[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 145 (Monday, July 28, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43621-43624]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-17186]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket No. USCG-2008-0742]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; 70th Anniversary Celebration for the Thousand Island 
International Bridge, St. Lawrence River, Alexandria Bay, NY

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the 
St. Lawrence River, Alexandria Bay, NY. This zone is intended to 
restrict vessels from a portion of the St. Lawrence River during the 
August 16, 2008, 70th Anniversary Celebration for the Thousand Island 
International Bridge. This temporary safety zone is necessary to 
protect spectators and vessels from the hazards associated with 
fireworks displays.

DATES: This rule is effective from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on August 16, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2008-0742 and are available online 
at http://www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection 
or copying at two locations: the 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, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,

[[Page 43622]]

except Federal holidays, at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo, 1 
Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203 between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary rule, contact Commander Joseph Boudrow, U.S. Coast Guard 
Sector Buffalo, at (716) 843-9572. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulatory Information

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary final rule without prior 
notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 
4(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This 
provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and 
opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those 
procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public 
interest.'' Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good 
cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
with respect to this rule because the permit application was not 
received in time to publish an NPRM followed by a final rule before the 
effective date.
    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. Delaying this rule would be 
contrary to the public interest of ensuring the safety of spectators 
and vessels during this event, and immediate action is necessary to 
prevent possible loss of life and property.

Background and Purpose

    This temporary safety zone is necessary to ensure the safety of 
vessels and spectators from hazards associated with a fireworks 
display. Based on accidents that have occurred in other Captain of the 
Port zones, and the explosive hazards of fireworks, the Captain of the 
Port Buffalo has determined that fireworks launches proximate to 
watercraft pose a significant risk to public safety and property. The 
likely combination of large numbers of recreation vessels, congested 
waterways, darkness punctuated by bright flashes of light, alcohol use, 
and debris falling into the water could easily result in serious 
injuries or fatalities. Establishing a safety zone to control vessel 
movement around the location of the launch platform will help ensure 
the safety of persons and property at these events and help minimize 
the associated risks.

Discussion of Rule

    A temporary safety zone is necessary to ensure the safety of 
spectators and vessels during the setup, loading and launching of a 
fireworks display in conjunction with the 70th Anniversary Celebration 
for the Thousand Island International Bridge fireworks display. The 
fireworks display will occur between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on August 16, 
2008.
    The safety zone for the fireworks will encompass all waters of the 
St. Lawrence River on Heart Island at Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, NY, 
in a 700 foot radius of position 44[deg]20'40'' N, 075[deg]55'17'' W 
(DATUM: NAD 83).
    All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the 
Coast Guard Captain of the Port or the on-scene representative. Entry 
into, transiting, or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited 
unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Buffalo or his on-scene 
representative. The Captain of the Port or his on-scene representative 
may be contacted via VHF Channel 16.

Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this 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 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.
    This determination is based on the minimal time that vessels will 
be restricted from the zone and the zone is an area where the Coast 
Guard expects insignificant adverse impact to mariners from the zones' 
activation.

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 
transit or anchor in a portion of the St. Lawrence River in Alexandria 
Bay, NY, between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on August 16, 2008.
    This safety zone 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 one hour for one event. Vessel traffic 
can safely pass outside the safety zone during the event. In the event 
that this temporary safety zone affects shipping, commercial vessels 
may request permission from the Captain of the Port Buffalo to transit 
through the safety zone. The Coast Guard will give notice to the public 
via a Broadcast to Mariners that the regulation is in effect.

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 can better evaluate its 
effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process. 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). 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.

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 substantial direct effect on State or local 
governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial 
direct cost of

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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 would not result in such 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 concern an 
environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may 
disproportionately affect children.

Indian Tribal Governments

    The Coast Guard recognizes the treaty rights of Native American 
Tribes. Moreover, the Coast Guard is committed to working with Tribal 
Governments to implement local policies and to mitigate tribal 
concerns. We have determined that these regulations and fishing rights 
protection need not be incompatible. We have also determined that 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. Nevertheless, Indian Tribes 
that have questions concerning the provisions of this Rule or options 
for compliance are encouraged to contact the point of contact listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

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.

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 procedure; and related management 
system practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus 
standards bodies.
    This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not 
consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Commandant Instruction M16475.lD 
and Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 5100.1, which 
guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded, 
under the Instruction, 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. This event establishes a safety zone 
therefore paragraph (34)(g) of the Instruction applies.
    A final Environmental Analysis Check List and Categorical Exclusion 
Determination are 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, and 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. A new temporary Sec.  165.T09-0742 is added as follows:


Sec.  165.T09-0742  Safety zone; 70th Anniversary Celebration for the 
Thousand Island International Bridge, St. Lawrence River, Alexandria 
Bay, NY.

    (a) Location. All waters of the St. Lawrence River on Heart Island 
at Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, NY, in a 700 foot radius of position 
44[deg]20'40'' N, 075[deg]55'17'' W (DATUM: NAD 83).
    (b) Effective period. This zone will be enforced from 9 p.m. to 10 
p.m. on August 16, 2008.
    (c) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 
section 165.23 of this part, entry into, transiting, or anchoring 
within this safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain 
of the Port Buffalo, or his on-scene representative.
    (2) This safety zone is closed to all vessel traffic, except as may 
be permitted by the Captain of the Port Buffalo or his on-scene 
representative.
    (3) The ``on-scene representative'' of the Captain of the Port is 
any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer who has been 
designated by the Captain of the Port to act on his behalf. The on-
scene representative of the Captain of the Port will be aboard either a 
Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel.
    (4) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the safety 
zone shall contact the Captain of the Port Buffalo or his on-scene 
representative to obtain permission to do so. The Captain of the Port 
or his on-scene representative may be contacted via VHF Channel 16. 
Vessel operators given permission to enter or operate in the safety 
zone must comply with all directions given to them by the Captain of 
the Port Buffalo or his on-scene representative.


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    Dated: July 17, 2008.
Robert S. Burchell,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Buffalo.
 [FR Doc. E8-17186 Filed 7-25-08; 8:45 am]
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