2021-13291. Special Local Regulation; St. Mary's River, St. George Creek, Piney Point, MD

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is proposing to establish temporary special local regulations for certain waters of the St. Mary's River. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters located at Piney Point, MD, during a high-speed power boat demonstration event on October 2, 2021, and October 3, 2021. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from being in the regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region or the Coast Guard Event Patrol Commander. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

DATES:

Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before July 26, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2021-0346 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See the “Public Participation and Request for Comments” portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions about this proposed rulemaking, call or email Mr. Ron Houck, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region; 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

NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

PATCOM Coast Guard Patrol Commander

§ Section

U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis

The Southern Maryland Boat Club of Leonardtown, MD has notified the Coast Guard that it will be conducting the Southern Maryland Boat Club Piney Point Regatta from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 2, 2021, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 3, 2021. The high-speed power boat demonstration event consists of approximately 55 participating vintage and historic race boats—including runabouts, v-bottoms, tunnel hulls, and hydroplanes—8 to 21 feet in length. The vessels will be participating in an exhibition, operating in heats along a marked racetrack-type course 1 mile in length and 150 feet in width, located in the St. George Creek at Piney Point, MD. The regatta is not a competition, but rather a demonstration of vintage race craft. Hazards from the high-speed power boat demonstration event include participants operating within and adjacent to designated navigation channels and interfering with vessels intending to operate within those channels as well as operating near approaches to local public boat landings. The COTP, Maryland-National Capital Region has determined that potential hazards associated with the high-speed power boat event would be a safety concern for anyone intending to participate in this event and for vessels that operate within specified waters of St. George Creek.

The purpose of this rulemaking is to protect event participants, non-participants, and transiting vessels before, during, and after the scheduled event. The Coast Guard is proposing this rulemaking under authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231).

III. Discussion of Proposed Rule

The COTP Maryland-National Capital Region proposes to establish special local regulations from 7:30 a.m. on October 2, 2021, through 5 p.m. on October 3, 2021. The regulations would be enforced from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 2, 2021, and from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 3, 2021. The regulated area would cover all navigable waters of St. George Creek within an area bounded by a line connecting the following points: From the shoreline at Cedar Point at position latitude 38°09′03.4″ N, longitude 076°29′55.7″ W; thence south along the shoreline to Coade Bar at latitude 38°08′22.5″ N, longitude 076°29′19.9″ W; thence southwest across St. George Creek to Dodson Point at latitude 38°08′03.8″ N, longitude 076°29′44.6″ W; thence north along the shoreline and the eastern extent of the St. George Island (SR-249) Bridge to Long Bar (at the entrance to St. George Harbor) at latitude 38°30′13.0″19′16.0″ N, longitude 076°08′50.6″ W; thence northeast across St. George Creek to and terminating at the point of origin. The regulated area is approximately 1,750 yards in length and 940 yards in width.

This proposed rule provides additional information about areas within the regulated area and their definitions and the restrictions that would apply to mariners. These areas include “Race Area,” “Buffer Area,” and “Spectator Area.”

The proposed duration of the special local regulations and size of the regulated area are intended to ensure the safety of life on these navigable waters before, during, and after the high-speed power boat event scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 2, 2021, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 3, 2021. The COTP and the Coast Guard Event PATCOM would have authority to forbid and control the movement of all vessels and persons, including event participants, in the regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol, a vessel or person in the regulated area would be required to immediately comply with the directions given by the COTP or Event PATCOM. If a person or vessel fails to follow such directions, the Coast Guard may expel them from the area, issue them a citation for failure to comply, or both.

Except for Southern Maryland Boat Club Piney Point Regatta participants and vessels already at berth, a vessel or person would be required to get permission from the COTP or Event PATCOM before entering the regulated area. Vessel operators would be able to request permission to enter and transit through the regulated area by contacting the Event PATCOM on VHF-FM channel 16. Vessel traffic would be able to safely transit the regulated area once the Event PATCOM deems it safe to do so. A vessel within the regulated area must operate at a safe speed that minimizes wake. A person or vessel not registered with the event sponsor as a participant or assigned as official patrols would be considered a spectator. Official Patrols are any vessel assigned or approved by the Commander, Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region with a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer on board and displaying a Coast Guard ensign. Official Patrols enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16 and channel 22A.

If permission is granted by the COTP or Event PATCOM, a person or vessel would be allowed to enter the regulated area or pass directly through the regulated area as instructed. Vessels would be required to operate at a safe speed that minimizes wake while within the regulated area in a manner that would not endanger event participants or any other craft. A spectator vessel must not loiter within the navigable channel while within the regulated area. Official patrol vessels would direct spectators to the designated spectator area. Only participant vessels and official patrol vessels would be allowed to enter the race area. The Coast Guard would publish a notice in the Fifth Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners and issue a marine information broadcast on VHF-FM marine band radio announcing specific event dates and times.

The regulatory text we are proposing appears at the end of this document.

IV. Regulatory Analyses

We developed this proposed 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 NPRM has not been designated a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM 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 and duration of the regulated area, which would impact a small designated area of St. George Creek for 19 total enforcement hours. This waterway supports mainly recreational vessel traffic, which at its peak, occurs during the summer season. Although this regulated area extends across the entire width of the waterway, the rule would allow vessels and persons to seek permission to enter the regulated area, and vessel traffic that is able to do so safely would be able to transit the regulated area on the eastern portion of the waterway away from the event area as instructed by Event PATCOM. Such vessels must operate at safe speed that minimizes wake and not loiter within the navigable channel while within the regulated area. Moreover, the Coast Guard would issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the status of the regulated area.

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 proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the regulated area may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section IV.A above, this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on any vessel owner or operator.

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.

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. 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. 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.

C. Collection of Information

This proposed rule would 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 proposed 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 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. If you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please call or email 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 proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

F. Environment

We have analyzed this proposed 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 made a preliminary determination 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 proposed rule involves implementation of regulations within 33 CFR part 100 applicable to organized marine events on the navigable waters of the United States that could negatively impact the safety of waterway users and shore side activities in the event area for 19 total enforcement hours. Normally, such actions are categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L61 of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. For instructions on locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of this preamble. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule.

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.

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.

Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal Decision Making Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. To do so, go to https://www.regulations.gov,, type USCG-2021-0346 in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Next, look for this document in the Search Results column, and click on it. Then click on the Comment option. If you cannot submit your material by using https://www.regulations.gov,, call or email the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this proposed rule for alternate instructions.

Viewing material in docket. To view documents mentioned in this proposed rule as being available in the docket, find the docket as described in the previous paragraph, and then select “Supporting & Related Material” in the Document Type column. Public comments will also be placed in our online docket and can be viewed by following instructions on the https://www.regulations.gov Frequently Asked Questions web page. We review all comments received, but we will only post comments that address the topic of the proposed rule. We may choose not to post off-topic, inappropriate, or duplicate comments that we receive.

Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we post to https://www.regulations.gov will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions to the docket in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).

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 is proposing 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: 46 U.S.C. 70041; 33 CFR 1.05-1.

2. Add § 100.T05-0346 to read as follows:

§ 100.T05-0346

Southern Maryland Boat Club Piney Point Regatta, St. Mary's River, St. George Creek, Piney Point, MD.

(a) Locations. All coordinates are based on datum NAD 1983.

(1) Regulated area. All navigable waters of St. George Creek, within an area bounded by a line connecting the following points: from the shoreline at Cedar Point at position latitude 38°09′03.4″ N, longitude 076°29′55.7″ W; thence south along the shoreline to Coade Bar at latitude 38°08′22.5″ N, longitude 076°29′19.9″ W; thence southwest across St. George Creek to Dodson Point at latitude 38°08′03.8″ N, longitude 076°29′44.6″ W; thence north along the shoreline and the eastern extent of the St. George Island (SR-249) Bridge to Long Bar (at the entrance to St. George Harbor) at latitude 38°08′50.6″ N, longitude 076°30′13.0″ W; thence northeast across St. George Creek to and terminating at the point of origin. The race area, buffer area, and spectator area are within the regulated area.

(2) Race area. The race area is a polygon in shape measuring approximately 560 yards in length by 240 yards in width. The area is bounded by a line commencing near Hodgson Point at position latitude 38°08′38.22″ N, longitude 076°30′02.48″ W, thence southeast to latitude 38°08′24.43″ N, longitude 076°29′50.71″ W; thence southwest to latitude 38°08′20.40″ N, longitude 076°29′58.16″ W, thence northwest to latitude 38°08′34.26″ N, longitude 076°30′09.97″ W; thence northeast to and terminating at the point of origin.

(3) Buffer area. The buffer area is a polygon in shape measuring approximately 270 feet in all directions surrounding the entire race area described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The area is bounded by a line commencing near Hodgson Point at position latitude 38°08′42.0″ N, longitude 076°30′01.6″ W; thence southeast to latitude 38°08′23.7″ N, longitude 076°29′46.0″ W, thence southwest to latitude 38°08′16.7″ N, longitude 076°29′59.0″ W; thence northwest to latitude 38°08′34.9″ N, longitude 076°30'14.7″ W, thence northeast to and terminating at the point of origin.

(4) Spectator area. The designated spectator area is a polygon in shape with its length measuring approximately 475 yards and its width measuring approximately 300 yards at its northern portion and 50 yards at it southern portion. The area is bounded by a line commencing at position latitude 38°08′47.2″ N, longitude 076°29′52.9″ W; thence southeast to latitude 38°08′41.9″ N, longitude 076°29′47.5″ W; thence southwest to latitude 38°08′37.8″ N, longitude 076°29′55.3″ W; thence southeast to latitude 38°08′31.3″ N, longitude 076°29′50.1″ W, thence southwest to latitude 38°08′30.4″ N, longitude 076°29′51.7″ W; thence northwest to latitude 38°08′42.0″ N, longitude 076°30′01.6″ W, thence northeast to and terminating at the point of origin.

(b) Definitions. As used in this section—

Buffer area is a neutral area that surrounds the perimeter of the race area within the regulated area described by this section. The purpose of a buffer area is to minimize potential collision conflicts with marine event participants or high-speed power boats and spectator vessels or nearby transiting vessels. This area provides separation between a race area and a specified Spectator Area or other vessels that are operating in the vicinity of the regulated area established by the special local regulations.

Captain of the Port (COTP) Maryland-National Capital Region means the Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region or any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer who has been authorized by the COTP to act on his behalf.

Event Patrol Commander or Event PATCOM means a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard who has been designated by the Commander, Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region.

Official patrol means any vessel assigned or approved by Commander, Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region with a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer on board and displaying a Coast Guard ensign.

Participant means all persons and vessels registered with the event sponsor as participating in the “Southern Maryland Boat Club Piney Point Regatta” event, or otherwise designated by the event sponsor as having a function tied to the event.

Race area is an area described by a line bound by coordinates provided in latitude and longitude that outlines the boundary of a race area within the regulated area defined by this section.

Spectator means a person or vessel not registered with the event sponsor as participants or assigned as official patrols.

Spectator area is an area described by a line bound by coordinates provided in latitude and longitude that outlines the boundary of a spectator area within the regulated area defined by this part.

(c) Special local regulations. (1) The COTP Maryland-National Capital Region or Event PATCOM may forbid and control the movement of all vessels and persons, including event participants, in the regulated area described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol, a vessel or person in the regulated area shall immediately comply with the directions given by the patrol. Failure to do so may result in the Coast Guard expelling the person or vessel from the area, issuing a citation for failure to comply, or both. The COTP Maryland-National Capital Region or Event PATCOM may terminate the event, or a participant's operations at any time the COTP Maryland-National Capital Region or Event PATCOM believes it necessary to do so for the protection of life or property.

(2) Except for participants and vessels already at berth, a person or vessel within the regulated area at the start of enforcement of this section must immediately depart the regulated area.

(3) A spectator must contact the Event PATCOM to request permission to either enter or pass through the regulated area. The Event PATCOM, and official patrol vessels enforcing this regulated area, can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz) and channel 22A (157.1 MHz). If permission is granted, the spectator must enter the designated Spectator Area or pass directly through the regulated area as instructed by Event PATCOM. A vessel within the regulated area must operate at safe speed that minimizes wake. A spectator vessel must not loiter within the navigable channel while within the regulated area.

(4) Only participant vessels and official patrol vessels are allowed to enter and remain within the race area.

(5) Only participant vessels and official patrol vessels are allowed to enter and transit directly through the buffer area in order to arrive at or depart from the race area.

(6) A person or vessel that desires to transit, moor, or anchor within the regulated area must obtain authorization from the COTP Maryland-National Capital Region or Event PATCOM. A person or vessel seeking such permission can contact the COTP Maryland-National Capital Region at telephone number 410-576-2693 or on Marine Band Radio, VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz) or the Event PATCOM on Marine Band Radio, VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz).

(7) The Coast Guard will publish a notice in the Fifth Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners and issue a marine information broadcast on VHF-FM marine band radio announcing specific event dates and times.

(d) Enforcement officials. The Coast Guard may be assisted with marine event patrol and enforcement of the regulated area by other federal, state, and local agencies.

(e) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 2, 2021 and from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 3, 2021.

Dated: June 15, 2021.

David E. O'Connell,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region.