Ports and waterways safety: Macy's July 4th Fireworks, East River, NY; safety zone,
[Federal Register: December 26, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 248)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 81471-81474]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26de00-35]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
[CGD01-00-242]
RIN 2115-AA97
Safety Zone: Macy's July 4th Fireworks, East River, NY
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a permanent safety zone for the annual Macy's July 4th fireworks display. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic in a portion of the East River.
DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before February 9, 2001.
ADDRESSES: You may mail comments and related material to Waterways Oversight Branch (CGD01-00-242), Coast Guard Activities New York, 212 Coast Guard Drive, room 204, Staten Island, New York 10305. The Waterways Oversight Branch of Coast Guard Activities New York 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 room 204, Coast Guard Activities New York, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant M. Day, Waterways Oversight Branch, Coast Guard Activities New York (718) 354-4012.
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 (CGD01-00- 242), 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
[[Page 81472]]
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 Waterways Oversight Branch at the address 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
The Coast Guard proposes to establish a permanent safety zone for the annual Macy's July 4th fireworks display in the East River. The safety zone encompasses all waters of the East River east of a line drawn from the Fireboat Station Pier, Battery Park City, in approximate position 40 deg.42'15.4"N 074 deg.01'06.8"W (NAD 1983) to Governors Island Light (2) (LLNR 35010), in approximate position 40 deg.41'34.4"N 074 deg.01'10.9"W (NAD 1983); north of a line drawn from Governors Island, in approximate position 40 deg.41'25.3"N 074 deg.00'42.5"W (NAD 1983) to the southwest corner of Pier 9A, Brooklyn; south of a line drawn from East 47th Street, Manhattan through the southern point of Roosevelt Island to 46 Road, Brooklyn, and all waters of Newtown Creek west of the Pulaski Bascule Bridge.
Vessels equal to or greater than 20 meters (65.6 feet) in length, carrying persons for the purpose of viewing the fireworks, may take position in an area inside the safety zone, at least 200 yards off the bulkhead on the west bank and just off the pierhead faces on the east bank of the East River between the Williamsburg Bridge and North 9th Street, Brooklyn. This area is bound by the following points: 40 deg.42'45.5"N 073 deg.58'07.4"W; thence to 40 deg.42'50.4"N 073 deg.58'23.2"W; thence to 40 deg.43'23.1"N 073 deg.58'12.7"W; thence to 40 deg.43'21.5"N 073 deg.57'45.7"W; (NAD 1983) thence back to the point of beginning. All vessels must be in this location by 6:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) the day of the event.
Once in position within the zone, all vessels must remain in position until released by the Captain of the Port, New York. On-scene- patrol personnel will monitor the number of designated vessels taking position in the viewing area of the zone. If it becomes apparent that any additional spectator vessels in the viewing area will create a safety hazard, the patrol commander may prevent additional vessels from entering it. After the event has concluded and the fireworks barges have safely relocated outside of the main channel, vessels will be allowed to depart the viewing area as directed by the patrol commander.
We created the viewing area within this safety zone in order to reduce significant safety hazards in this area of the East River, due in great part, to the extremely strong currents. Based on experience from similar events in this area of the East River, we are concerned that smaller spectator craft located in between the two fireworks barge sites could drift into the fallout zone of either barge site. Additionally, experience from previous events has also shown that having large and small craft located in a confined area presents safety hazards for both sized vessels due to vessel wake, anchor swing radii, and restricted visibility of larger vessels in a confined area.
One safety zone is required for this large section of the East River because the Coast Guard has a limited amount of assets available to patrol this event. If we made this zone into two zones, we could not adequately enforce the boundaries of both zones, and the safety of the port and the mariners would be unacceptably compromised because of the two nearby fireworks barge locations in a confined waterway with significant currents. Fireworks barge locations are normally south of Roosevelt Island and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Staten Island Ferries may continue services to their ferry slip at Whitehall Street, Manhattan. Continuing ferry services in the southwestern portion of the safety zone will not create a hazard nor be threatened by the fireworks display because Vessel Traffic Services New York will monitor and control the transits of these ferries. Failure to allow these continued ferry services will have a negative impact on residents of Staten Island, NY, and those persons traveling to and from Manhattan at the end of a national holiday.
The proposed safety zone is effective from 6:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) until 11:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) on July 4th. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, then this proposed safety zone is effective from 6:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) until 11:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) on July 5th. The proposed safety zone prevents vessels from transiting this portion of the East River and is needed to protect boaters from the hazards associated with fireworks launched from 6 barges in the area. No vessel may enter the safety zone without permission from the Captain of the Port, New York.
This safety zone covers the minimum area needed and imposes the minimum restrictions necessary to ensure the protection of all vessels and the fireworks handlers aboard the barges.
Public notifications will be made prior to the event via the Local Notice to Mariners, marine information broadcasts, facsimile, and Macy's waterways telephone hotline. In previous years this telephone hotline has been established in early June.
Discussion of Proposed Rule
The proposed safety zone is for the Macy's July 4th fireworks display held in the East River, NY. This event is held annually on July 4th. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, then this event will be held on July 5th. This rule is being proposed to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event, to give the marine community the opportunity to comment on this event, and to decrease the amount of annual paperwork required for this event.
The proposed size of this safety zone was determined using National Fire Protection Association and New York City Fire Department standards for 8 to 12 inch mortars fired from a barge, combined with the Coast Guard's knowledge of tide and current conditions in this area.
Regulatory Evaluation
This proposed rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 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 Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040, February 26, 1979).
We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary.
This safety zone temporarily closes a major portion of the East River to vessel traffic. There is a regular flow of traffic through this area; however, the impact of this regulation is expected to be minimal for the following reasons: the limited duration of the event; the extensive, advance advisories that will be made to allow the maritime community to schedule transits before and after the event; the event is taking place at a late hour on a national holiday; the event has been held for twenty-three years in succession and is therefore anticipated annually, small businesses may experience an increase in revenue due to the event; advance notifications will be made to the local
[[Page 81473]]
maritime community by the Local Notice to Mariners, marine information broadcasts, facsimile, and the event sponsor establishes and advertises a telephone hotline which waterways users may call prior to the event for details of the safety zone. This telephone number will be published via the Local Notice to Mariners and facsimile. The number is normally activated in early June each year.
Small Entities
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we 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 East River during the times these zones are activated.
This safety zone would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: the limited duration of the event; the extensive, advance advisories that will be made to allow the maritime community to schedule transits before and after the event; the event is taking place at a late hour on a national holiday; the event has been held for twenty-three years in succession and is therefore anticipated annually, small businesses may experience an increase in revenue due to the event; advance notifications will be made to the local maritime community by the Local Notice to Mariners, marine information broadcasts, facsimile, and the event sponsor establishes and advertises a telephone hotline which waterways users may call prior to the event for details of the safety zone. This telephone number will be published via the Local Notice to Mariners and facsimile. The number is normally activated in early June each year.
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 Lieutenant M. Day, Waterways Oversight Branch, Coast Guard Activities New York (718) 354-4012.
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
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13132 and have determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism under that Order.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) governs the issuance of Federal regulations that require unfunded mandates. An unfunded mandate is a regulation that requires a State, local, or tribal government or the private sector to incur direct costs without the Federal Government's having first provided the funds to pay those costs. This proposed rule would not impose an unfunded mandate.
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 does not concern an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children.
Environment
We considered the environmental impact of this proposed rule and concluded that, under figure 2-1, paragraph 34(g), of Commandant Instruction M16475.1C, this proposed rule is categorically excluded from further environmental documentation. This proposed rule fits paragraph 34(g) as it establishes a safety zone. A ``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' is available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.
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 proposes to amend 33 CFR Part 165 as follows:
Part 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
-
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(g), 6.04-1, 6.04-6, 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46.
-
Add Sec. 165.166 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.166 Safety Zone: Macy's July 4th Fireworks, East River, NY.
(a) Regulated Area. The following area is a safety zone: All waters of the East River east of a line drawn from the Fireboat Station Pier, Battery Park City, in approximate position 40 deg.42'15.4"N 074 deg.01'06.8"W (NAD 1983) to Governors Island Light (2) (LLNR 35010), in approximate position 40 deg.41'34.4"N 074 deg.01'10.9"W (NAD 1983); north of a line drawn from Governors Island, in approximate position 40 deg.41'25.3"N 074 deg.00'42.5"W (NAD 1983) to the southwest corner of Pier 9A, Brooklyn; south of a line drawn from East 47th Street, Manhattan through the southern point of Roosevelt Island to 46 Road, Brooklyn, and all waters of Newtown Creek west of the Pulaski Bascule Bridge.
(b) Activation Period. This section is activated annually from 6:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) until 11:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) on July 4th. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather then this section is in effect from 6:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) until 11:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) on July 5th.
[[Page 81474]]
(c) Regulations. (1) The general regulations contained in 33 CFR 165.23 apply.
(2) No vessels, except the Staten Island Ferries, will be allowed to transit the safety zone without the permission of the Captain of the Port, New York.
(3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or the designated on-scene patrol personnel. These personnel comprise commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the Coast Guard. Upon being hailed by a U. S. Coast Guard vessel by siren, radio, flashing light, or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed.
(4) Vessels equal to or greater than 20 meters (65.6 feet) in length carrying persons for the purpose of viewing the firework may take position in an area inside the safety zone, at least 200 yards off the bulkhead on the west bank just off the pierhead faces on the east bank of the East River between the Williamsburg Bridge and North 9th Street, Brooklyn. This area is bound by the following points: 40 deg.42'45.5"N 073 deg.58'07.4"W; thence to 40 deg.42'50.4"N 073 deg.58'23.2"W; thence to 40 deg.43'23.1"N 073 deg.58'12.7"W; thence to 40 deg.43'21.5"N 073 deg.57'45.7"W; (NAD 1983) thence back to the point of beginning. All vessels must be in this location by 6:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) the day of the event.
Dated: November 3, 2000. P.A. Harris, Captain, U. S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, New York, Acting.
[FR Doc. 00-32826Filed12-22-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-U
