[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 248 (Monday, December 29, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 74863-74866]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-31892]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[COTP San Francisco Bay 03-030]
RIN 1625-AA00


Security Zone; Suisun Bay, Concord, CA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone in 
the navigable waters of the United States adjacent to the Military 
Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO), California (formerly United States 
Naval Weapons Center Concord, California). In light of recent terrorist 
actions against the United States, the security zone is necessary to 
ensure the safe onloading and offloading of military equipment and to 
ensure the safety of the nearby public from potential subversive acts. 
The security zone will prohibit all persons and vessels from entering, 
transiting through or anchoring within a portion of the Suisun Bay 
surrounding the MOTCO unless authorized by the Captain of the Port 
(COTP) or his designated representative.

DATES: This rule is effective from 7 a.m. PST on December 21, 2003, to 
11:59 p.m. PST on January 3, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket [COTP San Francisco Bay 03-030] and are 
available for inspection or copying at Coast Guard Marine Safety Office 
San Francisco Bay, Coast Guard Island, Alameda, California, 94501, 
between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Doug Ebbers, U.S. Coast 
Guard Marine Safety Office San Francisco Bay, at (510) 437-3073.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulatory Information

    We did not publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for this 
regulation. Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good 
cause exists for not publishing a NPRM. Additionally, 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 as the schedule and other logistical details were not known 
until a date fewer than 30 days prior to the start date of the military 
operation. Publishing a NPRM and delaying this rule's effective date 
would be contrary to the public interest since the safety and security 
of the people, ports, waterways, and properties of the Port Chicago and 
Suisun Bay areas would be jeopardized without the protection afforded 
by this security zone. Any delay in implementing this rule would be 
contrary to the public interest since immediate action is necessary to 
ensure the protection of all cargo vessels, their crews, the public and 
national security.

Background and Purpose

    Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade 
Center in New York, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and Flight 93, 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued several warnings 
concerning the potential for additional terrorist attacks within the 
United States. In addition, the ongoing hostilities in Afghanistan and 
the conflict in Iraq have made it prudent for U.S. ports to be on a 
higher state of alert because Al-Qaeda and other organizations have 
declared an ongoing intention to conduct armed attacks on U.S. 
interests worldwide.
    The threat of maritime attacks is real as evidenced by the attack 
on the USS Cole and the subsequent attack in October 2002 against a 
tank vessel off the coast of Yemen. These threats manifest a continuing 
threat to U.S. assets as described in the President's finding in 
Executive Order 13273 of August 21, 2002 (67 FR 56215, September 3, 
2002) that the security of the U.S. is endangered by the September 11, 
2001 attacks and that such aggression continues to endanger the 
international relations of the United States. See also Continuation of 
the National Emergency with Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks (67 FR 
58317, September 13, 2002), and Continuation of the National Emergency 
with Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, Or Support 
Terrorism (67 FR 59447, September 20, 2002). The U.S. Maritime 
Administration (MARAD) in Advisory 02-07 advised U.S. shipping 
interests to maintain a heightened status of alert against possible 
terrorist attacks. MARAD more recently issued Advisory 03-05 informing 
operators of maritime interests of increased threat possibilities to 
vessels and facilities and a higher risk of terrorist attack to the 
transportation

[[Page 74864]]

community in the United States. The ongoing foreign hostilities have 
made it prudent for U.S. ports and waterways to be on a higher state of 
alert because the Al-Qaeda organization and other similar organizations 
have declared and ongoing intention to conduct armed attacks on U.S. 
interests worldwide.
    In its effort to thwart terrorist activity, the Coast Guard has 
increased safety and security measures on U.S. ports and waterways. As 
part of the Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (Pub. L. 
99-399), Congress amended section 7 of the Ports and Waterways Safety 
Act (PWSA), 33 U.S.C. 1226, to allow the Coast Guard to take actions, 
including the establishment of security and safety zones, to prevent or 
respond to acts of terrorism against individuals, vessels, or public or 
commercial structures. The Coast Guard also has authority to establish 
security zones pursuant to the Act of June 15, 1917, as amended by the 
Magnuson Act of August 9, 1950 (50 U.S.C. 191 et seq.) and implementing 
regulations promulgated by the President in subparts 6.01 and 6.04 of 
part 6 of title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
    In this particular rulemaking, to address the aforementioned 
security concerns, United States Army officials have requested that the 
Captain of the Port, San Francisco Bay, California, establish a 
temporary security zone in the navigable waters of the United States 
surrounding the Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO), California, to 
safeguard vessels, cargo and crew engaged in military operations. This 
temporary security zone is necessary to safeguard the MOTCO terminal 
and the surrounding property from sabotage or other subversive acts, 
accidents or criminal acts. This zone is also necessary to protect 
military operations from compromise and interference and to 
specifically protect the people, ports, waterways, and properties of 
the Port Chicago and Suisun Bay areas.

Discussion of Rule

    In this temporary rule, the Coast Guard is establishing a fixed 
security zone around Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO), 
California, encompassing the navigable waters, extending from the 
surface to the sea floor, within a line connecting the following 
coordinates: latitude 38[deg]03'07'' N and longitude 122[deg]03'00'' W; 
thence to latitude 38[deg]03'15'' N and longitude 122[deg]03'04'' W; 
thence to latitude 38[deg]03'30'' N and longitude 122[deg]02'35'' W; 
thence to latitude 38[deg]03'50'' N and longitude 122[deg]01'15'' W; 
thence to latitude 38[deg]03'41'' N and longitude 122[deg]00'03'' W; 
thence to latitude 38[deg]03'18'' N and longitude 121[deg]59'31'' W, 
and along the shoreline back to the beginning point. The area 
encompassed by these connecting points includes the Seal Island 
Channel, all of the Port Chicago Reach section of the deepwater 
channel, and a small portion of both the Roe Island Channel and Middle 
Ground West Reach sections of the deepwater channel. Persons and 
vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through or anchoring 
within the security zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port 
(COTP) or his designated representative.
    Vessels or persons violating this section will be subject to the 
penalties set forth in 33 U.S.C. 1232 and 50 U.S.C. 192. Pursuant to 33 
U.S.C. 1232, any violation of the security zone described herein, is 
punishable by civil penalties (not to exceed $27,500 per violation, 
where each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation), 
criminal penalties (imprisonment up to 6 years and a maximum fine of 
$250,000), and in rem liability against the offending vessel. Any 
person who violates this section using a dangerous weapon, or who 
engages in conduct that causes bodily injury or fear of imminent bodily 
injury to any officer authorized to enforce this regulation, will also 
face imprisonment up to 12 years. Vessels or persons violating this 
section are also subject to the penalties set forth in 50 U.S.C. 192: 
Seizure and forfeiture of the vessel to the United States, a maximum 
criminal fine of $10,000, and imprisonment up to 10 years, and a civil 
penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day of a continuing 
violation. The Captain of the Port will enforce this zone and may 
enlist the aid and cooperation of any Federal, State, county, 
municipal, and private agency to assist in the enforcement of the 
regulation. This regulation is proposed under the authority of 33 
U.S.C. 1226 in addition to the authority contained in 50 U.S.C. 191 and 
33 U.S.C. 1231.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This 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. It is not ``significant'' under the 
regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS).
    Although this regulation restricts access to portions of navigable 
waters, the effect of this regulation will not be significant because 
the zone will encompass only a small portion of the waterway for a 
short duration. Vessels and persons may be allowed to enter these zones 
on a case-by-case basis with permission of the Captain of the Port or 
his designated representative.
    The size of the zone is the minimum necessary to provide adequate 
protection for MOTCO, vessels engaged in operations at MOTCO, their 
crews, other vessels operating in the vicinity, and the public. The 
entities most likely to be affected are commercial vessels transiting 
to or from Suisun Bay via the Port Chicago Reach section of the 
channel.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered whether this 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 rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. This rule will affect the following entities, some of which 
may be small entities: the owners and operators of vessels intending to 
anchor or transit to or from Suisun Bay via the Port Chicago Reach 
section of the channel. Although the security zone will occupy a 
section of the navigable channel (Port Chicago Reach) adjacent to the 
Marine Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO), vessels may receive 
authorization to transit through the zone by the Captain of the Port or 
his designated representative on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, 
vessels engaged in recreational activities, sightseeing and commercial 
fishing will have ample space outside of the security zone to engage in 
these activities. Small entities and the maritime public will be 
advised of this security zone via public notice to mariners.

Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offer to assist small 
entities in understanding the rule so that they could better evaluate 
its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process. If the 
rule will affect your small business, organization, or government 
jurisdiction and you have questions

[[Page 74865]]

concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact the 
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT for assistance in 
understanding this rule.
    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).

Collection of Information

    This rule calls 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 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 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.

Taking of Private Property

    This rule will 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 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 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 create an 
environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may 
disproportionately affect children.

Indian Tribal Governments

    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.

Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this 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.

Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, 
which guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and 
have concluded that 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, this rule is categorically excluded, under 
figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g), of the Instruction, from further 
environmental documentation because we are establishing a security 
zone.
    A final ``Environmental Analysis Check List'' and a final 
``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' are available in the docket 
where located under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

0
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. 1226, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701; 50 
U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Pub. 
L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security 
Delegation No. 0170.1.

0
2. Add Sec.  165.T11-099 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T11-099  Security Zone; Navigable Waters of the United States 
Surrounding Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO), Concord, 
California.

    (a) Location. The security zone, which will be marked by lighted 
buoys, will encompass the navigable waters, extending from the surface 
to the sea floor, surrounding the Military Ocean Terminal Concord, 
Concord, California, within a line connecting the following 
coordinates: latitude 38[deg]03'07'' N and longitude 122[deg]03'00'' W; 
thence to latitude 38[deg]03'15'' N and longitude 122[deg]03'04'' W; 
thence to latitude 38[deg]03'30'' N and longitude 122[deg]02'35'' W; 
thence to latitude 38[deg]03'50'' N and longitude 122[deg]01'15'' W; 
thence to latitude 38[deg]03'41'' N and longitude 122[deg]00'03'' W; 
thence to latitude 38[deg]03'18'' N and longitude 121[deg]59'31'' W, 
and along the shoreline back to the beginning point.
    (b) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 
Sec.  165.33 of this part, entering, transiting through or anchoring in 
this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of 
the Port, San Francisco Bay, or his designated representative.
    (2) Persons desiring to transit the area of the security zone may 
contact the Patrol Commander on scene on VHF-FM channel 13 or 16 or the 
Captain of the Port at telephone number 415-399-3547 to seek permission 
to transit the area. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels 
must comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port or his or 
her designated representative.
    (c) Authority. In addition to 33 U.S.C. 1231 and 50 U.S.C. 191, the 
authority for this section includes 33 U.S.C. 1226.
    (d) Enforcement. The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol 
and enforcement of the security zone by local law enforcement and the 
MOTCO police as necessary.
    (e) Effective period. This section becomes effective at 7 a.m. PST 
on December 21, 2003, and terminates at 11:59 p.m. PST on January 3, 
2004.


[[Page 74866]]


    Dated: December 17, 2003.
Gerald M. Swanson,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, San Francisco Bay, 
California.
[FR Doc. 03-31892 Filed 12-24-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-U