[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 43 (Monday, March 5, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9252-9254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04253]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2018-0015]
RIN 1625-AA08


Safety Zone; Black Warrior River, Tuscaloosa, AL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary safety zone 
for all navigable waters of the Black Warrior River, extending the 
entire width of the river between Mile Marker (MM) 335.0 and MM 337.0 
in Tuscaloosa, AL. The proposed rulemaking is necessary to provide for 
the safety of life and property on these navigable waters during the 
Tuscaloosa Air Show. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons 
and vessels from entering the safety zone unless specifically 
authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Mobile (COTP) or a 
designated representative. We invite your comments on this proposed 
rulemaking.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before April 4, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2018-0015 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. See the ``Public Participation and Request for 
Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further 
instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
proposed rulemaking, call or email LT Kyle D. Berry, Sector Mobile, 
Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 251-441-
5940, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port Sector Mobile
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
MM Mile Marker
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
PATCOM Patrol Commander
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis

    On November 30, 2017, the sponsor for the Tuscaloosa Air Show 
submitted an application for a marine event permit for the Tuscaloosa 
Air Show that will take place every day from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. 
from April 12, 2018 through April 15, 2018. The air show will consist 
of various flight demonstrations over the Black Warrior River between 
Mile Marker (MM) 335.0 and MM 337.0 in Tuscaloosa, AL. Over the years, 
there have been unfortunate instances of aircraft mishaps that involve 
crashing during performances at various air shows around the world. 
Occasionally, these incidents result in a wide area of scattered debris 
in the water that can damage property or cause significant injury or 
death to the public observing the air shows. The Captain of the Port 
Sector Mobile (COTP) has determined a safety zone is necessary to 
protect the general public from hazards associated with aerial flight 
demonstrations.
    The purpose of this proposed rulemaking is to ensure the safety of 
vessels and persons during the air show on the navigable waters of the 
Black Warrior River between MM 335.0 and 337.0 in Tuscaloosa, AL. The 
Coast Guard proposes this rulemaking under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231.

III. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary safety zone on 
the Black Warrior River, extending the entire width of the river 
between MM 335.0 and 337.5 in Tuscaloosa, AL every day from 10 a.m. 
through 5 p.m. from April 12, 2018 through April 15, 2018. The proposed 
rulemaking is needed to provide for the safety of life and property on 
these navigable waters during the Tuscaloosa Air Show. This proposed 
rulemaking restricts transit into, through, and within the zone unless 
specifically authorized by the COTP. No vessel or person would be 
permitted to enter the zone without obtaining permission from the COTP 
or a designated representative. A designated representative may be a 
Patrol Commander (PATCOM). The PATCOM would be aboard either a Coast 
Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel. The PATCOM may be contacted on 
Channel 16 VHF-FM (156.8 MHz) by the call sign ``PATCOM''. All persons 
and vessels not registered with the sponsor as participants or official 
patrol vessels are considered spectators. The ``official patrol 
vessels'' consist of any Coast Guard, state, or local law enforcement 
and sponsor provided vessels assigned or approved by the COTP to patrol 
the zone.
    Spectator vessels desiring to transit the zone may do so only with 
prior approval of the PATCOM and when so directed by that officer would 
be operated at a minimum safe navigation speed in a manner which will 
not endanger any other vessels. No spectator vessel shall anchor, 
block, loiter, or impede the through transit of official patrol vessels 
in the zone during the effective dates and times, unless cleared for 
entry by or through an official patrol vessel. Any spectator vessel may 
anchor outside the zone, but may not anchor in, block, or loiter in a 
navigable channel. Spectator vessels may be moored to a waterfront 
facility within the zone in such a way that they shall not interfere 
with the progress of the air show. Such mooring must be complete at 
least 30 minutes prior to the establishment of the zone and remain 
moored through the duration of the air show.
    The COTP or a designated representative may forbid and control the 
movement of all vessels in the zone. When hailed or signaled by an 
official patrol vessel, a vessel shall come to an immediate stop and 
comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in 
expulsion from the zone, citation for failure to comply, or both.
    The COTP or a designated representative may terminate the operation 
of any vessel at any time it is deemed necessary for the protection of 
life or property. The COTP or a designated representative would 
terminate enforcement of the safety zone at the conclusion of the air 
show.
    The regulatory text we are proposing appears at the end of this 
document.

IV. 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 and Executive orders and 
we discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 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. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control 
regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This NPRM has not

[[Page 9253]]

been designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive 
Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM has not been reviewed by the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB), and pursuant to OMB guidance it is 
exempt from the requirements of Executive Order 13771.
    This regulatory action determination is based on size, location, 
and duration of the proposed rulemaking. The proposed safety zone would 
take place on a two mile stretch of the on the Black Warrior River 
between MMs 335.0 and 337.0, during a short duration of only seven 
hours, lasting for only four days from April 12, 2018 through April 15, 
2018, which is a time of year of lower than normal traffic. 
Additionally, the Coast Guard would issue Broadcast Notices to Mariners 
via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the safety zone so that waterway 
users may plan accordingly for transits during this restriction. The 
proposed rule also allows vessels to seek permission from the COTP or a 
designated representative to enter the zone.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 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 
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
IV.A above, this proposed rule would not have a significant economic 
impact on any vessel owner or operator.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this proposed 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.
    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 
section. 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 proposed rule would 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 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 
have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, 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. If 
you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or 
Indian tribes, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section.

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 proposed rule would 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 
Directive 023-01, which guides 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 rule involves a safety zone on the Black 
Warrior River, extending the entire width of the river, between MMs 
335.0 and 337.0. It is categorically excluded from further review under 
paragraph L60 of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-
001-01, Rev. 01. A Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) 
supporting this determination is available 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 proposed 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.

V. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking, 
and will consider all comments and material received during the comment 
period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. 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.
    We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be 
submitted using http://www.regulations.gov, contact the person in the 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate 
instructions.
    We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted 
without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and the 
docket, visit http://www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice.
    Documents mentioned in this NPRM as being available in the docket, 
and all public comments, will be in our online docket at http://
www.regulations.gov

[[Page 9254]]

and can be viewed by following that website's instructions. 
Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up for email 
alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted or a final rule 
is published.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, 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; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
0170.1.


0
2. AddSec.  165.T08-0015 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T08-0015   Safety Zone; Black Warrior River, Tuscaloosa, AL.

    (a) Location. The following area is a proposed safety zone: All 
navigable waters of the Black Warrior River, extending the entire width 
of the river, between mile marker (MM) 335.0 and MM 337.5 in 
Tuscaloosa, AL.
    (b) Enforcement period. This section is effective from 10 a.m. on 
April 12, 2018 through 5 p.m. on April 15, 2018.
    (c) Regulations.
    (1) In accordance with the general regulations in Sec.  165.23 of 
this part, entry into, transiting through, or exiting from this area is 
prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Mobile 
(COTP) or a designated representative. A designated representative may 
be a Patrol Commander (PATCOM). The PATCOM will be aboard either a 
Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel. The PATCOM may be 
contacted on Channel 16 VHF-FM (156.8 MHz) by the call sign ``PATCOM''.
    (2) All persons and vessels not registered with the event sponsor 
as participants or official patrol vessels are considered spectators. 
The ``official patrol vessels'' consist of any Coast Guard, state, or 
local law enforcement and sponsor provided vessels assigned or approved 
by the COTP to patrol the regulated area.
    (3) Spectator vessels desiring to transit the regulated area may do 
so only with prior approval of the PATCOM and when so directed by that 
officer will be operated at a minimum safe navigation speed in a manner 
that will not endanger participants in the zone or any other vessels.
    (4) No spectator vessel shall anchor, block, loiter, or impede the 
through transit of participants or official patrol vessels in the 
regulated area during the effective dates and times, unless cleared for 
entry by or through an official patrol vessel.
    (5) Any spectator vessel may anchor outside the regulated area, but 
may not anchor in, block, or loiter in a navigable channel. Spectator 
vessels may be moored to a waterfront facility within the regulated 
area in such a way that they shall not interfere with the progress of 
the event. Such mooring must be complete at least 30 minutes prior to 
the establishment of the regulated area and remain moored through the 
duration of the event.
    (6) The Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all 
vessels in the regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official 
patrol vessel, a vessel shall come to an immediate stop and comply with 
the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the 
area, citation for failure to comply, or both.
    (7) The Patrol Commander may terminate the event or the operation 
of any vessel at any time it is deemed necessary for the protection of 
life or property.
    (8) The Patrol Commander will terminate enforcement of the safety 
zone at the conclusion of the event.
    (9) Entry into this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the 
Captain of the Port Sector Mobile (COTP) or a designated 
representative.
    (10) Persons or vessels seeking to enter into or transit through 
the zone must request permission from the COTP or a designated 
representative. They may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 16 or by 
telephone at 251-441-5976.
    (11) If permission is granted, all persons and vessels must comply 
with the instructions of the COTP or designated representative.
    (d) Informational broadcasts. The COTP or a designated 
representative will inform the public through Broadcast Notices to 
Mariners of the enforcement period for the temporary safety zone as 
well as any changes in the planned schedule.

    Dated: February 2, 2018.
M.R. Mclellan,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Mobile.
[FR Doc. 2018-04253 Filed 3-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P