Safety Zone; Hudson River, Anchorage Ground 19-W

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 24 (Friday, February 5, 2016)

Federal Register Volume 81, Number 24 (Friday, February 5, 2016)

Rules and Regulations

Pages 6181-6183

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov

FR Doc No: 2016-02276

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

Docket Number USCG-2016-0028

RIN 1625-AA00

Safety Zone; Hudson River, Anchorage Ground 19-W

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in the waters of the Hudson River in the vicinity of Anchorage Ground 19-W. This zone is intended to restrict vessels from a portion of the Hudson River due to the presence of a dielectric oil leak from a submerged power cable, and the hazards associated with the cable repair vessels. This temporary safety zone is necessary to protect people and vessels from the hazards associated with this event. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port New York.

DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from February 5, 2016 through July 9, 2016. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from January 12, 2016 through February 5, 2016.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-

2016-0028 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 Petty Officer Kristina Pundt, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York; telephone 718-354-4352, email Kristina.H.Pundt@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Table of Abbreviations

   CFR Code of Federal Regulations

   DHS Department of Homeland Security

   E.O. Executive order

   FR Federal Register

   NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

   Pub. L. Public Law

   Sec. Section

   U.S.C. United States Code

2. Background Information and Regulatory History

   The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.'' Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because doing so would be impracticable. The Coast Guard received notification of the dielectric oil release from a submerged power cable on January 2, 2016. Thus, waiting for a notice and comment period to run would inhibit the Coast Guard from protecting the public and vessels from the possible hazards associated with this dielectric oil leak and the hazards associated with the cable repairs.

   We are issuing this rule, and under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making it effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. For the same reasons discussed in the preceding paragraph, waiting for a 30 day notice period to run would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest.

3. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

   The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231, 33 CFR 1.05-1 and 160.5; and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. The Captain of the Port New York (COTP) has determined that a temporary safety zone is necessary to ensure the safety of vessels from the hazards associated with this dielectric oil leak and power cable repairs.

   Establishing a safety zone to control vessel movements around the location of the dielectric oil leak will help ensure the safety of persons and property during assessment and response activities and help minimize the associated risks. Therefore, this rule will remain in effect for the time stated herein but will be cancelled if response activities are finished cease before July 9, 2016. The preliminary estimate for completion of the clean-up and cable repairs is February 11, 2016. This TFR provides for an extended enforcement period in case of unforeseen circumstances that prevent the contractors from completing the repairs within their initial estimated timeline.

4. Discussion of the Rule

   This rule establishes a safety zone from January 12, 2016 through July 9, 2016. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters of Anchorage Ground 19-W and the Hudson River within an area approximately 870-930 yards wide and 1,330-1,335 yards long near Edgewater, NJ.

   Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP or a designated representative. Vessel operators must contact the COTP or an on-scene representative to obtain permission to transit through this safety zone. The COTP or an on-scene representative may be contacted by VHF Channel 16.

5. Regulatory Analyses

   We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and E.O.s related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on these

   Page 6182

   statutes and E.O.s, and we discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

   1. Regulatory Planning and Review

      E.O.s 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. E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This rule has not been designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under E.O. 12866. Accordingly, it has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.

      We conclude that this rule is not a significant regulatory action because we anticipate that it will have minimal impact on the economy, will not interfere with other agencies, and will not adversely alter the budget of any grant or loan recipients. Vessel traffic will be able to safely transit around this safety zone. This safety zone only affects a small-designated area of the Hudson River waterway for a relatively short duration. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16.

   2. 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 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 (Pub. L. 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.

   3. 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).

   4. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

      A rule has implications for federalism under E.O. 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct 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 E.O. 13132.

      Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under E.O. 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 above.

   5. 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.

   6. Environment

      We have analyzed this 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(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 the establishment of a safety zone for approximately 30 days that will prohibit entry within the dielectric oil spill, cleanup, and power cable repair area, and is therefore categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination will be in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this rule.

   7. 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: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 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.T01-0028 to read as follows:

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         Sec. 165.T01-0028 Safety Zone: Hudson River, Anchorage Ground 19-W.

         (a) Location. The following area is a temporary safety zone: All U.S. navigable waters of the Hudson River bound by the following points: 40deg48'56.00'' N., 073deg58'47.08'' W.; thence to 40deg48'42.96'' N., 073deg58'15.00'' W.; thence to 40deg48'08.04'' N., 073deg58'38.82'' W.; thence to 40deg48'19.84'' N., 073deg59'09.31'' W., thence along the western shoreline to the point of origin. All coordinates are North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83).

         (b) Enforcement period. The safety zone described in paragraph (a) of this section will be enforced from January 12, 2016 until July 9, 2016, unless terminated sooner by the COTP.

         (c) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 33 CFR 165.23, entry into, transiting, or anchoring within this safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP or his designated on scene representative.

         (2) A ``on-scene representative'' of the COTP is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer or a Federal, State or local law enforcement officer designated by or assisting the COTP to act on his behalf.

         (3) Vessel operators must contact the COTP via the Command Center to obtain permission to enter or operate within the safety zone. The COTP may be contacted via VHF Channel 16 or at (718) 354-4353. Vessel operators given permission to enter or operate within the safety zone must comply with all directions given to them by the COTP, via the Command Center or an on-scene representative.

         Dated: January 12, 2016.

         M.H. Day,

         Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port New York.

         FR Doc. 2016-02276 Filed 2-4-16; 8:45 am

         BILLING CODE 9110-04-P