[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54977-54981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-22423]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation

43 CFR Part 423

RIN 1006-AA55


Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and 
Waterbodies

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Interim final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule will amend the regulations that govern public 
access to and conduct on Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) 
facilities, lands, and waterbodies. This action is necessary to clarify 
rules that are intended to maintain law and order and protect persons 
and property on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. This 
action will help the public better understand their rights and 
responsibilities.

DATES: This interim final rule is effective on September 24, 2008. 
Reclamation must receive any comments on this interim final rulemaking 
no later than November 24, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by the number 1006-AA55, 
by one of the following methods:

--Federal Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments. This rule has been assigned 
Docket Identification Number BOR-2008-0003.
--Mail: Director, Security, Safety, and Law Enforcement, Bureau of 
Reclamation, 6th and Kipling, Building 67, Denver, CO 80225.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Achterberg, Director, Security, 
Safety, and Law Enforcement, Bureau of Reclamation, PO Box 25007, 
Denver, Colorado 80225, telephone 303-445-3737.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On November 12, 2001, Congress enacted Public Law 107-69, which 
provides for law enforcement authority within Reclamation projects and 
on Reclamation lands. Section 1(a) of this law requires the Secretary 
of the Interior to ``issue regulations necessary to maintain law and 
order and protect persons and property within Reclamation projects and 
on Reclamation lands.'' The Secretary of the Interior delegated this 
authority to the Commissioner of Reclamation.
    On April 17, 2002, Reclamation published 43 CFR part 423, Public 
Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Lands and Projects (67 FR 19092, Apr. 
17, 2002) as an interim final rule. In the preamble to that rule, 
Reclamation stated its intent to replace the interim final rule with a 
more comprehensive public conduct rule and set April 17, 2003, as the 
interim final rule's expiration date. In order to provide more time to 
develop the comprehensive public conduct rule, Reclamation later 
extended the expiration of the interim final rule to April 17, 2005 (68 
FR 16214, Apr. 3, 2003), and again to April 17, 2006 (70 FR 15778, Mar. 
29, 2005).
    On September 13, 2005, Reclamation published a proposed public 
conduct rule (70 FR 54214, Sep. 13, 2005) and asked the public to 
comment on that proposed rule. The Final Rule, 43 CFR Part 423, was 
published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2006 (71 FR 19790, Apr. 
17, 2006).
    Since that time, some members of the public and other entities have 
found certain provisions of the public conduct rule to be unclear. The 
purpose of this interim final rule is to amend the public conduct rule 
to clarify these provisions. A detailed discussion of these amendments 
follows.
    The definitions of the terms ``Disorderly conduct'' and 
``Trespass'' are being removed, and the language from those definitions 
is being added to Sec. Sec.  423.22 and 423.24, respectively, because 
these are criminal acts and their detailed descriptions should be 
explained in the applicable sections of Subpart C of this rule. This 
change will facilitate reference to specific acts when law enforcement 
officers issue citations for disorderly conduct and trespassing.
    The definition of ``Vessel'' is being revised to remove the 
statement that seaplanes, when on the water, are considered ``vessels'' 
under this part. This change will make Reclamation consistent with the 
U.S. Coast Guard and the majority of western States, which do not 
consider a seaplane a vessel when on the water.
    A definition of the term ``Closed'' is being added to help resolve 
confusion concerning the use of closures under Subpart B as opposed to 
special use areas under Subpart E of this rule. This definition will 
clarify the distinction that closures are to be used only when all 
public access to a particular area or location is to be prohibited. 
When only a specific activity such as camping is to be prohibited in a 
certain area, but other public access to that area is to be allowed, a 
special use area should be established.
    Section 423.3(a) is being revised to clarify that persons on 
Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies must comply with Federal 
as well as State and local laws.
    Section 423.3(b)(2) is being revised to clarify that the 
restrictions of part 423 do not apply to State and local employees and 
agents when they are carrying out their official duties.
    In section 423.3(d), we are replacing the word ``right'' with 
``authority'' because this passage refers to an authority which derives 
from Public Law 107-69.
    New Sec.  423.18 is being added to coincide with the new definition 
of closure, and to clarify that closures are to be used only where all 
public access is to be prohibited in a given area.
    Section 423.21(a) is being revised to clarify that the public is 
responsible for awareness of all applicable laws as well as closures 
and special use areas when on Reclamation facilities, lands, and 
waterbodies.
    In Sec.  423.21(b), the words ``limitations, restrictions, 
closures, or special use areas'' are being added to ensure public 
understanding that the government's ability to issue citations must not 
be interpreted too narrowly.
    Section 423.29(b) is being revised to clarify that Reclamation will 
not issue permits under Subpart D of this rule to introduce plant or 
animal species into Reclamation lands and waterbodies. Governmental 
entities may, with proper authority, introduce plant or animal species 
to Reclamation lands and waterbodies, but these activities are not 
restricted by part 423, pursuant to Sec.  423.3(b)(3), and therefore no 
permits are needed. Furthermore, Reclamation has no intent to issue 
permits to the public for the introduction of plant or animal species. 
Therefore, the process of obtaining permits for these activities is 
inapplicable to either governmental entities or to the public.
    Section 423.34(c) is being reworded to clarify that under no 
circumstances can a latrine or toilet be placed or constructed at a 
level lower than the high water mark of a Reclamation waterbody, and to 
reduce the horizontal restriction from 200 yards to 150 feet from the 
high water mark. The 200-yard restriction was considered excessive.
    Sections 423.36 and 423.37 are being revised to clarify that posted 
restrictions

[[Page 54978]]

and delineations on swimming and winter activities must be observed.
    Section 423.38(h) is being removed because commercial activity on 
Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies is more appropriately 
governed by 43 CFR part 429.
    Several revisions are being made to Sec.  423.41. First, Sec.  
423.41(a) is being revised to clarify that part 423 is not intended to 
establish new prohibitions, restrictions, or allowances of aircraft 
activity on Reclamation lands or waterbodies. Rather, any rules 
concerning aircraft activity that were in place on April 17, 2006, when 
major revisions to part 423 went into effect, remain in effect as 
provided in Sec.  423.64 (renumbered through this rulemaking as Sec.  
423.63). The revised language of Sec.  423.41(a) also clarifies the 
ability of Authorized Officials to establish special use areas under 
Subpart E of part 423 to allow, restrict, or prohibit aircraft. Pilots 
and others should be cautioned that this amendment does not have the 
effect of changing the status of any Reclamation lands or waterbodies 
with respect to the allowance, restriction, or disallowance of aircraft 
activity. Rather, the change is being made to resolve confusion that 
resulted from the existing language of Sec.  423.41(a). Pilots are 
still responsible for determining the laws, regulations, and local 
rules applicable to specific Reclamation lands or waterbodies before 
attempting landings or takeoffs.
    Section 423.41(e) of the existing rule is being removed because we 
have determined this provision is not necessary; any liability on 
behalf of aircraft pilots, owners, or passengers is dictated by State 
law.
    In renumbered Sec.  423.41(e) [formerly Sec.  423.41(f)], the words 
``and Sec.  423.38'' are being removed to clarify that seaplanes are 
not considered vessels when on the water. This change coincides with 
the change to the definition of ``vessel'' as explained above.
    Section 423.41(h) of the existing rule is being removed because 
commercial activity on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies 
is more appropriately governed by 43 CFR part 429.
    Section 423.41(i) of the existing rule is being removed because 
with the changes being made to Sec.  423.41(a), the allowable times for 
aircraft landings and takeoffs are governed by other Federal, State, 
and local laws.
    Section 423.41(j) of the existing rule is being removed because 
with the changes being made to Sec.  423.41(a), the language of section 
(j) addressing compliance with restrictions established by an 
Authorized Official is redundant.
    Section 423.50(a) is being revised to coincide with the change made 
to Sec.  423.29(b) and the deletion of Sec.  423.38(h) discussed above, 
to the effect that permits under part 423 will not be issued for the 
introduction of plants and animals, or for the commercial operation of 
vessels. The language was also revised to clarify that permits may be 
revoked to protect the health, safety, and security of persons, 
Reclamation assets, or natural or cultural resources.
    Subpart E, Special Use Areas, is being revised to make several 
clarifications. First, the current provisions of Sec.  423.62 are being 
merged into Sec.  423.60 to clarify that the requirements for 
``determination'' and ``documentation'' are not two separate 
activities.
    Also, the current requirement in Sec.  423.61(b) for a Federal 
Register notice in order to establish special use areas is being 
removed. Although Reclamation believes that in some cases, Federal 
Register notice of the establishment of, or changes to, special use 
areas may be desirable, that need is best determined through internal 
policy rather than a requirement in Federal regulations. This change 
will also make the requirements for establishing special use areas more 
consistent with the requirements for establishing closures under 
Subpart B of this rule.
    An Authorized Official's ability to quickly establish a special use 
area under the current Sec.  423.61(c) is being expanded to allow 
creation of special use areas with delayed notice in cases of safety 
and environmental needs, in addition to the existing specified 
conditions related to national, facility, employee, and public 
security.
    Section 423.61(d) is being revised to clarify that if the four 
specified conditions are met, advance notice of the designation of a 
special use area is not required. The existing language implied that no 
notice was required, but Reclamation believes the public should always 
be notified of the existence of special use areas. Note that 
satisfaction of the four conditions specified in Sec.  423.61(d) 
removes the requirement for advance notice, meaning that notice may 
occur at any time up until the time the special use area is designated. 
This contrasts with the conditions of emergency or immediate need 
described in Sec.  423.61(c) under which notice may be delayed for up 
to 30 days after the special use area is designated.
    Section 423.63 (formerly Sec.  423.64) is being revised to clarify 
that rules that were already in effect on April 17, 2006 remain in 
effect to the extent allowed by Subpart A of part 423, and to the 
extent they are they are consistent with Sec.  423.28. Reclamation 
wants to remind the public that the effect of Sec.  423.63 is to 
recognize the validity of rules that that were already in effect on 
Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies on April 17, 2006, the 
date major revisions to part 423 were implemented. Documented 
allowances, restrictions, and/or prohibitions that were in effect on 
that date generally remain in effect and are generally not removed or 
superseded by the rules contained in Subpart C of part 423. Reclamation 
encourages all parties to contact us with any questions concerning the 
rules that apply on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies.
    Section 423.71(b) is being revised to clarify that the described 
sanctions apply to violations of closures as well as to the other types 
of violations described.
    While each of the individual changes being made to part 423 is 
insufficient by itself to justify amending the rule, the total number 
of needed changes now warrants this amendatory rulemaking.

II. Determination To Make This Rule Effective Immediately

    Reclamation has determined that it is in the public interest to 
clarify and resolve the issues addressed in these amendments without 
delay. Members of the public have asked for a speedy implementation of 
regulations that will assist them to better understand their rights and 
obligations on Reclamation lands and waterbodies. Delay would result in 
unnecessary uncertainty. For these reasons, Reclamation has determined 
that for this rulemaking, notice and public procedure requirements are 
impractical, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest and 
should be waived as allowed by 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). Furthermore, for 
the reasons stated above, Reclamation has determined that good cause 
exists to waive the requirement of publication 30 days in advance of 
the effective date, as allowed by 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
    Therefore, we are issuing these amendments as an interim final rule 
that will go into effect immediately. Following a 60-day public review 
period and our review of any public comments received, Reclamation 
expects to publish a final rule.

III. Procedural Matters

1. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866)

    This document is not a significant rule and is not subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under

[[Page 54979]]

Executive Order 12866. This rule makes only minor amendments to the 
existing 43 CFR part 423 for purposes of clarification.
    (1) This rule will not have an effect of $100 million or more on 
the economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or 
communities.
    (2) This rule will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise 
interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency.
    (3) This rule does not alter the budgetary effects or entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of 
their recipients.
    (4) This rule does not raise novel legal or policy issues.

2. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this document will 
not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
This rule makes only minor amendments to the existing 43 CFR part 423 
for purposes of clarification.

3. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule makes only 
minor amendments to the existing 43 CFR part 423 for purposes of 
clarification.
    The rule:
    (1) Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more.
    (2) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions.
    (3) Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

4. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. This rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local, or tribal governments or the private sector. This rule makes 
only minor amendments to the existing 43 CFR part 423 for purposes of 
clarification. A statement containing the information required by the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

5. Takings (E.O. 12630)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule does not have 
significant takings implications. This rule makes only minor amendments 
to the existing 43 CFR part 423 for purposes of clarification. A 
takings implication assessment is not required.

6. Federalism (E.O. 13132)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12612, this rule does not have 
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment. This rule makes only minor amendments to the 
existing 43 CFR part 423 for purposes of clarification. A Federalism 
Assessment is not required.

7. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Office of the 
Solicitor has determined that this rule does not unduly burden the 
judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of the Order.

8. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175)

    Under the criteria in Executive Order 13175, we have evaluated this 
rule and determined that it has no potential effects on federally 
recognized Indian tribes. This rule recognizes tribal authorities, 
laws, and regulations but does not affect them.

9. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This regulation does not require an information collection from 10 
or more parties and a submission under the Paperwork Reduction Act is 
not required. An OMB form 83-I is not required.

10. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment. A detailed statement 
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is not required.

11. Information Quality Act

    In developing this rule we did not conduct or use a study, 
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Information 
Quality Act (Pub. L. 106-554).

12. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)

    This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition 
of Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not 
required.

13. Clarity of This Regulation

    We are required by E.O. 12866 and 12988, and by the Presidential 
Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This 
means each rule we publish must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you believe we have not met these requirements, please send 
comments to Reclamation as instructed in the ADDRESSES section. Please 
make your comments as specific as possible, referring to specific 
sections and how they could be improved. For example, you should tell 
us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that are unclearly 
written, which sections or sentences are too long, the sections where 
you believe lists or tables would be useful, etc.

14. Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, 
or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should 
be aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

List of Subjects in 43 CFR Part 423

    Law enforcement, Public conduct, Reclamation lands, and Reclamation 
projects.

    Dated: September 10, 2008.
Timothy R. Petty,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, Reclamation amends 43 CFR part 
423 as follows:

PART 423--PUBLIC CONDUCT ON BUREAU OF RECLAMATION FACILITIES, 
LANDS, AND WATERBODIES

0
1. The authority citation for part 423 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Public Law 107-69 (November 12, 2001) (Law 
Enforcement Authority) (43 U.S.C. 373b and 373c); Public Law 102-
575, Title XXVIII (October 30, 1992) (16 U.S.C. 460l-31 through 34); 
Public Law 89-72 (July 9, 1965) (16 U.S.C. 460l-12); Public Law 106-
206 (May 26, 2000) (16 U.S.C. 460l-6d); Public Law 59-209 (June 8, 
1906) (16 U.S.C.

[[Page 54980]]

431-433); Public Law 96-95 (October 31, 1979) (16 U.S.C. 470aa-mm).

0
2. Amend Sec.  423.2 as follows:
0
a. Remove the definitions of ``Disorderly conduct'' and ``Trespass.''
0
b. Remove from the definition of ``Vessel'' the words ``A seaplane on 
Reclamation waters is considered a vessel for the purposes of Sec.  
423.38 of this part.''
0
c. Add the definition of ``Closed'' in alphabetical order, to read as 
follows:


Sec.  423.2  Definitions of terms used in this part.

* * * * *
    ``Closed means a prohibition to all public access.''
* * * * *

0
3. Amend Sec.  423.3 by revising paragraphs (a) introductory text, 
(b)(2), and the last sentence of paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  423.3  When does this part apply?

    (a) This part and all applicable Federal, State, and local laws 
apply to all persons on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, 
with the following exceptions:
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (2) An employee or agent of the Federal, State, or local government 
when the employee or agent is carrying out official duties; or
* * * * *
    (d) * * * However, Reclamation retains the authority to take 
necessary actions to safeguard the security and safety of the public 
and such Reclamation facilities, lands and waterbodies.
* * * * *

0
4. Add Sec.  423.18 to read as follows:


Sec.  423.18  Use of closures.

    Closures are to be used only where all public access is to be 
prohibited. Special use areas are to be used to restrict specific 
activities as set forth in Subpart E of this part 423.

0
5. Amend Sec.  423.21 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  423.21  Responsibilities.

    (a) You are responsible for finding, being aware of, and obeying 
all applicable laws and regulations, as well as notices and postings of 
closed and special use areas established by an authorized official 
under Subpart B and Subpart E of this part 423.
    (b) You are responsible for the use of any device, vehicle, vessel, 
or aircraft you own, lease, or operate on Reclamation facilities, 
lands, or waterbodies. You may be issued a citation for a violation of 
regulations, including non-compliance with limitations, restrictions, 
closures, or special use areas applicable to the use of any device, 
vehicle, vessel, or aircraft as provided in this part as the owner, 
lessee, or operator.
* * * * *
0
6. Amend Sec.  423.22 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  423.22  Interference with agency functions and disorderly 
conduct.

* * * * *
    (e) The following acts constitute disorderly conduct and are 
prohibited:
    (1) Fighting, or threatening or violent behavior;
    (2) Language, utterance, gesture, display, or act that is obscene, 
physically threatening or menacing, or that is likely to inflict injury 
or incite an immediate breach of the peace;
    (3) Unreasonable noise, considering the nature and purpose of the 
person's conduct, location, time of day or night, and other factors 
that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the 
circumstances;
    (4) Creating or maintaining a hazardous or physically offensive 
condition; or
    (5) Any other act or activity that may cause or create public 
alarm, nuisance, or bodily harm.

0
7. Revise Sec.  423.24 to read as follows:


Sec.  423.24  Trespassing.

    You must not trespass on Reclamation facilities, lands, and 
waterbodies. Trespass includes any of the following acts:
    (a) Unauthorized possession or occupancy of Reclamation facilities, 
lands, or waterbodies;
    (b) Personal entry, presence, or occupancy on or in any portion or 
area of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies that have been 
closed to public use pursuant to Subpart B of this part 423;
    (c) Unauthorized extraction or disturbance of natural or cultural 
resources located on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies;
    (d) Unauthorized conduct of commercial activities on Reclamation 
facilities, lands, or waterbodies;
    (e) Holding unauthorized public gatherings on Reclamation 
facilities, lands, or waterbodies; or
    (f) Unauthorized dumping or abandonment of personal property on 
Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies.


Sec.  423.29  [Amended]

0
8. In Sec.  423.29(b) remove the words ``without a permit issued 
pursuant to Subpart D of this part 423''.

0
9. Amend Sec.  423.34 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  423.34  Sanitation.

* * * * *
    (c) You must not place or construct a toilet or latrine such that 
its lowest point is lower than the high water mark of any Reclamation 
waterbody, or within 150 feet horizontally of the high water mark of 
any Reclamation waterbody.

0
10. Amend Sec.  423.36 by revising paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) and by 
adding a new paragraph (a)(5) to read as follows:


Sec.  423.36  Swimming.

    (a) * * *
    (3) In canals, laterals, siphons, tunnels, and drainage works;
    (4) At public docks, launching sites, and designated mooring areas; 
or
    (5) As otherwise delineated by signs or other markers.
* * * * *

0
11. Amend Sec.  423.37 by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  423.37  Winter activities.

* * * * *
    (c) You must comply with all other posted restrictions.


Sec.  423.38  [Amended]

0
12. Amend Sec.  423.38 by removing paragraph (h) and redesignate 
paragraphs (i) through (l) as (h) through (k), respectively.

0
13. Revise Sec.  423.41 to read as follows:


Sec.  423.41  Aircraft.

    (a) You must comply with any applicable Federal, State, and local 
laws, and with any additional requirements or restrictions established 
by an authorized official in a special use area under Subpart E of this 
part 423, with respect to aircraft landings, takeoffs, and operation on 
or in the proximity of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. 
Pilots are responsible for awareness of all applicable laws, 
regulations, requirements, and restrictions. This paragraph does not 
apply to pilots engaged in emergency rescue or in the official business 
of Federal, State, or local governments or law enforcement agencies, or 
who are forced to land due to circumstances beyond the pilot's control.
    (b) You must not operate any aircraft while on or above Reclamation

[[Page 54981]]

facilities, lands, and waterbodies in a careless, negligent, or 
reckless manner so as to endanger any person, property, or natural 
feature.
    (c) This section does not provide authority to deviate from Federal 
or state regulations, or prescribed standards, including, but not 
limited to, regulations and standards concerning pilot certifications 
or ratings and airspace requirements.
    (d) Except in extreme emergencies threatening human life or serious 
property loss, you must not use non-standard boarding and loading 
procedures to deliver or retrieve people, material, or equipment by 
parachute, balloon, helicopter, or other aircraft.
    (e) You must comply with all applicable U.S. Coast Guard rules when 
operating a seaplane on Reclamation waterbodies.
    (f) You must securely moor any seaplane remaining on Reclamation 
waterbodies in excess of 24 hours at mooring facilities and locations 
designated by an authorized official. Seaplanes may be moored for 
periods of less than 24 hours on Reclamation waterbodies, except in 
special use areas otherwise designated by an authorized official, 
provided:
    (1) The mooring is safe, secure, and accomplished so as not to 
damage the rights of the Government or the safety of persons; and
    (2) The operator remains in the vicinity of the seaplane and 
reasonably available to relocate the seaplane if necessary.
    (g) You must not operate model aircraft except as allowed in 
special use areas established by an authorized official under subpart E 
of this part 423.

0
14. Amend Sec.  423.50 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  423.50  How can I obtain permission for prohibited or restricted 
uses and activities?

    (a) Authorized officials may issue permits to authorize activities 
on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies otherwise prohibited 
or restricted by Sec. Sec.  423.16(a)(3), 423.26, 423.27, 423.29(f), 
423.30(c), 423.33(d), and 423.35(d)(1), and may terminate or revoke 
such permits for non-use, non-compliance with the terms of the permit, 
violation of any applicable law, or to protect the health, safety, or 
security of persons, Reclamation assets, or natural or cultural 
resources.
* * * * *

0
15. Amend Sec.  423.60 by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  423.60  How special use areas are designated.

* * * * *
    (c) An authorized official establishing a special use area must 
document in writing the determination described in paragraph (b) of 
this section. Such documentation must occur before the action, except 
in emergencies or situations of immediate need as described in Sec.  
423.61(c), in which case the documentation is required within 30 days 
after the date of the action. Reclamation will make documents produced 
under this section available to the public upon request except where 
such disclosure could compromise national or facility security, or 
human safety.

0
16. Amend Sec.  423.61 by revising paragraph (b) introductory text, 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3), and paragraph (d) introductory text to 
read as follows:


Sec.  423.61  Notifying the public of special use areas.

* * * * *
    (b) How notice must be made. Reclamation must notify the public at 
least 15 days before the action takes place by one or more of the 
following methods:
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) Notice under this section may be delayed in an emergency or 
situation of immediate need where delaying designation, revision, or 
termination of a special use area would result in significant risk to:
    (i) National security;
    (ii) The safety or security of a Reclamation facility, Reclamation 
employees, or the public; or
    (iii) The natural or cultural environment.
    (2) * * *
    (3) Failure to meet the notice deadlines in paragraphs (b) or 
(c)(2) of this section will not invalidate an action, so long as 
Reclamation meets the remaining notification requirements of this 
section.
    (d) When advance notice is not required. Advance notice as 
described in paragraph (b) of this section is not required if all the 
following conditions are met:
* * * * *

0
17. Remove Sec.  423.62.

0
18. Redesignate Sec.  423.63 and Sec.  423.64 as Sec.  423.62 and Sec.  
423.63, respectively.

0
19. Revise Sec.  423.63 to read as follows:


Sec.  423.63  Existing special use areas.

    Areas where rules were in effect on April 17, 2006 that differ from 
the rules set forth in Subpart C are considered existing special use 
areas, and such differing rules remain in effect to the extent allowed 
by Subpart A, and to the extent they are consistent with Sec.  423.28. 
For those existing special use areas, compliance with Sec. Sec.  423.60 
through 423.62 is not required until the rules applicable in those 
special use areas are modified or terminated.

0
20. Amend Sec.  423.71 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  423.71  Sanctions.

* * * * *
    (b) Any condition, limitation, closure, prohibition on uses or 
activities, or public use limits, imposed under this part 423.

[FR Doc. E8-22423 Filed 9-23-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MN-P