81_FR_4603 81 FR 4586 - Safety Zone; Transit Restrictions, Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker 311.0-319.0

81 FR 4586 - Safety Zone; Transit Restrictions, Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker 311.0-319.0

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 17 (January 27, 2016)

Page Range4586-4588
FR Document2016-01632

The Coast Guard is extending an established safety zone for emergency purposes for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR), extending the entire width from mile 311.0 to mile 319.0 above head of passes (AHP). This emergency safety zone is needed to protect persons, property and flood control infrastructure from the potential safety hazards associated with vessels underway transiting this area. Deviation from the safety zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Lower Mississippi River or a designated representative.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 17 (Wednesday, January 27, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 27, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4586-4588]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01632]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2016-0023]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Transit Restrictions, Lower Mississippi River Mile 
Marker 311.0-319.0

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is extending an established safety zone for 
emergency purposes for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR), 
extending the entire width from mile 311.0 to mile 319.0 above head of 
passes (AHP). This emergency safety zone is needed to protect persons, 
property and flood control infrastructure from the potential safety 
hazards associated with vessels underway transiting this area. 
Deviation from the safety zone is prohibited unless specifically 
authorized by the Captain of the Port Lower Mississippi River or a 
designated representative.

DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from January 27, 
2016 until 11:59 p.m. on February 1, 2016. For the purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from 12:01 a.m. on January 9, 
2016 until January 27, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket 
[USCG-2016-0023]. 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 rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email LT Tyrone L. Conner, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 901-521-
4825, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

AHP Above head of passes
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
E.O. Executive order
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Pub. L. Public Law
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code
COTP Captain of the Port
LMR Lower Mississippi River
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

[[Page 4587]]

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    This temporary rule extends the location for the safety zone under 
33 CFR 165.802, which provides for a safety zone on the Lower 
Mississippi River extending from mile 311.5 to 316.1 AHP. This 
temporary rule extends that location to mile 311 to 319 AHP for 
emergency purposes responding to high water. The Coast Guard is issuing 
this temporary 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 immediate action is needed to protect 
persons, property and flood control infrastructure from the potential 
safety hazards associated with vessels underway transiting this area. 
Completing the full NPRM process is impracticable and contrary to the 
public interest because we must establish this safety zone in response 
to increasing high water and possible flood and high water operations 
taking place between January 9 and February 1, 2016. Completing the 
NPRM process would delay the additional safety measures necessary to 
protect persons, property and flood control infrastructure from the 
hazards associated with vessels underway.
    We are issuing this rule, and under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast 
Guard finds that good cause exists for making it effective less than 30 
days after publication in the Federal Register. Delaying the effective 
date of this rule would be impracticable and contrary to the public 
interest because we must establish this safety zone in response to 
increasing high water and possible emergency operations taking place 
between January 9 and February 1, 2016.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 33 U.S.C. 
1231.
    The Coast Guard received notification from the New Orleans 
District, Army Corps of Engineers that there is a high possibility that 
flood control infrastructure from mile 311.0 to mile 319.0 AHP on the 
Mississippi River will sustain damage if immediate action isn't taken 
to reduce the effects of normal traffic patterns during high water. 
Additionally, if the flood control infrastructure is sufficiently 
weakened by resulting effects of high water during this period it could 
fail. Loss of this section of the main line infrastructure system would 
be catastrophic to large sections of Louisiana. The COTP Lower 
Mississippi River is establishing this safety zone as an extension of 
the established regulation at 33 CFR 165.802, effective from 12:01 a.m. 
January 9, 2016 to 11:59 p.m. February 1, 2016 or until the river flood 
levels decrease, whichever occurs earlier.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    The Coast Guard is extending the location for the safety under 33 
CFR 165.802 for emergency high water response purposes. As established, 
33 CFR 165.802 provides for a safety zone as follows:
     The area enclosed by the following boundary is a safety 
zone--from the Black Hawk Point Light, mile 316.1 AHP LMR to a point 
opposite Ft. Adams Light, mile 311.5 AHP along the low water reference 
plane above the right descending bank; thence to the levee on a line 
perpendicular to the channel centerline; thence along the levee to the 
upstream end of the Old River Overbank structure; thence along a line 
to the Black Hawk Point Light.
     Any vessel desiring to enter this safety zone must first 
obtain permission from the Captain of the Port, New Orleans. The 
resident engineer at Old River Control Structure (WUG-424) is delegated 
the authority to permit entry into this safety zone.
    This rule extends the published location to mile 311.0 to mile 
319.0 AHP, extending the entire width of the river and is effective 
from 12:01 a.m. January 9, 2016 through 11:59 p.m. on February 1, 2016 
or until the river flood levels decrease, whichever occurs earlier.
    Entry into this zone is prohibited unless permission has been 
granted by the COTP Lower Mississippi or a designated representative or 
by the authority as delegated in 33 CFR 165.802. Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners (BNM) will provide any changes in the schedule for this safety 
zone. Deviation requests will be considered and reviewed on a case-by-
case basis. The COTP Lower Mississippi River may be contacted by 
telephone at 1-866-777-2784 or can be reached by VHF-FM channel 16.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    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 and E.O.s, and we discuss First 
Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    E.O.s 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and 
benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is 
necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. 
E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility. This rule has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under E.O. 12866. Accordingly, it has not been 
reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, 
location, duration, and time-of-year of the safety zone. This emergency 
safety zone will restrict navigation on the Mississippi River from mile 
311.0 to mile 319.0 AHP in the vicinity of Ft. Adams Light and Black 
Hawk Point Light from 12:01 p.m. January 9, 2016 through 11:59 p.m. on 
February 1, 2016, or until the river flood levels decrease, whichever 
occurs earlier. Notifications to the marine community will be made 
through BNM, LNM, and communications with local waterway users. Notices 
of changes to the safety zone and effective times will also be made. 
Additionally, deviation requests may be made and will be considered and 
reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 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.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any 
vessel owner or operator.
    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

[[Page 4588]]

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 section.

C. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under E.O. 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 analyzed this rule under that Order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in E.O. 13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under E.O. 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. If you believe this rule has 
implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please contact the person 
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above.

E. 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.

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which 
guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this 
action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or 
cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This 
rule involves an emergency safety zone that will prohibit entry into 
this zone unless permission has been granted by the COTP Lower 
Mississippi or a designated representative on the Mississippi River 
mile 311.0 to mile 319.0 AHP. It is categorically excluded from further 
review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant 
Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist supporting this 
determination and a 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 rule.

G. 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.

 List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1; 6.04-
1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
0170.1.


0
2. A new temporary Sec.  165.T08-0023 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T08-0023  Safety Zone; Mississippi River, Mile Marker 365.0 
to 354.0.

    (a) Location. The following area is an emergency safety zone: All 
waters of the Mississippi River between mile 311.0 and mile 319.0, 
extending the entire width of the river.
    (b) Enforcement date. This rule is effective from 12:01 a.m. on 
January 9, 2016 through 11:59 p.m. on February 1, 2015, or until the 
river flood levels decrease, whichever occurs earlier.
    (c) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 
Sec.  165.23, entry into this zone is prohibited unless specifically 
authorized by the COTP Lower Mississippi River or a designated 
representative.
    (2) Any vessel desiring to enter this safety zone must first obtain 
permission from the Captain of the Port, New Orleans. They may be 
contacted on VHF-FM Channel 16 or by telephone at 866-777-2784. The 
resident engineer at Old River Control Structure (WUG-424) is delegated 
the authority to permit entry into this safety zone.
    (d) Informational broadcasts. The COTP Lower Mississippi River or a 
designated representative will inform the public through broadcast 
notices to mariners of the enforcement period for the emergency safety 
zone as well as any changes in the dates and times of enforcement.

    Dated: January 7, 2016.
T.J. Wendt,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Lower Mississippi 
River.
[FR Doc. 2016-01632 Filed 1-26-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P



                                                  4586             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  organizers of such activities are                       § 515.575    Humanitarian projects.                    DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
                                                  authorized, provided that the event is                  *      *    *     *     *                              SECURITY
                                                  open for attendance, and in relevant
                                                                                                             (b) Authorized humanitarian projects.               Coast Guard
                                                  situations participation, by the Cuban
                                                                                                          The following projects are authorized by
                                                  public.
                                                                                                          paragraph (a) of this section: Medical                 33 CFR Part 165
                                                    Example 1 to § 515.567(a) and (b): An                 and health-related projects; construction
                                                  amateur baseball team wishes to travel to
                                                  Cuba to compete against a Cuban team in a
                                                                                                          projects intended to benefit legitimately              [Docket Number USCG–2016–0023]
                                                  baseball game in Cuba. The game will not be             independent civil society groups;
                                                                                                                                                                 RIN 1625–AA00
                                                  held under the auspices of the international            disaster preparedness, relief, and
                                                  sports federation for baseball. The baseball            response; historical preservation;                     Safety Zone; Transit Restrictions,
                                                  team’s activities therefore would not qualify           environmental projects; projects                       Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker
                                                  for the general license in paragraph (a). The           involving formal or non-formal
                                                  game will, however, be open to the Cuban
                                                                                                                                                                 311.0–319.0
                                                                                                          educational training, within Cuba or off-
                                                  public. The baseball team’s activities would                                                                   AGENCY:    Coast Guard, DHS.
                                                  qualify for the general license in paragraph            island, on the following topics:
                                                  (b).                                                    Entrepreneurship and business, civil                   ACTION:   Temporary final rule.
                                                    Example 2 to § 515.567(a) and (b): A U.S.             education, journalism, advocacy and
                                                                                                                                                                 SUMMARY:   The Coast Guard is extending
                                                  concert promoter wishes to organize a                   organizing, adult literacy, or vocational
                                                  musical event in Cuba that would be open to                                                                    an established safety zone for
                                                                                                          skills; community-based grassroots
                                                  the public and feature U.S. musical groups.                                                                    emergency purposes for all waters of the
                                                                                                          projects; projects suitable to the
                                                  The organizing of the musical event in Cuba                                                                    Lower Mississippi River (LMR),
                                                  by the U.S. concert promoter and the
                                                                                                          development of small-scale private                     extending the entire width from mile
                                                  participation by U.S. musical groups in the             enterprise; projects that are related to               311.0 to mile 319.0 above head of passes
                                                  event would qualify for the general license in          agricultural and rural development that                (AHP). This emergency safety zone is
                                                  paragraph (b).                                          promote independent activity;                          needed to protect persons, property and
                                                  *      *     *       *      *                           microfinancing projects, except for                    flood control infrastructure from the
                                                    Note 2 to § 515.567(a) and (b): Transactions
                                                                                                          loans, extensions of credit, or other                  potential safety hazards associated with
                                                  incident to the organization of amateur and             financing prohibited by § 515.208; and                 vessels underway transiting this area.
                                                  semi-professional international sports                  projects to meet basic human needs.                    Deviation from the safety zone is
                                                  federation competitions and public                      *      *    *     *     *                              prohibited unless specifically
                                                  performances, clinics, workshops, other                                                                        authorized by the Captain of the Port
                                                  athletic or non-athletic competitions, and              ■ 10. Amend § 515.584 by adding                        Lower Mississippi River or a designated
                                                  exhibitions include marketing related to such           paragraph (f) to read as follows:                      representative.
                                                  events in Cuba.
                                                                                                          § 515.584 Certain financial transactions               DATES: This rule is effective without
                                                  *     *     *     *     *                               involving Cuba.                                        actual notice from January 27, 2016
                                                  ■ 8. Amend § 515.572 by revising
                                                                                                          *      *     *     *    *                              until 11:59 p.m. on February 1, 2016.
                                                  paragraph (a)(2) and the introductory                                                                          For the purposes of enforcement, actual
                                                  text to the Note to § 515.572 to read as                   (f) Depository institutions, as defined             notice will be used from 12:01 a.m. on
                                                  follows:                                                in § 515.333, are authorized to provide                January 9, 2016 until January 27, 2016.
                                                                                                          financing for exports or reexports of                  ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in
                                                  § 515.572 Authorization to provide travel               items, other than agricultural items or
                                                  services, carrier services, and remittance                                                                     this preamble are part of docket [USCG–
                                                                                                          commodities, authorized pursuant to                    2016–0023]. To view documents
                                                  forwarding services.
                                                                                                          § 515.533, including issuing, advising,                mentioned in this preamble as being
                                                     (a) * * *                                            negotiating, paying, or confirming
                                                     (2) Authorization to provide carrier                                                                        available in the docket, go to http://
                                                                                                          letters of credit (including letters of                www.regulations.gov, type the docket
                                                  services. (i) Persons subject to U.S.
                                                                                                          credit issued by a financial institution               number in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click
                                                  jurisdiction are authorized to provide
                                                  carrier services to, from, or within Cuba               that is a national of Cuba), accepting                 ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket
                                                  in connection with travel or                            collateral for issuing or confirming                   Folder on the line associated with this
                                                  transportation, directly or indirectly,                 letters of credit, and processing                      rule.
                                                  between the United States and Cuba of                   documentary collections.                               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
                                                  persons, baggage, or cargo authorized                     Dated: January 21, 2016.                             you have questions on this rule, call or
                                                  pursuant to this part.                                  John E. Smith,                                         email LT Tyrone L. Conner, U.S. Coast
                                                     (ii) The entry into blocked space,                                                                          Guard; telephone 901–521–4825, email
                                                                                                          Acting Director, Office of Foreign Assets
                                                  code-sharing, or leasing arrangements to                                                                       Tyrone.L.Conner@uscg.mil.
                                                                                                          Control.
                                                  facilitate the provision of carrier                                                                            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                          [FR Doc. 2016–01559 Filed 1–26–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  services by air authorized pursuant to
                                                  section 515.572(a)(2) is authorized,                    BILLING CODE 4810–AL–P                                 I. Table of Abbreviations
                                                  including the entry into such                                                                                  AHP Above head of passes
                                                  arrangements with a national of Cuba.                                                                          CFR Code of Federal Regulations
                                                  *       *    *     *    *                                                                                      DHS Department of Homeland Security
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                                                                                 E.O. Executive order
                                                    Note to § 515.572: The following persons                                                                     FR Federal Register
                                                  may be transported, directly or indirectly,                                                                    NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                  between the United States and Cuba by a                                                                        Pub. L. Public Law
                                                  person authorized to provide carrier services:                                                                 § Section
                                                                                                                                                                 U.S.C. United States Code
                                                  *     *    *     *     *                                                                                       COTP Captain of the Port
                                                  ■ 9. Amend § 515.575 by revising                                                                               LMR Lower Mississippi River
                                                  paragraph (b) to read as follows:                                                                              USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers



                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:58 Jan 26, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00014   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\27JAR1.SGM   27JAR1


                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          4587

                                                  II. Background Information and                          taken to reduce the effects of normal                  executive orders related to rulemaking.
                                                  Regulatory History                                      traffic patterns during high water.                    Below we summarize our analyses
                                                     This temporary rule extends the                      Additionally, if the flood control                     based on a number of these statutes and
                                                  location for the safety zone under 33                   infrastructure is sufficiently weakened                E.O.s, and we discuss First Amendment
                                                  CFR 165.802, which provides for a                       by resulting effects of high water during              rights of protestors.
                                                  safety zone on the Lower Mississippi                    this period it could fail. Loss of this
                                                                                                                                                                 A. Regulatory Planning and Review
                                                  River extending from mile 311.5 to                      section of the main line infrastructure
                                                                                                          system would be catastrophic to large                     E.O.s 12866 and 13563 direct agencies
                                                  316.1 AHP. This temporary rule extends                                                                         to assess the costs and benefits of
                                                                                                          sections of Louisiana. The COTP Lower
                                                  that location to mile 311 to 319 AHP for                                                                       available regulatory alternatives and, if
                                                                                                          Mississippi River is establishing this
                                                  emergency purposes responding to high                                                                          regulation is necessary, to select
                                                                                                          safety zone as an extension of the
                                                  water. The Coast Guard is issuing this                                                                         regulatory approaches that maximize
                                                                                                          established regulation at 33 CFR
                                                  temporary rule without prior notice and                                                                        net benefits. E.O. 13563 emphasizes the
                                                                                                          165.802, effective from 12:01 a.m.
                                                  opportunity to comment pursuant to                                                                             importance of quantifying both costs
                                                                                                          January 9, 2016 to 11:59 p.m. February
                                                  authority under section 4(a) of the                                                                            and benefits, of reducing costs, of
                                                                                                          1, 2016 or until the river flood levels
                                                  Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5                                                                          harmonizing rules, and of promoting
                                                                                                          decrease, whichever occurs earlier.
                                                  U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision                                                                                 flexibility. This rule has not been
                                                  authorizes an agency to issue a rule                    IV. Discussion of the Rule                             designated a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                  without prior notice and opportunity to                    The Coast Guard is extending the                    action,’’ under E.O. 12866. Accordingly,
                                                  comment when the agency for good                        location for the safety under 33 CFR                   it has not been reviewed by the Office
                                                  cause finds that those procedures are                   165.802 for emergency high water                       of Management and Budget.
                                                  ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary               response purposes. As established, 33                     This regulatory action determination
                                                  to the public interest.’’                               CFR 165.802 provides for a safety zone                 is based on the size, location, duration,
                                                     Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast                  as follows:                                            and time-of-year of the safety zone. This
                                                  Guard finds that good cause exists for                     • The area enclosed by the following                emergency safety zone will restrict
                                                  not publishing a notice of proposed                     boundary is a safety zone—from the                     navigation on the Mississippi River
                                                  rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this                  Black Hawk Point Light, mile 316.1                     from mile 311.0 to mile 319.0 AHP in
                                                  rule because immediate action is needed                 AHP LMR to a point opposite Ft. Adams                  the vicinity of Ft. Adams Light and
                                                  to protect persons, property and flood                  Light, mile 311.5 AHP along the low                    Black Hawk Point Light from 12:01 p.m.
                                                  control infrastructure from the potential               water reference plane above the right                  January 9, 2016 through 11:59 p.m. on
                                                  safety hazards associated with vessels                  descending bank; thence to the levee on                February 1, 2016, or until the river flood
                                                  underway transiting this area.                          a line perpendicular to the channel                    levels decrease, whichever occurs
                                                  Completing the full NPRM process is                     centerline; thence along the levee to the              earlier. Notifications to the marine
                                                  impracticable and contrary to the public                upstream end of the Old River Overbank                 community will be made through BNM,
                                                  interest because we must establish this                 structure; thence along a line to the                  LNM, and communications with local
                                                  safety zone in response to increasing                   Black Hawk Point Light.                                waterway users. Notices of changes to
                                                  high water and possible flood and high                     • Any vessel desiring to enter this                 the safety zone and effective times will
                                                  water operations taking place between                   safety zone must first obtain permission               also be made. Additionally, deviation
                                                  January 9 and February 1, 2016.                         from the Captain of the Port, New                      requests may be made and will be
                                                  Completing the NPRM process would                       Orleans. The resident engineer at Old                  considered and reviewed on a case-by-
                                                  delay the additional safety measures                    River Control Structure (WUG–424) is                   case basis.
                                                  necessary to protect persons, property                  delegated the authority to permit entry
                                                  and flood control infrastructure from the                                                                      B. Impact on Small Entities
                                                                                                          into this safety zone.
                                                  hazards associated with vessels                            This rule extends the published                        The Regulatory Flexibility Act of
                                                  underway.                                               location to mile 311.0 to mile 319.0                   1980, 5 U.S.C. 601–612, as amended,
                                                     We are issuing this rule, and under 5                AHP, extending the entire width of the                 requires Federal agencies to consider
                                                  U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds                 river and is effective from 12:01 a.m.                 the potential impact of regulations on
                                                  that good cause exists for making it                    January 9, 2016 through 11:59 p.m. on                  small entities during rulemaking. The
                                                  effective less than 30 days after                       February 1, 2016 or until the river flood              term ‘‘small entities’’ comprises small
                                                  publication in the Federal Register.                    levels decrease, whichever occurs                      businesses, not-for-profit organizations
                                                  Delaying the effective date of this rule                earlier.                                               that are independently owned and
                                                  would be impracticable and contrary to                     Entry into this zone is prohibited                  operated and are not dominant in their
                                                  the public interest because we must                     unless permission has been granted by                  fields, and governmental jurisdictions
                                                  establish this safety zone in response to               the COTP Lower Mississippi or a                        with populations of less than 50,000.
                                                  increasing high water and possible                      designated representative or by the                    The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C.
                                                  emergency operations taking place                       authority as delegated in 33 CFR                       605(b) that this rule will not have a
                                                  between January 9 and February 1,                       165.802. Broadcast Notice to Mariners                  significant economic impact on a
                                                  2016.                                                   (BNM) will provide any changes in the                  substantial number of small entities.
                                                                                                          schedule for this safety zone. Deviation                  While some owners or operators of
                                                  III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule                                                                         vessels intending to transit the safety
                                                                                                          requests will be considered and
                                                     The Coast Guard is issuing this rule                 reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The                  zone may be small entities, for the
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                  under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231.                      COTP Lower Mississippi River may be                    reasons stated in section V.A above, this
                                                     The Coast Guard received notification                contacted by telephone at 1–866–777–                   rule will not have a significant
                                                  from the New Orleans District, Army                     2784 or can be reached by VHF–FM                       economic impact on any vessel owner
                                                  Corps of Engineers that there is a high                 channel 16.                                            or operator.
                                                  possibility that flood control                                                                                    Under section 213(a) of the Small
                                                  infrastructure from mile 311.0 to mile                  V. Regulatory Analyses                                 Business Regulatory Enforcement
                                                  319.0 AHP on the Mississippi River will                   We developed this rule after                         Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121),
                                                  sustain damage if immediate action isn’t                considering numerous statutes and                      we want to assist small entities in


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                                                  4588             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  understanding this rule. If the rule                    Environmental Policy Act of 1969(42                       (c) Regulations. (1) In accordance with
                                                  would affect your small business,                       U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have                           the general regulations in § 165.23, entry
                                                  organization, or governmental                           determined that this action is one of a                into this zone is prohibited unless
                                                  jurisdiction and you have questions                     category of actions that do not                        specifically authorized by the COTP
                                                  concerning its provisions or options for                individually or cumulatively have a                    Lower Mississippi River or a designated
                                                  compliance, please contact the person                   significant effect on the human                        representative.
                                                  listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION                   environment. This rule involves an                        (2) Any vessel desiring to enter this
                                                  CONTACT section.                                        emergency safety zone that will prohibit               safety zone must first obtain permission
                                                                                                          entry into this zone unless permission                 from the Captain of the Port, New
                                                  C. Collection of Information                                                                                   Orleans. They may be contacted on
                                                                                                          has been granted by the COTP Lower
                                                    This rule will not call for a new                     Mississippi or a designated                            VHF–FM Channel 16 or by telephone at
                                                  collection of information under the                     representative on the Mississippi River                866–777–2784. The resident engineer at
                                                  Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44                     mile 311.0 to mile 319.0 AHP. It is                    Old River Control Structure (WUG–424)
                                                  U.S.C. 3501–3520).                                      categorically excluded from further                    is delegated the authority to permit
                                                  D. Federalism and Indian Tribal                         review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure                 entry into this safety zone.
                                                                                                          2–1 of the Commandant Instruction. An                     (d) Informational broadcasts. The
                                                  Governments
                                                                                                          environmental analysis checklist                       COTP Lower Mississippi River or a
                                                     A rule has implications for federalism               supporting this determination and a                    designated representative will inform
                                                  under E.O. 13132, Federalism, if it has                 Categorical Exclusion Determination are                the public through broadcast notices to
                                                  a substantial direct effect on the States,              available in the docket where indicated                mariners of the enforcement period for
                                                  on the relationship between the national                under ADDRESSES. We seek any                           the emergency safety zone as well as
                                                  government and the States, or on the                    comments or information that may lead                  any changes in the dates and times of
                                                  distribution of power and                               to the discovery of a significant                      enforcement.
                                                  responsibilities among the various                      environmental impact from this rule.                     Dated: January 7, 2016.
                                                  levels of government. We have analyzed
                                                                                                          G. Protest Activities                                  T.J. Wendt,
                                                  this rule under that Order and have
                                                  determined that it is consistent with the                                                                      Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the
                                                                                                            The Coast Guard respects the First                   Port, Lower Mississippi River.
                                                  fundamental federalism principles and                   Amendment rights of protesters.
                                                  preemption requirements described in                                                                           [FR Doc. 2016–01632 Filed 1–26–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                          Protesters are asked to contact the
                                                  E.O. 13132.                                             person listed in the FOR FURTHER                       BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
                                                     Also, this rule does not have tribal                 INFORMATION CONTACT section to
                                                  implications under E.O. 13175,                          coordinate protest activities so that your
                                                  Consultation and Coordination with                                                                             DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
                                                                                                          message can be received without
                                                  Indian Tribal Governments, because it                                                                          SECURITY
                                                                                                          jeopardizing the safety or security of
                                                  does not have a substantial direct effect               people, places or vessels.                             Coast Guard
                                                  on one or more Indian tribes, on the
                                                  relationship between the Federal                        List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
                                                                                                                                                                 33 CFR Part 165
                                                  Government and Indian tribes, or on the                   Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation
                                                  distribution of power and                               (water), Reporting and recordkeeping                   [Docket Number USCG–2016–0014]
                                                  responsibilities between the Federal                    requirements, Security measures,                       RIN 1625–AA00
                                                  Government and Indian tribes. If you                    Waterways.
                                                  believe this rule has implications for                    For the reasons discussed in the                     Safety Zone; Transit Restrictions,
                                                  federalism or Indian tribes, please                     preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33                    Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker
                                                  contact the person listed in the FOR                    CFR part 165 as follows:                               365.0—361.0
                                                  FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section
                                                  above.                                                  PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION                          AGENCY:    Coast Guard, DHS.
                                                                                                          AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS                         ACTION:   Temporary final rule.
                                                  E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                      ■ 1. The authority citation for part 165               SUMMARY:   The Coast Guard is
                                                  of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires                   continues to read as follows:                          establishing a temporary safety zone for
                                                  Federal agencies to assess the effects of                                                                      all waters of the Lower Mississippi
                                                                                                            Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191;
                                                  their discretionary regulatory actions. In              33 CFR 1.05–1; 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5;
                                                                                                                                                                 River (LMR), extending the entire width
                                                  particular, the Act addresses actions                   Department of Homeland Security Delegation             from mile 365.0 to mile 361.0. This
                                                  that may result in the expenditure by a                 No. 0170.1.                                            safety zone is needed to protect persons,
                                                  State, local, or tribal government, in the                                                                     property and flood control
                                                                                                          ■ 2. A new temporary § 165.T08–0023 is                 infrastructure from the potential safety
                                                  aggregate, or by the private sector of                  added to read as follows:
                                                  $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or                                                                       hazards associated with the wake from
                                                  more in any one year. Though this rule                  § 165.T08–0023 Safety Zone; Mississippi                vessels underway transiting this area.
                                                  will not result in such an expenditure,                 River, Mile Marker 365.0 to 354.0.                     Deviation from the safety zone is
                                                  we do discuss the effects of this rule                    (a) Location. The following area is an               prohibited unless specifically
                                                  elsewhere in this preamble.                             emergency safety zone: All waters of the               authorized by the Captain of the Port
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                          Mississippi River between mile 311.0                   Lower Mississippi River or a designated
                                                  F. Environment                                          and mile 319.0, extending the entire                   representative.
                                                    We have analyzed this rule under                      width of the river.                                    DATES: This rule is effective without
                                                  Department of Homeland Security                            (b) Enforcement date. This rule is                  actual notice from January 27, 2016
                                                  Management Directive 023–01 and                         effective from 12:01 a.m. on January 9,                until 11:59 p.m. on February 1, 2016.
                                                  Commandant Instruction M16475.lD,                       2016 through 11:59 p.m. on February 1,                 For the purposes of enforcement, actual
                                                  which guide the Coast Guard in                          2015, or until the river flood levels                  notice will be used from 12:01 a.m. on
                                                  complying with the National                             decrease, whichever occurs earlier.                    January 10, 2016 until January 27, 2016.


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Document Created: 2018-02-02 12:40:07
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 12:40:07
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionTemporary final rule.
DatesThis rule is effective without actual notice from January 27, 2016 until 11:59 p.m. on February 1, 2016. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from 12:01 a.m. on January 9, 2016 until January 27, 2016.
ContactIf you have questions on this rule, call or email LT Tyrone L. Conner, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 901-521- 4825, email [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 4586 
RIN Number1625-AA00
CFR AssociatedHarbors; Marine Safety; Navigation (water); Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Security Measures and Waterways

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