2023-19205. Safety Zone; Kanawha River, Mile Markers 41.5 to 42.5, Nitro, WV, Change in Dates

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Temporary final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters within a half mile radius of the Donald Legg Memorial Bridge. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by adding a center section of the bridge. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley (COTP) or a designated representative. This temporary final rule reflects a change in the dates of the bridge construction than we previously announced in a prior temporary final rule.

DATES:

This rule is effective without actual notice from September 6, 2023 through September 18, 2023. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from September 4, 2023 until September 6, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2023–0613 in the search box and click “Search.” Next, in the Document Type column, select “Supporting & Related Material.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this rule, call or email Petty Officer Chelsea Zimmerman, Marine Safety Unit Huntington, 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

NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

§ Section

U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

The Coast Guard previously published a temporary final rule for a safety zone on August 17, 2023, titled “Safety Zone; Kanawha River, Mile Markers 41.5 to 42.5, Nitro, WV” at 88 FR 55913. That safety zone was going to be effective August 28, 2023, through August 29, 2023. The Coast Guard received notice on August 29, 2023, that the project manager must change the dates of the bridge construction. Therefore, we must change the effective dates and enforcement times from that original safety zone temporary final rule. This rule replaces the previous rule issued on August 17, 2023, at 88 FR 55913. We will no longer be enforcing the safety zone on the dates described in that rule. Instead, this safety zone will be over the span of two weeks, from September 4, 2023, to September 18, 2023, and subject to enforcement when announced via Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary 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 publishing an NPRM would be impracticable. A safety zone is needed to alleviate safety concerns associated with construction operations for the purpose of adding the center section of the Donald Legg Memorial Bridge. It is impracticable to publish an NPRM because late notice was given for the change in enforcement dates, which now require the establishment of a safety zone by September 4, 2023, and lack sufficient time to provide a reasonable comment period and then consider those comments before issuing the rule.

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 of this rule would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest because we must establish the safety zone by September 4, 2023, in order to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from the potential safety hazards associated with the bridge construction beginning on that date.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034. The Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley (COTP) has determined that safety needs associated with construction operations on the Donald Legg Memorial Bridge from September 4, 2023, to September 18, 2023, present a safety concern. The purpose of this rulemaking is to ensure the safety of the public surrounding regulated area before, during, and after the construction event.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

This rule establishes a safety zone that will be subject to enforcement via Broadcast Notice to Mariners from September 4, 2023, through September 18, 2023, daily between 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters between mile markers 41.5 to 42.5 on the Kanawha River. The duration of the zone is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in these navigable waters while the bridge span is being added. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative. A designated representative means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley (COTP) in the enforcement of the safety zone.

Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zone must request permission from the COTP on VHF–FM channel 16 or by telephone at 1–502–779–5424. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the COTP or designated representative.

The COTP or a designated representative will inform the public of the enforcement times and date for this safety zone through Broadcast Notices to Mariners, Local Notices to Mariners, and/or Safety Marine Information Broadcasts as appropriate.

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 section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, as amended by Executive Order 14094 (Modernizing Regulatory Review). Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

This regulatory action determination is based on the size, location, duration, and time-of-day of the regulated area. This rule is limited to the Kanawha River from mile 41.5 to 42.5 on September 4, 2023, through September 18, 2023, and will be enforced only during the times specified. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF–FM marine channel 16 about the regulated area and the rule allows vessels to seek permission to enter the 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 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 person 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 establishing a temporary safety zone on the Kanawha River at mile 41.5 to 42.5 on September 4, 2023, through September 18, 2023. 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, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3.

2. Revise § 165.T08–0613 to read as follows:

§ 165.T08–0613

Safety Zone; Kanawha River, Mile Markers 41.5 to 42.5 Nitro, WV, Change in Dates.

(a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: all navigable waters of the Kanawha River from mile marker 41.5 to mile marker 42.5, extending the entire width of the river.

(b) Definitions. Designated representative means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander (PATCOM), including a Coast Guard coxswain, petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the Captain of the Port Ohio Valley (COTP) in the enforcement of the regulations in this section.

(c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative. The Coast Guard may patrol the event area under the direction of a designated Coast Guard Patrol Commander.

(2) To seek permission to enter, the COTP or the COTP's representative may be contacted on Channel 16 VHF–FM (156.8 MHz) by the call sign “PATCOM”, or phone at 1–502–779–5424. Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative.

(3) The Patrol Commander may forbid and 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 directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both.

(4) The Patrol Commander may terminate the event or the operation of any vessel at any time it is deemed necessary for the protection of life or property.

(5) The COTP will provide notice of the regulated area through advanced notice via local notice to mariners and broadcast notice to mariners and by on-scene designated representatives.

(d) Enforcement periods. This section will be subject to enforcement from September 4, 2023, through September 18, 2023, between 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dated: August 30, 2023.

H.R. Mattern,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley.