[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 245 (Tuesday, December 22, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79480-79483]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32133]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2015-1088]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Pleasure Beach Bridge, Bridgeport, CT.

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone within 
the Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound (LIS) Captain of the Port 
(COTP) Zone. This temporary final rule is necessary to provide for the 
safety of life on navigable waters. Entry into, transit through, 
mooring or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited unless 
authorized by COTP Sector LIS.

DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from 12:01 a.m. on 
December 22, 2015 until 12 a.m. on January 01, 2016. For the purposes 
of enforcement, actual notice will be used from the date the rule was 
signed, December 10, 2015, until December 22, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket 
[USCG-2015-1088]. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type the 
docket

[[Page 79481]]

number 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
contact Lieutenant Junior Grade Martin Betts, Prevention Department, 
Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, telephone (203) 468-4432, email 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting 
material to the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

COTP Captain of the Port
DHS Department of Homeland Security
E.O. Executive order
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
NAD 83 North American Datum 1983

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    This rulemaking establishes a safety zone for the waters around 
Pleasure Beach Bridge, Bridgeport, CT. Corresponding regulatory history 
is discussed below.
    The Coast Guard was made aware of damage sustained to Pleasure 
Beach Bridge, the result of which created a hazard to navigation.
    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 an NPRM with respect to this rule 
because doing so would be impracticable and contrary to the public 
interest. There is insufficient time to publish an NPRM and solicit 
comments from the public before establishing a safety zone to address 
an existing hazard to navigation. The nature of the navigational hazard 
requires the immediate establishment of a safety zone. Publishing an 
NPRM and delaying the effective date of this rule to await public 
comment inhibits the Coast Guard's ability to fulfill its statutory 
mission to protect ports, waterways and the maritime public.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), and for the same reasons stated in the 
preceding paragraph, the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for 
making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the 
Federal Register.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The legal basis for this temporary rule is 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 
U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5 and Department of 
Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1 which collectively authorize 
the Coast Guard to define regulatory safety zones.
    On December 09, 2015, the Coast Guard was made aware of damage 
sustained to Pleasure Beach Bridge, Bridgeport, CT that has created a 
hazard to navigation. The COTP Sector LIS has determined that the 
safety zone established by this temporary final rule is necessary to 
provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    The safety zone established by this rule will cover all navigable 
waters of the entrance channel to Johnsons Creek in the vicinity of 
Pleasure Beach Bridge, Bridgeport, CT. This safety zone will be bound 
inside an area that starts at a point on land at position 41-10.2N, 
073-10.7W and then east along the shoreline to a point on land at 
position 41-9.57N, 073-9.54W and then south across the channel to a 
point on land at position 41-9.52N, 073-9.58W and then west along the 
shoreline to a point on land at position 41-9.52N, 073-10.5W and then 
north across the channel back to the point of origin.
    This rule prevents vessels from entering, transiting, mooring, or 
anchoring within the area specifically designated as a safety zone 
during the period of enforcement unless authorized by the COTP or 
designated representative.
    The Coast Guard will notify the public and local mariners of this 
safety zone through appropriate means, which may include, but are not 
limited to, publication in the Federal Register, the Local Notice to 
Mariners, and Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
E.O.s related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on 
these statutes and E.O.s and we discuss First Amendment rights of 
protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    E.O.s 12866 and 13563 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. 
E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility. This rule has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under E.O. 12866. Accordingly, it has not been 
reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. The Coast Guard 
determined that this rulemaking is not a significant regulatory action 
for the following reasons: (1) The enforcement of this safety zone will 
be relatively short in duration; (2) persons or vessels desiring to 
enter the safety zone may do so with permission from the COTP Sector 
LIS or a designated representative; (3) this safety zone is designed in 
a way to limit impacts on vessel traffic, permitting vessels to 
navigate in other portions of the waterway not designated as a safety 
zone; and (4) the Coast Guard will notify the public of the enforcement 
of this rule via appropriate means, such as via Local Notice to 
Mariners and Broadcast Notice to Mariners to increase public awareness 
of this safety zone.

B. Impact on 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. 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 temporary final rule will affect the following entities, some 
of which may be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels 
intending to enter, transit, anchor, or moor within a safety zone 
during the period of enforcement, from December 10, 2015 to January 1, 
2016. However, this temporary final rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the same 
reasons discussed in the Regulatory Planning and Review section.
    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

[[Page 79482]]

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.
    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 proposed rule or any 
policy or action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under E.O. 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 E.O. 13132. Also, 
this rule does not have tribal implications under E.O. 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. If you believe this rule has 
implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please contact the person 
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above.

E. 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.

F. 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 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined 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 
temporary rule involves the establishment of a safety zone. It is 
categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of 
Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis 
checklist supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion 
Determination, and EA Checklist, WILL BE in the docket for review. We 
seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a 
significant environmental impact from this rule.

G. 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.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and record 
keeping requirements, Security Measures, and Waterways.

    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. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 
6.04-6, and 160.5 and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
0170.1


0
2. Add Sec.  165.T01-1088 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T01-1088  Safety Zone; Pleasure Beach Bridge, Bridgeport, CT.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All navigable 
waters of the entrance channel to Johnsons Creek in the vicinity of 
Pleasure Beach Bridge, Bridgeport, CT bound inside an area that starts 
at a point on land at position 41-10.2N, 073-10.7W and then east along 
the shoreline to a point on land at position 41-9.57N, 073-9.54W and 
then south across the channel to a point on land at position 41-9.52N, 
073-9.58W and then west along the shoreline to a point on land at 
position 41-9.52N, 073-10.5W and then north across the channel back to 
the point of origin.
    (b) Enforcement period. This rule will be enforced from 12 p.m. on 
December 10, 2015, to 12 a.m. on January 1, 2016.
    (c) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section: A 
``designated representative'' is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant 
or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard who has been designated by the 
COTP, Sector Long Island Sound, to act on his or her behalf. The 
designated representative may be on an official patrol vessel or may be 
on shore and will communicate with vessels via VHF-FM radio or 
loudhailer. ``Official patrol vessels'' may consist of any Coast Guard, 
Coast Guard Auxiliary, state, or local law enforcement vessels assigned 
or approved by the COTP Sector Long Island Sound. In addition, members 
of the Coast Guard Auxiliary may be present to inform vessel operators 
of this regulation.
    (a) Regulations. (1) The general regulations contained in 33 CFR 
165.23 apply.
    (2) In accordance with the general regulations in 33 CFR 165.23, 
entry into or movement within this zone is prohibited unless authorized 
by the Captain of the Port, Long Island Sound.
    (3) Operators of vessels desiring to enter or operate within the 
safety zone should contact the COTP Sector Long Island Sound at 203-
468-4401 (Sector LIS command center) or the designated representative 
via VHF channel 16 to obtain permission to do so.
    (4) Any vessel given permission to enter or operate in the safety 
zone must comply with all directions given to them by the COTP Sector 
Long Island Sound, or the designated on-scene representative.
    (5) Upon being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel by siren, radio, 
flashing light or other means, the operator of the vessel shall proceed 
as directed.


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    Dated: December 10, 2015.
E.J. Cubanski, III,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Long Island 
Sound.
[FR Doc. 2015-32133 Filed 12-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P