TITLE 31.NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

Part 1. GENERAL LAND OFFICE

Chapter 19. OIL SPILL PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

Subchapter B. SPILL PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS

31 TAC §19.13, §19.14

The General Land Office ("GLO") proposes amendments to 31 TAC §19.13 relating to Applications for Small Commercial Facilities, Underground Storage Facilities and Small Facilities and §19.14 relating to Applications for Major Facilities. The amended sections concern facility response plans that must be prepared by small commercial, underground storage, small, and major facilities. New §19.13(c) specifies that small commercial, underground storage, and small facilities must comply with all federal regulations that apply to the storage, handling, and transfer of oil. Section 19.14 has been reformatted, with a new §19.14(b) added to require major facilities to comply with these federal regulations. The GLO believes compliance with federal regulations concerning the storage, handling, and transfer of oil helps prevent accidental discharges from covered facilities. Additionally, requiring compliance with federal regulations is consistent with the legislative intent of the Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1991 ("OSPRA"), which is meant "to support and complement the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-380) and other federal law." (OSPRA §40.002(d)). Finally, the two new subsections will further the cooperative efforts of the GLO and the Coast Guard, which were signatories to a 1999 memorandum of agreement that memorialized their commitment to work together to prevent and respond quickly and effectively to accidental discharges of oil into Texas coastal waters.

Greg Pollock, Deputy Commissioner of the GLO's Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the sections.

Mr. Pollock has determined that the proposed amendments do not contain any additional regulatory requirements, so there will be no additional economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule. There will be no effect on the public or small businesses.

In accordance with the Coastal Coordination Act, Texas Natural Resources Code, §§33.201 et seq., the GLO has determined that this proposed rulemaking concerns an action subject to the Texas Coastal Management Program ("CMP"). Because the proposed rule governs aspects of the prevention of, response to, or remediation of a coastal oil spill, 31 TAC §505.11(b)(1) requires the rule to be consistent with the goals and policies of the CMP. The proposed amendments will increase awareness of the federal regulations that pertain to oil storage, handling, and transfer. Greater awareness of these regulations should lead to increased attention to preventing oil spills into Texas coastal waters, which is consistent with the goals and policies of the CMP. The proposed amendments are consistent with the State Coastal Discharge Contingency Plan adopted pursuant to OSPRA and the National Contingency Plan adopted pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 United States Code Annotated, Chapter 26. The GLO invites the public to submit comments on the consistency of the proposed rules with the CMP during the public comment period.

Comments may be submitted within 30 days of the publication date in the Texas Register to Ms. Melinda Tracy, Texas Register Liaison, Texas General Land Office, Legal Services Division, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873.

The amended sections are proposed under OSPRA, Natural Resources Code, Title 2, Chapter 40, Subchapter A, §40.007(a), which gives the commissioner of the GLO the authority to promulgate rules necessary and convenient to the administration of OSPRA.

OSPRA, Natural Resources Code, Title 2, Chapter 40 is affected by the proposed amendments.

§19.13.Applications for Small Commercial Facilities, Underground Storage Facilities, and Small Facilities.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Small commercial facilities, underground storage facilities, and small facilities shall comply with all federal regulations that apply to the storage, handling, and transfer of oil.

§19.14.Applications for Major Facilities.

(a)

All major facility applications must contain the following information:

(1)-(11)

(No change.)

(b)

Major facilities shall comply with all federal regulations that apply to the storage, handling, and transfer of oil.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 20, 2000.

TRD-200005008

Larry Soward

Chief Clerk

General Land Office

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 3, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129


Subchapter C. SPILL RESPONSE

31 TAC §19.36, §19.37

The General Land Office ("GLO") proposes amendments to 31 TAC §19.36 relating to Disposal and §19.37 relating to Completion of Response. The amended sections concern the disposal of waste generated during an oil spill cleanup and the requirement for responsible persons to file a written report after all response operations are completed. The amendments to §19.36 delete the requirement for informing the GLO of the disposal location where waste will be disposed of and for providing documentation that the waste was disposed of within 30 days of the completion of all response operations. The GLO has determined that the regulatory requirements administered by other state and federal agencies have proven adequate for ensuring that waste generated during an oil spill is disposed of in accordance with those regulations. The GLO will no longer routinely require submittal of disposal information, but the agency will retain discretionary authority under amended §19.36(d) to require the responsible person to provide documentation of the disposal facility and when the waste was transported to it.

The amendments to §19.37(b) modify the responsible person's reporting requirements after an unauthorized discharge of oil. The required information to be reported is specified in amended §19.37(b). The requirement in current §19.37(b) to list known damages to natural resources has been deleted because the GLO has determined that this information has not assisted the natural resource trustees in their damage assessments. After a significant accidental discharge of oil, the trustees conduct an on-site investigation to determine whether natural resources have been impacted, so there is no need for the responsible party to investigate independently and list known damages to natural resources. If the trustees determine that a natural resource damage assessment is required, the responsible person is routinely invited to participate cooperatively in the assessment with the trustees.

Greg Pollock, Deputy Commissioner of the GLO's Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the sections.

Mr. Pollock has determined that the amendments will positively impact the public, since persons responsible for unauthorized discharges will devote increased attention to post-spill analysis of ways to prevent unauthorized discharges. The public will be afforded the same level of protection from illegal waste disposal, because the substantive disposal regulations of other agencies will still be effective. Small businesses and other persons will be positively affected by the amendments, since their reporting requirements will be reduced.

In accordance with the Coastal Coordination Act, Texas Natural Resources Code, §§33.201 et seq., the GLO has determined that this proposed rulemaking concerns an action subject to the Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP). Because the proposed rule governs aspects of the prevention of, response to, or remediation of a coastal oil spill, 31 TAC §505.11(b)(1) requires the rule to be consistent with the goals and policies of the CMP. The GLO has determined these rules are consistent with the goals and policies of the CMP because they require persons responsible for unauthorized discharges to devote increased attention to post-spill analysis. This should decrease the number of unauthorized discharges into Texas coastal waters. Minimizing submission of waste disposal information will not have an adverse effect on preventing coastal oil spills, since the substantive waste disposal regulations of other agencies will still be effective. The GLO does, however, retain discretionary authority under the proposed amended rule to request disposal information as circumstances dictate. The proposed amendments are consistent with the State Coastal Discharge Contingency Plan adopted pursuant to OSPRA and the National Contingency Plan adopted pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 United States Code Annotated, Chapter 26. The GLO invites the public to submit comments on the consistency of the proposed rules with the CMP during the public comment period.

Comments may be submitted within 30 days of the publication date in the Texas Register to Ms. Melinda Tracy, Texas Register Liaison, Texas General Land Office, Legal Services Division, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873.

The amended sections are proposed under OSPRA, Natural Resources Code, Title 2, Chapter 40, Subchapter A, §40.007(a), which gives the commissioner of the GLO the authority to promulgate rules necessary and convenient to the administration of OSPRA.

OSPRA, Natural Resources Code, Title 2, Chapter 40 is affected by the proposed amendments.

§19.36.Disposal.

(a)

Waste from unauthorized discharges must be disposed of only at sites that have all necessary permits to accept the type of waste discharged. [ Each responsible person or discharge cleanup organization removing waste shall inform the on-scene coordinator in writing of the name and location of the site where the waste will be disposed. ]

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

When waste is generated in connection with spill response activities, the state on-scene coordinator may require the responsible person to provide copies of manifests, run tickets, invoices, or other written documentation that shows the name and address of the waste disposal facility and the date the waste was transported to it. This request will be made in writing and include a deadline for submittal of the disposal information to the state on-scene coordinator. [ When waste generated in connection with spill response activities is disposed of, the responsible person shall provide the on-scene coordinator with copies of documentation, such as manifests, run tickets, or invoices, identifying the waste hauler and the disposal facility to which such waste was delivered within 30 days of the completion of all response operations. ]

§19.37.Completion of Response.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

In addition to reporting an unauthorized discharge immediately after it occurs, the responsible person must file a written report with the GLO. A reporting form will be provided to the responsible person by the state on-scene coordinator. The report is due 60 days after being directed by the state on-scene coordinator to complete the report or 60 days after the response actions have been declared complete by the state on-scene coordinator, whichever date is earlier. The report must contain the following information: [ In addition to reporting an unauthorized discharge at the time it occurs, the responsible person must file a written report of any such discharge with the GLO within 30 days of the response actions being declared complete. The report must contain details of the information listed in §19.32(e) of this title (relating to Reporting an Unauthorized Discharge) and must state the known extent of the damages to and loss of real and personal property. The report must also contain a listing of known damages to natural resources. Reporting forms are available from the GLO. ]

(1)

incident date;

(2)

amount of oil spilled;

(3)

product spilled;

(4)

areas that were impacted by the spill;

(5)

description of incident;

(6)

summary of response activity;

(7)

a description of the following actions which will be taken to prevent spills of a similar nature, including their effective implementation date:

(A)

conducting an analysis of the cause of the unauthorized discharge;

(B)

training to be implemented;

(C)

equipment operation and maintenance;

(D)

revised procedures;

(E)

revised inspection schedules; and

(F)

organizational changes.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 20, 2000.

TRD-200005009

Larry Soward

Chief Clerk

General Land Office

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 3, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129


Subchapter E. VESSELS

31 TAC §§19.60-19.64

The General Land Office ("GLO") proposes amendments to 31 TAC §19.60 relating to Definitions and Correspondence for Vessels, §19.61 relating to Response Plans, §19.62 relating to Financial Responsibility and §19.63 relating to Entry into Port. The proposed amendments concern vessel response plans, financial responsibility, and entry into port and movement. The GLO also proposes a new §19.64 relating to Vessel Operations be added to this subchapter.

The title of §19.60 relating to Definitions and Correspondence for Vessels has been renamed "Applicability, Definitions, Exemptions." Section 19.60(a) is a general applicability provision that mirrors the language of OSPRA §40.114. The new general applicability provision replaces the three-tiered classification of vessels in current §19.60. Section 19.60(b) gives definitions for terms applicable to this subchapter. Definitions have been added for "authorized person," "official number," and "qualified individual." The amended definition of "vessel" no longer includes the categorizations for "OPA," "IMO," and "OSPRA" vessels. Under amended §19.60(c), the GLO can grant an exemption from compliance with any requirement in Subchapter E, if the owner or operator of a vessel makes a request of and provides appropriate supporting documentation to the GLO. Exemptions, which should only be sought for vessels involved in highly unusual or emergency situations, are not meant for vessels involved in their normal activities in Texas coastal waters.

Under amended §19.61 relating to Response Plans, which has been renamed "Vessel Response Plans," owners or operators of a vessel to which these regulations apply must prepare and maintain a vessel response plan, but they are no longer required to submit the plan to the GLO. The GLO has determined that submitting complete plans is an unnecessary burden to the regulated community and to GLO staff, because the complete plans have not helped the agency in its efforts to prevent and respond to spills from vessels. Instead of complete plans, some regulated vessels will be required to submit to the GLO limited information that will be useful to the GLO if the vessel is involved in an actual or threatened unauthorized discharge.

Section 19.61(a) specifies the minimum information that must be included in all vessel response plans. Vessel response plans that have been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or under the authority of Regulation 26 of MARPOL satisfy the requirements of this section. Manned vessels are required to maintain the plan aboard the vessel. Owners and operators of unmanned vessels can maintain the plan at a primary business location, so long as the information on spill prevention and response procedures in §19.61(a)(1)(G) is kept aboard the vessels.

Section 19.61(b) requires owners or operators of vessels to submit information to the GLO if they are either: 1) required by the Oil Pollution Act, 33 U.S.C.A. §§2701-2761 ("OPA"), to maintain a vessel response plan, or 2) in excess of 400 gross tons and required by the International Maritime Organization to maintain a vessel response plan. The information required, specified in §19.61(b)(2), will assist the GLO in planning for and responding to accidental discharges from these vessels. Section 19.61(b)(3) allows the information to be submitted to the GLO in writing, by facsimile, or by using the oil spill division's link on the GLO's website (http://glo.state.tx.us/oilspill). The GLO strongly encourages owners and operators to submit the information through the GLO's website. Submitting the information in this manner should be quick and easy, and the administrative costs to the GLO are significantly reduced. GLO Form OS-004, which can also be used to submit the information, is published in the miscellaneous section of this edition of the Texas Register. Forms OS-001, OS-002, and OS-003 will no longer be used and have been deleted from §19.61.

Amended §19.62 relating to Financial Responsibility no longer has three provisions for financial responsibility for three different vessel classes, since these vessel classes will no longer be used in this subchapter. The amended section requires owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility according to the requirements of federal law. Substantively, this is the same requirement as in current §19.62, and it essentially paraphrases OSPRA §40.201(a), which requires vessel owners and operators to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility pursuant to federal law. For example, OPA §2716 requires vessel owners and operators to maintain financial responsibility. Vessel owners and operators that establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility according to OPA's standards will also satisfy the requirement in amended §19.62.

The title of amended §19.63, Entry into Port, has been changed to "Entry into Port and Movement." Under new §19.63(b)(6), the GLO may require vessels to provide their arrival and departure times before being granted permission to enter a Texas port. Amended §19.63(c) gives the GLO explicit authority to require a vessel to remain at a Texas port or anchorage if the GLO determines that movement of the vessel presents a threat of an unauthorized discharge of oil. If a vessel has a problem that will probably cause an accidental discharge into Texas coastal waters if it moves, the GLO may require the vessel to remain in place until the problem is corrected.

Current §19.63(c)-(d) have been deleted because they concern "OPA" or "IMO Vessels," which are terms no longer used in the revamped subchapter. The requirements for reporting information before entering a Texas port will be encompassed in amended §19.63(b). Current §19.63(e)-(f), which allow exceptions to the subchapter's requirements, are no longer necessary and have been deleted, because new §19.60(c) allows vessel owners and operators to seek an exemption from the GLO for any requirement in this subchapter.

The proposed new §19.64, relating to "Vessel Operations," requires vessels carrying oil as fuel or cargo or vessels transferring oil to comply with federal laws and regulations concerning these operations. Compliance with these federal regulations will help prevent accidental discharges of oil and is in keeping with the intent of OSPRA, which is meant "to support and complement the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-380) and other federal law." The new section also furthers the cooperative efforts of the GLO and U.S. Coast Guard, which were signatories to a 1999 memorandum of agreement that memorialized their commitment to work together to prevent and respond quickly and effectively to accidental discharges of oil into Texas coastal waters.

Greg Pollock, Deputy Commissioner of the GLO's Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the sections. There will be a positive impact on state government, as the GLO will no longer expend agency funds to process, store, and analyze vessel response plans.

Mr. Pollock has determined that the proposed amended rule will not have an effect on the public. Small businesses and persons required to comply with the proposed amended rule will be positively affected, because their requirements for preparing and submitting information to the GLO will be significantly reduced.

In accordance with the Coastal Coordination Act, Texas Natural Resources Code, §§33.201 et seq., the GLO has determined that this proposed rulemaking concerns an action subject to the Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP). Because the proposed rule governs aspects of the prevention of, response to, or remediation of a coastal oil spill, 31 TAC §505.11(b)(1) requires the rule to be consistent with the goals and policies of the CMP. The GLO has determined that these rules are consistent with the goals and policies of the CMP, because the vessel information submitted to the GLO under the proposed amended rule will be more accessible and useful to agency personnel if the vessel is involved in an actual or threatened accidental discharge of oil. The new requirement that vessels must comply with all applicable federal regulations concerning the carriage and transfer of oil as fuel or cargo will increase awareness of the federal regulations that pertain to oil storage, handling, and transfer. Greater awareness of these regulations should lead to increased attention to preventing oil spills into Texas coastal waters, which is consistent with the goals and policies of the CMP. The new rule giving the GLO explicit authority to require a vessel to stay at an anchorage or port if the GLO determines any vessel movement poses a threat of an unauthorized discharge will also reduce the likelihood of accidental discharges into coastal waters. The proposed amendments are consistent with the State Coastal Discharge Contingency Plan adopted pursuant to OSPRA and the National Contingency Plan adopted pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 United States Code Annotated, Chapter 26. The GLO invites the public to submit comments on the consistency of the proposed rules with the CMP during the public comment period.

Comments may be submitted within 30 days of publication date in the Texas Register to Ms. Melinda Tracy, Texas Register Liaison, Texas General Land Office, Legal Services Division, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873.

The amended sections are proposed under the OSPRA, Natural Resources Code, Title 2, Chapter 40, Subchapter A, §40.007(a), which gives the commissioner of the GLO the authority to promulgate rules necessary and convenient to the administration of OSPRA.

OSPRA, Natural Resources Code, Title 2, Chapter 40 is affected by the proposed amendments and proposed new section.

Applicability, Definitions, Exemptions [ Definitions and Correspondence for Vessels ]. (a)

Applicability. This subchapter applies to any vessel that operates in the coastal waters of the state of Texas and has a total fuel, lube and cargo tank capacity equal to or exceeding 10,000 U.S. gallons.

(b)

[ (a) ] Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All other terms are defined in §19.2 of this title (relating to Definitions).

(1)

MARPOL 73/78--The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978, as amended.

(2)

Annex I of MARPOL--Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil.

(3)

Oil Tanker--A vessel constructed or adapted primarily to carry oil in bulk in its cargo spaces and includes combination carriers and any "chemical tanker" as defined in Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 when it is carrying a cargo or part cargo of oil in bulk.

(4)

Regulation 26 of Annex I of MARPOL--The regulation adopted in July of 1991 by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), requiring every oil tanker of 150 gross tons and above and every other vessel of 400 gross tons and above to carry on board a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan approved by its flag state, or authorized organization.

(5)

Vessel[ . ] --Every description of watercraft or other contrivance used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, whether self-propelled or otherwise, including barges.

[ (A)

OPA vessel--Every description of watercraft or other means of artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water, other than a public vessel as defined by OPA, required to submit to the United States Coast Guard a tank vessel response plan pursuant to §311(j)(5) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended by OPA, 33 United States Code, §1321(j)(5) and §2716. Vessels subject to OPA, 33 United States Code, §2701 et seq, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), 33 United States Code, §1251 et seq, as amended by OPA, and operating in coastal waters of the State of Texas that are subject to OPA must have response plans pursuant to 33 United States Code, §1321(j)(5) and §2716, whenever required by federal law. Submission of the OPA plan, pursuant to §19.61(a) of this title (relating to Response Plans) constitutes compliance with OSPRA.]

[ (B)

IMO vessel--An oil tanker of 150 gross tons and above and any other vessel of 400 gross tons and above required to have a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan pursuant to Regulation 26 of Annex I of MARPOL 73/78. A vessel which has submitted an OPA plan is not required to also submit an IMO plan. ]

[ (C)

OSPRA vessel--Every description of watercraft or other contrivance used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, whether self-propelled or otherwise, including barges, and with a capacity to carry 10,000 gallons or more of oil as fuel or cargo that operates in coastal waters and not required to have a response plan under either OPA or IMO. Requirements for response plans for OSPRA vessels are under development. ]

(6)

Authorized Person--The person who is responsible for and in control of all oil spill response operations on behalf of the vessel.

(7)

Official Number--The unique number assigned to a vessel for purposes of identification, e.g., the Texas State Registration Number, IMO Number, OPA Plan Number, etc.

(8)

Preparedness Manager--As required by MARPOL 73/78, the person responsible for ensuring that personnel aboard an international vessel are properly trained in mitigating and controlling an unauthorized discharge of oil.

(9)

Qualified Individual--The person authorized by the owner or operator of a vessel to conduct and assume responsibility for all emergency response operations for the vessel.

[ (b)

All information and correspondence, including requests for forms, relating to this subchapter and vessel compliance with OSPRA shall be submitted to: Texas General Land Office, Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701-1495.]

(c)

Exemptions.

(1)

The GLO may grant an exemption from compliance with any requirement in this subchapter if special circumstances such as those listed below are identified by a vessel owner or operator and a request for exemption is submitted to the GLO as soon as possible before the effective period of the exemption being requested. Requests for exemptions will be considered by the GLO for the following situations, which are not meant to be exclusive of other situations where an exemption may be appropriate.

(A)

A vessel with only residual cargo or fuel on board being towed for repair, salvage, or demolition.

(B)

Vessels involved in unplanned emergency response or rescue activities.

(C)

Vessels involved in an emergency caused by operational malfunctions or the violence of nature.

(2)

Depending on the exigency of the situation, a request for exemption can be made either in writing or by telephone.

(A)

General exemption requests for non-emergency situations must be made in writing and mailed to: Texas General Land Office, Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873. The written request can also be sent by facsimile to the GLO's Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program at (512) 475-1560.

(B)

In the event of an in extremis situation, where a written request for exemption is impractical, a request for an emergency exemption can be made by calling the GLO at 1-800-832-8224. A party making an emergency request by telephone must also send the GLO a written request by mail or facsimile as soon as possible.

(3)

All written requests for an exemption must include the following information:

(A)

the vessel's name;

(B)

the vessel's qualified individual or person in charge;

(C)

whether a vessel-specific and approved oil spill prevention and response plan is aboard the vessel;

(D)

the specific requirement for which an exemption is being sought;

(E)

a summary statement on why the exemption is being sought; and

(F)

the expected duration of the situation for which an exemption is sought.

(4)

The GLO will respond to requests for exemption as soon as possible. The vessel's owner or operator is responsible for obtaining the exemption before entering Texas coastal waters. If the exemption is denied, the GLO will provide its reasoning for denial.

Vessel Response Plans.

(a)

Vessel Response Plan Requirements [ OPA Vessels. ]

(1)

Owners and operators of vessels subject to this subchapter are required to prepare and maintain written, vessel-specific discharge prevention and response plans. A vessel response plan approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan (SOPEP) approved under Regulation 26 of MARPOL satisfies the requirements of this section. A current copy of the plan must be maintained aboard each vessel. Owners and operators of unmanned vessels can satisfy the requirements of this section by maintaining the plan at a primary business location and maintaining the information in §19.61(a)(1)(G) aboard the unmanned vessel. The vessel-specific discharge prevention and response plan shall include, at a minimum, the following information: [ Vessels subject to OPA, 33 United States Code, §2701 et seq. and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), 33 United States Code, §1251 et seq. as amended by OPA. Vessels operating in coastal waters of the State of Texas that are subject to OPA must have response plans pursuant to 33 United States Code, §1321(j)(5) and §2716, as required by federal law. ]

(A)

How to contact the owner and operator, including physical and mailing addresses, a telephone number that is answered 24 hours a day, and a 24-hour fax number. This information must also be provided for agents of the owner or operator who should be contacted initially instead of the owner or operator.

(B)

The person(s)-in-charge, qualified individual(s), or authorized person(s).

(C)

Procedures for vessel personnel to make required reports to immediately notify regulatory agencies of unauthorized discharges or threatened discharges of oil.

(D)

The total vessel capacity for fuel and oil.

(E)

The vessel's official number.

(F)

If applicable, a copy of the Coast Guard Vessel Response Plan approval letter or SOPEP approval letter under Regulation 26 of Annex I of MARPOL.

(G)

Spill prevention and response procedures, including:

(i)

shutting down operations;

(ii)

securing the source of the spill;

(iii)

assessing the spill situation and evaluating for safety hazards to vessel personnel;

(iv)

immediate actions for reducing the potential for future spillage;

(v)

assessing the condition of the vessel and taking action to prevent further vessel damage;

(vi)

notifying regulatory agencies, local officials, and private property owners impacted by an unauthorized discharge; and

(vii)

anticipated actions for abating, containing, and cleaning up an unauthorized discharge of oil.

(2)

Owners and operators of unmanned vessels subject to this subchapter shall maintain the following information aboard each unmanned vessel: [ OPA vessels must submit vessel response plans to the GLO. All owners and operators of OPA vessels that intend to enter the coastal waters of the State of Texas must submit the following English language version sections of their plan or, if they choose, the entire plan to the GLO. The sections must be accompanied by a letter from the person who signed the vessel response plan that was submitted to the United States Coast Guard and the letter must verify that the submissions to the GLO are identical to those submitted to the United States Coast Guard. Compliance with this section constitutes compliance with OSPRA; an OPA vessel is not required to submit any other response plan. The following sections must be submitted: ]

(A)

How to contact the owner and operator, including physical and mailing addresses, a telephone number that is answered 24 hours a day, and a 24-hour fax number. This information must also be provided for agents of the owner or operator who should be contacted initially instead of the owner or operator. [ general information and introduction; ]

(B)

Qualified individual(s), authorized person(s), or preparedness manager(s). [ notification procedures; ]

(C)

A checklist for notification of appropriate regulatory agencies in the event of an unauthorized or threatened unauthorized discharge and pertinent information and procedures for response personnel to abate and respond to an actual spill. [ list of contacts; ]

(D)

The total vessel capacity for fuel and oil. [ geographic-specific appendix for each captain of the port (COTP) zone in Texas in which the vessel intends to operate; ]

[ (E)

vessel-specific appendix for each vessel which intends to enter coastal waters of the State of Texas covered by the plan; and]

[ (F)

shore-based response activities.]

(b)

Submission of Information to the GLO. [ IMO Vessels. ]

(1)

Applicability. This subsection applies to all owners or operators of vessels subject to regulation by Subchapter E that are required by OPA to maintain a vessel response plan or that are in excess of 400 gross tons and required by the International Maritime Organization to maintain a SOPEP. [ Compliance with Regulation 26 of Annex I of MARPOL. IMO vessels that enter Texas coastal waters must have onboard a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan pursuant to Regulation 26 of Annex I of MARPOL 73/78. The IMO vessel must be operating in compliance with the approved plan to gain entry into a Texas port, pursuant to §19.63 of this title (relating to Entry into Port). Vessels subject to OPA and to IMO are only required to submit their OPA plan to the GLO. ]

(2)

Owners or operators of vessels to which this subsection applies must submit the following information to the GLO: [ Submission of Information to GLO. The plan prepared pursuant to Regulation 26 of Annex I of MARPOL is not required to be submitted to the GLO. Every owner, operator or manager of an IMO vessel that intends to traverse Texas coastal waters shall submit to the GLO, 60 days after this amendment becomes final: ]

(A)

the name of the owner and operator; [ a copy of its flag state or authorized organization approval of the IMO Regulation 26 Shipboard oil pollution emergency plan; and ]

(B)

the address of the owner and operator; [ IMO Vessel Form. Every owner, operator or manager of an IMO vessel that intends to traverse Texas coastal waters shall submit to the GLO the information listed in this subsection. This information is required by Regulation 26, §2.5.4. The information must be submitted on IMO Vessel Form. ]

[ Figure 1: 31 TAC 19.61(b)(2)(B) ]

[ (i)

Vessel Information. The registered name, flag state, port of registry of the vessel, international call sign, official number and issuer of the number, IMO number, gross tonnage, overall length, breadth and summer draught. Any previous registered names of the vessel shall also be provided and if the vessel has not previously been registered under another name, such fact shall be affirmatively stated. The owner, operator or manager of an IMO vessel shall also submit a general arrangement plan showing the location and tank capacities for those tanks which carry oil. ]

[ (ii)

Notification Information. The name, address, telephone number, and facsimile number of the owner, operator and manager of the vessel. The telephone number provided shall be a 24-hour contact number for the person named as owner, operator and manager. ]

[ (iii)

Vessel Personnel Information. Every owner, operator or manager of an IMO vessel that intends to traverse Texas coastal waters shall designate a: ]

[ (I)

Authorized Person: who is responsible for and in control of all oil spill response operations on behalf of the vessel. This person must be available 24 hours a day to ensure prompt response to oil spills in Texas coastal waters. This person need not be onboard the vessel but must have independent authority to deploy response equipment and to expend funds necessary for response actions. This information is required pursuant to Regulation 26, §2.2.4. Further responsibilities of the person in charge are delineated at §19.16 of this title (relating to Person in Charge). ]

[ (II)

Preparedness Manager: who is responsible for ensuring that personnel aboard an IMO vessel are properly trained in mitigation and control of an unauthorized discharge of oil. This information is required pursuant to Regulation 26, §2.5.1. ]

[ (iv)

Vessel Response Organization. Every owner, operator or manager of an IMO vessel that intends to traverse Texas coastal waters shall maintain onboard the name and telephone numbers of two oil spill response organizations identified as capable of providing a timely response to an unauthorized discharge of oil from the vessel, at her intended port of call and at any portion of the route of said vessel to and from the port of call. ]

(C)

the electronic mail (email) address, if applicable; [ Changes in IMO Vessel Form. Any change in any information required pursuant to this section shall be submitted to the GLO as soon as possible when the vessel is entering Texas waters. Vessels not entering Texas waters shall report such changes to the GLO within 30 days of the change. ]

(D)

the phone and facsimile number of the owner and operator; [ DCO List. The GLO shall provide, upon request, a list of DCOs certified in Texas. ]

(E)

the qualified individual(s) or authorized person(s) for each vessel to be covered, and information on how these people can be contacted 24 hours a day;

(F)

the names and official numbers of vessels to be covered by the notification;

(G)

the gross tonnage of all vessels to be covered by the notification; and

(H)

the total capacity for fuel and oil of each vessel to be covered by the notification.

(3)

Submittal of information. The GLO has established a link on the GLO website (http://www.glo.state.tx.us/oilspill) for submittal of the information required in this section. Owners and operators with the capability to use the Internet and access this website should link to "Vessel Response Plans." An account can then be established by following the instructions and ensuring that information submitted is accurate and complete. Owners and operators are strongly encouraged to submit information over the GLO's website. This is the quickest and easiest way to submit the information, and it eliminates the administrative burden of GLO staff who would otherwise have to load the information. Owners or operators of vessels without the capability of submitting this information by using the GLO's website may submit the required information on GLO Form OS-004. Completed Form OS-004 can be sent to the GLO by:

Figure: 31 TAC §19.61(b)(3)

(A)

mail sent to Texas General Land Office, Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873;

(B)

facsimile sent to (512) 475-1560; or

(C)

electronic mail sent to vesselplan@glo.state.tx.us.

[ (c)

OSPRA Vessels. OSPRA vessels are those vessels with a capacity to carry 10,000 gallons or more of oil as fuel or cargo that operate in coastal waters and are not required to have a response plan pursuant to 33 USC §2701 et seq. or Regulation 26 of Annex 1 of MARPOL 73/78.]

[ (1)

Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this subsection only, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. ]

[ (A)

Coastal waters--the waters and bed of the Gulf of Mexico within the jurisdiction of the State of Texas, including the arms of the Gulf of Mexico subject to tidal influence, and any other waters contiguous thereto that are navigable by vessels with a capacity to carry 10,000 gallons or more of oil as fuel or cargo. ]

[ (B)

Official number--the vessel number as it appears on the vessel's Certificate of Documentation issued by the United States Coast Guard, pursuant to 46 CFR Part 67, or the vessel number issued by the flag state with which the vessel is registered. ]

[ (C)

Oil--"oil" of any kind or in any form, including but not limited to crude oil, petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil, but does not include petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, which is specifically listed or designated as a hazardous substance under Subparagraphs (A) through (F) of section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 USC §9601 et seq.) and which is subject to the provisions of that Act, and which is so designated by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. ]

[ (D)

Owner/operator--any person owning, operating, or chartering by demise a vessel. ]

[ (E)

Person in charge--the person designated by name and job title for purposes of ensuring that the General Land Office is notified of unauthorized discharges of oil from the vessel, who can initiate and direct actions which should be taken in response to an actual or threatened unauthorized discharge of oil and who has independent authority to deploy response equipment and personnel and to expend funds for response actions. ]

[ (F)

Sound management practices--practices that, when used consistently, help prevent discharges of oil. ]

[ (G)

State registration number--the vessel number as it appears on the Certificate of Number issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, pursuant to Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Title 4 §31.024 or the vessel number as issued by any other state with which the vessel is registered. ]

[ (H)

Total oil storage capacity--the total capacity, in gallons, of all tanks onboard the vessel designed to carry oil as fuel or cargo. ]

[ (I)

Vessel name--the name of the vessel as it appears on the vessel's Certificate of Documentation issued by the United States Coast Guard pursuant to 46 CFR Part 67 or the common name of the vessel. ]

[ (2)

Vessel Information. Owners/operators of OSPRA vessels must maintain vessel information onboard that is readily accessible to the vessel crew. Owners/operators may choose to incorporate OSPRA vessel plans into existing OPA or IMO plans in satisfaction of this subsection. Except for OSPRA vessel plans which are incorporated into existing OPA or IMO plans, vessel information shall include, at a minimum, the information listed in subparagraphs (A)-(E) of this paragraph; any format may be used to include the information listed herein. ]

[ (A)

the name, address, and 24-hour contact number of the owner/operator;]

[ (B)

the vessel name; ]

[ (C)

the official number or state registration number; ]

[ (D)

the total oil storage capacity of the vessel; and ]

[ (E)

the name of the designated "person in charge". ]

[ (3)

Spill Response Information. Owners/operators of OSPRA vessels must maintain spill response information onboard that is readily accessible to the vessel crew. Spill response information may also be maintained onshore by any person designated by the owner/operator; however, if spill response information is also maintained onshore, the information must include the specific responsibilities of the onshore personnel, vessel crew, and designated "person in charge" both onshore and onboard the vessel. Owners/operators may choose to incorporate OSPRA vessel plans into existing OPA or IMO plans in satisfaction of this subsection. Except for OSPRA vessel plans which are incorporated into existing OPA or IMO plans, spill response information shall contain, at a minimum, the information listed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph; any format may be used to include the information listed herein. ]

[ (A)

Oil Spill Response Information. Owners/operators of OSPRA vessels must maintain information outlining initial steps that must be taken by vessel personnel to respond to an unauthorized discharge of oil. Owners/operators should prescribe, if necessary, more specificity for this information in order to conform to the particular operations of the vessel and its crew. The oil spill response information shall include, at a minimum, instructions for:]

[ (i)

shutting down operations; ]

[(ii)

securing the source of the spill; ]

[ (iii)

assessing the spill situation and evaluating for potential safety hazards to vessel personnel; ]

[ (iv)

taking immediate action for reducing the potential for future spillage; ]

[ (v)

assessing the condition of the vessel and taking action to prevent further vessel damage; and ]

[ (vi)

making notifications as described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph and taking reasonable steps to abate, contain, and remove the unauthorized discharge of oil. ]

[ (B)

Notification Information. The person in charge shall notify the GLO of an unauthorized discharge of oil and shall include the information required under §19.32 of this title (relating to Reporting an Unauthorized Discharge of Oil). Owners/operators of OSPRA vessels must maintain 24-hour contact numbers for each geographic area in which the vessel operates for each of the following:]

[ (i)

person in charge; ]

[ (ii)

owner/operator; ]

[ (iii)

cleanup contractors; ]

[ (iv)

vessel salvage contractors; and ]

[ (v)

government agencies. ]

[ (4)

Spill Prevention Information. Owners/operators of OSPRA vessels are encouraged to maintain sound management practices for spill prevention onboard the vessel. In the event of an oil spill, the GLO will consider whether the owner/operator had spill prevention measures in place and whether vessel personnel were familiar with and executed those measures. The following categories are suggested for use by owners/operators in the development of spill prevention measures: ]

[ (A)

sound management practices to prevent discharges of oily bilge water; ]

[ (B)

sound management practices to prevent discharges from oil transfer operations; ]

[ (C)

sound management practices to prevent discharges from hydraulic system failures; ]

[ (D)

sound management practices to prevent discharges of oil due to improper vessel maintenance; and ]

[ (E)

sound management practices to prevent discharges of oil due to improper handling and disposal of petroleum products. ]

[ (5)

Enforcement. The information required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection must be presented to GLO personnel upon request. Any owner/operator who violates this subsection is liable to the GLO for civil penalties in accordance with the provisions of OSPRA, §40.251. In the event of an unauthorized discharge of oil, use of spill prevention sound management practices by the owner/operator prior to and during the time of the spill will be considered by GLO personnel in determining whether to assess penalties. Penalties may be reduced or waived if appropriate spill prevention measures were in practice prior to and at the time of the spill.]

[ (6)

Exception to Compliance With This Subsection. A one-time, one-port only exception from the requirements of this subsection shall be granted by GLO personnel to an owner/operator who is found to have violated the requirements of this subsection. This exception shall be granted once per owner/operator, not per vessel owned. Any owner/operator using this exception shall comply with the requirements of this subsection within 30 days of the date the exception is granted by GLO personnel. Any owner/operator shall be subject to penalties for any violation of this subsection, 30 days after being granted the one-time only exception by GLO personnel.]

§19.62.Financial Responsibility.

Owners and operators of vessels shall establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility for costs and damages from unauthorized discharges of oil pursuant to any applicable federal law.

[ (a)

OPA vessels are required to have proof of financial responsibility pursuant to OPA, §2716. ]

[ (b)

OSPRA vessels will be required to meet the financial responsibility requirements of OSPRA, §40.202(a)(1) and (2), when rules are adopted under that section. ]

[ (c)

IMO vessels, that are also covered by OPA, are required to have proof of financial responsibility pursuant to OPA, §2716.]

§19.63.Entry into Port and Movement.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Before being granted entry into any port in this state, a person in charge of any vessel may be required to report or show the following:

(1)-(4)

(No change.)

(5)

that the vessel has evidence of financial responsibility as required by federal law or OSPRA[ . ] ;or

(6)

arrival and departure times for Texas ports.

(c)

The GLO may require any vessel to stay at a berth in a Texas port or at an anchorage location if the GLO determines that any movement of the vessel presents a threat of an unauthorized discharge of oil to Texas coastal waters. [ Before being granted entry into port, an OPA vessel may be required to produce, in addition to the information required by subsection (b) of this section, information related to: ]

[ (1)

vessel name; ]

[ (2)

vessel's qualified individual, who can be contacted at any time; ]

[ (3)

the estimated time of arrival and of departure from the port of call; and ]

[ (4)

an approved vessel response plan that is aboard the vessel (except that the vessel making a one time, one port entry need not have a geographic specific appendix); and ]

[ (5)

the availability of sufficient resources to adequately abate, contain and remove any unauthorized discharge of oil from the vessel. ]

[ (d)

Before being granted entry into port, an IMO vessel may be required to produce, in addition to the information required by subsection (b) of this section, information related to:]

[ (1)

vessel name; ]

[ (2)

person in charge, who can be contacted at any time; ]

[ (3)

the estimated time of arrival and of departure from the port of call; ]

[ (4)

an approved IMO vessel response plan that is aboard the vessel; and]

[ (5)

identification of two response organizations that can adequately abate, contain and remove any unauthorized discharge of oil from the vessel.]

[ (e)

Any IMO vessel or OPA vessel, requiring entry into a Texas port due to a change in orders or due to an emergency caused by operational malfunctions or force of nature shall be entitled to entry into a Texas port if the following information is supplied: vessel name; vessel's qualified individual or person in charge, who can be contacted at any time; estimated time of arrival and departure from port; an approved response plan on board the vessel; and identification of two response organizations that can adequately abate, contain and remove an unauthorized discharge of oil from the vessel.]

[ (f)

Exception to compliance with this subchapter. A one time, one port only exception from the requirements of this subchapter will be granted pursuant to this subsection. Any IMO vessel or OPA vessel shall be denied entry into port pursuant to this section, after utilizing this one time, one port exception. An IMO vessel or OPA vessel requesting this exception due to changed orders shall submit to the GLO the IMO Vessel Form or the OPA vessel response plan, required pursuant to §19.61 of this title (relating to Response Plans), as soon as practicable after the one time, one port entry.]

§19.64.Vessel Operations.

Pollution Prevention Requirements. Vessel operators, when carrying oil as fuel or cargo or conducting fuel or oil transfers, shall at all times comply with applicable federal laws and regulations concerning the carriage and transfer of fuel and oil.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 20, 2000.

TRD-200005010

Larry Soward

Chief Clerk

General Land Office

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 3, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129