Regattas and marine parades: Severn River, et al., Annapolis, MD; marine events,
[Federal Register: February 9, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 27)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 6715-6718]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09fe06-21]
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 100
[CGD05-06-007]
RIN 1625-AA08
Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Severn River, College Creek, Weems Creek and Carr Creek, Annapolis, MD
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to suspend the special local regulations at
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33 CFR 100.518 and establish a temporary rule that will be effective during the suspension period. This rulemaking is intended to accommodate a change in event dates for the year 2006 and modify the boundaries of the regulated area. The marine events included in this proposed rule include the Safety at Sea Seminar, U.S. Naval Academy Crew Races and the Blue Angels Air Show. This proposed rule is intended to restrict vessel traffic in portions of the Severn River during the period of these marine events and is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event.
DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before March 13, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may mail comments and related material to Commander (oax), Fifth Coast Guard District, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-5004, hand-deliver them to Room 119 at the same address between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, or fax them to (757) 398-6203. The Auxiliary and Recreational Boating Safety Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District, maintains the public docket for this rulemaking. Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket, will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection or copying at the above address between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis M. Sens, Project Manager, Auxiliary and Recreational Boating Safety Branch, at (757) 398-6204.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Request for Comments
We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related material. If you do so, please include your name and address, identify the docket number for this rulemaking (CGD05-06- 007), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit all comments and related material in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying. If you would like to know they reached us, 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 in view of them.
Public Meeting
We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for a meeting by writing to the address listed under ADDRESSES explaining why one 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.
Background and Purpose
For 2006, we propose to suspend 33 CFR 100.518 and issue a temporary rule to accommodate changes to the enforcement period for U.S. Naval Academy sponsored marine events. The dates for the marine events for 2006 will be; the Safety at Sea Seminar on April 1, 2006, the U.S. Naval Academy crew races on March 25, April 15, April 22, April 23, May 12 and May 28, 2006; and the Blue Angels air show on May 23 and May 24, 2006. The events will be enforced from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on those days and if the event's daily activities should conclude prior to 6 p.m., enforcement of this proposed regulation may be terminated for that day at the discretion of the Patrol Commander.
The U.S. Naval Academy who is the sponsor for all of these events intends to hold them annually on the dates provided in 33 CFR 100.518, however, in 2006, this is not possible. To accommodate the availability of the various marine event participants new dates were necessary to support the conduct of the events. The Coast Guard proposes to suspend 33 CFR 100.518 only from March 1, 2006 through June 1, 2006, which would also be the effective period of our proposed temporary rule.
33 CFR 100.518 would also be amended to reflect changes in the regulated area. The proposed northwest boundary of the regulated area is bounded by a line approximately 1300 yards north and parallel with the U.S. 50 Severn River Bridge. The proposed southeast boundary of the regulated area is extended approximately 1100 yards to the south to a point 700 yards east of Chinks Point, MD. These adjustments to the regulated area have been made to accommodate the aerobatic maneuvering area for the Blue Angels Air Show and encompass the rowing course for Naval Academy Crew Races. The proposed temporary rule also reflects these new regulated area boundaries.
Discussion of Proposed Rule
The Coast Guard proposes to suspend the regulations at 33 CFR 100.518 from March 1, 2006 through June 1, 2006 and establish a temporary rule that will be in effect during the time of the suspension. The suspension and creation of a new temporary rule is necessary to reflect new enforcement dates. The Coast Guard also proposes to adjust the boundaries of the regulated area for these events in both 33 CFR 100.518 and the temporary rule. These proposed changes are needed to control vessel traffic during the events to enhance the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels.
Regulatory Evaluation
This proposed rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. It is not ``significant'' under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under the regulatory policies and procedures of DHS is unnecessary. The effect of this proposed action merely establishes the dates on which the existing regulations would be enforced and modifies the boundaries of the regulated area. It would not impose any additional restrictions on vessel traffic.
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 dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000.
The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This proposed rule would affect the following entities, some of which might be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in a portion of the Severn River during the event.
This proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons. This proposed rule would merely establish the dates on which the existing regulations would be
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enforced and modify the boundaries of the regulated area. It would not impose any additional restrictions on vessel traffic.
If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it.
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 rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact the address listed under ADDRESSES. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.
Collection of Information
This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.).
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.
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 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.
Taking of Private Property
This proposed rule would not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Environment
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded that there are no factors in this case that would limit the use of a categorical exclusion under section 2.B.2 of the Instruction. Therefore, this rule is categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(h), of the Instruction, from further environmental documentation. Special local regulations issued in conjunction with a regatta or marine event permit are specifically excluded from further analysis and documentation under that section.
Under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(h), of the Instruction, an ``Environmental Analysis Check List'' and a ``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' are not required for this rule. Comments on this section will be considered before we make the final decision on whether to categorically exclude this rule from further environmental review.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100
Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 100 as follows:
PART 100--SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS
-
The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1233; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.
-
Revise Sec. 100.518, paragraphs (a)(1) and (c)(1) to read as follows:
Sec. 100.518 Severn River, College Creek, Weems Creek and Carr Creek, Annapolis, Maryland.
(a) Regulated area. (1) The regulated area is established for the waters of the Severn River from shoreline to shoreline, bounded to the northwest by a line drawn from the south shoreline at latitude 39[deg]00[min]38.9[sec] N, longitude
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076[deg]31[min]05.2[sec] W thence to the north shoreline at latitude 39[deg]00[min]54.7[sec] N, longitude 076[deg]30[min]44.8[sec] W, this line is approximately 1300 yards northwest of the U.S. 50 fixed highway bridge. The regulated area is bounded to the southeast by a line drawn from the Naval Academy Light at latitude 38[deg]58[min]39.5[sec] N, longitude 076[deg]28[min]49[sec] W thence southeast to a point 700 yards east of Chinks Point, MD at latitude 38[deg]58[min]1.9[sec] N, longitude 076[deg]28[min]1.7[sec] W thence northeast to Greenbury Point at latitude 38[deg]58[min]29[sec] N, longitude 076[deg]27[min]16[sec] W. All coordinates reference Datum NAD 1983. * * * * *
(c) Enforcement period. (1) This section will be enforced during, and 30 minutes before each of the following annual events: * * * * *
Sec. 100.518 [Suspended]
-
From March 1, 2006 through June 1, 2006, suspend Sec. 100.518.
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From March 1, 2006 through June 1, 2006, add temporary Sec. 100.35-T06-007 to read as follows:
Sec. 100.35-T06-007, Severn River, College Creek, Weems Creek and Carr Creek, Annapolis, Maryland.
(a) Regulated area. (1) The regulated area is established for the waters of the Severn River from shoreline to shoreline, bounded to the northwest by a line drawn from the south shoreline at latitude 39[deg]00[min]38.9[sec] N, longitude 076[deg]31[min]05.2[sec] W thence to the north shoreline at latitude 39[deg]00[min]54.7[sec] N, longitude 076[deg]30[min]44.8[sec] W, this line is approximately 1300 yards northwest of the U.S. 50 fixed highway bridge. The regulated area is bounded to the southeast by a line drawn from the Naval Academy Light at latitude 38[deg]58[min]39.5[sec] N, longitude 076[deg]28[min]49[sec] W thence southeast to a point 700 yards east of Chinks Point, MD at latitude 38[deg]58[min]1.9[sec] N, longitude 076[deg]28[min]1.7[sec] W thence northeast to Greenbury Point at latitude 38[deg]58[min]29[sec] N, longitude 076[deg]27[min]16[sec] W. All coordinates reference Datum NAD 1983.
(b) Definitions. (1) Coast Guard Patrol Commander means a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the Coast Guard who has been designated by the Commander, Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads.
(2) Official Patrol means any vessel assigned or approved by Commander, Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads with a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer on board and displaying a Coast Guard ensign.
(c) Special local regulations. (1) Except for persons or vessels authorized by the Coast Guard Patrol Commander, no person or vessel may enter or remain in the regulated area.
(2) The operator of any vessel in the immediate vicinity of the regulated area shall:
(i) Stop the vessel immediately when directed to do so by any Official Patrol and then proceed only as directed.
(ii) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Official Patrol.
(3) Any spectator vessel may anchor outside of the regulated area specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section but may not block a navigable channel.
(d) Enforcement period. (1) This section will be enforced from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on those days and if the event's daily activities should conclude prior to 6 p.m., enforcement of this proposed regulation may be terminated for that day at the discretion of the Patrol Commander. Enforcement will be during, and 30 minutes before each of the following annual events:
(i) Safety at Sea Seminar, April 1, 2006;
(ii) Naval Academy Crew Races, March 25, April 15, April 22, April 23, May 12 and May 28, 2006;
(iii) Blue Angels Air Show, May 23 and May 24, 2006.
(2) The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District will publish a notice in the Fifth Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners announcing the specific event times.
(e) Effective period. This section is effective from March 1, 2006 through June 1, 2006.
Dated: January 23, 2006. Larry L. Hereth, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. E6-1738 Filed 2-8-06; 8:45 am]
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