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 Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165
[Docket No. USCG-2012-0097]
RIN 1625-AA00
 AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
 SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is proposing a temporary change to the enforcement period and location of safety zone regulations for a recurring fireworks display within the Fifth Coast Guard District. This regulation applies to two recurring fireworks display events that take place at Washington, NC. Safety zone regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic in a portion of the Pamlico River and Tar River near Washington, NC, during the event.
 DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before April 12, 2012.
 ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2012-0097 using any one of the following methods: (1) 
                        *Federal eRulemaking Portal:**http://www.regulations.gov*. (2) 
                        *Fax:*
                         202-493-2251. (3) 
                        *Mail:*
                         Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. (4) 
                        *Hand delivery:*
                         Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
                        ( print page 14704)
                        Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the “Public Participation and Request for Comments” portion of the 
                        **SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION**
                         section below for instructions on submitting comments.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or email Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Edge, Prevention Department, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, Atlantic Beach, NC; telephone 252-247-4525, email 
                        *Joseph.M.Edge@uscg.mil*. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast Guard anticipates that this proposed rule, when final, will be effective from June 7, 2012, until July 8, 2012, and enforced on the specific dates provided in the amendatory instructions in this document. Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted without change to 
                    *http://www.regulations.gov*
                     and will include any personal information you have provided. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG-2012-0097), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online (via 
                    *http://www.regulations.gov*) or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online via 
                    *www.regulations.gov,*
                     it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to 
                    *http://www.regulations.gov*, click on the “submit a comment” box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the “Document Type” drop down menu select “Proposed Rule” and insert “USCG-2012-0097” in the “Keyword” box. Click “Search” then click on the balloon shape in the “Actions” column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8
                    1/2
                     by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change the rule based on your comments. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to 
                    *http://www.regulations.gov*, click on the “read comments” box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the “Keyword” box insert “USCG-2012-0097” and click “Search.” Click the “Open Docket Folder” in the “Actions” column. 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. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility. Privacy Act Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the 
                    **Federal Register**
                     (73 FR 3316). Public Meeting We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for one on or before March 21, 2012, using one of the four methods specified under 
                    **ADDRESSES**
                    . Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the 
                    **Federal Register**
                    . Background and Purpose Fireworks display events are frequently held on or adjacent to navigable waters within the boundary of the Fifth Coast Guard District. For a description of the geographical area of each Coast Guard Sector—Captain of the Port Zone, please see 33 CFR 3.25. This regulation temporarily changes the enforcement period and geographic location for a safety zone for two annually recurring fireworks events, described at (d)(7) of the Table to 33 CFR 165.506, that are normally scheduled to occur each year on the second Saturday in June and on the first Saturday after July 4th. On June 8, 2012 and July 4, 2012, the Town of Washington, NC will sponsor their annual fireworks events. These events will take place in Washington, NC on the waters of the Pamlico River. The regulation at 33 CFR 165.506 is enforced annually for this event. Also, a fleet of spectator vessels is expected to gather near the event site to view the fireworks. To provide for the safety of participants, spectators, and transiting vessels, the Coast Guard will temporarily restrict vessel traffic in the event area from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 8, 2012 and July 4, 2012. The regulation at 33 CFR 165.506 will be enforced for the duration of the event. Vessels may not enter the regulated area unless they receive permission from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. Discussion of Proposed Rule The Coast Guard is temporarily changing the enforcement period and geographic location of the safety zone for these recurring events within the Fifth Coast Guard District. This regulation applies to only the fireworks events listed at (d)7 in the Table to § 165.506. The Table to § 165.506, event (d)7, establishes the enforcement date and geographic location for the fireworks events held in Washington, North Carolina. This regulation temporarily changes the enforcement location to latitude 35°32′25′′ N, longitude 077°03′42′′ W. The temporary safety zone will be enforced from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on June 8, 2012 and July 4, 2012, and will restrict general navigation in the regulated area during the event. The Town of Washington, North Carolina, which is the sponsor for these events, holds these events annually. Except for participants and vessels authorized by the Coast Guard Patrol Commander, no person or vessel will be allowed to enter or remain in the regulated area. These regulations are needed to control vessel traffic during 
                    ( print page 14705)
                    the event to enhance the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels. Regulatory Analyses We developed this proposed 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, 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 that those Orders. Although this proposed regulation will restrict access to the area, the effect of this rule will not be significant because: (i) the safety zone will only be in effect from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 8, 2012 and July 4, 2012, (ii) the Coast Guard will give advance notification via maritime advisories so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly, and (iii) although the safety zone will apply to the section of the Pamlico River and Tar River, vessel traffic will be able to transit safely around the safety zone. Small Entities Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have considered whether this proposed 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 proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This proposed rule will affect the following entities, some of which may be small entities: the owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the specified portion of Pamlico River and Tar River from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 8, 2012 and July 4, 2012. This safety zone will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons. This proposed rule will only be in effect for three and a half hours each day from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Although the safety zone will apply to a section of the Pamlico River, vessel traffic will be able to transit safely around the safety zone. Before the effective period, the Coast Guard will issue maritime advisories widely available to the users of the waterway. 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. 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 proposed rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. 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 CWO3 Joseph Edge, Waterways Management Division Chief, Sector North Carolina, at (252) 247-4525. 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. Collection of Information This proposed rule would call 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 proposed 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 proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble. Taking of Private Property This proposed rule would 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 proposed 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 proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might disproportionately affect children. Indian Tribal Governments 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. Energy Effects We have analyzed this proposed 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 
                    ( print page 14706)
                    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 proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards. Environment We have analyzed this proposed 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 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. A preliminary environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination is available in the docket where indicated under 
                    **ADDRESSES**
                    . This proposed rule involves implementation of regulations at 33 CFR Part 165 that establish safety zones on navigable waters of the United States for fireworks events. These safety zones are enforced for the duration of fireworks display events. The fireworks are launched from or immediately adjacent to navigable waters of the United States and may have potential for negative impact on the safety or other interest of waterway users and near shore activities in the event area. The category of activities includes fireworks launched from barges at or near the shoreline that generally rely on the use of navigable waters as a safety buffer. This proposed rule is categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g), of this instruction. This rule establishes a temporary safety zone to protect the public from fireworks fallout. An environmental analysis checklist and a preliminary 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 proposed 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 proposes to amend 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, 160.5; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. 2. § 165.506, in the Table to § 165.506, make the following amendments: a. Under “(d) Coast Guard Sector North Carolina-COTP Zone,” suspend entry 7, which will be enforced from June 7, 2012 through June 9, 2012, and from July 3, 2012 through July 8, 2012. b. Under “(d) Coast Guard Sector North Carolina-COTP Zone,” add entry 14 from June 7, 2012 through July 8, 2012, which will be enforced from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 8, 2012 and from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4, 2012, to read as follows: § 165.506
  
 Number
Date
Location
Regulated Area**(d.) Coast Guard Sector North Carolina—COTP Zone***         *         *         *         *         *         *14
June 8, 2012, July 4, 2012
Pamlico River and Tar River, Washington, NC, Safety Zone
All waters of Pamlico River and Tar River within a 300 yard radius of latitude 35°32′25′′ N, longitude 077°03′42′′ W, a position located on the southwest shore of the Pamlico River, Washington, NC.
 Dated: February 20, 2012. Anthony Popiel, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port North Carolina.


[FR Doc. 2012-5493 Filed 3-12-12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-04-P