Document ID: USCG-2016-0335-0003
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Safety Zone; Ohio River Mile 42.5 to 43.0, Chester, West Virginia
Posted Date: 2016-07-01T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 127 (Friday, July 1, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43089-43091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15689]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2016-0335]
RIN 1625-AA00

Safety Zone; Ohio River Mile 42.5 to 43.0, Chester, West Virginia

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for 
all water extending 300 feet from the left descending bank into the 
Ohio River from mile 42.5 to mile 43.0. This action is necessary to 
protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential 
hazards created by a land-based fireworks display. This regulation 
prohibits persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless 
authorized by the Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or a designated 
representative.

DATES: This rule is effective from 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on July 4, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2016-0335 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open 
Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email MST1 Jennifer Haggins, Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh, 
U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 412-221-0807, email 
Jennifer.L.Haggins@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

[[Page 43090]]

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    On April 6, 2016, the Chester Volunteer Fire Department notified 
the Coast Guard that from 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on July 4, 2016, it 
will be conducting a fireworks display launched from land in the 
vicinity of the Ohio River, Chester, WV. In response, on June 8, 2016 
the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled 
Safety Zone; Ohio River Mile 42.5 to 43.0, Chester, West Virginia, 81 
FR 36831. There we stated why we issued the NPRM, and invited comments 
on our proposed regulatory action related to this fireworks display. 
During the comment period that ended June 20, 2016 we received no 
comments.
    We are issuing this final rule, and under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the 
Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making it effective less 
than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Though we are 
not providing a full 30-day notice period, the Coast Guard did provide 
notice and opportunity to comment through the NPRM process. This event 
is advertised to the local community and this rule is necessary for 
safety during the fireworks event. Delaying this rule to provide a full 
30-days notice is impracticable because this rule must be effective 
July 4, 2016.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 33 U.S.C. 
1231. The Captain of the Port Pittsburgh (COTP) has determined that 
potential hazards associated with the fireworks to be used in this July 
4, 2016 display will be a safety concern for anyone in proximity of the 
land-based site. The purpose of this rule is to ensure safety of 
vessels and the navigable waters in the safety zone before, during, and 
after the scheduled event.

IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Final Rule

    As noted above, we received no comments on our NPRM published June 
8, 2016. There are no changes in the regulatory text of this rule from 
the proposed rule in the NPRM.
    This rule establishes a safety zone from 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on 
July 4, 2016. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters extending 
300 feet from the left descending bank into the Ohio River from mile 
42.5 to mile 43.0 in Chester, WV. The duration of the zone is intended 
to ensure the safety of vessels and these navigable waters before, 
during, and after the scheduled 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. fireworks 
display. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone 
without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated 
representative.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on a number of these statutes and Executive Orders, and we 
discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of 
quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing 
rules, and of promoting flexibility. This rule has not been designated 
a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 12866. 
Accordingly, it has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and 
Budget.
    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, 
location, duration, and time-of-day of the safety zone. Vessel traffic 
will be able to safely transit around this safety zone which will 
impact a small designated area of the Ohio River for less than 2 hours. 
Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notice to Mariners via 
VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the zone and the rule allows vessels to 
seek permission to enter the zone.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. The Coast Guard received 00 comments from the Small Business 
Administration on this rulemaking. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 
U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any 
vessel owner or operator.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please 
contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If 
you believe this rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, 
please contact the person listed in the FOR

[[Page 43091]]

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in 
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which 
guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that 
this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or 
cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This 
rule involves a safety zone lasting less than 2 hours that will 
prohibit entry 300 feet from the left descending bank into the Ohio 
River from mile 42.5 to mile 43.0. It is categorically excluded from 
further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant 
Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist supporting this 
determination and a 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 rule.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that 
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places or vessels.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 
6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
0170.1.

0
2. Add Sec.  165.T08-0335 to read as follows:

Sec.  165.T08-0335  Safety Zone; Ohio River Mile 42.5 to Mile 43.0, 
Chester, WV.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All waters 
extending 300 feet from the left descending bank into the Ohio River 
from mile 42.5 to mile 43.0.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative 
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, 
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a 
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the 
Captain of the Port Pittsburgh (COTP) in the enforcement of the safety 
zone.
    (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in 
Sec.  165.23, you may not enter the safety zone described in paragraph 
(a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP's 
designated representative.
    (2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's 
representative at 412-221-0807. Those in the safety zone must comply 
with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or the 
COTP's designated representative.
    (d) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from 9:30 
p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on July 4, 2016.
    (e) Informational broadcasts. The COTP or a designated 
representative will inform the public through broadcast notices to 
mariners of the enforcement period for the safety zone as well as any 
changes in the dates and times of enforcement.

L. Mcclain, Jr.,
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Pittsburgh.
[FR Doc. 2016-15689 Filed 6-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P