Document ID: USCG-2017-1076-0002
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2018-03-02T05:00Z

INTRODUCTION
 The purpose of this REC is to provide a record that shows that the potential for impacts to the quality of the human environment has been considered in the decision to implement this Proposed Action, in compliance with NEPA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Directive 023-01, Revision (Rev) 01, Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act [DHS Directive 023-01 (series)] and the U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard)'s NEPA Implementing Procedures and Policy for Considering Environmental Impacts, COMDTINST M16475.1 (series) [COMDTINST M16475.1 (series)]/Federal Register, Vol. 67, No.  141, Tuesday July 23, 2002, page 48243.  The NEPA process takes into account other environmental planning and historic preservation (EP&HP) requirements.  Signature of the Coast Guard proponent demonstrates that they have considered the potential for impacts to the human environment in their decision to implement the Proposed Action, including any conditions in Section II of this REC that may be relevant to the project.
 SECTION I - Description of Proposed Action
 1. Title of Proposed Action:  Special Local Regulation and Marine Event Permit: Miami Grand Prix of the Seas
 2. Identifying Number of Proposed Action: USCG-2017-1076 
 3. Project Security Type: Unclassified
 4. Estimated Start Date: April 20, 2018
 5. Location of Proposed Action: The special local regulation (SLR) consists of certain navigable waters of Biscayne Bay, Virginia Key, Miami, FL.  Two regulated areas, safety and no-anchoring zones, are being established in connection with a marine event permit for a watercraft race to be held inside the Miami Marine Stadium basin, which is located at 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL (see safety zone/location map below).
 6. Project Type:   DHS, Directive 023-01, Revision (Rev) 01: L61 Special local regulations issued in conjunction with a regatta or marine parade; provided that, if a permit is required, the environmental analysis conducted for the permit included an analysis of the impact of the regulations.
 7. Description of Proposed Action:  The Coast Guard is establishing a SLR for certain navigable waters of Biscayne Bay, Virginia Key, Miami, Florida.  This action is necessary to establish two regulated areas during the Miami Grand Prix of the Seas to ensure the safety of the public, spectators, vessels, and marine environment from potential hazards during high-speed watercraft races.  The event will consist of 28 foot, offshore style powerboats and Personal Water Craft (PWC) racing inside the Miami Marine Stadium basin. 
 
 The SLR would prohibit persons and non-participant vessels from entering, transiting, anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone and from anchoring in the no-anchoring zone during the event unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative.  Enforcement of the regulated area would occur April 21, 2018 to April 22, 2018 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.
 
                          Location and Safety Zone Map

 8. Document Preparer: Omar Beceiro
 9. Environmental Reviewer:
 10. Senior Environmental Professional:
 11. Project Proponent:

 SECTION II  -  Environmental Analysis 	
 1. CATEX activity:
                                       X
 The entire Proposed Action clearly fits within the category of excludable actions set forth as CATEX number L61 in the DHS Instruction Manual Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act [DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, (Rev 01)]. 
                                        
 The entire Proposed Action does not clearly fit within the category of excludable actions set forth in DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, (series) and/or in COMDTINST M16475.1 (series)/Federal Register, Vol. 67, No.  141, Tuesday July 23, 2002, page 48243.
 Remarks:
 2. Larger Action:
                                       X
 The Proposed Action is NOT a piece of a larger action.
                                        
 The Proposed Action IS a piece of a larger action.
 Remarks:
 3. Extraordinary Circumstances:
                                       X
 The Proposed Action presents no extraordinary circumstances that may cause significant environmental impacts.
                                        
 The Proposed Action presents extraordinary circumstances that may cause significant environmental impacts.
 Remarks: 
 
 Questions on Extraordinary Circumstances:
                                      YES
                                       No
 For A through J below, place an, "X" in the appropriate box (Yes or No) and provide supporting remarks as appropriate.
                                        
                                       X
 A. Will the Proposed Action have a potentially significant effect on public health or safety? 
 
 Remarks: The marine event would not involve the storage, release, and/or disposal of toxic materials, such as fertilizers, cleaning solvents, etc.  The PWC's will have on-site fueling and each team will have a spill kit for fuel absorption in the event of a spill.  The offshore-type race boats will fuel at an existing marina with fueling facilities.
                                        
                                       X
 B. Will the Proposed Action significantly affect species or habitats protected by the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, or other law protecting a species or habitat?

 Remarks: The Miami Marine Stadium basin is part of the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve and is south of and adjacent to the Bill Sadowski Wildlife Critical Area (CWA).  Biscayne Bay provides habitat for a wide variety of juvenile and adult marine species as well as several of Florida's imperiled species, including the Florida manatee and Johnson's seagrass.  The CWA serves as a foraging area for a variety of shorebirds and wading birds as well as a manatee protection zone.
 
 The event will be held entirely inside the Miami Marine basin.  No race vessels will operate outside of the basin.  The race vessels will follow a course that is approximately 100 meters (m) from the eastern and northern shoreline of the basin, which abuts the CWA.  That section of the shoreline is lined with Australian Pine, a non-native and invasive species, which further buffers the CWA from the basin.  Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) recommends a 100 m buffer between wading bird colonies and approaching pedestrians and motor boats.  Based on a phone call with FWC, the closest known nesting area is approximately one-half mile north of the basin.  The southern shoreline of the basin is developed and is adjacent to Rickenbacker Causeway.
 
As a condition of the event permit, the sponsor has agreed to implement various protection measures defined in an Event/Watch Plan designed to mitigate impacts to marine life and seagrass.  Among the protection measures, is a requirement for aerial, on-water, and landside manatee observers during the event with the authority to halt the race should a manatee or sea turtle come within certain distances of the event.  Based on a phone conversation with Miami-Dade County Environmental Resources Management (DERM), the agency is likely to issue an Administrative Authorization based on the assumption the event will have "no environmental impacts".  The Administrative Authorization will carry conditions to mitigate concerns over manatee protection.
 
 Another measure, designed to protect benthic resources, requires a five-foot clearance between a vessel's propeller and sea bottom.  Depth within the basin ranges between seven and 12 feet.  Furthermore, safety and no-anchoring zones outside the basin will prohibit spectator vessels from anchoring over seagrass during the event (see Location and Safety Zone Map above).  In an email dated February 14, 2018, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated they "would not expect the racing activity to impact seagrasses considering they are able to maintain 5 feet from the prop and the bottom and operating in 7-9 feet of water."

In a letter dated January 26, 2018, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) stated they had concerns for hard-bottom communities, seagrass beds, and shoreline mangrove communities.  The letter also recommended the racecourse not extend outside the Miami Marine Stadium basin.  That recommendation was based on the sponsor's initial proposal to have the racecourse extend outside basin.  In the interim, the sponsor re-mapped the racecourse entirely within the basin.

In an email dated December 12, 2018, the Army Corps of Engineers Navigation Section did not have any concerns with or objections to the event.

                                        
                                       X
 C. Will the Proposed Action significantly affect historic properties (e.g., district, sites, structures, or objects) that are listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, or will it significantly affect traditional cultural properties or sacred sites, or result in the loss or destruction of a significant scientific, cultural, or historic resource?  Attach supporting National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 consultation documentation or justification regarding why it is not necessary for the proposed action.  

 Remarks:  The Miami Marine Stadium received a historic designation from the City of Miami, Miami Historic Preservation and Environmental Board.  The marine event is not expected to affect the Miami Marine Stadium since no construction or earth disturbance will occur.

                                        
                                       X
 D. Will the Proposed Action significantly affect an environmentally sensitive area defined by DHS Instruction 023-01-001-01 and COMDTINST M16475.1 such as prime or unique agricultural lands, coastal zones, designated wilderness or wilderness study areas, wild and scenic rivers, 100-year floodplains, wetlands, sole source aquifers, Marine Sanctuaries, National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks, National Monuments, and essential fish habitats? 
 
 Remarks:  The Miami Marine Stadium basin is part of the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve and is south of and adjacent to a CWA.  Biscayne Bay provides habitat for a wide variety of juvenile and adult marine species as well as several of Florida's imperiled species, including the Florida manatee and Johnson's seagrass.  The CWA is approximately 700 acres in size and serves as a foraging area for a variety of shorebirds and wading birds as well as a manatee protection zone.
 
 Per Section B above, The racecourse has a setback of at least 100 m from the CWA and the event sponsor has agreed to implement various protection measures to mitigate impacts to seagrass and marine life during the event.
 
 In an email dated February 13, 2018, the FDEP Florida State Clearinghouse had no comments on the proposed event.
 
                                        
                                       X
 E. Will the Proposed Action result in a potential or threatened violation of an applicable federal, state, or local law or administrative determination imposed for protection of the environment?  

Remarks:  Miami-Dade County is designated attainment for all of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the criteria provided in the Clean Air Act.  The offshore-type race vessels and PWC will operate with stock motors, thus meeting Environmental Protection Agency emission standards.  The increase in emissions associated with the marine event are temporary in nature and not expected to adversely affect the ambient air quality.

Noise levels are likely to increase in the Miami Marine Stadium while watercraft are actively racing.  The offshore-type race vessels and PWC will operate with stock motors, which produce less than 90 dB.  The increase in noise levels; however, are not expected to adversely affect ambient noise levels since the increase would be temporary and there are no residential areas located near the Miami Marine Stadium.  Additionally, the racecourse is set back at least 100 m from the CWA.

                                        
                                       X
 F. Will the Proposed Action result in an effect on the quality of the human environment that is likely to be highly controversial, highly uncertain, or involve unique or unknown environmental risks? This also includes effects that may result from the use of new technology or unproven technology.  Controversy over, including public opposition to, a proposed action absent any demonstrable potential for significant environmental impacts does not itself constitute an extraordinary circumstance.

Remarks:  The number of spectators attending the event is unknown; however, it is expected that traffic is likely to increase above average levels along Rickenbacker Causeway near the Miami Marine Stadium.  Traffic associated with the event would be likely be greatest prior to the start and immediately after the event.

                                        
                                       X
 G. Will the Proposed Action set a precedent for future actions that have significant effects? 
 
 Remarks: Future boat races, if any, would likely be similar in scope to the Miami Grand Prix of the Seas.  The basin's size and depth of water restricts the length of race crafts and top speeds attained.  Any high-speed event proposed within the Miami Marine Stadium would be required to implement appropriate protection measures to mitigate impacts to manatees, seagrass and other marine life.
 
                                        
                                       X
 H. Is the Proposed Action significantly greater in scope or size than is normally experienced for this particular category of action? 
 
 Remarks:  The Miami Marine Stadium was built in 1963 specifically for water sporting events and powerboat races. 
 
                                        
                                       X
 I. Will the Proposed Action significantly degrade an already poor environmental condition at or near the project area?  Will the Proposed Action initiate a significantly environmental degrading influence, activity, or effect in an area not already significantly modified from their natural condition? 
 
 Remarks: The waters within and surrounding the Miami Marine Stadium basin are part of Biscayne Bay, which FDEP has designated an Outstanding Florida Waters.  The proposed two-day event would not initiate a significantly environmental degrading influence, activity, or effect in or near the Miami Marine Stadium. 
 	
                                        
                                       X
 J. Is the Proposed Action related to other actions with individually insignificant, but cumulatively significant impacts? 
 
Remarks: The proposed event is not related to other actions.
 SECTION III - Summary of Required Conditions
 Any change to the Proposed Action that may cause a physical interaction with the human environment will require re-evaluation for compliance with NEPA and other EP&HP requirements before the action can proceed.  This review addresses NEPA and other EP&HP requirements as described in DHS Directive 023-01, (Rev 01) and COMDTINST M16475.1.  This review may identify the need for additional federal, state, and/or local permits, approvals, etc. required for the Proposed Action.  However, this review may not satisfy all those requirements, and the Proponent is responsible for ensuring that all other applicable federal, state, and/or local permits, approvals, etc. have been obtained.
 
 
 SECTION IV Finding
 This action is not expected to result in any significant adverse environmental impacts as described in NEPA.  The Proposed Action has been thoroughly reviewed by the Coast Guard, and it has been determined, by the undersigned, that this action is categorically excluded under current DHS CATEX numbers L61 and L63(b)  from further environmental documentation, in accordance with DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, (Rev 01) and/or COMDTINST M16475.1 (series)]/Federal Register, Vol. 67, No.  141, Tuesday July 23, 2002, page 48243) since implementation of this action:
 
   1.  Clearly fits within one or more of the categories of excludable actions listed in Appendix A of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01 (series) and/or in COMDTINST M16475.1 (series))]/Federal Register, Vol. 67, No.  141, Tuesday July 23, 2002, page 48243);
   2.  Has not been segmented into smaller parts in order to avoid a more extensive evaluation of the potential for significant environmental impacts; and,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   3.  Does not involve any extraordinary circumstances, as defined in DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01 (series) and COMDTINST M16475.1 (series) that would create the potential for a normally excluded action to have a significant environmental effect.
 
 <Insert Date>
 <Place Signature>
 <Type Title or Position>
 Date
 <Type Name>
Document Preparer
 Title/Position

 
 I reviewed the REC and submitted my written comments to the Proponent.
 <Insert Date>
 <Place Signature>
 <Type Title or Position>
 
 <Warrant Level>
 Date
 <Type Name>
Environmental Reviewer
 Title/Position
 Provisional, Interim, I, II, or III
 
 I reviewed the REC and submitted my written comments to the Proponent.
 <Insert Date>
 <Place Signature>
 Environmental Planning Team Lead
 
 <Warrant Level>
 Date
 <Type Name>
Senior Environmental Professional[4]
 Title/Position
 Interim, I, II, or III
 
 In reaching my decision/recommendation on the Coast Guard's proposed action, I considered the information contained in this REC and considered and acknowledge the written comments submitted to me from the Environmental Reviewer(s).
 <Insert Date>
 <Place Signature>
 <Type Title or Position>
 Date
 <Type Name>
Proponent
 Title/Position