Document ID: USCG-2020-0359-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Safety Zone; Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals, AL
Posted Date: 2020-07-10T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 133 (Friday, July 10, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41370-41372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-14759]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2020-0359]
RIN 1625-AA00

Safety Zone; Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals, AL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the 
Tennessee River from Mile Marker (MM) 407 to MM 409, on July 13, 2020 
in conjunction with the operations

[[Page 41371]]

being conducted at the TVA Widows Creek Fossil Plant. This safety zone 
is needed to protect the public, vessels, and waterfront facilities 
from destruction, loss, or injury from sabotage or other subversive 
acts, accidents, or other causes of a similar nature from the hazards 
associated with demolition operations at the TVA Widows Creek Fossil 
Plant. Entry of vessels or persons into this safety zone is prohibited 
unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector 
Ohio Valley or a designated representative.

DATES: This rule is effective from 7 a.m. through noon on July 13, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2020-0359 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 Petty Officer Second Class Paul Sanders, Marine Safety 
Detachment Nashville U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 615-736-5421, email 
Paul.M.Sanders@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

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule without prior notice 
and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This 
provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and 
opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those 
procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public 
interest.'' Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good 
cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
with respect to this rule because there is a vital need to ensure the 
closure of the river due to the hazards associated with the explosive 
operations at the TVA Widows Creek Fossil Plant. A safety zone on the 
Tennessee River from MM 407 to MM 409 is necessary to provide 
appropriate protection to the public during the explosive operations. 
It is impracticable to publish an NPRM because we lack sufficient time 
to provide a reasonable comment period and then consider those comments 
before the temporary safety zone needs to be established by July 13, 
2020.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause 
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register. the Coast Guard finds that good 
cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
with respect to this rule because there is a vital need to ensure the 
closure of the river due to the hazards associated with the explosive 
operations at the TVA Widows Creek Fossil Plant. A safety zone on the 
Tennessee River from MM 407 to MM 409 is necessary to provide 
appropriate protection to the public during the explosive operations. 
It is impracticable to publish an NPRM because we lack sufficient time 
to provide a reasonable comment period and then consider those comments 
before the temporary safety zone needs to be established by July 13, 
2020.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231). The Captain of the Port Sector Ohio 
Valley (COTP) has determined that potential hazards associated with the 
demolition operations at the TVA Widows Creek Fossil Plant on July 13, 
2020, will be a safety concern for anyone within the 2 mile segment of 
river. This rule is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the 
marine environment in the navigable waters within the safety zone 
before, during, and after the demolition operations.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a safety zone from 7 a.m. until noon on July 
13, 2020. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters of Tennessee 
River from MM 407 to MM 409. The duration of the zone is intended to 
protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in these 
navigable waters before, during, and after the demolition operations. 
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 13771 directs agencies to control 
regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This rule has not been 
designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 
12866. Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB), and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt 
from the requirements of Executive Order 13771.
    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, 
location, duration, and time-of-day of the regulated area. This rule is 
limited to the Tennessee River from MM 407 to MM 409 on July 13, 2020, 
and will be enforced only during the times specified. Moreover, the 
Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine 
channel 16 about the regulated area and the rule allows vessels to seek 
permission to enter the area.

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 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 
call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees

[[Page 41372]]

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.

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 
Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and 
Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), 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 only 5 hours for a two mile segment of the 
Tennessee River. It is categorically excluded from further review under 
paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-
01-001-01, Rev. 1. A Record of Environmental Consideration supporting 
this determination is available in the docket. For instructions on 
locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of this preamble.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to call or email 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

    Harbors, 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:  46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 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.T08-0359 to read as follows:

Sec.  165.T08-0359  Safety Zone; Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals, AL.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: The entire width 
of the Tennessee River from mile marker (MM) 407 to MM 409.
    (b) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in 
subpart C of this part, 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 by VHF-FM radio channel 16 or phone at 1-800-253-7465. 
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.
    (c) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from 7 a.m. 
to noon on July 13, 2020.

    Dated: June 30, 2020.
A.M. Beach,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley.
[FR Doc. 2020-14759 Filed 7-9-20; 8:45 am]
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