[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 21, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20633-20635]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08196]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2021-0204]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Tugs Champion, Valerie B, Nancy Anne and Barges 
Kokosing I, Kokosing II, Kokosing IV Operating in the Straits of 
Mackinac, MI

AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Temporary interim rule with request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for 
the navigable water within a 500-yard radius of several tugs and barges 
in the Straits of Mackinac. The safety zone is needed to protect 
personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from the potential 
hazards created by the work, inspection, surveying and the removal and 
replacement of cables for the Straits of Mackinac. Entry of vessels or 
persons into the zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by 
the Captain of the Port Sault Sainte Marie or their designated 
representative. Due to the lengthy duration of this safety zone, the 
Coast Guard is accepting and reviewing public comments until May 7, 
2021. While this rule is being enforced

[[Page 20634]]

beginning April 20, 2021, the Coast Guard reserves the right to modify 
the safety zone if an issue is raised by the public comments that 
requires such a modification.

DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from April 21, 2021 
through September 30, 2021. For the purposes of enforcement, actual 
notice will be issued from April 20, 2021 through April 21, 2021. 
Comments and related materials will be accepted and reviewed by the 
Coast Guard through May 7, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments and material online at http://www.regulations.gov (see section II of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
for additional details). To view documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, 
type USCG-2021-0204 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 CWO4 Robert A. Gruschow or LT Deaven S. Palenzuela, 
Sector Sault Sainte Marie Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast 
Guard at (906) 253-2462/(906) 635-3223 or email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

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

II. 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 by typing the docket number in the 
``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on ``Submit a Comment'' on 
the line associated with this rulemaking.

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 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' 
Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this 
rulemaking.

III. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary interim rule with an 
abridged 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 doing so would be impracticable. The 
final details of the specific dates, vessels names, and safety zone 
distances concerning the safety zones were not finalized within a 
sufficient time to allow for notice and a subsequent 30-day comment 
period before work, inspection, surveying and the replacement and the 
removal of multiple cables. Delaying this rule to allow for a notice 
and full comment period would be impracticable because it would inhibit 
the Coast Guard's ability to protect the public from the potential 
hazards associated with aforementioned operation commencing on April 
20, 2021.
    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. For the same reasons discussed in 
the preceding paragraph, delaying the effective date of this rule would 
be impracticable because immediate action is needed to respond to the 
potential safety hazards associated with the work, inspections, and 
surveying of underwater infrastructure.

IV. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231). The Captain of the Port Sault Sainte 
Marie (COTP) has determined that potential hazards associated with the 
work, inspection, and surveying of underwater infrastructure in the 
Straits of Mackinac starting April 20, 2021 will be a safety concern 
for anyone within a 500-yard radius of the tugs and barges. This rule 
is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in 
the navigable waters within the safety zone while the operation is 
conducted.

V. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a safety zone from April 20, 2021 to 
September 30, 2021. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters 
within 500 yards of the tugs and barges being used to work, inspect, 
survey and remove/replace cables in the Straits of Mackinac. The 
duration of the zone is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the 
marine environment in these navigable waters while the operation is 
conducted. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety 
zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated 
representative.

VI. 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. 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).
    This regulatory action determination is based on the size and 
location of the safety zone. Vessel traffic will be able to safely 
transit around this safety zone which would impact a small designated 
area of the Straits of Mackinac. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue a 
Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the 
zone, and the rule would allow vessels to seek permission 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

[[Page 20635]]

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 
VI.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 
call or email 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.

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, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, 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 entry within 500 yards of tugs and 
barges used to work, inspect, survey and remove/replace cables in the 
Straits of Mackinac. It is categorically excluded from further review 
under paragraph L[60(a)] of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction 
Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A Record of Environmental Consideration 
supporting this determination is available in the docket. For 
instructions on locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of this 
preamble.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to call or email 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.T09-0274 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T09-0274  Safety Zone; Tugs Champion, Valerie B, Nanacy Anne 
and Barges Kokosing I, Kokosing II, Kokosing IV operating in the 
Straits of Mackinac, MI.

    (a) Location. The following areas are safety zones: All navigable 
water within 500 yards of the Tugs Valerie B, Nancy Anne, Champion and 
Barges Kokosing I, III, and IV while conducting work, inspection, 
surveying and removing/replacing cables in the Straits of Mackinac.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative 
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, 
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a 
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the 
Captain of the Port Sault Sainte Marie (COTP) in the enforcement of the 
safety zone.
    (c) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 
Sec.  165.23, entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the safety 
zone described in paragraph (a) of this section is prohibited unless 
authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sault Sainte Marie, or his 
designated representative.
    (2) Before a vessel operator may enter or operate within the safety 
zones, they must obtain permission from the Captain of the Port, Sault 
Sainte Marie, or his designated representative via VHF Channel 16 or 
telephone at (906) 635-3233. Vessel operators given permission to enter 
or operate in the safety zone must comply with all orders given to them 
by the Captain of the Port, Sault Sainte Marie, or his designated 
representative.
    (d) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from April 
20, 2021 to September 30, 2021.

    Dated: April 15, 2021.
A.R. Jones,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sault Sainte Marie.
[FR Doc. 2021-08196 Filed 4-20-21; 8:45 am]
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