Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/04/03/2012-7920/opsail-2012-virginia-port-of-hampton-roads-va
Timestamp: 2018-04-19 14:35:37
Document Index: 21697215

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 110', 'art 165', '§\u2009110', '§\u2009110', '§\u2009165', '§\u2009165', '§\u2009165', '§\u2009165']

A Proposed Rule by the Coast Guard on 04/03/2012
77 FR 19957
19957-19963 (7 pages)
Docket No. USCG-2012-0174
2012-7920
PART 110—SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2012-7920 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2012-7920
The Coast Guard proposes establishing temporary regulations in the Port of Hampton Roads, Virginia for Operation Sail (OPSAIL) 2012 Virginia activities. This regulation is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters before, during, and after OPSAIL 2012 Virginia events. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic movement in portions of Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, the James River and Elizabeth River.
You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2012-0174 using any one of the following methods:
If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or email Dennis Sens, Prevention Division, Fifth Coast Guard District; telephone 757-398-6204, email Dennis.M.Sens@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.
If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG-2012-0174), 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 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 email 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, type the docket number (USCG-2012-0174) in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on “Submit a Comment” on the line associated with this rulemaking.
To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number (USCG-2012-0174) in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. 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.
The purpose of these regulations is to promote maritime safety and protect participants and the boating public in the Port of Hampton Roads immediately prior to, during, and after the scheduled events. The regulations provide clear passage and a safety buffer around participating vessels along the parade route while they are in transit, enhancing safety of participant and spectator vessels. The regulations also establish areas where vessels shall proceed at the minimum speed necessary that minimizes wake along the parade route and modifies existing anchorage regulations for the benefit of participants and spectators. These proposed regulations will provide a safety buffer around the planned fireworks displays. The regulations will impact the movement of all vessels operating in the specified areas of the Port of Hampton Roads.
The Coast Guard proposes to establish safety and security zones as a part of these regulations to safeguard dignitaries and certain vessels participating in the event. The Coast Guard will implement and enforce safety zones as specified in this regulation. The details of the safety zones outlined in this regulation will also be announced separately via Local Notice to Mariners, Safety Voice Broadcasts, and by other public media outlets.
Vessel operators are also reminded that Norfolk Naval Base will be strictly enforcing the existing restricted area defined at 33 CFR 334.300 during all of the events.
With the arrival of OPSAIL 2012 Virginia participants and spectator vessels in the Port of Hampton Roads for this event, it will be necessary to curtail normal port operations to some extent. Interference will be kept to the minimum considered necessary to ensure the safety of life on the navigable waters immediately before, during, and after the scheduled events.
The vessels involved in the Parades of Sail are scheduled to arrive in the Captain of the Port (COTP) Hampton Roads Zone, as described in 33 CFR 3.25-10, on June 6, 2012 and June 8, 2012, following a route that includes specified waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, James River, and Elizabeth River. The vessels involved in Parades of Sail are scheduled to depart the COTP Hampton Roads Zone on June 12, 2012, following a route that includes specified waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, James River and Elizabeth River
The safety of marine parade participants and spectators will require that spectator craft be kept at a safe distance from the parade routes during vessel movement. The Coast Guard proposes closing the arrival parade route to all vessels not involved in the Parades of Sail for the duration of events on June 6 and 8, 2012. The arrival parade route has been segmented in this rulemaking to facilitate the earliest possible reopening of the waterway once all OPSAIL 2012 Virginia vessels have cleared a particular segment of the route, but portions of the Elizabeth River will remain closed until all of the OPSAIL 2012 Virginia vessels are safely moored at their assigned berths.
The departure parade route will also require that spectator craft be kept at a safe distance during vessel movement, we propose to establish a temporary moving safety zone around Parade of Sail vessels greater than 100 feet in length overall, while operating in the navigable waters of the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries, north of latitude 36°55′00″ N and south of the Virginia-Maryland border. This action is necessary to ensure the safety of participants and spectators immediately prior to, during, and following the OPSAIL 2012 activities.
In addition to closing the parade route, we propose to establish Vessel Traffic Control Points to control the flow of spectator vessel traffic immediately prior to and during the parades and fireworks display. Vessel Traffic Control Points will be established on specified areas of the Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, James River and Elizabeth River.
The Coast Guard also intends to temporarily modify the existing anchorage regulations found at 33 CFR Sec. 110.168 to accommodate OPSAIL 2012 Virginia participants and spectator vessels. Spectator vessels will be allowed to anchor in Anchorage E and Anchorage F during the arrival and departure parades of sail. Anchorage K will be closed to all vessels, except large spectator vessels.
The regulations for the Regulated Navigation Area defined in 33 CFR 165.501 will also be temporarily modified for the OPSAIL 2012 Virginia event. Draft limitations for vessels using Thimble Shoal Channel will be waived for OPSAIL 2012 Virginia vessels; and vessels will be required to proceed at the minimum speed necessary that minimizes wake within the regulated navigation area, as defined in 33 CFR 165.501, during the Parades of Sail.
Coast Guard Captain of the Port will give notice of the enforcement of each regulated area and safety zone by all appropriate means to provide the widest dissemination of notice among the affected segments of the public. This will include publication in the Local Notice to Mariners and Marine Information Broadcasts. Marine information and facsimile broadcasts may also be made for these events, beginning 24 to 48 hours before the event.
Due to the need to protect mariners and spectators from the hazards associated with the fireworks display, such as the accidental discharge of fireworks, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other debris, the Coast Guard also intends to implement a safety zone from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 9, 2012 with a rain date from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 10, 2012.
The regulations contained within this proposed rule are not intended to affect existing Naval Vessel Protection Zone regulations described in Title 33 CFR Part 165 (Subpart G).
This proposed 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, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of Executive Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders. The primary impact of these regulations will be on vessels wishing to transit the affected waterways during OPSAIL 2012 Virginia vessels arrival beginning on June 6, 2012, June 8, 2012, their departure ending on June 12, 2012 and during the fireworks display on June 9, 2012. Although these regulations prevent traffic from transiting a portion of the Chesapeake Bay, Thimble Shoals Channel, Hampton Roads, James River and Elizabeth River during these events, that restriction is limited in duration, affects only a limited area, and will be well publicized to allow mariners to make alternative plans for transiting the affected area. Moreover, the magnitude of the event itself will limit or prevent transit of the waterway. These regulations are designed to ensure such transit is conducted in a safe and orderly fashion.
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have considered the impact of this proposed rule on small entities. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule will 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 operate or anchor in portions of the Chesapeake Bay, Thimble Shoals Channel, Hampton Roads, James River and Elizabeth River, in Virginia. The regulations would not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: the restrictions are limited in duration, affect only limited areas, and will be well publicized to allow mariners to make alternative plans for transiting the affected areas.
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 Dennis Sens, Prevention Division, Fifth Coast Guard District; telephone 757-398-6204, email Dennis.M.Sens@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.
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. This proposed rule would temporarily change who can use various anchorages, establish temporary safety and security zones, and establish temporary special local regulations in conjunction with a marine event of national significance. These activities are categorically excluded from further environmental analysis under figure 2-1, paragraphs (34)(f), (g), and (h) of the Instruction. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule. A preliminary environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.
Special Local Regulations; OPSAIL 2012 Virginia, Port of Hamptons, VA.
(2) The operator of any vessel in the regulated area shall: (i) Stop the vessel immediately when directed to do so by an Official Patrol.
(e) Enforcement Period: This regulation will be enforced on June 6, 8, 9, and 12, 2012.
2. In section 110.168, temporarily suspend paragraphs (e)(2), (e)(3), and (e)(6).
3. Add temporary § 110.168T to read as follows:
§ 110.168T
Temporary Amendment Anchorages in Hampton Roads, Virginia and adjacent waters (Datum: NAD 83).
(a) The regulations in this temporary section are supplemental to the regulations in 33 CFR 110.168.
(1) Captain of the Port Representative means any U.S. Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer who has been authorized by the Captain of the Port, Hampton Roads, Virginia to act on his behalf.
(3) Parades of Sail Vessel includes all vessels participating in OPSAIL 2012 Virginia under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Application for Marine Event, CG-4423, for the OPSAIL 2012 Virginia activities in the Port of Hampton Roads, Virginia approved by the Captain of the Port, Hampton Roads.
(e) The following modifications apply to Anchorage areas E, F and K. These modifications replace the temporarily suspended regulations in 33 CFR 110.168 paragraphs (e)(2), (e)(3), and (e)(6).
(2) Anchorage E. Only Spectator Vessels may anchor in Anchorage E.
(3) Anchorage F. Only Spectator Vessels may anchor in Anchorage F.
(6) Anchorage K. Only Large Spectator Vessels may anchor in Anchorage K.
2. Add a temporary § 165.501T-05-0174 to read as follows:
§ 165.501T-05-0174
(d) Vessels participating in OPSAIL 2012 Virginia Parades of Sail are exempt from the regulations of 165.501(d)(4).
(g) Regulated Navigation Area for OPSAIL 2012 Virginia. During parades of sail, after firework displays, and any other time deemed necessary for safety and security by the Captain of the Port, Hampton Roads, vessels shall operate at the minimum speed required to maintain steerage and shall avoid creating a wake when operating within the Regulated Navigation Area, as defined in 33 CFR 165.501.
(h) Regulated areas. The following locations are a moving safety zone: (1) All waters within 500 yards of any OPSAIL 2012 vessel which is greater than 100 feet in length, while operating in the navigable waters of the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries, south of the Maryland-Virginia border and north of latitude 36°55′00″ N. Vessels must operate at minimum speed within 500 yards of any OPSAIL 2012 vessel and proceed as directed by the official patrol commander.
(2) All waters within 100 yards of any OPSAIL 2012 vessel which is greater than 100 feet in length overall, while operating in the navigable waters of the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries, south of the Maryland-Virginia border and north of latitude 36°55′00″ N. Vessels shall not approach within 100 yards any OPSAIL vessel. If a vessel needs to pass within 100 yards of an OPSAIL 2012 vessel in order to ensure safe passage in accordance with the Navigation Rules, the vessel must contact the Coast Guard patrol commander on VHF-FM marine band radio channel 13 (165.65MHz) or channel 16 (156.8 MHz).
3. Add a temporary § 165T05-0174 to read as follows:
§ 165T05-0174
Safety Zone; OPSAIL 2012 Virginia, Port of Hampton, VA.
(a) Regulated Area. The following areas are safety zones. All coordinates listed reference Datum NAD 1983.
(1) OPSAIL Parade of Sail Route Segments. Regulated waters enclosed by the following lines: (i) Segment One. All waters bounded by a line connecting the Chesapeake Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy CH (LLNR 405) to Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Bell Buoy 1TS (LLNR 9205), thence to Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Bell Buoy 9 (LLNR 9255), thence to Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Bell Buoy 10 (LLNR 9260), thence to Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Buoy 2 (LLNR 9210), thence to the beginning.
(ii) Segment Two. All waters bounded by a line connecting Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Bell Buoy 9 (LLNR 9255), thence to Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Gong Buoy 17 (LLNR 9295), thence to Fort Wool Light (LLNR 9385), thence to Old Point Comfort Light (LLNR 9380), thence to Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Buoy 22 (LLNR 9320), thence to Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Buoy 18 (LLNR 9300), thence to Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Buoy 10 (LLNR 9260), thence to the beginning.
(iii) Segment Three. All waters bounded by a line connecting Fort Wool Light (LLNR 9385), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 1ER (LLNR 9445), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Bell Buoy 3 (LLNR 9465), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Gong Buoy 5 (LLNR 9470), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 7 (LLNR 9475), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 9 (LLNR 9515), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 11 (LLNR 9525), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 15 (LLNR 9545), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Gong Buoy 17 (LLNR 9595), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 19 (LLNR 9605), thence to Lafayette River Channel Light 2 (LLNR 10660), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 20 (LLNR 9620), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 18 (LLNR 9600), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 14 (LLNR 9540), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 12 (LLNR 9530), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Bell Buoy 10 (LLNR 9520), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 8 (LLNR 9500), thence to Newport News Channel Lighted Buoy 2 (LLNR 10840), thence to Old Point Comfort Light (LLNR 9380), thence to the beginning.
(iv) Segment Four. All waters bounded by a line connecting Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 20 (LLNR 9620), thence to Elizabeth River U.S. Navy Deperming Range Sound Signal (LLNR 9725), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 30 (LLNR 9735), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 32 (LLNR 9840), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 36 (LLNR 9900), thence following the shoreline to the western terminus of the Jordan Bridge, thence to the eastern terminus of the Jordan Bridge shoreline, thence following the shoreline to the southern terminus of the Berkley Bridge, thence to the northern terminus of the Berkley Bridge, thence following the shoreline to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 33 (LLNR 9850), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Buoy 31 (LLNR 9835), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 29 (LLNR 9715), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 25 (LLNR 9710), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 21 (LLNR 9625), thence to Lafayette River Channel Light 2 (LLNR 10660), thence to the beginning.
(b) Regulated Area. The following area is a safety zone. All coordinates listed reference Datum NAD 1983.
(1) Fireworks Display Safety Zone: Regulated waters enclosed by the following lines: (i) All waters bounded by a line connecting Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 20 (LLNR 9620), thence to Elizabeth River U.S. Navy Deperming Range Sound Signal (LLNR 9725), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 30 (LLNR 9735), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 32 (LLNR 9840), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 36 (LLNR 9900), thence following the shoreline to the western terminus of the Jordan Bridge, thence to the eastern terminus of the Jordan Bridge shoreline, thence following the shoreline to the southern terminus of the Berkley Bridge, thence to the northern terminus of the Berkley Bridge, thence following the shoreline to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 33 (LLNR 9850), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Buoy 31 (LLNR 9835), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 29 (LLNR 9715), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 25 (LLNR 9710), thence to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 21 (LLNR 9625), thence to Lafayette River Channel Light 2 (LLNR 10660), thence to the beginning.
(d) Regulations: (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 165.23 of this part, entry into these zones is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Hampton Roads or his designated representatives.
(2) The operator of any vessel in the immediate vicinity of this safety zone shall: (i) Stop the vessel immediately upon being directed to do so by any commissioned, warrant or petty officer on shore or on board a vessel that is displaying a U.S. Coast Guard Ensign.
(e) Enforcement Period: This regulation will be enforced June 6, 8, 9, and 12, 2012.
[FR Doc. 2012-7920 Filed 4-2-12; 8:45 am]