E7-19414. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW), at Scotts Hill, NC

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has approved a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Figure Eight Swing Bridge, at AIWW mile 278.1, at Scotts Hill, NC. Beginning November 1, 2007, until January 31, 2008, this deviation allows the drawbridge to remain closed-to-navigation each day from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., to facilitate sandblasting and painting operations. In addition, commercial vessel openings will be provided at night if at least three hours notice is given by calling [phone] or via marine radio on Channel 13.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 6:30 p.m. on November 1, 2007 to 6 a.m. on January 31, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at Commander (dpb), Fifth Coast Guard District, Federal Building, 1st Floor, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704-5004 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is [phone]. Commander (dpb), Fifth Coast Guard District maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Gary S. Heyer, Bridge Management Specialist, Fifth Coast Guard District, at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Figure Eight Swing Bridge has a vertical clearance in the closed position to vessels of 20 feet, above mean high water (MHW). Also, the vertical clearance in this location is limited to 85 feet, above MHW, by the overhead power line.

The Figure Eight Homeowners Association (the bridge owner) has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.821(a)(3) to close the drawbridge to navigation to facilitate sandblasting, cleaning and painting of the bridge superstructure.

To facilitate this operation, the Figure Eight Swing Bridge will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position each day beginning November 1, 2007, until January 31, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, commercial vessel openings will be provided at night if at least three hours notice is given by calling [phone] or via marine radio on Channel 13. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with 33 CFR 117.821(a)(3). In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

We have analyzed this temporary deviation under Commandant Instruction M16475.lD and Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 5100.1, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f). The environmental impact that this temporary deviation will have is minimal because of the drawbridge being closed to vessels to perform routine repair and maintenance will not result in a change in functional use, or an impact on a historically significant element or setting.

Dated: September 21, 2007.

Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,

Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.