[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 43 (Monday, March 6, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 12276]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-5388]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
[CGD 95-005]


Area To Be Avoided Off the Washington Coast

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: In response to several requests, the Coast Guard is extending 
the comment period for written comments on whether the applicability of 
the area to be avoided (ATBA) off the Washington Coast should be 
expanded to include vessels and barges other than those carrying 
cargoes of oil or hazardous materials.

DATES: Written comments must be received not later than April 17, 1995. 
Copies of a written transcript from the February 23, 1995, public 
meeting will be available for inspection and copying after March 15, 
1995 at the addresses indicated in the ADDRESSES section which follows.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be mailed to the Executive Secretary, 
Marine Safety Council (G-LRA), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW. 
Washington, DC 20593-0001, or may be delivered to room 3406 at the same 
address between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments will become part of this docket and will be 
available for inspection or copying at room 3406, Coast Guard 
Headquarters, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    In addition, the written transcript of the February 23, 1995, 
public meeting will be available for inspection and copying at the 
Thirteenth Coast Guard District, 915 Second Avenue, Room 3410, Seattle, 
WA 98174 and at the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, 138 W. 
First Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362-2600, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 
Monday through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Margie G. Hegy, Project Manager, 
Vessel Traffic Services Division, phone (202) 267-0415. This telephone 
is equipped to take messages on a 24-hour basis.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ATBA was adopted by the Maritime Safety 
Committee of the International Maritime Organization on December 7, 
1994, and goes into effect on June 7, 1995. It is recommended that all 
vessels, including barges, carrying oil or cargoes classified by the 
United States as hazardous materials (e.g., chemicals) avoid the ATBA.
    A meeting to obtain public comment on whether the ATBA off the 
Washington Coast should be applicable to other categories of vessels 
was announced in the Federal Register on January 27, 1995 (60 FR 5454). 
The purpose of the meeting, as stated in the meeting notice, was to 
obtain information to assist the Coast Guard in determining whether 
there is a need to expand the applicability of the ATBA.
    Commenters were asked to respond to ten specific questions, and 
present any other information. However, the Coast Guard did not propose 
any specific changes in the area or the applicability. The meeting was 
held on February 23, 1995, and 17 individuals made oral presentations.
    The Coast Guard has received several requests to extend the comment 
period for submitting written comments beyond the current March 3, 1995 
deadline. The additional time will result in a more comprehensive 
review of the issue and more detailed information for Coast Guard 
consideration. As the Coast Guard is interested in substantiated 
comments and giving all concerned parties the opportunity to present 
information, the comment period is extended until April 17, 1995.

    Dated: February 28, 1995.
G.A. Penington,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Office of Navigation, Safety and 
Waterway Services.
[FR Doc. 95-5388 Filed 3-3-95; 8:45 am]
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