[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 46 (Thursday, March 7, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16455-16460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-04841]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket No. USCG-2023-0368]
RIN 1625-AA11


Regulated Navigation Area; St. Louis River/Duluth-Superior 
Harbor, Duluth, MN

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Interim rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast 
Guard, is establishing a Regulated Navigation Area for certain waters 
of the Duluth-Superior Harbor and the St. Louis River in Duluth, MN. 
This action is necessary to prevent disruption of an engineered 
sediment remediation project within one of the Great Lakes designated 
Areas of Concern (AOC); the St. Louis River. This interim rulemaking 
prohibits anchoring, spudding, dredging, dragging, or any other 
activity which could potentially disturb the riverbed in the designated 
area unless authorized by the District Commander or the Captain of the 
Port. We invite your comments on this interim rulemaking.

DATES: This interim rule is effective April 8, 2024. Comments and 
related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 
6, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2023-0368 using the Federal Decision Making Portal at https://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: For information about this document 
call or email LT Joseph McGinnis, Coast Guard; telephone 218-725-3818, 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents for Preamble

I. Abbreviations
II. Basis and Purpose, and Regulatory History
III. Background
IV. Discussion of Comments and Changes
V. Discussion of the Rule
VI. Regulatory Analyses
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review
    B. Small Entities
    C. Assistance for Small Entities
    D. Collection of Information
    E. Federalism
    F. Unfunded Mandates
    G. Taking of Private Property
    H. Civil Justice Reform
    I. Protection of Children
    J. Indian Tribal Governments
    K. Energy Effects
    L. Technical Standards
    M. Environment
VII. Public Participation and Request for Comments

I. Abbreviations

AOC Area of Concern
COTP Captain of the Port
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
OMB Office of Management and Budget
RNA Regulated Navigation Area
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Basis and Purpose, and Background

    The purpose of this rulemaking is to ensure the protection of the 
remedies, human health, and the environment in the Duluth Harbor. The 
Coast Guard is publishing this interim rulemaking under authority in 46 
U.S.C. 70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231).

[[Page 16456]]

    In 2019, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) began 
discussions with the Coast Guard and other stakeholders to explore 
establishing Regulated Navigation Areas (RNAs) for some of the project 
sites within the St. Louis River Area of Concern (AOC) to prevent 
disrupting engineered remedies from consequential human caused 
disturbance at specific remedial action sites that contain known 
contaminated sediment. The Federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative 
funded these remedial actions under the Great Lakes Legacy Act 
provisions in order to mitigate risks to human and environmental health 
by reducing exposure to contaminated riverbed sediments. To prevent 
future exposure to the contained contaminants, the engineered remedies 
must be protected from disturbance. In 2022, the MPCA notified the 
Coast Guard of the sites and areas that would be appropriate for an 
RNA. The Captain of the Port (COTP) of Duluth has determined that 
protection of these remedies is appropriate and necessary to protect 
human and environmental health.
    A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was published on August 23, 
2023. 88 FR 57378. The Coast Guard distributed the NPRM through the 
Harbor Technical Advisory Council and sent emails to local 
stakeholders. Seven responses were received during the comment period. 
These comments, our responses to them, and the changes that have been 
made to the proposed rule are discussed in further detail below.

III. Discussion of Comments and Changes to the Proposed Rule

    The Coast Guard received seven comments in response to the NPRM. 
One comment was in full support of the proposed rule, while the other 
six brought forward a number of stakeholder concerns.
    The primary request shared by most commenters is that the Coast 
Guard should withdraw the proposed rule and engage with affected 
parties before moving forward. The Coast Guard acknowledges these 
concerns but will not be withdrawing this rulemaking. Our priority in 
this matter is the protection of the engineered remedies that are a 
part of the St. Louis River AOC sediment remediation project and 
withdrawing this rule would leave them vulnerable to disturbance. In 
recognition of these concerns, the Coast Guard will continue to accept 
public comments on this RNA. We encourage stakeholders to provide the 
Coast Guard with more information on the impact of the RNA on 
operations in the Duluth Superior Harbor.
    One commenter recommended that the Coast Guard remove propeller 
scouring from the list of prohibited activities within the RNA. We 
agree with this commenter and have removed propeller scouring from the 
list of prohibited activities to mitigate the impact of the RNA on port 
operations. The engineered remedies of the sediment cap are designed to 
protect against disturbances caused by normal propeller scouring.
    One commenter argued that this rule is premature because there are 
continuing remediation efforts in Minnesota and Wisconsin waters that 
may also require protection. We disagree with this comment. The Coast 
Guard's priority in this matter is preventing any disturbance of the 
remediation project that protects the environment from contaminated 
sediments. Our mission of environmental protection is best served by 
the immediate protection of these remedies. The protection of other 
remediation projects can be addressed in a separate rulemaking or by 
revising the geographical boundary of this rule.
    Another commenter alleged that this rule is vague and not 
implementable because it fails to specify what entities must be 
consulted in order for the COTP to grant a waiver. We disagree with 
this comment. The COTP has the authority to grant a waiver and may 
consult with private, state, and Federal entities to assist in making a 
decision. This language gives the COTP sufficient time to review and 
act in accordance with the Ports and Waterways Safety Act.
    Some commenters requested that the Cost Guard modify the waiver 
process for this RNA to include a timeline for a decision and an appeal 
process. The Coast Guard declines to impose a COTP response deadline. 
However, we have incorporated into this regulation a requirement for 
these waivers to be submitted 120 days prior to operation in order to 
give sufficient time for adequate review. The appeals process is 
addressed in 33 CFR 160.7.
    One commenter recommended the addition of language that would 
exclude recreational anglers from the limitations imposed by the RNA. 
The Coast Guard disagrees with this recommendation. Anchoring in the 
RNA is an environmental risk, regardless of the type of vessel. Fishing 
without anchoring or disturbance of any bottom substrate is authorized 
within the RNA.
    One commenter asked that we provide a specific exemption for cruise 
ship traffic. The Coast Guard declines to exempt cruise ship traffic 
from the requirements of the RNA as doing so would jeopardize the 
engineered remedies, and therefore place the environmental health of 
the harbor at risk. That being said, it is our intention to mitigate 
the impact of this RNA on the growing cruise ship sector and we 
encourage stakeholders to provide more information during the comment 
period for this interim rule.
    One commenter took issue with the way the proposed rule described 
the relationship between Indian tribes and the U.S. Government. We made 
the recommended changes to address this in section VI.J. below.
    The notable changes between this interim rule and the proposed rule 
is the exclusion of propeller scouring from the list of prohibited 
activities, a waiver submission timeline, and the addition of an 
exemption for emergency circumstances out of the control of the vessel 
and operator.

V. Discussion of the Rule

    Coast Guard District Nine is establishing the RNA in order to 
prevent any potential disruption to the remediated St. Louis River AOC 
sites. The RNA will cover these six remediation sites: Minnesota Slip, 
Duluth, MN; Slip 3, Duluth, MN; Slip C, Duluth, MN; Azcon/Duluth Seaway 
Port Authority Grafield Slip C, Duluth, MN; St. Louis River/Interlake/
Duluth Tar, Duluth, MN; U.S. Steel/Spirit Lake, Duluth, MN. Specific 
coordinates are included in the supplemental regulatory text.
    All vessels and persons are prohibited from activities that would 
disturb the integrity of the engineered remedies designed to address 
contaminated sediments at these sites unless receiving approval from 
the COTP through the waiver process or in emergency situations. 
Activities may include, but are not limited to: anchoring, dragging, 
spudding, or dredging. The creation of this RNA will render the need 
for established safety zones at two sites obsolete, so this rulemaking 
also repeals Sec.  165.905 USX Superfund Site Safety Zones: St. Louis 
River and Sec.  165.927 Safety Zone; St. Louis River, Duluth/Interlake 
Tar Remediation Site, Duluth, MN.

VI. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on these statutes or Executive orders.

[[Page 16457]]

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and 13563 
(Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) 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 (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility.
    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not designated this 
rule a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive 
Order 12866, as amended by Executive Order 14094 (Modernizing 
Regulatory Review). Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget.

B. Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, we have 
considered whether this rule would have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. 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.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
RNA may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section IV.A 
above, this interim 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 proposed rule would 
economically affect it. Therefore, 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.

C. Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996, Public Law 104-121, we offer to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule so that they can better evaluate 
its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. 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.
    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).

D. Collection of Information

    This rule calls for no new collection of information under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.

E. Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132 
(Federalism) if it has a substantial direct effect on 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 Executive Order 13132 and 
have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132. Our analysis follows.
    It is well settled that States may not regulate in categories 
reserved for regulation by the Coast Guard. It is also well settled 
that all of the categories covered in 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 7101, and 
8101 (design, construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, operation, 
equipping, personnel qualification, and manning of vessels), as well as 
the reporting of casualties and any other category in which Congress 
intended the Coast Guard to be the sole source of a vessel's 
obligations, are within the field foreclosed from regulation by the 
States. See the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Locke and 
Intertanko v. Locke, 529 U.S. 89, 120 S.Ct. 1135 (2000). Therefore, 
because the States may not regulate within these categories, this rule 
is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption 
requirements described in Executive Order 13132.
    While it is well settled that States may not regulate in categories 
in which Congress intended the Coast Guard to be the sole source of a 
vessel's obligations, the Coast Guard recognizes the key role that 
State and local governments may have in making regulatory 
determinations. Additionally, for rules with federalism implications 
and preemptive effect, Executive Order 13132 specifically directs 
agencies to consult with State and local governments during the 
rulemaking process. If you believe this rule has implications for 
federalism under Executive Order 13132, please call or email the person 
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this preamble.

F. Unfunded Mandates

    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. Although this rule will not result 
in such expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

G. Taking of Private Property

    This rule will not cause a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630 (Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights).

H. Civil Justice Reform

    This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform) to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

I. Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045 (Protection 
of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks). This 
rule is not an economically significant rule and will not create an 
environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might 
disproportionately affect children.

J. Indian Tribal Governments

    This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 
13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments), 
because it will 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. Nothing in this 
proposed rule will preempt the

[[Page 16458]]

rights to hunt, fish, and gather retained by Indian tribes under either 
the 1842 or 1854 Treaty with the U.S. If you believe this proposed rule 
has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please call or email 
the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

K. Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211 (Actions 
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use). We have determined that it is not a 
``significant energy action'' under that order because it is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is 
not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy.

L. Technical Standards

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, codified as a 
note to 15 U.S.C. 272, directs agencies to use voluntary consensus 
standards in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides 
Congress, through OMB, with an explanation of why using these standards 
would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. 
Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., 
specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test 
methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) 
that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies.
    This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not 
consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

M. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Management 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 made 
a determination that this action is one of a category of actions that 
do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the 
human environment. For instructions on locating the docket, see the 
ADDRESSES section of this preamble. This rule is categorically excluded 
under paragraph L[60a] of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 
023-01-001-01, Rev 1. We seek any comments or information that may lead 
to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this 
interim rule.

VII. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard views public participation as essential to 
effective rulemaking, and will consider all comments and material 
received on this interim rule 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 interim rule, indicate the 
specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and 
provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation.
    Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments through 
the Federal Decision Making Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. To 
do so, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2023-0368 in the 
search box and click ``Search.'' Next, look for this document in the 
Search Results column, and click on it. Then click on the Comment 
option. If you cannot submit your material by using https://www.regulations.gov, call or email the person in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section of this proposed rule for alternate 
instructions.
    Viewing material in docket. To view documents mentioned in this 
interim rule as being available in the docket, find the docket as 
described in the previous paragraph, and then select ``Supporting & 
Related Material'' in the Document Type column. Public comments will 
also be placed in our online docket and can be viewed by following 
instructions on the https://www.regulations.gov Frequently Asked 
Questions web page. We review all comments received, but we will only 
post comments that address the topic of the inrweim rule. We may choose 
not to post off-topic, inappropriate, or duplicate comments that we 
receive.
    Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we 
post to https://www.regulations.gov will include any personal 
information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions 
to the docket in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking 
System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).
    Public meeting. We are not planning to hold a public meeting but 
will consider doing so if we determine from public comments that a 
meeting would be helpful. We would issue a separate Federal Register 
notice to announce the date, time, and location of such a meeting. For 
information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities 
or to request special assistance at the public meeting, call or email 
the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of 
this notice.

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, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-
1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
00170.1, Revision No. 01.3.


0
2. Add Sec.  165.945 to Subpart F to read as follows:


Sec.  165.945   Regulated navigation area; St. Louis River Area of 
Concern, Duluth, Minnesota.

    (a) Location. The following areas are a regulated navigation area:

                        Table 1 to Sec.   165.945
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Regulated area (Note:
                                                       all geographic
                                                   coordinates expressed
            Number                  Site name       in term of latitude
                                                    and longitude datum
                                                    are based on WGS 84
                                                        coordinates)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.............................  Minnesota Slip,    The aquatic area
                                 Duluth, MN.        within a polygon
                                                    connected by the
                                                    following points:
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'53.4268
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]05'45.221
                                                       0'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'53.1146
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]05'46.128
                                                       7'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'52.1716
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]05'45.466
                                                       9'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'51.8253
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]05'46.631
                                                       7'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'52.1940
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]05'46.752
                                                       6'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]47'01.7900
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]05'50.832
                                                       6'' W

[[Page 16459]]

 
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]47'00.8887
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]05'52.447
                                                       7'' W
2.............................  Slip 3, Duluth,    The aquatic area
                                 MN.                within a polygon
                                                    connected by the
                                                    following points:
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'34.9277
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'18.290
                                                       2'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'36.8355
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'18.765
                                                       4'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'38.5299
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'21.529
                                                       0'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'37.6368
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'22.696
                                                       1'' W
3.............................  Slip C, Duluth,    The aquatic area to
                                 MN.                the southwest of a
                                                    line connected by
                                                    the following
                                                    points:
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'22.1579
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'31.448
                                                       9'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]46'21.0546
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'27.963
                                                       9'' W
4.............................  Azcon/Duluth       The aquatic area
                                 Seaway Port        within a polygon
                                 Authority          connected by the
                                 Garfield Slip C,   following points:
                                 Duluth, MN.       
                                                    46[deg]45'41.9081''
                                                    N
                                                    092[deg]06'11.5069''
                                                    W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]45'41.7040
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'11.533
                                                       7'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]45'41.2503
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'12.674
                                                       6'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]45'40.8467
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'12.373
                                                       3'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]45'40.3784
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'13.640
                                                       4'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]45'40.1196
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'13.702
                                                       5'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]45'39.3277
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'13.053
                                                       9'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]45'37.0413
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'19.399
                                                       5'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]45'37.8242
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'19.922
                                                       5'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]45'38.2401
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'19.846
                                                       1'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]45'38.7466
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]06'20.225
                                                       5'' W
5.............................  St. Louis River/   The aquatic area
                                 Interlake/Duluth   north of a line
                                 Tar, Duluth, MN.   connected by the
                                                    following points:
                                                   
                                                    46[deg]43'12.8964''
                                                    N
                                                    092[deg]10'30.7956''
                                                    W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'12.1656
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'28.113
                                                       6'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'09.3576
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'26.025
                                                       6'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'09.2748
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'25.993
                                                       2'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'08.8500
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'25.687
                                                       2'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'08.8320
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'21.835
                                                       2'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'08.0436
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'19.556
                                                       4'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'08.4936
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'19.023
                                                       6'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'09.3828
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'21.414
                                                       0'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'10.1640
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'22.022
                                                       4'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'10.8192
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'21.626
                                                       4'' W
                                                   and the aquatic area
                                                    to the north of a
                                                    line connected by
                                                    the following
                                                    points:
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'11.9208
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'03.277
                                                       2'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'12.1620
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]10'01.650
                                                       0'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'07.6872
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]09'48.384
                                                       0'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'08.1300
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]09'42.498
                                                       0'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]43'10.2072
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]09'42.462
                                                       0'' W
6.............................  U.S. Steel/Spirit  The aquatic area to
                                 Lake, Duluth, MN.  the west of a line
                                                    connected by the
                                                    following points:
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'38.8208
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]12'12.773
                                                       6'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'39.6166
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]12'08.875
                                                       0'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'39.3879
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]12'05.589
                                                       5'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'39.2250
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]12'04.346
                                                       8'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'39.1231
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]12'02.910
                                                       8'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'38.9452
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]12'01.111
                                                       1'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'38.6133
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'59.450
                                                       9'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'38.3046
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'57.730
                                                       6'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'37.2472
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'53.661
                                                       5'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'36.1915
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'49.790
                                                       3'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'34.5164
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'45.629
                                                       3'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'33.5446
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'43.943
                                                       1'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'30.8242
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'43.968
                                                       4'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'30.8278
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'39.980
                                                       6'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'29.1156
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'38.235
                                                       0'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'27.0671
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'37.514
                                                       9'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'25.4408
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'36.760
                                                       5'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'25.0347
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'36.572
                                                       2'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'22.7528
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'36.078
                                                       8'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'20.7010
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'35.613
                                                       7'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'19.6484
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'35.543
                                                       1'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'19.6484
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'35.543
                                                       1'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'18.5660
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'35.070
                                                       0'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'16.5697
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'34.543
                                                       4'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'14.4790
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'33.968
                                                       5'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'12.3306
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'33.922
                                                       1'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'12.7159
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'44.450
                                                       1'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'02.1240
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'44.450
                                                       1'' W

[[Page 16460]]

 
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]41'01.9943
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                                                       46[deg]41'03.8696
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                                                       46[deg]41'02.0724
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                                                       46[deg]40'56.9795
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                                                       46[deg]40'55.9436
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                                                       46[deg]40'53.8981
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                                                       092[deg]11'32.780
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                                                       46[deg]40'51.2261
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'33.119
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                                                       46[deg]40'48.9634
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                                                       46[deg]40'46.4928
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                                                       46[deg]40'45.2017
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                                                       46[deg]40'42.1916
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                                                       46[deg]40'38.9992
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'44.450
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                                                       46[deg]40'32.6805
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                                                       46[deg]40'28.8937
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                                                       092[deg]11'44.715
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                                                       46[deg]40'27.5301
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'46.085
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                                                       46[deg]40'26.6103
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'47.390
                                                       2'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]40'26.2216
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'48.465
                                                       0'' W
                                                      
                                                       46[deg]40'25.0613
                                                       '' N
                                                       092[deg]11'51.210
                                                       8'' W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Regulations. In addition to the general Regulated Navigation 
Area regulations in Subpart B of this Section, all vessels and persons 
are prohibited from activities that would disturb the integrity of 
engineered remedies designed to address contaminated sediments at the 
sites identified above, and further described in the St. Louis River 
Area of Concern Remedial Action Plan. Such activities may include, but 
are not limited to anchoring, dragging, spudding, or dredging. The 
prohibitions in this section shall not supersede restrictions outlined 
in executed Records of Decision for Superfund sites.
    (c) Exemptions.
    (1) Public vessels operating in an official capacity. Public 
vessels are defined as any vessel owned or operated by the United 
States or by the State or local government.
    (2) Any vessel in an emergency situation may deviate from this 
regulation to the extent necessary to avoid endangering the safety of 
persons, the environment, and/or property. If deviation occurs, the 
master or designee shall inform the Coast Guard as soon as it is safe 
and practicable to do so.
    (d) Waivers. The Captain of the Port Duluth may, in consultation 
with local, state, and Federal agencies or regulated private entities, 
authorize a waiver from this section if it is determined that activity 
can be performed without undue risk to environmental remediation 
construction, monitoring, and maintenance. Requests for waivers should 
be submitted in writing and at least 120 days prior to the proposed 
operations to Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit, Duluth, 
515 West First Street, Room 145, Duluth, MN 55802 to facilitate review 
by the U.S. Coast Guard.
    (e) Penalties. Vessel or persons that violate this section are 
subject to the penalties set forth in 46 U.S.C. 70036.
    (f) Enforcement period. This Regulated Navigation Area is in effect 
permanently and can be enforced at any time.
    (g) Contact information. If you observe violations of the 
regulations in this section, you may notify the COTP by email, at 
[email protected], or by phone, 218-725-3818.

    Dated: February 28, 2024.
Jonathan P. Hickey,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2024-04841 Filed 3-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P