Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2012/12/28/2012-31136.html
Timestamp: 2020-03-28 22:13:51
Document Index: 408290554

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 100', 'art 100', 'ART 100', 'art 100', '§ 100', '§ 100', '§ 100', '§ 100', 'art 165', 'art 165', 'art 165', '§ 165', 'ART 165', 'art 165', 'ART 165', '§ 165', '§ 165', 'art 165']

Safety Zone, Upper Mississippi River MM 35.0 to MM 55.0; Thebes, IL and Cape Girardeau, MO, and MM 75.0 to MM 85.0; Grand Tower, IL, 76408-76411 [2012-31136] :: Coast Guard :: Department Of Homeland Security :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Homeland Security Coast Guard Safety Zone, Upper Mississippi River MM 35.0 to MM 55.0; Thebes, IL and Cape Girardeau, MO, and MM 75.0 to MM 85.0; Grand Tower, IL, 76408-76411 [2012-31136]
Safety Zone, Upper Mississippi River MM 35.0 to MM 55.0; Thebes, IL and Cape Girardeau, MO, and MM 75.0 to MM 85.0; Grand Tower, IL, 76408-76411 [2012-31136]
Download as PDF 76408 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 249 / Friday, December 28, 2012 / Rules and Regulations requires no further agency action or analysis. Indian Tribal Governments, requires no further agency action or analysis. C. The Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act of 1999: Assessment of Federal Regulations and Policies on Families This final rule will have no effect on family well-being or stability, marital commitment, parental rights or authority, or income or poverty of families and children. Accordingly, section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act of 1999 (5 U.S.C. 601 note) requires no further agency action, analysis, or assessment. H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use D. Executive Order 12630: Government Actions and Interference With Constitutionally Protected Property Rights This final rule will not implement a policy with takings implications. Accordingly, Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights, requires no further agency action or analysis. E. Executive Order 12988: Civil Justice Reform This final rule was drafted and reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. This final rule was written to provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct and was carefully reviewed to eliminate drafting errors and ambiguities, so as to minimize litigation and undue burden on the Federal court system. MSHA has determined that this final rule meets the applicable standards provided in section 3 of Executive Order 12988. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with F. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks This final rule will have no adverse impact on children. Accordingly, Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks, as amended by Executive Orders 13229 and 13296, requires no further agency action or analysis. G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments This final rule does not have ‘‘tribal implications’’ because it does not have substantial direct effects on one or 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. Accordingly, Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:32 Dec 27, 2012 Jkt 229001 This final rule has been reviewed for its impact on the supply, distribution, and use of energy because it applies to the coal mining industry. MSHA has concluded that the adjustment of civil monetary penalties to keep pace with inflation and thus maintain the incentive for operators to maintain safe and healthful workplaces is not a significant energy action because it is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. Accordingly, Executive Order 13211 requires no further Agency action or analysis. I. Executive Order 13272: Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking MSHA has reviewed the final rule to assess and take appropriate account of its potential impact on small businesses, small governmental jurisdictions, and small organizations. This rule does not establish any new burdens. It makes the necessary adjustments as required by the Inflation Adjustment Act and is therefore consistent with the provisions of E.O. 13272. J. Congressional Review Act The Congressional Review Act, codified at 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., provides generally that ‘‘major rules’’ cannot take effect until 60 days after publication of the rule in the Federal Register and delivery of the rule to each House of Congress and to the U.S. Comptroller General. MSHA has concluded, in agreement with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget that this rule is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by the Congressional Review Act. For this reason, the rule will take effect on the date indicated. List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 100 Mine safety and health, Penalties. Dated: December 19, 2012. Joseph A. Main, Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health. Under the authority of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, chapter I of title 30, Code of Federal Regulations, part 100 is amended as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 PART 100—CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR PROPOSED ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL PENALTIES 1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 30 U.S.C. 815, 820, 957. 2. Amend § 100.4 by revising paragraph (c) introductory text to read as follows: ■ § 100.4 Unwarrantable failure and immediate notification. * * * * * (c) The penalty for failure to provide timely notification to the Secretary under section 103(j) of the Mine Act will be not less than $5,000 and not more than $65,000 for the following accidents: * * * * * ■ 3. Amend § 100.5 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows: § 100.5 Determination of penalty amount; special assessment. * * * * * (e) Violations that are deemed to be flagrant under section 110(b)(2) of the Mine Act may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $242,000. For purposes of this section, a flagrant violation means ‘‘a reckless or repeated failure to make reasonable efforts to eliminate a known violation of a mandatory health or safety standard that substantially and proximately caused, or reasonably could have been expected to cause, death or serious bodily injury.’’ [FR Doc. 2012–30963 Filed 12–27–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–43–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket No. USCG–2012–0998] RIN 1625–AA00 Safety Zone, Upper Mississippi River MM 35.0 to MM 55.0; Thebes, IL and Cape Girardeau, MO, and MM 75.0 to MM 85.0; Grand Tower, IL Coast Guard, DHS. Temporary final rule. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for all waters of the Upper Mississippi River, extending the entire width between miles 35.0 to 55.0, and miles 75.0 to 85.0 from December 15, 2012 until March 31, 2013. This safety zone E:\FR\FM\28DER1.SGM 28DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 249 / Friday, December 28, 2012 / Rules and Regulations is needed to protect persons, property and infrastructure from the potential damage and safety hazards associated with contractor operations for the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove underwater rock pinnacles from the Upper Mississippi River. Removal of the underwater rock pinnacles is vital to ensuring the safe navigation of vessels in these stretches of river in low water situations. Entry into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Ohio Valley or a designated representative. This rule is effective in the CFR on December 28, 2012 through March 31, 2013. This rule is effective with actual notice for purposes of enforcement on December 15, 2012. This rule will remain in effect through March 2013. ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket USCG– 2012–0998. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http:// www.regulations.gov, type the docket number 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 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this temporary rule, call or email Lieutenant Dan McQuate, Marine Safety Unit Paducah Waterways Management Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 270–442–1621, email: Daniel.J.McQuate@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: DATES: Table of Acronyms DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers RIAC River Industry Action Committee srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with A. Regulatory History and Information 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:32 Dec 27, 2012 Jkt 229001 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. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) originally planned to have a contractor remove underwater rocks in the Thebes, IL and Grand Tower, IL areas on the Upper Mississippi River beginning in mid-February 2013. The operation was planned to occur in the UMR from mile 38.0 to mile 46.0, and mile 78.0 to mile 80.0. This operation also included the loading of explosives onto vessels at any number of facilities in Cape Girardeau, MO, Thebes, IL, and/ or Grand Tower, IL. The Coast Guard was planning to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking for this zone. However, on Wednesday December 5, 2012, the USACE St. Louis District notified the Coast Guard that due to extreme low water, and the role that would play in restricting vessel drafts on the Upper Mississippi River in Thebes, IL, they were able to award a contract to begin rock removal operations no later than December 15, 2012, and this removal operation could continue to March 31, 2013. Therefore, there is not sufficient time to publish an NPRM and receive public comment before this safety zone would be needed to protect the public from the hazards associated with the removal operations. Delaying this rulemaking to provide a comment period before implementing the necessary safety zone would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest because it would delay the immediate action needed to protect persons, property and infrastructure from the potential damage and safety hazards associated with the USACE contractors underwater rock removal operations. 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. Providing 30 days notice and delaying its effective date would be impracticable and contrary to public interest because immediate action is needed to protect persons, property and infrastructure from the potential damage and safety hazards associated with the USACE contractors underwater rock removal operations. PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 76409 B. Basis and Purpose The legal basis and authorities for this rule are found in 33 U.S.C. 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, and 160.5; Public Law 107–295, 116 Stat. 2064; and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, which collectively authorize the Coast Guard to establish and define regulatory safety zones. The purpose of this safety zone is to protect persons, property and infrastructure from the potential damage and safety hazards associated with contractor blasting operations for the USACE to remove underwater rock pinnacles from the Upper Mississippi River. Removal of the underwater rock pinnacles is vital to ensuring the safe navigation of vessels in these stretches of river in low water situations. Without this safety zone the public could be placed in danger during the loading, preparation to set, and detonation of explosives being used during this operation, and the removal of the debris following the blasting operations. C. Discussion of the Rule The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for all vessels on the Upper Mississippi River between miles 35.0 and 55.0, and miles 75.0 and 85.0 from December 15, 2012 until March 31, 2013. The USACE has contracted workers to blast underwater rock pinnacles throughout these stretches of the river. There is currently no set schedule for this operation, so the safety zone will be effective from December 15, 2012 until March 31, 2013, while the enforcement times and exact mile markers impacted for each closure of this safety zone will be coordinated between the Coast Guard, USACE, and the River Industry Action Committee (RIAC). Additionally, the Coast Guard will provide advanced notice of enforcement periods via broadcast notice to mariners and through coordination with the RIAC. During the enforcement period, entry into this zone will be prohibited to all vessels and persons unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Ohio Valley or a designated representative. The COTP Sector Ohio Valley will consider entry into and transit through the safety zone on a case-by-case basis. Any exceptions to these operational restrictions will require authorization by the COTP Ohio Valley or a designated representative. The COTP or a designated representative may be contacted by telephone at 502–779–5422. E:\FR\FM\28DER1.SGM 28DER1 76410 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 249 / Friday, December 28, 2012 / Rules and Regulations We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes or executive orders. issue broadcast notices to mariners to users of the river. This safety zone will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Traffic in this area is limited to almost entirely recreational vessels and commercial towing vessels. 1. Regulatory Planning and Review 3. Assistance for Small Entities 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, 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. While stretches of the Upper Mississippi River will be closed to all vessel traffic during enforcement, this will be for a short period of time. Vessels could experience delays throughout this project, but the operations will be coordinated to allow intermittent passage of vessels when deemed safe. Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121), we offer to assist small entities in understanding this rule. 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 the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, above. Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each agency’s responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1– 888–REG–FAIR (1–888–734–3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard. D. Regulatory Analyses srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with 2. Impact on Small Entities The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601–612, as amended, requires federal agencies to consider the potential impact of regulations on small entities during rulemaking. 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 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 the Upper Mississippi River between miles 35.0 and 55.0, and miles 75.0 and 85.0 from December 15, 2012 to March 31, 2013. Traffic in this area is limited almost entirely to recreational vessels and commercial towing vessels. All traffic passage will be prohibited unless specifically authorized by COTP Ohio Valley. If this operation is not carried out, when the Upper Mississippi River reaches low water levels, the rock pinnacles that are being removed in this operation could prohibit all vessel traffic from safely transiting the area. Before the activation of the safety zone, the Coast Guard will coordinate any closures with the USACE and RIAC, and VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:32 Dec 27, 2012 Jkt 229001 4. Collection of Information This rule calls for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501– 3520). 5. 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 rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism. 6. Protest Activities The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places or vessels. PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 7. 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 rule will not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble. 8. Taking of Private Property This rule will not affect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights. 9. Civil Justice Reform This 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. 10. Protection of Children We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children. 11. Indian Tribal Governments This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or 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. 12. Energy Effects This action is not a ‘‘significant energy action’’ under Executive order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. 13. Technical Standards This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards. 14. Environment We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security E:\FR\FM\28DER1.SGM 28DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 249 / Friday, December 28, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 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 involves restricting vessel traffic on a cumulative 30 mile stretch of the UMR to keep waterway users safe during a USACE contractor’s rock pinnacle removal operations. This rule is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2–1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination will be made available as indicated under the ADDRESSES section. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165 Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and record keeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 165 as follows: contractors are conducting rock removal operations. The Captain of the Port (COTP) Ohio Valley or designated representatives will provide advance notice to the public of the enforcement periods and locations for the safety zone and of any changes in the effective period of the safety zone through broadcast notices to mariners and through coordination with River Industry Action Committee. (d) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in § 165.23 of this part, entry into this zone by all vessels during the enforcement period is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP Ohio Valley or a designated representative. (2) Vessels requiring entry into or passage through the zone must contact the lead vessel on scene, or Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley on VHF–FM channel 13 or 16. The lead vessel on scene will be announced via broadcast notice to mariners. (3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the COTP Ohio Valley and designated onscene patrol personnel. On-scene patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the U.S. Coast Guard. 76411 security zone will be subject to increased monitoring and boarding during the enforcement of the security zone. DATES: This temporary final rule is effective from 8:00 a.m. on January 13, 2013 until 12:00 a.m. on January 28, 2013. ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket USCG– 2012–1077. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to www.regulations.gov, type the docket number in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ You may visit the Docket Management Facility, 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this temporary final rule, call or email LT Adrian Palomeque, Prevention Department, Sector Detroit, Coast Guard; telephone (313) 568–9508, email Adrian.F.Palomeque@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366– 9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS 1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows: Dated: December 12, 2012. L. W. Hewett, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Ohio Valley. [FR Doc. 2012–31136 Filed 12–27–12; 8:45 am] Table of Acronyms Authority: 33 U.S.C. 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, and 160.5; Pub. L. 107–295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS Coast Guard ■ 2. A new temporary § 165.T08–0998 is added to read as follows: ■ srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with § 165.T08–0998 Safety Zone; Upper Mississippi River MM 35.0 to 55.0, Thebes, IL and Cape Girardeau, MO, and MM 75.0 to 85.0, Grand Tower, IL. (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All waters of the Upper Mississippi River between miles 35.0 and 55.0, extending the entire width of the river, and all waters of the Upper Mississippi River between miles 75.0 and 85.0, extending the entire width of the river. (b) Effective dates. This safety zone is effective from December 15, 2012 to March 31, 2013. (c) Enforcement Period and Informational Broadcasts: This safety zone will only be enforced for certain periods between the effective dates, when the Army Corps of Engineer’s VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:32 Dec 27, 2012 Jkt 229001 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket No. USCG–2012–1077] RIN 1625–AA87 Security Zone; 25th Annual North American International Auto Show, Detroit River, Detroit, MI Coast Guard, DHS. Temporary final rule. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone on the Detroit River, Detroit, Michigan. This security zone is intended to restrict vessels from a portion of the Detroit River in order to ensure the safety and security of participants, visitors, and public officials at the 25th Annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which is being held at Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit, MI. Vessels in close proximity to the PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 A. Regulatory History and Information 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 doing so would be impracticable, unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. The final details regarding the security measures associated with this year’s event were not known to the Coast Guard with sufficient time for the Coast Guard to solicit public comments before the start of the event. Thus, waiting for a notice and comment period to run would be impracticable and contrary to E:\FR\FM\28DER1.SGM 28DER1
[Pages 76408-76411]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31136]
[Docket No. USCG-2012-0998]
Safety Zone, Upper Mississippi River MM 35.0 to MM 55.0; Thebes,
IL and Cape Girardeau, MO, and MM 75.0 to MM 85.0; Grand Tower, IL
all waters of the Upper Mississippi River, extending the entire width
between miles 35.0 to 55.0, and miles 75.0 to 85.0 from December 15,
2012 until March 31, 2013. This safety zone
is needed to protect persons, property and infrastructure from the
potential damage and safety hazards associated with contractor
operations for the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove underwater rock
pinnacles from the Upper Mississippi River. Removal of the underwater
rock pinnacles is vital to ensuring the safe navigation of vessels in
these stretches of river in low water situations. Entry into this zone
is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port
Ohio Valley or a designated representative.
DATES: This rule is effective in the CFR on December 28, 2012 through
March 31, 2013. This rule is effective with actual notice for purposes
of enforcement on December 15, 2012. This rule will remain in effect
USCG-2012-0998. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00
temporary rule, call or email Lieutenant Dan McQuate, Marine Safety
Unit Paducah Waterways Management Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone
270-442-1621, email: Daniel.J.McQuate@uscg.mil. If you have questions
RIAC River Industry Action Committee
with respect to this rule.
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) originally planned to have a
contractor remove underwater rocks in the Thebes, IL and Grand Tower,
IL areas on the Upper Mississippi River beginning in mid-February 2013.
The operation was planned to occur in the UMR from mile 38.0 to mile
46.0, and mile 78.0 to mile 80.0. This operation also included the
loading of explosives onto vessels at any number of facilities in Cape
Girardeau, MO, Thebes, IL, and/or Grand Tower, IL.
The Coast Guard was planning to publish a notice of proposed
rulemaking for this zone. However, on Wednesday December 5, 2012, the
USACE St. Louis District notified the Coast Guard that due to extreme
low water, and the role that would play in restricting vessel drafts on
the Upper Mississippi River in Thebes, IL, they were able to award a
contract to begin rock removal operations no later than December 15,
2012, and this removal operation could continue to March 31, 2013.
Therefore, there is not sufficient time to publish an NPRM and receive
public comment before this safety zone would be needed to protect the
public from the hazards associated with the removal operations.
Delaying this rulemaking to provide a comment period before
implementing the necessary safety zone would be impracticable and
contrary to the public interest because it would delay the immediate
action needed to protect persons, property and infrastructure from the
potential damage and safety hazards associated with the USACE
contractors underwater rock removal operations.
30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Providing 30 days
notice and delaying its effective date would be impracticable and
contrary to public interest because immediate action is needed to
protect persons, property and infrastructure from the potential damage
and safety hazards associated with the USACE contractors underwater
rock removal operations.
The purpose of this safety zone is to protect persons, property and
infrastructure from the potential damage and safety hazards associated
with contractor blasting operations for the USACE to remove underwater
rock pinnacles from the Upper Mississippi River. Removal of the
underwater rock pinnacles is vital to ensuring the safe navigation of
vessels in these stretches of river in low water situations. Without
this safety zone the public could be placed in danger during the
loading, preparation to set, and detonation of explosives being used
during this operation, and the removal of the debris following the
vessels on the Upper Mississippi River between miles 35.0 and 55.0, and
miles 75.0 and 85.0 from December 15, 2012 until March 31, 2013. The
USACE has contracted workers to blast underwater rock pinnacles
throughout these stretches of the river. There is currently no set
schedule for this operation, so the safety zone will be effective from
December 15, 2012 until March 31, 2013, while the enforcement times and
exact mile markers impacted for each closure of this safety zone will
be coordinated between the Coast Guard, USACE, and the River Industry
Action Committee (RIAC). Additionally, the Coast Guard will provide
advanced notice of enforcement periods via broadcast notice to mariners
and through coordination with the RIAC. During the enforcement period,
entry into this zone will be prohibited to all vessels and persons
unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector
Ohio Valley or a designated representative. The COTP Sector Ohio Valley
will consider entry into and transit through the safety zone on a case-
by-case basis. Any exceptions to these operational restrictions will
require authorization by the COTP Ohio Valley or a designated
representative. The COTP or a designated representative may be
contacted by telephone at 502-779-5422.
Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders. While stretches of the
Upper Mississippi River will be closed to all vessel traffic during
enforcement, this will be for a short period of time. Vessels could
experience delays throughout this project, but the operations will be
coordinated to allow intermittent passage of vessels when deemed safe.
the Upper Mississippi River between miles 35.0 and 55.0, and miles 75.0
and 85.0 from December 15, 2012 to March 31, 2013. Traffic in this area
is limited almost entirely to recreational vessels and commercial
towing vessels. All traffic passage will be prohibited unless
specifically authorized by COTP Ohio Valley. If this operation is not
carried out, when the Upper Mississippi River reaches low water levels,
the rock pinnacles that are being removed in this operation could
prohibit all vessel traffic from safely transiting the area. Before the
activation of the safety zone, the Coast Guard will coordinate any
closures with the USACE and RIAC, and issue broadcast notices to
mariners to users of the river. This safety zone will not have a
and commercial towing vessels.
This rule involves restricting vessel traffic on a cumulative 30 mile
stretch of the UMR to keep waterway users safe during a USACE
contractor's rock pinnacle removal operations. This rule is
checklist and a categorical exclusion determination will be made
available as indicated under the ADDRESSES section.
2. A new temporary Sec.  165.T08-0998 is added to read as follows:
Sec.  165.T08-0998  Safety Zone; Upper Mississippi River MM 35.0 to
55.0, Thebes, IL and Cape Girardeau, MO, and MM 75.0 to 85.0, Grand
Tower, IL.
the Upper Mississippi River between miles 35.0 and 55.0, extending the
entire width of the river, and all waters of the Upper Mississippi
River between miles 75.0 and 85.0, extending the entire width of the
(b) Effective dates. This safety zone is effective from December
15, 2012 to March 31, 2013.
(c) Enforcement Period and Informational Broadcasts: This safety
zone will only be enforced for certain periods between the effective
dates, when the Army Corps of Engineer's contractors are conducting
rock removal operations. The Captain of the Port (COTP) Ohio Valley or
designated representatives will provide advance notice to the public of
the enforcement periods and locations for the safety zone and of any
changes in the effective period of the safety zone through broadcast
notices to mariners and through coordination with River Industry Action
Sec.  165.23 of this part, entry into this zone by all vessels during
the enforcement period is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP Ohio
(2) Vessels requiring entry into or passage through the zone must
contact the lead vessel on scene, or Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley on
VHF-FM channel 13 or 16. The lead vessel on scene will be announced via
the COTP Ohio Valley and designated on-scene patrol personnel. On-scene
patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of