[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13221-13224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-5144]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 100

[CGD05-07-020]
RIN 1625-AA08


Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Delaware River, 
Delaware City, DE

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 13222]]

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish temporary special local 
regulations during the ``7th Annual Escape from Fort Delaware 
Triathlon'', an event to be held June 9, 2007 on the waters of Delaware 
River at Delaware City, DE. These special local regulations are 
necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during 
the event. This action is intended to temporarily restrict vessel 
traffic in a portion of the Delaware River during the 7th Annual Escape 
from Fort Delaware Triathlon.

DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or 
before April 20, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may mail comments and related material to Commander 
(dpi), Fifth Coast Guard District, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, 
Virginia 23704-5004, hand-deliver them to Room 415 at the same address 
between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays, fax them to (757) 391-8149, or e-mail them to 
[email protected]. The Inspections and Investigations Branch, 
Fifth Coast Guard District, 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 the above address between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: D. M. Sens, Project Manager, 
Compliance and Inspection Branch, at (757) 398-6204.

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 (CGD05-07-
020), 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 
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 address listed 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

    On June 9, 2007, the Escape from Fort Delaware Triathlon, Inc. will 
sponsor the ``7th Annual Escape from Fort Delaware Triathlon''. The 
swimming segment of the event will consist of approximately 500 
swimmers competing across a one mile course along the Delaware River 
between Pea Patch Island and Delaware City, Delaware. The competition 
will begin at Pea Patch Island. The participants will swim across to 
the finish line located at the Delaware City Wharf, swimming 
approximately one mile, across Bulkhead Shoal Channel. Approximately 20 
support vessels will accompany the swimmers. Due to the need for vessel 
control during the swimming event, the Coast Guard will temporarily 
restrict vessel traffic in the event area to provide for the safety of 
participants, support craft and other transiting vessels.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The Coast Guard proposes to establish temporary special local 
regulations on specified waters of the Delaware River between Fort 
Delaware on Pea Patch Island and the Delaware City Wharf at Delaware 
City, Delaware. The temporary special local regulations will be in 
effect from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on June 9, 2007. The effect will be 
to restrict general navigation in the regulated area during the event. 
Except for persons or vessels authorized by the Coast Guard Patrol 
Commander, no person or vessel may enter or remain in the regulated 
area. Vessel traffic may be allowed to transit the regulated area at 
slow speed as the swim progresses, when the Coast Guard Patrol 
Commander determines it is safe to do so. The Patrol Commander will 
notify the public of specific enforcement times by Marine Radio Safety 
Broadcast. These regulations are needed to control vessel traffic 
during the event to enhance the safety of participants, spectators and 
transiting vessels.

Regulatory Evaluation

    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. It is not ``significant'' 
under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS).
    We expect the economic impact of this rule to be so minimal that a 
full Regulatory Evaluation under the regulatory policies and procedures 
of DHS is unnecessary.
    Although this proposed regulation restricts vessel traffic from 
transiting a portion of the Delaware River during the event, the effect 
of this regulation will not be significant due to the limited duration 
that the regulated area will be in effect and the extensive advance 
notifications that will be made to the maritime community via marine 
information broadcasts, area newspapers and radio stations so mariners 
can adjust their plans accordingly.

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 rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. This proposed rule will affect the following entities, some 
of which may be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels 
intending to transit this section of the Delaware River during the 
event.
    This proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities for the following reasons. This 
rule will be in effect for only a short period, from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 
a.m. on June 9, 2007. Vessels desiring to transit the event area will 
be able to transit the regulated area at slow speed as the swim 
progresses, when the Coast Guard Patrol Commander determines it is safe 
to do so. Before the enforcement period, we will issue maritime 
advisories so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity

[[Page 13223]]

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 the rule so that they could better evaluate 
its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process. 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 address listed under 
ADDRESSES. 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.
    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 proposed 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 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 or more in any 
one year. Though this proposed 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 proposed 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 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 
create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may 
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 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 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 Commandant Instruction 
M16475.lD and Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 
5100.1, 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)(h), of the Instruction, from further 
environmental documentation. Special local regulations issued in 
conjunction with a regatta or marine event permit are specifically 
excluded from further analysis and documentation under those sections.
    Under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(h), of the Instruction, an 
``Environmental Analysis Check List'' and a ``Categorical Exclusion 
Determination'' are not required for this rule. Comments on this 
section will be considered before we make the final decision on whether 
to categorically exclude this rule from further environmental review.

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 temporary Sec.  100.35-T05-020 to read as follows:

[[Page 13224]]

Sec.  100.35-T05-020,  Delaware River, Delaware City, DE.

    (a) Regulated area. The regulated area includes all waters of the 
Delaware River within 500 yards either side of a line drawn 
southwesterly from a point near the shoreline at Pea Patch Island, at 
latitude 39[deg]35'08'' N, 075[deg]34'18'' W, thence to latitude 
39[deg]34'43.6'' N, 075[deg]35'13'' W, a position located near the 
Delaware City Wharf, Delaware City, DE. All coordinates reference Datum 
NAD 1983.
    (b) Definitions:
    (1) Coast Guard Patrol Commander means a commissioned, warrant, or 
petty officer of the Coast Guard who has been designated by the 
Commander, Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay.
    (2) Official Patrol means any vessel assigned or approved by 
Commander, Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay with a commissioned, 
warrant, or petty officer on board and displaying a Coast Guard ensign.
    (c) Special local regulations:
    (1) Except for persons or vessels authorized by the Coast Guard 
Patrol Commander, no person or vessel may enter or remain in the 
regulated area.
    (2) The operator of any vessel in the regulated area shall:
    (i) Stop the vessel immediately when directed to do so by any 
Official Patrol.
    (ii) Proceed as directed by any Official Patrol.
    (d) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from 5:30 
a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on June 9, 2007.

    Dated: March 9, 2007.
Larry L. Hereth,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
 [FR Doc. E7-5144 Filed 3-20-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P