[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 135 (Thursday, July 15, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41119-41121]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17115]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 100
[Docket No. USCG-2010-0518]
RIN 1625-AA08
Special Local Regulations; Sabine River, Orange, TX
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary Special
Local Regulation in the Port Arthur Captain of the Port Zone on the
Sabine River, Orange, Texas. This Special Local Regulation is intended
to restrict vessels from portions of the Sabine River during the
Thunder on the Sabine boat races. This Special Local Regulation is
necessary to protect spectators and vessels from the hazards associated
with powerboat races.
DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast
Guard on or before August 16, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2010-0518 using any one of the following methods:
(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
(2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
(3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
(4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone
number is 202-366-9329.
To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods.
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on
submitting comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed
rule, call or e-mail Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur,
TX, Coast Guard; telephone 409-719-5086, e-mail
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting
material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket
Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Public Participation and Request for Comments
We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted
without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any
personal information you have provided.
Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
rulemaking (USCG-2010-0518), indicate the specific section of this
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material
online (via http://www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail, or hand
delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a
comment online via http://www.regulations.gov, it will be considered
received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment.
If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered
as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the
Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and
a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body
of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions
regarding your submission.
To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov,
click on the ``submit a comment'' box, which will then become
highlighted in blue. In the ``Document Type'' drop down menu select
``Proposed Rule'' and insert ``USCG-2010-0518'' in the ``Keyword'' box.
Click ``Search'' then click on the balloon shape in the ``Actions''
column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit
them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable
for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and
would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a
stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all
comments and material received during the comment period and may change
the rule based on your comments.
Viewing Comments and Documents
To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov,
click on the ``read comments'' box, which will then become highlighted
in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box insert ``USCG-2010-0518'' and click
``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column.
You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on
the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an
agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket
Management Facility.
Privacy Act
Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).
Public Meeting
We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a
request for one using one of the four methods specified under
ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public meeting 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
This temporary special local regulation is necessary to ensure the
safety of vessels and spectators from hazards associated with a
powerboat race. The Captain of the Port has determined that powerboat
races in close proximity to watercraft and infrastructure pose
significant risk to public safety and property. The likely combination
of large numbers of recreation vessels, powerboats traveling at high
speeds, and large numbers of spectators in close proximity to the water
could easily result in serious injuries or fatalities. Establishing a
special local regulation around the location of the race course will
help ensure the safety of persons and property at these events and help
minimize the associated risks.
[[Page 41120]]
Discussion of Proposed Rule
This proposed temporary special local regulation is necessary to
ensure the safety of spectators and vessels during the setup, course
familiarization, testing and race in conjunction with the Orange, TX,
Thunder on the Sabine boat races. The powerboat race and associated
testing will occur between 8 a.m. on September 25, 2010 and 6 p.m. on
September 26, 2010. The special local regulation will be enforced daily
from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 25 and 26, 2010.
The special local regulation will encompass all waters of the
Sabine River adjacent to Naval Reserve Center and Orange, TX public
boat ramp. The northern boundary will be from the end of Navy Pier One
at 30[deg]05'45'' N/ 093[deg]43'24'' W then easterly to the rivers
eastern shore. The southern boundary is a line shoreline to shoreline
at latitude 30[deg]05'33'' N. All geographic coordinates are North
American Datum of 1983 [NAD 83].
All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the
Coast Guard Captain of the Port or the designated on scene patrol
personnel. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the special
local regulation area is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of
the Port or his designated on scene representative. For authorization
to enter the proposed safety zone, vessels can contact the Captain of
the Port's on scene representative on VHF Channel 16 or Vessel Traffic
Service Port Arthur on VHF Channel 65A, by telephone at (409) 719-5070,
or by facsimile at (409) 719-5090
Regulatory Analyses
We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes
and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our
analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.
Regulatory Planning and Review
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.
We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so
minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation is unnecessary. The basis of
this finding is that the safety zone will only be in effect for 10
hours each day and notifications to the marine community will be made
through broadcast notice to mariners and Marine Safety Information
Bulletin. During non-enforcement hours all vessels will be allowed to
transit through the safety zone without permission of the Captain of
the Port, Port Arthur or a designated representative. Additionally,
scheduled breaks will be provided to allow waiting vessels to transit
safely through the safety zone.
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 not have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: (1)
This rule will only be enforced from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day that
it is effective; (2) during non-enforcement hours all vessels will be
allowed to transit through the safety zone without having to obtain
permission from the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur or a designated
representative; and (3) vessels will be allowed to pass through the
zone with permission of the Coast Guard Patrol Commander during
scheduled break periods between races and at other times when permitted
by the Coast Guard Patrol Commander.
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 Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety
Unit Port Arthur, TX; telephone (409) 719-5086, e-mail
[email protected]. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against
small entities that question or complain about this proposed 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 (adjusted for
inflation) 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 cause 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
[[Page 41121]]
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 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 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and
have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a
category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a
significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves the
establishment of a special local regulation. Based on our preliminary
determination, 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, we believe that this rule should be categorically excluded.
Because this event establishes a special local regulation, paragraph
(34)(h) of figure 2-1 of the Instruction applies. Thus, no further
environmental documentation is required. We seek any comments or
information that may lead to the discovery of a significant
environmental impact from this proposed rule.
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
1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1233.
2. Add a new temporary Sec. 100.35T08-0518 to read as follows:
Sec. 100.35T08-0518 Safety Zone; Sabine River, Orange, TX.
(a) Definitions. As used in this section ``Participant Vessel''
means all vessels registered with event officials to race or work in
the event. These vessels include race boats, rescue boats, tow boats,
and picket boats associated with the race.
(b) Location. The following area is a safety zone: all waters of
the Sabine River, shoreline to shoreline, adjacent to the Naval Reserve
Unit and the Orange public boat ramps located in Orange, TX. The
northern boundary is from the end of Navy Pier One at 30[deg]05'45'' N/
093[deg]43'24'' W then easterly to the rivers eastern shore. The
southern boundary is a line shoreline to shoreline at latitude
30[deg]05'33'' N.
(c) Effective Period. This regulation is effective from 8 a.m. on
September 25, 2010, to 6 p.m. on September 26, 2010. This regulation
will be enforced daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on September 25 and 26,
2010.
(d) Regulations.
(1) In accordance with the general regulations in Sec. 100.35 of
this part, entry into this zone is prohibited to all vessels except
participant vessels and those vessels specifically authorized by the
Captain of the Port, Port Arthur or a designated representative.
(2) Persons or vessels requiring entry into or passage through must
request permission from the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur, or a
designated representative. They may be contacted on VHF Channel 13 or
16, or by telephone at (409) 723-6500.
(3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of
the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur, designated representatives and
designated on-scene U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel. On-scene U.S.
Coast Guard patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty
officers of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Dated: June 3, 2010.
J.J. Plunkett,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Port Arthur.
[FR Doc. 2010-17115 Filed 7-14-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P