Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/07/06/2011-16892/special-local-regulations-and-safety-zones-marine-events-in-captain-of-the-port-long-island-sound
Timestamp: 2017-08-18 13:59:57
Document Index: 388676291

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 165', '§\u2009100', '§\u2009100', '§\u2009100', '§\u2009165', '§\u2009165']

Federal Register :: Special Local Regulations & Safety Zones; Marine Events in Captain of the Port Long Island Sound Zone
This rule is effective in the CFR on July 6, 2011 through 6 p.m. on October 2, 2011. This rule is effective with actual notice for purposes of enforcement beginning at 8:30 p.m. on June 25, 2011.
39292-39298 (7 pages)
Docket No. USCG-2011-0550
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2011-16892 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2011-16892
Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0550 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0550 in the “Keyword” box, and then clicking “Search.” They are also available for inspection or copying at the 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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary final 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 any delay encountered in this regulation's effective date by publishing an NPRM would be contrary to public interest since immediate action is needed to protect both spectators and participants from the safety hazards created by these events including powerboats traveling at high speeds, unexpected pyrotechnics detonation and burning debris. We spoke with each event sponsor and each indicated they were unable and unwilling to move their event date to a later time for the following reasons.
The sponsor for Salute to Veterans fireworks display (the Town of Hempstead) stated they are unwilling to reschedule their event to a later date because the town expended funds on advertising the current event date. Changing the date would require the town to spend more of their limited funds on advertising. The town was not aware of the requirements for submitting a recurring marine event application 60 days in advance resulting in a late notification to the Coast Guard. The town is now aware of this reporting requirement.
The sponsors for the town of Islip and Port Jefferson fireworks displays stated they are unwilling to reschedule their events because they are held in conjunction with the Fourth of July holiday and holiday festivities. Since announced, community members have made holiday plans based on these fireworks displays. Rescheduling these events would not be a viable option because most event venues, entertainers and venders have fully booked summer schedules making rescheduling nearly impossible. This year's fireworks displays were originally canceled due to lack of funding; however, funding became available late in May allowing the fireworks displays to take place. Start Printed Page 39293This unique funding situation which was unpredictable caused the late notification to the Coast Guard. The sponsors are aware of the requirements for submitting a recurring marine event application 60 days in advance.
The Sponsor for Battle on the Bay Powerboat Race is unwilling to reschedule the event because the powerboats that will be racing in the event are part of a traveling circuit with a schedule established more than a year ahead of time, the earliest opportunity to reschedule the event is 2012. In spring the event's host town for the past several years unexpectedly decided not to host this year's event. The event sponsor was surprised and rushed to find a new host town. After a month of meetings with towns and filing permits the sponsors made an agreement with a new town. When that agreement was reached the Coast Guard was provided less than 90 days notice an insufficient amount of time to publish an NPRM for a new event. This unique host town situation which was unpredictable caused the late notification to the Coast Guard. The sponsor is aware of the requirements for submitting a new marine event application 135 days in advance.
The sponsors for Xirinachs Family Foundation Fireworks; Icim's 40th Birthday Party Fireworks and Berman Wedding Fireworks are unwilling to move their events to a later date because they are held in conjunction with other events that cannot be moved. The sponsors were not aware of the requirements for submitting a marine event application 135 days in advance resulting in a late notification to the Coast Guard. The sponsors are now aware of the reporting requirements.
The sponsors for Riverfront US title Series Powerboat Race; Head of the Riverfront Regatta; Fairfield Aerial Fireworks; Town of Babylon Fireworks; East Hampton Fire Department Fireworks; Village of Island Park Fireworks and Ports Washington Sons of Italy Fireworks all submitted marine event applications with sufficient notice to the Coast Guard. These fireworks displays and marine events are all recurring with a proposed permanent rule currently in a public comment period under docket number USCG-2008-0384, titled: Special Local Regulations; Safety and Security Zones; Recurring Events in Captain of the Port Long Island Sound Zone. The Coast Guard is establishing these temporary special local regulations and safety zones to provide for safety of life during this year's events. Additionally, the Coast Guard has ordered special local regulations or safety zones for all of these areas during past events and has received no public comments or concerns regarding the impact to waterway traffic from those events. For the same reasons, 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 by first publishing a NPRM would be contrary to the rule's objectives of ensuring safety of life on the navigable waters during these scheduled events as immediate action is needed to protect both spectators and participants from the safety hazards created by these events including powerboats traveling at high speeds, unexpected pyrotechnics detonation and burning debris.
The legal basis for this rule is 33 U.S.C. 1225, 1226, 1231, 1233; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; Public Law 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, which collectively authorize the Coast Guard to define regulatory special local regulations and safety zones. This regulation carries out two related actions: (1) Establishing special local regulations, and (2) establishing safety zones. Marine events are frequently held on the navigable waters within the COTP Long Island Sound Zone. Based on accidents that have occurred in the past and the explosive hazards of fireworks, the COTP Long Island has determined that regattas and fireworks launches proximate to watercrafts pose significant risk to public safety and property.
To protect the safety of all waterway users including event participants and spectators, this rule establishes temporary special local regulations or safety zones for the time and location of each marine event.
This temporary rule establishes special local regulations for all navigable waters around each powerboat race and regatta and safety zones for all navigable waters within a 1000 foot zone around each fireworks display.
These events are listed below in the text of the regulation.
Because large numbers of spectator vessels are expected to congregate around the location of these events, these regulated areas are needed to protect both spectators and participants from the safety hazards created by them including powerboats traveling at high speeds, unexpected pyrotechnics detonation, and burning debris. During the enforcement periods, persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, remaining, anchoring or mooring within the regulated areas unless stipulated otherwise or specifically authorized by the COTP or the designated representative. The Coast Guard may be assisted by other Federal, state and local agencies in the enforcement of these regulated areas.
The Coast Guard determined that these regulated areas will not have a significant impact on vessel traffic due to their temporary nature, limited size, and the fact that vessels are allowed to transit the navigable waters outside of the regulated areas.
The Coast Guard has published an NPRM proposing permanent regulated areas for each of these events. The NPRM can be viewed and comments can be submitted by following the procedure under ADDRESSES and typing in docket number USCG-2008-0384. Thus far we have received no comments or requests for a public meeting on the NPRM. Additionally, the Coast Guard has ordered special local regulations or safety zones for all of these areas during past events and has received no public comments or concerns regarding the impact to waterway traffic from those events.
This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, 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.Start Printed Page 39294
The Coast Guard determined that these regulated areas will not have a significant impact on vessel traffic due to their temporary nature, limited size, and the fact that vessels are allowed to transit the navigable waters outside of the regulated areas. Additionally, The Coast Guard has ordered special local regulations or safety zones for all fourteen areas during past events and has received no public comments or concerns regarding impact to waterway traffic from events.
The Coast Guard determined that this rule is not a significant regulatory action for the following reasons: the regulated areas will be of limited duration, they cover only a small portion of the navigable waterways, and the events are designed to avoid, to the extent possible, deep draft, fishing, and recreational boating traffic routes.
The Coast Guard has previously promulgated safety zones or special local regulations, in accordance with 33 CFR Parts 165 and 100, for all event areas contained within this proposed regulation and has not received notice of any negative impact caused by any of the safety zones or special local regulations.
No new or additional restrictions will be imposed on vessel traffic.
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. This rule will affect the following entities, some of which may be small entities: the owners or operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in the designated regulated area during the enforcement periods stated for each event list below in the regulatory text.
We have analyzed this 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 Start Printed Page 39295it 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.
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 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded this action is one of a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule is categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g)&(h), of the Instruction. This rule involves the establishment of temporary special local regulations and safety zones.
2. Add Sec. 100.T01-0550 to read as follows:
§ 100.T01-0550
The following regulations apply to the marine events listed in the Table to § 100.T01-0550. These regulations will be enforced for the duration of each event, on or about the dates indicated.
These regulations will be enforced for the duration of each event. Notifications will be made to the local maritime community through the Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to Mariners in advance of the events. First Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners can be found at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/​.
(c) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the regulated areas shall contact the COTP or the designated representative via VHF channel 16 or by telephone at (203) 468-4404 to obtain permission to do so.
(g) For all events listed, vessels not participating in this event, swimmers, and personal watercraft of any nature are prohibited from entering or moving within the regulated area unless stipulated otherwise or authorized by the COTP or a designated representative. Vessels within the regulated area must be at anchor within a designated spectator area or moored to a waterfront facility in a way that will not interfere with the progress of the event.
Table to § 100.T01-0550
1. Battle on the Bay Powerboat Race • Event type: Boat race. • Date & time: August 27 and 28, 2011 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
• Locations: All waters of the Great South Bay, Islip, NY within the following zones:
(1) The Race Course Zone forms a quadrilateral shape The eastern boundary begins at the tip of the Brown Creek western jetty approximate position 40°43′18″ N, 073°04′10″ W continues south to 40°42′38″ N, 073°04′05″ W, The southern boundary begins at 40°42′38″ N, 073°04′05″ W continues west to 40°42′07″ N, 073°07′50″ W, the western boundary begins at 40°42′07″ N, 073°07′50″ W continues north to 40°43′12″ N, 073°06′38″ W the northern boundary begins at 40°43′12″ N, 073°06′38″ W continues east to land at 40°43′12″ N, 073°06′38″ W and continues along the shore to tip of the Brown Creek western jetty 40°43′18″ N, 073°04′10″ W (NAD 83).
(2) Spectator anchorage zone, all waters within 100 yards of the Race Course Zones southern boundary.
(3) Transit Only zone, all waters within 100 yards of the Race Course Zones eastern, western and northern boundaries.
• Additional stipulations:
(1) Vessel within the spectator anchorage zone must operate at a no wake speed not to exceed 5 knots and must proceed as directly as possible to and from an anchorage location. (2) Vessels within the transit only zone must maintain a steady course and speed anchoring, stopping, mooring and other activities are prohibited within this zone.
2. Riverfront U.S. Title series Powerboat Race, Hartford, CT • Event type: Boat race. Date & time: September 2 and 3, 2011, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and September 4, 2011, 12:01 p.m. until 6 p.m.
• Location: All water of the Connecticut River, Hartford, CT, between the Founders Bridge on the North approximate position 41° 45′53.47″ N, 072° 39′55.77″ W and 41° 45′37.39″ N, 072° 39′47.49″ W (NAD 83) to the South.
3. Head of the Riverfront Regatta • Event Type: Rowing regatta. • Date & time: October 2, 2011 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Location: All water of the Connecticut River, Hartford, CT, between the Putnum Bridge 41°42.87′ N 072°38.43′ W and the Riverside Boat House 41°46.42′ N 072°39.83′ W (NAD 83).
4. Add § 165.T01-0550 to read as follows:
§ 165.T01-0550
The general regulations contained in 33 CFR 165.23 as well as the following regulations apply to the fireworks displays listed in Table 1 of T01-0550.
(e) The COTP or the designated representative may control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel shall come to an immediate stop and comply with the lawful directions issued. Failure to comply with a lawful direction may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both.
(g) The regulated area for all fireworks displays listed in Table 1 of T01-0550 is that area of navigable waters within a 1000 foot radius of the launch platform or launch site for each fireworks display.
(h) Fireworks barges used in these locations will also have a sign on their port and starboard side labeled “FIREWORKS—STAY AWAY.” This sign will consist of 10 inch high by 1.5 inch wide red lettering on a white Start Printed Page 39297background. Shore sites used in these locations will display a sign labeled “FIREWORKS—STAY AWAY” with the same dimensions.
Table 1 of T01-0550
6.1 Salute to Veterans • Date: June 25, 2011. • Rain date: June 26, 2011.
• Hempstead, NY in approximate position 40°35′36.62″ N, 073°35′20.72″ W (NAD 83).
7.1 Town of Islip Fireworks • Date: July 4, 2011. • Rain date: July 5, 2011.
• Location: Waters of Great South Bay off Bay Shore Manor Park, Islip, NY in approximate position 40°42′24″ N, 073°14′24″ W (NAD 83).
7.2 Village of Port Jefferson Fireworks • Date: July 4, 2011. • Rain date: July 5, 2011.
• Location: Waters of Long Island Sound, Port Jefferson Harbor off East Beach, Village of Port Jefferson, NY in approximate position 40°57′53.189″ N, 073°3′9.72″ W (NAD 83).
7.3 Fairfield Aerial Fireworks • Date: July 4, 2011. • Rain date: July 5, 2011.
• Location: Waters of long Island Sound off Jennings Beach, Fairfield, CT in approximate position 41°08′17.232″ N, 073°14′1.028″ W (NAD 83).
7.4 Xirinachs Family Foundation Fireworks • Date: July 10, 2011. • Rain date: July 11, 2011.
• Location: Water of Long Island Sound, Huntington Bay, Huntington, NY approximate position 40°54′23.27″ N, 073°25′08.04″ W (NAD 83).
7.5 Icim's 40th Birthday Party Fireworks • Date: July 16, 2011. • Rain date: July 17, 2011.
• Location: Waters of Shelter Island Sound, off Lomangino Dock, Southold, NY approximate position 41°02′22.53″ N, 072°23′20.11″ W (NAD 83).
7.6 Berman Wedding Fireworks • Date: July 16, 2011. • Rain date: July 17, 2011
• Location: Waters of Bellport Bay, Bellport, NY approximate position 40°44′59.73″ N, 072°55′58.67″ W (NAD 83).
8.1 Town of Babylon Fireworks • Date: August 27, 2011. • Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
9.1 East Hampton Fire Department Fireworks • Date: September 03, 2011. • Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
9.2 Port Washington Sons of Italy Fireworks • Date: September 9, 2011. • Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
9.3 Village of Island Park Labor Day Celebration Fireworks • Date: September 03, 2011. • Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
[FR Doc. 2011-16892 Filed 7-5-11; 8:45 am]