Document ID: USCG-2004-18939-0029
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: FR:  Pollution Prevention Equipment (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2009-10-13T04:00Z

[Federal Register: October 13, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 196)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 52413-52418]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13oc09-9]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Parts 155 and 157; 46 CFR Part 162

[Docket No. USCG-2004-18939]
RIN 1625-AA90

 
Pollution Prevention Equipment

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is finalizing its January 16, 2009, interim 
rule establishing oil pollution prevention equipment requirements with 
one minor amendment to the rule's effective date for vessels with 
equipment installed on or after January 1, 2005. The rule harmonizes 
Coast Guard regulations with new International Maritime Organization 
(IMO) guidelines and specifications issued under the International 
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex I. 
It implements these MARPOL Annex I regulations and, ultimately, is 
intended to reduce the amount of oil discharged from vessels and 
eliminate the use of ozone-depleting solvents in equipment tests. All 
vessels replacing or installing oily-water separators and bilge alarms 
must install equipment that meets these revised standards. Newly 
constructed vessels carrying oil in bulk must install monitoring 
systems that meet the revised standards.

DATES: This final rule is effective November 12, 2009, except that 
paragraphs 33 CFR 155.350(a)(3), 155.360(a)(2), and 155.370(a)(4) are 
effective October 13, 2009. The incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register on November 12, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Comments and material received from the public, as well as 
documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, 
are part of docket USCG-2004-18939 and are available for inspection or 
copying at the 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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also find this 
docket on the Internet by going to http://www.regulations.gov, 
inserting USCG-2004-18939 in the ``Keyword'' box, and then clicking 
``Search.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email Mr. Wayne Lundy, Systems Engineering Division (CG-5213), 
Office of Design and Engineering Standards, U.S. Coast Guard, telephone 
202-372-1379, e-mail Wayne.M.Lundy@uscg.mil. If you have questions on 
viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Abbreviations
II. Regulatory History
III. Background and Purpose
IV. Discussion of Comments and Changes
V. Incorporation by Reference
VI. Regulatory Analyses
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review
    B. Small Entities
    C. Assistance for Small Entities
    D. Collection of Information
    E. Federalism
    F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    G. Taking of Private Property
    H. Civil Justice Reform
    I. Protection of Children
    J. Indian Tribal Governments
    K. Energy Effects
    L. Technical Standards
    M. Environment

I. Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
IMO International Maritime Organization
IOPP International Oil Pollution Prevention
ISO International Organization for Standardization
MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from 
Ships
MEPC Marine Environment Protection Committee
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
NTTAA National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

[[Page 52414]]

OMB Office of Management and Budget
OWS Oily-Water Separator
PPM Parts Per Million
Sec.  Section symbol
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Regulatory History

    On November 3, 2005, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) entitled ``Pollution Prevention Equipment'' in the 
Federal Register (70 FR 67066).\1\ We received 17 letters containing 80 
comments on the proposed rule. The comments did not request a public 
meeting and none was held.
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    \1\ On December 15, 2005, the Coast Guard published a correction 
notice in the Federal Register (70 FR 74259). The NPRM, as 
published, contained the phrase ``must be limited'' at two points, 
once in the preamble and once in the regulatory text. We deleted 
that phrase because it was inserted by error and could have confused 
readers.
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    On January 16, 2009, the Coast Guard published an interim rule (74 
FR 3364) that updated references for the international standard for 
pollution prevention equipment from the International Maritime 
Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee resolution, 
MEPC.60(33) to the new international standard in MEPC.107(49) and 
addressed the 80 comments on the NPRM. With the interim rule we also 
sought comment on three paragraphs: 33 CFR 155.350(a)(3), 
155.360(a)(2), and 155.370(a)(4), which proposed requiring any 
pollution prevention equipment installed on or after January 1, 2005, 
that does not comply with MEPC.107(49), which became an international 
requirement on January 1, 2005, to be replaced with pollution 
prevention equipment that does comply with the MEPC.107(49) standard. 
These three paragraphs were not included in the NPRM, and we solicited 
public comment on them in the interim rule. We received five comments, 
which are discussed below in IV. Discussion of Comments and Changes.
    The interim rule, with the exception of the three paragraphs, 
became effective on March 17, 2009. Under the interim rule, the three 
paragraphs regarding equipment installed on or after January 1, 2005, 
were set to become effective on October 13, 2009. Under this final 
rule, however, the three paragraphs as amended by the final rule are 
effective October 13, 2009. The Coast Guard is making these paragraphs 
effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1) and (3) because the three 
paragraphs relieve a restriction otherwise imposed by the interim rule 
that would take effect within 30 days of publication of this final 
rule. Specifically, the three paragraphs relieve the burden on ship 
owners with equipment installed on or after January 1, 2005, from 
having to comply with the rule's requirements by October 13, 2009, and 
instead add a compliance date tied to the vessel's drydock or vessel 
survey schedule, as applicable. Requiring ship owners to comply with 
these requirements on October 13, 2009, until an effective date thirty 
days after the publication of this final rule would cause unnecessary 
burdens and confusion and, therefore, would be impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest. As such, the Coast Guard has 
determined that it has good cause for immediate implementation of these 
three paragraphs. The remaining provisions of this final rule become 
effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

III. Background and Purpose

    The discussion of the background that follows largely repeats the 
discussion of the background and purpose set forth in the interim rule.
    This final rule will implement international standards for oil 
pollution prevention equipment designed for ships and oil tankers. 
These standards address the testing, certification, and approval for 
oil pollution prevention equipment, including discharge monitors, which 
will help prevent oily discharges from a ship into the water.

A. Types of Equipment

    There are three types of equipment involved in this rulemaking that 
deal with oil, water, and other substances:
    A bilge separator (also referred to as oily-water separator), is 
designed to produce an effluent from the bilge of ships with oil 
content of 15 parts per million (ppm) or less; and
    A bilge alarm is designed to activate an automatic stopping device 
when the oil content concentration of an effluent exceeds 15 ppm, and 
thus stop any discharge overboard of oily mixtures with an oil content 
exceeding 15 ppm.
    An oil content meter (hereinafter ``meter'') is a piece of 
equipment in an oil discharge monitoring and control system 
(hereinafter ``monitoring system'') on an oil tanker. The system 
processes oil-tanker ballast and tank-washing water and monitors the 
discharge into the sea of oily ballast or other oil-contaminated water 
effluent from the cargo tank areas. The meter measures the oil content 
of the effluent in ppm.

B. Authority

    Under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, Public Law 96-478, 
sections 2 and 4, 94 Stat. 2297, 2298 (Oct. 21, 1980), 33 U.S.C. 1901 
and 1903, the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating is authorized to prescribe any necessary or desired 
regulations to carry out the provisions of the Act and of Annex I 
(Regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil) of the 
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 
1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating to that Convention 
(MARPOL 73/78). Under the Act of August 26, 1983, Public Law 98-89, 97 
Stat. 500, 504, 522, subtitle II of title 46 of the U.S. Code (46 
U.S.C.), specifically 46 U.S.C. 3703, the Secretary of the Department 
in which the Coast Guard is operating is authorized to issue equipment 
regulations, and related maintenance and training regulations for 
vessels carrying liquid bulk dangerous cargo, including oil. Authority 
under both of these acts has been delegated to the Coast Guard under 
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1 II(77) and 
(92)(b).

C. International Standards Being Implemented

    This rulemaking implements revisions to the international oil 
pollution prevention standards for ships in MARPOL Annex I, 
specifically regulations 14, 18, and 31. Under Article 38 of the 
Convention on the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the IMO 
Marine Environment Protection Committee (Committee) is designated to 
consider IMO matters involving the prevention and control of marine 
pollution from ships.
    In 1992, during its 33rd session, the Committee adopted a 
resolution, MEPC.60(33), containing guidelines and specifications for 
pollution prevention equipment for machinery space bilges of ships. In 
2003, recognizing the advancement of technology since 1992, the 
Committee adopted resolution MEPC.107(49), which contained new 
guidelines and specifications that superseded those adopted in 1992.
    The MEPC.107(49) changed the fluids used to test pollution 
prevention equipment so they would more closely represent the bilge 
wastes encountered on vessels. Emulsified oil in water, surfactants 
(for example, detergents), and other contaminants are typically found 
in bilge water. Under MEPC.107(49), the bilge separator must be capable 
of separating the oil from the

[[Page 52415]]

emulsion to produce an effluent with an oil content not exceeding 15 
ppm.
    The MEPC.107(49) also changed the method by which oil content is 
measured in effluent samples during the approval process. Past methods 
permitted the use of ozone-depleting solvents, specifically carbon 
tetrachloride and Freon 113 (CFC 113). Both an international treaty and 
United States laws call for phasing out the use of these solvents. See 
the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, 
(``Montreal Protocol''), Sept. 16, 1987, 26 I.L.M. 1550, and Title VI 
of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7671-7671q. Accordingly, MEPC.107(49) 
specifies a different test method that does not use ozone-depleting 
solvents.
    The MEPC.107(49) guidelines and specifications were incorporated 
into Annex I after the 2004 adoption of resolution MEPC.117(52), which 
led to the revision of MARPOL Annex I. On January 1, 2007, the revised 
Annex I came into force. Resolution MEPC.107(49) is incorporated into 
Regulation 14 (Oil filtering equipment) of the revised Annex I.
    Additionally, in 2003, the Committee also adopted resolution 
MEPC.108(49), which revised guidelines and specifications for oil 
discharge monitoring and control systems for oil tankers constructed 
after 2004. These new guidelines and specifications were incorporated 
into Regulations 18 (Segregated Ballast Tanks) and 31 (Oil discharge 
monitoring and control system) of the revised Annex I and apply to oil 
content meters as part of oil discharge monitoring and control systems 
installed on tankers constructed after 2004.
    The new MEPC.108(49) guidelines and specifications call for:
     Only one category of a monitoring system to apply to all 
tankers of 150 gross tonnage and above;
     The monitoring system to be able to record position 
(latitude and longitude) from a vessel-position indicating device, 
allowing more accurate input of speed parameters;
     Greater control of oil mixture discharges by tightening 
the accuracy requirements for both the oil content meter and the flow 
meter; and
     A more objective specification for identifying crude oils: 
simply by number and assigned characteristics and parameters--such as 
density, viscosity, and cloud point--rather than geographical 
denominations used in Resolution A.586(14). See IMO Subcommittee on 
Ship Design and Equipment Report to the Maritime Safety Committee, DE 
46/32 at 12 & 13 (April 4, 2003).

IV. Discussion of Comments and Changes

    In response to our request for comments on the three paragraphs--33 
CFR 155.350(a)(3), 155.360(a)(2), and 155.370(a)(4)--in the interim 
rule, we received five comments from three commenters. One comment was 
submitted jointly by two commenters who generally agree with the 
interim rule, but suggest that the Coast Guard adopt a pollution 
standard stricter than the 15 ppm set forth in MARPOL Annex I. While 
the Coast Guard appreciates the support for the interim rule, the 
commenters' suggestion to adopt a maximum oil discharge limit lower 
than 15 ppm is outside the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard.
    The four remaining comments came from a manufacturer, and one of 
his comments specifically addressed 33 CFR 155.350(a)(3), one of the 
three delayed-effective date paragraphs on which we sought public 
comment in the interim rule. The three other comments sought 
clarification to other aspects of the interim rule. The Coast Guard 
provided the below responses to these four comments in direct 
communications to the manufacturer, unless noted otherwise. A summary 
and the substance of those communications are available in the docket 
where indicated under ADDRESSES.
    Regarding 33 CFR 155.350(a)(3), the commenter asked for 
clarification on when ship owners would have to comply with the 
requirement set forth in paragraph (a)(3), which will become effective 
on October 13, 2009. The commenter noted that it appears this paragraph 
requires all equipment installed after 2004 to be supplied or upgraded 
to satisfy these new international standards in MEPC.107(49), and asked 
if this needs to be accomplished by October 13. The Coast Guard's 
initial response in a direct communication to the manufacturer, which 
is included in the docket, deferred addressing this comment until the 
close of the comment period.
    The Coast Guard recognizes that it may not be feasible for ship 
owners to comply with the requirements in Sec.  155.350(a)(3) by 
October 13, and in response to this comment, we are adding an 
implementation period to allow ship owners to budget and plan for the 
work required to comply. Under revised paragraph (a)(3), a vessel owner 
must install equipment meeting the new requirements in MEPC.107(49) by 
one of two dates, as set forth in new paragraphs (a)(3)(i) and 
(a)(3)(ii): either the date of the vessel's first drydock following 
October 13, 2009, or for those vessels going into international service 
for the first time since January 2005, the date of its first survey 
prior to receiving its International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) 
certificate. The Coast Guard is making the same change to paragraphs 
155.360(a)(2) and 155.370(a)(4).
    The manufacturer's second comment requested clarification on the 
interim rule's affect on his backlog of equipment that complies with 
the older international standard, MEPC.60(33), and is ordered but not 
yet installed. The commenter noted that the interim rule may preclude 
the installation of any MEPC.60(33) equipment after March 17, 2009.
    The Coast Guard's response to this comment is that equipment that 
has not been physically installed must comply with the current 
regulations, i.e., the MEPC.107(49) standard.
    The commenter's third comment asked for clarification of whether, 
under the interim rule, bilge alarms replaced after March 17, 2009, on 
separators installed prior to January 1, 2005, must be replaced with 
bilge alarms complying with the revised 46 CFR 162.050 specifications. 
The Coast Guard notes this comment concerns what is meant by the term 
``good working order.''
    After March 17, 2009, if a bilge alarm approved to MEPC.60(33) 
needs to be replaced, then it may be replaced by a bilge alarm approved 
to MEPC.60(33), but only for separators approved to MEPC.60(33) that 
were installed on the ship prior to January 1, 2005. This is allowed in 
recognition of the need for compatibility between the separator and 
bilge alarm, as well the relative ease to replace a bilge alarm. 
Separators approved to MEPC.60(33) that were installed on the ship 
prior to January 1, 2005, may continue to be used as long as they are 
maintained in good working order, which includes basic or routine 
maintenance and repair of such separators as well as replacement of 
components and consumables. If, however, a separator approved to 
MEPC.60(33) needs to be replaced, regardless of when it was installed 
on the ship, then it must be replaced with a separator approved to 
MEPC.107(49). In this case, the separator approved to MEPC.107(49) must 
also have a bilge alarm approved to MEPC.107(49).
    Finally, the commenter's fourth comment sought confirmation that 
the definition of the term ``expired'' as used in the preamble to the 
interim rule (74 FR 3375) has the same meaning as ``expired'' on the 
United States Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange Web site, 
Approved Equipment

[[Page 52416]]

Definitions. http://cgmix.uscg.mil/Equipment/Definitions.aspx.\2\
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    \2\ ``EXPIRED--Product's approval has expired, and the approval 
holder has not notified us whether it should be extended or 
terminated. Pending resolution of its status, the product is no 
longer approved for production. Items manufactured prior to 
expiration of the approval are considered APPROVED.''
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    The Coast Guard response to this comment is that a bilge alarm or 
separator installed on a ship on or after January 1, 2005, but not 
having approval under MEPC.107(49), is subject to the requirements of 
33 CFR 155.350, 155.360, and 155.370, (see 74 FR 3363 and 74 FR 6358), 
namely the requirement to be replaced by equipment approved under 
MEPC.107(49) unless it is determined to be unreasonable or 
impracticable. Bilge alarms and separators installed prior to January 
1, 2005, having a Certificate of Approval issued by the Coast Guard, 
can remain installed on the ship as long as they are maintained in good 
working order. Please note: A Certificate of Approval is issued by the 
Coast Guard to a manufacturer usually for a period of five years. This 
five-year period primarily affects the manufacturer and not the ship. 
Equipment of a type approved by the Coast Guard that is manufactured 
during this five year period in accordance with the terms of the 
certificate may be installed on a ship in order to meet the applicable 
requirements for approved equipment. There is no requirement, however, 
that equipment be removed when the Certificate of Approval expires.

Discussion of Final Rule

    This rule finalizes the amendments set forth in the interim rule. A 
full discussion of the provisions of this rule may be found in the 
``Discussion of Interim Rule'' section of the interim rule. 74 FR 3364, 
at 3375. We are making only one minor change to the interim rule in the 
final rule by adding implementation periods in 33 CFR 155.350(a)(3), 
155.360(a)(2), and 155.370(a)(4), as discussed above.

V. Incorporation by Reference

    The Director of the Federal Register has approved the material in 
33 CFR 157.02 and 46 CFR 162.050-4 for incorporation by reference under 
5 U.S.C. 552 and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of the material are available 
from the sources listed in 33 CFR 157.02 and 46 CFR 162.050-4.

VI. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this final 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.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does not 
require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 
6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not 
reviewed it under that Order.
    Public comments on the interim rule are summarized in Part IV of 
this preamble. The Coast Guard received no public comments, and have 
made no changes, that would alter our assessment of impacts in the 
interim rule. We have found no additional data or information that 
would change our findings in the interim rule. We have adopted the 
assessment in the interim rule as final. A summary follows.
    We estimated 176 existing vessels and 46 new vessels annually will 
be affected by this rule and incur additional costs for installing OWS 
and bilge alarms.
    We estimated the annual costs of the OWS and bilge alarms combined 
range from $9,000 to $19,000, depending on vessel type and size for 
both existing and new vessels: $9,000 for vessels below 400 gross tons; 
$13,000 for vessels 400 gross tons or more and less than 10,000 gross 
tons; and, $19,000 for vessels 10,000 gross tons and over.
    We estimated non-discounted annual costs for existing vessels at 
approximately $2.3 million and approximately $550,000 for new vessels, 
or about $2.9 million combined. We estimated the total 10-year present 
value cost of the rule to be $21 million or $25 million based on a 
seven or three percent discount rate (all values rounded).
    The benefits of this rule are improved environmental conditions 
from the use of PPE, which meets higher standards of pollution 
prevention. The new OWS equipment will better handle the separation of 
emulsified oils, surfactants, and contaminants from water. These 
pollutants will no longer be released into the environment because of 
these standards. See the assessments in the interim rule and the NPRM 
for additional details.

B. Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered whether this rule has 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.
    In the interim rule, we certified under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that the 
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. We have found no additional data 
or information that would change our findings in the interim rule. We 
have adopted the certification in the interim rule for this final rule. 
See the ``Small Entity'' sections of the interim rule and the NPRM for 
additional details.
    Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies, under 5 U.S.C. 605(b), that 
this final rule does not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

C. Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offered to assist small 
entities in understanding the rule so that they could better evaluate 
its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the rule 
affects your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction 
and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for 
compliance, please consult Mr. Wayne Lundy, Office of Systems 
Engineering (CG-5213), Office of Design and Engineering Standards, U.S. 
Coast Guard, telephone 202-372-1379, e-mail Wayne.M.Lundy@uscg.mil. 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.

D. 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). The paperwork 
burden associated with the manufacture, laboratory testing, approval 
tests, and marking of pollution prevention equipment is addressed in 
the existing collection of information, OMB 1625-0035, 
entitled ``Title 46 CFR Subchapter Q: Lifesaving, Electrical and 
Engineering Equipment; Construction and Materials.'' The Office of 
Management and Budget renewed its approval of this collection of 
information on May 27, 2009. It will expire after the 3-year approval 
period ends on May 31, 2012, unless renewed again.

E. Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct

[[Page 52417]]

effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law 
or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them.
    It is well settled that States may not regulate in categories 
reserved for regulation by the Coast Guard. It is also well settled, 
now, that all of the categories covered in 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 7101, 
and 8101 (design, construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, 
operation, equipping, personnel qualification, and manning of vessels), 
as well as the reporting of casualties and any other category in which 
Congress intended the Coast Guard to be the sole source of a vessel's 
obligations, are within the field foreclosed from regulation by the 
States. (See the decision of the Supreme Court in the consolidated 
cases of United States v. Locke and Intertanko v. Locke, 529 U.S. 89, 
120 S.Ct. 1135 (March 6, 2000).)
    The pollution prevention equipment regulations promulgated in this 
rule are within the field foreclosed from regulation by the States, and 
therefore preemption under E.O. 13132 is not an issue.

F. 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 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.

G. Taking of Private Property

    This rule will not effect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights.

H. 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.

I. 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.

J. 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.

K. Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this 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.

L. Technical Standards

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 
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 final rule uses the following consensus standards that are not 
voluntary standards:
     IMO Assembly Resolution A.393(X)--Recommendation on 
International Performance and Test Specifications for Oily-Water 
Separating Equipment and Oil Content Meters;
     IMO Assembly Resolution A.496(XII)--Guidelines and 
Specifications for Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems for Oil 
Tankers;
     IMO Assembly Resolution A.586(14)--Revised Guidelines and 
Specifications for Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems for Oil 
Tankers;
     IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee Resolution 
MEPC.13(19)--Guidelines for Plan Approval and Installation Survey of 
Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems for Oil Tankers and 
Environmental Testing of Control Sections Thereof;
     IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee Resolution 
MEPC.108(49)--Revised Guidelines and Specifications for Oil Discharge 
Monitoring and Control Systems for Oil Tankers;
     International Organization for Standardization Standard 
ISO 8217 (2005) Petroleum products--Fuels (class F)--Specification of 
marine fuels;
     International Organization for Standardization Standard 
ISO 9377-2 (2000), Water Quality--Determination of hydrocarbon oil 
index--Part 2: Method Using solvent extraction and Gas Chromatography.
    They are used because the United States is party to MARPOL Annex I 
and we must use these standards to effectively implement MARPOL Annex I 
regulations. The sections that reference these standards and the 
locations where these standards are available are listed in 33 CFR 
157.02 and 46 CFR 162.050-4.

M. 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 concluded 
that this action is one of a category of actions which do not 
individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human 
environment. This rule is categorically excluded under section 2.B.2, 
figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(d) of the Instruction and under section 6(b) 
of the ``Appendix to National Environmental Policy Act: Coast Guard 
Procedures for Categorical Exclusions, Notice of Final Agency Policy,'' 
(67 FR 48243, July 23, 2002), from further environmental documentation. 
This regulation fits within these categorical exclusions because it 
concerns equipment approval and carriage requirements and implements 
regulations designed to protect the environment. An environmental 
analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are 
available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.

[[Page 52418]]

List of Subjects

33 CFR Part 155

    Alaska, Hazardous substances, Oil pollution, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

33 CFR Part 157

    Cargo vessels, Incorporation by reference, Oil pollution, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

46 CFR Part 162

    Fire prevention, Incorporation by reference, Marine safety, Oil 
pollution, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

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Accordingly, the interim rule amending 33 CFR parts 155 and 157 and 46 
CFR part 162, which was published at 74 FR 3377 on January 16, 2009, as 
amended by the correction published at 74 FR 6358 on February 9, 2009, 
is adopted as a final rule with the following changes:

TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS

PART 155--OIL OR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL POLLUTION PREVENTION 
REGULATIONS FOR VESSELS

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1. The authority citation for part 155 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1231, 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3703; E.O. 12777, 
56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; Department of Homeland 
Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Sections 155.100 through 155.130, 
150.350 through 155.400, 155.430, 155.440, 155.470, 155.1030(j) and 
(k), and 155.1065(g) are also issued under 33 U.S.C. 1903(b). 
Section 155.490 also issued under section 4110(b) of Public Law 101-
380. Sections 155.1110 through 155.1150 also issued under 33 U.S.C. 
2735.

    Note:  Additional requirements for vessels carrying oil or 
hazardous materials are contained in 46 CFR parts 30 through 40, 
150, 151, and 153.

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2. In Sec.  155.350, revise paragraph (a)(3) to read as follows:

Sec.  155.350  Oily mixture (bilge slops)/fuel oil tank ballast water 
discharges on oceangoing ships of less than 400 gross tons.

    (a) * * *
    (3) For equipment installed after 2004 to be approved under 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section, it must meet current standards in 46 
CFR part 162, subpart 162.050 by the date set forth in paragraphs 
(a)(3)(i) and (a)(3)(ii) of this section, unless the equipment is 
installed on a ship constructed before 2005 and it would be 
unreasonable or impracticable to meet those current standards.
    (i) A ship entering international service for the first time since 
2004, must comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section by the date of its initial survey prior to receiving its 
International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) certificate.
    (ii) Any ship, other than a ship described in paragraph (a)(3)(i) 
of this section, must comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(3) 
of this section by the date of the ship's first drydock after October 
13, 2009.
* * * * *

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3. In Sec.  155.360, revise paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:

Sec.  155.360  Oily mixture (bilge slops) discharges on oceangoing 
ships of 400 gross tons and above but less than 10,000 gross tons, 
excluding ships that carry ballast water in their fuel oil tanks.

    (a) * * *
    (2) For equipment installed after 2004 to be approved under 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section, it must meet current standards in 46 
CFR part 162, subpart 162.050 by the date set forth in paragraphs 
(a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section, unless the equipment is 
installed on a ship constructed before 2005 and it would be 
unreasonable or impracticable to meet those current standards.
    (i) A ship entering international service for the first time since 
2004, must comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section by the date of its initial survey prior to receiving its 
International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) certificate.
    (ii) Any ship, other than a ship described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) 
of this section, must comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) 
of this section by the date of the ship's first drydock after October 
13, 2009.
* * * * *

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4. In Sec.  155.370, revise paragraph (a)(4) to read as follows:

Sec.  155.370  Oily mixture (bilge slops)/fuel oil tank ballast water 
discharges on oceangoing ships of 10,000 gross tons and above and 
oceangoing ships of 400 gross tons and above that carry ballast water 
in their fuel oil tanks.

    (a) * * *
    (4) For equipment installed after 2004 to be approved under 
paragraph (a) of this section, it must meet current standards in 46 CFR 
part 162, subpart 162.050 by the date set forth in paragraphs (a)(4)(i) 
and (a)(4)(ii) of this section, unless the equipment is installed on a 
ship constructed before 2005 and it would be unreasonable or 
impracticable to meet those current standards.
    (i) A ship entering international service for the first time since 
2004, must comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(4) of this 
section by the date of its initial survey prior to receiving its 
International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) certificate.
    (ii) Any ship, other than a ship described in paragraph (a)(4)(i) 
of this section, must comply with the requirements of paragraph (4) of 
this section by the date of the ship's first drydock after October 13, 
2009.
* * * * *

    Dated: October 7, 2009.
J.G. Lantz,
Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. E9-24670 Filed 10-9-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-15-P