Safety Zone; Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Beach, FL
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 33 (Friday, February 16, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Number 33 (Friday, February 16, 2018)
Rules and Regulations
Pages 6964-6966
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2018-03228
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
Docket Number USCG-2018-0061
RIN 1625-AA00
Safety Zone; Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Beach, FL
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Temporary final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for the navigable waters within a 500 yard radius of the Kokosing Cable Lay Barge on the Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Beach, FL. This temporary safety zone is necessary to provide for the safety of life and property on these navigable waters during a power cable laying project taking place on the waterway. Entry into or transiting in this zone is prohibited to all vessels, mariners, and persons unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Mobile (COTP) or a designated representative.
DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from February 16, 2018 through March 30, 2018. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from February 10, 2018 through February 16, 2018.
ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2018-0061 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 Lieutenant Kyle D. Berry, Sector Mobile, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 251-441-5940, email email protected.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Table of Abbreviations
BNM Broadcast Notice to Mariners
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port Sector Mobile
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec. Section
U.S.C. United States Code
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Background Information and Regulatory History
The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary final 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)(3)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because it is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. It is impracticable to publish an NPRM because we must establish this safety zone by February 10, 2018 and lack sufficient time to provide a reasonable comment period and then consider those comments before issuing the rule. It is also contrary to the public interest as it would delay the safety measures necessary to protect life and property from the possible hazards associated with the power cable laying project.
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Delaying the effective date of this rule is contrary to public interest because it would delay the safety measures necessary to respond to potential safety hazards associated with this project. Immediate action is needed to protect vessels and mariners from the safety hazards associated with the power cable laying project on the waterway.
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Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231. The Captain of the Port Sector Mobile (COTP) has determined that potential hazards associated with the power cable laying project from February 10, 2018 through March 30, 2018 will be a safety concern for any vessels or persons in the vicinity of the Kokosing Cable Lay Barge located between positions 30deg21'26.0'' N, 87deg09'13.0'' W and 30deg20'04.7'' N, 87deg08'20.8'' W on the Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Beach, FL. This rule is needed to protect the public, mariners, and vessels from the potential hazards
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associated with a power cable laying project on the waterway.
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Discussion of the Rule
This rule establishes a temporary safety zone encompassing all navigable waters within a 500 yard radius of the power cable laying project in the vicinity of the Kokosing Cable Lay Barge located between positions 30deg21'26.0'' N, 87deg09'13.0'' W and 30deg20'04.7'' N, 87deg08'20.8'' W from February 10, 2018 through March 30, 2018. The location and duration of this safety zone is intended to protect persons and vessels during the power cable laying project taking place on this navigable waterway. No person or vessel will be permitted to enter or transit within the safety zone, unless specifically authorized by the COTP or a designated representative. A designated representative is a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard assigned to units under the operational control of USCG Sector Mobile. Vessels requiring entry into this safety zone must request permission from the COTP or a designated representative. They may be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 251-441-5976. Persons and vessels permitted to enter this safety zone must transit at their slowest safe speed and comply with all lawful directions issued by the COTP or the designated representative. Public notifications will be made to the local maritime community prior to the event through Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM).
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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 protectors.
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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 determination is based on the size, location, and duration of the safety zone. This temporary safety zone will only restrict navigation in a 500 yard radius portion of the Santa Rosa Sound, in Pensacola Beach, FL for duration of the power cable laying project. Moreover, the Coast Guard would issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the zone, and the rule would allow vessels to seek permission to enter the zone.
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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.
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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).
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Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 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 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 above.
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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 expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.
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Environment
We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023-01, which guides 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 that will prohibit entry within a 500 yard radius of the Kokosing Cable Lay Barge on the Santa Rosa Sound. It is categorically excluded from further
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review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev.01. A Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) supporting this determination is available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.
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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 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
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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.
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Add Sec. 165.T08-0061 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T08-0061 Safety Zone; Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Beach, FL.
(a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All navigable waters within a 500 yard radius of the Kokosing Cable Lay Barge located between positions 30deg21'26.0'' N, 87deg09'13.0'' W and 30deg20'04.7'' N, 87deg08'20.8'' W on the Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Beach, FL.
(b) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from February 10, 2018 through March 30, 2018.
(c) Regulations. (1) The general regulations contained in Sec. 165.23 as well as the regulations in this section apply to the regulated area.
(2) Entry into this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Mobile (COTP) or a designated representative. A designated representative is a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard assigned to units under the operational control of USCG Sector Mobile.
(3) Persons or vessels seeking to enter into or transit through the zone must request permission from the COTP or a designated representative. They may be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 251-441-5976.
(4) Persons and vessels permitted to enter this safety zone must transit at their slowest safe speed and comply with all lawful directions issued by the COTP or the designated representative.
(d) Informational broadcasts. The COTP or a designated representative will inform the public through broadcast notices to mariners of the enforcement period for the safety zone.
Dated: February 9, 2018.
M.R. Mclellan,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Mobile.
FR Doc. 2018-03228 Filed 2-15-18; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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