[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 160 (Monday, August 19, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50335-50340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20075]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 168
[Docket No. USCG-2012-0975]
RIN 1625-AB96
Double Hull Tanker Escorts on the Waters of Prince William Sound,
Alaska
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is amending the escort requirements for
certain tankers operating on the waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska
(PWS). This interim rule is necessary to implement section 711 of the
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Act), which mandates two tug
escorts for double hull tankers over 5,000 gross tons transporting oil
in bulk in PWS. The Act directed the Coast Guard to promulgate interim
regulations as soon and practicable to ensure that tug escort
requirements apply to certain double hull tankers.
DATES: This interim rule is effective September 18, 2013. Comments and
related material must either be submitted to our online docket via
http:
[[Page 50336]]
//www.regulations.gov on or before November 18, 2013 or reach the
Docket Management Facility by that date.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2012-0975 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 rule,
email or call Mr. Kevin Tone, Office of Operating and Environmental
Standards, Coast Guard; email [email protected], telephone 202-372-
1441. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the
docket, call Ms. Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations,
telephone 202-366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents for Preamble
I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
A. Submitting Comments
B. Viewing Comments and Documents
C. Privacy Act
D. Public Meeting
II. Abbreviations
III. Regulatory History
IV. Basis and Purpose
V. Discussion of the Interim Rule
VI. Regulatory Analyses
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
B. Small Entities
C. Assistance for Small Entities
D. Collection of Information
E. Federalism
F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
G. Taking of Private Property
H. Civil Justice Reform
I. Protection of Children
J. Indian Tribal Governments
K. Energy Effects
L. Technical Standards
M. Environment
I. 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.
A. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
rulemaking (USCG-2012-0975), 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, or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only one of
these means. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing
address, an email address, or a phone 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 and
insert ``USCG-2012-0975'' in the ``Search'' box. Click the ``Search''
button. Locate the title of this rule in the search results. Click on
the ``Comment Now!'' button to the right of the title. Complete the
required fields, include your comment, and click on the ``Submit''
button. 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 them 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 this rule
based on your comments.
B. 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 and
insert ``USCG-2012-0975'' in the ``Search'' box. Click ``Search.''
Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column. If you do
not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by
visiting 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.
C. 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).
D. Public Meeting
We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. You may submit a
request for one to the docket using one of the methods specified under
ADDRESSES. In your request, 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.
II. Abbreviations
APA Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553)
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
GT Gross tons
NAICS North American Industry Classification System
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
NTTAA National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
OPA 90 Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-380, 104 Stat. 484)
PWS Prince William Sound, Alaska
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601-612)
Sec. Section symbol
SBA Small Business Administration
U.S.C. United States Code
III. Regulatory History
The Coast Guard is issuing this interim rule without prior notice
and opportunity to comment pursuant to section 711 of the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905)(Act) that
mandates the requirements in this rule. The Act requires that interim
regulations be issued without notice and hearing pursuant to section
553 of title 5 of the United States Code. Because of this congressional
directive, publication of an NPRM is unnecessary.
Although this interim rule will become effective 30 days after
publication in the Federal Register, we are issuing this rule with a
request for comments to solicit and consider information from those
entities that may be impacted by this rule. See Section I.A. of this
rule for information regarding the submission of comments.
[[Page 50337]]
IV. Basis and Purpose
The basis of this rulemaking is section 711 of the Act. In section
711, Congress directed the Coast Guard to revise its regulations to
require all double hull tankers over 5,000 gross tons (GT) transporting
oil in bulk in Prince William Sound, Alaska (PWS) to be escorted by at
least two towing vessels or other vessels considered to be appropriate
by the Secretary. This requirement is intended to increase the
protection of the environment and the safety of vessels transiting PWS
by reducing the risk of groundings, allisions or collisions when escort
vessels are readily available to assist a tanker in distress.
Background
Section 4116(c) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-380,
104 Stat. 484)(OPA 90) required the two vessel escort system for single
hull tank vessels over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS. These
regulations are found in 33 CFR part 168. OPA 90 also mandated the
phase-out of single hull tank vessels by January 1, 2015, and required
that newly built tank vessels be double hulled.
With the phase-out of the single hull tank vessels, there would be
no requirement for any tank vessel to maintain an escort system.
Section 711 of the Act extends the escort system requirement to double
hull tank vessels over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS.
A double hull provides a tank vessel with added protection from an
oil spill as a result of a hull breach due to a grounding, allision or
collision. While double hull tank vessels provide greater protection
from oil spills over single hull tank vessels, with section 711 of the
Act Congress further intended to increase the protection of the
environment and the safety of vessels transiting PWS.
V. Discussion of the Interim Rule
The purpose of the existing regulations in 33 CFR part 168, Escort
Requirements for Certain Tankers, is to reduce the risk of oil spills
from laden, single hull tankers over 5,000 GT by requiring that these
tankers be escorted by at least two suitable escort vessels in
applicable waters. The applicable waters are defined in Sec. 168.40.
The requirement of two escort vessels has contributed to a
reduction in spill incidents because the escort vessels are immediately
available to influence the tanker's speed and course in the event of a
steering or propulsion equipment failure, thereby reducing the
possibility of a grounding, allision or collision. This interim rule
amends part 168 so that it also applies to double hull tankers over
5,000 GT transporting oil in PWS. This rule codifies established
industry practice for escorting double hull tank vessels on transits in
and out of PWS.
This interim rule revises three sections of 33 CFR part 168. We
revised Sec. 168.01 to make it clear that part 168 now addresses
escort vessels for double hull tankers as well as single hull tankers.
We added a definition of the term double hull tanker to Sec. 168.05.
Finally, this rule amends Sec. 168.20 to extend the applicability of
part 168 to include double hull tankers over 5,000 GT transporting oil
in bulk in PWS. All other sections of part 168, including the escort
vessel performance and operational requirements in Sec. 168.50, which
includes prescribed transit speeds and other maneuvering parameters
such as directional variances for escort vessels, remain unchanged.
With these changes, the Coast Guard is implementing the escort vessel
requirements of section 711 of the Act.
We considered two alternatives (including the preferred
alternative) in the development of this rule. The key factors that we
evaluated in considering each alternative included: (1) The degree to
which the alternative comported with the congressional mandate in
section 711 of the Act; (2) what benefits, if any, would be derived,
such as enhancement of personal and environmental safety and security;
and (3) cost effectiveness. The alternatives considered are as follows:
Alternative 1: Revise 33 CFR 168 to include double hull tankers
over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS, but do not revise the
existing performance-based escort requirements (preferred alternative).
At present, two tug escorts of both single and double hull tankers is
the industry practice being employed on the waters of PWS.
Implementation of this interim rule will codify current industry
practice.
Alternative 2: Take no action. This option was not selected as it
would not implement section 711 of the Act, which specifically requires
the Coast Guard to issue regulations.
We also considered adding a third escort vessel for double hull
tank vessels that transit PWS. However, this would impose additional
disproportionate costs on double hull tank vessel owners and operators
(as single hull tank vessels would remain subject to the two escort
requirement) without any incremental gain in benefits from the current
industry practice of a dual vessel escort system (i.e., no casualties
or other data indicating that two escort vessels were insufficient).
Ultimately, we chose Alternative 1 as the preferred alternative to
make revisions to 33 CFR part 168. Alternative 1 satisfactorily
implements section 711 of the Act by adding two escort vessels for each
double hull tanker transporting oil in bulk in PWS while also retaining
the performance requirements in Sec. 168.50 that are readily
applicable to tanker escorts regardless of whether the tanker is single
or double hulled.
VI. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this interim rule after considering numerous statutes
and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our
analyses based on these statutes or executive orders.
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
Executive Orders 12866 (``Regulatory Planning and Review'') and
13563 (``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'') direct agencies
to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives
and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that
maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental,
public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity).
Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both
costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of
promoting flexibility. This interim rule has not been designated a
``significant regulatory action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order
12866. Accordingly, the interim rule has not been reviewed by the
Office of Management and Budget. The Regulatory Assessment follows:
This interim rule will require a two vessel escort system for
double hull tankers over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS, as
mandated by section 711(b) of the Act. Currently, single hull tankers
are required to have two escort vessels per 33 CFR part 168. This
interim rule will amend this part to extend this requirement to double
hull tankers in PWS.
Table 1 below summarizes the impacts of the interim rule.
[[Page 50338]]
Table 1--Summary of Interim Rule Impacts
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Category Summary
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Population.................................. --15 double-hull tank vessels that transit PWS annually.
--One company that owns the 12 escort vessels in PWS.
Costs....................................... None--codification of existing practice.
Unquantified Benefits....................... --Elimination of confusion within industry by harmonizing CFR with
U.S.C.
--Codification of current industry practice ensures benefits of
dual vessel escort system in PWS remain, including reduction of
the risk of an oil spill by influencing a vessel's speed and
course in the event of equipment failure or loss of steering and/
or propulsion.
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Costs
OPA 90 requires the two vessel escort system for single hull
vessels over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS. However, single
hull tankers are currently being phased out in favor of double hull
tankers. Based on vessel traffic data from the Coast Guard Marine
Safety Unit in Valdez, Alaska, no single hull vessels have called on
PWS since 2009.
Based on communications with the Marine Safety Unit in Valdez, AK,
as well as the Vessel Traffic Service and Captain of the Port for that
region, we determined that it has been an industry practice since 2008
that double hull tankers be escorted by a two vessel escort system when
in transit through PWS. Currently, 15 double hull tank vessels transit
PWS and over the last 5 years, double hull tank vessels made an average
of 250 port calls annually on PWS. One company operates the 12 tugs
that participate in the two tug escort system in PWS.
Since this interim rule will codify an industry practice that has
been in place for over 5 years, we do not anticipate that this interim
rule will impose additional costs on the public or industry, or alter
industry behavior in any way. Finally, we do not anticipate that this
interim rule will impose new costs on the Coast Guard or require the
Coast Guard to expend additional resources.
Analysis of Alternatives
We chose Alternative 1, which codifies current industry practice
and implements section 711 of the Act as described above and in Section
VI.B. below. We chose to reject Alternative 2, the ``no action''
alternative, because it would not implement section 711 of the Act.
Benefits
This interim rule codifies the current industry practice of a dual
vessel escort system in PWS. The primary benefit of the interim rule is
eliminating confusion within industry by harmonizing the CFR with
U.S.C. The practice of a dual vessel escort system also results in
safety and environmental benefits, although these benefits exist under
current practice. However, codification of the industry practice
ensures the continuing benefits of the dual vessel escort system, which
is to reduce the risk of an oil spill by ensuring the safe transit of
tank vessels over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS. For PWS, we
believe a two vessel escort system is beneficial in the event of
equipment failure such as the loss of steering or propulsion.
Additionally, if a tanker becomes disabled, the two escort vessels can
influence the speed and course of the tanker, thereby reducing the
likelihood of an allision, collision, or grounding. We reviewed
allision, collision, and grounding casualty data for tank vessels in
PWS over a 15-year period from 1998 through 2012 and found no casualty
cases that involved a double hull tank vessel. All of these vessels
were escorted by a two vessel escort.
B. Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires federal agencies to consider the potential impact of
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. However, when an
agency is not required to publish an NPRM for a rule, the RFA does not
require an agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis. The
Coast Guard was not required to publish an NPRM for this rule for the
reasons stated in section III. ``Regulatory History'' and therefore is
not required to publish a regulatory flexibility analysis.
If you think that your business, organization, or governmental
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule will have a
significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment to the
Docket Management Facility at the address under ADDRESSES. In your
comment, explain why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree
this rule would economically affect it.
C. 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 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 consult Mr. Kevin Tone, CG-OES, Coast
Guard; telephone 202-372-1441, email [email protected]. 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).
D. 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).
E. Federalism
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order
13132. Our analysis is explained below.
As noted earlier in the preamble, this rule implements section 711
of Public Law 118-281 for PWS. With respect to federalism, section
711(c) of Public Law 118-281 provides that nothing in the
[[Page 50339]]
Act or any other provision of Federal law related to the regulation of
maritime transportation of oil should be construed or interpreted as
preempting the authority of the State, or a political subdivision
thereof, from requiring escort vessels to accompany tankers
transporting oil in bulk in PWS. Because this statute preserves the
authority of the State of Alaska to promulgate additional requirements
beyond that required by this rule in PWS, and because this rule merely
implements the Congressional mandate, this rule does not have an effect
on the relationship between the national government and the State of
Alaska, and therefore is consistent with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order
13132.
Although this rule does not have an effect on the relationship
between the national government and the State of Alaska, the Coast
Guard recognizes the key role that State and local governments may have
in making regulatory determinations. Additionally, for rules with
implications and preemptive effect, Executive Order 13132 specifically
directs agencies to consult with State and local governments during the
rulemaking process.
Therefore, the Coast Guard invites State and local governments and
their representative national organizations to indicate their desire
for participation and consultation in this rulemaking process by
submitting comments to this interim rule. In accordance with Executive
Order 13132, the Coast Guard will provide a federalism impact statement
to document: (1) The extent of the Coast Guard's consultation with
State and local officials who submit comments to this rule; (2) a
summary of the nature of any concerns raised by State or local
governments and the Coast Guard's position thereon; and (3) a statement
of the extent to which the concerns of State and local officials have
been met. We will also report to the Office of Management and Budget
any written communications with the States.
F. 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 rule will not result in
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere
in this preamble.
G. Taking of Private Property
This rule will 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.
H. 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.
I. 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.
J. 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.
K. 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.
L. 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 rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not
consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.
M. Environment
We have analyzed this 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 concluded
that this action is one of a category of actions that do not
individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human
environment. This rule is categorically excluded under section 6(b) of
the ``Appendix to National Environmental Policy Act: Coast Guard
Procedures for Categorical Exclusions, Notice of Final Agency Policy,''
(67 FR 48244, July 23, 2002). This rule involves Congressionally-
mandated regulations designed to protect the environment, specifically,
regulations implementing the requirements of the Act. An environmental
analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are
available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 168
Cargo vessels, Navigation (water), Oil pollution, Water pollution
control.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends
33 CFR part 168 as follows:
PART 168--ESCORT REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN TANKERS
0
1. The authority citation for part 168 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: Section 4116(c), Pub. L. 101-380, 104 Stat. 520 (46
U.S.C. 3703 note); section 711 Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat 2905;
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 170.1, para. 2(82).
Sec. 168.01 [Amended]
0
2. Amend Sec. 168.01(a) as follows:
0
a. After the words ``(Pub. L. 101-380)'', add the words ``, as amended
by section 711 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Pub. L.
111-281)'';
0
b. After the words ``single hull'', add the words ``and double hull'';
and
0
c. After the words ``suitable escort vessels'', add the words ``in
applicable waters, as defined in Sec. 168.40''.
[[Page 50340]]
0
3. In Sec. 168.05, add, in alphabetical order, the definition of the
term ``Double hull tanker'' to read as follows:
Sec. 168.05 Definitions.
* * * * *
Double hull tanker means any self-propelled tank vessel that is
constructed with both double bottom and double sides in accordance with
the provisions of 33 CFR 157.10d.
* * * * *
0
4. Revise Sec. 168.20 to read as follows:
Sec. 168.20 Applicable vessels.
The requirements of this part apply to the following laden tankers
of 5,000 gross tons or more:
(a) All single hull tankers on the waters listed in Sec. 168.40(a)
and (b); and
(b) All double hull tankers on the waters listed in Sec.
168.40(a).
Dated: August 9, 2013.
J.G. Lantz,
Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 2013-20075 Filed 8-16-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P