NOTICE TO LESSEES AND OPERATORS OF FEDERAL OIL AND GAS
LEASES AND PIPELINE RIGHT-OF-WAY HOLDERS
ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF, GULF OF MEXICO OCS REGION

 Policies for Shutting-In Producible Wells During Rig Moves

This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) is issued pursuant to 30 CFR 250.103 to provide guidance and clarification on when you must shut in producible wells during rig moves.

Procedures

The regulation at 30 CFR 250.406(b) requires you to shut in all producible wells located in the affected wellbay below the surface and at the wellhead when you (1) move a drilling rig or related equipment on or off a platform, (2) move or skid a drilling unit between wells on a platform, or (3) move a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) within 500 feet of a platform.

The Appendices to this NTL provide guidance on how you may comply with 30 CFR 250.406(b).  They describe the various types of rigs and phases of rig movement, specify when wells must be shut in (wells need not be shut in if the rig is stacked on location), and delineate the documentation you submit to the appropriate MMS Gulf of Mexico OCS Region (GOMR) District Office if you request approval of a departure under 30 CFR 250.142.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) Statement

The information in this NTL is intended to provide clarification, description, or interpretation of requirements contained in 30 CFR 250, Subpart D.  The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements for Subpart D under OMB control numbers 1010-0141.  This NTL does not refer to or impose any information collection subject to the PRA.

Contact

If you have any question regarding this NTL, please contact Mr. Fred Hefren at (504) 736-2924.

                                                                       

                                                                        Chris C. Oynes
                                                                        Regional Director

Appendices

Appendix A (Mat-supported Jack-up Rigs)
Appendix B (Independent Leg Jack-up Rigs)
Appendix C (Platform Rig Move On/Off)
Appendix D (Platform/Jack-Up Rig Skid from Well to Well)