Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous Cargoes

Federal Register: December 23, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 245)

Proposed Rules

Page 68208-68214

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr23de09-25

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard 33 CFR Parts 104, 105, 160

USCG-2004-19963

RIN 1625-AA93

Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous Cargoes

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

SUMMARY: On December 16, 2005, the Coast Guard published an interim rule that defined ``certain dangerous cargo residue'' (CDC residue).

After reviewing comments on the interim rule, the Coast Guard proposes to change that definition to include certain bulk liquids and liquefied gases in residue quantities. Based on changes to the CDC residue definition, the Coast Guard also proposes to revise the definition of

``certain dangerous cargo.'' Additionally, the Coast Guard intends to adopt changes made to 33 CFR part 104 and 105 by the 2005 interim rule.

DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our online docket via http://www.regulations.gov on or before February 22, 2010 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date. Comments sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on collection of information must reach OMB on or before February 22, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG- 2004-19963 using any one of the following methods:

(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.

(2) Fax: 202-493-2251.

(3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of

Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New

Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.

(4) Delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.

To avoid duplication, please use only one of these methods. For instructions on submitting comments, see the ``Public Participation and

Request for Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

Collection of Information Comments: If you have comments on the collection of information discussed in section VI.D. of this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), you must also send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and

Budget. To ensure that your comments to OIRA are received on time, the preferred methods are by e-mail to oira_submission@omb.eop.gov

(include the docket number and ``Attention: Desk Officer for Coast

Guard, DHS'' in the subject line of the e-mail) or fax at 202-395-6566.

An alternate, though slower, method is by U.S. mail to the Office of

Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, ATTN: Desk Officer, U.S.

Coast Guard.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed rule, call Lieutenant Sharmine Jones, Office of Vessel Activities, U.S.

Coast Guard Headquarters, telephone 202-372-1234. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Ms. Renee V.

Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents for Preamble

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments

1. Submitting Comments

2. Viewing Comments and Documents

3. Privacy Act

4. Public Meeting

   II. Abbreviations

   Page 68209

   III. Background and Purpose

1. History of This Rulemaking

2. Parallel Rulemaking Affecting This Rulemaking

   IV. Discussion of Comments on the Interim Rule

1. CDC Residue

2. NOAs and Port Scheduling

3. Definition of Charterer

4. Foreign Recreational Vessels

   V. Discussion of Proposed Rule

1. Proposed Changes to Definitions of CDC and CDC Residue

2. Interim Rule Changes To Be Adopted

3. Interim Rule Changes Affected by Parallel Rulemaking

   VI. Regulatory Analysis

1. Regulatory Planning and Review

2. Small Entities

3. Assistance for Small Entities

4. Collection of Information

5. Federalism

6. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

7. Taking of Private Property

8. Civil Justice Reform

   I. Protection of Children

10. Indian Tribal Governments

11. Energy Effects

    L. Technical Standards

13. Environment

    I. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided.

1. Submitting Comments

   If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG-2004-19963), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission.

   To submit your comment online, go to http://regulations.gov, insert

   ``USCG-2004-19963'' in the ``Keyword'' box, and click ``Search''; then click on the balloon shape in the ``Actions'' column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know they have reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self- addressed postcard or envelope.

   We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. We may change this proposed rule based on your comments.

2. Viewing Comments and Documents

   To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, insert ``USCG-2004-19963'' in the ``Keyword'' box, and click

   ``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column.

   If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket

   Management Facility.

3. Privacy Act

   Anyone can search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment

   (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the

   Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

4. Public Meeting

   We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But, you may submit a request for a public meeting to the docket using one of the methods specified under ADDRESSES. In your request, explain why you believe a public meeting would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal Register.

   II. Abbreviations

   AIS Automatic identification system

   CDC Certain dangerous cargo

   CFR Code of Federal Regulations

   COI Collection of information

   CTAC Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee

   DHS Department of Homeland Security

   FR Federal Register

   NOA Notice of arrival

   NOAD AIS Vessel Requirements for Notices of Arrival and Departure, and

   Automatic Identification System

   NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

   OMB Office of Management and Budget

   U.S.C. United States Code

   III. Background and Purpose

1. History of This Rulemaking

   The notice of arrival (NOA) is a process by which a vessel submits required information--including data about the vessel, cargo and crew-- before the vessel arrives at a port or place in the United States. The information contained in the NOA allows the Coast Guard to implement appropriate safety and security measures, including security screening and escort into port.

   In 2003, the Coast Guard became concerned about the potential security hazards of bulk Ammonium nitrate and propylene oxide cargoes transported on U.S. waters. After consultation with the Chemical

   Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) and Towing Safety Advisory

   Committee, the Coast Guard determined that these substances should be considered ``certain dangerous cargoes'' (CDCs). Regulations at 33 CFR 160.204 specifically define CDCs, but, in general terms, CDCs are substances or materials that pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property if improperly handled. Existing regulations require most vessels carrying CDCs to submit NOAs.

   The Coast Guard published a temporary final rule on August 18, 2004, titled ``Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous

   Cargoes; Electronic Submission'' (69 FR 51176). That temporary final rule changed the definition of ``certain dangerous cargo (CDC)'' to include: ammonium nitrate, in bulk; ammonium nitrate based fertilizers, in bulk; and propylene oxide, alone or mixed with ethylene oxide, in bulk. The temporary final rule also updated 33 CFR parts 104 and 105 on vessel and facility security to include these new CDCs. In addition, the temporary final rule implemented two new optional formats for electronic submittal of NOAs.

   The Coast Guard published an interim rule on December 16, 2005, titled ``Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous

   Cargoes; Electronic Submission'' (70 FR 74663). That interim rule made permanent the definition of CDC as implemented in the 2004 temporary final rule. The interim rule also made permanent the application of vessel security requirements at 33 CFR part 104 to barges carrying

   CDCs. However, the interim rule removed the remainder of the temporary changes made to 33 CFR parts 104 and 105 because they were no longer necessary.

   The interim rule also added changes that had not been included in the 2004

   Page 68210

   temporary final rule. First, the interim rule added another optional method for electronic submittal of NOAs. Second, the interim rule clarified that 33 CFR part 160 on NOAs does not apply to U.S. recreational vessels under 46 U.S.C. 4301. Third, the interim rule added a definition of ``CDC residue'' that, in effect, exempted certain vessels carrying CDC residue from the same NOA requirements imposed on vessels carrying CDCs. The 2005 definition of CDC residue is limited to residue quantities of bulk ammonium nitrate or ammonium nitrate fertilizer remaining onboard after the vessel discharges all saleable cargo; no other cargo residues fall within the current definition of

   ``CDC residue.''

   In response to the 2005 interim rule, the Coast Guard received comments from the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) suggesting the Coast Guard revise the definition of CDC residue to include some bulk liquids and liquefied gases. The Coast Guard tasked

   CTAC's Hazardous Cargoes Transportation Security Subcommittee with reviewing the current requirement that a CDC vessel remain a CDC vessel until the removal of all bulk liquid and liquefied gas CDC cargoes, including residue quantities of such cargoes, from the vessel. The

   Committee completed its recommendation on August 24, 2006, and submitted it to the Coast Guard for review and consideration. The Coast

   Guard concurs with CTAC and, with this NPRM, proposes to amend the definitions of CDC and CDC residue consistent with CTAC's recommendation.

2. Parallel Rulemaking Affecting This Rulemaking

   Concurrent with this proposal to amend the definition of CDC residue, a parallel rulemaking effort has proposed to renumber relevant paragraphs and change some of the provisions implemented by the 2005 interim rule. That parallel rulemaking is ``Vessel Requirements for

   Notices of Arrival and Departure, and Automatic Identification System''

   (NOAD AIS). The Coast Guard published an NPRM on December 16, 2008, and the comment period closed on April 15, 2009 (73 FR 76295). Section

   V.C., ``Interim Rule Changes Affected by Parallel Rulemaking,'' discusses the impact of this NOAD AIS proposal on specific provisions implemented by the 2005 interim rule. You may read the NOAD AIS proposal, and public comments on it, at docket USCG-2005-21869.

   IV. Discussion of Comments on the Interim Rule

   The Coast Guard received two letters commenting on the 2005 interim rule: one submitted by an advisory committee and the other submitted by a trade association. The letter from the advisory committee addressed several issues associated with CDC residue and NOAs. The letter from the trade association addressed the clarification made by the interim rule with regard to applicability of 33 CFR part 160. The Coast Guard received no comments on the interim rule as it affected 33 CFR parts 104 and 105 or the electronic submission of NOAs.

1. CDC Residue

   One commenter sought to provide information on industry practices relevant to vessel transport of CDCs. In particular, the commenter described the manner in which chemical cargo residues are diluted by washing the tanks with water or by loading another cargo over the residue. The commenter suggested that these practices, as well as the practice of carrying multiple cargoes on one vessel, reduce the risk of an intentional incident involving CDC residues. The commenter suggested the Coast Guard undertake further study of CDC residues in order to avoid expending Coast Guard and industry resources on unnecessary security precautions. The Coast Guard agreed with this recommendation and tasked the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) with providing recommendations on CDC residue. The Committee's recommendations form the basis of the Coast Guard's proposal in this

   NPRM.

   The same commenter suggested that the definition of ``CDC residue'' implemented by the interim rule be renamed ``Ammonium Nitrate Residue'' to avoid implying that all CDCs carried in residue quantities satisfy the definition. With this NPRM, the Coast Guard proposes to broaden the definition of ``CDC residue'' to include cargo residue other than ammonium nitrate, thereby removing the possibility of confusion.

2. NOAs and Port Scheduling

   One commenter described the difficulty of complying with NOA requirements when vessels plan to call at multiple berths in the same port. The commenter indicated that the minimum notice required before transit to another berth causes delays and unnecessary ship movements, contributing to traffic congestion in busy ports. This proposed rule is likely to reduce the number of intra-port transits requiring NOAs because it broadens the definition of CDC residue. However, the general issues of port congestion and NOAs for intra-port transit are outside the scope of the interim rule and this NPRM, neither of which addresses the time for the submission of NOAs. We have forwarded these comments to the appropriate program staff for further consideration and appropriate action.

   The same commenter suggested that the Coast Guard use Vessel

   Traffic Service systems and/or Automatic Identification System coverage to track vessel movements in the port area, instead of requiring NOAs.

   In this proposed rule, the Coast Guard is revising the definition of

   CDC and CDC residue in its NOA regulations. Because the Coast Guard escorts vessels carrying CDC in ports, this proposed change would allow the Coast Guard to focus on vessels that are loaded with a CDC cargo and free it from having to escort vessels that are only transporting

   CDC residue. This proposed rule would also relieve some vessels that do not operate in VTS areas from having to submit NOAs. This commenter's recommendation goes beyond the scope of this rulemaking so we are forwarding it to the appropriate program staff for consideration in the

   NOAD AIS rulemaking.

3. Definition of Charterer

   One commenter suggested that requiring NOAs to include the identity of the vessel charterer provides minimal value to the Coast Guard. In addition, this commenter indicated that individual companies submitting

   NOAs identify the vessel charterer differently because the definition of ``charterer'' is confusing. Regulations at 33 CFR 160.204 define the term charterer to mean ``the person or organization that contracts for the majority of the carrying capacity of a ship for the transportation of cargo to a stated port for a specified period. This includes `time charterers' and `voyage charterers'.'' However, the use of the information collected in the NOA is outside the narrow scope of the interim rule and this NPRM. We have forwarded these comments to the appropriate program staff for further consideration and appropriate action.

4. Foreign Recreational Vessels

   One commenter expressed concern that the term ``foreign recreational vessels'' could create confusion between foreign-made vessels and foreign-owned vessels. Specifically, the commenter recommended inserting a reference to the definition of ``vessel of the

   United States'' found in 46 App. U.S.C. 1903(b).

   Page 68211

   The Coast Guard agrees that the phrase ``U.S. recreational vessels under 46 U.S.C. 4301 et seq.'' could create some confusion, as it does not directly refer to definitions found in Title 46 of the United

   States Code. As discussed below, the provision that concerns this commenter is addressed in the parallel NOAD AIS rulemaking proceeding.

   As part of the separate NOAD AIS rulemaking mentioned earlier in this preamble, the Coast Guard has proposed to delete the provision that is the subject of the comment, revise the remaining language on applicability of 33 CFR part 160, and add a definition of ``foreign vessel'' to Part 160. The proposed revisions should clarify the issues identified by the commenter concerned about Sec. 160.202(b).

   Interested parties may review the NOAD AIS proposal at docket USCG- 2005-21869.

   V. Discussion of Proposed Rule

1. Proposed Changes to Definitions of CDC and CDC Residue

   The Coast Guard proposes to amend the definition of CDC residue to include certain bulk liquids and liquefied gases that remain onboard in a cargo system after discharge and are not accessible through normal transfer procedures. A vessel carrying only CDC residue may qualify for an NOA exemption for vessels not carrying CDC, provided it meets criteria in Sec. 160.203(b). Changing the definition of CDC residue will allow the Coast Guard to better allocate resources to vessels that are carrying CDCs and not just CDC residue.

   In formulating this proposal, the Coast Guard considered aspects of the transportation industry and chemical properties to decide which chemicals to include in the definition. These aspects included: Real- life workings of vessels in handling residues; methods of pumping material; the quantity of cargo remaining onboard after discharge, including stripping, cleaning tanks, etc.; the relative hazard of CDCs; physical properties of the chemicals; vapor pressures of the chemicals; toxicity of the chemicals; and exposure guidelines for the chemicals.

   The Coast Guard believes that expanding the definition of CDC residue is appropriate for several reasons. First, discharging a typical chemical cargo leaves a minimal amount of cargo in the tank that is not accessible using the normal pumping system. Second, preparing the tank for a new cargo effectively removes the potential hazard of the previous cargo due to dilution or removal of the potential hazard. Third, with specific respect to liquefied gases, gas tankers carry residue at a pressure well below its vapor pressure, which mitigates the hazard.

   The Coast Guard also proposes that a few bulk liquid and liquefied gas cargoes should remain CDCs even when carried in residue quantities.

   We base this proposal primarily on the relative hazard created by the vapor pressure of the cargo and its potential impact to health and safety. Therefore, the Coast Guard proposes to amend the definition of

   CDC residue to specify that the following cargoes remain CDCs at all times, even when only residue quantities remain onboard: anhydrous ammonia, chlorine, ethane, ethylene oxide, methane (LNG), methyl bromide, sulfur dioxide, and vinyl chloride. Under this proposal, vessels carrying residue quantities of these cargoes will remain CDC vessels.

2. Interim Rule Changes To Be Adopted

   The 2005 interim rule made changes to 33 CFR parts 104 and 105 dealing with vessel security regulations for CDC vessels. In particular, the interim rule adopted the change, first made in the 2004 temporary final rule, specifying that 33 CFR part 104 applies to barges carrying CDCs in bulk and engaged on international voyages.

   Additionally, the 2005 interim rule removed all other changes made to parts 104 and 105 by the 2004 temporary final rule, because those paragraphs were no longer necessary. The Coast Guard proposes to adopt these part 104 and 105 changes introduced by the interim rule as final.

3. Interim Rule Changes Affected by Parallel Rulemaking

   The 2005 interim rule also updated electronic submission options by adding the eNOAD system as an optional method for electronically submitting NOAs under 33 CFR part 160. However, an NPRM published in the parallel NOAD AIS rulemaking proposes to revise Sec. 160.210 to require that all NOAs be submitted electronically.

   Separately, the 2005 interim rule added a new paragraph, Sec. 160.202(b), clarifying that the NOA provisions in Part 160 do not apply to U.S. recreational vessels. The NOAD AIS rulemaking proposes to remove Sec. 160.202(b), renumber Sec. 160.202 as Sec. 160.203, and revise the new Sec. 160.203(a) to read: ``This subpart applies to U.S. vessels in commercial service and all foreign vessels that are bound for or departing from ports or places of the United States.''

   Similarly, the NOAD AIS proposal would renumber Sec. 160.204 as Sec. 160.202, and add definitions of ``commercial service'' and ``foreign vessel.''

   In light of the NOAD AIS proposal to remove or revise these two sections affected by the 2005 interim rule, the Coast Guard does not expect to address either section in the final rule to follow this NPRM.

   Interested parties may review the relevant sections in the NOAD AIS docket at USCG-2005-21869.

   VI. Regulatory Analysis

   We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we present our analysis based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.

1. Regulatory Planning and Review

   This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review.

   OMB has not reviewed it under that Order.

   As discussed in the ``Background and Purpose'' section of this proposed rule, the Coast Guard published an interim rule in 2005 that changed the definition of certain dangerous cargo (CDC) to include ammonium nitrate, in bulk; ammonium nitrate based fertilizers, in bulk; and propylene oxide, alone or mixed with ethylene oxide, in bulk. In the regulatory analysis for the interim rule, the Coast Guard presented the costs and impacts associated with changing the definition of CDC

   (70 FR 74663).

   After publication of the interim rule, the Coast Guard received comments and recommendations from the Chemical Transportation Advisory

   Committee (CTAC). Based on these recommendations, the Coast Guard proposes to change the definition of CDC so that residue quantities of some chemicals are not CDC. CTAC defined residue as the cargo that remains onboard in a cargo system after discharge that is not accessible through normal transfer procedures. Currently, vessel operators affected by the interim rule are required to submit a notice of arrival (NOA) when transporting CDC, regardless of quantity

   (including residue amounts). If the Coast Guard adopts this change, some vessel operators would no longer be required to submit NOAs when transporting residue quantities of CDCs. Some chemicals will continue to be considered CDCs in residue amounts (see the ``Discussion of

   Proposed Rule'' section for more details). Vessel owners carrying these chemicals will continue submitting NOAs when transporting these chemicals in residue amounts, which is the current practice under the interim rule.

   Due to the proposed change in the definition of CDC, we expect there

   Page 68212

   would be a reduction in the cost and reporting burden for vessel owners who transport CDCs in residue amounts. The Coast Guard does not have precise estimates of how many vessel trips or vessel owners will no longer be subject to the NOA requirement. Under current requirements, there is no distinction made for shipments of CDC in residue status.

   Based on data from the Coast Guard Ship Arrival Notification System

   (SANS), we estimate there are on average 2,800 vessels currently carrying CDC that make approximately 25,000 port arrivals a year. Under the current interim rule baseline, each of these vessel arrivals involving CDCs in any amount would require an NOA. Under the proposed rule, some of these vessel arrivals would no longer require an NOA if the vessel is carrying certain CDCs in residue quantity. Based on information from the Coast Guard Office of Vessel Activities, we estimate that there will be at least a five-percent annual reduction in the number of NOA submittals as a result of this proposed rule. Changes in vessel operations and the demand for marine transportation of bulk

   CDC shipments may affect these estimates.

   Based on data in the existing collection of information ``Advance

   Notice of Vessel Arrival,'' OMB Control Number 1625-0100, we estimate the NOA preparation time to be about 30 minutes (0.5 hours). We estimate the cost for an NOA submission to be about $17.50 ((0.5 hours x $31 labor rate/hour) + $2 transmittal fee).\1\ Therefore, we consider a five-percent annual reduction in NOA submissions to be equivalent to a $22,000 decrease in cost burden for vessel operators that transport certain CDCs in residue status.\2\ This would also result in a reduction in the NOA information the Coast Guard would need to process.

   \1\ Sources for time, labor rate and transmittal fee estimates:

   (1) Collection of Information, OMB Control Number 1625-0100,

   ``Advance Notice of Vessel Arrival,'' Supplementary Document ``1625- 0100 eNOAD NPRM R1,'' January 14, 2009; and (2) Notice of Proposed

   Rulemaking, ``Vessel Requirements for Notices of Arrival and

   Departure, and Automatic Identification System'' docket number USCG- 2005-21869.

   \2\ The figure $22,000 is rounded from $21,875 = $17.50 NOA cost x 25,000 arrivals x 0.05 [the 5% reduction in NOA].

   The Coast Guard carefully considered chemical properties and aspects of the transportation industry in determining which chemicals to include or exclude from the definition of CDC residue. The Coast

   Guard excluded chemicals that may pose an unreasonable risk in residue quantities from the proposed changes to the definition of CDC residue.

2. Small Entities

   Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have considered whether this proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not governmental jurisdictions with populations fewer than 50,000 people.

   This proposed rule would not increase the NOA reporting costs to vessel operators shipping CDC. This rulemaking would reduce the burden to vessel operators shipping residue quantities of certain CDCs.

   Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies that under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rulemaking would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment to the Docket Management Facility at the address under ADDRESSES. In your comment, explain why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rulemaking would economically affect it.

3. Assistance for Small Entities

   Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement

   Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the proposed rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please consult Lieutenant

   Sharmine Jones, Office of Vessel Activities (CG-5432), Coast Guard, telephone 202-372-1234. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

   Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory

   Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory

   Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR

   (1-888-734-3247).

4. Collection of Information

   This proposed rule does not require a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). It would modify an existing collection under OMB Control Number 1625-0100,

   Advance Notice of Vessel Arrival.

   As defined in 5 CFR 1320.3(c), ``collection of information'' comprises reporting, recordkeeping, monitoring, posting, labeling, and other, similar actions. The title and description of the information collection, a description of those who must collect the information, and an estimate of the total annual burden follow. The estimate covers the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing sources of data, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection.

   Due to the proposed change in the definition of CDC, we expect that this rulemaking would reduce the annual burden for vessel operators who transport certain CDCs. Regulations would no longer require vessel operators to submit NOAs when transporting residue quantities of certain CDCs. This proposed rule would result in a reduction of the total number of annual respondents and responses in the existing collection under OMB Control Number 1625-0100. The following is a summary of the changes to the existing collection as a result of this proposed rule and updated ship arrival data. The Coast Guard based most of the information on estimates discussed in the ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' section and data from the Coast Guard Ship Arrival

   Notification System (SANS).

   Title: Advance Notice of Vessel Arrival.

   OMB Control Number: 1625-0100.

   Summary of the Collection of Information: The Coast Guard requires pre-arrival notices from certain vessels entering a port or place in the United States. These vessels include those carrying a CDC as defined in 33 CFR 160.204. This proposed rule would change the definition of CDC so that residue quantities of some chemicals would no longer be considered CDC. As a result, the Coast Guard would no longer require vessel operators to submit NOAs when transporting residue quantities of certain CDCs.

   Need for Information: To ensure port safety and security and to ensure the uninterrupted flow of commerce.

   Page 68213

   Proposed Use of Information: The Coast Guard would use the information to enhance maritime domain awareness.

   Description of the Respondents: Respondents are the owners, agents, masters, operators, or persons in charge of a vessel that carries a CDC and arrives at a port or place in the United States.

   Number of Respondents: The total number of respondents for the collection of information is 31,594 per year. The number of these respondents or vessels (the subset of the total number of vessels) affected by this rulemaking is 2,800 per year.

   Frequency of Response: The frequency or number of responses associated with the collection of information is 170,866 per year. The number of these responses associated with CDC transits affected by this rulemaking is about 25,000 per year. This rulemaking would decrease that number of responses by about 5 percent or 1,250 per year [25,000 X 0.05 (the 5% reduction in NOA)].

   Burden of Response: The burden of response associated with the collection of information is approximately 30 minutes or 0.5 hours per response. This rulemaking would not change the burden of response. It would reduce the number of responses.

   Estimate of Total Annual Burden: The total annual burden for the collection of information is 163,994 hours per year for all NOA respondents. We estimate this proposed rule would reduce the total annual burden by 625 hours per year.\3\

   \3\ 625 hours per year reduction = 1,250 less NOA responses per year x 0.5 hours per NOA.

   As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)), we have submitted a copy of this proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review of the collection of information. We ask for public comment on the collection of information to help us determine how useful the information is; whether it can help us perform our functions better; whether it is readily available elsewhere; how accurate our estimate of the burden of collection is; how valid our methods for determining burden are; how we can improve the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information; and how we can minimize the burden of collection. If you submit comments on the collection of information, submit them both to OMB and to the Docket

   Management Facility where indicated under ADDRESSES, by the date under

   DATES. You need not respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number from OMB.

5. Federalism

   A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132,

   Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism.

6. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

   The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

7. Taking of Private Property

   This proposed rule would not affect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630,

   Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected

   Property Rights.

8. Civil Justice Reform

   This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

   I. Protection of Children

   We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045,

   Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety

   Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might disproportionately affect children.

10. Indian Tribal Governments

    This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under

    Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal

    Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal

    Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

11. Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211,

    Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,

    Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and

    Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211.

    L. Technical Standards

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15

    U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies.

    This proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

13. Environment

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland

    Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction

    M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National

    Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f) and have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a category of actions which does not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. A preliminary environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination is available in the docket where indicated under the ``Public

    Participation and Request for Comments'' section of this preamble. This rule involves editorial or procedural regulations, such as those updating addresses or establishing applications procedures and regulations concerning manning, documentation, admeasurement, inspection, and

    Page 68214

    equipping of vessels. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule.

    List of Subjects 33 CFR Part 104

    Maritime security, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,

    Security measures, and Vessels. 33 CFR Part 105

    Maritime security, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and

    Security measures. 33 CFR Part 160

    Administrative practice and procedure, Harbors, Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels, and Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to adopt the amendments to 33 CFR parts 104 and 105, introduced by the interim rule published at 70 FR 74669 on December 16, 2005, as final, and to amend 33 CFR part 160 as follows:

    PART 160--PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY-GENERAL 1. The authority citation for part 160 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1223, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701;

    Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Subpart D is also issued under the authority of 33 U.S.C. 1225 and 46 U.S.C. 3715. 2. In Sec. 160.204, revise paragraphs (7) through (9) of the definition for ``Certain dangerous cargo (CDC)'' and the entire definition of ``Certain dangerous cargo residue (CDC residue)'' to read as follows:

    Sec. 160.204 Definitions.

    * * * * *

    Certain dangerous cargo (CDC) includes any of the following:

    * * * * *

    (7) All bulk liquefied gas cargo carried under 46 CFR 151.50-31 or listed in 46 CFR 154.7 that is flammable and/or toxic and that is not carried as certain dangerous cargo residue (CDC residue).

    (8) The following bulk liquids except when carried as CDC residue:

    (i) Acetone cyanohydrin;

    (ii) Allyl alcohol;

    (iii) Chlorosulfonic acid;

    (iv) Crotonaldehyde;

    (v) Ethylene chlorohydrin;

    (vi) Ethylene dibromide;

    (vii) Methacrylonitrile;

    (viii) Oleum (fuming sulfuric acid); and

    (ix) Propylene oxide, alone or mixed with ethylene oxide.

    (9) The following bulk solids:

    (i) Ammonium nitrate listed as a Division 5.1 (oxidizing) material in 49 CFR 172.101 except when carried as CDC residue; and

    (ii) Ammonium nitrate based fertilizer listed as a Division 5.1

    (oxidizing) material in 49 CFR 172.101 except when carried as CDC residue.

    Certain dangerous cargo residue (CDC residue) includes any of the following:

    (1) Ammonium nitrate in bulk or ammonium nitrate based fertilizer in bulk remaining after all saleable cargo is discharged, not exceeding 1,000 pounds in total and not individually accumulated in quantities exceeding two cubic feet.

    (2) For bulk liquids and liquefied gases, the cargo that remains onboard in a cargo system after discharge that is not accessible through normal transfer procedures, with the exception of the following bulk liquefied gas cargoes carried under 46 CFR 151.50-31 or listed in 46 CFR 154.7:

    (i) Ammonia, anhydrous;

    (ii) Chlorine;

    (iii) Ethane;

    (iv) Ethylene oxide;

    (v) Methane (LNG);

    (vi) Methyl bromide;

    (vii) Sulfur dioxide; and

    (viii) Vinyl chloride.

    * * * * *

    Dated: December 15, 2009.

    Kevin S. Cook,

    Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Director of Prevention Policy.

    FR Doc. E9-30347 Filed 12-22-09; 8:45 am

    BILLING CODE 9110-04-P