On July 7, 2000, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) proposed amendments to its regulations governing oil and gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to update decommissioning requirements (65 FR 41892). These regulations apply to decommissioning of pipelines, in addition to other OCS facilities. The regulations allow for pipelines to be decommissioned "in place" with the Regional Supervisor's approval. Among other requirements, the operator must flush the line; fill the line with seawater; cut and plug each end, and bury each end at least 3 feet below the seafloor (or cover with protective concrete mats, if required by the Regional Supervisor). The operator must also remove all valves and other appurtenances that could unduly interfere with other uses of the OCS. The MMS will consider all comments received by October 5, 2000.