Document ID: USCG-2021-0638-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Safety Zone; Monongahela River, Miles 5.8–6.3, Pittsburgh, PA
Posted Date: 2021-08-25T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 162 (Wednesday, August 25, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47382-47384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-18305]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2021-0638]
RIN 1625-AA00

Safety Zone; Monongahela River, Miles 5.8-6.3, Pittsburgh, PA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for 
all navigable waters of the Monongahela River from Mile 5.8 to Mile 
6.3. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the 
marine environment from potential hazards created by a fireworks 
display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited 
unless specifically authorized by Captain of the Port Marine Safety 
Unit Pittsburgh.

DATES: This rule is effective from 10:30 p.m. through 11:30 p.m. on 
September 10, 2021.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2021-0638 in the search box and click ``Search.'' Next, in the Document 
Type column, select ``Supporting & Related Material.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email MST2 David Deaton, Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh, U.S. 
Coast Guard, at telephone 412-221-0807 ext 226, email 
David.M.Deaton@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security

[[Page 47383]]

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 it is impracticable. The safety zone 
must be established by September 10, 2021 and we lack sufficient time 
to provide a reasonable comment period and then consider those comments 
before issuing this rule. The NPRM process would delay the 
establishment of the safety zones until after the scheduled date for 
the fireworks.
    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. Delaying the effective date of 
this rule would be impracticable because this action is necessary to 
ensure the safety of vessels and persons during the fireworks display 
on September 10, 2021.

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 Marine 
Safety Unit Pittsburgh (COTP) has determined that a safety zone is 
needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from 
potential hazards created from a land-based firework display.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a safety zone on September 10, 2021, from 
10:30 p.m. through 11:30 p.m. The safety zone will cover all navigable 
waters on the Monongahela River from Mile 5.8 to Mile 6.3. The duration 
of the safety zone is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the 
marine environment from potential hazards created by a firework 
display.
    No vessel or person is permitted to enter the safety zone without 
obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative. A 
designated representative is a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer 
of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) assigned to units under the operational 
control of the COTP. To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or a 
designated representative via VHF-FM channel 16, or through Marine 
Safety Unit Pittsburgh at 412-221-0807. Persons and vessels permitted 
to enter the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or 
directions issued by the COTP or designated representative. The COTP or 
a designated representative will inform the public of the effective 
period for the safety zone as well as any changes in the dates and 
times of enforcement through Local Notice to Mariners (LNMs), Broadcast 
Notices to Mariners (BNMs), and/or Marine Safety Information Bulletins 
(MSIBs), as appropriate.

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. 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).
    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, 
location, and duration of the temporary safety zone. This safety zone 
impacts only a 0.5 mile stretch of the Monongahela River for a short 
amount of time of one hour on one evening. Vessel traffic will be 
informed about the safety zone through local notices to mariners. 
Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue LNMs, MSIBs, and BNMs via VHF-FM 
marine channel 16 about the zone and the rule allows vessels to seek 
permission from the COTP to transit 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 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 
temporary 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 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

[[Page 47384]]

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 one hour that will prohibit entry on the 
Monongahela River from mile 5.8 to mile 6.3, during the firework event. 
It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60(A) 
in Table 3-1 of U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementing 
Procedures 5090.1. A Record of Environmental Consideration supporting 
this determination is available in the docket where indicated under 
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. 
00170.1, Revision No. 01.2.

0
2. Add Sec.  165.T08-0638 to read as follows:

Sec.  165.T08-0638  Safety Zone; Monongahela River, Miles 5.8-6.3, 
Pittsburgh, PA

    (a) Location. The following area is a temporary safety zone: All 
navigable waters of the Monongahela River from Mile 5.8 to Mile 6.3.
    (b) Effective period. This section is effective from 10:30 p.m. 
through 11:30 p.m. on September 10, 2021.
    (c) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 
Sec.  165.23, entry of persons and vessels into this zone is prohibited 
unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Marine Safety Unit 
Pittsburgh (COTP) or a designated representative.
    (2) Persons or vessels requiring entry into or passage through the 
zone must request permission from the COTP or a designated 
representative. The COTP's representative may be contacted at 412-221-
0807.
    (3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of 
the COTP or a designated representative. Designated COTP 
representatives include United States Coast Guard commissioned, 
warrant, and petty officer.
    (d) Information broadcasts. The Captain COTP or a designated 
representative will inform the public through Local Notice to Mariners 
(LNMs), Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs), and/or Marine Safety 
Information Bulletins (MSIBs), as appropriate.

    Dated: August 19, 2021.
Eric J. Velez,
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Marine Safety Unit 
Pittsburgh.
[FR Doc. 2021-18305 Filed 8-24-21; 8:45 am]
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