2015-00915. Safety Zone; SFOBB Demolition Safety Zone, San Francisco, CA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Temporary final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in the navigable waters of the San Francisco Bay near Yerba Buena Island, CA in support of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (SFOBB) Demolition Safety Zone from December 31, 2014 through December 30, 2015. An earlier temporary safety zone was established in this same area from September 1, 2013 through December 30, 2014 to protect mariners transiting the area from the dangers associated with over-head demolition and debris removal operations of the SFOBB. Extended demolition efforts necessitate a new temporary safety zone in the area. Unauthorized persons or vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or remaining in the safety zone without permission of the Captain of the Port or their designated representative.

DATES:

This rule is effective without actual notice from January 21, 2015 until December 30, 2015. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from December 31, 2014 until January 21, 2015. This rule will be enforced from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily on the dates mentioned above.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket USCG-2013-0654. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov,, type the docket number in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this rule, call or email Lieutenant Junior Grade Joshua Dykman, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco; telephone [phone] or email at [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Acronyms

CALTRANS California Department of Transportation

DHS Department of Homeland Security

FR Federal Register

NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

SFOBB San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

A. Regulatory History and Information

On September 3, 2013, the Coast Guard published a temporary final rule entitled, “Safety Zone; SFOBB Demolition Safety Zone, San Francisco, CA” (78 FR 54171) establishing a safety zone in the navigable waters of the San Francisco Bay near Yerba Buena Island, CA. The purpose of the safety zone was to provide for the safety of mariners from dangers posed by over-head demolition and debris removal operations of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (SFOBB) demolition project. On November 6, 2014, the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) submitted a request to extend the safety zone for an additional year due to an extension of the demolition project.

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 publishing an NPRM would be impractical and contrary to the public interest. CALTRANS submitted its request to extend the safety zone on November 6, 2014, and the demolition project extension began before the rulemaking process would be completed. Because of the dangers posed by over-head demolition and debris removal operations of the SFOBB, the safety zone is necessary to provide for the safety of mariners transiting the area. For the safety concerns noted, it is in the public interest to have this safety zone in effect during the event.

Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), for the same reasons stated above, the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

B. Basis and Purpose

The legal basis for the proposed rule is 33 U.S.C. 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, 160.5; Public Law 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, which collectively authorize the Coast Guard to establish safety zones.

CALTRANS will sponsor the SFOBB Demolition Safety Zone from December 31, 2014 through December 30, 2015, in the navigable waters of the San Francisco Bay near Yerba Buena Island, CA. Demolition and debris removal operations are scheduled to take place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily beginning on December 31, 2014 and ending on December 30, 2015. The safety zone will encompass the navigable waters of the San Francisco Bay within 100 yards of the SFOBB from Yerba Buena Island to the “I” Pier, also known as “E4” Pier. The demolition project is necessary to facilitate the completion of the Bay Bridge project. The safety zone is issued to establish a temporary limited access area on the waters surrounding the demolition operation. The safety zone is necessary to protect mariners transiting the area from the dangers associated with over-head debris removal.

C. Discussion of the Final Rule

The Coast Guard will enforce a safety zone in navigable waters around and under the SFOBB within 100 yards of the bridge beginning at Yerba Buena Island and ending at the “I” Pier for the demolition and debris removal of the Yerba Buena Island Detour and the Cantilever Truss segment of the SFOBB. Demolition and debris removal is scheduled to take place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily beginning on December 31, 2014 and ending on December 30, 2015. At the conclusion of the demolition operations the safety zone shall terminate.

The effect of the temporary safety zone will be to restrict navigation in the vicinity of the demolition and debris removal operations. Except for persons or vessels authorized by the Coast Guard Patrol Commander, no person or vessel may enter or remain in the restricted area. This safety zone is needed to protect public safety by keeping mariners and vessels away from the immediate vicinity of the construction operation. The maritime public will be advised in advance of this safety zone via Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

D. Regulatory Analyses

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

1. 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, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Executive Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders.

We expect the economic impact of this rule will not rise to the level of necessitating a full Regulatory Evaluation. The safety zone is limited in duration, and is limited to a narrowly tailored geographic area. In addition, although this rule restricts access to the waters encompassed by the safety zone, the effect of this rule will not be significant because the local waterway users will be notified via public Broadcast Notice to Mariners to ensure the safety zone will result in minimum impact. The entities most likely to be affected are waterfront facilities, commercial vessels, and pleasure craft engaged in recreational activities.

2. Impact on Small Entities

The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 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. This rule may affect the following entities, some of which may be small entities: Owners and operators of waterfront facilities, commercial vessels, and pleasure craft engaged in recreational activities and sightseeing, if these facilities or vessels are in the vicinity of the safety zone at times when this zone is being enforced. This rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: (i) This rule will encompass only a small portion of the waterway for a limited period of time, (ii) vessel traffic can transit safely around the safety zone, and (iii) the maritime public will be advised in advance of this safety zone via Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

3. 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 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 contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, above.

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.

4. 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).

5. Federalism

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 does not have implications for federalism.

6. Protest Activities

The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Energy Effects

This action is not a “significant energy action” under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.

13. Technical Standards

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

14. 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 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 of limited size and duration. This rule is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination are available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this rule.

List of Subjects in 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 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: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

2. Add temporary § 165.T11-589 to read as follows:

§ 165.T11-589

Safety zone; SFOBB Demolition Safety Zone, San Francisco, CA.

(a) Location. This temporary safety zone is established in the navigable waters of the San Francisco Bay near Yerba Buena Island, California as depicted in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chart 18650. The safety zone will encompass the navigable waters around the SFOBB within 100 yards beginning at Yerba Buena Island and ending at the “I” Pier.

(b) Enforcement period. The zone described in paragraph (a) of this section will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from December 31, 2014 until December 30, 2015. The Captain of the Port San Francisco (COTP) will notify the maritime community of periods during which this zone will be enforced via Broadcast Notice to Mariners in accordance with 33 CFR 165.7.

(c) Definitions. As used in this section, “designated representative” means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, petty officer, or other officer on a Coast Guard vessel or a Federal, State, or local officer designated by or assisting the COTP in the enforcement of the safety zone.

(d) Regulations. (1) Under the general regulations in 33 CFR part 165, subpart C, entry into, transiting or anchoring within this safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP or a designated representative.

(2) The safety zone is closed to all vessel traffic, except as may be permitted by the COTP or a designated representative.

(3) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the safety zone must contact the COTP or a designated representative to obtain permission to do so. Vessel operators given permission to enter or operate in the safety zone must comply with all directions given to them by the COTP or a designated representative. Persons and vessels may request permission to enter the safety zone on VHF-23A or through the 24-hour Command Center at telephone [phone].

Dated: December 16, 2014.

Gregory G. Stump,

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