2010-9499. Special Local Regulation; Harrison Township Grand Prix, Lake St. Clair; Harrison Township, MI

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard proposes establishing a temporary special local regulation in the Captain of the Port Detroit Zone on Lake St. Clair, Harrison Township, Michigan. This special local regulation is intended to restrict vessels from portions of Lake St. Clair during the Harrison Township Grand Prix. This special local regulation is necessary to protect spectators and vessels from the hazards associated with powerboat races.

DATES:

Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 24, 2010.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2010-0279 using any one of the following methods:

(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.

(2) Fax: [phone].

(3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.

(4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.

To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the “Public Participation and Request for Comments” portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or e-mail CDR Joseph Snowden, Prevention Department, Sector Detroit, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], e-mail [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation and Request for Comments

We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided.

Submitting Comments

If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG-2010-0279), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online (via http://www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online via http://www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission.

To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov, click on the “submit a comment” box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the “Document Type” drop down menu select “Proposed Rule” and insert “USCG-2010-0279” in the “Keyword” box. Click “Search” then click on the balloon shape in the “Actions” column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change the rule based on your comments.

Viewing Comments and Documents

To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov,, click on the “read comments” box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the “Keyword” box insert “USCG-2010-0279” and click “Search.” Click the “Open Docket Folder” in the “Actions” column. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility.

Privacy Act

Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008 issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

Public Meeting

We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for one using one of the four methods specified under ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal Register.

Background and Purpose

This temporary special local regulation is necessary to ensure the safety of vessels and spectators from hazards associated with a powerboat race. The Captain of the Port Detroit has determined powerboat races in close proximity to watercraft and infrastructure pose significant risk to public safety and property. The likely combination of large numbers of recreation vessels, powerboats traveling at high speeds, and large numbers of spectators in close proximity to the water could easily result in serious injuries or fatalities. Establishing a special local regulation around the location of the race course will help ensure the safety of persons and property at these events and help minimize the associated risks.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

This proposed temporary special local regulation is necessary to ensure the safety of spectators and vessels during the setup, course familiarization, testing and race in conjunction with the Harrison Township Grand Prix. The powerboat races will occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on July 17 and 18, 2010. The special local regulation will be enforced daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 17-18, 2010.

The special local regulation will encompass all waters of Lake St. Clair, near Harrison Township, MI, bound by a line extending from a starting point in Lake St. Clair located at position 42°32′ 44″ N, 082°50′42″ W; traveling southeast to position 42°32′10″ N, 082°47′50″ W; northeast to position 42°34′07″ N, 082°47′30″ W; west to position 42°34′05″ N, 082°49′35″ W; and southwest to the point of origin at position 42°32′ 44″ N, 082°50′42″ W;. This regulated navigation area encompasses the entire race course located in Lake St. Clair near Metro Beach, Harrison Township. All geographic coordinates are North American Datum of 1983 [NAD 83].

All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or the designated on scene patrol personnel. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the special local regulation area is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Detroit or his designated on scene representative. The Captain of the Port or his on scene representative may be contacted via VHF Channel 16.

Regulatory Analyses

We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.

Regulatory Planning and Review

This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation is unnecessary. This determination is based on the minimal time that vessels will be restricted from the special regulation area and the special regulation area is located where the Coast Guard expects minimal adverse impact to mariners from the special regulation area's activation.

Small Entities

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have considered whether this proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 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 proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

This rule will affect the following entities, some of which might be small entities: The owners and operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in a portion of Lake St. Clair near Harrison Township, MI, between 10 a.m. on July 17, and 4 p.m. on July 18, 2010.

This special local regulation area will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: This rule will only be enforced for six hours on each day for two days total. In the event that this temporary special local regulation affects shipping, commercial vessels may request permission from the Captain of the Port Detroit to transit through the special local regulation area. The Coast Guard will give notice to the public via a Broadcast Notice to Mariners that the regulation is in effect and when it is being enforced.

If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it.

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 proposed rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. 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 CDR Joseph Snowden, Prevention Department, Sector Detroit, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], e-mail [e-mail]. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

Collection of Information

This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

Federalism

A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism.

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 proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

Taking of Private Property

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

Civil Justice Reform

This proposed 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.

Protection of Children

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

Indian Tribal Governments

The Coast Guard recognizes the treaty rights of Native American Tribes. Moreover, the Coast Guard is committed to working with Tribal Governments to implement local policies and to mitigate tribal concerns. We have determined that this rule and fishing rights protection need not be incompatible. We have also determined that this proposed rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it would 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. Nevertheless, Indian Tribes that have questions concerning the provisions of this proposed rule or options for compliance are encouraged to contact the point of contact listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

Energy Effects

We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a “significant energy action” under that order because it is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211.

Technical Standards

The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies.

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

Environment

We have analyzed this proposed 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 made a preliminary determination that 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 the establishment of a special local regulation. Based on our preliminary determination, there are no factors in this case that would limit the use of a categorical exclusion under section 2.B.2 of the Instruction. Therefore, we believe that this rule should be categorically excluded. Because this event establishes a special local regulation, paragraph (34)(h) of figure 2-1 of the Instruction applies. Thus, no further environmental documentation is required. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100

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

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 100 as follows:

PART 100—SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS

1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1233.

2. Add a new temporary § 100.35T09-0279 as follows:

§ 100.35T09-0279

Special Local Regulation; Harrison Township Grand Prix; Lake St. Clair; Harrison Township, MI.

(a) Location. The following is a temporary special local regulation area: All waters of Lake St. Clair, near Harrison Township, MI, bound by a line extending from a starting point in Lake St. Clair located at position 42°32′44″ N, 082°50′42″ W; traveling southeast to position 42°32′10″ N, 082°47′50″ W; northeast to position 42°34′07″ N, 082°47′30″ W; west to position 42°34′05″ N, 082°49′35″ W; and southwest to the point of origin at position 42°32′44″ N, 082°50′42″ W. This regulated navigation area encompasses the entire race course located in Lake St. Clair near Metro Beach, Harrison Township. (DATUM: NAD 83).

(b) Effective Period. This regulation is effective from 10 a.m. on July 17, 2010, to 4 p.m. on July 18, 2010. This regulation will be enforced daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on July 17-18, 2010.

(c) Regulations.

(1) In accordance with the general regulations in § 100.35 of this part, entry into, and transiting or anchoring within this special local regulation area is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Detroit, or his on-scene representative.

(2) This special local regulation area is closed to all vessel traffic, except as may be permitted by the Captain of the Port Detroit or his on-scene representative.

(3) The “on-scene representative” of the Captain of the Port is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer who has been designated by the Captain of the Port to act on his behalf. The on-scene representative of the Captain of the Port will be aboard either a Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel.

(4) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the special local regulation area shall contact the Captain of the Port Detroit or his on-scene representative to obtain permission to do so. The Captain of the Port or his designated on scene representative may be contacted via VHF Channel 16. Vessel operators given permission to enter or operate in the special local regulation area must comply with all directions given to them by the Captain of the Port or his on-scene representative.

Dated: April 9, 2010.

E.J. Marohn,

Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Captain of the Port Detroit.