NOTIFICATION

Addendum

The following communication, dated 24 August 2023, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of the United States of America.

_______________

Title: Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf--Blowout Preventer Systems and Well Control Revisions

Description: The Department of the Interior (DOI or Department), through the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), is revising certain regulatory provisions published in the 2019 final well control rule for drilling, workover, completion, and decommissioning operations (notified as G/TBT/N/USA/1367/Add.2). BSEE is finalizing these revisions to clarify blowout preventer (BOP) system requirements and to modify certain specific BOP equipment capability requirements. This final rule will provide consistency and clarity to industry regarding the BOP equipment and associated operational requirements necessary for BSEE review and approval and will further ensure operations are conducted safely and in an environmentally responsible manner.

DATES: This final rule is effective on 23 October 2023. However, BSEE will defer the compliance date for the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) intervention open functionality provision at 30 CFR 250.734(a)(4) until 22 August 2024. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this final rule as of 15 July 2019.

BSEE's regulations are codified in 30 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 250: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-30/chapter-II/subchapter-B/part-250?toc=1.

This final rule and the proposed rule notified as G/TBT/N/USA/1367/Rev.1 are identified by Docket Number BSEE-2022-0009. The Docket Folder is available on Regulations.gov at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/BSEE-2022-0009/document and provides access to primary and supporting documents as well as comments received. Documents are also accessible from Regulations.gov by searching the Docket Number.

__________