80 FR 44910 - Safety Zone; Turritella FPSO, Walker Ridge 551, Outer Continental Shelf on the Gulf of Mexico
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 144 (July 28, 2015)
Coast Guard
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 144 (July 28, 2015)
| Page Range | 44910-44913 | |
| FR Document | 2015-18397 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 144 (Tuesday, July 28, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 44910-44913] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-18397] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 147 [Docket No. USCG-2015-0318] RIN 1625-AA00 Safety Zone; Turritella FPSO, Walker Ridge 551, Outer Continental Shelf on the Gulf of Mexico AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes a safety zone around the Turritella FPSO system, Walker Ridge 551 on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of Mexico. The purpose of the safety zone is to protect the facility from all vessels operating outside the normal shipping channels and fairways that are not providing services to or working with the facility. Placing a safety zone around the facility will significantly reduce the threat of allisions, collisions, security breaches, oil spills, releases of natural gas, and thereby protect the safety of life, property, and the environment. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before August 27, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG- 2015-0318 using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: 202-493-2251. (3) Mail or Delivery: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Deliveries accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329. See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or email Mr. Rusty Wright, U.S. Coast Guard, District Eight Waterways Management Branch; telephone 504-671-2138, rusty.h.wright@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Cheryl F. Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826. [[Page 44911]] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Acronyms DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register FPSO Floating Production Storage Offloading Vessel NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking OCS Outer Continental Shelf USCG United States Coast Guard A. Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. 1. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, 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 at 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, 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-2015-0318] in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on ``Submit a Comment'' on the line associated with this rulemaking. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments 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. 2. Viewing Comments and Documents 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-2015-0318) 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. 3. Privacy Act Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008 issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316). 4. Public Meeting We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for one by using one of the methods specified under ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal Register. B. Basis and Purpose Under the authority provided in 14 U.S.C. 85, 43 U.S.C. 1333, and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, Title 33, CFR part 147 permits the establishment of safety zones for facilities located on the OCS for the purpose of protecting life, property and the marine environment. Shell Exploration & Production Company requested that the Coast Guard establish a safety zone around the Turritella FPSO, which is a ship-shaped offshore production facility that stores crude oil in tanks located in its hull. It will attach to a moored turret buoy and move in a 360 degree arc around the position 26[deg]25'38.74'' N., 90[deg]48'45.34'' W. The turret buoy is detachable which allows the FPSO to disconnect while the buoy and turret drop below the water's surface to a predetermined depth. The FPSO has a capacity for storing 900,000 barrels of produced oil and is expected to be offloaded on a weekly basis via a floating hose that connects the FPSO to a shuttle tanker. During offloading operations, a shuttle tanker will connect its bow to the Turritella FPSO and its stern to an attendant tug that will assist with safety spacing and stability of the operations. The facility is manned with a crew of 120 people. The request for the safety zone was made due to safety concerns for both the personnel aboard the facility and the environment. Shell Exploration & Production Company indicated that it is highly likely that any allision with the facility would result in a catastrophic event. In evaluating this request, the Coast Guard explored relevant safety factors and considered several criteria, including but not limited to: (1) The level of shipping activity around the facility; (2) safety concerns for personnel aboard the facility; (3) concerns for the environment; (4) the likeliness that an allision would result in a catastrophic event based on proximity to shipping fairways, offloading operations, production levels, and size of the crew; (5) the volume of traffic in the vicinity of the proposed area; (6) the types of vessels navigating in the vicinity of the proposed area; and, (7) the structural configuration of the facility. For the purpose of safety zones established under 33 CFR part 147, the deepwater area is considered to be waters of 304.8 meters (1,000 feet) or greater depth extending to the limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States and extending to a distance up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the sea is measured. Navigation in the vicinity of the safety zone primarily consists of large commercial shipping vessels, fishing vessels, cruise ships, tugs with tows and the occasional recreational vessel. The deepwater area also includes an extensive system of fairways. Results from a thorough and comprehensive examination of the criteria, IMO guidelines, and existing regulations warrant the establishment of the proposed safety zone. The proposed regulation would reduce significantly the threat of allisions, oil spills, and releases of natural gas and increase the safety of life, property, and the environment in the Gulf of Mexico by prohibiting entry into the zone unless specifically authorized by the Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District. C. Discussion of Proposed Rule Shell Exploration & Production Company requested a safety zone of 500 meters (1640.4 feet) around the stern of the FPSO when it is moored to the turret buoy. The FPSO can swing in a 360 [[Page 44912]] degree arc around the center point at 26[deg]25'38.74'' N., 90[deg]48'45.34'' W. If the FPSO detaches from the turret buoy, the safety zone of 500 meters (1640.4 feet) will be measured from the center point of the turret buoy. The request for the safety zone was made due to safety concerns for life and property on the facilities, their appurtenances, attending vessels and the environment. Shell Exploration & Production Company indicated that it is highly likely that any allision with the facility would result in a catastrophic event. In evaluating this request, the Coast Guard explored relevant safety factors and considered several criteria, including but not limited to, (1) the level of shipping activity around the facility, (2) safety concerns for personnel aboard the facility, (3) concerns for the environment, (4) the likeliness that an allision would result in a catastrophic event based on proximity to shipping fairways, offloading operations, production levels, and size of the crew, (5) the volume of traffic in the vicinity of the proposed area, (6) the types of vessels navigating in the vicinity of the proposed area, both related and unrelated to facility operations, and (7) the structural configuration of the facility. Results from a thorough and comprehensive examination of the criteria, IMO guidelines, and existing regulations warrant the establishment of a safety zone of 500 meters (1640.4 feet) around the facility. The proposed safety zone would restrict all vessels from entering into, transiting through, remaining in, or anchoring in the safety zone area. Vessels attending to, servicing, or working with the facility would be exempt from the restrictions in this proposed rule. This proposed safety measure reduces significantly the threat of allisions, collisions, oil spills, and releases of natural gas and increases the safety of life, property, and the environment in the Gulf of Mexico. Authorization to deviate from this proposed rule and transit through the safety zone may be requested from the Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District or a designated representative. Such deviation requests would be considered on a case-by-case basis. D. Regulatory Analyses We developed this proposed 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. 1. Regulatory Planning and Review 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. This rulemaking is not a significant regulatory action due to the location of the Turritella FPSO--on the Outer Continental Shelf--and its distance from both land and safety fairways. Additionally, the area covered by this proposed safety zone is limited in scope as it would encompass only the waters within 500 meters (1640.4 feet) around the stern of the FPSO when it is moored to the turret buoy. The FPSO can swing in a 360 degree arc around the center point at 26[deg]25'38.74'' N., 90[deg]48'45.34'' W. If the FPSO detaches from the turret buoy, the safety zone of 500 meters (1640.4 feet) will be measured from the center point of the turret buoy. This is the area where the FPSO vessel operates and vessels servicing the FPSO transit and maneuver, presenting the area most vulnerable to risk of allusion or collision. Vessels traversing waters near the proposed safety zone will be able to safely travel around the zone using alternate routes. Exceptions to this proposed rule include vessels measuring less than 100 feet in length overall and not engaged in towing. Deviation to transit through the proposed safety zone may be requested. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be authorized by the Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District or a designated representative. 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 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 transit or anchor within the area extending 500 meters (1640.4 feet) from the outermost edges of the Turritella FPSO system located in Walker Ridge 551 on the OCS. This safety zone will not have a significant economic impact or a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: Vessel traffic can pass safely around the safety zone using alternate routes. Based on the limited scope of the safety zone, any delay resulting from using an alternate route is expected to be minimal depending on vessel traffic and speed in the area. Deviation to transit through the proposed safety zone may be requested. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be authorized by the Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District or a designated representative. If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it. 3. Assistance for Small Entities 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. If the proposed rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it. 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. 4. Collection of Information This proposed rule would call 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 the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. We have [[Page 44913]] analyzed this proposed 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. 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 proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble. 8. Taking of Private Property This proposed rule would not cause 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 proposed 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 From Environmental Health Risks We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This proposed rule is not economically significant and would not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might disproportionately affect children. 11. Indian Tribal Governments This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it would 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 We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. 13. Technical Standards This proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards. 14. Environment 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 involves the establishment of a safety zone around an OCS facility to protect life, property and the marine environment. This proposed rule is categorical excluded from further review, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g), of the Commandant Instruction. A preliminary environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination and the Categorical Exclusion Determination are available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 147 Continental shelf, Marine safety, Navigation (water). For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 147 as follows: PART 147--SAFETY ZONES 0 1. The authority citation for part 147 continues to read as follows: Authority: 14 U.S.C. 85; 43 U.S.C. 1333; and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. 0 2. Add Sec. 147.863 to read as follows: Sec. 147.863 Turritella FPSO System Safety Zone. (a) Description. The Turritella, a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) system is proposed to be installed in the deepwater area of the Gulf of Mexico at Walker Ridge 551. The FPSO can swing in a 360 degree arc around the center point of the turret buoy's swing circle at 26[deg]25'38.74'' N, 90[deg]48'45.34'' W, and the area within 500 meters (1640.4 feet) around the stern of the FPSO when it is moored to the turret buoy is a safety zone. If the FPSO detaches from the turret buoy, the area within 500 meters (1640.4 feet) around the center point at 26[deg]25'38.74'' N, 90[deg]48'45.34'' W is a safety zone. (b) Regulation. No vessel may enter or remain in this safety zone except the following: (1) An attending vessel; (2) A vessel under 100 feet in length overall not engaged in towing; or (3) A vessel authorized by the Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District. Dated: June 7, 2015. David R. Callahan, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2015-18397 Filed 7-27-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
![44910 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Proposed Rules
Personnel Payroll Records. STATE– consist of evaluation material used to DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
30. determine potential for promotion in the SECURITY
Security Records. STATE–36. armed services, but only to the extent
(5) Exempt under 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5). that such disclosure would reveal the Coast Guard
Records contained within the following identity of a confidential informant.
systems of records are exempt under 33 CFR Part 147
this section to the extent that they Overseas Citizens Services Records.
STATE–25. [Docket No. USCG–2015–0318]
consist of investigatory material
compiled solely for the purpose of Human Resources Records. STATE– RIN 1625–AA00
determining suitability, eligibility, or 31.
qualifications for Federal civilian Safety Zone; Turritella FPSO, Walker
Information Access Programs Records. Ridge 551, Outer Continental Shelf on
employment, military service, Federal STATE–35.
contracts, or access to classified the Gulf of Mexico
information, but only to the extent that Personality Cross-Reference Index to
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
disclosure of such material would reveal the Secretariat Automated Data Index.
STATE–28. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
the identity of a confidential informant.
Records Maintained by the Office of Personality Index to the Central SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes a
Civil Rights. STATE–09. Foreign Policy Records. STATE–29. safety zone around the Turritella FPSO
Foreign Assistance Inspection system, Walker Ridge 551 on the Outer
Records. STATE–48. Subpart D—Process to Request Public Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of
Foreign Service Grievance Board Financial Disclosure Reports Mexico. The purpose of the safety zone
Records. STATE–13. is to protect the facility from all vessels
Human Resources Records. STATE– § 171.30 Purpose and scope. operating outside the normal shipping
31. This subpart sets forth the process by channels and fairways that are not
Information Access Programs Records. which persons may request access to providing services to or working with
STATE–35. the facility. Placing a safety zone around
public financial disclosure reports filed
Legal Adviser Attorney Employment the facility will significantly reduce the
Application Records. STATE–20. with the Department in accordance with
§ 101 and § 103(l) of the Ethics in threat of allisions, collisions, security
Overseas Citizens Services Records. breaches, oil spills, releases of natural
STATE–25. Government Act of 1978, 5 U.S.C. app.
101 and 103(l), as amended by Public gas, and thereby protect the safety of
Personality Cross-Reference Index to life, property, and the environment.
the Secretariat Automated Data Index. Law 112–173, 126 Stat. 1310, Public
Law 112–178, 126 Stat. 1408, and Public DATES: Comments and related material
STATE–28.
Law 113–7, 127 Stat. 438, and 5 CFR must be received by the Coast Guard on
Office of Inspector General
2634.202. The retention, public or before August 27, 2015.
Investigation Management System.
STATE–53. availability, and improper use of these ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
Records of the Office of White House reports are governed by 5 U.S.C. app. identified by docket number USCG–
Liaison. STATE–34. 105 and 5 CFR 2634.603. 2015–0318 using any one of the
Risk Analysis and Management following methods:
Records. STATE–78. § 171.31 Requests. (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal:
Rover Records. STATE–41. http://www.regulations.gov.
Requests for access to public financial (2) Fax: 202–493–2251.
Security Records. STATE–36. disclosure reports filed with the
Senior Personnel Appointments (3) Mail or Delivery: Docket
Department should be made by Management Facility (M–30), U.S.
Records. STATE–47.
(6) Exempt under 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(6). submitting a completed Office of Department of Transportation, West
Records contained within the following Government Ethics request form, OGE Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
systems of records are exempt under Form 201, to OGE201Request@state.gov 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
this section to the extent that they or the Office of the Assistant Legal Washington, DC 20590–0001. Deliveries
consist of testing or examination Adviser for Ethics and Financial accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
material used solely to determine Disclosure, U.S. Department of State, Monday through Friday, except federal
individual qualifications for 2201 C Street NW., Washington, DC holidays. The telephone number is 202–
appointment or promotion in the 20520. The OGE Form 201 may be 366–9329.
Federal service the disclosure of which obtained by visiting http://www.oge.gov See the ‘‘Public Participation and
would compromise the objectivity or or writing to the address above. Request for Comments’’ portion of the
fairness of the testing or examination SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section
Dated: July 13, 2015. below for instructions on submitting
process.
Joyce A. Barr, comments. To avoid duplication, please
Foreign Service Institute Records.
STATE–14. Assistant Secretary for Administration, use only one of these four methods.
Human Resources Records. STATE– Department of State. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
31. [FR Doc. 2015–17856 Filed 7–27–15; 8:45 am] you have questions on this proposed
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Information Access Programs Records. BILLING CODE 4710–24–P rule, call or email Mr. Rusty Wright,
STATE–35. U.S. Coast Guard, District Eight
Records Maintained by the Office of Waterways Management Branch;
Civil Rights. STATE–09 telephone 504–671–2138,
Security Records. STATE–36. rusty.h.wright@uscg.mil. If you have
(7) Exempt under 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(7). questions on viewing or submitting
Records contained within the following material to the docket, call Cheryl F.
systems of records are exempt under Collins, Program Manager, Docket
this section to the extent that they Operations, telephone (202) 366–9826.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Proposed Rules 44911
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 2. Viewing Comments and Documents operations, a shuttle tanker will connect
To view comments, as well as its bow to the Turritella FPSO and its
Table of Acronyms
documents mentioned in this preamble stern to an attendant tug that will assist
DHS Department of Homeland Security as being available in the docket, go to with safety spacing and stability of the
FR Federal Register operations. The facility is manned with
FPSO Floating Production Storage
http://www.regulations.gov, type the
docket number (USCG–2015–0318) in a crew of 120 people.
Offloading Vessel The request for the safety zone was
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click
‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket made due to safety concerns for both the
OCS Outer Continental Shelf
Folder on the line associated with this personnel aboard the facility and the
USCG United States Coast Guard
rulemaking. You may also visit the environment. Shell Exploration &
A. Public Participation and Request for Docket Management Facility in Room Production Company indicated that it is
Comments W12–140 on the ground floor of the highly likely that any allision with the
Department of Transportation West facility would result in a catastrophic
We encourage you to participate in event. In evaluating this request, the
this rulemaking by submitting Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. Coast Guard explored relevant safety
comments and related materials. All factors and considered several criteria,
comments received will be posted and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. including but not limited to: (1) The
without change to http:// level of shipping activity around the
www.regulations.gov and will include 3. Privacy Act facility; (2) safety concerns for
any personal information you have personnel aboard the facility; (3)
Anyone can search the electronic
provided. concerns for the environment; (4) the
form of comments received into any of
1. Submitting Comments our dockets by the name of the likeliness that an allision would result
individual submitting the comment (or in a catastrophic event based on
If you submit a comment, please signing the comment, if submitted on proximity to shipping fairways,
include the docket number for this behalf of an association, business, labor offloading operations, production levels,
rulemaking, indicate the specific section union, etc.). You may review a Privacy and size of the crew; (5) the volume of
of this document to which each Act notice regarding our public dockets traffic in the vicinity of the proposed
comment applies, and provide a reason in the January 17, 2008 issue of the area; (6) the types of vessels navigating
for each suggestion or recommendation. Federal Register (73 FR 3316). in the vicinity of the proposed area; and,
You may submit your comments and (7) the structural configuration of the
material online at http:// 4. Public Meeting facility. For the purpose of safety zones
www.regulations.gov, or by fax, mail, or We do not now plan to hold a public established under 33 CFR part 147, the
hand delivery, but please use only one meeting. But you may submit a request deepwater area is considered to be
of these means. If you submit a for one by using one of the methods waters of 304.8 meters (1,000 feet) or
comment online, it will be considered specified under ADDRESSES. Please greater depth extending to the limits of
received by the Coast Guard when you explain why you believe a public the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
successfully transmit the comment. If meeting would be beneficial. If we contiguous to the territorial sea of the
you fax, hand deliver, or mail your determine that one would aid this United States and extending to a
comment, it will be considered as rulemaking, we will hold one at a time distance up to 200 nautical miles from
having been received by the Coast and place announced by a later notice the baseline from which the breadth of
Guard when it is received at the Docket in the Federal Register. the sea is measured. Navigation in the
Management Facility. We recommend vicinity of the safety zone primarily
B. Basis and Purpose consists of large commercial shipping
that you include your name and a
mailing address, an email address, or a Under the authority provided in 14 vessels, fishing vessels, cruise ships,
telephone number in the body of your U.S.C. 85, 43 U.S.C. 1333, and tugs with tows and the occasional
document so that we can contact you if Department of Homeland Security recreational vessel. The deepwater area
we have questions regarding your Delegation No. 0170.1, Title 33, CFR also includes an extensive system of
submission. part 147 permits the establishment of fairways.
safety zones for facilities located on the Results from a thorough and
To submit your comment online, go to OCS for the purpose of protecting life, comprehensive examination of the
http://www.regulations.gov, type the property and the marine environment. criteria, IMO guidelines, and existing
docket number [USCG–2015–0318] in Shell Exploration & Production regulations warrant the establishment of
the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click Company requested that the Coast the proposed safety zone. The proposed
‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on ‘‘Submit a Guard establish a safety zone around the regulation would reduce significantly
Comment’’ on the line associated with Turritella FPSO, which is a ship-shaped the threat of allisions, oil spills, and
this rulemaking. offshore production facility that stores releases of natural gas and increase the
If you submit your comments by mail crude oil in tanks located in its hull. It safety of life, property, and the
or hand delivery, submit them in an will attach to a moored turret buoy and environment in the Gulf of Mexico by
unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by move in a 360 degree arc around the prohibiting entry into the zone unless
11 inches, suitable for copying and position 26°25′38.74″ N., 90°48′45.34″ specifically authorized by the
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
electronic filing. If you submit W. The turret buoy is detachable which Commander, Eighth Coast Guard
comments by mail and would like to allows the FPSO to disconnect while the District.
know that they reached the Facility, buoy and turret drop below the water’s
please enclose a stamped, self-addressed surface to a predetermined depth. The C. Discussion of Proposed Rule
postcard or envelope. We will consider FPSO has a capacity for storing 900,000 Shell Exploration & Production
all comments and material received barrels of produced oil and is expected Company requested a safety zone of 500
during the comment period and may to be offloaded on a weekly basis via a meters (1640.4 feet) around the stern of
change the rule based on your floating hose that connects the FPSO to the FPSO when it is moored to the turret
comments. a shuttle tanker. During offloading buoy. The FPSO can swing in a 360
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Proposed Rules 44913
analyzed this proposed rule under that Indian tribes, or on the distribution of be installed in the deepwater area of the
Order and have determined that it does power and responsibilities between the Gulf of Mexico at Walker Ridge 551. The
not have implications for federalism. Federal Government and Indian tribes. FPSO can swing in a 360 degree arc
around the center point of the turret
6. Protest Activities 12. Energy Effects
buoy’s swing circle at 26°25′38.74″ N,
The Coast Guard respects the First We have analyzed this proposed rule 90°48′45.34″ W, and the area within 500
Amendment rights of protesters. under Executive Order 13211, Actions meters (1640.4 feet) around the stern of
Protesters are asked to contact the Concerning Regulations That the FPSO when it is moored to the turret
person listed in the FOR FURTHER Significantly Affect Energy Supply, buoy is a safety zone. If the FPSO
INFORMATION CONTACT section to Distribution, or Use. detaches from the turret buoy, the area
coordinate protest activities so that your within 500 meters (1640.4 feet) around
13. Technical Standards
message can be received without the center point at 26°25′38.74″ N,
jeopardizing the safety or security of This proposed rule does not use 90°48′45.34″ W is a safety zone.
people, places or vessels. technical standards. Therefore, we did (b) Regulation. No vessel may enter or
not consider the use of voluntary remain in this safety zone except the
7. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act consensus standards. following:
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (1) An attending vessel;
of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires 14. Environment
(2) A vessel under 100 feet in length
Federal agencies to assess the effects of We have analyzed this proposed rule overall not engaged in towing; or
their discretionary regulatory actions. In under Department of Homeland (3) A vessel authorized by the
particular, the Act addresses actions Security Management Directive 023–01 Commander, Eighth Coast Guard
that may result in the expenditure by a and Commandant Instruction District.
State, local, or tribal government, in the M16475.lD, which guide the Coast
Dated: June 7, 2015.
aggregate, or by the private sector of Guard in complying with the National
$100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or Environmental Policy Act of 1969 David R. Callahan,
more in any one year. Though this (NEPA) 42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander,
proposed rule would not result in such made a preliminary determination that Eighth Coast Guard District.
an expenditure, we do discuss the this action is one of a category of actions [FR Doc. 2015–18397 Filed 7–27–15; 8:45 am]
effects of this rule elsewhere in this which do not individually or BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
preamble. cumulatively have a significant effect on
the human environment. This proposed
8. Taking of Private Property DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
rule involves the establishment of a
This proposed rule would not cause a safety zone around an OCS facility to AFFAIRS
taking of private property or otherwise protect life, property and the marine
have taking implications under environment. This proposed rule is 38 CFR Part 4
Executive Order 12630, Governmental categorical excluded from further RIN 2900–AP08
Actions and Interference with review, under figure 2–1, paragraph
Constitutionally Protected Property (34)(g), of the Commandant Instruction. Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Dental
Rights. A preliminary environmental analysis and Oral Conditions
9. Civil Justice Reform checklist supporting this determination
and the Categorical Exclusion AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.
This proposed rule meets applicable Determination are available in the ACTION: Proposed rule.
standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of docket where indicated under
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans
ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or
Reform, to minimize litigation, Affairs (VA) proposes to amend the
information that may lead to the
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce portion of the VA Schedule for Rating
discovery of a significant environmental
burden. Disabilities (VASRD or rating schedule)
impact from this proposed rule.
that addresses dental and oral
10. Protection of Children From List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 147 conditions. The purpose of these
Environmental Health Risks changes is to incorporate medical
Continental shelf, Marine safety,
We have analyzed this proposed rule Navigation (water). advances that have occurred since the
under Executive Order 13045, last amendment, update current medical
For the reasons discussed in the terminology, and provide clear
Protection of Children from
preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to evaluation criteria for application of this
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
amend 33 CFR part 147 as follows: portion of the rating schedule. The
Risks. This proposed rule is not
economically significant and would not PART 147—SAFETY ZONES proposed rule reflects advances in
create an environmental risk to health or medical knowledge, recommendations
risk to safety that might ■ 1. The authority citation for part 147 from the Dental and Oral Conditions
disproportionately affect children. continues to read as follows: Work Group (Work Group), which is
comprised of subject matter experts
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
11. Indian Tribal Governments Authority: 14 U.S.C. 85; 43 U.S.C. 1333;
and Department of Homeland Security
from both the Veterans Benefits
This proposed rule does not have Delegation No. 0170.1. Administration (VBA) and the Veterans
tribal implications under Executive ■ 2. Add § 147.863 to read as follows: Health Administration (VHA), and
Order 13175, Consultation and comments from experts and the public
Coordination with Indian Tribal § 147.863 Turritella FPSO System Safety gathered as part of a public forum. The
Governments, because it would not have Zone. public forum, focusing on revisions to
a substantial direct effect on one or (a) Description. The Turritella, a the dental and oral conditions section of
more Indian tribes, on the relationship Floating Production, Storage and the VASRD, was held on January 25—
between the Federal Government and Offloading (FPSO) system is proposed to 26, 2011.
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Document Created: 2018-02-23 09:28:49
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 09:28:49
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking. | |
| Dates | Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before August 27, 2015. | |
| Contact | If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or email Mr. Rusty Wright, U.S. Coast Guard, District Eight Waterways Management Branch; telephone 504-671-2138, [email protected] If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Cheryl F. Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 44910 | |
| RIN Number | 1625-AA00 | |
| CFR Associated | Continental Shelf; Marine Safety and Navigation (water) |
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