82_FR_2274 82 FR 2269 - Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan

82 FR 2269 - Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 5 (January 9, 2017)

Page Range2269-2280
FR Document2016-31741

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to designate an area of 1,075 square miles of Wisconsin state waters as the Wisconsin--Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary (WLMNMS or sanctuary). NOAA also proposes regulations to implement the sanctuary designation and establish the sanctuary's terms of designation. A draft environmental impact statement and draft management plan have also been prepared for this proposed action. The purpose of this action is to supplement current Wisconsin state regulations and resource protection efforts in a way that will ensure long term protection of the nationally significant collection of historic shipwrecks and other maritime heritage resources in the area. NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule, draft environmental impact statement (DEIS), and draft management plan (DMP). NOAA will also begin consultations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and solicit public comments specifically related to the identification and assessment of the historic properties within the affected area in compliance with Section 106 review process.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 5 (Monday, January 9, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 5 (Monday, January 9, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2269-2280]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31741]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

15 CFR Part 922

[Docket No. 160907828-6828-01]
RIN 0648-BG01


Wisconsin--Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary; Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking and Availability of Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement and Management Plan

AGENCY: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean 
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is 
proposing to designate an area of 1,075 square miles of Wisconsin state 
waters as the Wisconsin--Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary 
(WLMNMS or sanctuary). NOAA also proposes regulations to implement the 
sanctuary designation and establish the sanctuary's terms of 
designation. A draft environmental impact statement and draft 
management plan have also been prepared for this proposed action. The 
purpose of this action is to supplement current Wisconsin state 
regulations and resource protection efforts in a way that will ensure 
long term protection of the nationally significant collection of 
historic shipwrecks and other maritime heritage resources in the area. 
NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule, draft 
environmental impact statement (DEIS), and draft management plan (DMP). 
NOAA will also begin consultations under Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and solicit public comments 
specifically related to the identification and assessment of the 
historic properties within the affected area in compliance with Section 
106 review process.

DATES: NOAA will consider all comments received by March 31, 2017. 
Public meetings will be held on the following dates:
    (1) March 13, 2017, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Algoma, WI;
    (2) March 14, 2017, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Manitowoc, WI;
    (3) March 15, 2017, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sheboygan, WI; and
    (4) March 16, 2017, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Port Washington, WI.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NOS-2016-0150, by any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NOS-2016-0150, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Russ Green, Regional Coordinator, Northeast and 
Great Lakes Region, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, 
University of Wisconsin--Sheboygan, One University Drive, Sheboygan, WI 
53081.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NOAA. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NOAA will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous).
    Copies of the proposed rule, DEIS, and DMP can be downloaded or 
viewed on the internet at www.regulations.gov (search for docket #NOAA-
NOS-2016-0150) or at www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NOS-
2016-0150. Copies can also be obtained by contacting the person 
identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    The public meeting locations are:

(1) Algoma, WI: Knudson Hall, 620 Lake Street, Algoma, WI 54201 (March 
13, 2017)
(2) Manitowoc, WI: Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Dr., 
Manitowoc, WI 54220 (March 14, 2017)
(3) Sheboygan, WI: University of Wisconsin--Sheboygan, Main Building, 
Wombat Room (Room 2114), 1 University Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53081 (March 
15, 2017)
(4) Port Washington, WI: Wilson House, 200 N. Franklin St., Port 
Washington, WI 53074 (March 16, 2017)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Russ Green, Regional Coordinator, 
Northeast and Great Lakes Region at (920) 459-4425 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

A. Wisconsin--Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary Background

    The National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA; 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) 
authorizes the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to designate and 
protect as national marine sanctuaries areas of the marine environment 
that are of special national significance due to their conservation, 
recreational, ecological, historical, scientific, cultural, 
archeological, educational, or esthetic qualities. Day-to-day 
management of national marine sanctuaries has been delegated by the 
Secretary to NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS). The 
primary objective of the NMSA is to protect the sanctuary system's 
biological and cultural resources, such as coral reefs, marine animals, 
historic shipwrecks, other historic structures, and archaeological 
sites.
    The 1,075-square-mile area proposed for designation as the 
Wisconsin--Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary

[[Page 2270]]

encompasses the waters and bottomlands of Lake Michigan adjacent to 
Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Ozaukee Counties. Principal cities in this 
area include Port Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and 
Mequon. The boundary includes 80 miles of shoreline and extends 7 to 16 
miles from the shoreline.
    The area includes a nationally significant collection of maritime 
heritage resources, including 37 known shipwrecks, about 80 suspected 
shipwrecks, and numerous other historic maritime-related features such 
as historic cribs, docks, and piers. The historic shipwrecks in the 
proposed sanctuary are representative of the vessels that sailed and 
steamed this corridor, carrying grain and raw materials east as other 
vessels came west loaded with coal, manufactured goods, and people. 
Eighteen of the 37 shipwreck sites are listed on the National Register 
of Historic Places. Many of the shipwrecks in the proposed sanctuary 
retain an unusual degree of architectural integrity, with 14 vessels 
nearly intact. Well preserved by Lake Michigan's cold, fresh water, the 
shipwrecks and related maritime heritage sites in and around the 
proposed Wisconsin--Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary possess 
exceptional historical, archaeological and recreational value.
    On December 2, 2014, pursuant to section 304 of the NMSA and the 
Sanctuary Nomination Process (SNP; 79 FR 33851), Wisconsin Governor 
Scott Walker, on behalf of the State of Wisconsin; the Cities of Two 
Rivers, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Port Washington; the Counties of 
Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc, submitted a nomination asking NOAA 
to consider designating this area of Wisconsin's Lake Michigan waters 
as a national marine sanctuary. The State of Wisconsin's selection of 
this geographic area for the nomination drew heavily from a 2008 report 
conducted by the Wisconsin History Society and funded by the Wisconsin 
Coastal Management Program (Wisconsin's Historic Shipwrecks: An 
Overview and Analysis of Locations for a State/Federal Partnership with 
the National Marine Sanctuary Program, 2008, http://www.maritimetrails.org/assets/pages/Wisconsins%20Historic%20Shipwrecks.pdf). The nomination also identified 
opportunities for NOAA to strengthen and expand on resource protection, 
education, and research programs by state of Wisconsin agencies and in 
the four communities along the Lake Michigan coast. NOAA completed its 
review of the nomination, and on February 5, 2015 added the area to the 
inventory of nominations that are eligible for designation. All 
nominations submitted to NOAA can be found at: http://www.nominate.noaa.gov/nominations/.
    NOAA began the sanctuary designation process for Wisconsin--Lake 
Michigan National Marine Sanctuary on October 7, 2015 with the 
publication of a notice of intent (NOI; 80 FR 60631) to prepare a DEIS 
and the initiation of a public process, as required under the NMSA and 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The DEIS evaluates 
alternatives related to the proposed designation of the area, including 
a preferred alternative. The NOI also announced NOAA's intent to 
fulfill its responsibilities under the requirements of the NHPA.
    A duplicate version of the notice for intent was published in error 
two days earlier on October 5, 2015 (80 FR 60132). That publication 
contained the exact same content as the official version made available 
for public inspection and published on October 7, 2015 (80 FR 60631). 
Any comments received in connection with the publication in error on 
October 5, 2015 were accepted and considered by NOAA.

B. Need for Action

    Establishing a national marine sanctuary in Wisconsin waters would 
complement and supplement existing state-led preservation efforts, 
research programs, and public outreach initiatives. Threats to the 
nationally significant resources in the area include both human 
activities and natural processes. Natural process include the damaging 
impacts of wind, waves, storms, and ice, as well as the impact of 
invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels that today cover most 
of Lake Michigan's shipwrecks. Human threats to underwater cultural 
resources include looting and altering sanctuary shipwreck sites and 
damaging sites by anchoring. These processes threaten the long term 
sustainability of historic shipwrecks and other underwater cultural 
resources, and negatively impact their recreational and archaeological 
value. Examples of these impacts include: Anchor damage from visiting 
dive boats, damage due to unpermitted and poorly attached mooring 
lines, artifacts being looted, artifacts being moved within a shipwreck 
site, a remotely-operated vehicle tether entangled within a shipwreck, 
fishing gear entangled within a shipwreck, increased invasive mussel 
coverage, and the disturbance and natural deterioration of newly 
uncovered shipwrecks within the boundary's large swaths of shallow, 
sandy lakebottom.
    The sanctuary would enhance and facilitate broader lake 
conservation efforts as well as heritage tourism within the many 
communities that have embraced their centuries-long maritime 
relationship with Lake Michigan, the Great Lakes region, and the 
nation. A sanctuary designation would enhance existing comprehensive 
management programs. The presence of a sanctuary would provide access 
to NOAA's extended network of scientific expertise and technological 
resources, enhance ongoing research, and provide an umbrella for the 
coordination of these activities. It would support and build on 
existing educational initiatives and provide programming and technology 
for K-12, post-graduate, and the general public across the state. A 
sanctuary designation, the local commitment to the sanctuary, the 
existing state agency interest, and NOAA's existing network of 
affiliated programs has the potential to create synergies that reach 
far beyond the proposed sanctuary boundaries.

C. Designation Process

National Marine Sanctuary Designation Process
    NOAA may identify areas to consider for national marine sanctuary 
designation through the community-based SNP described above. The 
process for designating a new national marine sanctuary is described in 
the NMSA and has four steps:
    Scoping: NOAA announces its intent to designate a new national 
marine sanctuary and asks the public for input on potential boundaries, 
resources that could be protected, issues NOAA should consider and any 
information that should be included in the detailed resource analysis 
in a draft environmental impact statement.
    Sanctuary Proposal: NOAA prepares draft designation documents 
including a DMP, DEIS that analyzes a range of alternatives, proposed 
regulations and proposed boundaries.
    Public Review: The public, agency partners, tribes and other 
stakeholders provide input on the draft documents. The public review 
step also includes the formal consultations required under NEPA, the 
NMSA, the NHPA, and other relevant statutes. NOAA considers all input 
and determines appropriate changes.
    Sanctuary Designation: NOAA makes a final decision and prepares 
final documents. Before the designation becomes effective, the Governor 
reviews

[[Page 2271]]

the documents. Congress also has the opportunity to review the 
documents.
Public Scoping Process
    On October 7, 2015 NOAA initiated the public scoping process with 
the publication of the NOI in the Federal Register (80 FR 60631) asking 
for public input on the proposed designation and informing the public 
that NOAA intended to prepare a DEIS evaluating alternatives related to 
the proposed designation of Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine 
Sanctuary under NMSA. That announcement initiated a 90-day public 
comment period during which NOAA solicited additional input related to 
the scale and scope of the proposed sanctuary, including ideas 
presented in the community nomination. The NOI also announced NOAA's 
intent to fulfill its responsibilities under the requirements of NHPA.
    During the public comment period, NOAA hosted three public meetings 
in November 2015 and provided additional opportunity for comments 
through a web-based portal [https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NOS-2015-0112] and by traditional mail until 
January 15, 2016. All comments received, through any of these formats, 
were publicly posted on the www.regulations.gov web portal.
    During this period, approximately 135 individuals provided input. 
Comments were overwhelmingly supportive of the goals of sanctuary 
designation, including the rationale for conservation of nationally-
significant resources, considerations that enhance public use and 
recreation, considerations that enhance tourism and the local economy, 
and as a venue for education, science and interpretation as described 
in the community nomination.
    The comments underscored the need for conservation and 
interpretation, particularly the importance of educating users about 
the importance of the Great Lakes and the role that shipbuilding and 
shipping commerce has played in the history of the region and our 
nation. There was strong support from local communities, governments, 
and organizations supporting sanctuary designation and offering 
opportunities to partner for education, research, outreach and other 
activities.
    Several commenters who otherwise supported sanctuary designation 
expressed concern that designation should not in any way disrupt 
existing lake commerce. Specific concerns focused on the need for 
continued ability to dredge and maintain ports and the continued 
ability for ships to ballast in port and in open water.
    The few comments in opposition to sanctuary designation were 
concerned about the cost of implementation, the possibility that 
designation would make metal detecting illegal, and that designation 
would be an unneeded level of government intervention.
    There were several requests that NOAA consider expanding the 
proposed boundaries. Several comments suggesting expansion north to 
include shipwrecks in Kewaunee County, and one commenter requested 
inclusion of Green Bay.
    NOAA used the public comments submitted during the scoping process 
to inform the preparation of the DMP, DEIS, and the proposed sanctuary 
regulations. In response to many of these comments, this proposed rule 
proposes to provide additional protection to maritime heritage 
resources, particularly the nationally significant collection of 
historic shipwrecks. The environmental effects of these proposed 
designations are analyzed in a DEIS published concurrently with this 
proposed rule. NOAA has also developed an associated DMP describing 
sanctuary management activities in the area proposed for designation. 
NOAA is seeking public comment on the proposed rule, DEIS, and DMP, 
which are available at http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wisconsin/ or may be 
obtained by contacting the individual listed under the heading FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

II. Summary of the Proposed Regulations

1. Adding New Subpart T and Reserving Subpart S

    NOAA is proposing to amend 15 CFR part 922 by adding a new subpart 
(subpart T) that contains site-specific regulations for WLMNMS. This 
subpart would include the proposed boundary, contain definitions of 
common terms used in the new subpart, provide a framework for co-
management of the sanctuary, identify prohibited activities and 
exceptions, and establish procedures for certification of existing 
uses, permitting otherwise prohibited activities, and emergency 
regulation procedures. Several conforming changes would also be made to 
the national sanctuary regulations as described below.
    NOAA is concurrently working on designating a separate new national 
marine sanctuary in Mallows Bay--Potomac River waters as part of a 
separate rulemaking process, and those regulations would be published 
in their own new subpart (subpart S). As such, in this rulemaking, NOAA 
proposes to add and reserve subpart S for any future site-specific 
regulations that might be issued. NOAA would harmonize the regulations 
for the Mallows Bay-Potomac River designation process with any final 
rule associated with this action.

2. Proposed Sanctuary Name

    NOAA has proposed to name the sanctuary the ``Wisconsin--Lake 
Michigan National Marine Sanctuary (WLMNMS)'' based on the nomination 
submitted by the community. This name aptly identifies both the lake 
and state where the proposed sanctuary is located. NOAA is asking for 
the public to provide input on this proposed name. The public may also 
suggest an alternative name and state the reasons for suggesting an 
alternative name.

3. Proposed Sanctuary Boundary

    NOAA is proposing to designate a 1,075-square mile area of Lake 
Michigan waters off Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc Counties as 
WLMNMS. The sanctuary's shoreward boundary would be defined by the 
Ordinary High Water Mark as defined by the state of Wisconsin, while 
the lakeward boundary would be drawn to include all known shipwrecks in 
each county, extending 16 miles offshore at its greatest extent. The 
harbors and marinas of Two Rivers, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Port 
Washington would not be included in the sanctuary. The detailed legal 
boundary description is included in section 922.210 and the coordinates 
are located in 15 CFR part 922, subpart T, appendix A. A map of the 
area is shown in the DEIS.
    Within this proposed boundary are 37 known shipwrecks, including 18 
on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary would 
provide comprehensive protection of underwater cultural resources as 
well as develop partnerships and resources for education, 
interpretation, personnel, research, and administration. This would 
provide enhanced management of underwater cultural resources, as well 
as potential economic benefits to the coastal communities from Mequon 
to Two Rivers.
    The proposed boundary reflects the boundary the State of Wisconsin 
submitted to NOAA in the nomination with an adjustment based on 
discussions with the State of Wisconsin. The State submitted an 875-
square-mile boundary in the nomination. NOAA's adjustments result in a 
1,075-square-mile boundary, and includes moving the southern and 
northern boundary lines to

[[Page 2272]]

the county lines and expanding the southeast corners to include the 
shipwreck site of the Senator (its location was previously unknown), 
and excluding ports and harbors.

4. Definitions

    NOAA is proposing a site-specific definition of ``sanctuary 
resources'' for the WLMNMS to be tailored to include only the 
underwater cultural resources found in this area in accordance with the 
purpose of the proposed designation. The definition would not include 
biological and ecological resources of the area. Creating this new 
site-specific definition requires NOAA to modify the national 
definition of ``sanctuary resource'' in the national regulations at 
section 922.3 to add an additional sentence that defines the term for 
WLMNMS at section 922.211(a). This is similar to the approach taken for 
other national marine sanctuaries that do not share the full 
``sanctuary resource'' definition such as Thunder Bay National Marine 
Sanctuary.
    The new WLMNMS definition of ``sanctuary resources'' would be all 
prehistoric, historic, archaeological, and cultural sites and artifacts 
within the sanctuary boundary, including but not limited to, all 
shipwrecks and related components.
    Additionally NOAA would add a definition for ``shipwreck site'' in 
the WLMNMS regulations at Section 922.211(a) that would define a subset 
of the ``sanctuary resources.'' The definition for ``shipwreck site'' 
would be more narrowly focused than the broader ``sanctuary resource'' 
definition and would be used in one of the prohibited activities 
regulations. ``Shipwreck site'' is defined as any sunken watercraft, 
its components, cargo, contents, and associated debris field.
    This proposed rule incorporates and adopts other common terms 
defined in the existing national regulations at section 922.3. One of 
the common terms adopted (without modification) is ``National Marine 
Sanctuary'' or ``Sanctuary,'' which means an area of the marine 
environment of special national significance due to its resource or 
human-use values, which is designated as such to ensure its 
conservation and management.

5. Co-Management of the Sanctuary

    In order to further enhance the engagement forged by the State of 
Wisconsin in nominating this area to become a national marine 
sanctuary, NOAA is proposing to manage the sanctuary collaboratively 
with the State of Wisconsin. NOAA proposes to establish the framework 
for co-management of the sanctuary at section 922.212 and intends to 
work out the operational details of the collaboration in a Memorandum 
of Understanding (MOU). Details on the execution of sanctuary 
management such as activities, programs, and permitting programs would 
be included in the MOU and can be updated to adapt to changing 
conditions or threats to the sanctuary resources. Any significant 
changes to the regulations or management plan would not only be jointly 
coordinated but also subject to public review.

6. Prohibited and Regulated Activities

    NOAA is proposing to supplement and complement existing management 
of this area by proposing three regulations to protect the sanctuary 
resources in section 922.213(a).
a. Damaging Sanctuary Resources
    As a complement to existing protections under state law and NHPA 
regulations, NOAA is proposing to prohibit moving, removing, 
recovering, altering, destroying, possessing or otherwise injuring, or 
attempting to move, remove, recover, alter, destroy, possess or 
otherwise injure a sanctuary resource. This sanctuary prohibition would 
supplement the existing Wisconsin regulations that prohibit damaging 
shipwrecks. Since 1991 Wisconsin has had state regulations related to 
removing or damaging shipwrecks that currently apply to the proposed 
area and would continue to apply to these resources after sanctuary 
designation.
b. Anchoring or Grappling on a Shipwreck Site
    NOAA is proposing to prohibit the use of grappling hooks and 
anchoring devices into shipwreck sites to protect fragile shipwrecks 
within the sanctuary from damage. To provide the public adequate notice 
of shipwreck sites, NOAA will prepare and make available sanctuary maps 
with known and suspected shipwreck sites. Shipwreck sites not listed on 
maps would still be sanctuary resources and the prohibition on 
anchoring and grappling would still apply. The proposed management plan 
includes activities related to surveying the sanctuary area and 
identifying additional shipwreck sites. As appropriate, and in 
consideration of resource management conflicts, NOAA would update the 
maps as new shipwreck sites are found by the sanctuary, the Wisconsin 
Historical Society, or other public or private groups and individuals. 
Because NOAA seeks to promote public access, while also ensuring sound 
resource protection, an initial focus of the sanctuary management plan 
will be the installation of permanent mooring systems at sanctuary 
shipwreck sites. The moorings will provide a secure and convenient 
anchoring point for users, eliminating the need for grappling, and 
providing additional notice of the location of any known shipwreck 
site. NOAA is proposing to publish guidelines on best practices for 
anchoring near shipwrecks sites to avoid violating this prohibition. An 
example of a best practice could include instructions on using a 
weighted line, with a suggested maximum weight of 15 pounds, and 
surface float to mark a wreck for divers to descend and ascend. But the 
line would not use as an anchoring line; it would need to be 
continuously tended and removed before the dive boat leaves the area.
c. Interfering With Investigations
    NOAA is proposing a regulation to prohibit interfering with 
sanctuary enforcement activities. This regulation will assist in NOAA's 
enforcement of the sanctuary regulations and strengthen sanctuary 
management.
d. Exemption for Emergencies and Law Enforcement
    NOAA is proposing to include an exemption from the three 
regulations described above for activities that respond to emergencies 
that threaten lives, property or the environment, or are necessary for 
law enforcement purposes.

7. Emergency Regulations

    As part of the proposed designation, NOAA is proposing to give the 
sanctuary authority to issue emergency regulations. Emergency 
regulations are used in limited cases and under specific conditions 
when there is an imminent risk to sanctuary resources and a temporary 
prohibition would prevent the destruction or loss of those resources. 
Under the NMSA, NOAA only issues emergency regulations that address an 
imminent risk for a fixed amount of time with a maximum of 6 months 
that can be extended a single time. A full rulemaking process must be 
undertaken, including a public comment period, to consider making an 
emergency regulation permanent. NOAA would add the authority to issue 
emergency regulations by modifying the national regulations at section 
922.44 to include WLMNMS in a list of sanctuaries that have site-
specific regulations related to emergency

[[Page 2273]]

regulations, and adding detailed site-specific emergency regulations to 
the WLMNMS regulations at section 922.214.

8. General Permits, Certifications, Authorizations, and Special Use 
Permits

a. General Permits
    NOAA is proposing to include the authority to issue permits to 
allow certain activities that would otherwise violate the prohibitions 
in WLMNMS regulations. Similar to other national marine sanctuaries, 
NOAA is proposing to consider these permits for the purposes of 
education, research, or management.
    To address the above additions to the ONMS general permit authority 
for WLMNMS, NOAA would amend regulatory text in the program-wide 
regulations in part 922, subpart E, to add references to subpart T, as 
appropriate. NOAA would also add a new section 922.215 in subpart T 
titled ``Permit procedures and review criteria'' that would address 
site-specific permit procedures for WLMNMS.
b. Certifications
    Because of the possibility that preexisting activities, right of 
subsistence use or access permitted by other federal, state, local, or 
tribal agencies might be occurring within the WLMNMS area that would 
otherwise be prohibited by WLMNMS regulations, NOAA would add language 
at section 922.216 describing the process by which it can certify 
existing activities within the WLMNMS area. In compliance with the 
NMSA, WLMNMS regulations at section 922.216 would state that 
certification is the process by which permitted activities existing 
prior to the designation of the sanctuary that violate sanctuary 
prohibitions may be allowed to continue, provided certain conditions 
are met. Applications for certifying permitted existing uses would have 
to be received by NOAA within 180 days of the effective date of the 
designation.
c. Authorizations
    NOAA also proposes to provide WLMNMS with the authority to consider 
allowing an otherwise prohibited activity if such activity is 
specifically authorized by any valid Federal, state, or local lease, 
permit, license, approval, or other authorization issued after 
sanctuary designation. Authorization authority is intended to 
streamline regulatory requirements by reducing the need for multiple 
permits and would apply to all proposed prohibitions at section 
922.213. As such, NOAA proposes to amend the regulatory text at section 
922.49 to add reference to subpart T.
d. Special Use Permits
    NOAA has the authority under the NMSA to issue special use permits 
(SUPs) at national marine sanctuaries as established by Section 310 of 
the NMSA. SUPs can be used to authorize specific activities in a 
sanctuary if such authorization is necessary (1) to establish 
conditions of access to and use of any sanctuary resource; or (2) to 
promote public use and understanding of a sanctuary resource. The 
activities that qualify for a SUP are set forth in the Federal Register 
(78 FR 25957; May 3, 2013). Categories of SUPs may be changed or added 
to through public notice and comment. NOAA would not apply the SUP to 
activities in place at the time of the WLMNMS designation.
    SUP applications are reviewed to ensure that the activity is 
compatible with the purposes for which the sanctuary is designated and 
that the activities carried out under the SUP be conducted in a manner 
that do not destroy, cause the loss of, or injure sanctuary resources. 
NOAA also requires SUP permittees to purchase and maintain 
comprehensive general liability insurance, or post an equivalent bond, 
against claims arising out of activities conducted under the permit. 
The NMSA allows NOAA to assess and collect fees for the conduct of any 
activity under a SUP. The fees collected could be used to recover the 
administrative costs of issuing the permit, the cost of implementing 
the permit, monitoring costs associated with the conduct of the 
activity, and the fair market value of the use of sanctuary resources.

9. Other Conforming Amendments

    The general regulations in part 922, subpart A, for general 
information and part 922, subpart E, for regulations of general 
applicability would also have to be amended so that the regulations are 
accurate and up-to-date. The 10 sections that will need to be updated 
to reflect the increased number of sanctuaries or to add subpart T to 
the list of sanctuaries. The modified sections to conform to adding a 
new sanctuary are:

 Section 922.1 Applicability of regulations
 Section 922.40 Purpose
 Section 922.41 Boundaries
 Section 922.42 Allowed activities
 Section 922.43 Prohibited or otherwise regulated activities
 Section 922.44 Emergency regulations
 Section 922.47 Pre-existing authorizations or rights and 
certifications of pre-existing authorizations or rights
 Section 922.48 National Marine Sanctuary permits--application 
procedures and issuance criteria
 Section 922.49 Notification and review of applications for 
leases, licenses, permits, approvals, or other authorizations to 
conduct a prohibited activity
 Section 922.50 Appeals of administrative action

10. Terms of Designation

    Section 304(a)(4) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) 
requires that the terms of designation include the geographic area 
included within the sanctuary; the characteristics of the area that 
give it conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, research, 
educational, or aesthetic value; and the types of activities that will 
be subject to regulation by the Secretary of Commerce to protect these 
characteristics. Section 304(a)(4) also specifies that the terms of 
designation may be modified only by the same procedures by which the 
original designation was made. Thus, the terms of designation serve as 
a constitution for the Sanctuary.
    NOAA is proposing to establish terms to designation that describe 
the geographic area, resources, and activities as described in details 
above. NOAA would add the terms of designation language as appendix B 
to the WLMNMS regulations at 15 CFR part 922, subpart T.

III. Classification

National Marine Sanctuaries Act

    NOAA has determined that the designation of the Wisconsin--Lake 
Michigan National Marine Sanctuary will not have a negative impact on 
the National Marine Sanctuary System and that sufficient resources 
exist to effectively implement sanctuary management plans and to update 
site characterizations. The finding for NMSA section 304(f) is 
published on the ONMS Web site for Wisconsin-Lake Michigan designation 
at http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wisconsin/.

National Environmental Policy Act

    NOAA has prepared a draft environmental impact statement to 
evaluate the environmental effects of the proposed rulemaking and 
alternatives as required by NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the NMSA. 
Copies of the DEIS and related DMP are available at the address and Web 
site listed in the ADDRESSES section of this proposed rule. NOAA is 
also soliciting public

[[Page 2274]]

comments on the DEIS and DMP. Responses to comments received on this 
proposed rule as well as on the DEIS and draft management plan will be 
published in the final environmental impact statement and preamble to 
the final rule.

Coastal Zone Management Act

    Section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA; 16 U.S.C. 
1456) requires Federal agencies to consult with a state's coastal 
program on potential Federal regulations having an effect on state 
waters. Because WLMNMS encompasses a portion of the Wisconsin State 
waters, NOAA intends to submit a copy of this proposed rule and 
supporting documents to the State of Wisconsin Coastal Zone Management 
Program for evaluation of Federal consistency under the CZMA. NOAA will 
publish the final rule and designation only after completion of the 
consultation requirements under the CZMA.

Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Impact

    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 13132: Federalism Assessment

    NOAA has concluded that this regulatory action does not have 
federalism implications sufficient to warrant preparation of a 
federalism assessment under Executive Order 13132 because NOAA 
supplements and complements state and local laws under the NMSA.

National Historic Preservation Act

    The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA; 16 U.S.C. 470 et 
seq.) is intended to preserve historical and archaeological sites in 
the United States of America. The act created the National Register of 
Historic Places, the list of National Historic Landmarks, and State 
Historic Preservation Offices. Section 106 of the NHPA requires Federal 
agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on 
historic properties, and afford the Advisory Council on Historic 
Preservation (ACHP) a reasonable opportunity to comment. The historic 
preservation review process mandated by Section 106 is outlined in 
regulations issued by ACHP (36 CFR part 800 et seq.). In fulfilling its 
responsibilities under the NHPA, NOAA is seeking to identify consulting 
parties in addition to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), 
and will complete the identification of historic properties and the 
assessment of the effects of the undertaking on such properties in 
scheduled consultations with those identified parties and the SHPO. By 
this notice NOAA seeks public input, particularly in regard to the 
identification of historic properties within the proposed areas of 
potential effect. Pursuant to 36 CFR 800.16(l)(1), historic properties 
includes: ``any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, 
structure or object included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the 
National Register of Historic Places maintained by the Secretary of the 
Interior. The term includes artifacts, records, and remains that are 
related to and located within such properties. The term includes 
properties of traditional religious and cultural importance to an 
Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization and that meet the National 
Register criteria.'' If you, your organization(s), or business(es) 
would like to be considered a ``consulting party'' under Section 106 
please contact the individual listed under the heading FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT; include contact information for the principal 
representative for the consultation; and describe you or your party's 
interest in the proposed designation. In accordance with 36 CFR 
800.3(f)(3), NOAA will consider all ``consulting party'' requests but 
has ultimate discretion in determining and inviting additional 
consulting parties.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This analysis seeks to fulfill the requirements of Executive Order 
12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The Small Business 
Administration has established thresholds on the designation of 
businesses as ``small entities''. A finfish fishing businesses is 
considered a small business if it has annual receipts of less than 
$20.5 million. Scenic and Sightseeing and Recreational industries are 
considered small businesses if they have annual receipts not in excess 
of $7.5 million. According to these limits, each of the businesses 
potentially affected by the proposed rule would most likely be small 
businesses. However, as further discussed below, these regulations will 
not have a significant economic impact on the affected small entities, 
and the Chief Counsel for Regulations for the Department of Commerce 
has certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration that this rule will not have significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. Thus, NOAA is not required 
to and has not prepared an initial regulatory flexibility analysis.
    Methodology. The analysis here is based on limited quantitative 
information on how much each activity occurs within the proposed 
sanctuary. Consequently, the result is more qualitative than 
quantitative.
    Scales Used for Assessing Impacts. For assessing levels of impacts 
within an alternative, NOAA used three levels; ``negligible'', 
``moderate'' and ``high'' plus ``no impacts''. For levels of impacts 
within the proposed alternatives being analyzed, negligible means very 
low benefits, costs, or net benefits (less than 1% change). Moderate 
impacts would be more than 1% but less than or equal to 10%, and high 
impacts would be more than 10%. For market economic values (revenue, 
costs, and profits), negligible would mean no likely impact whereas 
moderate and high could mean some measurable impact on market economic 
values at the levels noted above. NOAA analyzed the proposed national 
marine sanctuary described above.
    Small business user groups include commercial fishing operation, 
recreation-tourism related businesses, and land use and development 
businesses. Other user groups not included here are research and 
education, people who receive passive economic use value from 
stabilization or improvement to the proposed sanctuary resources, none 
of whom are small businesses.

Proposed Action

    Prohibition on damaging a sanctuary resource. Small businesses that 
could potentially be impacted from the proposed prohibition on damaging 
a sanctuary resource include commercial fishing, recreational fishing 
and diving. This regulation is expected to have no to minimal impact on 
commercial fishermen because it is coextensive with existing state law. 
The sanctuary will assist the state in notifying the public, including 
fishermen of the locations of known and suspected shipwreck sites, 
which will enable them to avoid snagging and damaging their gear on 
shipwreck sites. Lastly divers and other recreational water users will 
still be able to use the resource, but will not able to take sanctuary 
resources. Therefore the impact for this user group from this 
prohibition is ``no impact''.
    Prohibition on anchoring or grappling into a shipwreck site. 
Commercial fishermen use trap nets or gill nets which are anchored 
down, but it is unlikely that fishermen would anchor their nets near 
known shipwrecks due to snagging and the potential to have their gear 
damaged. Thus, the expected impact to commercial fishermen is

[[Page 2275]]

negligible. The impact is also expected to be negligible for dive 
charters who would no longer be able to anchor on or grapple into a 
shipwreck site. NOAA is planning to add mooring buoys and provide 
anchoring best practices guidelines to facilitate divers to visit the 
shipwreck sites without damaging the fragile wrecks.
    Prohibition on interfering with an investigation. There is no 
evidence that any small business in the area would be affected by this 
prohibition. Therefore, the prohibition is expected to have no impact 
on small businesses.
    Thus, the overall expected impact to all these business in the 
preferred alternative is ``no impact,'' and the Chief Counsel for 
Regulations for the Department of Commerce has certified that this rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    ONMS has a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control 
number (0648-0141) for the collection of public information related to 
the processing of ONMS permits across the National Marine Sanctuary 
System. NOAA's proposal to create WLMNMS would likely result in an 
increase in the number of requests for ONMS general permits, special 
use permits, certifications, and authorizations because this action 
proposes to add general permits and special use permits, 
certifications, appeals, and the authority to authorize other valid 
federal, state, or local leases, permits, licenses, approvals, or other 
authorizations. An increase in the number of ONMS permit requests would 
require a change to the reporting burden certified for OMB control 
number 0648-0141. An update to this control number for the processing 
of ONMS permits would be requested as part of the final rule for 
sanctuary expansion.
    Nationwide, NOAA issues approximately 500 national marine sanctuary 
permits each year. Of this amount, WLMNMS is expected to add 4 to 5 
permit requests per year. The public reporting burden for national 
marine sanctuaries permits is estimated to average 1.5 hours per 
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
completing and reviewing the collection of information.
    Send comments regarding the burden estimate for this data 
collection requirement, or any other aspect of this data collection, 
including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NOAA (see ADDRESSES) 
and by email to [email protected], or fax to (202) 395-7285. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to 
respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.

IV. Request for Comments

    NOAA requests comments on this proposed rule by March 31, 2017. In 
additional to requesting comments on this proposed rule, NOAA is also 
soliciting input on the DEIS and DMP. In addition NOAA would like the 
public comments on the proposed name for the sanctuary.

List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 922

    Administrative practice and procedure, Coastal zone, Historic 
preservation, Intergovernmental relations, Marine resources, Natural 
resources, Penalties, Recreation and recreation areas, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife.

    Dated: December 22, 2016.
W. Russell Callender,
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management.
    Accordingly, for the reasons discussed in the preamble, the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposes to amend 15 
CFR part 922 as follows:

PART 922--NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY PROGRAM REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for 15 CFR part 922 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.

0
2. Revise Sec.  922.1 to read as follows:


Sec.  922.1   Applicability of regulations.

    Unless noted otherwise, the regulations in subparts A, D, and E of 
this part apply to all National Marine Sanctuaries and related site-
specific regulations set forth in this part. Subparts B and C of this 
part apply to the sanctuary nomination process and to the designation 
of future Sanctuaries.
0
3. Amend Sec.  922.3 by revising the definition of ``Sanctuary 
resource'' to read as follows:


Sec.  922.3   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Sanctuary resource means any living or non-living resource of a 
National Marine Sanctuary that contributes to the conservation, 
recreational, ecological, historical, research, educational, or 
aesthetic value of the Sanctuary, including, but not limited to, the 
substratum of the area of the Sanctuary, other submerged features and 
the surrounding seabed, carbonate rock, corals and other bottom 
formations, coralline algae and other marine plants and algae, marine 
invertebrates, brine-seep biota, phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, 
seabirds, sea turtles and other marine reptiles, marine mammals and 
historical resources. For Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and 
Underwater Preserve, Sanctuary resource means an underwater cultural 
resource as defined at Sec.  922.191. For Wisconsin--Lake Michigan 
National Marine Sanctuary, sanctuary resource is defined at Sec.  
922.211(a).
* * * * *
0
4. Revise Sec.  922.40 to read as follows:


Sec.  922.40  Purpose.

    The purpose of the regulations in this subpart and in the site-
specific subparts is to implement the designations of the National 
Marine Sanctuaries by regulating activities affecting them, consistent 
with their respective terms of designation in order to protect, 
preserve and manage and thereby ensure the health, integrity and 
continued availability of the conservation, ecological, recreational, 
research, educational, historical and aesthetic resources and qualities 
of these areas. Additional purposes of the regulations implementing the 
designation of the Florida Keys and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale 
National Marine Sanctuaries are found at Sec. Sec.  922.160 and 
922.180, respectively.
0
5. Revise Sec.  922.41 to read as follows:


Sec.  922.41   Boundaries.

    The boundary for each of the National Marine Sanctuaries is set 
forth in the site-specific regulations covered by this part.
0
6. Revise Sec.  922.42 to read as follows:


Sec.  922.42   Allowed activities.

    All activities (e.g., fishing, boating, diving, research, 
education) may be conducted unless prohibited or otherwise regulated in 
the site-specific regulations covered by this part, subject to any 
emergency regulations promulgated under this part, subject to all 
prohibitions, regulations, restrictions, and conditions validly imposed 
by any Federal, State, or local authority of competent jurisdiction, 
including but not limited to, Federal, Tribal, and State fishery 
management authorities, and subject to the provisions of section 312 of 
the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.). 
The Assistant Administrator may only directly

[[Page 2276]]

regulate fishing activities pursuant to the procedure set forth in 
section 304(a)(5) of the NMSA.
0
7. Revise Sec.  922.43 to read as follows:


Sec.  922.43   Prohibited or otherwise regulated activities.

    The site-specific regulations applicable to the activities 
specified therein are set forth in the subparts covered by this part.
0
8. Revise Sec.  922.44 to read as follows:


Sec.  922.44   Emergency regulations.

    (a) Where necessary to prevent or minimize the destruction of, loss 
of, or injury to a Sanctuary resource or quality, or minimize the 
imminent risk of such destruction, loss, or injury, any and all such 
activities are subject to immediate temporary regulation, including 
prohibition.
    (b) The provisions of this section do not apply to the following 
national marine sanctuaries with site-specific regulations that 
establish procedures for issuing emergency regulations:
    (1) Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Sec.  922.112(e).
    (2) Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Sec.  922.165.
    (3) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, 
Sec.  922.185.
    (4) Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Sec.  922.196.
    (5) [Reserved]
    (6) Wisconsin--Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary, Sec.  
922.214.
0
9. Amend Sec.  922.47 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  922.47   Pre-existing authorizations or rights and certifications 
of pre-existing authorizations or rights.

* * * * *
    (b) The prohibitions listed in subparts F through P and R through T 
of this part do not apply to any activity authorized by a valid lease, 
permit, license, approval or other authorization in existence on the 
effective date of Sanctuary designation, or in the case of the Florida 
Keys National Marine Sanctuary the effective date of the regulations in 
subpart P, and issued by any Federal, State or local authority of 
competent jurisdiction, or by any valid right of subsistence use or 
access in existence on the effective date of Sanctuary designation, or 
in the case of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary the effective 
date of the regulations in subpart P, provided that the holder of such 
authorization or right complies with certification procedures and 
criteria promulgated at the time of Sanctuary designation, or in the 
case of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary the effective date 
of the regulations in subpart P, and with any terms and conditions on 
the exercise of such authorization or right imposed by the Director as 
a condition of certification as the Director deems necessary to achieve 
the purposes for which the Sanctuary was designated.
0
10. Revise Sec.  922.48 to read as follows:


Sec.  922.48   National Marine Sanctuary permits--application 
procedures and issuance criteria.

    (a) A person may conduct an activity prohibited by subparts F 
through O and S and T of this part, if conducted in accordance with the 
scope, purpose, terms and conditions of a permit issued under this 
section and subparts F through O and S and T, as appropriate. For the 
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a person may conduct an 
activity prohibited by subpart P of this part if conducted in 
accordance with the scope, purpose, terms and conditions of a permit 
issued under Sec.  922.166. For the Thunder Bay National Marine 
Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, a person may conduct an activity 
prohibited by subpart R of this part in accordance with the scope, 
purpose, terms and conditions of a permit issued under Sec.  922.195.
    (b) Applications for permits to conduct activities otherwise 
prohibited by subparts F through O and S and T of this part, should be 
addressed to the Director and sent to the address specified in subparts 
F through O of this part, or subparts R through T of this part, as 
appropriate. An application must include:
    (1) A detailed description of the proposed activity including a 
timetable for completion;
    (2) The equipment, personnel and methodology to be employed;
    (3) The qualifications and experience of all personnel;
    (4) The potential effects of the activity, if any, on Sanctuary 
resources and qualities; and
    (5) Copies of all other required licenses, permits, approvals or 
other authorizations.
    (c) Upon receipt of an application, the Director may request such 
additional information from the applicant as he or she deems necessary 
to act on the application and may seek the views of any persons or 
entity, within or outside the Federal government, and may hold a public 
hearing, as deemed appropriate.
    (d) The Director, at his or her discretion, may issue a permit, 
subject to such terms and conditions as he or she deems appropriate, to 
conduct a prohibited activity, in accordance with the criteria found in 
subparts F through O of this part, or subparts R through T of this 
part, as appropriate. The Director shall further impose, at a minimum, 
the conditions set forth in the relevant subpart.
    (e) A permit granted pursuant to this section is nontransferable.
    (f) The Director may amend, suspend, or revoke a permit issued 
pursuant to this section for good cause. The Director may deny a permit 
application pursuant to this section, in whole or in part, if it is 
determined that the permittee or applicant has acted in violation of 
the terms and conditions of a permit or of the regulations set forth in 
this section or subparts F through O of this part, or subparts R 
through T of this part or for other good cause. Any such action shall 
be communicated in writing to the permittee or applicant by certified 
mail and shall set forth the reason(s) for the action taken. Procedures 
governing permit sanctions and denials for enforcement reasons are set 
forth in subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
0
11. Revise Sec.  922.49 to read as follows:


Sec.  922.49  Notification and review of applications for leases, 
licenses, permits, approvals, or other authorizations to conduct a 
prohibited activity.

    (a) A person may conduct an activity prohibited by subparts L 
through P of this part, or subparts R through T of this part, if such 
activity is specifically authorized by any valid Federal, State, or 
local lease, permit, license, approval, or other authorization issued 
after the effective date of Sanctuary designation, or in the case of 
the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary after the effective date of 
the regulations in subpart P, provided that:
    (1) The applicant notifies the Director, in writing, of the 
application for such authorization (and of any application for an 
amendment, renewal, or extension of such authorization) within fifteen 
(15) days of the date of filing of the application or the effective 
date of Sanctuary designation, or in the case of the Florida Keys 
National Marine Sanctuary the effective date of the regulations in 
subpart P, whichever is later;
    (2) The applicant complies with the other provisions of this 
section;
    (3) The Director notifies the applicant and authorizing agency that 
he or she does not object to issuance of the authorization (or 
amendment, renewal, or extension); and
    (4) The applicant complies with any terms and conditions the 
Director deems reasonably necessary to protect Sanctuary resources and 
qualities.
    (b) Any potential applicant for an authorization described in 
paragraph (a)

[[Page 2277]]

of this section may request the Director to issue a finding as to 
whether the activity for which an application is intended to be made is 
prohibited by subparts L through P of this part, or subparts R through 
T of this part, as appropriate.
    (c) Notification of filings of applications should be sent to the 
Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries at the address 
specified in subparts L through P of this part, or subparts R through T 
of this part, as appropriate. A copy of the application must accompany 
the notification.
    (d) The Director may request additional information from the 
applicant as he or she deems reasonably necessary to determine whether 
to object to issuance of an authorization described in paragraph (a) of 
this section, or what terms and conditions are reasonably necessary to 
protect Sanctuary resources and qualities. The information requested 
must be received by the Director within 45 days of the postmark date of 
the request. The Director may seek the views of any persons on the 
application.
    (e) The Director shall notify, in writing, the agency to which 
application has been made of his or her pending review of the 
application and possible objection to issuance. Upon completion of 
review of the application and information received with respect 
thereto, the Director shall notify both the agency and applicant, in 
writing, whether he or she has an objection to issuance and what terms 
and conditions he or she deems reasonably necessary to protect 
Sanctuary resources and qualities, and reasons therefor.
    (f) The Director may amend the terms and conditions deemed 
reasonably necessary to protect Sanctuary resources and qualities 
whenever additional information becomes available justifying such an 
amendment.
    (g) Any time limit prescribed in or established under this section 
may be extended by the Director for good cause.
    (h) The applicant may appeal any objection by, or terms or 
conditions imposed by, the Director to the Assistant Administrator or 
designee in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  922.50.
0
12. Revise Sec.  922.50 to read as follows:


Sec.  922.50   Appeals of administrative action.

    (a)(1) Except for permit actions taken for enforcement reasons (see 
subpart D of 15 CFR part 904 for applicable procedures), an applicant 
for, or a holder of, a National Marine Sanctuary permit; an applicant 
for, or a holder of, a Special Use permit issued pursuant to section 
310 of the Act; a person requesting certification of an existing lease, 
permit, license or right of subsistence use or access under Sec.  
922.47; or, for those Sanctuaries described in subparts L through P and 
R through T of this part, an applicant for a lease, permit, license or 
other authorization issued by any Federal, State, or local authority of 
competent jurisdiction (hereinafter appellant) may appeal to the 
Assistant Administrator:
    (i) The granting, denial, conditioning, amendment, suspension or 
revocation by the Director of a National Marine Sanctuary or Special 
Use permit;
    (ii) The conditioning, amendment, suspension or revocation of a 
certification under Sec.  922.47; or
    (iii) For those Sanctuaries described in subparts L through P and 
subpart R through T, the objection to issuance of or the imposition of 
terms and conditions on a lease, permit, license or other authorization 
issued by any Federal, State, or local authority of competent 
jurisdiction.
    (2) For those National Marine Sanctuaries described in subparts F 
through K and S and T of this part, any interested person may also 
appeal the same actions described in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of 
this section. For appeals arising from actions taken with respect to 
these National Marine Sanctuaries, the term ``appellant'' includes any 
such interested persons.
    (b) An appeal under paragraph (a) of this section must be in 
writing, state the action(s) by the Director appealed and the reason(s) 
for the appeal, and be received within 30 days of receipt of notice of 
the action by the Director. Appeals should be addressed to the 
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management, 
NOAA 1305 East-West Highway, 13th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    (c)(1) The Assistant Administrator may request the appellant to 
submit such information as the Assistant Administrator deems necessary 
in order for him or her to decide the appeal. The information requested 
must be received by the Assistant Administrator within 45 days of the 
postmark date of the request. The Assistant Administrator may seek the 
views of any other persons. For the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, 
if the appellant has requested a hearing, the Assistant Administrator 
shall grant an informal hearing. For all other National Marine 
Sanctuaries, the Assistant Administrator may determine whether to hold 
an informal hearing on the appeal. If the Assistant Administrator 
determines that an informal hearing should be held, the Assistant 
Administrator may designate an officer before whom the hearing shall be 
held.
    (2) The hearing officer shall give notice in the Federal Register 
of the time, place and subject matter of the hearing. The appellant and 
the Director may appear personally or by counsel at the hearing and 
submit such material and present such arguments as deemed appropriate 
by the hearing officer. Within 60 days after the record for the hearing 
closes, the hearing officer shall recommend a decision in writing to 
the Assistant Administrator.
    (d) The Assistant Administrator shall decide the appeal using the 
same regulatory criteria as for the initial decision and shall base the 
appeal decision on the record before the Director and any information 
submitted regarding the appeal, and, if a hearing has been held, on the 
record before the hearing officer and the hearing officer's recommended 
decision. The Assistant Administrator shall notify the appellant of the 
final decision and the reason(s) therefore in writing. The Assistant 
Administrator's decision shall constitute final agency action for the 
purpose of the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (e) Any time limit prescribed in or established under this section 
other than the 30-day limit for filing an appeal may be extended by the 
Assistant Administrator or hearing office for good cause.

Subpart S--[Added and Reserved]

0
13. Add and reserve subpart S.
0
14. Add subpart T to read as follows:
SUBPART T--WISCONSIN-LAKE MICHIGAN NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
Sec.
922.210 Boundary.
922.211 Definitions.
922.212 Co-management.
922.213 Prohibited or otherwise regulated activities.
922.214 Emergency regulations.
922.215 Permit procedures and review criteria.
922.216 Certification of preexisting leases, licenses, permits, 
approvals, other authorizations, or rights to conduct a prohibited 
activity.
Appendix A to Subpart T of Part 922--Wisconsin-Lake Michigan Marine 
Sanctuary Boundary Description and Coordinates of the Lateral 
Boundary Closures and Excluded Areas
Appendix B to Subpart T of Part 922--Wisconsin-Lake Michigan Marine 
Sanctuary Terms of Designation


Sec.  922.210   Boundary.

    The Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary consists of 
an area of approximately 812 square nautical miles (nmi2) (1,075 sq. 
mi) of

[[Page 2278]]

Lake Michigan waters within the state of Wisconsin and the submerged 
lands thereunder, over, around, and under the submerged underwater 
cultural resources in Lake Michigan. The precise boundary coordinates 
are listed in appendix A to this subpart. The eastern boundary of the 
sanctuary begins approximately 9.5 miles east of the Wisconsin 
shoreline in Lake Michigan at Point 1 roughly on the border between 
Manitowoc and Kewaunee County. From this point the boundary continues 
SSW in a straight line to Point 2 and then SW to Point 3 at roughly the 
border between Ozaukee and Milwaukee County. From this point the 
boundary continues west towards Point 4 until it intersects the 
shoreline at the ordinary high water mark near Mequon, WI. From this 
intersection the boundary continues north following the shoreline 
cutting across the mouths of creeks and streams until it intersects the 
line segment formed between Point 5 and Point 6 at the end of the 
southern breakwater at the mouth of Sauk Creek at Port Washington. From 
this intersection the boundary continues across the river mouth towards 
Point 6 until it intersects the shoreline at the ordinary high water 
mark at the end of the northern breakwater. From this intersection the 
boundary continues north following the shoreline until it intersects 
the line segment formed between Point 7 and Point 8 at the end of the 
southern breakwater at the mouth of the Sheboygan River. From this 
intersection the boundary continues across the river mouth towards 
Point 8 until it intersects the shoreline at the ordinary high water 
mark at the end of the northern breakwater. From this intersection the 
boundary continues north along the shoreline until it intersects the 
line segment formed between Point 9 and Point 10 at the end of the 
southern breakwater at the mouth of Manitowoc Harbor. From this 
intersection the boundary continues across the harbor mouth towards 
Point until it intersects the shoreline at the ordinary high water 
mark10 at the end of the northern breakwater. From this intersection 
the boundary continues north following the shoreline until it 
intersects the line segment formed between Point 11 and Point 12 at the 
end of the western breakwater at the mouth of East Twin River. From 
this intersection the boundary continues across the river mouth towards 
Point 12 until it intersects the shoreline at the ordinary high water 
mark at the end of the eastern breakwater. From this intersection the 
boundary follows the shoreline NE around Rawley Point and then NNW 
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 13 and Point 
14 along the shoreline at approximately the border between Manitowoc 
and Kewaunee County near Twin Creeks, WI. Finally, from this 
intersection the boundary moves east across Lake Michigan to Point 14.


Sec.  922.211   Definitions.

    (a) The following terms are defined for purposes of this subpart:
    (1) Sanctuary resource means all prehistoric, historic, 
archaeological, and cultural sites and artifacts within the sanctuary 
boundary, including but not limited to, all shipwrecks and related 
components.
    (2) Shipwreck site means any sunken watercraft, its components, 
cargo, contents, and associated debris field.
    (b) All other terms appearing in the regulations in this subpart 
are defined at 15 CFR 922.3, and/or in the Marine Protection, Research, 
and Sanctuaries Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq., and 16 U.S.C. 
1431 et seq.


Sec.  922.212  Co-management.

    NOAA has primary responsibility for the management of the Sanctuary 
pursuant to the Act. However, as the Sanctuary is in state waters, NOAA 
will co-manage the Sanctuary in collaboration with the State of 
Wisconsin. The Director may enter into a Memorandum of Understanding 
regarding this collaboration that may address, but not be limited to, 
such aspects as areas of mutual concern, including Sanctuary resource 
protection, programs, permitting, activities, development, and threats 
to Sanctuary resources.


Sec.  922.213  Prohibited or otherwise regulated activities.

    (a) Except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the 
following activities are prohibited and thus are unlawful for any 
person to conduct or to cause to be conducted:
    (1) Moving, removing, recovering, altering, destroying, possessing, 
or otherwise injuring, or attempting to move, remove, recover, alter, 
destroy, possess or otherwise injure a sanctuary resource.
    (2) Grappling into or anchoring on shipwreck sites.
    (3) Interfering with, obstructing, delaying or preventing an 
investigation, search, seizure or disposition of seized property in 
connection with enforcement of the Act or any regulation or any permit 
issued under the Act.
    (b) The prohibitions in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this 
section do not apply to any activity necessary to respond to an 
emergency threatening life, property or the environment; or to 
activities necessary for valid law enforcement purposes.


Sec.  922.214  Emergency regulations.

    (a) Where necessary to prevent or minimize the destruction of, loss 
of, or injury to a Sanctuary resource, or to minimize the imminent risk 
of such destruction, loss, or injury, any and all activities are 
subject to immediate temporary regulation, including prohibition. An 
emergency regulation shall not take effect without the approval of the 
Governor of Wisconsin or her/his designee or designated agency.
    (b) Emergency regulations remain in effect until a date fixed in 
the rule or six months after the effective date, whichever is earlier. 
The rule may be extended once for not more than six months.


Sec.  922.215  Permit procedures and review criteria.

    (a) Authority to issue general permits. The Director may allow a 
person to conduct an activity that would otherwise be prohibited by 
this subpart, through issuance of a general permit, provided the 
applicant complies with:
    (1) The provisions of subpart E of this part; and
    (2) The relevant site specific regulations appearing in this 
subpart.
    (b) Sanctuary general permit categories. The Director may issue a 
sanctuary general permit under this subpart, subject to such terms and 
conditions as he or she deems appropriate, if the Director finds that 
the proposed activity falls within one of the following categories:
    (1) Research--activities that constitute scientific research on or 
scientific monitoring of national marine sanctuary resources or 
qualities;
    (2) Education--activities that enhance public awareness, 
understanding, or appreciation of a national marine sanctuary or 
national marine sanctuary resources or qualities; or
    (3) Management--activities that assist in managing a national 
marine sanctuary.
    (c) Review criteria. The Director shall not issue a permit under 
this subpart, unless he or she also finds that:
    (1) The proposed activity will be conducted in a manner compatible 
with the primary objective of protection of national marine sanctuary 
resources and qualities, taking into account the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the conduct of the activity may diminish or 
enhance national marine sanctuary resources and qualities; and

[[Page 2279]]

    (ii) Any indirect, secondary or cumulative effects of the activity.
    (2) It is necessary to conduct the proposed activity within the 
national marine sanctuary to achieve its stated purpose.
    (3) The methods and procedures proposed by the applicant are 
appropriate to achieve the proposed activity's stated purpose and 
eliminate, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects on sanctuary resources 
and qualities as much as possible.
    (4) The duration of the proposed activity and its effects are no 
longer than necessary to achieve the activity's stated purpose.
    (5) The expected end value of the activity to the furtherance of 
national marine sanctuary goals and purposes outweighs any potential 
adverse impacts on sanctuary resources and qualities from the conduct 
of the activity.
    (6) The applicant is professionally qualified to conduct and 
complete the proposed activity.
    (7) The applicant has adequate financial resources available to 
conduct and complete the proposed activity and terms and conditions of 
the permit.
    (8) There are no other factors that would make the issuance of a 
permit for the activity inappropriate.


Sec.  922.216  Certification of preexisting leases, licenses, permits, 
approvals, other authorizations, or rights to conduct a prohibited 
activity.

    (a) A person may conduct an activity prohibited by Sec.  
922.213(a)(1) through (3) if such activity is specifically authorized 
by a valid Federal, state, or local lease, permit, license, approval, 
or other authorization, or tribal right of subsistence use or access in 
existence prior to the effective date of sanctuary designation and 
within the sanctuary designated area and complies with Sec.  922.49 and 
provided that the holder of the lease, permit, license, approval, or 
other authorization complies with the requirements of paragraph (e) of 
this section.
    (b) In considering whether to make the certifications called for in 
this section, the Director may seek and consider the views of any other 
person or entity, within or outside the Federal government, and may 
hold a public hearing as deemed appropriate.
    (c) The Director may amend, suspend, or revoke any certification 
made under this section whenever continued operation would otherwise be 
inconsistent with any terms or conditions of the certification. Any 
such action shall be forwarded in writing to both the holder of the 
certified permit, license, or other authorization and the issuing 
agency and shall set forth reason(s) for the action taken.
    (d) Requests for findings or certifications should be addressed to 
the Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; ATTN: Sanctuary 
Superintendent, Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary, 1305 
East-West Hwy, 11th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910. A copy of the 
lease, permit, license, approval, or other authorization must accompany 
the request.
    (e) For an activity described in paragraph (a) of this section, the 
holder of the authorization or right may conduct the activity 
prohibited by Sec.  922.213(a)(1) through (3) provided that:
    (1) The holder of such authorization or right notifies the 
Director, in writing, within 180 days of the effective date of 
Sanctuary designation, of the existence of such authorization or right 
and requests certification of such authorization or right;
    (2) The holder complies with the other provisions of this section; 
and
    (3) The holder complies with any terms and conditions on the 
exercise of such authorization or right imposed as a condition of 
certification, by the Director, to achieve the purposes for which the 
Sanctuary was designated.
    (f) The holder of an authorization or right described in paragraph 
(a) of this section authorizing an activity prohibited by Sec.  922.213 
may conduct the activity without being in violation of applicable 
provisions of Sec.  922.213, pending final agency action on his or her 
certification request, provided the holder is otherwise in compliance 
with this section.
    (g) The Director may request additional information from the 
certification requester as he or she deems reasonably necessary to 
condition appropriately the exercise of the certified authorization or 
right to achieve the purposes for which the Sanctuary was designated. 
The Director must receive the information requested within 45 days of 
the postmark date of the request. The Director may seek the views of 
any persons on the certification request.
    (h) The Director may amend any certification made under this 
section whenever additional information becomes available that he/she 
determines justifies such an amendment.
    (i) Upon completion of review of the authorization or right and 
information received with respect thereto, the Director shall 
communicate, in writing, any decision on a certification request or any 
action taken with respect to any certification made under this section, 
in writing, to both the holder of the certified lease, permit, license, 
approval, other authorization, or right, and the issuing agency, and 
shall set forth the reason(s) for the decision or action taken.
    (j) The holder may appeal any action conditioning, amending, 
suspending, or revoking any certification in accordance with the 
procedures set forth in Sec.  922.50.
    (k) Any time limit prescribed in or established under this section 
may be extended by the Director for good cause.

Appendix A to Subpart T of Part 922--Wisconsin-Lake Michigan Marine 
Sanctuary Boundary Description and Coordinates of the Lateral Boundary 
Closures and Excluded Areas

    Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected (Geographic) 
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.

                   Table A1--Coordinates for Sanctuary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Point ID                       Latitude    Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.............................................     44.32749    -87.34795
2.............................................     43.45716    -87.48817
3.............................................     43.19198    -87.62813
4 *...........................................     43.19203    -87.89245
5 *...........................................     43.38447    -87.86079
6 *...........................................     43.38523    -87.85963
7 *...........................................     43.74858    -87.69479
8 *...........................................     43.74946    -87.69265
9 *...........................................     44.09135    -87.64377
10 *..........................................     44.09262    -87.64373
11 *..........................................     44.14226    -87.56161
12 *..........................................     44.14267    -87.56069
13 *..........................................     44.32751    -87.54400
14............................................     44.32749    -87.34795
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: The coordinates in the table above marked with an asterisk 
(*) are not a part of the sanctuary boundary. These coordinates are 
landward reference points used to draw a line segment that 
intersects with the shoreline.


Appendix B to Subpart T of Part 922--Wisconsin-Lake Michigan Marine 
Sanctuary Terms of Designation

    Terms of Designation for the Proposed Wisconsin-Lake Michigan 
National Marine Sanctuary Under the authority of the National Marine 
Sanctuaries Act, as amended (the ``Act'' or ``NMSA''), 16 U.S.C. 
1431 et seq., 1,075 square miles of Lake Michigan off the coast of 
Wisconsin's coastal counties of Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Manitowoc are 
hereby designated as a National Marine Sanctuary for the purposes of 
providing long-term protection and management of the historical 
resources and recreational, research, educational, and aesthetic 
qualities of the area.

[[Page 2280]]

Article I: Effect of Designation

    The NMSA authorizes the issuance of such regulations as are 
necessary and reasonable to implement the designation, including 
managing and protecting the historical resources and recreational, 
research, and educational qualities of the Wisconsin-Lake Michigan 
National Marine Sanctuary (the ``Sanctuary''). Section 1 of Article 
IV of this Designation Document lists those activities that may have 
to be regulated on the effective date of designation, or at some 
later date, in order to protect Sanctuary resources and qualities. 
Listing an activity does not necessarily mean that it will be 
regulated; however, if an activity is not listed it may not be 
regulated, except on an emergency basis, unless Section 1 of Article 
IV is amended by the same procedures by which the original Sanctuary 
designation was made.

Article II: Description of the Area

    The Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary consists 
of an area of approximately 812 square nautical miles (nmi2) (1,075 
sq. mi) of Lake Michigan waters within the state of Wisconsin and 
the submerged lands thereunder, over, around, and under the 
submerged underwater cultural resources in Lake Michigan. The 
eastern boundary of the sanctuary begins approximately 9.5 miles 
east of the Wisconsin shoreline in Lake Michigan roughly on the 
border between Manitowoc and Kewaunee County. From this point the 
boundary continues in Lake Michigan roughly to the SSW until it 
intersects the border between Ozaukee and Milwaukee County at a 
point approximately 13 miles east of the shoreline. The southern 
boundary continues west approximating the border between these same 
two counties until it intersects the shoreline near Mequon, WI. The 
western boundary continues north following the shoreline for 
approximately 90 miles cutting across the mouths of rivers and 
streams; specifically those of Sauk Creek at Port Washington, the 
Sheboygan River at Sheboygan, Manitowoc Harbor as Manitowoc, and 
East Twin River at Two Rivers as well as any other smaller streams 
and creeks. The western boundary ends at roughly the border between 
Manitowoc and Kewaunee County along the shoreline near Twin Creeks, 
WI. The northern boundary continues from the shoreline east 
approximating the border between these same two counties back to its 
point of origin 9.5 miles offshore.

Article III: Special Characteristics of the Area

    The historic shipwrecks in the Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National 
Marine Sanctuary are representative of vessels that sailed and 
steamed the Lake Michigan corridor, carrying grain and raw materials 
east as other vessels came west loaded with coal, manufactured good, 
and immigrants. Eighteen of the 37 shipwrecks are listed on the 
National Register of Historic Places. Many of the shipwrecks in the 
proposed sanctuary retain an unusual degree of architectural 
integrity, with 14 vessels virtually intact. Well preserved by Lake 
Michigan's cold, fresh water, the shipwrecks and related underwater 
cultural sites in and around the Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National 
Marine Sanctuary possess exceptional historical, archaeological and 
recreational value.

Article IV: Scope of Regulations

    Section 1. Activities Subject to Regulation. The following 
activities are subject to regulation, including prohibition, to the 
extent necessary and reasonable to ensure the protection and 
management of the historical resources and recreational, research 
and educational qualities of the area:
    a. Damaging sanctuary resources.
    b. Using grappling hooks and anchors at shipwreck sites.
    c. Interfering with, obstructing, delaying or preventing an 
investigation, search, seizure or disposition of seized property in 
connection with enforcement of the Act or any regulation issued 
under the Act.
    d. Reporting shipwreck discoveries and locations to the 
sanctuary.
    Section 2. Emergencies. Where necessary to prevent or minimize 
the destruction of, loss of, or injury to a Sanctuary resource or 
quality; or minimize the imminent risk of such destruction, loss, or 
injury, any activity, including those not listed in Section 1, is 
subject to immediate temporary regulation. An emergency regulation 
shall not take effect without the approval of the Governor of 
Wisconsin or her/his designee or designated agency.

Article V: Relation to Other Regulatory Programs

    Section 1. Fishing Regulations, Licenses, and Permits. Fishing 
in the Sanctuary shall not be regulated as part of the Sanctuary 
management regime authorized by the Act. However, fishing in the 
Sanctuary may be regulated by other Federal, State, Tribal and local 
authorities of competent jurisdiction, and designation of the 
Sanctuary shall have no effect on any regulation, permit, or license 
issued thereunder.
    Section 2. Other Regulations, Licenses, and Permits. If any 
valid regulation issued by any Federal, state, Tribal, or local 
authority of competent jurisdiction, regardless of when issued, 
conflicts with a Sanctuary regulation, the regulation deemed by the 
Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or designee, in consultation 
with the State of Wisconsin, to be more protective of Sanctuary 
resources and qualities shall govern. Pursuant to section 304(c)(1) 
of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1434(c)(1), no valid lease, permit, license, 
approval, or other authorization issued by any Federal, State, 
Tribal, or local authority of competent jurisdiction, or any right 
of subsistence use or access, may be terminated by the Secretary of 
Commerce, or designee, as a result of this designation, or as a 
result of any Sanctuary regulation, if such lease, permit, license, 
approval, or other authorization, or right of subsistence use or 
access was issued or in existence as of the effective date of this 
designation. However, the Secretary of Commerce or designee, in 
consultation with the State of Wisconsin, may regulate the exercise 
of such authorization or right consistent with the purposes for 
which the Sanctuary is designated.

Article VI. Alteration of This Designation

    The terms of designation may be modified only by the same 
procedures by which the original designation is made, including 
public meetings, consultation according to the NMSA.

[FR Doc. 2016-31741 Filed 1-6-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 03510-NK-P



                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                              2269

                                                    competent jurisdiction, regardless of when              as the Wisconsin—Lake Michigan                         confidential business information, or
                                                    issued, conflicts with a Sanctuary regulation,          National Marine Sanctuary (WLMNMS                      otherwise sensitive information
                                                    the regulation deemed by the Director of the            or sanctuary). NOAA also proposes                      submitted voluntarily by the sender will
                                                    Office of National Marine Sanctuaries,
                                                                                                            regulations to implement the sanctuary                 be publicly accessible. NOAA will
                                                    National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                                    Administration, or designee, in consultation            designation and establish the                          accept anonymous comments (enter
                                                    with the State of Maryland, to be more                  sanctuary’s terms of designation. A draft              ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish
                                                    protective of Sanctuary resources and                   environmental impact statement and                     to remain anonymous).
                                                    qualities shall govern. Pursuant to section             draft management plan have also been                      Copies of the proposed rule, DEIS,
                                                    304(c)(1) of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1434(c)(1), no          prepared for this proposed action. The                 and DMP can be downloaded or viewed
                                                    valid lease, permit, license, approval, or              purpose of this action is to supplement                on the internet at www.regulations.gov
                                                    other authorization issued by any Federal,              current Wisconsin state regulations and                (search for docket #NOAA–NOS–2016–
                                                    State, Tribal, or local authority of competent          resource protection efforts in a way that              0150) or at www.regulations.gov/#
                                                    jurisdiction, or any right of subsistence use
                                                                                                            will ensure long term protection of the                !docketDetail;D=NOAA-NOS-2016-
                                                    or access, may be terminated by the Secretary
                                                    of Commerce, or designee, as a result of this           nationally significant collection of                   0150. Copies can also be obtained by
                                                    designation, or as a result of any Sanctuary            historic shipwrecks and other maritime                 contacting the person identified under
                                                    regulation, if such lease, permit, license,             heritage resources in the area. NOAA is                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
                                                    approval, or other authorization, or right of           soliciting public comment on the                          The public meeting locations are:
                                                    subsistence use or access was issued or in              proposed rule, draft environmental                     (1) Algoma, WI: Knudson Hall, 620 Lake
                                                    existence as of the effective date of this              impact statement (DEIS), and draft                          Street, Algoma, WI 54201 (March
                                                    designation. However, the Secretary of                  management plan (DMP). NOAA will                            13, 2017)
                                                    Commerce or designee, in consultation with              also begin consultations under Section
                                                    the State of Maryland, may regulate the                                                                        (2) Manitowoc, WI: Wisconsin Maritime
                                                                                                            106 of the National Historic                                Museum, 75 Maritime Dr.,
                                                    exercise of such authorization or right
                                                    consistent with the purposes for which the              Preservation Act (NHPA) and solicit                         Manitowoc, WI 54220 (March 14,
                                                    Sanctuary is designated.                                public comments specifically related to                     2017)
                                                       Section 3. Defense Activities. Department            the identification and assessment of the               (3) Sheboygan, WI: University of
                                                    of Defense activities must be carried out in            historic properties within the affected                     Wisconsin—Sheboygan, Main
                                                    a manner that avoids to the maximum extent              area in compliance with Section 106                         Building, Wombat Room (Room
                                                    practicable any adverse impacts on Sanctuary            review process.                                             2114), 1 University Drive,
                                                    resources and qualities.                                DATES: NOAA will consider all                               Sheboygan, WI 53081 (March 15,
                                                    Article VI. Alteration of This Designation              comments received by March 31, 2017.                        2017)
                                                      The terms of designation may be modified              Public meetings will be held on the                    (4) Port Washington, WI: Wilson House,
                                                    only by the same procedures by which the                following dates:                                            200 N. Franklin St., Port
                                                    original designation is made, including                    (1) March 13, 2017, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30                    Washington, WI 53074 (March 16,
                                                    public meetings, consultation according to              p.m., Algoma, WI;                                           2017)
                                                    the NMSA.                                                  (2) March 14, 2017, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30
                                                                                                                                                                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:   Russ
                                                                                                            p.m., Manitowoc, WI;
                                                    Subpart T—[Added and Reserved]                                                                                 Green, Regional Coordinator, Northeast
                                                                                                               (3) March 15, 2017, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30
                                                                                                                                                                   and Great Lakes Region at (920) 459–
                                                    ■   14. Add and reserve subpart T.                      p.m., Sheboygan, WI; and
                                                                                                                                                                   4425 or russ.green@noaa.gov.
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–31742 Filed 1–6–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                               (4) March 16, 2017, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30
                                                                                                            p.m., Port Washington, WI.                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                    BILLING CODE 3510–NK–P
                                                                                                            ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                     I. Introduction
                                                                                                            on this document, identified by NOAA–
                                                                                                                                                                   A. Wisconsin—Lake Michigan National
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                  NOS–2016–0150, by any of the
                                                                                                                                                                   Marine Sanctuary Background
                                                                                                            following methods:
                                                    National Oceanic and Atmospheric                           • Electronic Submission: Submit all                    The National Marine Sanctuaries Act
                                                    Administration                                          electronic public comments via the                     (NMSA; 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.)
                                                                                                            Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to                     authorizes the Secretary of Commerce
                                                    15 CFR Part 922                                         www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;                    (Secretary) to designate and protect as
                                                                                                            D=NOAA-NOS-2016-0150, click the                        national marine sanctuaries areas of the
                                                    [Docket No. 160907828–6828–01]
                                                                                                            ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the                    marine environment that are of special
                                                    RIN 0648–BG01                                           required fields, and enter or attach your              national significance due to their
                                                                                                            comments.                                              conservation, recreational, ecological,
                                                    Wisconsin—Lake Michigan National                           • Mail: Russ Green, Regional                        historical, scientific, cultural,
                                                    Marine Sanctuary; Notice of Proposed                    Coordinator, Northeast and Great Lakes                 archeological, educational, or esthetic
                                                    Rulemaking and Availability of Draft                    Region, NOAA Office of National                        qualities. Day-to-day management of
                                                    Environmental Impact Statement and                      Marine Sanctuaries, University of                      national marine sanctuaries has been
                                                    Management Plan                                         Wisconsin—Sheboygan, One University                    delegated by the Secretary to NOAA’s
                                                    AGENCY:  Office of National Marine                      Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53081.                            Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
                                                    Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean                         Instructions: Comments sent by any                  (ONMS). The primary objective of the
                                                                                                            other method, to any other address or                  NMSA is to protect the sanctuary
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    Service (NOS), National Oceanic and
                                                    Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),                      individual, or received after the end of               system’s biological and cultural
                                                    Department of Commerce (DOC).                           the comment period, may not be                         resources, such as coral reefs, marine
                                                    ACTION: Proposed rule.                                  considered by NOAA. All comments                       animals, historic shipwrecks, other
                                                                                                            received are a part of the public record               historic structures, and archaeological
                                                    SUMMARY:  The National Oceanic and                      and will generally be posted for public                sites.
                                                    Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is                    viewing on www.regulations.gov                            The 1,075-square-mile area proposed
                                                    proposing to designate an area of 1,075                 without change. All personal identifying               for designation as the Wisconsin—Lake
                                                    square miles of Wisconsin state waters                  information (e.g., name, address, etc.),               Michigan National Marine Sanctuary


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00019   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1


                                                    2270                     Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                    encompasses the waters and                              February 5, 2015 added the area to the                 and natural deterioration of newly
                                                    bottomlands of Lake Michigan adjacent                   inventory of nominations that are                      uncovered shipwrecks within the
                                                    to Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Ozaukee                    eligible for designation. All nominations              boundary’s large swaths of shallow,
                                                    Counties. Principal cities in this area                 submitted to NOAA can be found at:                     sandy lakebottom.
                                                    include Port Washington, Sheboygan,                     http://www.nominate.noaa.gov/                             The sanctuary would enhance and
                                                    Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and Mequon.                      nominations/.                                          facilitate broader lake conservation
                                                    The boundary includes 80 miles of                          NOAA began the sanctuary                            efforts as well as heritage tourism
                                                    shoreline and extends 7 to 16 miles                     designation process for Wisconsin—                     within the many communities that have
                                                    from the shoreline.                                     Lake Michigan National Marine                          embraced their centuries-long maritime
                                                       The area includes a nationally                       Sanctuary on October 7, 2015 with the                  relationship with Lake Michigan, the
                                                    significant collection of maritime                      publication of a notice of intent (NOI; 80             Great Lakes region, and the nation. A
                                                    heritage resources, including 37 known                  FR 60631) to prepare a DEIS and the                    sanctuary designation would enhance
                                                    shipwrecks, about 80 suspected                          initiation of a public process, as                     existing comprehensive management
                                                    shipwrecks, and numerous other                          required under the NMSA and the                        programs. The presence of a sanctuary
                                                    historic maritime-related features such                 National Environmental Policy Act                      would provide access to NOAA’s
                                                    as historic cribs, docks, and piers. The                (NEPA). The DEIS evaluates alternatives                extended network of scientific expertise
                                                    historic shipwrecks in the proposed                     related to the proposed designation of                 and technological resources, enhance
                                                    sanctuary are representative of the                     the area, including a preferred                        ongoing research, and provide an
                                                    vessels that sailed and steamed this                    alternative. The NOI also announced                    umbrella for the coordination of these
                                                    corridor, carrying grain and raw                        NOAA’s intent to fulfill its                           activities. It would support and build on
                                                    materials east as other vessels came                    responsibilities under the requirements                existing educational initiatives and
                                                    west loaded with coal, manufactured                     of the NHPA.                                           provide programming and technology
                                                    goods, and people. Eighteen of the 37                      A duplicate version of the notice for               for K–12, post-graduate, and the general
                                                    shipwreck sites are listed on the                       intent was published in error two days                 public across the state. A sanctuary
                                                    National Register of Historic Places.                   earlier on October 5, 2015 (80 FR                      designation, the local commitment to
                                                    Many of the shipwrecks in the proposed                  60132). That publication contained the                 the sanctuary, the existing state agency
                                                    sanctuary retain an unusual degree of                   exact same content as the official                     interest, and NOAA’s existing network
                                                    architectural integrity, with 14 vessels                version made available for public                      of affiliated programs has the potential
                                                    nearly intact. Well preserved by Lake                   inspection and published on October 7,                 to create synergies that reach far beyond
                                                    Michigan’s cold, fresh water, the                       2015 (80 FR 60631). Any comments                       the proposed sanctuary boundaries.
                                                    shipwrecks and related maritime                         received in connection with the
                                                    heritage sites in and around the                        publication in error on October 5, 2015                C. Designation Process
                                                    proposed Wisconsin—Lake Michigan                        were accepted and considered by                        National Marine Sanctuary Designation
                                                    National Marine Sanctuary possess                       NOAA.                                                  Process
                                                    exceptional historical, archaeological                  B. Need for Action
                                                    and recreational value.                                                                                           NOAA may identify areas to consider
                                                       On December 2, 2014, pursuant to                       Establishing a national marine                       for national marine sanctuary
                                                    section 304 of the NMSA and the                         sanctuary in Wisconsin waters would                    designation through the community-
                                                    Sanctuary Nomination Process (SNP; 79                   complement and supplement existing                     based SNP described above. The process
                                                    FR 33851), Wisconsin Governor Scott                     state-led preservation efforts, research               for designating a new national marine
                                                    Walker, on behalf of the State of                       programs, and public outreach                          sanctuary is described in the NMSA and
                                                    Wisconsin; the Cities of Two Rivers,                    initiatives. Threats to the nationally                 has four steps:
                                                    Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Port                          significant resources in the area include                 Scoping: NOAA announces its intent
                                                    Washington; the Counties of Ozaukee,                    both human activities and natural                      to designate a new national marine
                                                    Sheboygan, and Manitowoc, submitted a                   processes. Natural process include the                 sanctuary and asks the public for input
                                                    nomination asking NOAA to consider                      damaging impacts of wind, waves,                       on potential boundaries, resources that
                                                    designating this area of Wisconsin’s                    storms, and ice, as well as the impact of              could be protected, issues NOAA
                                                    Lake Michigan waters as a national                      invasive species such as zebra and                     should consider and any information
                                                    marine sanctuary. The State of                          quagga mussels that today cover most of                that should be included in the detailed
                                                    Wisconsin’s selection of this geographic                Lake Michigan’s shipwrecks. Human                      resource analysis in a draft
                                                    area for the nomination drew heavily                    threats to underwater cultural resources               environmental impact statement.
                                                    from a 2008 report conducted by the                     include looting and altering sanctuary                    Sanctuary Proposal: NOAA prepares
                                                    Wisconsin History Society and funded                    shipwreck sites and damaging sites by                  draft designation documents including a
                                                    by the Wisconsin Coastal Management                     anchoring. These processes threaten the                DMP, DEIS that analyzes a range of
                                                    Program (Wisconsin’s Historic                           long term sustainability of historic                   alternatives, proposed regulations and
                                                    Shipwrecks: An Overview and Analysis                    shipwrecks and other underwater                        proposed boundaries.
                                                    of Locations for a State/Federal                        cultural resources, and negatively                        Public Review: The public, agency
                                                    Partnership with the National Marine                    impact their recreational and                          partners, tribes and other stakeholders
                                                    Sanctuary Program, 2008, http://                        archaeological value. Examples of these                provide input on the draft documents.
                                                    www.maritimetrails.org/assets/pages/                    impacts include: Anchor damage from                    The public review step also includes the
                                                    Wisconsins%20Historic                                   visiting dive boats, damage due to                     formal consultations required under
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    %20Shipwrecks.pdf). The nomination                      unpermitted and poorly attached                        NEPA, the NMSA, the NHPA, and other
                                                    also identified opportunities for NOAA                  mooring lines, artifacts being looted,                 relevant statutes. NOAA considers all
                                                    to strengthen and expand on resource                    artifacts being moved within a                         input and determines appropriate
                                                    protection, education, and research                     shipwreck site, a remotely-operated                    changes.
                                                    programs by state of Wisconsin agencies                 vehicle tether entangled within a                         Sanctuary Designation: NOAA makes
                                                    and in the four communities along the                   shipwreck, fishing gear entangled                      a final decision and prepares final
                                                    Lake Michigan coast. NOAA completed                     within a shipwreck, increased invasive                 documents. Before the designation
                                                    its review of the nomination, and on                    mussel coverage, and the disturbance                   becomes effective, the Governor reviews


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00020   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1


                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                             2271

                                                    the documents. Congress also has the                    the continued ability for ships to ballast             own new subpart (subpart S). As such,
                                                    opportunity to review the documents.                    in port and in open water.                             in this rulemaking, NOAA proposes to
                                                                                                               The few comments in opposition to                   add and reserve subpart S for any future
                                                    Public Scoping Process
                                                                                                            sanctuary designation were concerned                   site-specific regulations that might be
                                                       On October 7, 2015 NOAA initiated                    about the cost of implementation, the                  issued. NOAA would harmonize the
                                                    the public scoping process with the                     possibility that designation would make                regulations for the Mallows Bay-
                                                    publication of the NOI in the Federal                   metal detecting illegal, and that                      Potomac River designation process with
                                                    Register (80 FR 60631) asking for public                designation would be an unneeded level                 any final rule associated with this
                                                    input on the proposed designation and                   of government intervention.                            action.
                                                    informing the public that NOAA                             There were several requests that
                                                                                                                                                                   2. Proposed Sanctuary Name
                                                    intended to prepare a DEIS evaluating                   NOAA consider expanding the
                                                    alternatives related to the proposed                    proposed boundaries. Several comments                     NOAA has proposed to name the
                                                    designation of Wisconsin-Lake                           suggesting expansion north to include                  sanctuary the ‘‘Wisconsin—Lake
                                                    Michigan National Marine Sanctuary                      shipwrecks in Kewaunee County, and                     Michigan National Marine Sanctuary
                                                    under NMSA. That announcement                           one commenter requested inclusion of                   (WLMNMS)’’ based on the nomination
                                                    initiated a 90-day public comment                       Green Bay.                                             submitted by the community. This name
                                                    period during which NOAA solicited                         NOAA used the public comments                       aptly identifies both the lake and state
                                                    additional input related to the scale and               submitted during the scoping process to                where the proposed sanctuary is
                                                    scope of the proposed sanctuary,                        inform the preparation of the DMP,                     located. NOAA is asking for the public
                                                    including ideas presented in the                        DEIS, and the proposed sanctuary                       to provide input on this proposed name.
                                                    community nomination. The NOI also                      regulations. In response to many of                    The public may also suggest an
                                                    announced NOAA’s intent to fulfill its                  these comments, this proposed rule                     alternative name and state the reasons
                                                    responsibilities under the requirements                 proposes to provide additional                         for suggesting an alternative name.
                                                    of NHPA.                                                protection to maritime heritage                        3. Proposed Sanctuary Boundary
                                                       During the public comment period,                    resources, particularly the nationally
                                                                                                                                                                      NOAA is proposing to designate a
                                                    NOAA hosted three public meetings in                    significant collection of historic
                                                                                                                                                                   1,075-square mile area of Lake Michigan
                                                    November 2015 and provided additional                   shipwrecks. The environmental effects
                                                                                                                                                                   waters off Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and
                                                    opportunity for comments through a                      of these proposed designations are
                                                                                                                                                                   Manitowoc Counties as WLMNMS. The
                                                    web-based portal [https://                              analyzed in a DEIS published
                                                                                                                                                                   sanctuary’s shoreward boundary would
                                                    www.regulations.gov/                                    concurrently with this proposed rule.
                                                                                                                                                                   be defined by the Ordinary High Water
                                                    #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NOS-2015-                         NOAA has also developed an associated
                                                                                                                                                                   Mark as defined by the state of
                                                    0112] and by traditional mail until                     DMP describing sanctuary management
                                                                                                                                                                   Wisconsin, while the lakeward
                                                    January 15, 2016. All comments                          activities in the area proposed for
                                                                                                                                                                   boundary would be drawn to include all
                                                    received, through any of these formats,                 designation. NOAA is seeking public
                                                                                                                                                                   known shipwrecks in each county,
                                                    were publicly posted on the                             comment on the proposed rule, DEIS,
                                                                                                                                                                   extending 16 miles offshore at its
                                                    www.regulations.gov web portal.                         and DMP, which are available at http://
                                                                                                                                                                   greatest extent. The harbors and marinas
                                                       During this period, approximately 135                sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wisconsin/ or may
                                                                                                                                                                   of Two Rivers, Manitowoc, Sheboygan,
                                                    individuals provided input. Comments                    be obtained by contacting the individual
                                                                                                                                                                   and Port Washington would not be
                                                    were overwhelmingly supportive of the                   listed under the heading FOR FURTHER
                                                                                                                                                                   included in the sanctuary. The detailed
                                                    goals of sanctuary designation,                         INFORMATION CONTACT.
                                                                                                                                                                   legal boundary description is included
                                                    including the rationale for conservation                II. Summary of the Proposed                            in section 922.210 and the coordinates
                                                    of nationally-significant resources,                    Regulations                                            are located in 15 CFR part 922, subpart
                                                    considerations that enhance public use                                                                         T, appendix A. A map of the area is
                                                    and recreation, considerations that                     1. Adding New Subpart T and Reserving
                                                                                                                                                                   shown in the DEIS.
                                                    enhance tourism and the local economy,                  Subpart S                                                 Within this proposed boundary are 37
                                                    and as a venue for education, science                      NOAA is proposing to amend 15 CFR                   known shipwrecks, including 18 on the
                                                    and interpretation as described in the                  part 922 by adding a new subpart                       National Register of Historic Places. The
                                                    community nomination.                                   (subpart T) that contains site-specific                sanctuary would provide
                                                       The comments underscored the need                    regulations for WLMNMS. This subpart                   comprehensive protection of
                                                    for conservation and interpretation,                    would include the proposed boundary,                   underwater cultural resources as well as
                                                    particularly the importance of educating                contain definitions of common terms                    develop partnerships and resources for
                                                    users about the importance of the Great                 used in the new subpart, provide a                     education, interpretation, personnel,
                                                    Lakes and the role that shipbuilding and                framework for co-management of the                     research, and administration. This
                                                    shipping commerce has played in the                     sanctuary, identify prohibited activities              would provide enhanced management
                                                    history of the region and our nation.                   and exceptions, and establish                          of underwater cultural resources, as
                                                    There was strong support from local                     procedures for certification of existing               well as potential economic benefits to
                                                    communities, governments, and                           uses, permitting otherwise prohibited                  the coastal communities from Mequon
                                                    organizations supporting sanctuary                      activities, and emergency regulation                   to Two Rivers.
                                                    designation and offering opportunities                  procedures. Several conforming changes                    The proposed boundary reflects the
                                                    to partner for education, research,                     would also be made to the national                     boundary the State of Wisconsin
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    outreach and other activities.                          sanctuary regulations as described                     submitted to NOAA in the nomination
                                                       Several commenters who otherwise                     below.                                                 with an adjustment based on
                                                    supported sanctuary designation                            NOAA is concurrently working on                     discussions with the State of Wisconsin.
                                                    expressed concern that designation                      designating a separate new national                    The State submitted an 875-square-mile
                                                    should not in any way disrupt existing                  marine sanctuary in Mallows Bay—                       boundary in the nomination. NOAA’s
                                                    lake commerce. Specific concerns                        Potomac River waters as part of a                      adjustments result in a 1,075-square-
                                                    focused on the need for continued                       separate rulemaking process, and those                 mile boundary, and includes moving the
                                                    ability to dredge and maintain ports and                regulations would be published in their                southern and northern boundary lines to


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00021   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1


                                                    2272                     Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                    the county lines and expanding the                      of Wisconsin. NOAA proposes to                         groups and individuals. Because NOAA
                                                    southeast corners to include the                        establish the framework for co-                        seeks to promote public access, while
                                                    shipwreck site of the Senator (its                      management of the sanctuary at section                 also ensuring sound resource protection,
                                                    location was previously unknown), and                   922.212 and intends to work out the                    an initial focus of the sanctuary
                                                    excluding ports and harbors.                            operational details of the collaboration               management plan will be the
                                                                                                            in a Memorandum of Understanding                       installation of permanent mooring
                                                    4. Definitions
                                                                                                            (MOU). Details on the execution of                     systems at sanctuary shipwreck sites.
                                                       NOAA is proposing a site-specific                    sanctuary management such as                           The moorings will provide a secure and
                                                    definition of ‘‘sanctuary resources’’ for               activities, programs, and permitting                   convenient anchoring point for users,
                                                    the WLMNMS to be tailored to include                    programs would be included in the                      eliminating the need for grappling, and
                                                    only the underwater cultural resources                  MOU and can be updated to adapt to                     providing additional notice of the
                                                    found in this area in accordance with                   changing conditions or threats to the                  location of any known shipwreck site.
                                                    the purpose of the proposed                             sanctuary resources. Any significant                   NOAA is proposing to publish
                                                    designation. The definition would not                   changes to the regulations or                          guidelines on best practices for
                                                    include biological and ecological                       management plan would not only be                      anchoring near shipwrecks sites to
                                                    resources of the area. Creating this new                jointly coordinated but also subject to                avoid violating this prohibition. An
                                                    site-specific definition requires NOAA                  public review.                                         example of a best practice could include
                                                    to modify the national definition of                                                                           instructions on using a weighted line,
                                                    ‘‘sanctuary resource’’ in the national                  6. Prohibited and Regulated Activities
                                                                                                                                                                   with a suggested maximum weight of 15
                                                    regulations at section 922.3 to add an                     NOAA is proposing to supplement                     pounds, and surface float to mark a
                                                    additional sentence that defines the                    and complement existing management                     wreck for divers to descend and ascend.
                                                    term for WLMNMS at section                              of this area by proposing three                        But the line would not use as an
                                                    922.211(a). This is similar to the                      regulations to protect the sanctuary                   anchoring line; it would need to be
                                                    approach taken for other national                       resources in section 922.213(a).                       continuously tended and removed
                                                    marine sanctuaries that do not share the                a. Damaging Sanctuary Resources                        before the dive boat leaves the area.
                                                    full ‘‘sanctuary resource’’ definition
                                                    such as Thunder Bay National Marine                        As a complement to existing                         c. Interfering With Investigations
                                                    Sanctuary.                                              protections under state law and NHPA                      NOAA is proposing a regulation to
                                                       The new WLMNMS definition of                         regulations, NOAA is proposing to                      prohibit interfering with sanctuary
                                                    ‘‘sanctuary resources’’ would be all                    prohibit moving, removing, recovering,                 enforcement activities. This regulation
                                                    prehistoric, historic, archaeological, and              altering, destroying, possessing or                    will assist in NOAA’s enforcement of
                                                    cultural sites and artifacts within the                 otherwise injuring, or attempting to                   the sanctuary regulations and strengthen
                                                    sanctuary boundary, including but not                   move, remove, recover, alter, destroy,                 sanctuary management.
                                                    limited to, all shipwrecks and related                  possess or otherwise injure a sanctuary
                                                                                                            resource. This sanctuary prohibition                   d. Exemption for Emergencies and Law
                                                    components.
                                                       Additionally NOAA would add a                        would supplement the existing                          Enforcement
                                                    definition for ‘‘shipwreck site’’ in the                Wisconsin regulations that prohibit                       NOAA is proposing to include an
                                                    WLMNMS regulations at Section                           damaging shipwrecks. Since 1991                        exemption from the three regulations
                                                    922.211(a) that would define a subset of                Wisconsin has had state regulations                    described above for activities that
                                                    the ‘‘sanctuary resources.’’ The                        related to removing or damaging                        respond to emergencies that threaten
                                                    definition for ‘‘shipwreck site’’ would                 shipwrecks that currently apply to the                 lives, property or the environment, or
                                                    be more narrowly focused than the                       proposed area and would continue to                    are necessary for law enforcement
                                                    broader ‘‘sanctuary resource’’ definition               apply to these resources after sanctuary               purposes.
                                                    and would be used in one of the                         designation.
                                                                                                                                                                   7. Emergency Regulations
                                                    prohibited activities regulations.                      b. Anchoring or Grappling on a
                                                    ‘‘Shipwreck site’’ is defined as any                                                                              As part of the proposed designation,
                                                                                                            Shipwreck Site                                         NOAA is proposing to give the
                                                    sunken watercraft, its components,
                                                    cargo, contents, and associated debris                     NOAA is proposing to prohibit the                   sanctuary authority to issue emergency
                                                    field.                                                  use of grappling hooks and anchoring                   regulations. Emergency regulations are
                                                       This proposed rule incorporates and                  devices into shipwreck sites to protect                used in limited cases and under specific
                                                    adopts other common terms defined in                    fragile shipwrecks within the sanctuary                conditions when there is an imminent
                                                    the existing national regulations at                    from damage. To provide the public                     risk to sanctuary resources and a
                                                    section 922.3. One of the common terms                  adequate notice of shipwreck sites,                    temporary prohibition would prevent
                                                    adopted (without modification) is                       NOAA will prepare and make available                   the destruction or loss of those
                                                    ‘‘National Marine Sanctuary’’ or                        sanctuary maps with known and                          resources. Under the NMSA, NOAA
                                                    ‘‘Sanctuary,’’ which means an area of                   suspected shipwreck sites. Shipwreck                   only issues emergency regulations that
                                                    the marine environment of special                       sites not listed on maps would still be                address an imminent risk for a fixed
                                                    national significance due to its resource               sanctuary resources and the prohibition                amount of time with a maximum of 6
                                                    or human-use values, which is                           on anchoring and grappling would still                 months that can be extended a single
                                                    designated as such to ensure its                        apply. The proposed management plan                    time. A full rulemaking process must be
                                                    conservation and management.                            includes activities related to surveying               undertaken, including a public
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                            the sanctuary area and identifying                     comment period, to consider making an
                                                    5. Co-Management of the Sanctuary                       additional shipwreck sites. As                         emergency regulation permanent.
                                                       In order to further enhance the                      appropriate, and in consideration of                   NOAA would add the authority to issue
                                                    engagement forged by the State of                       resource management conflicts, NOAA                    emergency regulations by modifying the
                                                    Wisconsin in nominating this area to                    would update the maps as new                           national regulations at section 922.44 to
                                                    become a national marine sanctuary,                     shipwreck sites are found by the                       include WLMNMS in a list of
                                                    NOAA is proposing to manage the                         sanctuary, the Wisconsin Historical                    sanctuaries that have site-specific
                                                    sanctuary collaboratively with the State                Society, or other public or private                    regulations related to emergency


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00022   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1


                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                             2273

                                                    regulations, and adding detailed site-                  regulatory text at section 922.49 to add                 certifications of pre-existing
                                                    specific emergency regulations to the                   reference to subpart T.                                  authorizations or rights
                                                    WLMNMS regulations at section                                                                                  • Section 922.48 National Marine
                                                                                                            d. Special Use Permits
                                                    922.214.                                                                                                         Sanctuary permits—application
                                                                                                               NOAA has the authority under the                      procedures and issuance criteria
                                                    8. General Permits, Certifications,                     NMSA to issue special use permits                      • Section 922.49 Notification and
                                                    Authorizations, and Special Use Permits                 (SUPs) at national marine sanctuaries as                 review of applications for leases,
                                                    a. General Permits                                      established by Section 310 of the                        licenses, permits, approvals, or other
                                                                                                            NMSA. SUPs can be used to authorize                      authorizations to conduct a prohibited
                                                       NOAA is proposing to include the                     specific activities in a sanctuary if such
                                                    authority to issue permits to allow                                                                              activity
                                                    certain activities that would otherwise
                                                                                                            authorization is necessary (1) to                      • Section 922.50 Appeals of
                                                                                                            establish conditions of access to and use                administrative action
                                                    violate the prohibitions in WLMNMS                      of any sanctuary resource; or (2) to
                                                    regulations. Similar to other national                  promote public use and understanding                   10. Terms of Designation
                                                    marine sanctuaries, NOAA is proposing                   of a sanctuary resource. The activities                  Section 304(a)(4) of the National
                                                    to consider these permits for the                       that qualify for a SUP are set forth in the            Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA)
                                                    purposes of education, research, or                     Federal Register (78 FR 25957; May 3,                  requires that the terms of designation
                                                    management.                                             2013). Categories of SUPs may be                       include the geographic area included
                                                       To address the above additions to the                changed or added to through public                     within the sanctuary; the characteristics
                                                    ONMS general permit authority for                       notice and comment. NOAA would not                     of the area that give it conservation,
                                                    WLMNMS, NOAA would amend                                apply the SUP to activities in place at                recreational, ecological, historical,
                                                    regulatory text in the program-wide                     the time of the WLMNMS designation.                    research, educational, or aesthetic value;
                                                    regulations in part 922, subpart E, to                     SUP applications are reviewed to                    and the types of activities that will be
                                                    add references to subpart T, as                         ensure that the activity is compatible                 subject to regulation by the Secretary of
                                                    appropriate. NOAA would also add a                      with the purposes for which the                        Commerce to protect these
                                                    new section 922.215 in subpart T titled                 sanctuary is designated and that the                   characteristics. Section 304(a)(4) also
                                                    ‘‘Permit procedures and review criteria’’               activities carried out under the SUP be                specifies that the terms of designation
                                                    that would address site-specific permit                 conducted in a manner that do not                      may be modified only by the same
                                                    procedures for WLMNMS.                                  destroy, cause the loss of, or injure                  procedures by which the original
                                                    b. Certifications                                       sanctuary resources. NOAA also                         designation was made. Thus, the terms
                                                                                                            requires SUP permittees to purchase                    of designation serve as a constitution for
                                                       Because of the possibility that                      and maintain comprehensive general
                                                    preexisting activities, right of                                                                               the Sanctuary.
                                                                                                            liability insurance, or post an equivalent               NOAA is proposing to establish terms
                                                    subsistence use or access permitted by                  bond, against claims arising out of
                                                    other federal, state, local, or tribal                                                                         to designation that describe the
                                                                                                            activities conducted under the permit.                 geographic area, resources, and
                                                    agencies might be occurring within the                  The NMSA allows NOAA to assess and
                                                    WLMNMS area that would otherwise be                                                                            activities as described in details above.
                                                                                                            collect fees for the conduct of any                    NOAA would add the terms of
                                                    prohibited by WLMNMS regulations,                       activity under a SUP. The fees collected
                                                    NOAA would add language at section                                                                             designation language as appendix B to
                                                                                                            could be used to recover the                           the WLMNMS regulations at 15 CFR
                                                    922.216 describing the process by which                 administrative costs of issuing the
                                                    it can certify existing activities within                                                                      part 922, subpart T.
                                                                                                            permit, the cost of implementing the
                                                    the WLMNMS area. In compliance with                     permit, monitoring costs associated with               III. Classification
                                                    the NMSA, WLMNMS regulations at                         the conduct of the activity, and the fair
                                                    section 922.216 would state that                                                                               National Marine Sanctuaries Act
                                                                                                            market value of the use of sanctuary
                                                    certification is the process by which                   resources.                                                NOAA has determined that the
                                                    permitted activities existing prior to the                                                                     designation of the Wisconsin—Lake
                                                    designation of the sanctuary that violate               9. Other Conforming Amendments                         Michigan National Marine Sanctuary
                                                    sanctuary prohibitions may be allowed                      The general regulations in part 922,                will not have a negative impact on the
                                                    to continue, provided certain conditions                subpart A, for general information and                 National Marine Sanctuary System and
                                                    are met. Applications for certifying                    part 922, subpart E, for regulations of                that sufficient resources exist to
                                                    permitted existing uses would have to                   general applicability would also have to               effectively implement sanctuary
                                                    be received by NOAA within 180 days                     be amended so that the regulations are                 management plans and to update site
                                                    of the effective date of the designation.               accurate and up-to-date. The 10 sections               characterizations. The finding for
                                                                                                            that will need to be updated to reflect                NMSA section 304(f) is published on
                                                    c. Authorizations
                                                                                                            the increased number of sanctuaries or                 the ONMS Web site for Wisconsin-Lake
                                                       NOAA also proposes to provide                        to add subpart T to the list of                        Michigan designation at http://
                                                    WLMNMS with the authority to                            sanctuaries. The modified sections to                  sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wisconsin/.
                                                    consider allowing an otherwise                          conform to adding a new sanctuary are:
                                                    prohibited activity if such activity is                                                                        National Environmental Policy Act
                                                                                                            • Section 922.1 Applicability of
                                                    specifically authorized by any valid                                                                             NOAA has prepared a draft
                                                                                                               regulations
                                                    Federal, state, or local lease, permit,                 • Section 922.40 Purpose                               environmental impact statement to
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    license, approval, or other authorization               • Section 922.41 Boundaries                            evaluate the environmental effects of the
                                                    issued after sanctuary designation.                     • Section 922.42 Allowed activities                    proposed rulemaking and alternatives as
                                                    Authorization authority is intended to                  • Section 922.43 Prohibited or                         required by NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
                                                    streamline regulatory requirements by                      otherwise regulated activities                      seq.) and the NMSA. Copies of the DEIS
                                                    reducing the need for multiple permits                  • Section 922.44 Emergency                             and related DMP are available at the
                                                    and would apply to all proposed                            regulations                                         address and Web site listed in the
                                                    prohibitions at section 922.213. As                     • Section 922.47 Pre-existing                          ADDRESSES section of this proposed rule.
                                                    such, NOAA proposes to amend the                           authorizations or rights and                        NOAA is also soliciting public


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00023   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1


                                                    2274                     Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                    comments on the DEIS and DMP.                           the assessment of the effects of the                      Methodology. The analysis here is
                                                    Responses to comments received on this                  undertaking on such properties in                      based on limited quantitative
                                                    proposed rule as well as on the DEIS                    scheduled consultations with those                     information on how much each activity
                                                    and draft management plan will be                       identified parties and the SHPO. By this               occurs within the proposed sanctuary.
                                                    published in the final environmental                    notice NOAA seeks public input,                        Consequently, the result is more
                                                    impact statement and preamble to the                    particularly in regard to the                          qualitative than quantitative.
                                                    final rule.                                             identification of historic properties                     Scales Used for Assessing Impacts.
                                                                                                            within the proposed areas of potential                 For assessing levels of impacts within
                                                    Coastal Zone Management Act                                                                                    an alternative, NOAA used three levels;
                                                                                                            effect. Pursuant to 36 CFR 800.16(l)(1),
                                                       Section 307 of the Coastal Zone                      historic properties includes: ‘‘any                    ‘‘negligible’’, ‘‘moderate’’ and ‘‘high’’
                                                    Management Act (CZMA; 16 U.S.C.                         prehistoric or historic district, site,                plus ‘‘no impacts’’. For levels of impacts
                                                    1456) requires Federal agencies to                      building, structure or object included in,             within the proposed alternatives being
                                                    consult with a state’s coastal program on               or eligible for inclusion in, the National             analyzed, negligible means very low
                                                    potential Federal regulations having an                 Register of Historic Places maintained                 benefits, costs, or net benefits (less than
                                                    effect on state waters. Because                         by the Secretary of the Interior. The                  1% change). Moderate impacts would
                                                    WLMNMS encompasses a portion of the                     term includes artifacts, records, and                  be more than 1% but less than or equal
                                                    Wisconsin State waters, NOAA intends                    remains that are related to and located                to 10%, and high impacts would be
                                                    to submit a copy of this proposed rule                  within such properties. The term                       more than 10%. For market economic
                                                    and supporting documents to the State                   includes properties of traditional                     values (revenue, costs, and profits),
                                                    of Wisconsin Coastal Zone Management                    religious and cultural importance to an                negligible would mean no likely impact
                                                    Program for evaluation of Federal                       Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian                        whereas moderate and high could mean
                                                    consistency under the CZMA. NOAA                        organization and that meet the National                some measurable impact on market
                                                    will publish the final rule and                         Register criteria.’’ If you, your                      economic values at the levels noted
                                                    designation only after completion of the                organization(s), or business(es) would                 above. NOAA analyzed the proposed
                                                    consultation requirements under the                     like to be considered a ‘‘consulting                   national marine sanctuary described
                                                    CZMA.                                                   party’’ under Section 106 please contact               above.
                                                                                                            the individual listed under the heading                   Small business user groups include
                                                    Executive Order 12866: Regulatory                                                                              commercial fishing operation,
                                                    Impact                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT;
                                                                                                            include contact information for the                    recreation-tourism related businesses,
                                                      This proposed rule has been                           principal representative for the                       and land use and development
                                                    determined to be not significant for                    consultation; and describe you or your                 businesses. Other user groups not
                                                    purposes of Executive Order 12866.                                                                             included here are research and
                                                                                                            party’s interest in the proposed
                                                                                                                                                                   education, people who receive passive
                                                    Executive Order 13132: Federalism                       designation. In accordance with 36 CFR
                                                                                                                                                                   economic use value from stabilization or
                                                    Assessment                                              800.3(f)(3), NOAA will consider all
                                                                                                                                                                   improvement to the proposed sanctuary
                                                      NOAA has concluded that this                          ‘‘consulting party’’ requests but has
                                                                                                                                                                   resources, none of whom are small
                                                    regulatory action does not have                         ultimate discretion in determining and
                                                                                                                                                                   businesses.
                                                    federalism implications sufficient to                   inviting additional consulting parties.
                                                    warrant preparation of a federalism                                                                            Proposed Action
                                                                                                            Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                    assessment under Executive Order                                                                                  Prohibition on damaging a sanctuary
                                                    13132 because NOAA supplements and                        This analysis seeks to fulfill the                   resource. Small businesses that could
                                                    complements state and local laws under                  requirements of Executive Order 12866                  potentially be impacted from the
                                                    the NMSA.                                               and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The                proposed prohibition on damaging a
                                                                                                            Small Business Administration has                      sanctuary resource include commercial
                                                    National Historic Preservation Act                      established thresholds on the                          fishing, recreational fishing and diving.
                                                      The National Historic Preservation                    designation of businesses as ‘‘small                   This regulation is expected to have no
                                                    Act (NHPA; 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.) is                    entities’’. A finfish fishing businesses is            to minimal impact on commercial
                                                    intended to preserve historical and                     considered a small business if it has                  fishermen because it is coextensive with
                                                    archaeological sites in the United States               annual receipts of less than $20.5                     existing state law. The sanctuary will
                                                    of America. The act created the National                million. Scenic and Sightseeing and                    assist the state in notifying the public,
                                                    Register of Historic Places, the list of                Recreational industries are considered                 including fishermen of the locations of
                                                    National Historic Landmarks, and State                  small businesses if they have annual                   known and suspected shipwreck sites,
                                                    Historic Preservation Offices. Section                  receipts not in excess of $7.5 million.                which will enable them to avoid
                                                    106 of the NHPA requires Federal                        According to these limits, each of the                 snagging and damaging their gear on
                                                    agencies to take into account the effects               businesses potentially affected by the                 shipwreck sites. Lastly divers and other
                                                    of their undertakings on historic                       proposed rule would most likely be                     recreational water users will still be able
                                                    properties, and afford the Advisory                     small businesses. However, as further                  to use the resource, but will not able to
                                                    Council on Historic Preservation                        discussed below, these regulations will                take sanctuary resources. Therefore the
                                                    (ACHP) a reasonable opportunity to                      not have a significant economic impact                 impact for this user group from this
                                                    comment. The historic preservation                      on the affected small entities, and the                prohibition is ‘‘no impact’’.
                                                    review process mandated by Section                      Chief Counsel for Regulations for the                     Prohibition on anchoring or grappling
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    106 is outlined in regulations issued by                Department of Commerce has certified                   into a shipwreck site. Commercial
                                                    ACHP (36 CFR part 800 et seq.). In                      to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the               fishermen use trap nets or gill nets
                                                    fulfilling its responsibilities under the               Small Business Administration that this                which are anchored down, but it is
                                                    NHPA, NOAA is seeking to identify                       rule will not have significant economic                unlikely that fishermen would anchor
                                                    consulting parties in addition to the                   impact on a substantial number of small                their nets near known shipwrecks due
                                                    State Historic Preservation Officer                     entities. Thus, NOAA is not required to                to snagging and the potential to have
                                                    (SHPO), and will complete the                           and has not prepared an initial                        their gear damaged. Thus, the expected
                                                    identification of historic properties and               regulatory flexibility analysis.                       impact to commercial fishermen is


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00024   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1


                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                              2275

                                                    negligible. The impact is also expected                 submission@omb.eop.gov, or fax to (202)                including, but not limited to, the
                                                    to be negligible for dive charters who                  395–7285. Notwithstanding any other                    substratum of the area of the Sanctuary,
                                                    would no longer be able to anchor on or                 provision of law, no person is required                other submerged features and the
                                                    grapple into a shipwreck site. NOAA is                  to respond to, nor shall any person be                 surrounding seabed, carbonate rock,
                                                    planning to add mooring buoys and                       subject to a penalty for failure to comply             corals and other bottom formations,
                                                    provide anchoring best practices                        with a collection of information subject               coralline algae and other marine plants
                                                    guidelines to facilitate divers to visit the            to the requirements of the Paperwork                   and algae, marine invertebrates, brine-
                                                    shipwreck sites without damaging the                    Reduction Act, unless that collection of               seep biota, phytoplankton, zooplankton,
                                                    fragile wrecks.                                         information displays a currently valid                 fish, seabirds, sea turtles and other
                                                       Prohibition on interfering with an                   OMB control number.                                    marine reptiles, marine mammals and
                                                    investigation. There is no evidence that                                                                       historical resources. For Thunder Bay
                                                    any small business in the area would be                 IV. Request for Comments
                                                                                                                                                                   National Marine Sanctuary and
                                                    affected by this prohibition. Therefore,                  NOAA requests comments on this                       Underwater Preserve, Sanctuary
                                                    the prohibition is expected to have no                  proposed rule by March 31, 2017. In                    resource means an underwater cultural
                                                    impact on small businesses.                             additional to requesting comments on                   resource as defined at § 922.191. For
                                                       Thus, the overall expected impact to                 this proposed rule, NOAA is also                       Wisconsin—Lake Michigan National
                                                    all these business in the preferred                     soliciting input on the DEIS and DMP.                  Marine Sanctuary, sanctuary resource is
                                                    alternative is ‘‘no impact,’’ and the Chief             In addition NOAA would like the public                 defined at § 922.211(a).
                                                    Counsel for Regulations for the                         comments on the proposed name for the                  *      *    *     *     *
                                                    Department of Commerce has certified                    sanctuary.                                             ■ 4. Revise § 922.40 to read as follows:
                                                    that this rule will not have a significant
                                                    economic impact on a substantial                        List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 922
                                                                                                                                                                   § 922.40   Purpose.
                                                    number of small entities.                                 Administrative practice and                             The purpose of the regulations in this
                                                                                                            procedure, Coastal zone, Historic                      subpart and in the site-specific subparts
                                                    Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                                                                            preservation, Intergovernmental                        is to implement the designations of the
                                                      ONMS has a valid Office of                            relations, Marine resources, Natural                   National Marine Sanctuaries by
                                                    Management and Budget (OMB) control                     resources, Penalties, Recreation and                   regulating activities affecting them,
                                                    number (0648–0141) for the collection                   recreation areas, Reporting and                        consistent with their respective terms of
                                                    of public information related to the                    recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife.                  designation in order to protect, preserve
                                                    processing of ONMS permits across the
                                                                                                              Dated: December 22, 2016.                            and manage and thereby ensure the
                                                    National Marine Sanctuary System.
                                                                                                            W. Russell Callender,                                  health, integrity and continued
                                                    NOAA’s proposal to create WLMNMS
                                                                                                            Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services             availability of the conservation,
                                                    would likely result in an increase in the
                                                                                                            and Coastal Zone Management.                           ecological, recreational, research,
                                                    number of requests for ONMS general
                                                                                                              Accordingly, for the reasons                         educational, historical and aesthetic
                                                    permits, special use permits,
                                                                                                            discussed in the preamble, the National                resources and qualities of these areas.
                                                    certifications, and authorizations
                                                                                                            Oceanic and Atmospheric                                Additional purposes of the regulations
                                                    because this action proposes to add
                                                                                                            Administration proposes to amend 15                    implementing the designation of the
                                                    general permits and special use permits,
                                                                                                            CFR part 922 as follows:                               Florida Keys and Hawaiian Islands
                                                    certifications, appeals, and the authority
                                                                                                                                                                   Humpback Whale National Marine
                                                    to authorize other valid federal, state, or             PART 922—NATIONAL MARINE                               Sanctuaries are found at §§ 922.160 and
                                                    local leases, permits, licenses,                        SANCTUARY PROGRAM                                      922.180, respectively.
                                                    approvals, or other authorizations. An                  REGULATIONS                                            ■ 5. Revise § 922.41 to read as follows:
                                                    increase in the number of ONMS permit
                                                    requests would require a change to the                  ■ 1. The authority citation for 15 CFR                 § 922.41   Boundaries.
                                                    reporting burden certified for OMB                      part 922 continues to read as follows:                    The boundary for each of the National
                                                    control number 0648–0141. An update                         Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.                  Marine Sanctuaries is set forth in the
                                                    to this control number for the                                                                                 site-specific regulations covered by this
                                                                                                            ■   2. Revise § 922.1 to read as follows:
                                                    processing of ONMS permits would be                                                                            part.
                                                    requested as part of the final rule for                 § 922.1    Applicability of regulations.               ■ 6. Revise § 922.42 to read as follows:
                                                    sanctuary expansion.                                      Unless noted otherwise, the
                                                      Nationwide, NOAA issues                                                                                      § 922.42   Allowed activities.
                                                                                                            regulations in subparts A, D, and E of
                                                    approximately 500 national marine                       this part apply to all National Marine                    All activities (e.g., fishing, boating,
                                                    sanctuary permits each year. Of this                    Sanctuaries and related site-specific                  diving, research, education) may be
                                                    amount, WLMNMS is expected to add 4                     regulations set forth in this part.                    conducted unless prohibited or
                                                    to 5 permit requests per year. The public               Subparts B and C of this part apply to                 otherwise regulated in the site-specific
                                                    reporting burden for national marine                    the sanctuary nomination process and to                regulations covered by this part, subject
                                                    sanctuaries permits is estimated to                     the designation of future Sanctuaries.                 to any emergency regulations
                                                    average 1.5 hours per response,                         ■ 3. Amend § 922.3 by revising the                     promulgated under this part, subject to
                                                    including the time for reviewing                        definition of ‘‘Sanctuary resource’’ to                all prohibitions, regulations,
                                                    instructions, searching existing data                   read as follows:                                       restrictions, and conditions validly
                                                    sources, gathering and maintaining the                                                                         imposed by any Federal, State, or local
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    data needed and completing and                          § 922.3    Definitions.                                authority of competent jurisdiction,
                                                    reviewing the collection of information.                *     *     *     *     *                              including but not limited to, Federal,
                                                      Send comments regarding the burden                      Sanctuary resource means any living                  Tribal, and State fishery management
                                                    estimate for this data collection                       or non-living resource of a National                   authorities, and subject to the
                                                    requirement, or any other aspect of this                Marine Sanctuary that contributes to the               provisions of section 312 of the National
                                                    data collection, including suggestions                  conservation, recreational, ecological,                Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), (16
                                                    for reducing the burden, to NOAA (see                   historical, research, educational, or                  U.S.C. 1431 et seq.). The Assistant
                                                    ADDRESSES) and by email to OIRA_                        aesthetic value of the Sanctuary,                      Administrator may only directly


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00025   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1


                                                    2276                     Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                    regulate fishing activities pursuant to                 regulations in subpart P, and with any                 O of this part, or subparts R through T
                                                    the procedure set forth in section                      terms and conditions on the exercise of                of this part, as appropriate. The Director
                                                    304(a)(5) of the NMSA.                                  such authorization or right imposed by                 shall further impose, at a minimum, the
                                                    ■ 7. Revise § 922.43 to read as follows:                the Director as a condition of                         conditions set forth in the relevant
                                                                                                            certification as the Director deems                    subpart.
                                                    § 922.43 Prohibited or otherwise regulated
                                                                                                            necessary to achieve the purposes for                     (e) A permit granted pursuant to this
                                                    activities.
                                                                                                            which the Sanctuary was designated.                    section is nontransferable.
                                                      The site-specific regulations                         ■ 10. Revise § 922.48 to read as follows:                 (f) The Director may amend, suspend,
                                                    applicable to the activities specified                                                                         or revoke a permit issued pursuant to
                                                    therein are set forth in the subparts                   § 922.48 National Marine Sanctuary                     this section for good cause. The Director
                                                    covered by this part.                                   permits—application procedures and
                                                                                                            issuance criteria.
                                                                                                                                                                   may deny a permit application pursuant
                                                    ■ 8. Revise § 922.44 to read as follows:
                                                                                                                                                                   to this section, in whole or in part, if it
                                                                                                               (a) A person may conduct an activity                is determined that the permittee or
                                                    § 922.44   Emergency regulations.
                                                                                                            prohibited by subparts F through O and                 applicant has acted in violation of the
                                                       (a) Where necessary to prevent or                    S and T of this part, if conducted in
                                                    minimize the destruction of, loss of, or                                                                       terms and conditions of a permit or of
                                                                                                            accordance with the scope, purpose,                    the regulations set forth in this section
                                                    injury to a Sanctuary resource or                       terms and conditions of a permit issued
                                                    quality, or minimize the imminent risk                                                                         or subparts F through O of this part, or
                                                                                                            under this section and subparts F                      subparts R through T of this part or for
                                                    of such destruction, loss, or injury, any               through O and S and T, as appropriate.
                                                    and all such activities are subject to                                                                         other good cause. Any such action shall
                                                                                                            For the Florida Keys National Marine                   be communicated in writing to the
                                                    immediate temporary regulation,                         Sanctuary, a person may conduct an
                                                    including prohibition.                                                                                         permittee or applicant by certified mail
                                                                                                            activity prohibited by subpart P of this               and shall set forth the reason(s) for the
                                                       (b) The provisions of this section do                part if conducted in accordance with the
                                                    not apply to the following national                                                                            action taken. Procedures governing
                                                                                                            scope, purpose, terms and conditions of                permit sanctions and denials for
                                                    marine sanctuaries with site-specific                   a permit issued under § 922.166. For the
                                                    regulations that establish procedures for                                                                      enforcement reasons are set forth in
                                                                                                            Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary                  subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
                                                    issuing emergency regulations:                          and Underwater Preserve, a person may
                                                       (1) Cordell Bank National Marine                                                                            ■ 11. Revise § 922.49 to read as follows:
                                                                                                            conduct an activity prohibited by
                                                    Sanctuary, § 922.112(e).                                subpart R of this part in accordance                   § 922.49 Notification and review of
                                                       (2) Florida Keys National Marine                                                                            applications for leases, licenses, permits,
                                                                                                            with the scope, purpose, terms and
                                                    Sanctuary, § 922.165.                                                                                          approvals, or other authorizations to
                                                       (3) Hawaiian Islands Humpback                        conditions of a permit issued under
                                                                                                            § 922.195.                                             conduct a prohibited activity.
                                                    Whale National Marine Sanctuary,                                                                                  (a) A person may conduct an activity
                                                                                                               (b) Applications for permits to
                                                    § 922.185.                                                                                                     prohibited by subparts L through P of
                                                       (4) Thunder Bay National Marine                      conduct activities otherwise prohibited
                                                                                                            by subparts F through O and S and T of                 this part, or subparts R through T of this
                                                    Sanctuary, § 922.196.
                                                       (5) [Reserved]                                       this part, should be addressed to the                  part, if such activity is specifically
                                                       (6) Wisconsin—Lake Michigan                          Director and sent to the address                       authorized by any valid Federal, State,
                                                    National Marine Sanctuary, § 922.214.                   specified in subparts F through O of this              or local lease, permit, license, approval,
                                                    ■ 9. Amend § 922.47 by revising                         part, or subparts R through T of this                  or other authorization issued after the
                                                    paragraph (b) to read as follows:                       part, as appropriate. An application                   effective date of Sanctuary designation,
                                                                                                            must include:                                          or in the case of the Florida Keys
                                                    § 922.47 Pre-existing authorizations or                    (1) A detailed description of the                   National Marine Sanctuary after the
                                                    rights and certifications of pre-existing               proposed activity including a timetable                effective date of the regulations in
                                                    authorizations or rights.                               for completion;                                        subpart P, provided that:
                                                    *      *    *     *    *                                   (2) The equipment, personnel and                       (1) The applicant notifies the Director,
                                                       (b) The prohibitions listed in subparts              methodology to be employed;                            in writing, of the application for such
                                                    F through P and R through T of this part                   (3) The qualifications and experience               authorization (and of any application for
                                                    do not apply to any activity authorized                 of all personnel;                                      an amendment, renewal, or extension of
                                                    by a valid lease, permit, license,                         (4) The potential effects of the                    such authorization) within fifteen (15)
                                                    approval or other authorization in                      activity, if any, on Sanctuary resources               days of the date of filing of the
                                                    existence on the effective date of                      and qualities; and                                     application or the effective date of
                                                    Sanctuary designation, or in the case of                   (5) Copies of all other required                    Sanctuary designation, or in the case of
                                                    the Florida Keys National Marine                        licenses, permits, approvals or other                  the Florida Keys National Marine
                                                    Sanctuary the effective date of the                     authorizations.                                        Sanctuary the effective date of the
                                                    regulations in subpart P, and issued by                    (c) Upon receipt of an application, the             regulations in subpart P, whichever is
                                                    any Federal, State or local authority of                Director may request such additional                   later;
                                                    competent jurisdiction, or by any valid                 information from the applicant as he or                   (2) The applicant complies with the
                                                    right of subsistence use or access in                   she deems necessary to act on the                      other provisions of this section;
                                                    existence on the effective date of                      application and may seek the views of                     (3) The Director notifies the applicant
                                                    Sanctuary designation, or in the case of                any persons or entity, within or outside               and authorizing agency that he or she
                                                    the Florida Keys National Marine                        the Federal government, and may hold                   does not object to issuance of the
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    Sanctuary the effective date of the                     a public hearing, as deemed                            authorization (or amendment, renewal,
                                                    regulations in subpart P, provided that                 appropriate.                                           or extension); and
                                                    the holder of such authorization or right                  (d) The Director, at his or her                        (4) The applicant complies with any
                                                    complies with certification procedures                  discretion, may issue a permit, subject                terms and conditions the Director deems
                                                    and criteria promulgated at the time of                 to such terms and conditions as he or                  reasonably necessary to protect
                                                    Sanctuary designation, or in the case of                she deems appropriate, to conduct a                    Sanctuary resources and qualities.
                                                    the Florida Keys National Marine                        prohibited activity, in accordance with                   (b) Any potential applicant for an
                                                    Sanctuary the effective date of the                     the criteria found in subparts F through               authorization described in paragraph (a)


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00026   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1


                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                               2277

                                                    of this section may request the Director                requesting certification of an existing                an officer before whom the hearing shall
                                                    to issue a finding as to whether the                    lease, permit, license or right of                     be held.
                                                    activity for which an application is                    subsistence use or access under                          (2) The hearing officer shall give
                                                    intended to be made is prohibited by                    § 922.47; or, for those Sanctuaries                    notice in the Federal Register of the
                                                    subparts L through P of this part, or                   described in subparts L through P and                  time, place and subject matter of the
                                                    subparts R through T of this part, as                   R through T of this part, an applicant for             hearing. The appellant and the Director
                                                    appropriate.                                            a lease, permit, license or other                      may appear personally or by counsel at
                                                       (c) Notification of filings of                       authorization issued by any Federal,                   the hearing and submit such material
                                                    applications should be sent to the                      State, or local authority of competent                 and present such arguments as deemed
                                                    Director, Office of National Marine                     jurisdiction (hereinafter appellant) may               appropriate by the hearing officer.
                                                    Sanctuaries at the address specified in                 appeal to the Assistant Administrator:                 Within 60 days after the record for the
                                                    subparts L through P of this part, or                      (i) The granting, denial, conditioning,             hearing closes, the hearing officer shall
                                                    subparts R through T of this part, as                   amendment, suspension or revocation                    recommend a decision in writing to the
                                                    appropriate. A copy of the application                  by the Director of a National Marine                   Assistant Administrator.
                                                    must accompany the notification.                        Sanctuary or Special Use permit;                         (d) The Assistant Administrator shall
                                                       (d) The Director may request                            (ii) The conditioning, amendment,                   decide the appeal using the same
                                                    additional information from the                         suspension or revocation of a                          regulatory criteria as for the initial
                                                    applicant as he or she deems reasonably                 certification under § 922.47; or                       decision and shall base the appeal
                                                    necessary to determine whether to                          (iii) For those Sanctuaries described               decision on the record before the
                                                    object to issuance of an authorization                  in subparts L through P and subpart R                  Director and any information submitted
                                                    described in paragraph (a) of this                      through T, the objection to issuance of                regarding the appeal, and, if a hearing
                                                    section, or what terms and conditions                   or the imposition of terms and                         has been held, on the record before the
                                                    are reasonably necessary to protect                     conditions on a lease, permit, license or              hearing officer and the hearing officer’s
                                                    Sanctuary resources and qualities. The                  other authorization issued by any                      recommended decision. The Assistant
                                                    information requested must be received                  Federal, State, or local authority of                  Administrator shall notify the appellant
                                                    by the Director within 45 days of the                   competent jurisdiction.                                of the final decision and the reason(s)
                                                    postmark date of the request. The                          (2) For those National Marine                       therefore in writing. The Assistant
                                                    Director may seek the views of any                      Sanctuaries described in subparts F                    Administrator’s decision shall
                                                    persons on the application.                             through K and S and T of this part, any                constitute final agency action for the
                                                       (e) The Director shall notify, in                    interested person may also appeal the                  purpose of the Administrative
                                                    writing, the agency to which application                same actions described in paragraphs                   Procedure Act.
                                                    has been made of his or her pending                     (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section. For                  (e) Any time limit prescribed in or
                                                    review of the application and possible                  appeals arising from actions taken with                established under this section other
                                                    objection to issuance. Upon completion                  respect to these National Marine                       than the 30-day limit for filing an appeal
                                                    of review of the application and                        Sanctuaries, the term ‘‘appellant’’                    may be extended by the Assistant
                                                    information received with respect                       includes any such interested persons.                  Administrator or hearing office for good
                                                    thereto, the Director shall notify both                    (b) An appeal under paragraph (a) of                cause.
                                                    the agency and applicant, in writing,                   this section must be in writing, state the
                                                    whether he or she has an objection to                                                                          Subpart S—[Added and Reserved]
                                                                                                            action(s) by the Director appealed and
                                                    issuance and what terms and conditions                  the reason(s) for the appeal, and be                   ■   13. Add and reserve subpart S.
                                                    he or she deems reasonably necessary to                 received within 30 days of receipt of                  ■   14. Add subpart T to read as follows:
                                                    protect Sanctuary resources and                         notice of the action by the Director.
                                                    qualities, and reasons therefor.                                                                               SUBPART T—WISCONSIN-LAKE MICHIGAN
                                                                                                            Appeals should be addressed to the                     NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
                                                       (f) The Director may amend the terms
                                                                                                            Assistant Administrator for Ocean                      Sec.
                                                    and conditions deemed reasonably
                                                                                                            Services and Coastal Zone Management,                  922.210 Boundary.
                                                    necessary to protect Sanctuary resources
                                                                                                            NOAA 1305 East-West Highway, 13th                      922.211 Definitions.
                                                    and qualities whenever additional
                                                                                                            Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910.                        922.212 Co-management.
                                                    information becomes available justifying                                                                       922.213 Prohibited or otherwise regulated
                                                                                                               (c)(1) The Assistant Administrator
                                                    such an amendment.                                                                                                  activities.
                                                       (g) Any time limit prescribed in or                  may request the appellant to submit
                                                                                                            such information as the Assistant                      922.214 Emergency regulations.
                                                    established under this section may be                                                                          922.215 Permit procedures and review
                                                    extended by the Director for good cause.                Administrator deems necessary in order
                                                                                                                                                                        criteria.
                                                       (h) The applicant may appeal any                     for him or her to decide the appeal. The               922.216 Certification of preexisting leases,
                                                    objection by, or terms or conditions                    information requested must be received                      licenses, permits, approvals, other
                                                    imposed by, the Director to the                         by the Assistant Administrator within                       authorizations, or rights to conduct a
                                                    Assistant Administrator or designee in                  45 days of the postmark date of the                         prohibited activity.
                                                    accordance with the provisions of                       request. The Assistant Administrator                   Appendix A to Subpart T of Part 922—
                                                                                                            may seek the views of any other                             Wisconsin-Lake Michigan Marine
                                                    § 922.50.                                                                                                           Sanctuary Boundary Description and
                                                    ■ 12. Revise § 922.50 to read as follows:               persons. For the Monitor National
                                                                                                            Marine Sanctuary, if the appellant has                      Coordinates of the Lateral Boundary
                                                    § 922.50   Appeals of administrative action.                                                                        Closures and Excluded Areas
                                                                                                            requested a hearing, the Assistant
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                                                                                   Appendix B to Subpart T of Part 922—
                                                      (a)(1) Except for permit actions taken                Administrator shall grant an informal                       Wisconsin-Lake Michigan Marine
                                                    for enforcement reasons (see subpart D                  hearing. For all other National Marine                      Sanctuary Terms of Designation
                                                    of 15 CFR part 904 for applicable                       Sanctuaries, the Assistant Administrator
                                                    procedures), an applicant for, or a                     may determine whether to hold an                       § 922.210   Boundary.
                                                    holder of, a National Marine Sanctuary                  informal hearing on the appeal. If the                   The Wisconsin-Lake Michigan
                                                    permit; an applicant for, or a holder of,               Assistant Administrator determines that                National Marine Sanctuary consists of
                                                    a Special Use permit issued pursuant to                 an informal hearing should be held, the                an area of approximately 812 square
                                                    section 310 of the Act; a person                        Assistant Administrator may designate                  nautical miles (nmi2) (1,075 sq. mi) of


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00027   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1


                                                    2278                     Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Lake Michigan waters within the state of                then NNW until it intersects the line                  respond to an emergency threatening
                                                    Wisconsin and the submerged lands                       segment formed between Point 13 and                    life, property or the environment; or to
                                                    thereunder, over, around, and under the                 Point 14 along the shoreline at                        activities necessary for valid law
                                                    submerged underwater cultural                           approximately the border between                       enforcement purposes.
                                                    resources in Lake Michigan. The precise                 Manitowoc and Kewaunee County near
                                                                                                                                                                   § 922.214   Emergency regulations.
                                                    boundary coordinates are listed in                      Twin Creeks, WI. Finally, from this
                                                    appendix A to this subpart. The eastern                 intersection the boundary moves east                      (a) Where necessary to prevent or
                                                    boundary of the sanctuary begins                        across Lake Michigan to Point 14.                      minimize the destruction of, loss of, or
                                                    approximately 9.5 miles east of the                                                                            injury to a Sanctuary resource, or to
                                                    Wisconsin shoreline in Lake Michigan
                                                                                                            § 922.211    Definitions.                              minimize the imminent risk of such
                                                                                                              (a) The following terms are defined                  destruction, loss, or injury, any and all
                                                    at Point 1 roughly on the border
                                                                                                            for purposes of this subpart:                          activities are subject to immediate
                                                    between Manitowoc and Kewaunee
                                                                                                              (1) Sanctuary resource means all                     temporary regulation, including
                                                    County. From this point the boundary
                                                                                                            prehistoric, historic, archaeological, and             prohibition. An emergency regulation
                                                    continues SSW in a straight line to Point
                                                                                                            cultural sites and artifacts within the                shall not take effect without the
                                                    2 and then SW to Point 3 at roughly the                                                                        approval of the Governor of Wisconsin
                                                    border between Ozaukee and                              sanctuary boundary, including but not
                                                                                                            limited to, all shipwrecks and related                 or her/his designee or designated
                                                    Milwaukee County. From this point the                                                                          agency.
                                                    boundary continues west towards Point                   components.
                                                                                                              (2) Shipwreck site means any sunken                     (b) Emergency regulations remain in
                                                    4 until it intersects the shoreline at the                                                                     effect until a date fixed in the rule or six
                                                    ordinary high water mark near Mequon,                   watercraft, its components, cargo,
                                                                                                            contents, and associated debris field.                 months after the effective date,
                                                    WI. From this intersection the boundary                                                                        whichever is earlier. The rule may be
                                                    continues north following the shoreline                   (b) All other terms appearing in the
                                                                                                            regulations in this subpart are defined at             extended once for not more than six
                                                    cutting across the mouths of creeks and                                                                        months.
                                                    streams until it intersects the line                    15 CFR 922.3, and/or in the Marine
                                                    segment formed between Point 5 and                      Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries                  § 922.215   Permit procedures and review
                                                    Point 6 at the end of the southern                      Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.,               criteria.
                                                    breakwater at the mouth of Sauk Creek                   and 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.                               (a) Authority to issue general permits.
                                                    at Port Washington. From this                           § 922.212    Co-management.                            The Director may allow a person to
                                                    intersection the boundary continues                                                                            conduct an activity that would
                                                                                                              NOAA has primary responsibility for                  otherwise be prohibited by this subpart,
                                                    across the river mouth towards Point 6                  the management of the Sanctuary
                                                    until it intersects the shoreline at the                                                                       through issuance of a general permit,
                                                                                                            pursuant to the Act. However, as the                   provided the applicant complies with:
                                                    ordinary high water mark at the end of                  Sanctuary is in state waters, NOAA will
                                                    the northern breakwater. From this                                                                               (1) The provisions of subpart E of this
                                                                                                            co-manage the Sanctuary in                             part; and
                                                    intersection the boundary continues                     collaboration with the State of
                                                    north following the shoreline until it                                                                           (2) The relevant site specific
                                                                                                            Wisconsin. The Director may enter into                 regulations appearing in this subpart.
                                                    intersects the line segment formed                      a Memorandum of Understanding                            (b) Sanctuary general permit
                                                    between Point 7 and Point 8 at the end                  regarding this collaboration that may                  categories. The Director may issue a
                                                    of the southern breakwater at the mouth                 address, but not be limited to, such                   sanctuary general permit under this
                                                    of the Sheboygan River. From this                       aspects as areas of mutual concern,                    subpart, subject to such terms and
                                                    intersection the boundary continues                     including Sanctuary resource                           conditions as he or she deems
                                                    across the river mouth towards Point 8                  protection, programs, permitting,                      appropriate, if the Director finds that the
                                                    until it intersects the shoreline at the                activities, development, and threats to                proposed activity falls within one of the
                                                    ordinary high water mark at the end of                  Sanctuary resources.                                   following categories:
                                                    the northern breakwater. From this                                                                               (1) Research—activities that constitute
                                                    intersection the boundary continues                     § 922.213 Prohibited or otherwise
                                                                                                                                                                   scientific research on or scientific
                                                    north along the shoreline until it                      regulated activities.
                                                                                                                                                                   monitoring of national marine sanctuary
                                                    intersects the line segment formed                         (a) Except as specified in paragraph                resources or qualities;
                                                    between Point 9 and Point 10 at the end                 (b) of this section, the following                       (2) Education—activities that enhance
                                                    of the southern breakwater at the mouth                 activities are prohibited and thus are                 public awareness, understanding, or
                                                    of Manitowoc Harbor. From this                          unlawful for any person to conduct or                  appreciation of a national marine
                                                    intersection the boundary continues                     to cause to be conducted:                              sanctuary or national marine sanctuary
                                                    across the harbor mouth towards Point                      (1) Moving, removing, recovering,                   resources or qualities; or
                                                    until it intersects the shoreline at the                altering, destroying, possessing, or                     (3) Management—activities that assist
                                                    ordinary high water mark10 at the end                   otherwise injuring, or attempting to                   in managing a national marine
                                                    of the northern breakwater. From this                   move, remove, recover, alter, destroy,                 sanctuary.
                                                    intersection the boundary continues                     possess or otherwise injure a sanctuary                  (c) Review criteria. The Director shall
                                                    north following the shoreline until it                  resource.                                              not issue a permit under this subpart,
                                                    intersects the line segment formed                         (2) Grappling into or anchoring on                  unless he or she also finds that:
                                                    between Point 11 and Point 12 at the                    shipwreck sites.                                         (1) The proposed activity will be
                                                    end of the western breakwater at the                       (3) Interfering with, obstructing,                  conducted in a manner compatible with
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    mouth of East Twin River. From this                     delaying or preventing an investigation,               the primary objective of protection of
                                                    intersection the boundary continues                     search, seizure or disposition of seized               national marine sanctuary resources and
                                                    across the river mouth towards Point 12                 property in connection with                            qualities, taking into account the
                                                    until it intersects the shoreline at the                enforcement of the Act or any regulation               following factors:
                                                    ordinary high water mark at the end of                  or any permit issued under the Act.                      (i) The extent to which the conduct of
                                                    the eastern breakwater. From this                          (b) The prohibitions in paragraphs                  the activity may diminish or enhance
                                                    intersection the boundary follows the                   (a)(1) through (3) of this section do not              national marine sanctuary resources and
                                                    shoreline NE around Rawley Point and                    apply to any activity necessary to                     qualities; and


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00028   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1


                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                                     2279

                                                       (ii) Any indirect, secondary or                      license, or other authorization and the                or any action taken with respect to any
                                                    cumulative effects of the activity.                     issuing agency and shall set forth                     certification made under this section, in
                                                       (2) It is necessary to conduct the                   reason(s) for the action taken.                        writing, to both the holder of the
                                                    proposed activity within the national                      (d) Requests for findings or                        certified lease, permit, license, approval,
                                                    marine sanctuary to achieve its stated                  certifications should be addressed to the              other authorization, or right, and the
                                                    purpose.                                                Director, Office of National Marine                    issuing agency, and shall set forth the
                                                       (3) The methods and procedures                       Sanctuaries; ATTN: Sanctuary                           reason(s) for the decision or action
                                                    proposed by the applicant are                           Superintendent, Wisconsin-Lake                         taken.
                                                    appropriate to achieve the proposed                     Michigan National Marine Sanctuary,                       (j) The holder may appeal any action
                                                    activity’s stated purpose and eliminate,                1305 East-West Hwy, 11th Floor, Silver                 conditioning, amending, suspending, or
                                                    minimize, or mitigate adverse effects on                Spring, MD 20910. A copy of the lease,                 revoking any certification in accordance
                                                    sanctuary resources and qualities as                    permit, license, approval, or other                    with the procedures set forth in
                                                    much as possible.                                       authorization must accompany the                       § 922.50.
                                                       (4) The duration of the proposed                     request.
                                                    activity and its effects are no longer than                (e) For an activity described in                       (k) Any time limit prescribed in or
                                                    necessary to achieve the activity’s stated              paragraph (a) of this section, the holder              established under this section may be
                                                    purpose.                                                of the authorization or right may                      extended by the Director for good cause.
                                                       (5) The expected end value of the                    conduct the activity prohibited by                     Appendix A to Subpart T of Part 922—
                                                    activity to the furtherance of national                 § 922.213(a)(1) through (3) provided                   Wisconsin-Lake Michigan Marine
                                                    marine sanctuary goals and purposes                     that:                                                  Sanctuary Boundary Description and
                                                    outweighs any potential adverse                            (1) The holder of such authorization                Coordinates of the Lateral Boundary
                                                    impacts on sanctuary resources and                      or right notifies the Director, in writing,            Closures and Excluded Areas
                                                    qualities from the conduct of the                       within 180 days of the effective date of
                                                    activity.                                               Sanctuary designation, of the existence                  Coordinates listed in this appendix are
                                                       (6) The applicant is professionally                  of such authorization or right and                     unprojected (Geographic) and based on the
                                                    qualified to conduct and complete the                   requests certification of such                         North American Datum of 1983.
                                                    proposed activity.                                      authorization or right;
                                                       (7) The applicant has adequate                          (2) The holder complies with the                            TABLE A1—COORDINATES FOR
                                                    financial resources available to conduct                other provisions of this section; and                                  SANCTUARY
                                                    and complete the proposed activity and                     (3) The holder complies with any
                                                    terms and conditions of the permit.                     terms and conditions on the exercise of                      Point ID               Latitude   Longitude
                                                       (8) There are no other factors that                  such authorization or right imposed as
                                                                                                            a condition of certification, by the                   1 ........................   44.32749   ¥87.34795
                                                    would make the issuance of a permit for                                                                        2 ........................   43.45716   ¥87.48817
                                                    the activity inappropriate.                             Director, to achieve the purposes for
                                                                                                                                                                   3 ........................   43.19198   ¥87.62813
                                                                                                            which the Sanctuary was designated.
                                                                                                                                                                   4 * ......................   43.19203   ¥87.89245
                                                    § 922.216 Certification of preexisting                     (f) The holder of an authorization or
                                                    leases, licenses, permits, approvals, other                                                                    5 * ......................   43.38447   ¥87.86079
                                                                                                            right described in paragraph (a) of this               6 * ......................   43.38523   ¥87.85963
                                                    authorizations, or rights to conduct a                  section authorizing an activity
                                                    prohibited activity.                                                                                           7 * ......................   43.74858   ¥87.69479
                                                                                                            prohibited by § 922.213 may conduct                    8 * ......................   43.74946   ¥87.69265
                                                       (a) A person may conduct an activity                 the activity without being in violation of             9 * ......................   44.09135   ¥87.64377
                                                    prohibited by § 922.213(a)(1) through (3)               applicable provisions of § 922.213,                    10 * ....................    44.09262   ¥87.64373
                                                    if such activity is specifically authorized             pending final agency action on his or                  11 * ....................    44.14226   ¥87.56161
                                                    by a valid Federal, state, or local lease,              her certification request, provided the                12 * ....................    44.14267   ¥87.56069
                                                    permit, license, approval, or other                     holder is otherwise in compliance with                 13 * ....................    44.32751   ¥87.54400
                                                    authorization, or tribal right of                                                                              14 ......................    44.32749   ¥87.34795
                                                                                                            this section.
                                                    subsistence use or access in existence                     (g) The Director may request
                                                    prior to the effective date of sanctuary                additional information from the                           Note: The coordinates in the table above
                                                    designation and within the sanctuary                    certification requester as he or she                   marked with an asterisk (*) are not a part of
                                                    designated area and complies with                                                                              the sanctuary boundary. These coordinates
                                                                                                            deems reasonably necessary to                          are landward reference points used to draw
                                                    § 922.49 and provided that the holder of                condition appropriately the exercise of                a line segment that intersects with the
                                                    the lease, permit, license, approval, or                the certified authorization or right to                shoreline.
                                                    other authorization complies with the                   achieve the purposes for which the
                                                    requirements of paragraph (e) of this                   Sanctuary was designated. The Director                 Appendix B to Subpart T of Part 922—
                                                    section.                                                must receive the information requested                 Wisconsin-Lake Michigan Marine
                                                       (b) In considering whether to make                   within 45 days of the postmark date of                 Sanctuary Terms of Designation
                                                    the certifications called for in this                   the request. The Director may seek the
                                                    section, the Director may seek and                      views of any persons on the certification                 Terms of Designation for the Proposed
                                                    consider the views of any other person                  request.                                               Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine
                                                    or entity, within or outside the Federal                   (h) The Director may amend any                      Sanctuary Under the authority of the
                                                    government, and may hold a public                       certification made under this section                  National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended
                                                    hearing as deemed appropriate.                          whenever additional information                        (the ‘‘Act’’ or ‘‘NMSA’’), 16 U.S.C. 1431 et
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                       (c) The Director may amend, suspend,                 becomes available that he/she                          seq., 1,075 square miles of Lake Michigan off
                                                    or revoke any certification made under                                                                         the coast of Wisconsin’s coastal counties of
                                                                                                            determines justifies such an
                                                                                                                                                                   Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Manitowoc are
                                                    this section whenever continued                         amendment.                                             hereby designated as a National Marine
                                                    operation would otherwise be                               (i) Upon completion of review of the                Sanctuary for the purposes of providing long-
                                                    inconsistent with any terms or                          authorization or right and information                 term protection and management of the
                                                    conditions of the certification. Any such               received with respect thereto, the                     historical resources and recreational,
                                                    action shall be forwarded in writing to                 Director shall communicate, in writing,                research, educational, and aesthetic qualities
                                                    both the holder of the certified permit,                any decision on a certification request                of the area.



                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00029   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM     09JAP1


                                                    2280                     Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Article I: Effect of Designation                        underwater cultural sites in and around the            Article VI. Alteration of This Designation
                                                       The NMSA authorizes the issuance of such             Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine                  The terms of designation may be modified
                                                    regulations as are necessary and reasonable             Sanctuary possess exceptional historical,              only by the same procedures by which the
                                                    to implement the designation, including                 archaeological and recreational value.                 original designation is made, including
                                                    managing and protecting the historical                  Article IV: Scope of Regulations                       public meetings, consultation according to
                                                    resources and recreational, research, and                                                                      the NMSA.
                                                                                                              Section 1. Activities Subject to Regulation.
                                                    educational qualities of the Wisconsin-Lake
                                                                                                            The following activities are subject to                [FR Doc. 2016–31741 Filed 1–6–17; 8:45 am]
                                                    Michigan National Marine Sanctuary (the
                                                                                                            regulation, including prohibition, to the              BILLING CODE 03510–NK–P
                                                    ‘‘Sanctuary’’). Section 1 of Article IV of this
                                                                                                            extent necessary and reasonable to ensure the
                                                    Designation Document lists those activities
                                                                                                            protection and management of the historical
                                                    that may have to be regulated on the effective          resources and recreational, research and
                                                    date of designation, or at some later date, in          educational qualities of the area:                     DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
                                                    order to protect Sanctuary resources and                  a. Damaging sanctuary resources.
                                                    qualities. Listing an activity does not                   b. Using grappling hooks and anchors at              Drug Enforcement Administration
                                                    necessarily mean that it will be regulated;             shipwreck sites.
                                                    however, if an activity is not listed it may not          c. Interfering with, obstructing, delaying or        21 CFR Part 1308
                                                    be regulated, except on an emergency basis,             preventing an investigation, search, seizure
                                                    unless Section 1 of Article IV is amended by            or disposition of seized property in                   [Docket No. DEA–446]
                                                    the same procedures by which the original               connection with enforcement of the Act or
                                                    Sanctuary designation was made.                         any regulation issued under the Act.                   Schedules of Controlled Substances:
                                                                                                              d. Reporting shipwreck discoveries and               Temporary Placement of Six Synthetic
                                                    Article II: Description of the Area
                                                                                                            locations to the sanctuary.                            Cannabinoids (5F-ADB, 5F-AMB, 5F-
                                                       The Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National                                                                        APINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, MDMB-
                                                                                                              Section 2. Emergencies. Where necessary
                                                    Marine Sanctuary consists of an area of
                                                                                                            to prevent or minimize the destruction of,             CHMICA and MDMB-FUBINACA) Into
                                                    approximately 812 square nautical miles
                                                                                                            loss of, or injury to a Sanctuary resource or          Schedule I
                                                    (nmi2) (1,075 sq. mi) of Lake Michigan
                                                                                                            quality; or minimize the imminent risk of
                                                    waters within the state of Wisconsin and the                                                                   AGENCY: Drug Enforcement
                                                                                                            such destruction, loss, or injury, any activity,
                                                    submerged lands thereunder, over, around,                                                                      Administration, Department of Justice.
                                                                                                            including those not listed in Section 1, is
                                                    and under the submerged underwater
                                                                                                            subject to immediate temporary regulation.             ACTION: Notice of intent.
                                                    cultural resources in Lake Michigan. The
                                                                                                            An emergency regulation shall not take effect
                                                    eastern boundary of the sanctuary begins
                                                    approximately 9.5 miles east of the
                                                                                                            without the approval of the Governor of                SUMMARY:    The Administrator of the Drug
                                                                                                            Wisconsin or her/his designee or designated            Enforcement Administration is issuing
                                                    Wisconsin shoreline in Lake Michigan
                                                                                                            agency.                                                this notice of intent to temporarily
                                                    roughly on the border between Manitowoc
                                                    and Kewaunee County. From this point the                Article V: Relation to Other Regulatory                schedule six synthetic cannabinoids:
                                                    boundary continues in Lake Michigan                     Programs                                               Methyl 2-(1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-
                                                    roughly to the SSW until it intersects the                 Section 1. Fishing Regulations, Licenses,           indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-
                                                    border between Ozaukee and Milwaukee                    and Permits. Fishing in the Sanctuary shall            dimethylbutanoate [5F-ADB; 5F-MDMB-
                                                    County at a point approximately 13 miles                not be regulated as part of the Sanctuary              PINACA]; methyl 2-(1-(5-fluoropentyl)-
                                                    east of the shoreline. The southern boundary            management regime authorized by the Act.               1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3-
                                                    continues west approximating the border                 However, fishing in the Sanctuary may be               methylbutanoate [5F-AMB]; N-
                                                    between these same two counties until it                regulated by other Federal, State, Tribal and
                                                    intersects the shoreline near Mequon, WI.                                                                      (adamantan-1-yl)-1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-
                                                                                                            local authorities of competent jurisdiction,           indazole-3-carboxamide [5F-APINACA,
                                                    The western boundary continues north                    and designation of the Sanctuary shall have
                                                    following the shoreline for approximately 90            no effect on any regulation, permit, or license        5F-AKB48]; N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-
                                                    miles cutting across the mouths of rivers and           issued thereunder.                                     oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-
                                                    streams; specifically those of Sauk Creek at               Section 2. Other Regulations, Licenses, and         indazole-3-carboxamide [ADB-
                                                    Port Washington, the Sheboygan River at                 Permits. If any valid regulation issued by any         FUBINACA]; methyl 2-(1-
                                                    Sheboygan, Manitowoc Harbor as                          Federal, state, Tribal, or local authority of          (cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indole-3-
                                                    Manitowoc, and East Twin River at Two                   competent jurisdiction, regardless of when             carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate
                                                    Rivers as well as any other smaller streams             issued, conflicts with a Sanctuary regulation,         [MDMB-CHMICA, MMB-CHMINACA]
                                                    and creeks. The western boundary ends at                the regulation deemed by the Director of the
                                                    roughly the border between Manitowoc and                                                                       and methyl 2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-
                                                                                                            Office of National Marine Sanctuaries,
                                                    Kewaunee County along the shoreline near                National Oceanic and Atmospheric                       indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-
                                                    Twin Creeks, WI. The northern boundary                  Administration, or designee, in consultation           dimethylbutanoate [MDMB-
                                                    continues from the shoreline east                       with the State of Wisconsin, to be more                FUBINACA], into schedule I pursuant to
                                                    approximating the border between these                  protective of Sanctuary resources and                  the temporary scheduling provisions of
                                                    same two counties back to its point of origin           qualities shall govern. Pursuant to section            the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
                                                    9.5 miles offshore.                                     304(c)(1) of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1434(c)(1), no         This action is based on a finding by the
                                                                                                            valid lease, permit, license, approval, or             Administrator that the placement of
                                                    Article III: Special Characteristics of the
                                                                                                            other authorization issued by any Federal,             these synthetic cannabinoids into
                                                    Area
                                                                                                            State, Tribal, or local authority of competent
                                                      The historic shipwrecks in the Wisconsin-             jurisdiction, or any right of subsistence use
                                                                                                                                                                   schedule I of the Controlled Substances
                                                    Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary                 or access, may be terminated by the Secretary          Act is necessary to avoid an imminent
                                                    are representative of vessels that sailed and           of Commerce, or designee, as a result of this          hazard to the public safety. Any final
                                                    steamed the Lake Michigan corridor, carrying            designation, or as a result of any Sanctuary           order will impose the administrative,
                                                    grain and raw materials east as other vessels           regulation, if such lease, permit, license,            civil, and criminal sanctions and
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    came west loaded with coal, manufactured                approval, or other authorization, or right of          regulatory controls applicable to
                                                    good, and immigrants. Eighteen of the 37                subsistence use or access was issued or in             schedule I substances under the
                                                    shipwrecks are listed on the National                   existence as of the effective date of this             Controlled Substances Act on the
                                                    Register of Historic Places. Many of the                designation. However, the Secretary of
                                                    shipwrecks in the proposed sanctuary retain             Commerce or designee, in consultation with
                                                                                                                                                                   manufacture, distribution, possession,
                                                    an unusual degree of architectural integrity,           the State of Wisconsin, may regulate the               importation, exportation of, and
                                                    with 14 vessels virtually intact. Well                  exercise of such authorization or right                research and conduct with, instructional
                                                    preserved by Lake Michigan’s cold, fresh                consistent with the purposes for which the             activities of these synthetic
                                                    water, the shipwrecks and related                       Sanctuary is designated.                               cannabinoids.


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:29 Jan 06, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00030   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09JAP1.SGM   09JAP1



Document Created: 2018-10-24 11:10:29
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 11:10:29
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesNOAA will consider all comments received by March 31, 2017. Public meetings will be held on the following dates:
ContactRuss Green, Regional Coordinator, Northeast and Great Lakes Region at (920) 459-4425 or [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 2269 
RIN Number0648-BG01
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Coastal Zone; Historic Preservation; Intergovernmental Relations; Marine Resources; Natural Resources; Penalties; Recreation and Recreation Areas; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Wildlife

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR