2024-07235. Security Zone; Cooper River, Charleston, SC

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Temporary final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone for navigable waters of the Cooper River, in the vicinity of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, in Mount Pleasant, SC. This security zone is necessary to provide for the security and protection of life of participants and spectators during the Cooper River Bridge Run event. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.

DATES:

This rule is effective from 7:30 a.m. through 10:30 a.m., on April 6, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2024-0228 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 about this rule, call or email Marine Science Technician First Class Thomas J. Welker, Sector Charleston, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

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 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 it is impracticable. The Coast Guard did not receive the information required to develop and finalize plans for an official patrol of the security zone in ample time to allow for public comment for the Cooper River Bridge Run event scheduled on April 6, 2024. The Coast Guard lacks sufficient time to provide a reasonable comment period and then consider those comments before issuing the rule. It would be impracticable to delay promulgating this rule, as it is necessary to protect the safety of participants and spectators participating in this event, and to mitigate potential subversive acts.

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 for the same reasons discussed above.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 70051 and 70124. The Captain of the Port (COTP) Charleston has determined that the presence of persons under the protection of the Coast Guard in the Sector Charleston COTP zone presents a potential target for terrorist attack, sabotage, or other subversive acts, accidents, or other causes of similar nature. The rule is needed to protect persons under the protection of the Coast Guard, personnel in and around the Cooper River Bridge Run event.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

This rule establishes a security zone in Mount Pleasant, SC, from 7:30 a.m. through 10:30 a.m. on April 6, 2024. The security zone would cover all navigable waters of the Cooper River, in the vicinity of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Entry into this security zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) or their designated representative. A designated representative is a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the Coast Guard assigned to units under the operational control of the Coast Guard Sector Charleston. Requests for entry will be considered and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The COTP may be contacted by telephone at 843-740-3184 or can be reached by VHF-FM channel 16. Persons and vessels permitted to enter these security zones must transit at their slowest safe speed and comply with all lawful directions issued by the COTP or their designated representative.

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-year of the security zone. This security zone will impact a small, designated area on the navigable waters of Cooper River for approximately three hours during a time of year when vessel traffic is normally low. To alleviate the effects of this rule on the public, the COTP may elect to temporary suspend enforcement of this security zone. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the zone, and the rule allows vessels to seek permission to enter the zone.

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 security 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 a security zone lasting only 3 hours that will prohibit entry into all navigable waters of the Cooper River, in the vicinity of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. 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, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3.

2. Add § 165.T07-0228 to read as follows:

§ 165.T07-0228

Security Zone; Cooper River Bridge Run, Charleston, SC.

(a) Location. The following area is a security zone: All waters of the Cooper River, and Town Creek Reaches encompassed within the following points: Beginning at 32°48′32″ N, 079°56′08″ W, thence east to 32°48′20″ N, 079°54′18″ W, thence south to 32°47′20″ N, 079°54′29″ W, thence west to 32°47′20″ N, 079°55′28″ W, thence north to origin. All coordinates are 1984 World Geodetic System (WGS 84).

(b) Regulations. (1) Under the general security zone regulations in subpart D of this part, you may not enter the security zone described in paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Charleston (COTP) or the COTP's designated representative.

(2) Vessels requiring entry into the security zone must request permission from the COTP or a designated representative. To seek entry into the security zone, contact the COTP or the COTP's representative by telephone at 843-740-7050 or on VHF-FM channel 16.

(3) Persons and vessels permitted to enter the security zone must transit at their slowest safe speed and comply with all lawful directions issued by the COTP or the designated representative.

(c) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative is a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the Coast Guard assigned to units under the operational control of Coast Guard Sector Charleston.

(d) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from 7:30 a.m. through 10:30 a.m. on April 6, 2024.

Dated: April 1, 2024.

F.J. DelRosso,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Charleston.