Document ID: USCG-2009-0316-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: NPRM:  Security Zones: Sabine Bank Channel, Sabine Pass Channel and Sabine-Neches Waterway, TX (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2010-05-27T04:00Z

[Federal Register: May 27, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 102)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 29695-29699]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27my10-19]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket No. USCG-2009-0316]
RIN 1625-AA87

 
Security Zones; Sabine Bank Channel, Sabine Pass Channel and 
Sabine-Neches Waterway, TX

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

[[Page 29696]]

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish moving security zones 
for certain vessels for which the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur 
deems enhanced security measures are necessary. In addition, the Coast 
Guard proposes a 100-foot security zone around LNG carriers while they 
are moored at the Golden Pass LNG facility in Sabine, TX and/or the 
Sabine Pass LNG facility located in Cheniere, LA.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before June 28, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2009-0316 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is 202-366-9329.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed 
rule, call or e-mail Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, 
Coast Guard; telephone 409-719-5086, e-mail scott.k.whalen@uscg.mil. If 
you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, 
call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 
202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted 
without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking (USCG-2009-0316), indicate the specific section of this 
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each 
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material 
online (via http://www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail, or hand 
delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a 
comment online via http://www.regulations.gov, it will be considered 
received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. 
If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered 
as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the 
Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and 
a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body 
of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions 
regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``submit a comment'' box, which will then become 
highlighted in blue. In the ``Document Type'' drop down menu select 
``Proposed Rule'' and insert ``USCG-2009-0316'' in the ``Keyword'' box. 
Click ``Search'' then click on the balloon shape in the ``Actions'' 
column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit 
them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\; by 11 inches, 
suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by 
mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please 
enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will 
consider all comments and material received during the comment period 
and may change the rule based on your comments.

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``read comments'' box, which will then become highlighted 
in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box insert ``USCG-2009-0316'' and click 
``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column. 
You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on 
the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an 
agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket 
Management Facility.

Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any 
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice 
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008 issue of the 
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

Public Meeting

    At this time, we do not plan to hold a public meeting, but you may 
submit a request for one using one of the four methods specified under 
ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be 
beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will 
hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal 
Register.

Background and Purpose

    Heightened awareness of potential terrorist acts requires enhanced 
security of our ports, harbors, and vessels. To enhance security, the 
Captain of the Port, Port Arthur proposes to establish security zones 
around certain vessels. These security zones are needed to safeguard 
the vessels, the public, and the surrounding area from sabotage or 
other subversive acts, accidents, or other events of a similar nature.
    Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, this proposed rule 
would allow the Captain of the Port to create fixed security zones 
around moored LNG carriers and moving security zones around certain 
vessels as deemed necessary. By limiting access to these areas, the 
Coast Guard is reducing potential methods of attack on these vessels, 
and potential use of the vessels to launch attacks on waterfront 
facilities and adjacent population centers located within the Captain 
of the Port, Port Arthur zone. Vessels having a need to enter these 
security zones must obtain permission from the Captain of the Port or 
his designated representative prior to entry.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The Coast Guard proposes to establish moving security zones for 
certain vessels, for which the Captain of the Port deems enhanced 
security measures are necessary. Mariners will be notified of the 
activation of a moving security zone by Broadcast Notice to Mariners. 
Active moving security zones may also be identified by the presence of 
escort vessels displaying flashing blue law enforcement lights.
    The moving security zones would be activated for certain vessels 
within the

[[Page 29697]]

Captain of the Port zone commencing at U.S. territorial waters through 
Sabine Bank Channel, Sabine Pass Channel and the Sabine-Neches 
Waterway, extending from the surface to the bottom. These moving 
security zones would extend channel edge to channel edge on the Sabine 
Bank and Sabine Pass Channel and shoreline to shoreline on the Sabine-
Neches Waterway, 2 miles ahead and 1 mile astern of the designated 
vessels while in transit. Meeting, crossing or overtaking situations 
are not permitted within the security zone unless specifically 
authorized by the Captain of the Port.
    In addition, the Coast Guard proposes a 100-foot security zone 
around LNG carriers while they are moored at the Golden Pass LNG 
facility in Sabine, TX and/or the Sabine Pass LNG facility located in 
Cheniere, LA.
    These proposed security zones would be part of a comprehensive port 
security regime designed to safeguard human life, vessels, and 
waterfront facilities against sabotage or terrorist attacks.
    All vessels not exempted under paragraph (b) of the proposed 
section 165.819 would be prohibited from entering or remaining in these 
security zones unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Port 
Arthur or his designated representative. For authorization to enter the 
proposed security zones, vessels could contact the Captain of the 
Port's on-scene representative or Vessel Traffic Service Port Arthur on 
VHF Channel 01A or 65A, by telephone at (409) 719-5070, or by facsimile 
at (409) 719-5090.

Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed 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.

Regulatory Planning and Review

    This proposed 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.
    We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so 
minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation is unnecessary. The basis of 
this finding is that the proposed fixed security zones around moored 
LNG carriers would be of limited size and duration and the affected 
area would not hinder or delay regular vessel traffic. The moving 
security zone wound be limited and would not create undue delay to 
vessel traffic because vessel traffic may request permission to enter 
the zone from the Captain of the Port.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered whether this proposed rule would have 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.
    The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed 
rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. This proposed rule would affect the following 
entities, some of which might be small entities: The owners or 
operators of vessels intending to transit through the fixed or moving 
security zones. The proposed fixed security zones would be of limited 
size and duration and the affected area would not hinder or delay 
regular vessel traffic; The proposed rule for moving security zone 
would not create undue delay to vessel traffic because vessel traffic 
may request permission to enter the zone. If you think that your 
business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a 
small entity and that this rule would have a significant economic 
impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why 
you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would 
economically affect it.

Assistance for Small Entities

    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 proposed rule so that they can better 
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. 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 Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety 
Unit Port Arthur, Coast Guard; telephone (409) 719-5086, e-mail 
scott.k.whalen@uscg.mil. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against 
small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or 
any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local 
governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial 
direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this proposed rule 
under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications 
for federalism.

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 proposed rule would not 
result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule 
elsewhere in this preamble.

Taking of Private Property

    This proposed rule would 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.

Civil Justice Reform

    This proposed 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.

Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, 
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not 
create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might 
disproportionately affect children.

Indian Tribal Governments

    This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under 
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or

[[Page 29698]]

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.

Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this proposed 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.

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 proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we 
did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

Environment

    We have analyzed this proposed 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 made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a 
category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. A preliminary 
environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination is 
available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. This proposed 
rule involves establishing security zones. Therefore, this rule would 
be categorically excluded under Figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g) of 
Commandant Instruction M16475.1D, which addresses regulations 
establishing, disestablishing, or changing Regulated Navigation Areas 
and security or safety zones. We seek any comments or information that 
may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from 
this proposed rule.

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 proposes 
to amend 33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

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

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 
3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, 160.5; Pub. 
L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security 
Delegation No. 0170.1.

    2. Add new Sec.  165.819 to read as follows:

Sec.  165.819  Security Zone; Sabine Bank Channel, Sabine Pass Channel 
and Sabine-Neches Waterway, TX.

    (a) Location.
    (1) The following areas are designated as fixed security zones: All 
waters within a 100-feet radius of LNG carriers moored at:
    (i) Golden Pass LNG facility located in Sabine, TX, in position 
29[deg]45'52'' N 093[deg]55'25'' W; and/or
    (ii) Sabine Pass LNG facility located in Cheniere, LA, in position 
29[deg]44'31'' N 093[deg]52'18'' W.
    (2) The following areas are designated as moving security zones: 
All waters of the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur Zone commencing at 
U.S. territorial waters and extending from the surface to the bottom, 
channel edge to channel edge on the Sabine Bank and Sabine Pass 
Channels and shoreline to shoreline on the Sabine-Neches Waterway, 2 
miles ahead and 1 mile astern of certain designated vessels while in 
transit within in the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur zone. Mariners 
would be notified of designated vessels by Broadcast Notice to Mariners 
and the presence of escort vessels displaying flashing blue law 
enforcement lights.
    (b) Regulations.
    (1) Entry into or remaining in a fixed security zone described in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section is prohibited for all vessels except:
    (i) Commercial vessels operating at waterfront facilities within 
these zones;
    (ii) Commercial vessels transiting directly to or from waterfront 
facilities within these zones;
    (iii) Vessels providing direct operational or logistical support to 
commercial vessels within these zones;
    (iv) Vessels operated by the appropriate port authority or by 
facilities located within these zones; and
    (v) Vessels operated by federal, state, county, or municipal law 
enforcement agencies.
    (2) Entry into or remaining in a moving security zone described in 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section is prohibited for all vessels except:
    (i) Moored vessels or vessels anchored in a designated anchorage 
area. A moored or an anchored vessel in a security zone described in 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section must remain moored or anchored unless 
it obtains permission from the Captain of the Port to do otherwise;
    (ii) Commercial vessels operating at waterfront facilities located 
within the zone;
    (iii) Vessels providing direct operational support to commercial 
vessels within a moving security zone;
    (iv) Vessels operated by federal, state, county, or municipal law 
enforcement agencies.
    (3) Meeting, crossing or overtaking situations are not permitted 
within the security zone described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section 
unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port.
    (4) Other persons or vessels requiring entry into security zones 
described in this section must request permission from the Captain of 
the Port, Port Arthur or designated representative.
    (5) To request permission to enter a security zone described in 
this section, contact Vessel Traffic Service Port Arthur on VHF Channel 
01A or 65A; by telephone at (409) 719-5070; by fax at (409) 719-5090; 
or contact the Captain of the Port's designated on-scene patrol vessel 
on VHF channel 13 or 16.
    (6) All persons and vessels within a security zone described in 
this section must comply with the instructions of the Captain of the 
Port, Port Arthur, designated on-scene U.S. Coast Guard patrol 
personnel or other designated representatives. Designated on-scene U.S. 
Coast Guard patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty 
officers of the U.S. Coast Guard. Designated representatives include 
federal, state, local and municipal law enforcement agencies.

[[Page 29699]]

    Dated: April 22, 2010.
J.J. Plunkett,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Port Arthur.
[FR Doc. 2010-12738 Filed 5-26-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P