Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2009/03/25/E9-6424/special-local-regulation-for-marine-events-temporary-change-of-dates-for-recurring-marine-events-in
Timestamp: 2017-09-22 03:06:57
Document Index: 781236632

Matched Legal Cases: ['§\u2009100', '§\u2009100', '§\u2009100', '§\u2009100', '§\u2009100', '§\u2009100', '§\u2009100', '§\u2009100', 'art 100', '§\u2009100', '§\u2009100']

A Proposed Rule by the Coast Guard on 03/25/2009
Comments and related material must either be submitted to our online docket via http://www.regulations.gov on or before April 24, 2009 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date.
74 FR 12769
12769-12774 (6 pages)
E9-6424
Rappahannock River, Layton, VA
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/E9-6424 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/E9-6424
You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2009-0106 using any one of the following methods:
If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG-2009-0106), Start Printed Page 12770indicate 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, or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a phone 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, select the Advanced Docket Search option on the right side of the screen, insert “USCG-2009-0106” in the Docket ID box, press Enter, and 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 81/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them 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.
To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, select the Advanced Docket Search option on the right side of the screen, insert USCG-2009-0106 in the Docket ID box, press Enter, and then click on the item in the Docket ID column. You may also visit either 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; or the Fifth Coast Guard District, Prevention Division, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility.
Marine events are frequently held on the navigable waters within the boundary of the Fifth Coast Guard District. The on-water activities that typically comprise marine events include sailing regattas, powerboat races, swim races and holiday parades. For a description of the geographical area of each Coast Guard Sector—Captain of the Port Zone, please see 33 CFR 3.25.
Annually, the District of Columbia Aquatics Club sponsors the “Maryland Swim for Life,” on the waters of the Chester River near Chestertown, MD. The regulation at 33 CFR 100.501 is effective annually for the Maryland Swim for Life marine event. The event is an open water swimming competition held on the waters of the Chester River, near Chestertown, Maryland. Approximately 150 swimmers will start from Rolph's Wharf and swim up-river 2.5 miles then swim downriver returning back to Rolph's Wharf. A large fleet of support vessels accompany the swimmers. Therefore, to ensure the safety of participants and support vessels, 33 CFR 100.501 would be enforced for the duration of the event. Under provisions of 33 CFR 100.501, from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on July 11, 2009, vessels may not enter the regulated area unless they receive permission from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. Vessel traffic may be allowed to transit the regulated area only when the Patrol Commander determines it is safe to do so.
On June 6, 2009, the Rappahannock River Boaters Association (RRBA) will sponsor the “2009 RRBA Spring Radar Shootout,” on the waters of the Rappahannock River near Layton, Virginia. The regulation at 33 CFR 100.501 is effective annually for this river boat race marine event. The event consists of approximately 35 powerboats participating in high-speed competitive races, traveling along a 3-mile straight line racecourse. Participating boats race individually within the designated course. A fleet of spectator vessels is anticipated to gather nearby to view the competition. Due to the need for vessel control during the event, vessel traffic will be temporarily restricted to provide for the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels. The regulation at 33 CFR 100.501 would be enforced for the duration of the event. Under provisions of 33 CFR 100.501, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 6, 2009, or rain date June 7, 2009, vessels may not enter the regulated area unless they receive permission from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander.
Norfolk Festevents Ltd., Norfolk, VA sponsors the annual “Norfolk Harborfest Celebration,” on the waters of the Elizabeth River between Norfolk and Portsmouth, VA. The regulation at 33 CFR 100.501 is effective annually for the Norfolk Harborfest marine event. This annual celebration of Norfolk Harbor consists of a variety of on the water activities that include an Opening Ceremony—Parade of Sail; jet ski, water ski, wake board demonstrations; Fire boat demonstrations; Lazy Lizzie Anything That Floats Parade and Race; Dinghy Parade; Search and Rescue demonstrations by USCG & USN; and Quick and Dirty Boat Race. Evening pyrotechnic displays “fireworks” will be fired from barge(s) on the Elizabeth River as part of the Harborfest celebration. A large fleet of spectator vessels is anticipated to view the Harborfest activities. Therefore, to ensure the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels, 33 CFR 100.501 would be enforced for the duration of the event. Under provisions of 33 CFR 100.501, from 9 a.m. July 3, 2009 to 11 p.m. on July 5, 2009, vessels may not enter the regulated area unless they receive permission from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. Vessel traffic will be allowed to transit the regulated area between on the water events, when the Patrol Commander determines it is safe to do so.
The Offshore Performance Association (OPA) Racing LLC annually sponsors the “Offshore Grand Prix,” on the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean near Ocean City, MD. The regulation at 33 CFR 100.501 is effective annually for the Ocean City Offshore race marine event. The event is conducted on the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean along the shoreline near Ocean City, MD. The event consists of approximately 50 V-hull and twin-hull Start Printed Page 12771inboard hydroplanes racing in heats counter-clockwise around an oval race course. A fleet of spectator vessels is anticipated to gather nearby to view the competition. Therefore, to ensure the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels, 33 CFR 100.501 would be enforced for the duration of the event. Under provisions of 33 CFR 100.501, from 10 a.m. May 30, 2009 to 5 p.m. on May 31, 2009, vessels may not enter the regulated area unless they receive permission from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. Due to the need for vessel control during the event, vessel traffic will be temporarily restricted to provide for the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels.
The Carolina Cup Regatta, Inc. annually sponsors a power boat race on the waters of the Pasquotank River near Elizabeth City, NC. The regulation at 33 CFR 100.501 is effective annually for this power boat race marine event. The event consists of approximately 25 inboard hydroplanes racing in counter clockwise heats around an oval race course. A fleet of spectator vessels is anticipated to gather nearby to view the competition. Therefore, to ensure the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels, 33 CFR 100.501 will be enforced for the duration of the event. Under provisions of 33 CFR 100.501, from 9 a.m. May 16, 2009 to 5 p.m. on May 17, 2009, vessels may not enter the regulated area unless they receive permission from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. Due to the need for vessel control during the event, vessel traffic will be temporarily restricted to provide for the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels.
The Coast Guard proposes to temporarily suspend the regulations at 33 CFR 100.501 by changing the date of enforcement in the table to § 100.501. The Coast Guard proposes to temporarily change the enforcement period of special local regulations for recurring marine events within the Fifth Coast Guard District. This regulation applies to five marine events listed in the Table to § 100.501 and are listed as follows.
The Table to § 100.501, event No. 21 establishes the enforcement date for the Maryland Swim for Life. This regulation proposes to temporarily change the enforcement date from “June—3rd Saturday or July—3rd Saturday” to the second Saturday in July, holding the marine event on July 11, 2009. The District of Columbia Aquatics Club, which is the sponsor for this event, intends to hold this event annually; however, they have changed the date of the event for 2009 so that it is outside the scope of the existing enforcement period. Due to the need for vessel control while swimmers are in the water along the Chester River, vessel traffic would be temporarily restricted to provide for the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels.
The Table to § 100.501, event No. 40 establishes the enforcement date for the “2009 RRBA Spring Radar Shootout”. This regulation proposes to temporarily change the enforcement date from “June—last Saturday” to the first Saturday in June, holding the marine event on June 6, 2009. The temporary special local regulations will be enforced from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 6, 2009, and will restrict general navigation in the regulated area during the event. The Rappahannock River Boaters Association (RRBA), which is the sponsor for this event, intends to hold this event annually; however, they have changed the date of the event for 2009 so that it is outside the scope of the existing enforcement period. Except for participants and vessels authorized by the Coast Guard Patrol Commander, no person or vessel will be allowed to enter or remain in the regulated area. These regulations are needed to control vessel traffic during the event to enhance the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels.
The Table to § 100.501, event No. 37 establishes the enforcement date for Norfolk Harborfest. This regulation proposes to temporarily change the enforcement date from “June—1st Friday, Saturday and Sunday” to the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday in July, holding the marine event on July 3, through July 5, 2009. The Norfolk Festevents Ltd., which is the sponsor for this event, intends to hold this event annually; however, they have changed the date of the event for 2009 so that it is outside the scope of the existing enforcement period. Due to the need for vessel control during various on water activities along the Elizabeth River, vessel traffic would be temporarily restricted to provide for the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels.
The Table to § 100.501, event No. 38 establishes the enforcement date for the Ocean City Maryland Offshore Grand Prix. This regulation proposes to temporarily change the enforcement date from “June—1st Friday and Saturday” to the last Saturday and Sunday in May, holding the marine event on May 30 and 31, 2009. The Offshore Performance Association (OPA) Racing LLC, which is the sponsor for this event, intends to hold this event annually; however, they have changed the date of the event for 2009 so that it is outside the scope of the existing enforcement period. Due to the need for vessel control while high performance power boats race along the shoreline at Ocean City, MD, vessel traffic would be temporarily restricted to provide for the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels.
The Table to § 100.501, event No. 54 establishes the enforcement date for the Carolina Cup Regatta. This regulation proposes to temporarily change the enforcement date from “June—2nd Saturday and Sunday” to the third Saturday and Sunday in May, holding the marine event on May 16 and 17, 2009. The Carolina Cup Regatta Inc., which is the sponsor for this event, intends to hold this event annually; however, they have changed the date of the event for 2009 so that it is outside the scope of the existing enforcement period. Due to the need for vessel control while high performance power boats race along the Pasquotank River near Elizabeth City, NC, vessel traffic would be temporarily restricted to provide for the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels.
Except for persons or vessels authorized by the Coast Guard Patrol Commander, no person or vessel may enter or remain in the regulated areas during the effective period. The regulated area is needed to control vessel traffic during the event to enhance the safety of participants and transiting vessels.
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.Start Printed Page 12772
Although this proposed rule prevents traffic from transiting a portion of certain waterways during specified events, the effect of this regulation will not be significant due to the limited duration that the regulated area will be in effect and the extensive advance notifications that will be made to the maritime community via marine information broadcasts, local radio stations and area newspapers so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly. Additionally, this rulemaking does not change the permanent regulated areas that have been published in 33 CFR 100.501, Table to § 100.501. In some cases vessel traffic may be able to transit the regulated area when the Coast Guard Patrol Commander deems it is safe to do so.
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 rule would affect the following entities, some of which might be small entities: the owners or operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in the areas where marine events are being held. This regulation will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities because it will be enforced only during marine events that have been permitted by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port. The Captain of the Port will ensure that small entities are able to operate in the areas where events are occurring when it is safe to do so. In some cases, vessels will be able to safely transit around the regulated area at various times, and, with the permission of the Patrol Commander, vessels may transit through the regulated area. Before the enforcement period, the Coast Guard will issue maritime advisories so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly.
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 Start Printed Page 12773standards 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.
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland Security Directive 0023.1 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 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. Therefore, this rule is categorically excluded, under section 2.B.2. Figure 2-1, paragraph 34(h), of the Instruction and neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required. This rule involves implementation of regulations within 33 CFR Part 100 that apply to organized marine events on the navigable waters of the United States that may have potential for negative impact on the safety or other interest of waterway users and shore side activities in the event area. The category of water activities includes but is not limited to sail boat regattas, boat parades, power boat racing, swimming events, crew racing, and sail board racing. Under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(h), of the Instruction, an “Environmental Analysis Check List” and a “Categorical Exclusion Determination” are not required for this rule. We seek any comments or information that may lead to discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule.
2. In the Table to § 100.501, suspend line Nos. 21, 37, 38, 40 and 54 from May 15, 2009 to July 15, 2009; and
a. From 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on July 11, 2009, add line No. 58;
b. From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., on June 6, 2009, add line No. 59;
c. From 9 a.m., July 3, 2009 to 11 p.m., July 5, 2009, add line No. 60;
d. From 10 a.m., May 30, 2009 to 5 p.m., May 31, 2009, add line No. 61; and
e. From 9 a.m., May 16, 2009 to 5 p.m., May 17, 2009, add line No. 62.
§ 100.501-T05-0106
58 July 11, 2009 Maryland Swim for Life District of Columbia Aquatics Club The waters of the Chester River from shoreline to shoreline, bounded on the south by a line drawn at latitude 39°10′16″ N, near the Chester River Channel Buoy 35 (LLN-26795) and bounded on the north at latitude 39°12′30″ N by the Maryland S.R. 213 Highway Bridge.
59 June 6, 2009; rain date: June 7, 2009 RRBA Spring Radar Shootout Rappahannock River Boaters Association (RRBA) The waters of the Rappahannock River, adjacent to Layton, VA, from shoreline to shoreline, bounded on the west by a line running along longitude 076°58′30″ W, and bounded on the east by a line running along longitude 076°56′00″ W.
60 July 3, 2009-July 5, 2009 Norfolk Harborfest Norfolk Festevents, Ltd The waters of the Elizabeth River and its branches from shore to shore, bounded to the northwest by a line drawn across the Port Norfolk Reach section of the Elizabeth River between the northern corner of the landing at Hospital Point, Portsmouth, Virginia, latitude 36°50′51.″ N, longitude 076°18′09.0″ W and the north corner of the City of Norfolk Mooring Pier at the foot of Brooks Avenue located at latitude 36°51′00.0″ N, longitude 076°17′52.0″ W; bounded on the southwest by a line drawn from the southern corner of the landing at Hospital Point, Portsmouth, Virginia, at latitude 36°50′50.0″ N, longitude 076°18′10.0″ W, to the northern end of the eastern most pier at the Tidewater Yacht Agency Marina, located at latitude 36°50′29.0″ N, longitude 076°17′52.0″ W; bounded to the south by a line drawn across the Lower Reach of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, between the Portsmouth Lightship Museum located at the foot of London Boulevard, in Portsmouth, Virginia at latitude 36°50′10.0″ N, longitude 076°17′47.0″ W, and the northwest corner of the Norfolk Shipbuilding & Drydock, Berkley Plant, Pier No. 1, located at latitude 36°50′08.0″ N, longitude 076°17′39.0″ W; and to the southeast by the Berkley Bridge which crosses the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River between Berkley at latitude 36°50′21.5″ N, longitude 076°17′14.5″ W, and Norfolk at latitude 36°50′35.0″ N, longitude 076°17′10.0″ W.
61 May 30, 2009-May 31, 2009 Ocean City Maryland Offshore Grand Prix Offshore Performance Association, OPA Racing, LLC The waters of the Atlantic Ocean commencing at a point on the shoreline at latitude 38°25′42″ N, longitude 075°03′06″ W; thence east southeast to latitude 38°25′30″ N, longitude 075°02′12″ W, thence south southwest parallel to the Ocean City shoreline to latitude 38°19′12″ N, longitude 075°03′48″ W; thence west northwest to the shoreline at latitude 38°19′30″ N, longitude 075°05′00″ W. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean bounded by a line drawn from a position along the shoreline near Ocean City, MD at latitude 38°22′25.2″ N, longitude 075°03′49.4″ W, thence easterly to latitude 38°22′00.4″ N, longitude 075°02′34.8″ W, thence southwesterly to latitude 38°19′35.9″ N, longitude 075°03′35.4″ W, thence westerly to a position near the shoreline at latitude 38°20′05″ N, longitude 075°04′48.4″ W, thence northerly along the shoreline to the point of origin.
62 May 16, 2009-May 17, 2009 Carolina Cup Regatta The Carolina Cup Regatta Inc The waters of the Pasquotank River, adjacent to Elizabeth City, NC, from shoreline to shoreline, bounded on the west by the Elizabeth City Draw Bridge and bounded on the east by a line originating at a point along the shoreline at latitude 36°17′54″ N, longitude 076°12′00″ W, thence southwesterly to latitude 36°17′35″ N, longitude 076°12′18″ W at Cottage Point.
[FR Doc. E9-6424 Filed 3-24-09; 8:45 am]