[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 206 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55451-55452]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-28288]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard
[CGD01-97-079]


Captain of the Port Boston; Meeting

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Captain of the Port Boston (COTP Boston) will hold a 
meeting to discuss various issues relating to anchored barges carrying 
oil or hazardous materials in bulk without an attending tug. This 
meeting is open to the public.

DATES: The meeting will be held on December 4, 1997 from 9:00 a.m. to 
12:00 p.m. Written materials and requests to make oral presentations 
should reach the COTP Boston on or before November 20, 2997.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the Function Room on the first 
floor of Building 1, at the Coast Guard Integrated Support Command, 427 
Commercial St., Boston, MA. Written material and requests to make oral 
presentations should be sent to Captain of the Port Boston, Coast Guard 
Marine Safety Office, 455 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02109-1045. 
Comments may also be hand-delivered to the above address between 8 a.m. 
and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LT Michael H. Day, Coast Guard Marine 
Safety Office Boston, MA; telephone (617) 223-3000.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is given pursuant to 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2.

[[Page 55452]]

Request for comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate by 
submitting written data, views, or arguments. Persons submitting 
comments should include their names and addresses, identify this 
specific Notice of Meeting (CGD01-97-079) and the specific issue to 
which each comment applies, and give reasons for each comment. The 
Coast Guard requests that all comments and attachments be submitted in 
an 8\1/2\'' x 11'' unbound format suitable for copying and electronic 
filing. If this is not practical, a second copy of any bound material 
is requested. Persons desiring acknowledgment of receipt of comments 
should enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope.
    The Coast Guard has scheduled a public meeting on December 4, 1997, 
at 9 a.m., to receive oral presentations. The public meeting will be 
held in the Function Room on the first floor of Building 1, at the 
Coast Guard Integrated Support Command, 427 Commercial St., Boston, MA.

Background

    Barges carrying oil or hazardous materials in bulk are periodically 
anchored in the waters of the COTP Boston zone without an attending 
tugboat. Depending on the weather and anchor holding conditions, a tank 
barge is vulnerable to grounding in the event that its anchor begins to 
drag or the anchor chain breaks. Early detection of a failed or 
dragging anchor and the quick response of a tugboat are essential in 
preventing barges from grounding.
    This Notice of Meeting is intended to address these concerns about 
public safety and the environment associated with this practice of 
leaving anchored barges unattended.

Agenda of Meeting

    Currently, there is no federal regulation that requires barges 
carrying oil or hazardous materials in bulk to be manned while left 
unattended at anchor. The Coast Guard seeks comments on methods and 
practices currently used for determining the position of a barge and 
providing tug assistance. Additionally, the Coast Guard seeks comments 
on means of improving current safety practices including the use of new 
technologies, manning requirements, and tug assistance.

Procedural

    All sessions are open to the public. At the Chairperson's 
discretion, members of the public may make oral presentations during 
the meeting. Persons wishing to make oral presentations at the meeting 
should notify LT Michael H. Day no later than November 20, 1997. 
Written material for distribution at the meeting should reach the COTP 
Boston no later than November 20, 1997. If a person submitting material 
would like copies distributed in advance of the meeting, that person 
should submit 25 copies to the COTP Boston no later than November 20, 
1997.

Information on Services for the Handicapped

    For information on facilities or services for the handicapped or to 
request special assistance at the meeting, contact COTP Boston as soon 
as possible.

    Dated: September 30, 1997.
J.L. Grenier,
Captain of the Port, Boston.
[FR Doc. 97-28288 Filed 10-23-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M