[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 162 (Wednesday, August 21, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43502-43504]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-17964]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2019-0690]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Fireworks Display, Delaware River, Chester, PA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the 
waters of the Delaware River near Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA, 
from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on August 31, 2019, during the 
Philadelphia Union Post-Game Fireworks Display. The safety zone is 
necessary to ensure the safety of participant vessels, spectators, and 
the boating public during the event. This regulation prohibits persons 
and non-participant vessels from entering, transiting through, 
anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone unless authorized by 
the Captain of the Port (COTP) Delaware Bay or a designated 
representative.

DATES: This rule is effective from 9:30 p.m. through 10:30 p.m. on 
August 31, 2019.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2019-0690 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 on this rule, 
call or email Petty Officer Thomas Welker, Sector Delaware Bay, 
Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone (215) 271-
4814, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary 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 a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
with respect to this rule because it is impracticable and contrary to 
the public interest to do so. There is insufficient time to allow for a 
reasonable comment period prior to the date of the event. The rule must 
be in force by August 31, 2019. We are taking immediate action to 
ensure the safety of spectators and the general public from hazards 
associated with the fireworks display. Hazards include accidental 
discharge of fireworks, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers 
or other debris.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause 
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register. Delaying the effective date of 
this rule would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest 
because immediate action is needed to mitigate the potential safety 
hazards associated with a fireworks displays in this location.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034. The Captain of the Port Delaware Bay (COTP) has determined that 
potential hazards associated with the fireworks to be used in this 
August 31, 2019 display will be a safety concern for anyone within a 
300 yard radius of the barge. The purpose of this rule is to ensure 
safety of vessels and the navigable waters in the safety zone before, 
during, and after the scheduled event.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a temporary safety zone on the waters of the

[[Page 43503]]

Delaware River near Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA, during a 
fireworks display scheduled to take place between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 
p.m. on August 31, 2019. The fireworks will be launched from a barge in 
the river, which will be anchored at approximate position latitude 
39[deg]49'43'' N, longitude 075[deg]22'39'' W. The safety zone includes 
all navigable waters within 300 yards of the fireworks barge. No person 
or vessel will be permitted to enter, transit through, anchor in, or 
remain within the safety zone without obtaining permission from the 
COTP Delaware Bay or a designated representative. If the COTP Delaware 
Bay or a designated representative grants authorization to enter, 
transit through, anchor in, or remain within the safety zone, all 
persons and vessels receiving such authorization must comply with the 
instructions of the COTP Delaware Bay or a designated representative. 
The Coast Guard will provide public notice of the safety zone by Local 
Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this 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 rule has not 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.
    The impact of this rule is not significant for the following 
reasons: (1) The enforcement period will last one hour when vessel 
traffic is usually low; (2) although persons and vessels may not enter, 
transit through, anchor in, or remain within the safety zone without 
authorization from the COTP Delaware Bay or a designated 
representative, a portion of the channel will remain open so that 
persons and vessels will be able to operate in the surrounding area 
during the enforcement period; (3) persons and vessels will still be 
able to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the 
regulated area if authorized by the COTP Delaware Bay or a designated 
representative; and (4) the Coast Guard will provide advance 
notification of the safety zone to the local maritime community by 
Local Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to Mariners, and on-scene 
actual notice from designated representatives.

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 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 
safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
IV.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 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 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 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 rule involves a safety zone that will prohibit 
persons and vessels from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or 
remaining within a limited area on the navigable water in the Delaware 
River, during a fireworks display lasting approximately

[[Page 43504]]

one hour. It is categorically excluded from further review under 
paragraph L60(a) in Table 3-1 of U.S. Coast Guard Environmental 
Planning Implementing Procedures 5090.1. A Record of Environmental 
Consideration (REC) supporting this determination is available in the 
docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.

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 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, 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: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-
6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.


0
2. Add Sec.  165.T05-0690 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T05-0690  Safety Zone; Fireworks Display, Delaware River, 
Chester, PA.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All waters of 
Delaware River off Chester, PA, within 300 yards of the barge anchored 
in approximate position latitude 39[deg]49'43'' N, longitude 
075[deg]22'39'' W.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative 
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard petty 
officer, warrant or commissioned officer on board a Coast Guard vessel 
or on board a federal, state, or local law enforcement vessel assisting 
the Captain of the Port (COTP), Delaware Bay in the enforcement of the 
safety zone.
    (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in 
subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in 
paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the 
COTP's designated representative.
    (2) To seek permission to enter or remain in the zone, contact the 
COTP or the COTP's representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or 215-271-
4807. Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or 
directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's designated 
representative.
    (3) No vessel may take on bunkers or conduct lightering operations 
within the safety zone during its enforcement period.
    (4) This section applies to all vessels except those engaged in law 
enforcement, aids to navigation servicing, and emergency response 
operations.
    (d) Enforcement. The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol 
and enforcement of the safety zone by Federal, State, and local 
agencies.
    (e) Effective period. This safety zone will be effective and 
enforced from 9:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on August 31, 2019.

    Dated: August 15, 2019.
Scott E. Anderson,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Delaware Bay.
[FR Doc. 2019-17964 Filed 8-20-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P