2019-06948. Safety Zones; July 4th Holiday Fireworks in the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region Zone  

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    AGENCY:

    Coast Guard, DHS.

    ACTION:

    Notice of proposed rulemaking.

    SUMMARY:

    The Coast Guard is proposing to establish three temporary safety zones for certain waters within the Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region Zone. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters of the Severn River at Sherwood Forest, MD, on July 3, 2019, (with alternate date of July 5, 2019), the Middle River in Baltimore County, MD, on July 6, 2019, (with alternate date of July 7, 2019), and the Susquehanna River at Havre de Grace, MD, on July 6, 2019, (with alternate date of July 7, 2019), during fireworks displays to commemorate the July 4th holiday. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from being in the safety zones unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region or a designated representative. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

    DATES:

    Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 9, 2019.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2019-0193 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. See the “Public Participation and Request for Comments” portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments.

    Start Further Info

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    If you have questions about this proposed rulemaking, call or email Mr. Ron Houck, Sector Maryland-National Capital Region Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 410-576-2674, email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    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

    § Section

    U.S.C. United States Code

    II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis

    The Sherwood Forest Club, Inc., of Sherwood Forest, MD, notified the Coast Guard that it will be conducting a fireworks display on July 3, 2019, at 9:20 p.m. The private fireworks display is to be launched from the end of the Sherwood Forest Club main pier, located adjacent to the Severn River, approximately 200 yards east of Brewer Pond in Sherwood Forest, MD. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks display will be scheduled for July 5, 2019. Hazards from the fireworks displays include accidental discharge of fireworks, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other debris. The COTP Maryland-National Capital Region has determined that potential hazards associated with the fireworks to be used in this display would be a safety concern for anyone within 150 yards of the fireworks discharge site.

    The Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County, Inc. of Baltimore, MD, notified the Coast Guard that it will be conducting a fireworks display on July 6, 2019, at 9:15 p.m. The private fireworks display is to be launched from a fireworks barge located in the Middle River, approximately 300 yards southeast of Wilson Point in Baltimore County, MD. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks display will be scheduled for July 7, 2019. Hazards from the fireworks displays include accidental discharge of fireworks, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other debris. The COTP Maryland-National Capital Region has determined that potential hazards associated with the fireworks to be used in this display would be a safety concern for anyone within 200 yards of the fireworks barge.

    The 2019 Independence Day Commission of Havre de Grace, MD, notified the Coast Guard that it will be conducting a fireworks display on July 6, 2019, at 9:15 p.m. The public fireworks display is to be launched from a fireworks barge located in the Susquehanna River, approximately 300 yards southeast of Concord Point in Havre de Grace, MD. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks display will be scheduled for July 7, 2019. Hazards from the fireworks displays include accidental discharge of fireworks, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other debris. The COTP Maryland-National Capital Region has determined that potential hazards associated with the fireworks to be used in these displays would be a safety concern for anyone within 200 yards of the fireworks barge.

    The purpose of this rulemaking is to ensure the safety of vessels on the navigable waters of the Severn River within 150 yards of the fireworks discharge site, the Middle River within 200 yards of the fireworks barge, and the Susquehanna River within 200 yards of the fireworks barge before, during, and after the scheduled events. The Coast Guard proposes this rulemaking under authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034.

    III. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The COTP proposes to establish three temporary safety zones for certain waters within the Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region Zone, as described in 33 CFR 3.25-15. This rule would be effective from 8:30 a.m. on July 3, 2019, through 10:30 p.m. on July 7, 2019, and would be enforced Start Printed Page 14065during the times described below for each zone.

    The first safety zone would be enforced from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 3, 2019, or if necessary due to inclement weather, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 5, 2019. This zone would cover all navigable waters of the Severn River, within 150 yards of a fireworks discharge site located at the end of Sherwood Forest Club main pier in approximate position latitude 39°01′54.0″ N, longitude 076°32′41.8″ W, Sherwood Forest, MD. A “FIREWORKS—DANGER—STAY AWAY” sign would be posted on land adjacent to the shoreline, near the location. The duration of the zone is intended to ensure the safety of vessels and these navigable waters before, during, and after the scheduled 9:20 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. fireworks display.

    The second safety zone would be enforced from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 6, 2019, or if necessary due to inclement weather, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 7, 2019. The safety zone would cover all navigable waters of the Middle River, within 200 yards of a fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39°18′24″ N, longitude 076°24′29″ W, located in Baltimore County, MD. A “FIREWORKS—DANGER—STAY AWAY” sign would be posted on the port and starboard sides of the barge on-scene near the location. The duration of the zone is intended to ensure the safety of vessels and these navigable waters before, during, and after the scheduled 9:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. fireworks display.

    The third safety zone would be enforced from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 6, 2019, or if necessary due to inclement weather, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 7, 2019. The safety zone would cover all navigable waters of the Susquehanna River, within 200 yards of a fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39°32′19″ N, longitude 076°04′58.3″ W, located at Havre de Grace, MD. A “FIREWORKS—DANGER—STAY AWAY” sign would be posted on the port and starboard sides of the barge on-scene near the location. The duration of the zone is intended to ensure the safety of vessels and these navigable waters before, during, and after the scheduled 9:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. fireworks display.

    Vessels or persons would be required to obtain permission from the COTP or COTP's designated representative before entering the safety zone. The regulatory text we are proposing appears at the end of this document.

    IV. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders and we discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

    A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This NPRM has not been designated a “significant regulatory action,” under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt from the requirements of Executive Order 13771.

    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, duration, and time-of-day of the safety zones, which would impact small designated areas of the Severn River, Middle River, and Susquehanna River for a total of approximately seven enforcement-hours, during the evening when vessel traffic is normally low. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue Local Notices to Mariners and a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the zones.

    B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term “small entities” comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section IV.A above, this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on any vessel owner or operator.

    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it.

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this proposed rule. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

    C. Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would not call for a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

    D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 13132.

    Also, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

    E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the Start Printed Page 14066aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

    F. Environment

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, 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 preliminary 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. This proposed rule involves three safety zones that would prohibit entry within portions of the Severn River, Middle River, and Susquehanna River. The rule would be in effect between 8:30 a.m. on July 3, 2019 through 10:30 p.m. on July 7, 2019, and would be enforced for approximately seven hours over this time. Normally such actions are categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 01. A preliminary Record of Environmental Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule.

    G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places, or vessels.

    V. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking, and will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation.

    We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be submitted using http://www.regulations.gov,, contact the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate instructions.

    We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and the docket, visit http://www.regulations.gov/​privacyNotice.

    Documents mentioned in this NPRM as being available in the docket, and all public comments, will be in our online docket at http://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website's instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted or a final rule is published.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    • Harbors
    • Marine safety
    • Navigation (water)
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
    • Security measures
    • Waterways
    End List of Subjects

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 165 as follows:

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    PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    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.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    2. Add § 165.T05-0193 to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Safety Zones; July 4th Holiday Fireworks in the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region Zone.

    (a) Locations. The following areas are a safety zone. All coordinates refer to datum NAD 1983.

    (1) Safety zone 1. All navigable waters of the Severn River, within 150 yards of a fireworks discharge site located at the end of Sherwood Forest Club main pier in approximate position latitude 39°01′54.0″ N, longitude 076°32′41.8″ W, located at Sherwood Forest, MD.

    (2) Safety zone 2. All navigable waters of the Middle River, within 200 yards of a fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39°18′24″ N, longitude 076°24′29″ W, located in Baltimore County, MD.

    (3) Safety zone 3. All navigable waters of the Susquehanna River, within 200 yards of a fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39°32′19″ N, longitude 076°04′58.3″ W, located at Havre de Grace, MD.

    (b) Definitions. As used in this section:

    (1) Captain of the Port (COTP) means the Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region.

    (2) Designated representative means any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer who has been authorized by the Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region to assist in enforcing any safety zone described in paragraph (a) of this section.

    (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. All vessels underway within this safety zone at the time it is activated are to depart the zone.

    (2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's designated representative by telephone at 410-576-2693 or on Marine Band Radio VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). The Coast Guard vessels enforcing this section can be contacted on Marine Band Radio VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz).

    (3) 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.

    (d) Enforcement officials. The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of the safety zone by Federal, State, and local agencies.

    (e) Enforcement. These safety zones will be enforced during the periods described in paragraph (f) of this section. A “FIREWORKS—DANGER—STAY AWAY” sign will be posted on land adjacent to the shoreline, near the location described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. A “FIREWORKS—DANGER—STAY AWAY” sign will be posted on the port and starboard sides of the barge on-scene near the locations described in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section.

    (f) Enforcement periods. (1) Paragraph (a)(1) of this section will be enforced from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 3, 2019. If necessary due to inclement weather on July 3rd, it will be enforced from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 5, 2019.

    (2) Paragraph (a)(2) of this section will be enforced from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Start Printed Page 14067on July 6, 2019. If necessary due to inclement weather on July 6th, it will be enforced from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 7, 2019.

    (3) Paragraph (a)(3) of this section will be enforced from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 6, 2019. If necessary due to inclement weather on July 6th, it will be enforced from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 7, 2019.

    Start Signature

    Dated: April 2, 2019.

    Joseph B. Loring,

    Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region.

    End Signature End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 2019-06948 Filed 4-8-19; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 9110-04-P

Document Information

Published:
04/09/2019
Department:
Coast Guard
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Document Number:
2019-06948
Dates:
Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 9, 2019.
Pages:
14064-14067 (4 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket Number USCG-2019-0193
RINs:
1625-AA00: Safety Zone Regulations
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1625-AA00/safety-zone-regulations
Topics:
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways
PDF File:
2019-06948.Pdf
CFR: (1)
33 CFR 165.T05-0193