2017-06352. Safety Zones; Recurring Events in Captain of the Port Duluth Zone  

  • Start Preamble

    AGENCY:

    Coast Guard, DHS.

    ACTION:

    Notice of proposed rulemaking.

    SUMMARY:

    The Coast Guard proposes to amend its safety zones regulations for annual events in the Captain of the Port Duluth Zone. This final rule would update the locations for seven safety zones, add two new safety zones, increase the safety zone radius of six existing fireworks events, and modify the format of the regulation to list the annual events and corresponding safety zones in table form. These proposed amendments will protect spectators, participants, and vessels from the hazards associated with annual marine events and improve the clarity and readability of the regulation.

    DATES:

    Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 1, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2017-0171 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number (USCG-2017-0171) in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” 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 on this rule, call or email Lieutenant Junior Grade, John Mack, Chief of Waterways Management, Marine Safety Unit Duluth, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 218-725-3818, email John.V.Mack@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

    On May 31, 2013 the Coast Guard published an NPRM in the Federal Register (78 FR 32608) entitled “Recurring Events in the Captain of the Port Duluth Zone.” The NPRM proposed to establish 8 permanent safety zones for annually recurring events in the Captain of the Port Duluth Zone under § 165.943. The NPRM was open for comment for 30 days.

    On August 12, 2013 the Coast Guard published the Final Rule in the Federal Register (78 FR 48802) after receiving no comments on the NPRM. Through this proposed rule, the Coast Guard seeks to update § 165.943.

    III. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231. The Captain of the Port Duluth (COTP) has determined that an amendment to the recurring events list as published in 33 CFR 165.943 will be necessary to: Update the location of seven existing safety zones (Bridgefest Regatta Fireworks Display, Cornucopia 4th of July Fireworks Display, Duluth 4th Fest Fireworks Display, LaPointe 4th of July Fireworks Display, Point to LaPointe Swim, Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival, Superior Man Triathlon), add two new safety zones (City of Bayfield 4th of July Fireworks Display & Two Harbors 4th of July Fireworks Display), increase the safety zone radius of six fireworks events (Bridgefest Regatta Fireworks Display, Ashland 4th of July Fireworks Display, Cornucopia 4th of July Fireworks Display, LaPointe 4th of July Fireworks Display, Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival), and format the existing regulations into a table format. The purpose of this rule is to ensure safety of vessels and the navigable waters in the safety zone before, during, and after the scheduled event and to improve the overall clarity and readability of the rule.

    The amendments to this proposed rule are necessary to ensure the safety Start Printed Page 16013of vessels and people during annual events taking place on or near federally maintained waterways in the Captain of the Port Duluth Zone. Although this proposed rule will be in effect year-round, the specific safety zones listed in Table 165.943 will only be enforced during a specified period of time when the event is on-going.

    When a Notice of Enforcement for a particular safety zone is published, entry into, transiting through, or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Duluth, or his or her designated representative. The Captain of the Port Duluth or his or her designated representative can be contacted via VHF Channel 16. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone 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. Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This rule has not been designated a “significant regulatory action,” under Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 13771 (“Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs”), directs agencies to reduce regulation and control regulatory costs and provides that “for every one new regulation issued, at least two prior regulations be identified for elimination, and that the cost of planned regulations be prudently managed and controlled through a budgeting process.”

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not designated this rule a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, it has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. As this rule is not a significant regulatory action, this rule is exempt from the requirements of Executive Order 13771. See OMB's Memorandum titled “Interim Guidance Implementing Section 2 of the Executive Order of January 30, 2017 titled `Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs' ” (February 2, 2017).

    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, location, duration, and time-of-day for each safety zone. Vessel traffic will be able to safely transit around all safety zones which will impact small designated areas within Lake Superior for short durations of time. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notice to Mariners 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 received no comments from the Small Business Administration on this rulemaking. 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 contact 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. If you believe this 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 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 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 determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human Start Printed Page 16014environment. This rule involves: The update of seven safety zone locations, the addition of two new safety zones, an increase of size for six safety zone radiuses for fireworks related events, and the reformatting of regulations into an easier to read table format. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination are 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 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, you may review a Privacy Act notice regarding the Federal Docket Management System in the March 24, 2005, issue of the Federal Register (70 FR 15086).

    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 Web site'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 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: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 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. Revise § 165.943 to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Safety Zones; Recurring Events in Captain of the Port Duluth Zone.

    (a) Regulations. The following regulations apply to the safety zones listed in Table 165.943 of this section:

    (1) The Coast Guard will provide advance notice of the enforcement date and time of the safety zone being enforced in Table 165.943, by issuing a Notice of Enforcement, as well as, a Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

    (2) During the enforcement period, the general regulations found in § 165.23 shall apply.

    (b) Contacting the Captain of the Port. While a safety zone listed in this section is enforced, the Captain of the Port Duluth or his or her on-scene representative may be contacted via VHF Channel 16. Vessel operators given permission to enter or operate in the safety zone must comply with all directions given to them by the Captain of the Port Duluth, or his or her on-scene representative.

    (c) Exemption. Public vessels, defined as any vessel owned or operated by the United States or by State or local governments, operating in an official capacity are exempted from the requirements of this section.

    Table 165.943

    [Datum NAD 1983]

    EventLocationEvent date
    (1) Bridgefest Regatta Fireworks DisplayAll waters of the Keweenaw Waterway in Hancock, MI within the arc of a circle with a radius of no more than 1,120 feet from the launch site at position 47°07′22″ N., 088°35′28″ WMid June.
    (2) Ashland 4th of July Fireworks DisplayAll waters of Chequamegon Bay in Ashland, WI within the arc of a circle with a radius of no more than 1,120 feet from the launch site at position 46°35′50″ N., 090°52′59″ WOn or around July 4th.
    (3) City of Bayfield 4th of July Fireworks DisplayAll waters of the Lake Superior North Channel in Bayfield, WI within the arc of a circle with a radius of no more than 1,120 feet from the launch site at position 46°48′40″ N., 090°48′32″ WOn or around July 4th.
    (4) Cornucopia 4th of July Fireworks DisplayAll waters of Siskiwit Bay in Cornucopia, WI within the arc of a circle with a radius of no more than 1,120 feet from the launch site at position 46°51′35″ N., 091°06′15″ WOn or around July 4th.
    (5) Duluth 4th Fest Fireworks DisplayAll waters of the Duluth Harbor Basin, Northern Section in Duluth, MN within the arc of a circle with a radius of no more than 1,120 feet from the launch site at position 46°46′14″ N., 092°06′16″ WOn or around July 4th.
    (6) LaPointe 4th of July Fireworks DisplayAll waters of Lake Superior in LaPointe, WI within the arc of a circle with a radius of no more than 1,120 feet from the launch site at position 46°46′40″ N., 090°47′22″ WOn or around July 4th.
    (7) Two Harbors 4th of July Fireworks DisplayAll waters of Agate Bay in Two Harbors, MN within the arc of a circle with a radius of no more than 1,120 feet from the launch site at position 47°00′54″ N., 091°40′04″ WOn or around July 4th.
    Start Printed Page 16015
    (8) Point to LaPointe SwimAll waters of the Lake Superior North Channel between Bayfield and LaPointe, WI within an imaginary line created by the following coordinates: 46°48′50″ N., 090°48′44″ W., moving southeast to 46°46′44″ N., 090°47′33″ W., then moving northeast to 46°46′52″ N., 090°47′17″ W., then moving northwest to 46°49′03″ N., 090°48′25″ W., and finally returning to the starting positionEarly August.
    (9) Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival Fireworks DisplayAll waters of Superior Bay in Superior, WI within the arc of a circle with a radius of no more than 1,120 feet from the launch site at position 46°43′28″ N., 092°03′47″ WLate August.
    (10) Superior Man TriathlonAll waters of the Duluth Harbor Basin, Northern Section in Duluth, MN within an imaginary line created by the following coordinates: 46°46′36″ N., 092°06′06″ W., moving southeast to 46°46′32″ N., 092°06′01″ W., then moving northeast to 46°46′45″ N., 092°05′45″ W., then moving northwest to 46°46′49″ N., 092°05′49″ W., and finally returning to the starting positionLate August.
    Start Signature

    Dated: March 27, 2017.

    E.E. Williams,

    Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Duluth.

    End Signature End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 2017-06352 Filed 3-30-17; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 9110-04-P

Document Information

Published:
03/31/2017
Department:
Coast Guard
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Document Number:
2017-06352
Dates:
Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 1, 2017.
Pages:
16012-16015 (4 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket Number USCG-2017-0171
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:
2017-06352.Pdf
CFR: (1)
33 CFR 165.943