2013-04989. Safety Zone; MODU KULLUK; Kiliuda Bay, Kodiak Island, AK to Captains Bay, Unalaska Island, AK

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Temporary final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in the navigable waters, from surface to seabed, around the Outer Continental Shelf Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) KULLUK currently located in Kiliuda Bay, Kodiak Island, Alaska with planned towed transit into Captains Bay, Unalaska Island, AK. The temporary safety zone will encompass the navigable waters within a 1000 meter radius of the MODU KULLUK while it is being towed to and located within Captains Bay to include while at anchor and through the loading of the MODU KULLUK onto the transport ship M/V XIANG RUI KOU. The purpose of the safety zone is to protect persons and vessels from the inherent dangers of towing and loading operations of the MODU KULLUK.

DATES:

This rule is effective with actual notice from February 20, 2013 until March 5, 2013. This rule is effective in the Code of Federal Regulations from March 5, 2013 until April 30, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this rule, USCG-2013-0091, is available online at www.regulations.gov by typing in the docket number in the “SEARCH” box and clicking “SEARCH.” Next, click on the Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule. This material is also available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this rule, call or email LCDR Jason Boyle, U.S. Coast Guard, Seventeenth Coast Guard District; telephone [phone], [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Acronyms

DHS Department of Homeland Security

FR Federal Register

NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

A. Regulatory History and Information

The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary final 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 doing so would be impracticable. The MODU KULLUK grounded during severe weather in the vicinity of Sitkalidak Island and response, recovery and salvage efforts began immediately. Following an assessment, it was determined that the MODU KULLUK required towing to Captains Bay, Unalaska for loading aboard a transport ship for further relocation. This new temporary final rule is established to cover the anticipated time necessary for the towing of MODU KULLUK to Captains Bay and the operations necessary to load the vessel onto the transport ship for transit to the vessels repair facility. Notice and comment rulemaking is impracticable because this transport for further repairs was unexpected and requiring notice and comment would create further delay in achieving those repairs and safeguarding the public from the significant amount of vessels and crew required to tow this MODU.

For similar reasons, 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 because immediate action is needed to minimize potential danger to the public during the period of time when there will be unusually high vessel traffic during towing operations to Captains Bay, Alaska and the complexities of loading the MODU KULLUK aboard the transport ship.

B. Basis and Purpose

The MODU KULLUK unexpectedly grounded during severe weather in the vicinity of Sitkalidak Island, Alaska, precipitating a salvage and recovery operation. The MODU KULLUK was towed to Kiliuda Bay for damage assessments. The Coast Guard believes a safety zone is needed based on the significant number of persons, vessels and activities necessary to tow and load the MODU KULLUK, a non-self-propelled vessel. The tow operations are expected to involve a large number of vessels, including tow vessels, and pollution response vessels. The tow and loading operation is anticipated to take up to 30 days.

A temporary safety zone is needed to ensure vessels engaged in the towing operation are able to maneuver unimpeded in the vicinity of the MODU KULLUK and to keep other mariners a safe distance from tow cables, vessels and other activities involved in the towing operations from Kiliuda Bay, AK to Captains Bay, AK and the loading of the MODU KULLUK onto the transport ship M/V XIANG RUI KOU that will take place within the navigable waters of Captains Bay, AK.

Previously, a temporary final rule (USCG-2011-0668) was issued on January 2, 2013, creating a safety zone one nautical mile around the MODU KULLUK. A second temporary final rule (USCG-2012-1088) was issued on January 6, 2013, creating a safety zone around the MODU KULLUK while it was towed and anchored for assessment and repairs in Kiliuda Bay.

C. Discussion of Final Rule

For the reasons stated above, the Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone in the navigable waters, from surface to seabed, within a 1000 meter radius of the MODU KULLUK while it being towed to and anchored in Captains Bay, AK and while it is being loaded onto the M/V XIANG RUI KOU from February 20, 2013 through April 30, 2013. If the salvage and recovery operations are completed, and the safety zone is determined to be no longer necessary, enforcement of the zone will end prior to April 30, 2013.

D. Regulatory Analyses

We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on these statutes and executive orders.

1. Regulatory Planning and Review

This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of Executive Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders.

The proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action due to the minimal impact this will have on standard vessel operations within the vicinity of transit route from Kiliuda Bay, AK to Captains Bay, AK during the winter months and it will be enforced for a short duration. The proposed safety zone is designed to allow vessels transiting through the area to safely travel around the MODU KULLUK during towing operations and loading area without incurring additional cost or delay.

2. Impact on Small Entities

The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 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 would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule would affect the following entities, some of which might be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to transit through or anchor in the transit route from Kiliuda Bay, AK to Captains Bay, AK or within Captains Bay, AK in the vicinity of the MODU KULLUK from February 20, 2013, to April 30, 2013.

This safety zone will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: This rule will be effective for a short period of time, enforcement will end once the towing and loading operations are completed, and the zone is limited to the waters within 1000 meter radius of the MODU KULLUK while it is towed to or at anchor within Captains Bay.

3. Assistance for Small Entities

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, above.

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.

4. Collection of Information

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

5. Federalism

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 determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism.

6. Protest Activities

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

7. 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.

8. Taking of Private Property

This rule will not affect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.

9. Civil Justice Reform

This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

10. Protection of Children

We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and will not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children.

11. Indian Tribal Governments

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.

12. Energy Effects

This action is not a “significant energy action” under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.

13. Technical Standards

This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

14. 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 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded this action is one of a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves establishing regulations for a safety zone. This rule 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.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

• Harbors
• Marine safety
• Navigation (water)
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Security measures
• Waterways

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is amending 33 CFR part 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: 33 U.S.C 1226, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, secs. 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, § 6.04-6, AND § 160.5; Pub L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0171.1.

2. Add § 165.T17-0091 to read as follows:

§ 165.T17-0091

Safety Zone; MODU KULLUK; Kiliuda Bay, Kodiak Island to Captains Bay, Unalaska Island, Alaska.

(a) Location. The following areas are safety zones: All navigable waters, from the surface to the seabed, within a one thousand meter radius of the MODU KULLUK, a large ocean-going drill vessel, while it is under tow from Kiliuda Bay, Kodiak Island to Captains Bay, Unalaska Island, Alaska and while the MODU KULLUK is anchored or moored in Captains Bay including times while it is being loaded onto and aboard the transport ship M/V XIANG RUI KOU.

(b) Effective date. The safety zone is effective beginning February 20, 2013, and terminates at 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2013. Enforcement of this safety zone may end earlier if ordered by the Captain of the Port, Western Alaska.

(c) Regulations. The general regulations governing safety zones contained in § 165.23 apply to all vessels operating within the areas described in paragraph (a). In addition to the general regulations, the following provisions apply to this safety zone:

(1) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port (COTP) or designated on-scene representative, consisting of commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the Coast Guard. Upon being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed by the COTP's designated on-scene representative.

(2) Entry into the safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP or his designated on-scene representative. Any persons desiring to enter the safety zone must contact the designated on-scene representative on VHF channel 16 (156.800 MHz) and receive permission prior to entering.

(3) If permission is granted to transit within the safety zone, all persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of the designated on-scene representative.

(4) The COTP will notify the maritime and general public by marine information broadcast during the period of time that the safety zones are in force including notification that the MODU KULLUK is loaded onto the M/V XIANG RUI KOU by providing notice in accordance with 33 CFR 165.7.

(d) Penalties. Persons and vessels violating this rule are subject to the penalties set forth in 33 U.S.C. 1232 and 50 U.S.C. 192.

Dated: February 20, 2013.

Paul Mehler III,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Western Alaska.