Safety Zone for Fireworks Display; Patapsco River, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
| Citation | 84 FR 54029 |
| Record Number | 2019-21774 |
| Published date | 09 October 2019 |
| Section | Rules and Regulations |
| Court | Coast Guard |
Federal Register, Volume 84 Issue 196 (Wednesday, October 9, 2019)
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 9, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54029-54032]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21774]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket Number USCG-2019-0571]
RIN 1625-AA00
Safety Zone for Fireworks Display; Patapsco River, Inner Harbor,
Baltimore, MD
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Temporary final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for
certain waters of the Patapsco River.
[[Page 54030]]
This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these
navigable waters of the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD, during a fireworks
display on November 10, 2019, (with an alternate date of November 11,
2019). This regulation prohibits persons and vessels from being in the
safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Maryland-
National Capital Region or a designated representative.
DATES: This rule is effective from 11 p.m. on November 10, 2019,
through 1 a.m. on November 12, 2019. This rule will be enforced from 11
p.m. on November 10, 2019, through 1 a.m. on November 11, 2019, or, in
the event of inclement weather on November 10th, from 11 p.m. on
November 11, 2019, through 1 a.m. on November 12, 2019.
ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2019-0571 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open
Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule,
call or email Mr. Ron Houck, Sector Maryland-National Capital Region
Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 410-576-
2674, email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Sec. Section
U.S.C. United States Code
II. Background Information and Regulatory History
The Coast Guard was notified of two fireworks events on the
navigable waters of the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD. Serpico
Pyrotechnics, LLC of Toms River, NJ, notified the Coast Guard that it
will be conducting a private fireworks display from 9:50 p.m. to 10
p.m. on September 21, 2019, to commemorate a wedding. And, the
Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts of Baltimore, MD, notified
the Coast Guard that it will be conducting a fireworks display from
11:30 p.m. to midnight on November 10, 2019, (rain date of November 11,
2019) to end their ten-day Light and Literature Unite festival.
In response, on July 15, 2019, the Coast Guard published a notice
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled ``Safety Zone for Fireworks
Displays; Patapsco River, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD'' (84 FR 33713).
There we stated why we issued the NPRM, and invited comments on our
proposed regulatory action related to these fireworks displays. During
the comment period that ended August 14, 2019, we received one comment.
Additionally, after publication of the NPRM, the sponsor of the
September 21st fireworks display notified the Coast Guard that they
would not be conducting the event.
III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C.
70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231). The COTP has determined that
potential hazards associated with the fireworks to be used in the
display on November 10, 2019, will be a safety concern for anyone in
the Inner Harbor near the five firework floating platforms. The purpose
of this rule is to ensure safety of vessels and the navigable waters in
the safety zone before, during, and after the scheduled event. It is
important to note that the Coast Guard's authority is limited to
assuring safety of navigation. Coast Guard does not have jurisdiction
over the fireworks themselves and cannot enforce the overall activity,
through land security, debris clean up etc. unless there is a clear
link to safety of navigation.
IV. Discussion of Comments
As noted above, we received one comment on our NPRM published July
15, 2019. The commenter expressed support for the rule, but requested
greater detail concerning eight issues.
1. The type of security surrounding the Inner Harbor and the buffer
zone on the ground and sea, as well as the number of roving patrols on
both the land and sea.
This rule applies the Coast Guard's authority to impose appropriate
controls on waters under its jurisdiction where it is necessary to
provide for the safety of life during a fireworks display. The type and
scope of security provided for the fireworks display is the
responsibility of the event sponsor.
2. The scope of responsibility of the event sponsor, the Baltimore
Office of Promotion and The Arts of Baltimore, MD.
The Coast Guard does not provide approval for fireworks displays,
however, it identifies the event sponsor as responsible for the overall
safety of a fireworks display. This includes the protection of
participants and spectators from the hazards of the event. National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1123, Code for Fireworks Display,
contains the industry standards for outdoor aerial fireworks set by the
NFPA. NFPA 1123 defines the sponsor as ``the organization (person,
group, or government agency) that arranges with a duly authorized
firework supplier for its services in presenting a fireworks display or
in providing fireworks for use in a display.'' NFPA 1123 further states
the sponsor for an outdoor fireworks display is responsible for
obtaining a display permit from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
prior to performing the fireworks display, if the operator or fireworks
supplier does not. This approval includes providing, for review to the
extent required by the AHJ, (i) verifiable proof of liability insurance
of a type and amount deemed appropriate, (ii) a display site plan in
the form of a diagram depicting the location of the display, (iii)
written description of the event operating procedures, including
emergency procedures, and (iv) provisions for both fire protection and
crowd control, of the level required for the display.
3. The policing up of the refuse by-product of fireworks and excess
fallout on water surface, if any, or a contingency plan to minimize the
fallout.
The Coast Guard does not provide approval for fireworks displays,
however, it identifies the event sponsor as responsible for the results
of said displays. NFPA 1123 does not specifically address the
collection of firework remnants after the display. It states that the
firing crew shall conduct an inspection of the fallout area for the
purpose of locating any unexploded aerial shells or live components
following the fireworks display and before any public access to the
site is allowed, and when fireworks are displayed at night, a search of
the fallout area shall be made immediately after the display and at
first light the following morning.
4. Compensation aspects for security for participating law
enforcement and Federal agencies to include special duty pay for off
duty law enforcement personnel.
The Coast Guard does not provide security for the fireworks, nor
does it compensate those law enforcement agencies providing such
service for the sponsor. The employment and compensation of law
enforcement personnel providing security for the fireworks is the
responsibility of the event sponsor.
5. The possibility of intoxicated members of the public wandering
into the safety zone.
The Coast Guard understands that fireworks spectators, whether they
are intoxicated or not, may approach the
[[Page 54031]]
safety zone. In addition to the constructive notice provided by
publication of this rule in the Federal Register, to enforce the safety
zone established by this rule, the COTP will provide on scene patrol
resources.
6. Posted signs of repercussions with proposed rule number to be
used as a deterrent to trespassing personnel during proposed times.
This regulation requires that the sponsor post on the port and
starboard sides of the barge on-scene within the area of the safety
zone, a ``FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY'' sign during the period
indicating this safety zone will be enforced. The COTP will notify the
public that the safety zone in this rule will be enforced by all
appropriate means to the affected segments of the public, including
publication in the Federal Register, as practicable, in accordance with
33 CFR 165.7(a). Such means of notification may also include, but are
not limited to, Broadcast Notice to Mariners or Local Notice to
Mariners. Vessels or persons violating this rule are subject to the
penalties set forth in 46 U.S.C. 70036 (previously codified in 33
U.S.C. 1232) and 46 U.S.C. 70052 (previously codified in 50 U.S.C.
192).
7. Proximity to and sufficient number of first responders (fire and
rescue services) both on land and sea.
The Coast Guard does not arrange for fire and rescue resources for
the display. NFPA 1123 states the sponsor consults with the AHJ, the
local responding fire department (if different from the AHJ) and the
operator to determine the level of fire protection required, that fire
protection and other emergency response personnel and their vehicles
remain at or beyond the perimeter of the display site during the actual
firing of the display, and that watercraft ready and capable of
providing rapid emergency response be present during the display.
8. Lighting for posted signs on land and road blocks or caution
signs on surface streets surrounding the harbor for increased traffic
warn drivers and pedestrians about the scheduled fireworks displays who
may become distracted by the night sky being filled with bright lights
and sounds.
The Coast Guard's broad legal authority over navigation safety in
the navigable waters of the United States does not extend landside to
those areas described, which are subject to Federal, State, and local
agencies.
V. Changes From the NPRM and Discussion of the Rule
There is one change in the regulatory text of this rule from the
proposed rule in the NPRM. As a result of the event sponsor's
notification cancelling the fireworks display from a barge in the Inner
Harbor, Baltimore, MD, on September 21, 2019, the Coast Guard has
removed the enforcement period for this event proposed in the NPRM.
This rule establishes a safety zone to be enforced from 11 p.m. on
November 10, 2019, to 1 a.m. on November 11, 2019, (or alternatively,
in case of rain, from 11 p.m. on November 11, 2019, to 1 a.m. on
November 12, 2019). The safety zone will cover all navigable waters of
the Patapsco River, Inner Harbor, from shoreline to shoreline, within
an area bounded on the east by longitude 076[deg]36'12'' W, and bounded
on the west by the Inner Harbor west bulkhead, located at Baltimore,
MD. The duration of the zone is intended to ensure the safety of
vessels and these navigable waters before, during, and after the
scheduled 11:30 p.m. fireworks display. No vessel or person will be
permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from
the COTP or a designated representative.
V. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders, and we
discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control
regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This rule has not been
designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order
12866. Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt
from the requirements of Executive Order 13771.
This regulatory action determination is based on size, duration,
time-of-day and time-of-year of the safety zone. Although this safety
zone will restrict the entire width of the waterway, it will impact a
small designated area of the Inner Harbor for a total of two hours
during the evening when vessel traffic is normally low. The Coast Guard
will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16
about the zone.
B. Impact on Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. 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 received no comments from the Small Business
Administration on this rulemaking. The Coast Guard certifies under 5
U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the
safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section
V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any
vessel owner or operator.
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-121), we want to assist small
entities in understanding this rule. 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 person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section.
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). 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.
C. Collection of Information
This rule will not call for a new collection of information under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct
[[Page 54032]]
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. We have
analyzed this rule under that Order and have determined that it is
consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption
requirements described in Executive Order 13132.
Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments, because it does 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. If
you believe this rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes,
please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section.
E. 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 rule will not result in
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere
in this preamble.
F. Environment
We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security
Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series),
which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have
determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not
individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human
environment. This rule involves a safety zone to be enforced for 2
hours that will prohibit entry within a small designated area of the
Inner Harbor at Baltimore, MD. It is categorically excluded from
further review under paragraph L60(a) in Table 3-1 of U.S. Coast Guard
Environmental Planning Implementing Procedures 5090.1. A Record of
Environmental Consideration supporting this determination is available
in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.
G. Protest Activities
The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters.
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or
security of people, places or vessels.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends
33 CFR part 165 as follows:
PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-
6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.
0
2. Add Sec. 165.T05-0571 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T05-0571 Safety Zone for Fireworks Display; Patapsco River,
Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD.
(a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All navigable
waters of the Patapsco River, Inner Harbor, from shoreline to
shoreline, within an area bounded on the east by longitude
076[deg]36'12'' W, and bounded on the west by the Inner Harbor west
bulkhead, located at Baltimore, MD. All coordinates refer to datum NAD
1983.
(b) Definitions. As used in this section:
Captain of the Port (COTP) means the Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
Sector Maryland-National Capital Region.
Designated representative means any Coast Guard commissioned,
warrant, or petty officer who has been authorized by the Captain of the
Port Maryland-National Capital Region to assist in enforcing the safety
zone described in paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in
subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in
paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the
COTP's designated representative. All vessels underway within this
safety zone at the time it is activated are to depart the zone.
(2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's
designated representative by telephone at 410-576-2693 or on Marine
Band Radio VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). The Coast Guard vessels
enforcing this section can be contacted on Marine Band Radio VHF-FM
channel 16 (156.8 MHz).
(3) Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or
directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's designated
representative.
(d) Enforcement officials. The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in
the patrol and enforcement of the safety zone by Federal, State, and
local agencies.
(e) Enforcement. This safety zone will be enforced during the
period described in paragraph (f) of this section. A ``FIREWORKS--
DANGER--STAY AWAY'' sign will be posted on the port and starboard sides
of the barge on-scene near the location described in paragraph (a) of
this section.
(f) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from 11 p.m.
on November 10, 2019, to 1 a.m. on November 11, 2019. If necessary due
to inclement weather on November 10, 2019, this section will be
enforced from 11 p.m. on November 11, 2019, to 1 a.m. on November 12,
2019.
Dated: October 2, 2019.
Joseph B. Loring,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital
Region.
[FR Doc. 2019-21774 Filed 10-8-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
