2011-21864. Special Local Regulation and Safety Zones; Marine Events in Captain of the Port Long Island Sound Zone

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Temporary final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing temporary special local regulations and safety zones for marine events within the Captain of the Port (COTP) Long Island Sound Zone for regattas, fireworks displays and swim events. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the events. Entry into, transit through, mooring or anchoring within this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP Sector Long Island Sound.

DATES:

This rule is effective in the CFR on August 26, 2011 through 10:30 p.m. on October 1, 2011. This rule is effective with actual notice for purposes of enforcement beginning at 8 a.m. on July 30, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0553 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2011-0553 in the “Keyword” box, and then clicking “Search.” They are 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 temporary rule, call or e-mail Petty Officer Joseph Graun, Prevention Department, Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, [phone], [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulatory 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 any delay encountered in this regulation's effective date by publishing an NPRM would be contrary to public interest since immediate action is needed to protect both spectators and participants from the potential safety hazards associated with these events. We spoke to the event sponsors, and they are unable and unwilling to move their event dates for the following reasons.

Sponsors for Waves of Hope Swim, Stonewall Swim, Hartford Dragon Boat Races and Kayak for a Cause have hundreds of participants registered for their events. Changing the dates for these events would cause numerous cancellations. These events have taken place at the same time and location for the last several years without issue. The sponsors submitted recurring marine event permit applications with the required 60 day notice. This year the Coast Guard is establishing special local regulations and safety zones to mitigate an increased safety risk analysis score, according to permit applications the expected number of participants has increased significantly. This was not discovered until the permit applications were submitted leaving the Coast Guard with insufficient time to solicit for public comment. For future recurring events, the sponsor will be required to provide 135 days notice to ensure sufficient time to solicit for public comments.

The sponsors for Doug Chappy Fireworks, Darin's 30th Birthday Fireworks, Shelter Island Fireworks and Spincola Wedding Fireworks stated their events are held in conjunction with birth dates, anniversaries and weddings and cannot be moved. The sponsors were not aware of the requirements for submitting a marine event application 135 days in advance resulting in a late notification to the Coast Guard. The sponsors are now aware of the reporting requirements.

The sponsor for Ascension Fireworks (also known as Fund in the Sun) submitted a marine event application with sufficient notice to the Coast Guard. This fireworks display is a recurring marine event with a corresponding entry in a proposed permanent rule for which the NPRM just closed its public comment period (docket number USCG-2008-0384); No public comments were received. The Coast Guard is establishing this temporary safety zones to provide for safety of life during this year's event.

For the same 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. Delaying the effective date by first publishing a NPRM would be contrary to the rule's objectives of ensuring safety of life on the navigable waters during these scheduled events as immediate action is needed to protect both spectators and participants from the potential safety hazards associated with these events including powerboats traveling at high speeds, unexpected pyrotechnics detonation and burning debris.

Basis and Purpose

The legal basis for this temporary rule is 33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231, 1233; 46 U.S.C. chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 46 U.S.C. 454, 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; Public Law 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, which collectively authorize the Coast Guard to define regulatory special local regulations and safety zones.

This temporary rule carries out two related actions: (1) Establishing special local regulations for regattas, and (2) establishing safety zones for fireworks and swim events. Marine events are frequently held on the navigable waters within the COTP Long Island Sound Zone. Based on accidents that have occurred in the past and the explosive hazards of fireworks, the COTP Long Island has determined that regattas, fireworks displays and swim events proximate to watercrafts pose significant risk to public safety and property.

In order to protect the safety of all waterway users including event participants and spectators, this temporary rule establishes temporary special local regulations and safety zones for the time and location of each event.

This rule prevents vessels from entering, transiting, mooring or anchoring within areas specifically designated as regulated areas during the periods of enforcement unless authorized by the COTP, or designated representative.

Discussion of Rule

This temporary rule establishes special local regulations for two regattas, and safety zones for two swimming events and five fireworks displays in the COTP Long Island Sound Zone. These events are listed below in the text of the regulation in table format.

Because large numbers of spectator vessels are expected to congregate around the location of these events, these regulated areas are needed to protect both spectators and participants from the safety hazards created by them including large numbers of swimmers, unexpected pyrotechnics detonation, and burning debris. During the enforcement periods, persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, remaining, anchoring or mooring within the regulated areas unless stipulated otherwise or specifically authorized by the COTP or the designated representative. The Coast Guard may be assisted by other Federal, state and local agencies in the enforcement of these regulated areas.

The Coast Guard determined that these regulated areas will not have a significant impact on vessel traffic due to their temporary nature, limited size, and the fact that vessels are allowed to transit the navigable waters outside of the regulated areas. Advanced public notifications will also be made to the local maritime community by the Local Notice to Mariners as well as Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

Regulatory Analyses

We developed this 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 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, 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 those Orders.

The Coast Guard determined that this rule is not a significant regulatory action for the following reasons: The regulated areas will be of limited duration and cover only a small portion of the navigable waterways. Furthermore, vessels may transit the navigable waterways outside of the regulated areas. Vessels requiring entry into the regulated areas may be authorized to do so by the COTP or the designated representative.

Advanced public notifications will also be made to the local maritime community by the Local Notice to Mariners as well as Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

Small Entities

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have considered whether this 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 rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule will affect the following entities, some of which may be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in the designated regulated areas during the enforcement periods stated for each event listed below in the List of Subjects.

The temporary special local regulations and safety zones will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: The regulated areas will be of limited size and of short duration, and vessels that can safely do so may navigate in all other portions of the waterways except for the areas designated as regulated areas. Additionally, before the effective period, notifications will be made to the local maritime community through the Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to Mariners well in advance of the events.

Assistance for Small Entities

Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offer to assist small entities in understanding the rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process.

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.

Collection of Information

This rule calls 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 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 rule will not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

Taking of Private Property

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

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.

Energy Effects

We have analyzed this 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 rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

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 is categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g) & (h), of the Instruction. This rule involves the establishment of special local regulations and safety zones. An environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects

33 CFR Part 100

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

33 CFR Part 165

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

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR parts 100 and 165 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 Sec. 100.T01-0553 to read as follows:

§ 100.T01-0553

Special Local Regulations; Regattas in the Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound Captain of the Port Zone.

(a) Regulations.

The following regulations apply to the marine events listed in TABLE 1 to § 100.T01-0553. These regulations will be enforced for the duration of each event, on the dates indicated.

(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:

(1) Designated Representative. A “designated representative” is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard who has been designated by the Captain of the Port, Sector Long Island Sound (COTP), to act on his or her behalf. The designated representative may be on an official patrol vessel or may be on shore and will communicate with vessels via VHF-FM radio or loudhailer. In addition, members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary may be present to inform vessel operators of this regulation.

(2) Official Patrol Vessels. Official patrol vessels may consist of any Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, state, or local law enforcement vessels assigned or approved by the COTP.

(3) Spectators. All persons and vessels not registered with the event sponsor as participants or official patrol vessels.

(c) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the regulated areas shall contact the COTP or the designated representative via VHF channel 16 or by telephone at [phone] to obtain permission to do so.

(d) Spectators shall not anchor, block, loiter, or impede the transit of event participants or official patrol vessels in the regulated areas during the effective dates and times, or dates and times as modified through the Local Notice to Mariners, unless authorized by COTP or designated representative.

(e) The COTP or designated representative may control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel shall come to an immediate stop and comply with the lawful directions issued. Failure to comply with a lawful direction may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both.

(f) The COTP or designated representative may delay or terminate any marine event in this subpart at any time it is deemed necessary to ensure the safety of life or property.

(g) Spectators are prohibited from entering or moving within the regulated area unless stipulated otherwise or authorized by the COTP or a designated representative. Vessels within the regulated area must be at anchor within a designated spectator area or moored to a waterfront facility in a way that will not interfere with the progress of the event.

Table 1 to § 100.T01-0553

1. Hartford Dragon Boat Races	• Event type: Regatta. • Date & time: August 20, 2011, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and August 21, 2011, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
	• Locations: All waters of the Connecticut River, Hartford, CT between the Bulkeley Bridge 41°46′10.096″ N, 072°39′56.128″ W and the Wilbur Cross Bridge 41°45′11.668″ N, 072°39′13.644″ W all positions are approximate (NAD 83).
2. Kayak for a Cause Regatta	• Event type: Regatta. • Date & time: July 30, 2011 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
	• Locations: All water of Long Island Sound between Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington, NY 40°55′45.904″ N, 073°19′34.234″ W and Shady Beach in Norwich, CT. Shelter Island, NY 41°05′05.474″ N, 073°23′33.914″ W all positions are approximate (NAD 83).
	• Additional stipulations: (1) Spectators must maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from each event participant. (2) Spectators who maintain the minimum required distance from event participants may transit through the regulated area.

PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

3. The authority citation for Part 165 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapters 701; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 6.04-1, 6.04-6 and 160.5; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

4. Add § 165.T01-0553 to read as follows:

§ 165.T01-0553

Safety Zones; Fireworks Displays and Swim Events in Captain of the Port Long Island Sound Zone.

(a) Regulations.

The general regulations contained in 33 CFR 165.23 as well as the following regulations apply to the events listed in TABLE 1 of § 165.T01-0553 and TABLE 2 of § 165.T01-0553.

These regulations will be enforced for the duration of each event.

(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:

(1) Designated Representative. A “designated representative” is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard who has been designated by the Captain of the Port, Sector Long Island Sound (COTP), to act on his or her behalf. The designated representative may be on an official patrol vessel or may be on shore and will communicate with vessels via VHF-FM radio or loudhailer. In addition, members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary may be present to inform vessel operators of this regulation.

(2) Official Patrol Vessels. Official patrol vessels may consist of any Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, state, or local law enforcement vessels assigned or approved by the COTP.

(3) Spectators. All persons and vessels not registered with the event sponsor as participants or official patrol vessels.

(c) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the regulated areas should contact the COTP or the designated representative via VHF channel 16 or by telephone at [phone] to obtain permission to do so.

(d) Spectators shall not anchor, block, loiter, or impede the transit of event participants or official patrol vessels in the regulated areas during the effective dates and times, or dates and times as modified through the Local Notice to Mariners, unless authorized by COTP or designated representative.

(e) The COTP or designated representative may delay or terminate any marine event in this subpart at any time it is deemed necessary to ensure the safety of life or property.

(f) The regulated area for all fireworks displays listed in TABLE 1 of § 165.T01-0553 is that area of navigable waters within a 1000 foot radius of the launch platform or launch site for each fireworks display. Fireworks barges used in these locations will also have a sign on their port and starboard side labeled “FIREWORKS—STAY AWAY.” This sign will consist of 10 inch high by 1.5 inch wide red lettering on a white background. Shore sites used in these locations will display a sign labeled “FIREWORKS—STAY AWAY” with the same dimensions.

(g) The regulated areas for all swim events listed in Table 2 of § 165.T01-0553 are all navigable waters within a 100-yard radius of swim participants and support vessels within the location area.

Table 1 of § 165.T01-0553

Fireworks Events
1. Doug Chapey Birthday Fireworks	• Date: July 30, 2011. • Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
	• Location: All waters of Babylon, NY in approximate position 40°40′38.94″ N, 073°19′22.85″ W (NAD 83).
2. Shelter Island Yacht Club Fireworks	• Date: August 14, 2011. • Rain date: August 15, 2011. • Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
	• Location: All water of Dering Harbor off Shelter Island, NY in approximate position 41°05′23.47″ N, 072°21′11.18″ W (NAD 83).
3. Spincola Wedding Fireworks	• Date: October 1, 2011. • Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
	• Location: All water of Long Island Sound off Bayville, NY in approximate position 40°55′03″ N, 073°32′35″ W (NAD 83).
4. Ascension Fireworks	• Date: August 20, 2011. • Rain date: August 21, 2011.
	• Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. • Location: All waters of the Great South Bay off The Pines, NY in approximate position 40°40′07.47″ N, 073°04′31.73″ W (NAD 83).
5. Darin's 30th Birthday Fireworks	• Date: August 27, 2011.
	• Rain date: August 28, 2011.
	• Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
	• Location: All waters of Sag Harbor Cove off Sag Harbor, NY in approximate position 40°0′14.46″ N, 072°18′19.38″ W (NAD 83).

Table 2 of § 165.T01-0553

Swimming Events
1. Waves of Hope Swim	• Date: August 15, 2011. • Time: 10 a.m. to 12:01 p.m.
	• Location: All water of the Great South Bay off Amityville, NY The swim course is a one mile long course parallel to the shore marked by six buoys beginning at Narrasketuck Yacht Club 40°39′31.39″ N, 073°25′26.62″ W, buoy #1, 40°39′26.61″ N, 073°25′26.08″ W, buoy #2, 40°39′19.93″ N, 073°25′19.58″ W, buoy #3, 40°39′13.67″ N, 073°25′05.10″ W, buoy #4, 40°39′13.44″ N, 073°24′26.07″ W, buoy #5, 40°39′13.16″ N, 073°23′57.67″ W, buoy #6, 40°39′25.24″ N, 073°24′16.31″ W, ending at Amityville Village Beach 40°39′19.71″ N, 073°24′24.72″ W (NAD 83) all positions are approximate.
2. Stonewall Swim	• Date: August 13, 2011. • Time: 9 a.m. to 12:01 p.m.
	• Location: All waters of the Great South Bay, between Snedecor Avenue, Bayport, NY 40°43′40.004″ N, 073°03′29.098″ W, and Porgie Walk, Fire Island, NY 40°40′6.268″ N, 073°03′30.88″ W, (NAD 83) all positions are approximate.

Dated: July 29, 2011.

J.M. Vojvodich,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Long Island Sound.