[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 130 (Monday, July 8, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32269-32271]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14428]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 110

[Docket Number USCG-2016-0989]
RIN 1625-AA01


Anchorage Regulations; Passagassawakeag River, Belfast, ME

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

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[[Page 32270]]

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing two special anchorage areas in 
the Passagassawakeag River in the vicinity of Belfast, ME. This 
proposed action is necessary to facilitate safe navigation in that area 
and provide safe and secure anchorages for vessels less than 65 feet in 
length. This action is intended to increase the safety of life and 
property in the Passagassawakeag River in the vicinity of Belfast, 
improve the safety of anchored vessels, and provide for the overall 
safe and efficient flow of vessel traffic and commerce.

DATES: This rule is effective August 7, 2019.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2016-0989 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open 
Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
proposed rulemaking, contact Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways Management 
at First Coast Guard District, telephone (617) 223-8351, email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    In March 2016, the harbormaster submitted a draft proposal to the 
Belfast City Council and subsequently the town began talks with Coast 
Guard Sector Northern New England regarding establishment of a special 
anchorage area in Belfast. Subsequently, the Town of Belfast, ME Harbor 
Committee and the Belfast harbormaster petitioned Coast Guard Sector 
Northern New England to designate a special anchorage area in the 
Passagassawakeag River, in the vicinity of Belfast, ME. In response, on 
October 3, 2017, the Coast Guard published a NPRM titled ``Special 
Anchorage Areas; Passagassawakeag River, Belfast Bay, Belfast, Maine'' 
(82 FR 46004). There, we stated why we issued the NPRM, and invited 
comments on our proposed regulatory action related to establishing two 
special anchorages in the Passagassawakeag River. During the comment 
period that ended December 4, 2017, we received one comment. For the 
reasons discussed below, the Coast Guard is making no changes to this 
rule from the proposed rule.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 33 U.S.C. 
471, 2071; 46 U.S.C. 70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231). Commander, 
First Coast Guard District has determined that this rule will reduce 
the risk of vessel collisions by creating two special anchorage areas 
in the Passagassawakeag River in the vicinity of the northeastern 
portion of Belfast, ME. The purpose of this rule is to increase the 
safety of life and property in the Passagassawakeag River in the 
vicinity of Belfast, improve the safety of anchored vessels, and 
provide for the overall safe and efficient flow of vessel traffic and 
commerce.

IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Rule

    This rule establishes two special anchorage areas, referred to as 
special anchorage areas A and B, in the Passagassawakeag River in the 
vicinity of Belfast, ME. Special anchorage area A is approximately 
554,800 sq. yards and is on the north side of the river located between 
the mouth of the Goose River and Patterson Pt, downstream of the US RT 
1 Bridge. Special anchorage area B is approximately 693,889 sq. yards 
and located along the southern shores of the river located between the 
Belfast Town docks to Belfast City Park.
    Vessels less than 65 feet in length, when at anchor in these 
special anchorage areas, will not be required to sound signals or 
display anchorage lights or shapes when at anchor. Additionally, 
mariners using these anchorage areas are encouraged to contact local 
and state authorities, such as the local harbormaster, to ensure 
compliance with any additional applicable state and local laws. Such 
laws may involve, for example, compliance with direction from the local 
harbormaster when placing or using moorings within the anchorage.
    The Coast Guard received one comment on our NPRM published on 
October 3, 2017. There are no changes in the regulatory text of this 
rule from the proposed rule in the NPRM.
    The one comment was authored by a NOAA cartographer who wanted to 
make the Coast Guard aware of charted features within the proposed 
special anchorage areas. Specifically, a charted obstruction (Obstn) 
feature within special anchorage area A and a charted pier (jetty) in 
ruins within special anchorage area B.
    The Coast Guard and Belfast harbormaster are aware of the charted 
obstructions. The town of Belfast has operated these areas as managed 
mooring fields for decades and places the moorings around the charted 
obstructions. The regulatory text appears at the end of this document. 
In our note to Sec.  110.4(d), we state that all coordinates referenced 
use datum NAD 83 and that all anchoring in the areas is under the 
supervision of the town of Belfast harbormaster or other such authority 
as may be designated by the authorities of the Town of Belfast, Maine. 
Mariners using these special anchorage areas are encouraged to contact 
local and state authorities, such as the local harbormaster, to ensure 
compliance with any additional applicable state and local laws.
    Additionally during the environmental review process the Coast 
Guard received comments from the NOAA Habitat Conservation Division. 
The comments, authored by a NOAA Marine Habitat Resource Specialist, 
recommended an eelgrass survey be conducted to determine the presence 
of eelgrass beds. Additionally, the Marine Habitat Resource Specialist 
recommended the moorings be converted to conservation moorings that use 
a floating pendant in lieu of chains to prevent damage to eelgrass 
beds.
    An eelgrass study was conducted by the City of Belfast in October, 
2018. The study concluded there was no eelgrass within the proposed 
area. The City of Belfast expressed their intention to continuously 
monitor the area for potential eelgrass growth.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive Orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analysis 
based on those 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 rule has not been 
designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 
12866. Accordingly, this rule 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.

[[Page 32271]]

    This regulatory action determination is based on the fact that 
vessel movement in the area will not be affected. Additionally, those 
using the waterway will see no adverse changes to how the waterway 
presently operates.

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 received no comments from the Small Business 
Administration on this rulemaking. 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.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
Passagassawakeag River in Belfast, ME may be small entities, for the 
reasons stated above in section V.A above, this rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on any vessel owner or operator.
    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. 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.
    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.

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 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.
    Also, 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. If 
you believe this 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 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 
Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), 
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 the establishment of two special 
anchorage areas in the Passagassawakeag River in the vicinity of 
northeastern Belfast, ME. It is categorically excluded from further 
review under paragraph L59 (a) in Table 3-1 of U.S. Coast Guard 
Environmental Planning Implementing Procedures 5090.1. A Record of 
Environmental Consideration supporting this determination is available 
in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.

PART 110--ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 110 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 471, 2071; 46 U.S.C. 70034; 33 CFR 1.05-1; 
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.


0
2. Amend Sec.  110.4 by adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  110.4  Penobscot Bay, Maine.

* * * * *
    (d) Passagassawakeag River, Belfast Bay, Belfast, Maine--(1) 
Special anchorage area A. All of the waters enclosed by a line 
beginning at latitude 44[deg]25'23'' N, longitude 068[deg]58'55'' W; 
thence to latitude 44[deg]25'30'' N, longitude 068[deg]58'48'' W; 
thence to latitude 44[deg]25'33'' N, longitude 068[deg]59'15'' W; 
thence to latitude 44[deg]25'39'' N, longitude 068[deg]59'17'' W; 
thence to latitude 44[deg]25'48'' N, longitude 068[deg]59'57'' W; 
thence to latitude 44[deg]25'46'' N, longitude 069[deg]00'08'' W; 
thence to the point of beginning.
    (2) Special anchorage area B. All of the waters enclosed by a line 
beginning at latitude 44[deg]25'17'' N, longitude 068[deg]59'00'' W; 
thence to latitude 44[deg]24'56'' N, longitude 068[deg]59'23'' W; 
thence to latitude 44[deg]25'20'' N, longitude 068[deg]59'38'' W; 
thence to latitude 44[deg]25'44'' N, longitude 069[deg]00'09'' W; 
thence to the point of beginning.

     Note to Sec.  110.4(d):  All coordinates referenced use datum: 
NAD 83. All anchoring in the areas is under the supervision of the 
town of Belfast harbormaster or other such authority as may be 
designated by the authorities of the Town of Belfast, Maine. 
Mariners using these special anchorage areas are encouraged to 
contact local and state authorities, such as the local harbormaster, 
to ensure compliance with any additional applicable state and local 
laws.


    Dated: June 28, 2019.
A.J. Tiongson,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2019-14428 Filed 7-5-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P