2021-07300. Safety Zone; Christiansted Harbor, St. Croix, USVI

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing a permanent safety zone for certain waters of the Christiansted Harbor, St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands when liquefied gas carriers are in transit to, moored, or are departing from the Virgin Island Water and Power Authority (WAPA) dock. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters near the WAPA dock. This rule prohibits persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port San Juan or a designated representative. This action is necessary to better meet the safety and security needs of the Port of San Juan.

DATES:

This rule is effective May 10, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov,, type USCG-2020-0307 in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this rule, call or email LT Randy Johnston, Sector San Juan Prevention Department, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COTP Captain of the Port

DHS Department of Homeland Security

FR Federal Register

LG Liquefied Gas

NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

§ Section

U.S.C. United States Code

USVI United States Virgin Islands

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

On May 28, 2020, Small Boat Station San Juan recommended Sector San Juan establish a permanent safety zone in Christiansted Harbor, St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands (USVI), where they routinely perform escorts of liquefied gas (LG) carriers. In response, on November 2, 2020, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Safety Zones; Christiansted Harbor, St. Croix, USVI” (85 FR 69301). There we stated why we issued the NPRM, and invited comments on our proposed regulatory action related to the safety zone. During the comment period that ended December 2, 2020, we received no comments.

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 San Juan (COTP) has determined that potential hazards associated with the transit and cargo operation of LG carriers would be a safety concern for anyone within a one-half mile of LG carriers during transit and within a 50-yard radius while LG carriers are moored at the Virgin Island Water and Power Authority (WAPA) dock. The purpose of this rulemaking is to ensure the safety of vessels and the navigable waters during the escort and cargo operation of LG carriers.

IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Rule

As noted above, we received no comments on our NPRM published on November 2, 2020. There are no changes in the regulatory text of this rule from the proposed rule in the NPRM.

This rule establishes a permanent moving safety zone in Christiansted Harbor, St. Croix, USVI, where Coast Guard assets routinely perform escorts of LG carriers. This rule establishes a moving safety zone of one-half mile around any transiting LG carrier, beginning at Christiansted Harbor Lighted Buoy #1 and ending when the LG Carrier moors at the WAPA dock. Once moored there will be a 50-yard radius safety zone around the LG carrier. Additionally, a moving safety zone is established on the waters around LG carriers departing Christiansted Harbor in an area one-half mile around each vessel beginning at the Virgin Island Water and Power Authority (WAPA) dock when the vessel gets underway, and continuing until the stern passes the Christiansted Harbor Lighted Buoy #1. No vessel or person is 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 Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

This regulatory action determination is based on the size, available exceptions to the enforcement of the safety zone, and notice to mariners. The regulated area will impact small designated areas of navigable channels within Christiansted Harbor, St. Croix, USVI. The rule will allow vessels to seek permission to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the safety zone. Additionally, notifications to the marine community will be made through Local Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16, and on-scene representatives. The notifications will allow the public to plan operations around the affected areas.

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 call or email the contact 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 covering the transit and mooring of liquefied gas carriers that would prohibit entry within one-half mile. 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.

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 amends 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: 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.

2. Add § 165.789 to read as follows:

§ 165.789

Safety Zone; Christiansted Harbor, St. Croix, USVI.

(a) Regulated area. (1) A moving safety zone is established on the waters around liquefied gas carriers entering Christiansted Harbor in an area one-half mile around each vessel, beginning one mile north of the Christiansted Harbor Lighted Buoy #1, in approximate position 17°46′48″ N, 064°41′48″ W, and continuing until the vessel is moored at the Virgin Island Water and Power Authority (WAPA) dock in approximate position 17°45′06″ N, 064°42′50″ W. All coordinates are North American Datum 1983.

(2) The waters around liquefied gas carriers in a 50-yard radius around each vessel when moored at the WAPA dock.

(3) A moving safety zone is established on the waters around liquefied gas carriers departing Christiansted Harbor in an area one-half mile around each vessel beginning at the WAPA dock in approximate position 17°45′06″ N, 064°42′50″ W when the vessel gets underway, and continuing until the stern passes the Christiansted Harbor Lighted Buoy #1, in approximate position 17°45′48″ N, 064°41′48″ W.

(b) Regulations. (1) No person or vessel may enter, transit, or remain in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port San Juan, Puerto Rico, or a designated Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer. Those operating in the safety zone with the Captain of the Port's authorization must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.

(2) Vessels encountering emergencies, which require transit through the safety zones, should contact the Coast Guard patrol craft or Duty Officer on VHF Channel 16. In the event of an emergency, the Coast Guard patrol craft may authorize a vessel to transit through the safety zones with a Coast Guard designated escort.

(3) The Captain of the Port and the Duty Officer at Sector San Juan, Puerto Rico, can be contacted at telephone number 787-289-2041. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander enforcing the safety zones can be contacted on VHF-FM channels 16 and 22A.

(4) Coast Guard Sector San Juan will, when necessary and practicable, notify the maritime community of periods during which the safety zone will be in effect by providing advance notice of scheduled arrivals and departure of cruise ships via a Marine Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

(5) All persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of on-scene patrol personnel. On-scene patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, or petty officers of the U.S. Coast Guard. Coast Guard Auxiliary and local or state officials may be present to inform vessel operators of the requirements of this section, and other applicable laws.

Dated: April 6, 2021.

Gregory H. Magee,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port San Juan.