[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 182 (Thursday, September 19, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57567-57570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-22756]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket No. USCG-2012-1045]
RIN 1625AA00
Safety Zone; Military Munitions Recovery, Raritan River, Raritan,
NJ
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a permanent safety zone
within the waters of the Raritan River upstream of the Perth Amboy
Railroad Bridge. This proposed safety zone is necessary to provide for
the protection of the maritime public and safety of navigation during
removal of underwater explosive hazards in the Raritan River. This
action is intended to protect the public from the dangers posed by
underwater explosives by restricting unauthorized persons and vessels
from traveling through or conducting underwater activities within a
portion of the Raritan River while military munitions are rendered
safe,
[[Page 57568]]
detonated, and/or removed from the area. Entry into this zone (as well
as a broad array of other actions) would be prohibited within the
safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port New York or
the designated on-scene representative.
DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast
Guard on or before October 21, 2013.
Requests for public meetings must be received by the Coast Guard on
or before September 26, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2012-1045 using any one of the following methods:
(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
(2) Fax: (202) 493-2251.
(3) Mail or Delivery: 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. Deliveries
accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The telephone number is (202) 366-9329.
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion
of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for further instructions
on submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of
these three methods.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule,
call or email LT Hannah Eko, U. S. Coast Guard, Sector New York,
Waterways Management Division, telephone (718) 354-4114, email
[email protected] or BMC Craig Lapeijko, Coast Guard First District
Waterways Management Branch, telephone (617) 223-8381, email
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or
submitting material to the docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Acronyms
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
A. 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.
1. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
rulemaking, 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 at
http://www.regulations.gov, or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but
please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online, it
will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully
transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment,
it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when
it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you
include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a
telephone 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,
type the docket number [USCG-2012-1045] in the ``SEARCH'' box and click
``SEARCH''. Click on ``Submit a Comment'' on the line associated with
this rulemaking.
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 comments 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 the rule
based on your comments.
2. 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,
type the docket number (USCG-2012-1045) in the ``SEARCH'' box and click
``SEARCH.'' Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with
this rulemaking. You may also visit 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.
3. 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).
4. Public Meeting
We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a
request for one on or before September 26, 2013., using one of the
methods specified under ADDRESSES. Please 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.
B. Basis and Purpose
The legal basis for the proposed rule is 33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231; 46
U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1,
6.04-1, 6.04-6, 160.5; Public Law 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department
of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1., which collectively
authorize the Coast Guard to establish safety zones.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has been investigating the
former Raritan Arsenal for over 20 years. The former Raritan Arsenal
was approximately 3,200 acres and enclosed by Woodbridge Avenue and the
Raritan River; between Mill Road and Clearview Avenue. USACE
investigations in the past have located military munitions and
hazardous and toxic waste in the former Raritan Arsenal region.
Beginning in the fall of 2013, the USACE plans to conduct a remedial
investigation within the Raritan River using advanced metal detection,
removal, and detonation techniques. The USACE has established a Web
site for this project at http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/EnvironmentalRemediation/FormerlyUsedDefenseSites/FormerRaritanArsenal.aspx.
The USACE is conducting a remedial investigation within the Raritan
River using advanced metal detection, removal, and detonation
techniques. This investigation is tentatively scheduled to begin in the
fall of 2013 and may extend into 2014 or beyond. The Coast Guard
believes that a safety
[[Page 57569]]
is needed to protect vessel traffic from the dangers of underwater
explosives by restricting unauthorized persons and vessels from
traveling through or conducting underwater activities within a portion
of the Raritan River while military munitions are rendered safe,
detonated, or removed from the area.
C. Discussion of Proposed Rule
The Coast Guard proposes to establish a safety zone encompassing
all navigable waters of the Raritan River upstream of the Perth Amboy
Railroad Bridge to ensure the safety of mariners and vessels around the
military munitions removal area.
This safety zone would be enforced while on-scene workers are
retrieving military munitions that could pose a hazard to persons or
vessels operating in the area. Each military munitions retrieval is
expected to require the activation of the safety zone for a minimum of
60 minutes. Intended work hours (subject to change) are 6:00 a.m.
through 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The USACE will provide notice
of the activation of the safety zone via vessels stationed at the
eastern and western boundaries of the safety zone. These vessels will
have flashing yellow lights to alert mariners to their presence and
that the safety zone is being enforced.
D. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes
and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our
analyses based on a number of these statutes or executive orders.
1. Regulatory Planning and Review
This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review,
as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and
Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential
costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of Executive Order 12866 or
under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and
Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders.
Although this proposed rule would restrict access to a small
portion of the Raritan River until military munitions are rendered safe
and removed, the effect of this regulation would not be significant due
to the following reasons: The safety zone would cover only a small
portion of the navigable waters within the Raritan River during limited
intervals of time. We expect portions of the safety zone to be
activated for short period while the military munitions are being
removed or detonated. In addition, vessels may be authorized to enter
the zone with permission of the COTP.
2. Impact on Small Entities
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have
considered the impact of this proposed rule on small entities. The
Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities.
This proposed rule would affect the following entities, some of
which might be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels
intending to transit, fish, dive, or anchor in a portion of the Raritan
River upstream of the Perth Amboy Railroad Bridge during the time the
safety zone is activated.
This proposed safety zone would not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following
reasons. This safety zone would only be activated for limited periods
of time while the USACE is retrieving or detonating military munitions.
Vessel traffic would be minimal because the location of the safety zone
is in an area that does not experience high volumes of vessel traffic,
with typical commercial traffic being very minimal. Upstream
recreational vessel entities will be contacted concerning this safety
zone. Before the activation of the zone, maritime advisories would be
issued and widely available to users of the waterway in the vicinity of
the Raritan River.
If you think that your business, organization, or governmental
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity 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.
3. 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 proposed rule. 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 person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT, above. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small
entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or any
policy or action of the Coast Guard.
4. Collection of Information
This proposed rule will not call for a new collection of
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520.).
5. 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 proposed rule under that Order and
determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism.
6. Protest Activities
The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters.
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or
security of people, places or vessels.
7. 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 proposed rule would not
result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule
elsewhere in this preamble.
8. Taking of Private Property
This proposed rule would 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.
9. 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.
[[Page 57570]]
10. Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks
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 would not
create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might
disproportionately affect children.
11. Indian Tribal Governments
This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments, because it would 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.
12. Energy Effects
This proposed rule is not a ``significant energy action'' under
Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.
13. Technical Standards
This proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we
did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.
14. Environment
We have analyzed this proposed 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 made a preliminary determination 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 proposed rule
involves the establishment of a safety zone. This rule would be
categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of
Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. A preliminary environmental
analysis checklist is in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. We
seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a
significant environmental impact from this rule.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, and Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes
to amend 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. 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703;
50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 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. 165.170 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.170 Safety Zone; Military Munitions Recovery, Raritan River,
Raritan, NJ.
(a) Location.
The following area is a safety zone: All navigable waters of the
Raritan River upstream of the Perth Amboy Railroad Bridge, which spans
the waterway at approximately 40[deg]29'46.3'' N, 74[deg]16'51.5'' W.
(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:
(1) ``Designated representative'' means any U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers personnel, any commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the
U.S. Coast Guard, and any member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary who has
been designated by the Captain of the Port New York (COTP), to act on
his or her behalf. As a designated representative, the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers official patrol vessel will communicate with vessels via
VHF-FM radio or loudhailer.
(2) ``Official patrol vessel'' means any Coast Guard, Coast Guard
Auxiliary, Army Corp of Engineers, state, or local law enforcement
vessels assigned or approved by the COTP.
(c) Regulations.
(1) The general regulations in 33 CFR 165.23 apply.
(2) Entry, transit, diving, dredging, dumping, fishing, trawling,
conducting salvage operations, remaining or anchoring within the safety
zone described in paragraph (a) of this section is prohibited unless
authorized by the COTP.
(3) Upon being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel, U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers vessel or a designated representative, by siren, radio,
flashing light, or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed
as directed.
(4) Vessel operators desiring to enter, transit, dive, dredge,
dump, fish, trawl, conduct salvage operations, remain within or anchor
within the safety zone must contact the COTP or a designated
representative via VHF channel 16 or by phone at (718) 354-4353 (Sector
New York Command Center) to request permission.
(5) Vessel operators given permission to enter or operate in the
safety zone must comply with all directions given to them by the COTP
or a designated representative.
Dated: September 6, 2013.
G. Loebl,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port New York.
[FR Doc. 2013-22756 Filed 9-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P