Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTLs) are formal documents that provide clarification, description, or interpretation of a regulation or OCS standard; provide guidelines on the implementation of a special lease stipulation or regional requirement; provide a better understanding of the scope and meaning of a regulation by explaining BSEE interpretation of a requirement; or transmit administrative information such as current telephone listings and a change in BSEE personnel or office address. Letters to Lessees and Operators (LTLs) and Information to Lessees and Operators (ITLs) are also formal documents that provide additional information and clarification, or interpretation of a regulation, OCS standard, or regional requirement, or provide a better understanding of the scope and meaning of a regulation by explaining BSEE interpretation of a requirement.
To view expired or superseded NTLs, select a different NTL status and select submit.
The purpose of this NTL is to clarify the definitions of the maximum anticipated surface pressure for the completion case (MASPcc), expected surface pressure for the completion case (ESPcc), and the estimated shut-in tubing pressure (SITP) prior to actual production. This NTL also establishes the conditions when you may use an oil gradient and when you must use a gas gradient to calculate the MASPcc, ESPcc, and the estimated SITP.
Guidance on how to implement monitoring programs to minimize risks of vessel strikes of protected species and report observations of injured or dead animals. In place of formal observer program, the NTL provides guidelines to identify and avoid injury to marine mammals and sea turtles by reducing speed and maintaining appropriate distances from protected species.
This NTL supersedes and replaces NTL No. 2007-G02. It does not introduce any new types of mitigation measures; however, it clarifies how you should implement seismic survey mitigation measures, including ramp-up procedures, the use of a minimum sound source, airgun testing and protected species observation and reporting. The measures contained herein apply to all onlease/ancillary activity surveys you conduct under 30 CFR 550 and all off-lease surveys you conduct under 30 CFR 551.
This NTL is being issued pursuant to 30 CFR 250.103 to provide information on the marine trash and debris awareness training video and slide show, and both postal and email addresses for submitting annual training reports. This NTL supersedes and replaces NTL No. 2007-G03, effective February 7, 2007, on this subject and applies to all existing and future oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico OCS.
Notifies lessees and operators that BOEM and BSEE may be required, in a writing, to conduct archeological surveys and submit results to the appropriate agencies; provides guidance on how to conduct these surveys and prepare reports.
Rescinded
Archeological Surveys at 30 CFR 550.105 (Now BOEM)
Provides clarification of regulatory requirements for safe and environmentally sound use of subsea pumping as a minerals recovery method in subsea development projects. Sets forth information requirements for DWOPs (and revisions of DWOPs). Describes examples of equipment and procedures sufficient to meet current expectations of safe, protective operations.
Active
Oil & Gas Production Safety Systems, Pipelines and Pipeline Rights-of-Way, Plans and Information
This Notice to Lessees and Operators is being issued to distribute a recent decision by the Director of the Office of Hearings and Appeals that provides the agency interpretation of certain regulations governing the granting/denial of requests for Suspensions of Production (SOP).
The purpose of this Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) is to clarify the policies, procedures and requirements for OCS lessees and operators as included in 30 CFR 250, Subpart S regulations.
Temporary Helideck Closures - This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) offers guidance on the recoemmended safety practice of visual signaling and notification of a temporary helideck closure.
This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) supersedes expired NTL No. 2010-G04, effective June 1, 2010, on this subject. It provides guidance on using either e-mail or the eWell Permitting and Reporting System to report hurricane and tropical storm effects information, specifies the information included in the various hurricane and tropical storm reports, and makes minor administrative amendments.
This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) offers guidance on the procedures to follow if flare/vent meters are required at your facility under 30 CFR 250, Subpart K, Oil and Gas Production Requirements. This NTL replaces and supersedes NTL No. 2010-N09.
This NTL provides contact information for requesting approval to flare or vent natural gas or to burn liquid hydrocarbons. It updates and supersedes NTL No. 2006-N06.
This Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) rescinds NTL 2008-N04 and hereby notifies you of relevant information about BOEMRE Form MMS-131, Performance Measures Data Form.
This NTL supersedes NTL 2006-G18 to continue the task of cleaning up our historical data for wells in the GOMR. In doing so, every effort has been made to minimize the burden on industry in accomplishing this goal. The primary objective of Historical Well Data Cleanup (HWDC) is to obtain missing data for wellbores that have not been assigned API numbers by the MMS.
Informs lessees and operators of required statements, signed by company official, that it will conduct all authorized activities in compliance with applicable regulations, including Increased Safety Measures regulation at 75 FR 63346, when using BOPs or surface BOPs on floating facilities.
Expired
General Requirements, Part 254 Oil Spill Response Requirements, Well Operations and Equipment (Subpart G)
This NTL offers guidance on the procedures to follow if flare/vent meters are required at your facility under 30 CFR 250, Subpart K, Oil and Gass Production Requirements. This final rule became effective May 19, 2010.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT GULF OF MEXICO OCS REGION NTL No. 2010-G05 Issue Date: September 15, 2010 Effective Date: October 15, 2010 Expiration Date: October 14, 2013 NOTICE TO LESSEES AND OPERATORS OF FEDERAL OIL AND GAS LEASES AND PIPELINE R
Provides notice of inspection results and discovery of bypass around natural gas royalty meter, and need to make lessees aware of policies regarding proving/calibration and site security requirements of various meter/tank status classifications such as active, inactive, terminated.
Active
Production Measurement, Surface Commingling & Security
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT GULF OF MEXICO OCS REGION NTL No. 2010-G06 Effective Date: September 15, 2010 Expiration Date: September 30, 2012 NOTICE TO LESSEES AND OPERATORS OF FEDERAL OIL, GAS, AND SULPHUR LEASES AND PIPELINE RIGHT-OF-WAY HOLDE
Clarifies the definitions of sidetrack and bypass wells, and provides guidance for naming subsea well completions; makes minor formatting changes and includes guidance document statement.
This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) supersedes NTL No. 2006-P04, Well Records Submittal; Elimination of Paper Copy Data Submittals. In this NTL, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE), formerly Minerals Management Service (MMS), Pacific OCS Region (POCSR) defines the procedures on how lessees/operators submit well records required by 30 CFR 250.468 and 469 and clarifies the specific well records you must submit, the required submittal dates of the various well records, and the correct locations where you must send these well records. Additionally, this NTL now requires that Lessees and Operators submit digital Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) well log data.
Clarifies information requirements for EPs, DPPs, and DOCDs across all OCS areas and in both shallow water (less than 500 feet) and Deepwater (over 500 feet). Authorizes performance of rig-related workovers and certain drilling activity for which an APD is already approved, without submitting additional information. Provides examples of new information required by BOEMRE in six attachments.
Active
Plans and Information, Pollution Prevention and Control
This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) supersedes expired NTL No. 2009-G12, effective June 1, 2009, on this subject. It provides guidance on using either e-mail or the eWell Permitting and Reporting System to report hurricane and tropical storm effects information, specifies the information included in the various hurricane and tropical storm reports, updates contact information, and makes minor administrative amendments.
Describes data elements, parameters and reports, and computer modeling or spreadsheets that are required in a complete application for project royalty relief in conjunction with notice issued in November 2008 (73 FR 69490). Supplements original guidelines in Deep Water Royalty Relief Act of 1996.
This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) supersedes NTL Nos. 2006-G16 and 2006-G16 Addendum 1 on this subject. In this new NTL, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf of Mexico OCS Region (GOMR) defines the procedures on how lessees/operators submit well records required by 30 CFR 250.468 and 469, and clarifies the specific well records you must submit, the required submittal dates of the various well records, and the correct locations where you must send these well records. Additionally, this NTL now requires that Lessees and Operators submit digital Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) well log data.
Announces accident investigation results of pipeline damage caused by workboats dragging grappling hooks to try and retrieve a mooring buoy and its chain. Reiterates warning sign criteria in prior NTL will remain in effect, and reminds lessees and operators that all signage must be properly displayed to boat traffic and maintained in legible condition.
Notifies lessees and operators that BOEM and BSEE may be required, in a writing, to conduct Notifies POCS lessees and operators of policy allowing for limited suspension of certain testing requirements for standby flaring equipment and pressure safety relief values when such tests coincide with an emergency health event that activates local air emission abatement measures. These measures include shutdown or suspension of industrial sources as identified by the state of California. MMs authorizes pre-approval of suspensions of testing standby equipment and safety relief valves during or in anticipation of 2nd or 3rd stage episodes to reduce air pollution.
Active
Plans and Information, Pollution Prevention and Control
This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) supersedes NTL No. 2003-P05, Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Requirements. It establishes the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Standard MROl 75-2003, "Standard Material Requirements, Metals for Sulfide Stress Cracking and Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance in Sour Oilfield Environments," as representing best available and safest technology, provides further guidance on classifying an area for the presence of H2S, includes guidance on H2S detection, updates regulatory citations, and includes a guidance document statement.
Notice of report "Decommissioning Cost Update for Removing Pacific OCS Region Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities, 2010". The report estimates cumulative lease liabilities for the region and supports decisions regarding supplemental bonding requirements.
Announces changes in prior NTL 2000-G20 to broaden scope to cover all high-density Deepwater benthic communities, defines Deepwater as 300 meters not 400 meters, increases the separation distance from muds and cuttings discharge from 1500 to 2000 feet and clarifies conditions of approval, and provides for additional 1000-foot buffer area around benthic communities beyond maximum anchor areas. Clarifies that the NTL applies to pipe-lay vessels and chains, with option to reduce the distance requirements if no benthic communities actually exist in areas of impact.
Provides and consolidates guidance for avoidance and protection of biologically sensitive features and areas (e.g., coral reefs) when conducting OCS operations in water depths of less than 300 meters (984 feet). Clarifies requirements to review existing and future EPs and DOCDs for "bottom disturbances" caused by use of anchors, chains, cables, wire ropes and pipelines, and to observe "no activity zones" identified by NOAA Fisheries. The NTL is more protective because it changes the applicable water depth for protective measures from 400 meters to 300 meters.
The purpose of this NTL is to authorize the use of the Barrier Concept as the basis for using alternate procedures or equipment in the safety systems for subsea production operations and to clarify the differences between topsides and subsea production operation.
Informs lessees and operators of requirements and procedures for notifying MMS of changes in leases, pipelines, or ROW ownership or operatorship whether by name change or merger.
Active
General Requirements, Pipelines and Pipeline Rights-of-Way
Provides information on reporting requirements for submittals made to satisfy regulations at 30 CFR 250, Subpart L (30 CFR 250.1202 -- 250.1204). States preferred method of submittal is e-mail.
Active
Production Measurement, Surface Commingling & Security
This notice supersedes Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) 2003-06. There have been incidents in the past involving helicopters landing on temporarily closed helidecks on platforms in the Pacific OCS Region. In the interest of safety, we recommend that the following corrective actions be taken. We recommend implementation and continued application of these procedures pursuant to Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 250.107(b): "You must immediately control, remove, or otherwise correct any hazardous oil and gas accumulation or other health, safety, or fire hazard."
This NTL provides guidance on evaluating and managing wells that have casing pressure. The policy changes set forth in this NTL reduce the paperwork burden concerning the reporting of casing pressure conditions, the number of departure requests, and the frequency of casing pressure diagnostic testing. On page 5, it provides guidance on handling the transition from the previous NTL to this NTL.
The purpose of this Notice to Lessees and Operators and Pipeline Right-of-way Holders (NTL) is to inform you that the Minerals Management Service will be collecting inspection fees from you for fiscal year 2010 as required by Title 1, Section 115 of the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
Provides guidance and instructions on disposal of E&P waste, worker safety when handling waste, and contents of applications to dispose of or store E&P wastes. Includes worker safety guidelines for handling NORM waste when above background levels, and requires written disclosure of the lease number, area, block, and well number of any disposal wells.
Provides clarification on procedures for conducting ancillary activity, including at least 15 days' written notice to the regional office before initiating ancillary activity such as deploying air guns or seismic arrays in water depths of 200 meters or greater; creating bottom disturbances, independent of water depth, including ocean bottom cable surveys, and time lapse (4D) surveys; and geotechnical evaluation involving piston/gravity-coring or the recovery of sediment specimens by grab-sampling or other similar technique, and dredging of the seafloor.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE GULF OF MEXICO OCS REGION NTL No. 2009-G38 Effective Date: December 1, 2009 Expiration Date: December 1, 2010 NOTICE TO LESSEES AND OPERATORS OF FEDERAL OIL AND GAS LEASES IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF, GULF OF MEXICO OCS REGION Drilling Windows, Eas
This Notice to Pipeline Right-of-way Holders (NTL) supersedes NTL No. 2008-G23 on this subject. It extends the time period during which certain pipeline right-of-way (ROW) grants will not expire from November 20, 2009, to June 1, 2010, to allow sufficient time for repairs to be completed on pipelines damaged by Hurricanes Gustav and/or Ike.
Updates policy on platform inspection intervals, including guidance on conducting corrosion assessments, regulatory and document references and revises contact information for Gulf Regional office of Structural and Technical Support.
Clarifies definitions of sidetrack and bypass and provides instructions, exhibits, and guidance for naming subsea wells, completions, and wellbores. Makes administrative and formatting changes to prior NTL.
