Title 30—Mineral Resources--Volume 1
PART 250—OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF
§ 250.1507   How will BSEE measure training results?
BSEE may periodically assess your training program, using one or more of the methods in this section.
(a) Training system audit. BSEE or its authorized representative may conduct a training system audit at your office. The training system audit will compare your training program against this subpart. You must be prepared to explain your overall training program and produce evidence to support your explanation.
(b) Employee or contract personnel interviews. BSEE or its authorized representative may conduct interviews at either onshore or offshore locations to inquire about the types of training that were provided, when and where this training was conducted, and how effective the training was.
(c) Employee or contract personnel testing. BSEE or its authorized representative may conduct testing at either onshore or offshore locations for the purpose of evaluating an individual's knowledge and skills in perfecting well control, deepwater well control, and production safety duties.
(d) Hands-on production safety, simulator, or live well testing. BSEE or its authorized representative may conduct tests at either onshore or offshore locations. Tests will be designed to evaluate the competency of your employees or contract personnel in performing their assigned well control, deepwater well control, and production safety duties. You are responsible for the costs associated with this testing, excluding salary and travel costs for BSEE personnel.
§ 250.1508   What must I do when BSEE administers written or oral tests?
BSEE or its authorized representative may test your employees or contract personnel at your worksite or at an onshore location. You and your contractors must:
(a) Allow BSEE or its authorized representative to administer written or oral tests; and
(b) Identify personnel by current position, years of experience in present position, years of total oil field experience, and employer's name (e.g., operator, contractor, or sub-contractor company name).
§ 250.1509   What must I do when BSEE administers or requires hands-on, simulator, or other types of testing?
If BSEE or its authorized representative conducts, or requires you or your contractor to conduct hands-on, simulator, or other types of testing, you must:
(a) Allow BSEE or its authorized representative to administer or witness the testing;
(b) Identify personnel by current position, years of experience in present position, years of total oil field experience, and employer's name (e.g., operator, contractor, or sub-contractor company name); and
(c) Pay for all costs associated with the testing, excluding salary and travel costs for BSEE personnel.
§ 250.1510   What will BSEE do if my training program does not comply with this subpart?
If BSEE determines that your training program is not in compliance, we may initiate one or more of the following enforcement actions:
(a) Issue an Incident of Noncompliance (INC);
(b) Require you to revise and submit to BSEE your training plan to address identified deficiencies;
(c) Assess civil/criminal penalties; or
(d) Initiate disqualification procedures.
§ 250.1600   Performance standard.
Operations to discover, develop, and produce sulphur in the OCS shall be in accordance with a BOEM-approved Exploration Plan or Development and Production Plan and shall be conducted in a manner to protect against harm or damage to life (including fish and other aquatic life), property, natural resources of the OCS including any mineral deposits (in areas leased or not leased), the National security or defense, and the marine, coastal, or human environment.
§ 250.1601   Definitions.
Terms used in this subpart shall have the meanings as defined below:
Air line means a tubing string that is used to inject air within a sulphur producing well to airlift sulphur out of the well.
Bleedwater means a mixture of mine water or booster water and connate water that is produced by a bleedwell.
Bleedwell means a well drilled into a producing sulphur deposit that is used to control the mine pressure generated by the injection of mine water.
Brine means the water containing dissolved salt obtained from a brine well by circulating water into and out of a cavity in the salt core of a salt dome.
Brine well means a well drilled through cap rock into the core at a salt dome for the purpose of producing brine.
Cap rock means the rock formation, a body of limestone, anhydride, and/or gypsum, overlying a salt dome.
Sulphur deposit means a formation of rock that contains elemental sulphur.
Sulphur production rate means the number of long tons of sulphur produced during a certain period of time, usually per day.
§ 250.1602   Applicability.
(a) The requirements of this subpart P are applicable to all exploration, development, and production operations under an OCS sulphur lease. Sulphur operations include all activities conducted under a lease for the purpose of discovery or delineation of a sulphur deposit and for the development and production of elemental sulphur. Sulphur operations also include activities conducted for related purposes. Activities conducted for related purposes include, but are not limited to, production of other minerals, such as salt, for use in the exploration for or the development and production of sulphur. The lessee must have obtained the right to produce and/or use these other minerals.
(b) Lessees conducting sulphur operations in the OCS shall comply with the requirements of the applicable provisions of subparts A, B, C, I, J, M, N, O, and Q of this part and the applicable provisions of 30 CFR 550 subparts A, B, C, J and N.
(c) Lessees conducting sulphur operations in the OCS are also required to comply with the requirements in the applicable provisions of subparts D, E, F, H, K, and L of this part and the applicable provisions of 30 CFR 550, subpart K, where such provisions specifically are referenced in this subpart.
§ 250.1603   Determination of sulphur deposit.
(a) Upon receipt of a written request from the lessee, the District Manager will determine whether a sulphur deposit has been defined that contains sulphur in paying quantities ( i.e., sulphur in quantities sufficient to yield a return in excess of the costs, after completion of the wells, of producing minerals at the wellheads).
(b) A determination under paragraph (a) of this section shall be based upon the following:
(1) Core analyses that indicate the presence of a producible sulphur deposit (including an assay of elemental sulphur);
(2) An estimate of the amount of recoverable sulphur in long tons over a specified period of time; and
(3) Contour map of the cap rock together with isopach map showing the extent and estimated thickness of the sulphur deposit.
§ 250.1604   General requirements.
Sulphur lessees shall comply with requirements of this section when conducting well-drilling, well-completion, well-workover, or production operations.
(a) Equipment movement. The movement of well-drilling, well-completion, or well-workover rigs and related equipment on and off an offshore platform, or from one well to another well on the same offshore platform, including rigging up and rigging down, shall be conducted in a safe manner.
(b) Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S). When a drilling, well-completion, well-workover, or production operation is being conducted on a well in zones known to contain H 2 S or in zones where the presence of H 2 S is unknown (as defined in § 250.490 of this part), the lessee shall take appropriate precautions to protect life and property, especially during operations such as dismantling wellhead equipment and flow lines and circulating the well. The lessee shall also take appropriate precautions when H 2 S is generated as a result of sulphur production operations. The lessee shall comply with the requirements in § 250.490 of this part as well as the requirements of this subpart.
(c) Welding and burning practices and procedures. All welding, burning, and hot-tapping activities involved in drilling, well-completion, well-workover or production operations shall be conducted with properly maintained equipment, trained personnel, and appropriate procedures in order to minimize the danger to life and property according to the specific requirements in §§ 250.109 through 250.113 of this part.
(d) Electrical requirements. All electrical equipment and systems involved in drilling, well-completion, well-workover, and production operations shall be designed, installed, equipped, protected, operated, and maintained so as to minimize the danger to life and property in accordance with the requirements of § 250.114 of this part.
(e) Structures on fixed OCS platforms. Derricks, cranes, masts, substructures, and related equipment shall be selected, designed, installed, used, and maintained so as to be adequate for the potential loads and conditions of loading that may be encountered during the operations. Prior to moving equipment such as a well-drilling, well-completion, or well-workover rig or associated equipment or production equipment onto a platform, the lessee shall determine the structural capability of the platform to safely support the equipment and operations, taking into consideration corrosion protection, platform age, and previous stresses.
(f) Traveling-block safety device. All drilling units being used for drilling, well-completion, or well-workover operations that have both a traveling block and a crown block must be equipped with a safety device that is designed to prevent the traveling block from striking the crown block. The device must be checked for proper operation weekly and after each drill-line slipping operation. The results of the operational check must be entered in the operations log.
§ 250.1605   Drilling requirements.
(a) Sulphur leases. Lessees of OCS sulphur leases shall conduct drilling operations in accordance with §§ 250.1605 through 250.1619 of this subpart and with other requirements of this part, as appropriate.
(b) Fitness of drilling unit. (1) Drilling units shall be capable of withstanding the oceanographic and meteorological conditions for the proposed season and location of operations.
(2) Prior to commencing operation, drilling units shall be made available for a complete inspection by the District Manager.
(3) The lessee shall provide information and data on the fitness of the drilling unit to perform the proposed drilling operation. The information shall be submitted with, or prior to, the submission of Form BSEE-0123, Application for Permit to Drill (APD), in accordance with § 250.1617 of this subpart. After a drilling unit has been approved by a BSEE district office, the information required in this paragraph need not be resubmitted unless required by the District Manager or there are changes in the equipment that affect the rated capacity of the unit.
(c) Oceanographic, meteorological, and drilling unit performance data. Where oceanographic, meteorological, and drilling unit performance data are not otherwise readily available, lessees shall collect and report such data upon request to the District Manager. The type of information to be collected and reported will be determined by the District Manager in the interests of safety in the conduct of operations and the structural integrity of the drilling unit.
(d) Foundation requirements. When the lessee fails to provide sufficient information pursuant to 30 CFR 550.211 through 550.228 and 30 CFR 550.241 through 550.262 to support a determination that the seafloor is capable of supporting a specific bottom-founded drilling unit under the site-specific soil and oceanographic conditions, the District Manager may require that additional surveys and soil borings be performed and the results submitted for review and evaluation by the District Manager before approval is granted for commencing drilling operations.
(e) Tests, surveys, and samples. (1) Lessees shall drill and take cores and/or run well and mud logs through the objective interval to determine the presence, quality, and quantity of sulphur and other minerals (e.g., oil and gas) in the cap rock and the outline of the commercial sulphur deposit.
(2) Inclinational surveys shall be obtained on all vertical wells at intervals not exceeding 1,000 feet during the normal course of drilling. Directional surveys giving both inclination and azimuth shall be obtained on all directionally drilled wells at intervals not exceeding 500 feet during the normal course of drilling and at intervals not exceeding 200 feet in all planned angle-change portions of the borehole.
(3) Directional surveys giving both inclination and azimuth shall be obtained on both vertically and directionally drilled wells at intervals not exceeding 500 feet prior to or upon setting a string of casing, or production liner, and at total depth. Composite directional surveys shall be prepared with the interval shown from the bottom of the conductor casing. In calculating all surveys, a correction from the true north to Universal-Transverse-Mercator-Grid-north or Lambert-Grid-north shall be made after making the magnetic-to-true-north correction. A composite dipmeter directional survey or a composite measurement while-drilling directional survey will be acceptable as fulfilling the applicable requirements of this paragraph.
(4) Wells are classified as vertical if the calculated average of inclination readings weighted by the respective interval lengths between readings from surface to drilled depth does not exceed 3 degrees from the vertical. When the calculated average inclination readings weighted by the length of the respective interval between readings from the surface to drilled depth exceeds 3 degrees, the well is classified as directional.
(5) At the request of a holder of an adjoining lease, the Regional Supervisor may, for the protection of correlative rights, furnish a copy of the directional survey to that leaseholder.
(f) Fixed drilling platforms. Applications for installation of fixed drilling platforms or structures including artificial islands shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of subpart I, Platforms and Structures, of this part. Mobile drilling units that have their jacking equipment removed or have been otherwise immobilized are classified as fixed bottom founded drilling platforms.
(g) Crane operations. You must operate a crane installed on fixed platforms according to § 250.108 of this subpart.
(h) Diesel-engine air intakes. Diesel-engine air intakes must be equipped with a device to shut down the diesel engine in the event of runaway. Diesel engines that are continuously attended must be equipped with either remote-operated manual or automatic-shutdown devices. Diesel engines that are not continuously attended must be equipped with automatic shutdown devices.
§ 250.1606   Control of wells.
The lessee shall take necessary precautions to keep its wells under control at all times. Operations shall be conducted in a safe and workmanlike manner. The lessee shall utilize the best available and safest drilling technologies and state-of-the-art methods to evaluate and minimize the potential for a well to flow or kick. The lessee shall utilize personnel who are trained and competent and shall utilize and maintain equipment and materials necessary to assure the safety and protection of personnel, equipment, natural resources, and the environment.
§ 250.1607   Field rules.
When geological and engineering information in a field enables a District Manager to determine specific operating requirements, field rules may be established for drilling, well completion, or well workover on the District Manager's initiative or in response to a request from a lessee; such rules may modify the specific requirements of this subpart. After field rules have been established, operations in the field shall be conducted in accordance with such rules and other requirements of this subpart. Field rules may be amended or canceled for cause at any time upon the initiative of the District Manager or upon the request of a lessee.
§ 250.1608   Well casing and cementing.
(a) General requirements. (1) For the purpose of this subpart, the several casing strings in order of normal installation are:
(i) Drive or structural,
(ii) Conductor,
(iii) Cap rock casing,
(iv) Bobtail cap rock casing (required when the cap rock casing does not penetrate into the cap rock),
(v) Second cap rock casing (brine wells), and
(vi) Production liner.
(2) The lessee shall case and cement all wells with a sufficient number of strings of casing cemented in a manner necessary to prevent release of fluids from any stratum through the wellbore (directly or indirectly) into the sea, protect freshwater aquifers from contamination, support unconsolidated sediments, and otherwise provide a means of control of the formation pressures and fluids. Cement composition, placement techniques, and waiting time shall be designed and conducted so that the cement in place behind the bottom 500 feet of casing or total length of annular cement fill, if less, attains a minimum compressive strength of 160 pounds per square inch (psi).
(3) The lessee shall install casing designed to withstand the anticipated stresses imposed by tensile, compressive, and buckling loads; burst and collapse pressures; thermal effects; and combinations thereof. Safety factors in the drilling and casing program designs shall be of sufficient magnitude to provide well control during drilling and to assure safe operations for the life of the well.
(4) In cases where cement has filled the annular space back to the mud line, the cement may be washed out or displaced to a depth not exceeding the depth of the structural casing shoe to facilitate casing removal upon well abandonment if the District Manager determines that subsurface protection against damage to freshwater aquifers and against damage caused by adverse loads, pressures, and fluid flows is not jeopardized.
(5) If there are indications of inadequate cementing (such as lost returns, cement channeling, or mechanical failure of equipment), the lessee shall evaluate the adequacy of the cementing operations by pressure testing the casing shoe. If the test indicates inadequate cementing, the lessee shall initiate remedial action as approved by the District Manager. For cap rock casing, the test for adequacy of cementing shall be the pressure testing of the annulus between the cap rock and the conductor casings. The pressure shall not exceed 70 percent of the burst pressure of the conductor casing or 70 percent of the collapse pressure of the cap rock casing.
(b) Drive or structural casing. This casing shall be set by driving, jetting, or drilling to a minimum depth of 100 feet below the mud line or such other depth, as may be required or approved by the District Manager, in order to support unconsolidated deposits and to provide hole stability for initial drilling operations. If this portion of the hole is drilled, a quantity of cement sufficient to fill the annular space back to the mud line shall be used.
(c) Conductor and cap rock casing setting and cementing requirements. (1) Conductor and cap rock casing design and setting depths shall be based upon relevant engineering and geologic factors including the presence or absence of hydrocarbons, potential hazards, and water depths. The proposed casing setting depths may be varied, subject to District Manager approval, to permit the casing to be set in a competent formation or through formations determined desirable to be isolated from the wellbore by casing for safer drilling operations. However, the conductor casing shall be set immediately prior to drilling into formations known to contain oil or gas or, if unknown, upon encountering such formations. Cap rock casing shall be set and cemented through formations known to contain oil or gas or, if unknown, upon encountering such formations. Upon encountering unexpected formation pressures, the lessee shall submit a revised casing program to the District Manager for approval.
(2) Conductor casing shall be cemented with a quantity of cement that fills the calculated annular space back to the mud line. Cement fill shall be verified by the observation of cement returns. In the event that observation of cement returns is not feasible, additional quantities of cement shall be used to assure fill to the mud line.
(3) Cap rock casing shall be cemented with a quantity of cement that fills the calculated annular space to at least 200 feet inside the conductor casing. When geologic conditions such as near surface fractures and faulting exist, cap rock casing shall be cemented with a quantity of cement that fills the calculated annular space to the mud line, unless otherwise approved by the District Manager. In brine wells, the second cap rock casing shall be cemented with a quantity of cement that fills the calculated annular space to at least 200 feet above the setting depth of the first cap rock casing.
(d) Bobtail cap rock casing setting and cementing requirements. (1) Bobtail cap rock casing shall be set on or just in cap rock and lapped a minimum of 100 feet into the previous casing string.
(2) Sufficient cement shall be used to fill the annular space to the top of the bobtail cap rock casing.
(e) Production liner setting and cementing requirements. (1) Production liners for sulphur wells and bleedwells shall be set in cap rock at or above the bottom of the open hole (hole that is open in cap rock, below the bottom of the cap rock casing) and lapped into the previous casing string or to the surface. For brine wells, the liner shall be set in salt and lapped into the previous casing string or to the surface.
(2) The production liner is not required to be cemented unless the cap rock contains oil or gas. If the cap rock contains oil or gas, sufficient cement shall be used to fill the annular space to the top of the production liner.
§ 250.1609   Pressure testing of casing.
(a) Prior to drilling the plug after cementing, all casing strings, except the drive or structural casing, shall be pressure tested. The conductor casing shall be tested to at least 200 psi. All casing strings below the conductor casing shall be tested to 500 psi or 0.22 psi/ft, whichever is greater. (When oil or gas is not present in the cap rock, the production liner need not be cemented in place; thus, it would not be subject to pressure testing.) If the pressure declines more than 10 percent in 30 minutes or if there is another indication of a leak, the casing shall be recemented, repaired, or an additional casing string run and the casing tested again. The above procedures shall be repeated until a satisfactory test is obtained. The time, conditions of testing, and results of all casing pressure tests shall be recorded in the driller's report.
(b) After cementing any string of casing other than structural, drilling shall not be resumed until there has been a time lapse of at least 8 hours under pressure for the conductor casing string or 12 hours under pressure for all other casing strings. Cement is considered under pressure if one or more float valves are shown to be holding the cement in place or when other means of holding pressure are used.
§ 250.1610   Blowout preventer systems and system components.
(a) General. The blowout preventer (BOP) systems and system components shall be designed, installed, used, maintained, and tested to assure well control.
(b) BOP stacks. The BOP stacks shall consist of an annular preventer and the number of ram-type preventers as specified under paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section. The pipe rams shall be of proper size to fit the drill pipe in use.
(c) Working pressure. The working-pressure rating of any BOP shall exceed the surface pressure to which it may be anticipated to be subjected.
(d) BOP equipment. All BOP systems shall be equipped and provided with the following:
(1) An accumulator system that provides sufficient capacity to supply 1.5 times the volume necessary to close and hold closed all BOP equipment units with a minimum pressure of 200 psi above the precharge pressure, without assistance from a charging system. Accumulator regulators supplied by rig air that do not have a secondary source of pneumatic supply must be equipped with manual overrides or other devices alternately provided to ensure capability of hydraulic operations if rig air is lost.
(2) An automatic backup to the accumulator system. The backup system shall be supplied by a power source independent from the power source to the primary accumulator system. The automatic backup system shall possess sufficient capability to close the BOP and hold it closed.
(3) At least one operable remote BOP control station in addition to the one on the drilling floor. This control station shall be in a readily accessible location away from the drilling floor.
(4) A drilling spool with side outlets, if side outlets are not provided in the body of the BOP stack, to provide for separate kill and choke lines.
(5) A choke line and a kill line each equipped with two full-opening valves. At least one of the valves on the choke line and one valve on the kill line shall be remotely controlled, except that a check valve may be installed on the kill line in lieu of the remotely controlled valve, provided that two readily accessible manual valves are in place and the check valve is placed between the manual valve and the pump.
(6) A fill-up line above the uppermost preventer.
(7) A choke manifold designed with consideration of anticipated pressures to which it may be subjected, method of well control to be employed, surrounding environment, and corrosiveness, volume, and abrasiveness of fluids. The choke manifold shall also meet the following requirements:
(i) Manifold and choke equipment subject to well and/or pump pressure shall have a rated working pressure at least as great as the rated working pressure of the ram-type BOP's or as otherwise approved by the District Manager;
(ii) All components of the choke manifold system shall be protected from freezing by heating, draining, or filling with proper fluids; and
(iii) When buffer tanks are installed downstream of the choke assemblies for the purpose of manifolding the bleed lines together, isolation valves shall be installed on each line.
(8) Valves, pipes, flexible steel hoses, and other fittings upstream of, and including, the choke manifold with a pressure rating at least as great as the rated working pressure of the ram-type BOP's unless otherwise approved by the District Manager.
(9) A wellhead assembly with a rated working pressure that exceeds the pressure to which it might be subjected.
(10) The following system components:
(i) A kelly cock (an essentially full-opening valve) installed below the swivel and a similar valve of such design that it can be run through the BOP stack installed at the bottom of the kelly. A wrench to fit each valve shall be stored in a location readily accessible to the drilling crew;
(ii) An inside BOP and an essentially full-opening, drill-string safety valve in the open position on the rig floor at all times while drilling operations are being conducted. These valves shall be maintained on the rig floor to fit all connections that are in the drill string. A wrench to fit the drill-string safety valve shall be stored in a location readily accessible to the drilling crew;
(iii) A safety valve available on the rig floor assembled with the proper connection to fit the casing string being run in the hole; and
(iv) Locking devices installed on the ram-type preventers.
(e) BOP requirements. Prior to drilling below cap rock casing, a BOP system shall be installed consisting of at least three remote-controlled, hydraulically operated BOP's including at least one equipped with pipe rams, one with blind rams, and one annular type.
(f) Tapered drill-string operations. Prior to commencing tapered drill-string operations, the BOP stack shall be equipped with conventional and/or variable-bore pipe rams to provide either of the following:
(1) One set of variable bore rams capable of sealing around both sizes in the string and one set of blind rams, or
(2) One set of pipe rams capable of sealing around the larger size string, provided that blind-shear ram capability is present, and crossover subs to the larger size pipe are readily available on the rig floor.
§ 250.1611   Blowout preventer systems tests, actuations, inspections, and maintenance.
(a) Prior to conducting high-pressure tests, all BOP systems shall be tested to a pressure of 200 to 300 psi.
(b) Ram-type BOP's and the choke manifold shall be pressure tested with water to rated working pressure or as otherwise approved by the District Manager. Annular type BOP's shall be pressure tested with water to 70 percent of rated working pressure or as otherwise approved by the District Manager.
(c) In conjunction with the weekly pressure test of BOP systems required in paragraph (d) of this section, the choke manifold valves, upper and lower kelly cocks, and drill-string safety valves shall be pressure tested to pipe-ram test pressures. Safety valves with proper casing connections shall be actuated prior to running casing.
(d) BOP system shall be pressure tested as follows:
(1) When installed;
(2) Before drilling out each string of casing or before continuing operations in cases where cement is not drilled out;
(3) At least once each week, but not exceeding 7 days between pressure tests, alternating between control stations. If either control system is not functional, further drilling operations shall be suspended until that system becomes operable. A period of more than 7 days between BOP tests is allowed when there is a stuck drill pipe or there are pressure control operations and remedial efforts are being performed, provided that the pressure tests are conducted as soon as possible and before normal operations resume. The date, time, and reason for postponing pressure testing shall be entered into the driller's report. Pressure testing shall be performed at intervals to allow each drilling crew to operate the equipment. The weekly pressure test is not required for blind and blind-shear rams;
(4) Blind and blind-shear rams shall be actuated at least once every 7 days. Closing pressure on the blind and blind-shear rams greater than necessary to indicate proper operation of the rams is not required;
(5) Variable bore-pipe rams shall be pressure tested against all sizes of pipe in use, excluding drill collars and bottomhole tools; and
(6) Following the disconnection or repair of any well-pressure containment seal in the wellhead/BOP stack assembly. In this situation, the pressure tests may be limited to the affected component.
(e) All BOP systems shall be inspected and maintained to assure that the equipment will function properly. The BOP systems shall be visually inspected at least once each day. The manufacturer's recommended inspection and maintenance procedures are acceptable as guidelines in complying with this requirement.
(f) The lessee shall record pressure conditions during BOP tests on pressure charts, unless otherwise approved by the District Manager. The test duration for each BOP component tested shall be sufficient to demonstrate that the component is effectively holding pressure. The charts shall be certified as correct by the operator's representative at the facility.
(g) The time, date, and results of all pressure tests, actuations, inspections, and crew drills of the BOP system and system components shall be recorded in the driller's report. The BOP tests shall be documented in accordance with the following:
(1) The documentation shall indicate the sequential order of BOP and auxiliary equipment testing and the pressure and duration of each test. As an alternate, the documentation in the driller's report may reference a BOP test plan that contains the required information and is retained on file at the facility.
(2) The control station used during the test shall be identified in the driller's report.
(3) Any problems or irregularities observed during BOP and auxiliary equipment testing and any actions taken to remedy such problems or irregularities shall be noted in the driller's report.
(4) Documentation required to be entered in the driller's report may instead be referenced in the driller's report. All records, including pressure charts, driller's report, and referenced documents, pertaining to BOP tests, actuations, and inspections, shall be available for BSEE review at the facility for the duration of the drilling activity. Following completion of the drilling activity, all drilling records shall be retained for a period of 2 years at the facility, at the lessee's field office nearest the OCS facility, or at another location conveniently available to the District Manager.
§ 250.1612   Well-control drills.
Well-control drills must be conducted for each drilling crew in accordance with the requirements set forth in § 250.711 or as approved by the District Manager.
§ 250.1613   Diverter systems.
(a) When drilling a conductor or cap rock hole, all drilling units shall be equipped with a diverter system consisting of a diverter sealing element, diverter lines, and control systems. The diverter system shall be designed, installed, and maintained so as to divert gases, water, mud, and other materials away from the facilities and personnel.
(b) The diverter system shall be equipped with remote-control valves in the flow lines that can be operated from at least one remote-control station in addition to the one on the drilling floor. Any valve used in a diverter system shall be full opening. No manual or butterfly valves shall be installed in any part of a diverter system. There shall be a minimum number of turns in the vent line(s) downstream of the spool outlet flange, and the radius of curvature of turns shall be as large as practicable. Flexible hose may be used for diversion lines instead of rigid pipe if the flexible hose has integral end couplings. The entire diverter system shall be firmly anchored and supported to prevent whipping and vibrations. All diverter control equipment and lines shall be protected from physical damage from thrown and falling objects.
(c) For drilling operations conducted with a surface wellhead configuration, the following shall apply:
(1) If the diverter system utilizes only one spool outlet, branch lines shall be installed to provide downwind diversion capability, and
(2) No spool outlet or diverter line internal diameter shall be less than 10 inches, except that dual spool outlets are acceptable if each outlet has a minimum internal diameter of 8 inches, and both outlets are piped to overboard lines and that each line downstream of the changeover nipple at the spool has a minimum internal diameter of 10 inches.
(d) The diverter sealing element and diverter valves shall be pressure tested to a minimum of 200 psi when nippled upon conductor casing. No more than 7 days shall elapse between subsequent pressure tests. The diverter sealing element, diverter valves, and diverter control systems (including the remote) shall be actuation tested, and the diverter lines shall be tested for flow prior to spudding and thereafter at least once each 24-hour period alternating between control stations. All test times and results shall be recorded in the driller's report.
§ 250.1614   Mud program.
(a) The quantities, characteristics, use, and testing of drilling mud and the related drilling procedures shall be designed and implemented to prevent the loss of well control.
(b) The lessee shall comply with requirements concerning mud control, mud test and monitoring equipment, mud quantities, and safety precautions in enclosed mud handling areas as prescribed in §§ 250.455 through 250.459 of this part, except that the installation of an operable degasser in the mud system as required in § 250.456(g) is not required for sulphur operations.
§ 250.1615   Securing of wells.
A downhole-safety device such as a cement plug, bridge plug, or packer shall be timely installed when drilling operations are interrupted by events such as those that force evacuation of the drilling crew, prevent station keeping, or require repairs to major drilling units or well-control equipment. The use of blind-shear rams or pipe rams and an inside BOP may be approved by the District Manager in lieu of the above requirements if cap rock casing has been set.
§ 250.1616   Supervision, surveillance, and training.
(a) The lessee shall provide onsite supervision of drilling operations at all times.
(b) From the time drilling operations are initiated and until the well is completed or abandoned, a member of the drilling crew or the toolpusher shall maintain rig-floor surveillance continuously, unless the well is secured with BOP's, bridge plugs, packers, or cement plugs.
(c) Lessee and drilling contractor personnel shall be trained and qualified in accordance with the provisions of subpart O of this part. Records of specific training that lessee and drilling contractor personnel have successfully completed, the dates of completion, and the names and dates of the courses shall be maintained at the drill site.
§ 250.1617   Application for permit to drill.
(a) Before drilling a well under a BOEM-approved Exploration Plan, Development and Production Plan, or Development Operations Coordination Document, you must file Form BSEE-0123, APD, with the District Manager for approval. The submission of your APD must be accompanied by payment of the service fee listed in § 250.125. Before starting operations, you must receive written approval from the District Manager unless you received oral approval under § 250.140.
(b) An APD shall include rated capacities of the proposed drilling unit and of major drilling equipment. After a drilling unit has been approved for use in a BSEE district, the information need not be resubmitted unless required by the District Manager or there are changes in the equipment that affect the rated capacity of the unit.
(c) An APD shall include a fully completed Form BSEE-0123 and the following:
(1) A plat, drawn to a scale of 2,000 feet to the inch, showing the surface and subsurface location of the well to be drilled and of all the wells previously drilled in the vicinity from which information is available. For development wells on a lease, the wells previously drilled in the vicinity need not be shown on the plat. Locations shall be indicated in feet from the nearest block line;
(2) The design criteria considered for the well and for well control, including the following:
(i) Pore pressure;
(ii) Formation fracture gradients;
(iii) Potential lost circulation zones;
(iv) Mud weights;
(v) Casing setting depths;
(vi) Anticipated surface pressures (which for purposes of this section are defined as the pressure that can reasonably be expected to be exerted upon a casing string and its related wellhead equipment). In the calculation of anticipated surface pressure, the lessee shall take into account the drilling, completion, and producing conditions. The lessee shall consider mud densities to be used below various casing strings, fracture gradients of the exposed formations, casing setting depths, and cementing intervals, total well depth, formation fluid type, and other pertinent conditions. Considerations for calculating anticipated surface pressure may vary for each segment of the well. The lessee shall include as a part of the statement of anticipated surface pressure the calculations used to determine this pressure during the drilling phase and the completion phase, including the anticipated surface pressure used for production string design; and
(vii) If a shallow hazards site survey is conducted, the lessee shall submit with or prior to the submittal of the APD, two copies of a summary report describing the geological and manmade conditions present. The lessee shall also submit two copies of the site maps and data records identified in the survey strategy.
(3) A BOP equipment program including the following:
(i) The pressure rating of BOP equipment,
(ii) A schematic drawing of the diverter system to be used (plan and elevation views) showing spool outlet internal diameter(s); diverter line lengths and diameters, burst strengths, and radius of curvature at each turn; valve type, size, working-pressure rating, and location; the control instrumentation logic; and the operating procedure to be used by personnel, and
(iii) A schematic drawing of the BOP stack showing the inside diameter of the BOP stack and the number of annular, pipe ram, variable-bore pipe ram, blind ram, and blind-shear ram preventers.
(4) A casing program including the following:
(i) Casing size, weight, grade, type of connection and setting depth, and
(ii) Casing design safety factors for tension, collapse, and burst with the assumptions made to arrive at these values.
(5) The drilling prognosis including the following:
(i) Estimated coring intervals,
(ii) Estimated depths to the top of significant marker formations, and
(iii) Estimated depths at which encounters with fresh water, sulphur, oil, gas, or abnormally pressured water are expected.
(6) A cementing program including type and amount of cement in cubic feet to be used for each casing string;
(7) A mud program including the minimum quantities of mud and mud materials, including weight materials, to be kept at the site;
(8) A directional survey program for directionally drilled wells;
(9) An H 2 S Contingency Plan, if applicable, and if not previously submitted; and
(10) Such other information as may be required by the District Manager.
(d) Public information copies of the APD shall be submitted in accordance with § 250.186 of this part.
§ 250.1618   Application for permit to modify.
(a) You must submit requests for changes in plans, changes in major drilling equipment, proposals to deepen, sidetrack, complete, workover, or plug back a well, or engage in similar activities to the District Manager on Form BSEE-0124, Application for Permit to Modify (APM). The submission of your APM must be accompanied by payment of the service fee listed in § 250.125. Before starting operations associated with the change, you must receive written approval from the District Manager unless you received oral approval under § 250.140.
(b) The Form BSEE-0124 submittal shall contain a detailed statement of the proposed work that will materially change from the work described in the approved APD. Information submitted shall include the present state of the well, including the production liner and last string of casing, the well depth and production zone, and the well's capability to produce. Within 30 days after completion of the work, a subsequent detailed report of all the work done and the results obtained shall be submitted.
(c) Public information copies of Form BSEE-0124 shall be submitted in accordance with § 250.186 of this part.
§ 250.1619   Well records.
(a) Complete and accurate records for each well and all well operations shall be retained for a period of 2 years at the lessee's field office nearest the OCS facility or at another location conveniently available to the District Manager. The records shall contain a description of any significant malfunction or problem; all the formations penetrated; the content and character of sulphur in each formation if cored and analyzed; the kind, weight, size, grade, and setting depth of casing; all well logs and surveys run in the wellbore; and all other information required by the District Manager in the interests of resource evaluation, prevention of waste, conservation of natural resources, protection of correlative rights, safety of operations, and environmental protection.
(b) When drilling operations are suspended or temporarily prohibited under the provisions of § 250.170 of this part, the lessee shall, within 30 days after termination of the suspension or temporary prohibition or within 30 days after the completion of any activities related to the suspension or prohibition, transmit to the District Manager duplicate copies of the records of all activities related to and conducted during the suspension or temporary prohibition on, or attached to, Form BSEE-0125, End of Operations Report, or Form BSEE-0124, Application for Permit to Modify, as appropriate.
(c) Upon request by the District Manager or Regional Supervisor, the lessee shall furnish the following:
(1) Copies of the records of any of the well operations specified in paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Copies of the driller's report at a frequency as determined by the District Manager. Items to be reported include spud dates, casing setting depths, cement quantities, casing characteristics, mud weights, lost returns, and any unusual activities; and
(3) Legible, exact copies of reports on cementing, acidizing, analyses of cores, testing, or other similar services.
(d) As soon as available, the lessee shall transmit copies of logs and charts developed by well-logging operations, directional-well surveys, and core analyses. Composite logs of multiple runs and directional-well surveys shall be transmitted to the District Manager in duplicate as soon as available but not later than 30 days after completion of such operations for each well.
(e) If the District Manager determines that circumstances warrant, the lessee shall submit any other reports and records of operations in the manner and form prescribed by the District Manager.
§ 250.1620   Well-completion and well-workover requirements.
(a) Lessees shall conduct well-completion and well-workover operations in sulphur wells, bleedwells, and brine wells in accordance with §§ 250.1620 through 250.1626 of this part and other provisions of this part as appropriate (see §§ 250.501 and 250.601 of this part for the definition of well-completion and well-workover operations).
(b) Well-completion and well-workover operations shall be conducted in a manner to protect against harm or damage to life (including fish and other aquatic life), property, natural resources of the OCS including any mineral deposits (in areas leased and not leased), the National security or defense, or the marine, coastal, or human environment.
§ 250.1621   Crew instructions.
Prior to engaging in well-completion or well-workover operations, crew members shall be instructed in the safety requirements of the operations to be performed, possible hazards to be encountered, and general safety considerations to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment. Date and time of safety meetings shall be recorded and available for BSEE review.
§ 250.1622   Approvals and reporting of well-completion and well-workover operations.
(a) No well-completion or well-workover operation shall begin until the lessee receives written approval from the District Manager. Approval for such operations shall be requested on Form BSEE-0124. Approvals by the District Manager shall be based upon a determination that the operations will be conducted in a manner to protect against harm or damage to life, property, natural resources of the OCS, including any mineral deposits, the National security or defense, or the marine, coastal, or human environment.
(b) The following information shall be submitted with Form BSEE-0124 (or with Form BSEE-0123):
(1) A brief description of the well-completion or well-workover procedures to be followed;
(2) When changes in existing subsurface equipment are proposed, a schematic drawing showing the well equipment; and
(3) Where the well is in zones known to contain H 2 S or zones where the presence of H 2 S is unknown, a description of the safety precautions to be implemented.
(c)(1) Within 30 days after completion, Form BSEE-0125, including a schematic of the tubing and the results of any well tests, shall be submitted to the District Manager.
(2) Within 30 days after completing the well-workover operation, except routine operations, Form BSEE-0124 shall be submitted to the District Manager and shall include the results of any well tests and a new schematic of the well if any subsurface equipment has been changed.
§ 250.1623   Well-control fluids, equipment, and operations.
(a) Well-control fluids, equipment, and operations shall be designed, utilized, maintained, and/or tested as necessary to control the well in foreseeable conditions and circumstances, including subfreezing conditions. The well shall be continuously monitored during well-completion and well-workover operations and shall not be left unattended at any time unless the well is shut in and secured;
(b) The following well-control fluid equipment shall be installed, maintained, and utilized:
(1) A fill-up line above the uppermost BOP,
(2) A well-control fluid-volume measuring device for determining fluid volumes when filling the hole on trips, and
(3) A recording mud-pit-level indicator to determine mud-pit-volume gains and losses. This indicator shall include both a visual and an audible warning device.
(c) When coming out of the hole with drill pipe or a workover string, the annulus shall be filled with well-control fluid before the change in fluid level decreases the hydrostatic pressure 75 psi or every five stands of drill pipe or workover string, whichever gives a lower decrease in hydrostatic pressure. The number of stands of drill pipe or workover string and drill collars that may be pulled prior to filling the hole and the equivalent well-control fluid volume shall be calculated and posted near the operator's station. A mechanical, volumetric, or electronic device for measuring the amount of well-control fluid required to fill the hole shall be utilized.
§ 250.1624   Blowout prevention equipment.
(a) The BOP system and system components and related well-control equipment shall be designed, used, maintained, and tested in a manner necessary to assure well control in foreseeable conditions and circumstances, including subfreezing conditions. The working pressure of the BOP system and system components shall equal or exceed the expected surface pressure to which they may be subjected.
(b) The minimum BOP stack for well-completion operations or for well-workover operations with the tree removed shall consist of the following:
(1) Three remote-controlled, hydraulically operated preventers including at least one equipped with pipe rams, one with blind rams, and one annular type.
(2) When a tapered string is used, the minimum BOP stack shall consist of either of the following:
(i) An annular preventer, one set of variable bore rams capable of sealing around both sizes in the string, and one set of blind rams; or
(ii) An annular preventer, one set of pipe rams capable of sealing around the larger size string, a preventer equipped with blind-shear rams, and a crossover sub to the larger size pipe that shall be readily available on the rig floor.
(c) The BOP systems for well-completion operations, or for well-workover operations with the tree removed, shall be equipped with the following:
(1) An accumulator system that provides sufficient capacity to supply 1.5 times the volume necessary to close and hold closed all BOP equipment units with a minimum pressure of 200 psi above the precharge pressure without assistance from a charging system. After February 14, 1992, accumulator regulators supplied by rig air which do not have a secondary source of pneumatic supply shall be equipped with manual overrides or alternately other devices provided to ensure capability of hydraulic operations if rig air is lost;
(2) An automatic backup to the accumulator system supplied by a power source independent from the power source to the primary accumulator system and possessing sufficient capacity to close all BOP's and hold them closed;
(3) Locking devices for the pipe-ram preventers;
(4) At least one remote BOP-control station and one BOP-control station on the rig floor; and
(5) A choke line and a kill line each equipped with two full-opening valves and a choke manifold. One of the choke-line valves and one of the kill-line valves shall be remotely controlled except that a check valve may be installed on the kill line in lieu of the remotely-controlled valve provided that two readily accessible manual valves are in place, and the check valve is placed between the manual valve and the pump.
(d) The minimum BOP-stack components for well-workover operations with the tree in place and performed through the wellhead inside of the sulphur line using small diameter jointed pipe (usually 3/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch) as a work string; i.e., small-tubing operations, shall consist of the following:
(1) For air line changes, the well shall be killed prior to beginning operations. The procedures for killing the well shall be included in the description of well-workover procedures in accordance with § 250.1622 of this part. Under these circumstances, no BOP equipment is required.
(2) For other work inside of the sulphur line, a tubing stripper or annular preventer shall be installed prior to beginning work.
(e) An essentially full-opening, work-string safety valve shall be maintained on the rig floor at all times during well-completion operations. A wrench to fit the work-string safety valve shall be readily available. Proper connections shall be readily available for inserting a safety valve in the work string.
§ 250.1625   Blowout preventer system testing, records, and drills.
(a) Prior to conducting high-pressure tests, all BOP systems shall be tested to a pressure of 200 to 300 psi.
(b) Ram-type BOP's and the choke manifold shall be pressure tested with water to a rated working pressure or as otherwise approved by the District Manager. Annular type BOP's shall be pressure tested with water to 70 percent of rated working pressure or as otherwise approved by the District Manager.
(c) In conjunction with the weekly pressure test of BOP systems required in paragraph (d) of this section, the choke manifold valves, upper and lower kelly cocks, and drill-string safety valves shall be pressure tested to pipe-ram test pressures. Safety valves with proper casing connections shall be actuated prior to running casing.
(d) BOP system shall be pressure tested as follows:
(1) When installed;
(2) Before drilling out each string of casing or before continuing operations in cases where cement is not drilled out;
(3) At least once each week, but not exceeding 7 days between pressure tests, alternating between control stations. If either control system is not functional, further drilling operations shall be suspended until that system becomes operable. A period of more than 7 days between BOP tests is allowed when there is a stuck drill pipe or there are pressure control operations, and remedial efforts are being performed, provided that the pressure tests are conducted as soon as possible and before normal operations resume. The time, date, and reason for postponing pressure testing shall be entered into the driller's report. Pressure testing shall be performed at intervals to allow each drilling crew to operate the equipment. The weekly pressure test is not required for blind and blind-shear rams;
(4) Blind and blind-shear rams shall be actuated at least once every 7 days. Closing pressure on the blind and blind-shear rams greater than necessary to indicate proper operation of the rams is not required;
(5) Variable bore-pipe rams shall be pressure tested against all sizes of pipe in use, excluding drill collars and bottomhole tools; and
(6) Following the disconnection or repair of any well-pressure containment seal in the wellhead/BOP stack assembly, the pressure tests may be limited to the affected component.
(e) All personnel engaged in well-completion operations shall participate in a weekly BOP drill to familiarize crew members with appropriate safety measures.
(f) The lessee shall record pressure conditions during BOP tests on pressure charts, unless otherwise approved by the District Manager. The test duration for each BOP component tested shall be sufficient to demonstrate that the component is effectively holding pressure. The charts shall be certified as correct by the operator's representative at the facility.
(g) The time, date, and results of all pressure tests, actuations, inspections, and crew drills of the BOP system and system components shall be recorded in the operations log. The BOP tests shall be documented in accordance with the following:
(1) The documentation shall indicate the sequential order of BOP and auxiliary equipment testing and the pressure and duration of each test. As an alternate, the documentation in the operations log may reference a BOP test plan that contains the required information and is retained on file at the facility.
(2) The control station used during the test shall be identified in the operations log.
(3) Any problems or irregularities observed during BOP and auxiliary equipment testing and any actions taken to remedy such problems or irregularities shall be noted in the operations log.
(4) Documentation required to be entered in the driller's report may instead be referenced in the driller's report. All records, including pressure charts, driller's report, and referenced documents, pertaining to BOP tests, actuations, and inspections shall be available for BSEE review at the facility for the duration of the drilling activity. Following completion of the drilling activity, all drilling records shall be retained for a period of 2 years at the facility, at the lessee's field office nearest the OCS facility, or at another location conveniently available to the District Manager.
§ 250.1626   Tubing and wellhead equipment.
(a) No tubing string shall be placed into service or continue to be used unless such tubing string has the necessary strength and pressure integrity and is otherwise suitable for its intended use.
(b) Wellhead, tree, and related equipment shall be designed, installed, tested, used, and maintained so as to achieve and maintain pressure control.
§ 250.1627   Production requirements.
(a) The lessee shall conduct sulphur production operations in compliance with the approved Development and Production Plan requirements of §§ 250.1627 through 250.1634 of this subpart and requirements of this part, as appropriate.
(b) Production safety equipment shall be designed, installed, used, maintained, and tested in a manner to assure the safety of operations and protection of the human, marine, and coastal environments.
§ 250.1628   Design, installation, and operation of production systems.
(a) General. All production facilities shall be designed, installed, and maintained in a manner that provides for efficiency and safety of operations and protection of the environment.
(b) Approval of design and installation features for sulphur production facilities. Prior to installation, the lessee shall submit a sulphur production system application, in duplicate, to the District Manager for approval. The application shall include information relative to the proposed design and installation features. Information concerning approved design and installation features shall be maintained by the lessee at the lessee's offshore field office nearest the OCS facility or at another location conveniently available to the District Manager. All approvals are subject to field verification. The application shall include the following:
(1) A schematic flow diagram showing size, capacity, design, working pressure of separators, storage tanks, compressor pumps, metering devices, and other sulphur-handling vessels;
(2) A schematic piping diagram showing the size and maximum allowable working pressures as determined in accordance with API RP 14E, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198);
(3) Electrical system information including a plan of each platform deck, outlining all hazardous areas classified according to API RP 500, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2, or API RP 505, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198), and outlining areas in which potential ignition sources are to be installed;
(4) Certification that the design for the mechanical and electrical systems to be installed were approved by registered professional engineers. After these systems are installed, the lessee shall submit a statement to the District Manager certifying that the new installations conform to the approved designs of this subpart.
(c) Hydrocarbon handling vessels associated with fuel gas system. You must protect hydrocarbon handling vessels associated with the fuel gas system with a basic and ancillary surface safety system. This system must be designed, analyzed, installed, tested, and maintained in operating condition in accordance with API RP 14C, Analysis, Design, Installation, and Testing of Basic Surface Safety Systems for Offshore Production Platforms (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198). If processing components are to be utilized, other than those for which Safety Analysis Checklists are included in API RP 14C, you must use the analysis technique and documentation specified therein to determine the effect and requirements of these components upon the safety system.
(d) Approval of safety-systems design and installation features for fuel gas system. Prior to installation, the lessee shall submit a fuel gas safety system application, in duplicate, to the District Manager for approval. The application shall include information relative to the proposed design and installation features. Information concerning approved design and installation features shall be maintained by the lessee at the lessee's offshore field office nearest the OCS facility or at another location conveniently available to the District Manager. All approvals are subject to field verification. The application shall include the following:
(1) A schematic flow diagram showing size, capacity, design, working pressure of separators, storage tanks, compressor pumps, metering devices, and other hydrocarbon-handling vessels;
(2) A schematic flow diagram (API RP 14C, Figure E1, as incorporated by reference in § 250.198) and the related Safety Analysis Function Evaluation chart (API RP 14C, subsection 4.3c, as incorporated by reference in § 250.198).
(3) A schematic piping diagram showing the size and maximum allowable working pressures as determined in accordance with API RP 14E, Design and Installation of Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198);
(4) Electrical system information including the following:
(i) A plan of each platform deck, outlining all hazardous areas classified according to API RP 500, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2, or API RP 505, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198), and outlining areas in which potential ignition sources are to be installed;
(ii) All significant hydrocarbon sources and a description of the type of decking, ceiling, walls (e.g., grating or solid), and firewalls; and
(iii) Elementary electrical schematic of any platform safety shutdown system with a functional legend.
(5) Certification that the design for the mechanical and electrical systems to be installed was approved by registered professional engineers. After these systems are installed, the lessee shall submit a statement to the District Manager certifying that the new installations conform to the approved designs of this subpart; and
(6) Design and schematics of the installation and maintenance of all fire- and gas-detection systems including the following:
(i) Type, location, and number of detection heads;
(ii) Type and kind of alarm, including emergency equipment to be activated;
(iii) Method used for detection;
(iv) Method and frequency of calibration; and
(v) A functional block diagram of the detection system, including the electric power supply.
§ 250.1629   Additional production and fuel gas system requirements.
(a) General. Lessees shall comply with the following production safety system requirements (some of which are in addition to those contained in § 250.1628 of this part).
(b) Design, installation, and operation of additional production systems, including fuel gas handling safety systems. (1) Pressure and fired vessels must be designed, fabricated, and code stamped in accordance with the applicable provisions of sections I, IV, and VIII of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (as specified in § 250.198). Pressure and fired vessels must have maintenance inspection, rating, repair, and alteration performed in accordance with the applicable provisions of API Pressure Vessel Inspections Code: In-Service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration, API 510 (except Sections 5.8 and 9.5) (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198).
(i) Pressure safety relief valves shall be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with applicable provisions of sections I, IV, and VIII of the ANSI/ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (as specified in § 250.198). The safety relief valves shall conform to the valve-sizing and pressure-relieving requirements specified in these documents; however, the safety relief valves shall be set no higher than the maximum-allowable working pressure of the vessel. All safety relief valves and vents shall be piped in such a way as to prevent fluid from striking personnel or ignition sources.
(ii) The lessee shall use pressure recorders to establish the operating pressure ranges of pressure vessels in order to establish the pressure-sensor settings. Pressure-recording charts used to determine operating pressure ranges shall be maintained by the lessee for a period of 2 years at the lessee's field office nearest the OCS facility or at another location conveniently available to the District Manager. The high-pressure sensor shall be set no higher than 15 percent or 5 psi, whichever is greater, above the highest operating pressure of the vessel. This setting shall also be set sufficiently below (15 percent or 5 psi, whichever is greater) the safety relief valve's set pressure to assure that the high-pressure sensor sounds an alarm before the safety relief valve starts relieving. The low-pressure sensor shall sound an alarm no lower than 15 percent or 5 psi, whichever is greater, below the lowest pressure in the operating range.
(2) Engine exhaust. You must equip engine exhausts to comply with the insulation and personnel protection requirements of API RP 14C, section 4.2c(4) (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198). Exhaust piping from diesel engines must be equipped with spark arresters.
(3) Firefighting systems. Firefighting systems must conform to subsection 5.2, Fire Water Systems, of API RP 14G, Recommended Practice for Fire Prevention and Control on Open Type Offshore Production Platforms (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198), and must be subject to the approval of the District Manager. Additional requirements must apply as follows:
(i) A firewater system consisting of rigid pipe with firehose stations shall be installed. The firewater system shall be installed to provide needed protection, especially in areas where fuel handling equipment is located.
(ii) Fuel or power for firewater pump drivers shall be available for at least 30 minutes of run time during platform shut-in time. If necessary, an alternate fuel or power supply shall be installed to provide for this pump-operating time unless an alternate firefighting system has been approved by the District Manager;
(iii) A firefighting system using chemicals may be used in lieu of a water system if the District Manager determines that the use of a chemical system provides equivalent fire-protection control; and
(iv) A diagram of the firefighting system showing the location of all firefighting equipment shall be posted in a prominent place on the facility or structure.
(4) Fire- and gas-detection system. (i) Fire (flame, heat, or smoke) sensors shall be installed in all enclosed classified areas. Gas sensors shall be installed in all inadequately ventilated, enclosed classified areas. Adequate ventilation is defined as ventilation that is sufficient to prevent accumulation of significant quantities of vapor-air mixture in concentrations over 25 percent of the lower explosive limit. One approved method of providing adequate ventilation is a change of air volume each 5 minutes or 1 cubic foot of air-volume flow per minute per square foot of solid floor area, whichever is greater. Enclosed areas (e.g., buildings, living quarters, or doghouses) are defined as those areas confined on more than four of their six possible sides by walls, floors, or ceilings more restrictive to air flow than grating or fixed open louvers and of sufficient size to allow entry of personnel. A classified area is any area classified Class I, Group D, Division 1 or 2, following the guidelines of API RP 500 (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198), or any area classified Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2, following the guidelines of API RP 505 (as incorporated by reference in § 205.198).
(ii) All detection systems shall be capable of continuous monitoring. Fire-detection systems and portions of combustible gas-detection systems related to the higher gas concentration levels shall be of the manual-reset type. Combustible gas-detection systems related to the lower gas-concentration level may be of the automatic-reset type.
(iii) A fuel-gas odorant or an automatic gas-detection and alarm system is required in enclosed, continuously manned areas of the facility that are provided with fuel gas. Living quarters and doghouses not containing a gas source and not located in a classified area do not require a gas detection system.
(iv) The District Manager may require the installation and maintenance of a gas detector or alarm in any potentially hazardous area.
(v) Fire- and gas-detection systems must be an approved type, designed and installed according to API RP 14C, API RP 14G, and either API RP 14F or API RP 14FZ (the preceding four documents as incorporated by reference in § 250.198).
(c) General platform operations. Safety devices shall not be bypassed or blocked out of service unless they are temporarily out of service for startup, maintenance, or testing procedures. Only the minimum number of safety devices shall be taken out of service. Personnel shall monitor the bypassed or blocked out functions until the safety devices are placed back in service. Any safety device that is temporarily out of service shall be flagged by the person taking such device out of service.
§ 250.1630   Safety-system testing and records.
(a) Inspection and testing. You must inspect and successfully test safety system devices at the interval specified below or more frequently if operating conditions warrant. Testing must be in accordance with API RP 14C, Appendix D (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198). For safety system devices other than those listed in API RP 14C, Appendix D, you must utilize the analysis technique and documentation specified therein for inspection and testing of these components, and the following:
(1) Safety relief valves on the natural gas feed system for power plant operations such as pressure safety valves shall be inspected and tested for operation at least once every 12 months. These valves shall be either bench tested or equipped to permit testing with an external pressure source.
(2) The following safety devices (excluding electronic pressure transmitters and level sensors) must be inspected and tested at least once each calendar month, but at no time may more than 6 weeks elapse between tests:
(i) All pressure safety high or pressure safety low, and
(ii) All level safety high and level safety low controls.
(3) The following electronic pressure transmitters and level sensors must be inspected and tested at least once every 3 months, but at no time may more than 120 days elapse between tests:
(i) All PSH or PSL, and
(ii) All LSH and LSL controls.
(4) All pumps for firewater systems shall be inspected and operated weekly.
(5) All fire- (flame, heat, or smoke) and gas-detection systems shall be inspected and tested for operation and recalibrated every 3 months provided that testing can be performed in a nondestructive manner.
(6) Prior to the commencement of production, the lessee shall notify the District Manager when the lessee is ready to conduct a preproduction test and inspection of the safety system. The lessee shall also notify the District Manager upon commencement of production in order that a complete inspection may be conducted.
(b) Records. The lessee shall maintain records for a period of 2 years for each safety device installed. These records shall be maintained by the lessee at the lessee's field office nearest the OCS facility or another location conveniently available to the District Manager. These records shall be available for BSEE review. The records shall show the present status and history of each safety device, including dates and details of installation, removal, inspection, testing, repairing, adjustments, and reinstallation.
§ 250.1631   Safety device training.
Prior to engaging in production operations on a lease and periodically thereafter, personnel installing, inspecting, testing, and maintaining safety devices shall be instructed in the safety requirements of the operations to be performed; possible hazards to be encountered; and general safety considerations to be taken to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment. Date and time of safety meetings shall be recorded and available for BSEE review.
§ 250.1632   Production rates.
Each sulphur deposit shall be produced at rates that will provide economic development and depletion of the deposit in a manner that would maximize the ultimate recovery of sulphur without resulting in waste (e.g., an undue reduction in the recovery of oil and gas from an associated hydrocarbon accumulation).
§ 250.1633   Production measurement.
(a) General. Measurement equipment and security procedures shall be designed, installed, used, maintained, and tested so as to accurately and completely measure the sulphur produced on a lease for purposes of royalty determination.
(b) Application and approval. The lessee shall not commence production of sulphur until the Regional Supervisor has approved the method of measurement. The request for approval of the method of measurement shall contain sufficient information to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Regional Supervisor that the method of measurement meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
§ 250.1634   Site security.
(a) All locations where sulphur is produced, measured, or stored shall be operated and maintained to ensure against the loss or theft of produced sulphur and to assure accurate and complete measurement of produced sulphur for royalty purposes.
(b) Evidence of mishandling of produced sulphur from an offshore lease, or tampering or falsifying any measurement of production for an offshore lease, shall be reported to the Regional Supervisor as soon as possible but no later than the next business day after discovery of the evidence of mishandling.
§ 250.1700   What do the terms “decommissioning,” “obstructions,” “facility,” and “predecessor” mean in this subpart?
(a) Decommissioning means:
(1) Ending oil, gas, or sulphur operations; and
(2) Returning the lease, pipeline right-of-way, or the area of a right-of-use and easement to a condition that meets the requirements of BSEE and other agencies that have jurisdiction over decommissioning activities.
(b) Obstructions mean structures, equipment, or objects that were used in oil, gas, or sulphur operations or marine growth that, if left in place, would hinder other users of the OCS. Obstructions may include, but are not limited to, shell mounds, wellheads, casing stubs, mud line suspensions, well protection devices, subsea trees, jumper assemblies, umbilicals, manifolds, termination skids, production and pipeline risers, platforms, templates, pilings, pipelines, pipeline valves, and power cables.
(c) Facility means any installation other than a pipeline used for oil, gas, or sulphur activities that is permanently or temporarily attached to the seabed on the OCS. Facilities include production and pipeline risers, templates, pilings, and any other facility or equipment that constitutes an obstruction such as jumper assemblies, termination skids, umbilicals, anchors, and mooring lines.
(d) Predecessor means a prior lessee or owner of operating rights, or a prior holder of a right-of-use and easement grant or a pipeline right-of-way grant, that is liable for accrued obligations on that lease or grant.
§ 250.1701   Who must meet the decommissioning obligations in this subpart?
(a) Lessees, owners of operating rights, and their predecessors are jointly and severally liable for meeting decommissioning obligations for facilities on leases, including the obligations related to lease-term pipelines, as the obligations accrue and until each obligation is met.
(b) All holders of a right-of-way grant and their predecessors are jointly and severally liable for meeting decommissioning obligations for facilities on their right-of-way, including right-of-way pipelines, as the obligations accrue and until each obligation is met.
(c) All right-of-use and easement grant holders and prior lessees or owners of operating rights of the parcel on whose leases there existed facilities or obstructions that remain on the right-of-use and easement grant are jointly and severally liable for meeting decommissioning obligations, including obligations for any well, pipeline, platform or other facility, or an obstruction, on their right-of-use and easement, as the obligations accrue and until each obligation is met.
(d) In this subpart, the terms “you” or “I” refer to lessees and owners of operating rights as to facilities installed under the authority of a lease; to pipeline right-of-way grant holders as to facilities installed under the authority of a pipeline right-of-way grant; and to right-of-use and easement grant holders as to facilities constructed, modified, or maintained under the authority of the right-of-use and easement grant. Predecessors to any of these interest holders are also included within the scope of these terms as appropriate in the context of the particular regulation.
§ 250.1702   When do I accrue decommissioning obligations?
You accrue decommissioning obligations when you do any of the following:
(a) Drill a well;
(b) Install a platform, pipeline, or other facility;
(c) Create an obstruction to other users of the OCS;
(d) Are or become a lessee or the owner of operating rights of a lease on which there is a well that has not been permanently plugged according to this subpart, a platform, a lease term pipeline, or other facility, or an obstruction;
(e) Are or become a holder of a pipeline right-of-way grant on which there is a pipeline, platform, other facility, or an obstruction;
(f) Are or become the holder of a right-of-use and easement grant on which there is a well, pipeline, platform, other facility, or an obstruction; or
(g) Re-enter a well that was previously plugged according to this subpart.
§ 250.1703   What are the general requirements for decommissioning?
When your facilities are no longer useful for operations, you must:
(a) Get approval from the appropriate District Manager before decommissioning wells and from the Regional Supervisor before decommissioning platforms and pipelines or other facilities;
(b) Permanently plug all wells. Packers and bridge plugs used as qualified mechanical barriers must comply with ANSI/API Spec. 11D1 (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198). You must have two independent barriers, one being an ANSI/API Spec. 11D1 qualified mechanical barrier, in the exposed center wellbore prior to removing the tree and/or well control equipment;
(c) Remove all platforms and other facilities, except as provided in §§ 250.1725(a) and 250.1730.
(d) Decommission all pipelines;
(e) Clear the seafloor of all obstructions created by your lease, pipeline right-of-way, or right-of-use and easement operations;
(f) Follow all applicable requirements of subpart G of this part; and
(g) Conduct all decommissioning activities in a manner that is safe, does not unreasonably interfere with other uses of the OCS, and does not cause undue or serious harm or damage to the human, marine, or coastal environment.
§ 250.1704   What decommissioning applications and reports must I submit and when must I submit them?
You must submit decommissioning applications, receive approval of those applications, and submit subsequent reports according to the requirements and deadlines in the following table.
Decommissioning Applications and Reports Table
§§ 250.1705-250.1707   [Reserved]
§ 250.1708   How will BSEE enforce accrued decommissioning obligations against predecessors?
(a) When BSEE issues an order to predecessors to perform accrued decommissioning obligations, the order recipients must, unless otherwise specified in the order:
(1) Within 30 days of receiving the order, begin maintaining and monitoring, through a single entity identified to BSEE, any facility, including wells and pipelines, as identified by BSEE in the order and in accordance with applicable requirements under this part (including, but not limited to, testing safety valves and sensors, draining vessels, and performing pollution inspections);
(2) Within 90 days of receiving the order, designate a single entity to serve as operator or agent for the decommissioning operations;
(3) Within 150 days of receiving the order, submit through the entity identified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section a decommissioning plan for approval by the Regional Supervisor that includes the scope of work and a reasonable decommissioning schedule for all wells, platforms and other facilities, pipelines, and site clearance, as identified in the order; and
(4) Perform the required decommissioning in the time and manner specified by BSEE in its decommissioning plan approval.
(b) Failure to comply with the obligations under paragraph (a) of this section to maintain and monitor a facility or to submit a decommissioning plan may result in a Notice of Incident of Noncompliance and potentially other enforcement actions, including civil penalties and disqualification as an operator.
(c) BSEE's issuance of orders to any predecessors will not relieve any current lessee or grant holder, or any other predecessor, of its obligations to comply with any prior decommissioning order or to satisfy any accrued decommissioning obligations.
(d) A pending appeal, pursuant to 30 CFR part 290, of any decommissioning order does not preclude BSEE from proceeding against any or all predecessors other than the appellant.
§ 250.1709   [Reserved]
§ 250.1710   When must I permanently plug all wells on a lease?
You must permanently plug all wells on a lease within 1 year after the lease terminates.
§ 250.1711   When will BSEE order me to permanently plug a well?
BSEE will order you to permanently plug a well if that well:
(a) Poses a hazard to safety or the environment; or
(b) Is not useful for lease operations and is not capable of oil, gas, or sulphur production in paying quantities.
§ 250.1712   What information must I submit before I permanently plug a well or zone?
Before you permanently plug a well or zone, you must submit form BSEE-0124, Application for Permit to Modify, to the appropriate District Manager and receive approval. A request for approval must contain the following information:
(a) The reason you are plugging the well (or zone), for completions with production amounts specified by the Regional Supervisor, along with substantiating information demonstrating its lack of capacity for further profitable production of oil, gas, or sulfur;
(b) Recent well test data and pressure data, if available;
(c) Maximum possible surface pressure, and how it was determined;
(d) Type and weight of well-control fluid you will use;
(e) A description of the work;
(f) A current and proposed well schematic and description that includes:
(1) Well depth;
(2) All perforated intervals that have not been plugged;
(3) Casing and tubing depths and details;
(4) Subsurface equipment;
(5) Estimated tops of cement (and the basis of the estimate) in each casing annulus;
(6) Plug locations;
(7) Plug types;
(8) Plug lengths;
(9) Properties of mud and cement to be used;
(10) Perforating and casing cutting plans;
(11) Plug testing plans;
(12) Casing removal (including information on explosives, if used);
(13) Proposed casing removal depth; and
(14) Your plans to protect archaeological and sensitive biological features, including anchor damage during plugging operations, a brief assessment of the environmental impacts of the plugging operations, and the procedures and mitigation measures you will take to minimize such impacts; and
(g) Certification by a Registered Professional Engineer of the well abandonment design and procedures and that all plugs meet the requirements in the table in § 250.1715. In addition to the requirements of § 250.1715, the Registered Professional Engineer must also certify the design will include two independent barriers, one of which must be a mechanical barrier, in the center wellbore as described in § 250.420(b)(3). The Registered Professional Engineer must be registered in a State of the United States and have sufficient expertise and experience to perform the certification. You must submit this certification with your APM (Form BSEE-0124).
§ 250.1713   [Reserved]
§ 250.1714   What must I accomplish with well plugs?
You must ensure that all well plugs:
(a) Provide downhole isolation of hydrocarbon and sulphur zones;
(b) Protect freshwater aquifers; and
(c) Prevent migration of formation fluids within the wellbore or to the seafloor.
§ 250.1715   How must I permanently plug a well?
(a) You must permanently plug wells according to the table in this section. The District Manager may require additional well plugs as necessary.
Permanent Well Plugging Requirements
(b) You must test the first plug below the surface plug and all plugs in lost circulation areas that are in open hole. The plug must pass one of the following tests to verify plug integrity:
(1) A pipe weight of at least 15,000 pounds on the plug; or
(2) A pump pressure of at least 1,000 pounds per square inch. Ensure that the pressure does not drop more than 10 percent in 15 minutes. The District Manager may require you to tests other plug(s).
§ 250.1716   To what depth must I remove wellheads and casings?
(a) Unless the District Manager approves an alternate depth under paragraph (b) of this section, you must remove all wellheads and casings to at least 15 feet below the mud line.
(b) The District Manager may approve an alternate removal depth if:
(1) The wellhead or casing would not become an obstruction to other users of the seafloor or area, and geotechnical and other information you provide demonstrate that erosional processes capable of exposing the obstructions are not expected; or
(2) You determine, and BSEE concurs, that you must use divers, and the seafloor sediment stability poses safety concerns; or
(3) The water depth is greater than 1,000 feet.
§ 250.1717   [Reserved]
§ 250.1721   If I temporarily abandon a well that I plan to re-enter, what must I do?
You may temporarily abandon a well when it is necessary for proper development and production of a lease. To temporarily abandon a well, you must do all of the following:
(a) Submit form BSEE-0124, Application for Permit to Modify, and the applicable information required by § 250.1712 to the appropriate District Manager and receive approval;
(b) Adhere to the plugging and testing requirements for permanently plugged wells listed in the table in § 250.1715, except for § 250.1715(a)(8). You do not need to sever the casings, remove the wellhead, or clear the site;
(c) Set a bridge plug or a cement plug at least 100-feet long at the base of the deepest casing string, unless the casing string has been cemented and has not been drilled out. If a cement plug is set, it is not necessary for the cement plug to extend below the casing shoe into the open hole;
(d) Set a retrievable or a permanent-type bridge plug or a cement plug at least 100 feet long in the inner-most casing. The top of the bridge plug or cement plug must be no more than 1,000 feet below the mud line. BSEE may consider approving alternate requirements for subsea wells case-by-case;
(e) Identify and report subsea wellheads, casing stubs, or other obstructions that extend above the mud line according to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements;
(f) Except in water depths greater than 300 feet, protect subsea wellheads, casing stubs, mud line suspensions, or other obstructions remaining above the seafloor by using one of the following methods, as approved by the District Manager or Regional Supervisor:
(1) A caisson designed according to 30 CFR 250, subpart I, and equipped with aids to navigation;
(2) A jacket designed according to 30 CFR 250, subpart I, and equipped with aids to navigation; or
(3) A subsea protective device that meets the requirements in § 250.1722.
(g) Submit certification by a Registered Professional Engineer of the well abandonment design and procedures and that all plugs meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section. In addition to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, the Registered Professional Engineer must also certify the design will include two independent barriers, one of which must be a mechanical barrier, in the center wellbore as described in § 250.420(b)(3). The Registered Professional Engineer must be registered in a State of the United States and have sufficient expertise and experience to perform the certification. You must submit this certification with your APM (Form BSEE-0124) required by § 250.1712 of this part.
§ 250.1722   If I install a subsea protective device, what requirements must I meet?
If you install a subsea protective device under § 250.1721(f)(3), you must install it in a manner that allows fishing gear to pass over the obstruction without damage to the obstruction, the protective device, or the fishing gear.
(a) Use form BSEE-0124, Application for Permit to Modify to request approval from the appropriate District Manager to install a subsea protective device.
(b) The protective device may not extend more than 10 feet above the seafloor (unless BSEE approves otherwise).
(c) You must trawl over the protective device when you install it (adhere to the requirements at § 250.1741(d) through (h)). If the trawl does not pass over the protective device or causes damage to it, you must notify the appropriate District Manager within 5 days and perform remedial action within 30 days of the trawl;
(d) Within 30 days after you complete the trawling test described in paragraph (c) of this section, submit a report to the appropriate District Manager using form BSEE-0125, End of Operations Report (EOR) that includes the following:
(1) The date(s) the trawling test was performed and the vessel that was used;
(2) A plat at an appropriate scale showing the trawl lines;
(3) A description of the trawling operation and the net(s) that were used;
(4) An estimate by the trawling contractor of the seafloor penetration depth achieved by the trawl;
(5) A summary of the results of the trawling test including a discussion of any snags and interruptions, a description of any damage to the protective covering, the casing stub or mud line suspension equipment, or the trawl, and a discussion of any snag removals requiring diver assistance; and
(6) A letter signed by your authorized representative stating that he/she witnessed the trawling test.
(e) If a temporarily abandoned well is protected by a subsea device installed in a water depth less than 100 feet, mark the site with a buoy installed according to the USCG requirements.
(f) Provide annual reports to the Regional Supervisor describing your plans to either re-enter and complete the well or to permanently plug the well.
(g) Ensure that all subsea wellheads, casing stubs, mud line suspensions, or other obstructions in water depths less than 300 feet remain protected.
(1) To confirm that the subsea protective covering remains properly installed, either conduct a visual inspection or perform a trawl test at least annually.
(2) If the inspection reveals that a casing stub or mud line suspension is no longer properly protected, or if the trawl does not pass over the subsea protective covering without causing damage to the covering, the casing stub or mud line suspension equipment, or the trawl, notify the appropriate District Manager within 5 days, and perform the necessary remedial work within 30 days of discovery of the problem.
(3) In your annual report required by paragraph (f) of this section, include the inspection date, results, and method used and a description of any remedial work you will perform or have performed.
(h) You may request approval to waive the trawling test required by paragraph (c) of this section if you plan to use either:
(1) A buoy with automatic tracking capabilities installed and maintained according to USCG requirements at 33 CFR part 67 (or its successor); or
(2) A design and installation method that has been proven successful by trawl testing of previous protective devices of the same design and installed in areas with similar bottom conditions.
§ 250.1723   What must I do when it is no longer necessary to maintain a well in temporary abandoned status?
If you or BSEE determines that continued maintenance of a well in a temporary abandoned status is not necessary for the proper development or production of a lease, you must:
(a) Promptly and permanently plug the well according to § 250.1715;
(b) Remove any casing stub or mud line suspension equipment and any subsea protective covering. You must submit a request for approval to perform such work to the appropriate District Manager using form BSEE-0124, Application for Permit to Modify; and
(c) Clear the well site according to §§ 250.1740 through 250.1742.
§ 250.1725   When do I have to remove platforms and other facilities?
(a) You must remove all platforms and other facilities within 1 year after the lease, pipeline right-of-way, or right-of-use and easement terminates, unless you receive approval to maintain the structure to conduct other activities. Platforms include production platforms, well jackets, single-well caissons, and pipeline accessory platforms. Other activities include those supporting OCS oil and gas production and transportation, as well as other energy-related or marine-related uses (including LNG) for which adequate financial assurance for decommissioning has been provided to a Federal agency which has given BSEE a commitment that it has and will exercise authority to compel the performance of decommissioning within a time following cessation of the new use acceptable to BSEE. The approval will specify:
(1) Whether you must continue to maintain any financial assurance for decommissioning; and
(2) Whether, and under what circumstances, you must perform any decommissioning not performed by the new facility owner/user.
(b) Before you may remove a platform or other facility, you must submit a final removal application to the Regional Supervisor for approval and include the information listed in § 250.1727.
(c) You must remove a platform or other facility according to the approved application.
(d) You must flush all production risers with seawater before you remove them.
(e) You must notify the Regional Supervisor at least 48 hours before you begin the removal operations.
§ 250.1726   When must I submit an initial platform removal application and what must it include?
An initial platform removal application is required only for leases and pipeline rights-of-way in the Pacific OCS Region or the Alaska OCS Region. It must include the following information:
(a) Platform or other facility removal procedures, including the types of vessels and equipment you will use;
(b) Facilities (including pipelines) you plan to remove or leave in place;
(c) Platform or other facility transportation and disposal plans;
(d) Plans to protect marine life and the environment during decommissioning operations, including a brief assessment of the environmental impacts of the operations, and procedures and mitigation measures that you will take to minimize the impacts; and
(e) A projected decommissioning schedule.
§ 250.1727   What information must I include in my final application to remove a platform or other facility?
You must submit to the Regional Supervisor, a final application for approval to remove a platform or other facility. Your application must be accompanied by payment of the service fee listed in § 250.125. If you are proposing to use explosives, provide three copies of the application. If you are not proposing to use explosives, provide two copies of the application. Include the following information in the final removal application, as applicable:
(a) Identification of the applicant including:
(1) Lease operator/pipeline right-of-way holder;
(2) Address;
(3) Contact person and telephone number; and
(4) Shore base.
(b) Identification of the structure you are removing including:
(1) Platform Name/BSEE Complex ID Number;
(2) Location (lease/right-of-way, area, block, and block coordinates);
(3) Date installed (year);
(4) Proposed date of removal (Month/Year); and
(5) Water depth.
(c) Description of the structure you are removing including:
(1) Configuration (attach a photograph or a diagram);
(2) Size;
(3) Number of legs/casings/pilings;
(4) Diameter and wall thickness of legs/casings/pilings;
(5) Whether piles are grouted inside or outside;
(6) Brief description of soil composition and condition;
(7) The sizes and weights of the jacket, topsides (by module), conductors, and pilings; and
(8) The maximum removal lift weight and estimated number of main lifts to remove the structure.
(d) A description, including anchor pattern, of the vessel(s) you will use to remove the structure.
(e) Identification of the purpose, including:
(1) Lease expiration/right-of-way relinquishment date; and
(2) Reason for removing the structure.
(f) A description of the removal method, including:
(1) A brief description of the method you will use;
(2) If you are using explosives, the following:
(i) Type of explosives;
(ii) Number and sizes of charges;
(iii) Whether you are using single shot or multiple shots;
(iv) If multiple shots, the sequence and timing of detonations;
(v) Whether you are using a bulk or shaped charge;
(vi) Depth of detonation below the mud line; and
(vii) Whether you are placing the explosives inside or outside of the pilings;
(3) If you will use divers or acoustic devices to conduct a pre-removal survey to detect the presence of turtles and marine mammals, a description of the proposed detection method; and
(4) A statement whether or not you will use transducers to measure the pressure and impulse of the detonations.
(g) Your plans for transportation and disposal (including as an artificial reef) or salvage of the removed platform.
(h) If available, the results of any recent biological surveys conducted in the vicinity of the structure and recent observations of turtles or marine mammals at the structure site.
(i) Your plans to protect archaeological and sensitive biological features during removal operations, including a brief assessment of the environmental impacts of the removal operations and procedures and mitigation measures you will take to minimize such impacts.
(j) A statement whether or not you will use divers to survey the area after removal to determine any effects on marine life.
§ 250.1728   To what depth must I remove a platform or other facility?
(a) Unless the Regional Supervisor approves an alternate depth under paragraph (b) of this section, you must remove all platforms and other facilities (including templates and pilings) to at least 15 feet below the mud line.
(b) The Regional Supervisor may approve an alternate removal depth if:
(1) The remaining structure would not become an obstruction to other users of the seafloor or area, and geotechnical and other information you provide demonstrate that erosional processes capable of exposing the obstructions are not expected; or
(2) You determine, and BSEE concurs, that you must use divers and the seafloor sediment stability poses safety concerns; or
(3) The water depth is greater than 800 meters (2,624 feet).
§ 250.1729   After I remove a platform or other facility, what information must I submit?
Within 30 days after you remove a platform or other facility, you must submit a written report to the Regional Supervisor that includes the following:
(a) A summary of the removal operation including the date it was completed;
(b) A description of any mitigation measures you took; and
(c) A statement signed by your authorized representative that certifies that the types and amount of explosives you used in removing the platform or other facility were consistent with those set forth in the approved removal application.
§ 250.1730   When might BSEE approve partial structure removal or toppling in place?
The Regional Supervisor may grant a departure from the requirement to remove a platform or other facility by approving partial structure removal or toppling in place for conversion to an artificial reef if you meet the following conditions:
(a) The structure becomes part of a State artificial reef program, and the responsible State agency acquires a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and accepts title and liability for the structure; and
(b) You satisfy any U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) navigational requirements for the structure.
§ 250.1731   Who is responsible for decommissioning an OCS facility subject to an Alternate Use RUE?
(a) The holder of an Alternate Use RUE issued under 30 CFR part 585 is responsible for all decommissioning obligations that accrue following the issuance of the Alternate Use RUE and which pertain to the Alternate Use RUE. See 30 CFR part 585, subpart J, for additional information concerning the decommissioning responsibilities of an Alternate Use RUE grant holder.
(b) The lessee under the lease originally issued under 30 CFR part 556 will remain responsible for decommissioning obligations that accrued before issuance of the Alternate Use RUE, as well as for decommissioning obligations that accrue following issuance of the Alternate Use RUE to the extent associated with continued activities authorized under this part.
(c) If a lease issued under 30 CFR part 556 is cancelled or otherwise terminated under any provision of this subchapter, the lessee, upon our approval, may defer removal of any OCS facility within the lease area that is subject to an Alternate Use RUE. If we elect to grant such a deferral, the lessee remains responsible for removing the facility upon termination of the Alternate Use RUE and will be required to retain sufficient bonding or other financial assurances to ensure that the structure is removed or otherwise decommissioned in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
§ 250.1740   How must I verify that the site of a permanently plugged well, removed platform, or other removed facility is clear of obstructions?
Within 60 days after you permanently plug a well or remove a platform or other facility, you must verify that the site is clear of obstructions by using one of the following methods:
(a) For a well site, you must either:
(1) Drag a trawl over the site;
(2) Scan across the location using sonar equipment;
(3) Inspect the site using a diver;
(4) Videotape the site using a camera on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV); or
(5) Use another method approved by the District Manager if the particular site conditions warrant.
(b) For a platform or other facility site in water depths less than 300 feet, you must drag a trawl over the site.
(c) For a platform or other facility site in water depths 300 feet or more, you must either:
(1) Drag a trawl over the site;
(2) Scan across the site using sonar equipment; or
(3) Use another method approved by the Regional Supervisor if the particular site conditions warrant.
§ 250.1741   If I drag a trawl across a site, what requirements must I meet?
If you drag a trawl across the site in accordance with § 250.1740, you must meet all of the requirements of this section.
(a) You must drag the trawl in a grid-like pattern as shown in the following table:
(b) You must trawl 100 percent of the limits described in paragraph (a) of this section in two directions.
(c) You must mark the area to be cleared as a hazard to navigation according to USCG requirements until you complete the site clearance procedures.
(d) You must use a trawling vessel equipped with a calibrated navigational positioning system capable of providing position accuracy of ±30 feet.
(e) You must use a trawling net that is representative of those used in the commercial fishing industry (one that has a net strength equal or greater than that provided by No. 18 twine).
(f) You must ensure that you trawl no closer than 300 feet from a shipwreck, and 500 feet from a sensitive biological feature.
(g) If you trawl near an active pipeline, you must meet the requirements in the following table:
(h) You must ensure that any trawling contractor you may use:
(1) Has no corporate or other financial ties to you; and
(2) Has a valid commercial trawling license for both the vessel and its captain.
§ 250.1742   What other methods can I use to verify that a site is clear?
If you do not trawl a site, you can verify that the site is clear of obstructions by using any of the methods shown in the following table:
§ 250.1743   How do I certify that a site is clear of obstructions?
(a) For a well site, you must submit to the appropriate District Manager within 30 days after you complete the verification activities a form BSEE-0124, Application for Permit to Modify, to include the following information:
(1) A signed certification that the well site area is cleared of all obstructions;
(2) The date the verification work was performed and the vessel used;
(3) The extent of the area surveyed;
(4) The survey method used;
(5) The results of the survey, including a list of any debris removed or a statement from the trawling contractor that no objects were recovered; and
(6) A post-trawling job plot or map showing the trawled area.
(b) For a platform or other facility site, you must submit the following information to the appropriate Regional Supervisor within 30 days after you complete the verification activities:
(1) A letter signed by an authorized company official certifying that the platform or other facility site area is cleared of all obstructions and that a company representative witnessed the verification activities;
(2) A letter signed by an authorized official of the company that performed the verification work for you certifying that it cleared the platform or other facility site area of all obstructions;
(3) The date the verification work was performed and the vessel used;
(4) The extent of the area surveyed;
(5) The survey method used;
(6) The results of the survey, including a list of any debris removed or a statement from the trawling contractor that no objects were recovered; and
(7) A post-trawling job plot or map showing the trawled area.
§ 250.1750   When may I decommission a pipeline in place?
You may decommission a pipeline in place when the Regional Supervisor determines that the pipeline does not constitute a hazard (obstruction) to navigation and commercial fishing operations, unduly interfere with other uses of the OCS, or have adverse environmental effects.
§ 250.1751   How do I decommission a pipeline in place?
You must do the following to decommission a pipeline in place:
(a) Submit a pipeline decommissioning application in triplicate to the Regional Supervisor for approval. Your application must be accompanied by payment of the service fee listed in § 250.125. Your application must include the following information:
(1) Reason for the operation;
(2) Proposed decommissioning procedures;
(3) Length (feet) of segment to be decommissioned; and
(4) Length (feet) of segment remaining.
(b) Pig the pipeline, unless the Regional Supervisor determines that pigging is not practical;
(c) Flush the pipeline;
(d) Fill the pipeline with seawater;
(e) Cut and plug each end of the pipeline;
(f) Bury each end of the pipeline at least 3 feet below the seafloor or cover each end with protective concrete mats, if required by the Regional Supervisor; and
(g) Remove all pipeline valves and other fittings that could unduly interfere with other uses of the OCS.
§ 250.1752   How do I remove a pipeline?
Before removing a pipeline, you must:
(a) Submit a pipeline removal application in triplicate to the Regional Supervisor for approval. Your application must be accompanied by payment of the service fee listed in § 250.125. Your application must include the following information:
(1) Proposed removal procedures;
(2) If the Regional Supervisor requires it, a description, including anchor pattern(s), of the vessel(s) you will use to remove the pipeline;
(3) Length (feet) to be removed;
(4) Length (feet) of the segment that will remain in place;
(5) Plans for transportation of the removed pipe for disposal or salvage;
(6) Plans to protect archaeological and sensitive biological features during removal operations, including a brief assessment of the environmental impacts of the removal operations and procedures and mitigation measures that you will take to minimize such impacts; and
(7) Projected removal schedule and duration.
(b) Pig the pipeline, unless the Regional Supervisor determines that pigging is not practical; and
(c) Flush the pipeline.
§ 250.1753   After I decommission a pipeline, what information must I submit?
Within 30 days after you decommission a pipeline, you must submit a written report to the Regional Supervisor that includes the following:
(a) A summary of the decommissioning operation including the date it was completed;
(b) A description of any mitigation measures you took; and
(c) A statement signed by your authorized representative that certifies that the pipeline was decommissioned according to the approved application.
§ 250.1754   When must I remove a pipeline decommissioned in place?
You must remove a pipeline decommissioned in place if the Regional Supervisor determines that the pipeline is an obstruction.
§ 250.1900   Must I have a SEMS program?
You must develop, implement, and maintain a safety and environmental management system (SEMS) program. Your SEMS program must address the elements described in § 250.1902, American Petroleum Institute's Recommended Practice for Development of a Safety and Environmental Management Program for Offshore Operations and Facilities (API RP 75) (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198), and other requirements as identified in this subpart.
(a) If there are any conflicts between the requirements of this subpart and API RP 75; COS-2-01, COS-2-03, or COS-2-04; or ISO/IEC 17011 (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198), you must follow the requirements of this subpart.
(b) Nothing in this subpart affects safety or other matters under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard.
§ 250.1901   What is the goal of my SEMS program?
The goal of your SEMS program is to promote safety and environmental protection by ensuring all personnel aboard a facility are complying with the policies and procedures identified in your SEMS.
(a) To accomplish this goal, you must ensure that your SEMS program identifies, addresses, and manages safety, environmental hazards, and impacts during the design, construction, start-up, operation (including, but not limited to, drilling and decommissioning), inspection, and maintenance of all new and existing facilities, including mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) when attached to the seabed and Department of the Interior (DOI) regulated pipelines.
(b) All personnel involved with your SEMS program must be trained to have the skills and knowledge to perform their assigned duties.
§ 250.1902   What must I include in my SEMS program?
You must have a properly documented SEMS program in place and make it available to BSEE upon request as required by § 250.1924(b).
(a) Your SEMS program must meet the minimum criteria outlined in this subpart, including the following SEMS program elements:
(1) General (see § 250.1909)
(2) Safety and Environmental Information (see § 250.1910)
(3) Hazards Analysis (see § 250.1911)
(4) Management of Change (see § 250.1912)
(5) Operating Procedures (see § 250.1913)
(6) Safe Work Practices (see § 250.1914)
(7) Training (see § 250.1915)
(8) Mechanical Integrity (Assurance of Quality and Mechanical Integrity of Critical Equipment) (see § 250.1916)
(9) Pre-startup Review (see § 250.1917)
(10) Emergency Response and Control (see § 250.1918)
(11) Investigation of Incidents (see § 250.1919)
(12) Auditing (Audit of Safety and Environmental Management Program Elements) ( see § 250.1920)
(13) Recordkeeping (Records and Documentation) and additional BSEE requirements ( see § 250.1928)
(14) Stop Work Authority (SWA) (see § 250.1930)
(15) Ultimate Work Authority (UWA) (see § 250.1931)
(16) Employee Participation Plan (EPP) (see § 250.1932)
(17) Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions (see § 250.1933).
(b) You must include a job safety analysis (JSA) for OCS activities identified or discussed in your SEMS program (see § 250.1911).
(c) Your SEMS program must meet or exceed the standards of safety and environmental protection of API RP 75 (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198).
§ 250.1903   Acronyms and definitions.
Definitions listed in this section apply to this subpart and supersede definitions in API RP 75, Appendices D and E; COS-2-01, COS-2-03, and COS-2-04; and ISO/IEC 17011 (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198).
(a) Acronyms used frequently in this subpart have the following meanings:
AB means Accreditation Body,
ASP means Audit Service Provider,
CAP means Corrective Action Plan,
COS means Center for Offshore Safety,
EPP means Employee Participation Plan,
ISO means International Organization for Standardization,
JSA means Job Safety Analysis,
MODU means Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit,
OCS means Outer Continental Shelf,
SEMS means Safety and Environmental Management Systems,
SWA means Stop Work Authority,
USCG means United States Coast Guard, and
UWA means Ultimate Work Authority.
(b) Terms used in this subpart are listed alphabetically as follows:
Accreditation Body (AB) means a BSEE-approved independent third-party organization that assesses and accredits ASPs.
Audit Service Provider (ASP) means an independent third-party organization that demonstrates competence to conduct SEMS audits in accordance with the requirements of this subpart.
Corrective Action Plan (CAP) means a scheduled plan to correct deficiencies identified during an audit and that is developed by an operator following the issuance of an audit report.
Personnel means direct employee(s) of the operator and contracted workers.
Ultimate Work Authority (UWA) means the authority assigned to an individual or position to make final decisions relating to activities and operations on the facility.
§ 250.1904   Special instructions.
(a) For purposes of this subpart, each and every reference in COS-2-01, COS-2-03, and COS-2-04 (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198) to the term deepwater means the entire OCS, including all water depths.
(b) The BSEE does not incorporate by reference any requirement that you must be a COS member company. For purposes of this subpart, each and every reference in COS-2-01, COS-2-03, and COS-2-04 to the phrase COS member company(ies) means you, whether or not you are a COS member.
(c) For purposes of this subpart, each and every reference in the relevant sections of COS-2-01, COS-2-03, and COS-2-04 (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198) to the Center for Offshore Safety or COS means accreditation body or AB.
(d) For purposes of this subpart, each and every reference in ISO/IEC 17011 (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198) to conformity assessment body (CAB) means ASP.
§§ 250.1905-250.1908   [Reserved]
§ 250.1909   What are management's general responsibilities for the SEMS program?
You, through your management, must require that the program elements discussed in API RP 75 (as incorporated by reference in § 250.198) and in this subpart are properly documented and are available at field and office locations, as appropriate for each program element. You, through your management, are responsible for the development, support, continued improvement, and overall success of your SEMS program. Specifically you, through your management, must:
(a) Establish goals and performance measures, demand accountability for implementation, and provide necessary resources for carrying out an effective SEMS program.
(b) Appoint management representatives who are responsible for establishing, implementing and maintaining an effective SEMS program.
(c) Designate specific management representatives who are responsible for reporting to management on the performance of the SEMS program.
(d) At intervals specified in the SEMS program and at least annually, review the SEMS program to determine if it continues to be suitable, adequate and effective (by addressing the possible need for changes to policy, objectives, and other elements of the program in light of program audit results, changing circumstances and the commitment to continual improvement) and document the observations, conclusions and recommendations of that review.
(e) Develop and endorse a written description of your safety and environmental policies and organizational structure that define responsibilities, authorities, and lines of communication required to implement the SEMS program.
(f) Utilize personnel with expertise in identifying safety hazards, environmental impacts, optimizing operations, developing safe work practices, developing training programs and investigating incidents.
(g) Ensure that facilities are designed, constructed, maintained, monitored, and operated in a manner compatible with applicable industry codes, consensus standards, and generally accepted practice as well as in compliance with all applicable governmental regulations.
(h) Ensure that management of safety hazards and environmental impacts is an integral part of the design, construction, maintenance, operation, and monitoring of each facility.
(i) Ensure that suitably trained and qualified personnel are employed to carry out all aspects of the SEMS program.
(j) Ensure that the SEMS program is maintained and kept up to date by means of periodic audits to ensure effective performance.
§ 250.1910   What safety and environmental information is required?
(a) You must require that SEMS program safety and environmental information be developed and maintained for any facility that is subject to the SEMS program.
(b) SEMS program safety and environmental information must include:
(1) Information that provides the basis for implementing all SEMS program elements, including the requirements of hazard analysis (§ 250.1911);
(2) process design information including, as appropriate, a simplified process flow diagram and acceptable upper and lower limits, where applicable, for items such as temperature, pressure, flow and composition; and
(3) mechanical design information including, as appropriate, piping and instrument diagrams; electrical area classifications; equipment arrangement drawings; design basis of the relief system; description of alarm, shutdown, and interlock systems; description of well control systems; and design basis for passive and active fire protection features and systems and emergency evacuation procedures.
§ 250.1911   What hazards analysis criteria must my SEMS program meet?
You must ensure that a hazards analysis (facility level) and a JSA (operations/task level) are developed and implemented for all of your facilities and activities identified or discussed in your SEMS. You must document and maintain a current analysis for each operation covered by this section for the life of the operation at the facility. You must update the analysis when an internal audit is conducted to ensure that it is consistent with your facility's current operations.
(a) Hazards analysis (facility level). The hazards analysis must be appropriate for the complexity of the operation and must identify, evaluate, and manage the hazards involved in the operation.
(1) The hazards analysis must address the following:
(i) Hazards of the operation;
(ii) Previous incidents related to the operation you are evaluating, including any incident in which you were issued an Incident of Noncompliance or a civil or criminal penalty;
(iii) Control technology applicable to the operation your hazards analysis is evaluating; and
(iv) A qualitative evaluation of the possible safety and health effects on employees, and potential impacts to the human and marine environments, which may result if the control technology fails.
(2) The hazards analysis must be performed by a person(s) with experience in the operations being evaluated. These individuals also need to be experienced in the hazards analysis methodologies being employed.
(3) You should assure that the recommendations in the hazards analysis are resolved and that the resolution is documented.
(4) A single hazards analysis can be performed to fulfill the requirements for simple and nearly identical facilities, such as well jackets and single well caissons. You can apply this single hazards analysis to simple and nearly identical facilities after you verify that any site-specific deviations are addressed in each of your SEMS program elements.
(b) JSA. You must ensure a JSA is prepared, conducted, and approved for OCS activities that are identified or discussed in your SEMS program. The JSA is a technique used to identify risks to personnel associated with their job activities. The JSAs are also used to determine the appropriate mitigation measures needed to reduce job risks to personnel. The JSA must include all personnel involved with the job activity.
(1) You must ensure that your JSA identifies, analyzes, and records:
(i) The steps involved in performing a specific job;
(ii) The existing or potential safety, health, and environmental hazards associated with each step; and
(iii) The recommended action(s) and/or procedure(s) that will eliminate or reduce these hazards, the risk of a workplace injury or illness, or environmental impacts.
(2) The immediate supervisor of the crew performing the job onsite must conduct the JSA, sign the JSA, and ensure that all personnel participating in the job understand and sign the JSA.
(3) The individual you designate as being in charge of the facility must approve and sign all JSAs before personnel start the job.
(4) If a particular job is conducted on a recurring basis, and if the parameters of these recurring jobs do not change, then the person in charge of the job may decide that a JSA for each individual job is not required. The parameters you must consider in making this determination include, but are not limited to, changes in personnel, procedures, equipment, and environmental conditions associated with the job.
(c) All personnel, which includes contractors, must be trained in accordance with the requirements of § 250.1915. You must also verify that contractors are trained in accordance with § 250.1915 prior to performing a job.
§ 250.1912   What criteria for management of change must my SEMS program meet?
(a) You must develop and implement written management of change procedures for modifications associated with the following:
(1) Equipment,
(2) Operating procedures,
(3) Personnel changes (including contractors),
(4) Materials, and
(5) Operating conditions.
(b) Management of change procedures do not apply to situations involving replacement in kind (such as, replacement of one component by another component with the same performance capabilities).
(c) You must review all changes prior to their implementation.
(d) The following items must be included in your management of change procedures:
(1) The technical basis for the change;
(2) Impact of the change on safety, health, and the coastal and marine environments;
(3) Necessary time period to implement the change; and
(4) Management approval procedures for the change.
(e) Employees, including contractors whose job tasks will be affected by a change in the operation, must be informed of, and trained in, the change prior to startup of the process or affected part of the operation; and
(f) If a management of change results in a change in the operating procedures of your SEMS program, such changes must be documented and dated.
§ 250.1913   What criteria for operating procedures must my SEMS program meet?
(a) You must develop and implement written operating procedures that provide instructions for conducting safe and environmentally sound activities involved in each operation addressed in your SEMS program. These procedures must include the job title and reporting relationship of the person or persons responsible for each of the facility's operating areas and address the following:
(1) Initial startup;
(2) Normal operations;
(3) All emergency operations (including but not limited to medical evacuations, weather-related evacuations and emergency shutdown operations);
(4) Normal shutdown;
(5) Startup following a turnaround, or after an emergency shutdown;
(6) Bypassing and flagging out-of-service equipment;
(7) Safety and environmental consequences of deviating from your equipment operating limits and steps required to correct or avoid this deviation;
(8) Properties of, and hazards presented by, the chemicals used in the operations;
(9) Precautions you will take to prevent the exposure of chemicals used in your operations to personnel and the environment. The precautions must include control technology, personal protective equipment, and measures to be taken if physical contact or airborne exposure occurs;
(10) Raw materials used in your operations and the quality control procedures you used in purchasing these raw materials;
(11) Control of hazardous chemical inventory; and
(12) Impacts to the human and marine environment identified through your hazards analysis.
(b) Operating procedures must be accessible to all employees involved in the operations.
(c) Operating procedures must be reviewed at the conclusion of specified periods and as often as necessary to assure they reflect current and actual operating practices, including any changes made to your operations.
(d) You must develop and implement safe and environmentally sound work practices for identified hazards during operations and the degree of hazard presented.
(e) Review of and changes to the procedures must be documented and communicated to responsible personnel.
§ 250.1914   What criteria must be documented in my SEMS program for safe work practices and contractor selection?
Your SEMS program must establish and implement safe work practices designed to minimize the risks associated with operations, maintenance, modification activities, and the handling of materials and substances that could affect safety or the environment. Your SEMS program must also document contractor selection criteria. When selecting a contractor, you must obtain and evaluate information regarding the contractor's safety record and environmental performance. You must ensure that contractors have their own written safe work practices. Contractors may adopt appropriate sections of your SEMS program. You and your contractor must document an agreement on appropriate contractor safety and environmental policies and practices before the contractor begins work at your facilities.
(a) A contractor is anyone performing work for you. However, these requirements do not apply to contractors providing domestic services to you or other contractors. Domestic services include janitorial work, food and beverage service, laundry service, housekeeping, and similar activities.
(b) You must document that your contracted employees are knowledgeable and experienced in the work practices necessary to perform their job in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Documentation of each contracted employee's expertise to perform his/her job and a copy of the contractor's safety policies and procedures must be made available to the operator and BSEE upon request.
(c) Your SEMS program must include procedures and verification for selecting a contractor as follows:
(1) Your SEMS program must have procedures that verify that contractors are conducting their activities in accordance with your SEMS program.
(2) You are responsible for making certain that contractors have the skills and knowledge to perform their assigned duties and are conducting these activities in accordance with the requirements in your SEMS program.
(3) You must make the results of your verification for selecting contractors available to BSEE upon request.
(d) Your SEMS program must include procedures and verification that contractor personnel understand and can perform their assigned duties for activities such as, but not limited to:
(1) Installation, maintenance, or repair of equipment;
(2) Construction, startup, and operation of your facilities;
(3) Turnaround operations;
(4) Major renovation; or
(5) Specialty work.
(e) You must:
(1) Perform periodic evaluations of the performance of contract employees that verifies they are fulfilling their obligations, and
(2) Maintain a contractor employee injury and illness log for 2 years related to the contractor's work in the operation area, and include this information on Form BSEE-0131.
(f) You must inform your contractors of any known hazards at the facility they are working on including, but not limited to fires, explosions, slips, trips, falls, other injuries, and hazards associated with lifting operations.
(g) You must develop and implement safe work practices to control the presence, entrance, and exit of contract employees in operation areas.
§ 250.1915   What training criteria must be in my SEMS program?
Your SEMS program must establish and implement a training program so that all personnel are trained in accordance with their duties and responsibilities to work safely and are aware of potential environmental impacts. Training must address such areas as operating procedures (§ 250.1913), safe work practices (§ 250.1914), emergency response and control measures (§ 250.1918), SWA (§ 250.1930), UWA (§ 250.1931), EPP (§ 250.1932), reporting unsafe working conditions (§ 250.1933), and how to recognize and identify hazards and how to construct and implement JSAs (§ 250.1911). You must document your instructors' qualifications. Your SEMS program must address:
(a) Initial training for the basic well-being of personnel and protection of the environment, and ensure that persons assigned to operate and maintain the facility possess the required knowledge and skills to carry out their duties and responsibilities, including startup and shutdown.
(b) Periodic training to maintain understanding of, and adherence to, the current operating procedures, using periodic drills, to verify adequate retention of the required knowledge and skills.
(c) Communication requirements to ensure that personnel will be informed of and trained as outlined in this section whenever a change is made in any of the areas in your SEMS program that impacts their ability to properly understand and perform their duties and responsibilities. Training and/or notice of the change must be given before personnel are expected to operate the facility.
(d) How you will verify that the contractors are trained in the work practices necessary to understand and perform their jobs in a safe and environmentally sound manner in accordance with all provisions of this section.
§ 250.1916   What criteria for mechanical integrity must my SEMS program meet?
You must develop and implement written procedures that provide instructions to ensure the mechanical integrity and safe operation of equipment through inspection, testing, and quality assurance. The purpose of mechanical integrity is to ensure that equipment is fit for service. Your mechanical integrity program must encompass all equipment and systems used to prevent or mitigate uncontrolled releases of hydrocarbons, toxic substances, or other materials that may cause environmental or safety consequences. These procedures must address the following:
(a) The design, procurement, fabrication, installation, calibration, and maintenance of your equipment and systems in accordance with the manufacturer's design and material specifications.
(b) The training of each employee involved in maintaining your equipment and systems so that your employees can implement your mechanical integrity program.
(c) The frequency of inspections and tests of your equipment and systems. The frequency of inspections and tests must be in accordance with BSEE regulations and meet the manufacturer's recommendations. Inspections and tests can be performed more frequently if determined to be necessary by prior operating experience.
(d) The documentation of each inspection and test that has been performed on your equipment and systems. This documentation must identify the date of the inspection or test; include the name and position, and the signature of the person who performed the inspection or test; include the serial number or other identifier of the equipment on which the inspection or test was performed; include a description of the inspection or test performed; and the results of the inspection test.
(e) The correction of deficiencies associated with equipment and systems that are outside the manufacturer's recommended limits. Such corrections must be made before further use of the equipment and system.
(f) The installation of new equipment and constructing systems. The procedures must address the application for which they will be used.
(g) The modification of existing equipment and systems. The procedures must ensure that they are modified for the application for which they will be used.
(h) The verification that inspections and tests are being performed. The procedures must be appropriate to ensure that equipment and systems are installed consistent with design specifications and the manufacturer's instructions.
(i) The assurance that maintenance materials, spare parts, and equipment are suitable for the applications for which they will be used.
§ 250.1917   What criteria for pre-startup review must be in my SEMS program?
Your SEMS program must require that the commissioning process include a pre-startup safety and environmental review for new and significantly modified facilities that are subject to this subpart to confirm that the following criteria are met:
(a) Construction and equipment are in accordance with applicable specifications.
(b) Safety, environmental, operating, maintenance, and emergency procedures are in place and are adequate.
(c) Safety and environmental information is current.
(d) Hazards analysis recommendations have been implemented as appropriate.
(e) Training of operating personnel has been completed.
(f) Programs to address management of change and other elements of this subpart are in place.
(g) Safe work practices are in place.
§ 250.1918   What criteria for emergency response and control must be in my SEMS program?
Your SEMS program must require that emergency response and control plans are in place and are ready for immediate implementation. These plans must be validated by drills carried out in accordance with a schedule defined by the SEMS training program (§ 250.1915). The SEMS emergency response and control plans must include:
(a) Emergency Action Plan that assigns authority and responsibility to the appropriate qualified person(s) at a facility for initiating effective emergency response and control, addressing emergency reporting and response requirements, and complying with all applicable governmental regulations;
(b) Emergency Control Center(s) designated for each facility with access to the Emergency Action Plans, oil spill contingency plan, and other safety and environmental information (§ 250.1910); and
(c) Training and Drills incorporating emergency response and evacuation procedures conducted periodically for all personnel (including contractor's personnel), as required by the SEMS training program (§ 250.1915). Drills must be based on realistic scenarios conducted periodically to exercise elements contained in the facility or area emergency action plan. An analysis and critique of each drill must be conducted to identify and correct weaknesses.
§ 250.1919   What criteria for investigation of incidents must be in my SEMS program?
To learn from incidents and help prevent similar incidents, your SEMS program must establish procedures for investigation of all incidents with serious safety or environmental consequences and require investigation of incidents that are determined by facility management or BSEE to have possessed the potential for serious safety or environmental consequences. Incident investigations must be initiated as promptly as possible, with due regard for the necessity of securing the incident scene and protecting people and the environment. Incident investigations must be conducted by personnel knowledgeable in the process involved, investigation techniques, and other specialties that are relevant or necessary.
(a) The investigation of an incident must address the following:
(1) The nature of the incident;
(2) The factors (human or other) that contributed to the initiation of the incident and its escalation/control; and
(3) Recommended changes identified as a result of the investigation.
(b) A corrective action program must be established based on the findings of the investigation in order to analyze incidents for common root causes. The corrective action program must:
(1) Retain the findings of investigations for use in the next hazard analysis update or audit;
(2) Determine and document the response to each finding to ensure that corrective actions are completed; and
(3) Implement a system whereby conclusions of investigations are distributed to similar facilities and appropriate personnel within their organization.
§ 250.1920   What are the auditing requirements for my SEMS program?
(a) Your SEMS program must be audited by an accredited ASP according to the requirements of this subpart and API RP 75, Section 12 (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198). The audit process must also meet or exceed the criteria in Sections 9.1 through 9.8 of Requirements for Third-party SEMS Auditing and Certification of Deepwater Operations COS-2-03 (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198) or its equivalent. Additionally, the audit team lead must be an employee, representative, or agent of the ASP, and must not have any affiliation with the operator. The remaining team members may be chosen from your personnel and those of the ASP. The audit must be comprehensive and include all elements of your SEMS program. It must also identify safety and environmental performance deficiencies.
(b) Your audit plan and procedures must meet or exceed all of the recommendations included in API RP 75 section 12 (as specified in § 250.198) and include information on how you addressed those recommendations. You must specifically address the following items:
(1) Section 12.1 General.
(2) Section 12.2 Scope.
(3) Section 12.3 Audit Coverage.
(4) Section 12.4 Audit Plan. You must submit your written Audit Plan to BSEE at least 30 days before the audit. BSEE reserves the right to modify the list of facilities that you propose to audit.
(5) Section 12.5 Audit Frequency. You must have your SEMS program audited by an ASP within 2 years after initial implementation and every 3 years thereafter. The 3-year auditing cycle begins on the start date of each comprehensive audit (including the initial implementation audit) and ends on the start date of your next comprehensive audit. For exploratory drilling operations taking place on the Arctic OCS, you must conduct an audit, consisting of an onshore portion and an offshore portion, including all related infrastructure, once per year for every year in which drilling is conducted.
(6) Section 12.6 Audit Team. Your audits must be performed by an ASP as described in § 250.1921. You must include the ASP's qualifications in your audit plan.
(c) You must submit an audit report of the audit findings, observations, deficiencies identified, and conclusions to BSEE within 60 days of the audit completion date. For exploratory drilling operations taking place on the Arctic OCS, you must submit an audit report of the audit findings, observations, deficiencies and conclusions for the onshore portion of your audit no later than March 1 in any year in which you plan to drill, and for the offshore portion of your audit, within 30 days of the close of the audit.
(d) You must provide BSEE with a copy of your CAP for addressing the deficiencies identified in your audit within 60 days of the audit completion date. Your CAP must include the name and job title of the personnel responsible for correcting the identified deficiency(ies). The BSEE will notify you as soon as practicable after receipt of your CAP if your proposed schedule is not acceptable or if the CAP does not effectively address the audit findings. For exploratory drilling operations taking place on the Arctic OCS, you must provide BSEE with a copy of your CAP for addressing deficiencies or nonconformities identified in the onshore portion of the audit no later than March 1 in any year in which you plan to drill, and for the offshore portion of your audit, within 30 days of the close of the audit.
(e) BSEE may verify that you undertook the corrective actions and that these actions effectively address the audit findings.
(f) For exploratory drilling operations taking place on the Arctic OCS, during the offshore portion of each audit, 100 percent of the facilities operated must be audited while drilling activities are underway. You must start and close the offshore portion of the audit for each facility within 30 days after the first spudding of the well or entry into an existing wellbore for any purpose from that facility.
(g) For exploratory drilling operations taking place on the Arctic OCS, if BSEE determines that the CAP or progress toward implementing the CAP is not satisfactory, BSEE may order you to shut down all or part of your operations.
§ 250.1921   What qualifications must the ASP meet?
(a) The ASP must meet or exceed the qualifications, competency, and training criteria contained in Section 3 and Sections 6 through 10 of Qualification and Competence Requirements for Audit Teams and Auditors Performing Third-party SEMS Audits of Deepwater Operations, COS-2-01, (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198) or its equivalent;
(b) The ASP must be accredited by a BSEE-approved AB; and
(c) The ASP must perform an audit in accordance with 250.1920(a).
§ 250.1922   What qualifications must an AB meet?
(a) In order for BSEE to approve an AB, the organization must satisfy the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO/IEC 17011) Conformity assessment—General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies, First Edition 2004-09-01; Corrected Version 2005-02-15 (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198) or its equivalent.
(1) The AB must have an accreditation process that meets or exceeds the requirements contained in Section 6 of Requirements for Accreditation of Audit Service Providers Performing SEMS Audits and Certification of Deepwater Operations, COS-2-04 (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198) or its equivalent, and other requirements specified in this subpart. Organizations requesting approval must submit documentation to BSEE describing the process for assessing an ASP for accreditation and approving, maintaining, and withdrawing the accreditation of an ASP. Requests for approval must be sent to DOI/BSEE, ATTN: Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs, 381 Elden Street, HE-3314, Herndon, VA 20170.
(2) An AB may be subject to BSEE audits and other requirements deemed necessary to verify compliance with the accreditation requirements.
(b) An AB must have procedures in place to avoid conflicts of interest with the ASP and make such information available to BSEE upon request.
§ 250.1923   [Reserved]
§ 250.1924   How will BSEE determine if my SEMS program is effective?
(a) The BSEE, or its authorized representative, may evaluate or visit your facility(ies) to determine whether your SEMS program is in place, addresses all required elements, is effective in protecting worker safety and health and the environment, and preventing incidents. The BSEE, or its authorized representative, may evaluate any and all aspects of your SEMS program as outlined in this subpart. These evaluations or visits may be random and may be based upon your performance or that of your contractors.
(b) For the evaluations, you must make the following available to BSEE upon request:
(1) Your SEMS program;
(2) Your audit team's qualifications;
(3) The SEMS audits conducted of your program;
(4) Documents or information relevant to whether you have addressed and corrected the deficiencies of your audit; and
(5) Other relevant documents or information.
(c) During the site visit BSEE may verify that:
(1) Personnel are following your SEMS program,
(2) You can explain and demonstrate the procedures and policies included in your SEMS program; and
(3) You can produce evidence to support the implementation of your SEMS program.
§ 250.1925   May BSEE direct me to conduct additional audits?
(a) The BSEE may direct you to have an ASP audit of your SEMS program if BSEE identifies safety or non-compliance concerns based on the results of our inspections and evaluations, or as a result of an event. This BSEE-directed audit is in addition to the regular audit required by § 250.1920. Alternatively, BSEE may conduct an audit.
(1) If BSEE directs you to have an ASP audit, you are responsible for all of the costs associated with the audit, and
(i) The ASP must meet the requirements of §§ 250.1920 and 250.1921 of this subpart.
(ii) You must submit an audit report of the audit findings, observations, deficiencies identified, and conclusions to BSEE within 60 days of the audit completion date.
(2) If BSEE conducts the audit, BSEE will provide you with a report of the audit findings, observations, deficiencies identified, and conclusions as soon as practicable.
(b) You must provide BSEE a copy of your CAP for addressing the deficiencies identified in the BSEE-directed audit within 60 days of the audit completion date. Your CAP must include the name and job title of the personnel responsible for correcting the identified deficiency(ies). The BSEE will notify you as soon as practicable after receipt of your CAP if your proposed schedule is not acceptable or if the CAP does not effectively address the audit findings.
§ 250.1926   [Reserved]
§ 250.1927   What happens if BSEE finds shortcomings in my SEMS program?
If BSEE determines that your SEMS program is not in compliance with this subpart we may initiate one or more of the following enforcement actions:
(a) Issue an Incident(s) of Noncompliance;
(b) Assess civil penalties; or
(c) Initiate probationary or disqualification procedures from serving as an OCS operator.
§ 250.1928   What are my recordkeeping and documentation requirements?
(a) Your SEMS program procedures must ensure that records and documents are maintained for a period of 6 years, except as provided below. You must document and keep all SEMS audits for 6 years and make them available to BSEE upon request. You must maintain a copy of all SEMS program documents at an onshore location.
(b) For JSAs, the person in charge of the job must document the results of the JSA in writing and must ensure that records are kept onsite for 30 days. In the case of a MODU, records must be kept onsite for 30 days or until you release the MODU, whichever comes first. You must retain these records for 2 years and make them available to BSEE upon request.
(c) You must document and date all management of change provisions as specified in § 250.1912. You must retain these records for 2 years and make them available to BSEE upon request.
(d) You must keep your injury/illness log for 2 years and make them available to BSEE upon request.
(e) You must keep all evaluations completed on contractor's safety policies and procedures for 2 years and make them available to BSEE upon request.
(f) For SWA, you must document all training and reviews required by § 250.1930(e). You must ensure that these records are kept onsite for 30 days. In the case of a MODU, records must be kept onsite for 30 days or until you release the MODU, whichever comes first. You must retain these records for 2 years and make them available to BSEE upon request.
(g) For EPP, you must document your employees' participation in the development and implementation of the SEMS program. You must retain these records for 2 years and make them available to BSEE upon request.
(h) You must keep all records in an orderly manner, readily identifiable, retrievable and legible, and include the date of any and all revisions.
§ 250.1929   What are my responsibilities for submitting OCS performance measure data?
You must submit Form BSEE-0131 on an annual basis by March 31st. The form must be broken down quarterly, reporting the previous calendar year's data.
§ 250.1930   What must be included in my SEMS program for SWA?
(a) Your SWA procedures must ensure the capability to immediately stop work that is creating imminent risk or danger. These procedures must grant all personnel the responsibility and authority, without fear of reprisal, to stop work or decline to perform an assigned task when an imminent risk or danger exists. Imminent risk or danger means any condition, activity, or practice in the workplace that could reasonably be expected to cause:
(1) Death or serious physical harm; or
(2) Significant environmental harm to:
(i) Land;
(ii) Air; or
(iii) Mineral deposits, marine, coastal, or human environment.
(b) The person in charge of the conducted work is responsible for ensuring the work is stopped in an orderly and safe manner. Individuals who receive a notification to stop work must comply with that direction immediately.
(c) Work may be resumed when the individual on the facility with UWA determines that the imminent risk or danger does not exist or no longer exists. The decision to resume activities must be documented in writing as soon as practicable.
(d) You must include SWA procedures and expectations as a standard statement in all JSAs.
(e) You must conduct training on your SWA procedures as part of orientations for all new personnel who perform activities on the OCS. Additionally, the SWA procedures must be reviewed during all meetings focusing on safety on facilities subject to this subpart.
§ 250.1931   What must be included in my SEMS program for UWA?
(a) Your SEMS program must have a process to identify the individual with the UWA on your facility(ies). You must designate this individual taking into account all applicable USCG regulations that deal with designating a person in charge of an OCS facility. Your SEMS program must clearly define who is in charge at all times. In the event that multiple facilities, including a MODU, are attached and working together or in close proximity to one another to perform an OCS operation, your SEMS program must identify the individual with the UWA over the entire operation, including all facilities.
(b) You must ensure that all personnel clearly know who has UWA and who is in charge of a specific operation or activity at all times, including when that responsibility shifts to a different individual.
(c) The SEMS program must provide that if an emergency occurs that creates an imminent risk or danger to the health or safety of an individual, the public, or to the environment (as specified in § 250.1930(a)), the individual with the UWA is authorized to pursue the most effective action necessary in that individual's judgment for mitigating and abating the conditions or practices causing the emergency.
§ 250.1932   What are my EPP requirements?
(a) Your management must consult with their employees on the development, implementation, and modification of your SEMS program.
(b) Your management must develop a written plan of action regarding how your appropriate employees, in both your offices and those working on offshore facilities, will participate in your SEMS program development and implementation.
(c) Your management must ensure that employees have access to sections of your SEMS program that are relevant to their jobs.
§ 250.1933   What procedures must be included for reporting unsafe working conditions?
(a) Your SEMS program must include procedures for all personnel to report unsafe working conditions in accordance with § 250.193. These procedures must take into account applicable USCG reporting requirements for unsafe working conditions.
(b) You must post a notice at the place of employment in a visible location frequently visited by personnel that contains the reporting information in § 250.193.