2024-24932. Safety Zone; Choctawhatchee Bay, FL

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Department of Homeland Security

Coast Guard

1. 33 CFR Part 165
2. [Docket Number USCG-2024-0391]
3. RIN 1625-AA00

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Temporary final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for certain navigable waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay where unexploded ordnances were discovered and a moving safety zone around vessels relocating any unexploded ordnance from Choctawhatchee Bay to the disposal location. The safety zones are needed to protect mariners from the hazards associated with unexploded ordnance clearance operations. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Mobile (COTP), or a designated representative.

DATES:

This rule is effective without actual notice from October 28, 2024 through 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2024. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from 1 p.m. on October 22, 2024, until October 28, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2024-0391 in the search box and click “Search.” Next, in the Document Type column, select “Supporting & Related Material.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions about this rule, call or email MSTC Stacy Stevenson, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

DHS Department of Homeland Security

FR Federal Register

NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

§ Section

U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary final rule under authority in 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). This statutory 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.” The Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because it is impracticable and contrary to public interest. It is impracticable to publish an NPRM because we must establish this safety zone by October 22, 2024, and lack sufficient time to provide a reasonable comment period and then consider those comments before issuing the rule. Publishing an NPRM is contrary to public interest because immediate action is needed to protect people and property on the waterway from potential hazards associated with unexploded ordnance operations.

Also, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register . Delaying the effective date of this rule is contrary to public interest because it would delay the safety measures necessary to respond to potential safety hazards associated with the unexploded ordnance operations.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034. The Captain of the Port Sector Mobile (COTP) has determined that the safety zones are necessary for the protection of persons and vessels from potential hazards associated with the unexploded ordnance operations.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on certain navigable waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay within a 5,000 foot radius of approximate position 30°25′38.1″ N, 86°33′32.5″ W, and a moving safety zone within a 600 yard radius from any vessel involved with relocating the unexploded ordnance upon leaving the area where the ordnance was discovered until it is safely positioned in the disposal location. The safety zones will be enforced from 1 p.m. on October 22, 2024, until 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2024. The duration of the zone is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and ensure maritime safety and security in these navigable waters during unexploded ordnance clearing operations. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zones without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.

V. Regulatory Analyses

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

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. This rule has not been designated 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 (OMB).

This regulatory action determination is based on the size, location, duration, and time-of-day of the safety zone. This stationary safety zone will be enforced for approximately 11 weeks or less and prohibit vessel movement on a portion of the Choctawhatchee Bay and a moving safety zone around relocating unexploded ordnances to the disposal location. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue on scene actual notice via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the zone, and the rule allows 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 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 ( print page 85433) reasons stated in section V.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 affects 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 lasting eleven weeks or less that will prohibit entry on a portion of the Choctawhatchee Bay and a moving safety zone around a vessel involved in relocating any unexploded ordnance to the disposal location. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60(d) 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

• Marine safety
• Navigation (water)
• Reporting, recordkeeping requirements, and Waterways

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR 165 as follows:

PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

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.

2. Add § 165.T08-0391 to read as follows:

§ 165.T08-0391

Safety Zone; Choctawhatchee Bay, FL.

(a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All navigable waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay within a 5,000 foot radius of approximate position 30°25′38.1″ N, 86°33′32.5″ W, and a moving safety zone 600 yards around any vessel involved with relocating the unexploded ordnance upon leaving the area where the ordnance was discovered until it is safely positioned in the disposal location.

(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 Sector Mobile Captain of the Port (COTP) in the enforcement of the safety zone.

(c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zones described in paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative. No person may anchor, dredge, or trawl in the safety zones unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative.

(2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's designated representative on VHF-CH 16. Those in the safety zones must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative.

(d) Enforcement period. This section will be subject to enforcement from 1 p.m. on October 22, 2024, through 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2024. The enforcement period will be announced via on-scene actual notice via VHF-FM marine channel 16.

Dated: October 21, 2024.

M.O. Vega,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Mobile.