2020-24020. Safety Zone; East River, New York, NY  

  • Start Preamble

    AGENCY:

    Coast Guard, DHS.

    ACTION:

    Temporary final rule.

    SUMMARY:

    The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of the east channel of the East River between the Roosevelt Island Bridge (mile 6.4) and Gibbs Point approximately 800 yards northeast of the bridge. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by the installation of one TriFrame with three attached underwater turbines, associated cabling and 4 to 6 Private Aids to Navigation. When enforced, entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port New York.

    DATES:

    This rule is effective without actual notice from November 2, 2020 through 11:59 p.m., December 31, 2020. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from 7 a.m., October 22, 2020 through November 2, 2020.

    ADDRESSES:

    To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov,, type USCG-2020-0600 in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule.

    Start Further Info

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    If you have questions on this rule, call or email Mr. Jeff Yunker, Sector New York Waterways Management Division; U. S. Coast Guard; telephone 718-354-4195, email jeffrey.m.yunker@uscg.mil.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    I. Table of Abbreviations

    CFR Code of Federal Regulations

    DHS Department of Homeland Security

    FR Federal Register

    NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

    PATON Private Aids to Navigation

    RITE Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy Project

    § Section

    U.S.C. United States Code

    II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule without prior notice and 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 the contractor did not provide enough notice that three barges, three tugs and three work vessels will be conducting heavy lift operations and installing 4 to Start Printed Page 691736 Private Aids to Navigation (PATON) in the east channel of the East River, north of the Roosevelt Island Bridge while installing one TriFrame with three underwater turbines for the RITE Project. The USACE is issuing a permit for this installation and immediate action is needed to respond to the potential safety hazards associated with heavy lift operations. It is impracticable to publish an NPRM because we must establish this safety zone by October 22, 2020. The Coast Guard is publishing this rule to be effective through December 31, 2020 in case the project is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

    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 would be impracticable because immediate action is needed to respond to the potential safety hazards associated with multiple construction vessels operating within a confined area of the East River.

    III. 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 New York (COTP) has determined that potential hazards associated with installation of the RITE Project TriFrame with three turbines and associated PATON marking this installation on October 22, 2020, will be a safety concern for anyone in the East River, east of Roosevelt Island, between the Roosevelt Island Bridge (mile 6.4) and Gibbs Point. This rule is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the navigable waters within the safety zone while nine tugs, barges and work vessels are installing one TriFrame with three underwater turbines and 4-6 PATON marking the RITE Project area.

    IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a safety zone from October 22 through December 31, 2020. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters of the East River east of Roosevelt Island between the Roosevelt Island Bridge (mile 6.4) and Gibbs Point being used by vessels and personnel to install Phase 1 of the RITE Project.

    We anticipate enforcing the safety zone during the heavy lift operations for installation of the RITE Project TriFrame with three turbines scheduled from approximately 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. on October 22, 2020. The duration of the zone is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in these constrained navigable waters while the project and PATON marking the project area are being installed. When enforced no vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative. The Coast Guard is publishing this rule to be effective through December 31, 2020 in case the project is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

    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. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control regulatory costs through a budgeting process. 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), and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt from the requirements of Executive Order 13771.

    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, location, duration, and time-of-year of the safety zone. Vessel traffic will be able to safely transit around this safety zone which would impact a small designated area of Start Printed Page 69174the East River for approximately 16 hours during the Fall when vessel traffic is normally low. Moreover, the Coast Guard would issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the zone, publish the zone in the Local Notice to Mariners, 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 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 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 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 lasting only 16 hours that will prohibit entry between the Roosevelt Island Bridge (mile 6.4) and Gibbs Point being used by vessels, machinery and personnel to install Phase 1 of the RITE Project and 4-6 PATON marking the project area. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60(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.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

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

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

    Start Part

    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.T01-0600 to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Safety Zone; East River, New York, NY.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All waters of the East River, from surface to bottom, east of Roosevelt Island, upstream of the Roosevelt Island Bridge (mile 6.4) and downstream of a line connecting the following points: Gibbs Point at (pa) 40°46′05.12″ N, 073°56′21.74″ W to Roosevelt Island at (pa) 40°46′09.25″ N, 073°56′29.60″ W. These coordinates are based on NAD 83.

    (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 New York (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 zone described in paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative.

    (2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's representative by VHF-Channel 16 or at Start Printed Page 69175718-354-4353. 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 period[s]. This section is effective from October 22 through December 31, 2020 but will only be enforced when Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy Project heavy lift operations are in progress.

    Start Signature

    Dated: October 20, 2020.

    Jason P. Tama,

    Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port New York.

    End Signature End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 2020-24020 Filed 10-30-20; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 9110-04-P

Document Information

Effective Date:
11/2/2020
Published:
11/02/2020
Department:
Coast Guard
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Temporary final rule.
Document Number:
2020-24020
Dates:
This rule is effective without actual notice from November 2, 2020 through 11:59 p.m., December 31, 2020. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from 7 a.m., October 22, 2020 through November 2, 2020.
Pages:
69172-69175 (4 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket Number USCG-2020-0600
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, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways
PDF File:
2020-24020.Pdf
Supporting Documents:
» Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Decision Support System
» Safety Zones: East River, New York, NY
CFR: (1)
33 CFR 165.T01-0600