(3) and (d)(4)(i), and 250.292(b)(4)(i).

(15) API Standard 2545, Method of Gaging Petroleum and Petroleum

Products, October 1965, reaffirmed October 1992, also available as

ANSI/ASTM D 1085-65, API Stock No. 852-25450, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.180(f)(2)(ii).

(16) API Standard 2550, Method for Measurement and Calibration

of Upright Cylindrical Tanks, First Edition, October 1965,

reaffirmed October 1992, also available as ANSI/ASTM D 1220-65, API

Stock No. 852-25500, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.180(f)(2)(i).

(17) API Standard 2551, Standard Method for Measurement and

Calibration of Horizontal Tanks, First Edition, 1965, reaffirmed

October 1992, also available as ANSI/ASTM D 1410-65, reapproved

1984, API Stock No. 852-25510, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.180(f)(2)(i).

(18) API Standard 2552, Measurement and Calibration of Spheres

and Spheroids, First Edition, 1966, reaffirmed October 1992, also

available as ANSI/ASTM D 1408-65, reapproved 1984, API Stock No.

852-25520, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(f)(2)(i).

(19) API Standard 2555, Method for Liquid Calibration of Tanks,

First Edition, September 1966, reaffirmed October 1992, also

available as ANSI/ASTM D 1406-65, reapproved 1984, API Stock No.

852-25550, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(f)(2)(i).

(20) API RP 2556, Recommended Practice for Correcting Gage

Tables for Incrustation, Second Edition, August 1993, API Stock No.

852-25560, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(f)(2)(i).

(21) MPMS, Chapter 4.1, Introduction, First Edition, July 1988,

reaffirmed October 1993, API Stock No. 852-30081, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(i) and (d)(3)(iv).

(22) MPMS, Chapter 4.2, Conventional Pipe Provers, First

Edition, October 1988, reaffirmed October 1993, API Stock No. 852-

30082, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(i) and

(d)(3)(iv).

(23) MPMS, Chapter 4.3, Small Volume Provers, First Edition,

July 1988, reaffirmed October 1993, API Stock No. 852-30083,

Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(i) and (d)(3)(iv).

(24) MPMS, Chapter 4.4, Tank Provers, First Edition, October

1988, reaffirmed October 1993, API Stock No. 852-30084, Incorporated

by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(i) and (d)(3)(iv).

(25) MPMS, Chapter, 4.5, Master-Meter Provers, First Edition,

October 1988, reaffirmed October 1993, API Stock No. 852-30085,

Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(i) and (d)(3)(iv).

[[Page 42825]]

(26) MPMS, Chapter 4.6, Pulse Interpolation, First Edition, July

1988, reaffirmed October 1993, API Stock No. 852-30086, Incorporated

by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(i) and (d)(3)(iv).

(27) MPMS, Chapter 4.7, Field-Standard Test measures, First

Edition, October 1988, reaffirmed March 1993, API Stock No. 852-

30087, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(i) and

(d)(3)(iv).

(28) MPMS, Chapter 5.1, General Considerations for Measurement

by Meters, Second Edition, November 1987, reaffirmed October 1992,

API Stock No. 852-30101, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(ii).

(29) MPMS, Chapter 5.2, Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by

Displacement Meters, Second Edition, November 1987, reaffirmed

October 1992, API Stock No. 852-30102, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(ii).

(30) MPMS, Chapter 5.3, Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by

Turbine Meters, Second Edition, November 1987, reaffirmed October

1992, API Stock No. 852-30103, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(ii).

(31) MPMS, Chapter 5.4, Accessory Equipment for Liquid Meters,

Second Edition, November 1987, reaffirmed October 1992, API Stock

No. 852-30104, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(ii).

(32) MPMS, Chapter 5.5, Fidelity and Security of Flow

Measurement Pulsed-Data Transmission Systems, First Edition, June

1982, reaffirmed October 1992, API Stock No. 852-30105, Incorporated

by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(ii).

(33) MPMS, Chapter 6.1, Lease Automatic Custody Transfer (LACT)

Systems, Second Edition, May 1991, API Stock No. 852-30121,

Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(iii)(A).

(34) MPMS, Chapter 6.6, Pipeline Metering Systems, Second

Edition, May 1991, API Stock No. 852-30126, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(iii)(B).

(35) MPMS, Chapter 6.7, Metering Viscous Hydrocarbons, Second

Edition, May 1991, API Stock No. 852-30127, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c)(6)(iii)(C).

(36) MPMS, Chapter 7.2, Dynamic Temperature Determination, First

Edition, June 1985, API Stock No. 852-30142, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.180 (c)(6)(iv)(A) and (f)92)(iii)(A).

(37) MPMS, Chapter 7.3, Static Temperature Determination Using

Portable Electronic Thermometers, First Edition, July 1985,

reaffirmed March 1990, API Stock No. 852-30143, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.180 (c)(6)(iv)(B) and (f)(2)(iii)(B).

(38) MPMS, Chapter 8.1, Manual Sampling of Petroleum and

Petroleum Products, Second Edition, October 1989, also available as

ANSI/ASTM D 4057-88, API Stock No. 852-30161, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.180 (c)(6)(v) and (f)(2)(iv).

(39) MPMS, Chapter 8.2, Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and

Petroleum Products, First Edition, April 1983, reaffirmed August

1987 1987, also available as ANSI/ASTM D 4177, API Stock No. 852-

30162, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180 (c)(6)(v) and

(f)(2)(iv).

(40) MPMS, Chapter 9.1, Hydrometer Test Method for Density,

Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude

Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products, First Edition, June 1981,

reaffirmed October 1992, also available as ANSI/ASTM D 1298, API

Stock No. 852-30181, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180

(c)(6)(vi)(A) and (f)(2)(v)(A).

(41) MPMS, Chapter 9.2, Pressure Hydrometer Test Method for

Density or Relative Density, First Edition, April 1982, reaffirmed

October 1992, API Stock No. 852-30182, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.180 (c)(6)(vi)(B) and (f)(2)(v)(B).

(42) MPMS, Chapter 10.1, Determination of Sediment in Crude Oils

and Fuel Oils by the Extraction Method, First Edition, April 1981,

reaffirmed December 1993, also available as ANSI/ASTIM D 473, API

Stock No. 852-30201, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180 (c)

(6) (vii) (A) and (f) (2) (vi) (A).

(43) MPMS, Chapter 10.2, Determination of Water in Crude Oil by

Distillation, First Edition, April 1981, reaffirmed December 1993,

also available as ANSI/ASTM D 4006, API Stock No. 852-30202,

Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180 (c)(6)(vii)(B) and

(f)(2)(vi)(B).

(44) MPMS, Chapter 10.3, Determination of Water and Sediment in

Crude Oil by the Centrifuge Method (Laboratory Procedure), First

Edition, April 1981, reaffirmed December 1993, also available as

ANSI/ASTM D 4007, API Stock No. 852-30203, Incorporated by Reference

at: Sec. 250.180 (c)(6)(vii)(C) and (f)(2)(vi)(C).

(45) MPMS, Chapter 10.4, Determination of Sediment and Water in

Crude Oils by the Centrifuge Method (Field Procedure), Second

Edition, May 1988, reaffirmed December 1993, also available as ANSI/

ASTM D 96, API Stock No. 825-30204, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.180 (c) (6) (vii) (D) and (f) (2) (vi) (D).

(46) MPMS, Chapter 11.1, Volume Correction Factors, Volume I,

Table 5A--Generalized Crude Oils and JP-4 Correction of Observed API

Gravity to API Gravity at 60 deg.F, and Table 6A--Generalized Crude

Oils and JP-4 Correction of Volume to 60 deg.F Against API Gravity

at 60 deg.F August 1980, reaffirmed October 1993, also available as

ANSI/ASTM D 1250, API Stock No. 852-27000, Incorporated by Reference

at: Sec. 250.180 (c) (6) (viii) (A), (d) (3) (v) (B), and (f) (2)

(vii).

(47) MPMS, Chapter 11.2.1, Compressibility Factors by

Hydrocarbons: 0-90 deg. API Gravity Range, First Edition, August

1984, reaffirmed March 1990, API, Stock No. 852-27300, Incorporated

by Reference at: Sec. 250.180(c) (6) (viii) (B).

(48) MPMS, Chapter 11.2.2, Compressibility Factors for

Hydrocarbons: 0.350-0.637 Relative Density (60) deg.F/60 deg.F)

and -50 deg.F to 140 deg.F Metering Temperature, Second Edition,

October 1986, reaffirmed October 1992, also available as GPA 8286-

86, API Stock No. 852-27307, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.180(c) (6) (viii) (C).

(49) MPMS, Chapter 11.2.2, Addendum, Compressibility Factors for

Hydrocarbons, Correlation of Vapor Pressure for Commercial Natural

Gas Liquids (0.490-0.637 Relative Density (60 deg.F/60 deg.F) and

-50 deg.F to 140 deg.F Metering Temperature), Second Edition,

October 1986, reaffirmed October 1992, also available as GPA TP-15,

API Stock No. 852-27300, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.180(c) (6) (viii) (C).

(50) MPMS, Chapter 11.2.3, Water Calibration of Volumetric

Provers, First Edition, August 1984, reaffirmed March 1990, API

Stock No. 852-27310, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.180 (d)

(3) (iv).

(51) MPMS, Chapter 12.2, Calculation of Liquid Petroleum

Quantities Measured by Turbine or Displacement Meters, First

Edition, September 1981, reaffirmed August 1987, also available as

ANSI/API MPMS 12.2-1981, API Stock No. 852-30302, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.180 (c)(6)(ix), (d) (3) (v) (A), and (d) (3)

(v) (C).

(52) MPMS, Chapter 14.3, Part 1, General Equations and

Uncertainty Guidelines, Third Edition, September 1990, also

available as ANSI/API 2530, Part 1, 1991, API Stock No. 852-30350,

Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.181(c)(1).

(53) MPMS, Chapter 14.3, Part 2, Specification and Installation

Requirements, Third Edition, February 1991, also available as ANSI/

API 2530, Part 2, 1991, API Stock No. 852-30351, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.181(c)(1).

(54) MPMS, Chapter 14.3, Part 3, Natural Gas Applications, Third

Edition, August 1992, also available as ANSI/API 2530, Part 3, API

Stock No. 852-30353, Incorporated by Reference at:

Sec. 250.181(c)(1).

(55) MPMS, Chapter 14.5, Calculation of Gross Heating Value,

Specific Gravity, and Compressibility of Natural Gas Mixtures From

Compositional Analysis, First Edition, January 1981, reaffirmed

October 1992, also available as ANSI/API MPMS 14.5-1981, order from

Gas Processors Association, 6526 East 60th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma

74145, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.181(c)(1).

(56) MPMS, Chapter 14.6, Continuous Density Measurement, Second

Edition, April 1991, API Stock No. 852-30346, Incorporated by

Reference at: Sec. 250.181(c)(1).

(57) MPMS, Chapter 14.8, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Measurement,

First Edition, February 1983, reaffirmed March 1990, API Stock No.

852-30348, Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.181(c)(1).

* * * * *

3. In Sec. 250.180, paragraphs (c)(6)(vi) and (f)(2)(v) are revised

to read as follows:

Sec. 250.180 Measurement of liquid hydrocarbons.

* * * * *

(c) * * *

(6) * * *

(vi)(A) Chapter 9.1, Hydrometer Test Method for Density, Relative

Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and

Liquid Petroleum Products;

(B) Chapter 9.2, Pressure Hydrometer Test Method for Density or

Relative Density;

* * * * *

(f) * * *

(2) * * *

[[Page 42826]]

(v)(A) Chapter 9.1, Hydrometer Test Method for Density, Relative

Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and

Liquid Petroleum Products;

(B) Chapter 9.2, Pressure Hydrometer Test Method for Density or

Relative Density;

* * * * *

[FR Doc. 95-20242 Filed 8-16-95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-MR-M