83_FR_45746 83 FR 45571 - Safety Zone; Boston Harbor's Improvement Dredging Project, Boston, MA

83 FR 45571 - Safety Zone; Boston Harbor's Improvement Dredging Project, Boston, MA

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 175 (September 10, 2018)

Page Range45571-45573
FR Document2018-19518

The Coast Guard is establishing two temporary safety zones on the navigable waters of Boston Harbor. The first safety zone will be around any vessel, barge, or dredging equipment actively engaged in dredging operations, drilling, or blasting. The second safety zone will be around any blasting worksites. These safety zones are needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from the potential hazards created by the dredging, drilling, and blasting operations in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Boston Harbor's Improvement Dredging Project. When enforced, this regulation prohibits persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Boston or a designated representative.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 175 (Monday, September 10, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 175 (Monday, September 10, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45571-45573]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19518]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2018-0575]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Boston Harbor's Improvement Dredging Project, 
Boston, MA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary interim rule and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing two temporary safety zones on 
the navigable waters of Boston Harbor. The first safety zone will be 
around any vessel, barge, or dredging equipment actively engaged in 
dredging operations, drilling, or blasting. The second safety zone will 
be around any blasting worksites. These safety zones are needed to 
protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from the 
potential hazards created by the dredging, drilling, and blasting 
operations in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Boston 
Harbor's Improvement Dredging Project. When enforced, this regulation 
prohibits persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless 
authorized by the Captain of the Port Boston or a designated 
representative.

DATES: This rule is effective from September 10, 2018 through August 
31, 2023.
    Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard 
during the effective period on or before December 10, 2018.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2018-0575 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open 
Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule. You may submit 
comments identified by docket number USCG-2018-0575 using the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. See the ``Public 
Participation and Request for Comments'' portion for further 
instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email Mark Cutter, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast 
Guard Sector Boston, telephone 617-223-4000, email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
TIR Temporary Interim Rule
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rule Making
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    On June 1, 2018, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a notice 
allowing the Joint Venture of Cashman Dredging Inc. and Dutra Group to 
proceed with the improvement-dredging project of Broad Sound North 
Channel, Boston's Inner Harbor Main Ship Channel, Conley Terminal 
including the turning basin or ``MSC Notch,'' and President Roads 
Anchorage. The project consists of deepening Broad Sound North Channel 
to 51 feet below the surface, and Boston's Inner Harbor Main Ship 
Channel, Conley Terminal including the turning basin or ``MSC Notch,'' 
and President Roads Anchorage each to 47 feet below the surface.
    The project includes dredging approximately 11.7 million cubic 
yards of silt, blue clay, till and weathered rock from the Broad South 
North Channel, Boston's Inner Harbor Main Ship Channel, Conley 
Terminal, and President Roads Anchorage. Most of the material dredged 
will be placed at the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site (MBDS) 
approximately 20 miles offshore of Boston Harbor. A small fraction of 
the material dredged will be placed as a cap to the Main Ship Channel 
Confined Aquatic Disposal Cell, just downstream of the inner confluence 
of the Chelsea and Mystic Rivers. The initial phase of the dredge 
operation involves using mechanical dredges and does not involve any 
type of blasting or drilling operation. At some point, once the silt, 
blue clay, till and weathered rock have been removed, blasting or 
drilling may be needed to remove the hard rock. Whether blasting or 
drilling will be required, it will not be known until the top material 
has been removed and the contractor can locate the hard rock spots. The 
dredge operation has begun and will continue for 24 hours a day, seven 
days a week for approximately four years. The Coast Guard is publishing 
this rule to be effective, and enforceable, through August 31, 2023, in 
case the project is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. If the 
project is completed prior to August 31, 2023, enforcement of the 
safety zones will be suspended and notice given via Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners, Local Notice to Mariners, or both.
    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary interim rule without 
prior notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under 
section 4(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 
553(b)). This provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without 
prior notice and opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause 
finds that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or 
contrary to the public interest.'' Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast 
Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a NPRM with 
respect to this rule because doing so would be impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest. The notice allowing the dredging 
project to proceed and providing dates for the project was only 
recently finalized and provided to the Coast Guard, and timely action 
is needed to respond to the potential safety hazards associated with 
this dredging project. The late finalization of project details did not 
give the Coast Guard enough time to publish a NPRM, take public 
comments, and issue a final rule before dredging operations begin. It 
would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest to publish a 
NPRM because a safety zone must be established as soon as possible to 
protect the safety of the waterway users, construction crew, and other 
personnel associated with the dredging project. A delay of the dredging 
project to accommodate a full notice and comment period would delay 
necessary operations, result in increased costs, and delay the date 
when the dredging project is expected to be completed and reopen Boston 
Harbor for normal operations.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause 
exists for making it effective less than 30 days after publication in 
the Federal Register. For reasons stated in the preceding paragraph, 
delaying the effective date of this rule would be impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest because timely action is needed to 
respond to the potential safety

[[Page 45572]]

hazards associated with the dredging project.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 33 U.S.C. 
1231.
    The COTP Boston has determined that potential hazards exist 
associated with a dredging project that has already commenced, and will 
continue through August 31, 2023. This rule is needed to protect 
personnel, vessels, and the marine environment on the navigable waters 
of Broad Sound North Channel, Boston's Inner Harbor Main Ship Channel, 
Conley Terminal including the turning basin or ``MSC Notch,'' and 
President Roads Anchorage during the dredging project.

IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Rule

    This rule establishes two safety zones that will continue through 
August 31, 2023.
    The first safety zone will have a 100-yard radius centered on any 
vessel, barge, or dredging equipment while actively engaged in dredging 
operations, drilling, or blasting. If blasting is needed for hard rock, 
the second safety zone will have a 500-yard radius centered on the 
worksite on each day of blasting, to be established once explosives are 
laid and ready for detonation, and subsequently suspended once a 
successful detonation has been confirmed. The Coast Guard will notify 
the public and local mariners of this 500-yard safety zone through 
appropriate means, which may include, but are not limited to, 
publication in the Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners via marine Channel 16 (VHF-FM) in advance of any enforcement.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders and we discuss 
First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control 
regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This rule has not been 
designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 
12866. Accordingly, it has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB), and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt 
from the requirements of Executive order 13771.
    This regulatory action determination is based on the following 
reasons: (1) These safety zones will only impact a small designated 
area of the waterway at any given time; (2) vessels wishing to transit 
the waterway will have sufficient room to transit around the the safety 
zones; (3) dredging vessel(s) conducting operations will move out of 
the channel for deep draft vessels that need to pass through that area 
and deep draft vessel traffic will be well coordinated though daily 
communications with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Contractor, Ship 
Pilots, and the U.S. Coast Guard; (4) local lobstermen can still set 
pots in some areas of Boston harbor; (5) the 500-yd safety zone around 
blasting operations will only be enforced when blasting is in progress 
for short durations and with substantial public notice days in advance 
of enforcement through a Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) via marine 
channel 16 (VHF-FM) of the exact location. The Coast Guard will place a 
notice in the Local Notice to Mariner (LNM); issue Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners (BNM) via marine channel 16 (VHF-FM), Safety Marine 
Information Port Bulletin, discuss updates at the monthly Boston Port 
Operators Group (POG) meeting, and at the Massachusetts Bay Harbor 
Safety Committee meetings.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule 
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
V.A above, this rule will not have a significant impact on any vessel 
owner or operator.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please 
contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

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

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If 
you believe this rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, 
please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a

[[Page 45573]]

State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private 
sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one 
year. Though this rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do 
discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01, which guides the Coast Guard in complying with the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and 
have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a 
category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves the 
establishment of two safety zones on the navigable waters of Broad 
Sound North Channel, Boston's Inner Harbor Main Ship Channel, Conley 
Terminal including the turning basin or ``MSC Notch,'' and President 
Roads Anchorage: (1) A 100-yard radius centered on any vessel, barge, 
or dredging equipment while actively engaged in dredging operations, 
drilling, or blasting. (2) If blasting is needed for hard rock, the 
second safety zone will have a 500-yard radius centered on the worksite 
on each day of blasting, to be established once explosives are laid and 
ready for detonation, and subsequently suspended once a successful 
detonation has been confirmed. Normally such actions are categorically 
excluded from further review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, 
Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 01. A preliminary 
Record of Environmental Consideration for Categorically Excluded 
Actions is available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. We 
seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a 
significant environmental impact from this temporary interim rule.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that 
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places, or vessels.

VI. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking, 
and will consider all comments and material received during the comment 
period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If 
you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which 
each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or 
recommendation.
    We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be 
submitted using http://www.regulations.gov, contact the person in the 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate 
instructions.
    We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted 
without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and the 
docket, visit http://www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice.
    Documents mentioned in this TIR as being available in the docket, 
and all public comments, will be in our online docket at http://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website's 
instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up 
for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted or a 
final rule is published.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

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

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

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

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

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


0
2. Add Sec.  165.T01-0575 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T01-0575   Safety Zone; Boston Harbor's Improvement Dredging 
Project, Boston, MA.

    (a) Location. The following areas are safety zones: All navigable 
waters from surface to bottom, within a 100-yard radius centered on any 
vessel, barge or dredging equipment while actively engaged in dredging 
operations, drilling, or blasting. All navigable waters from surface to 
bottom, within a 500-yard radius centered on the blasting worksite 
while setting up for blasting, during blasting, and in the immediate 
aftermath.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section:
    (1) Designated representative means any Coast Guard commissioned, 
warrant, petty officer, or any federal, state, or local law enforcement 
officer who has been designated by the Captain of the Port (COTP) 
Boston, to act on his or her behalf. The designated representative may 
be on an official patrol vessel or may be on shore and will communicate 
with vessels via VHF-FM radio or loudhailer. In addition, members of 
the Coast Guard Auxiliary may be present to inform vessel operators of 
this regulation.
    (2) Official patrol vessels means any Coast Guard, Coast Guard 
Auxiliary, state, or local law enforcement vessels assigned or approved 
by the COTP Boston to enforce this section.
    (c) Enforcement periods. This section is enforceable 24 hours a day 
through August 31, 2023. When enforced as deemed necessary by the COTP 
Boston, vessels will be prohibited from entering this safety zone 
unless granted permission from the COTP Boston or the COTP's designated 
representative.
    (d) Regulations. When this safety zone is enforced, the following 
regulations, along with those contained in 33 CFR 165.23 apply:
    (1) No person or vessel may enter or remain in this safety zone 
without the permission of the COTP Boston or the COTP's designated 
representatives. However, any person or vessel permitted to enter the 
safety zone must comply with the directions and orders of the COTP 
Boston or the COTP's designated representatives.
    (2) To obtain permission required by this regulation, individuals 
may reach the COTP Boston or a COTP designated representative via 
Channel 16 (VHF-FM) or 617-223-5757 (Sector Boston Command Center).
    (3) Upon being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel by radio, siren, 
flashing lights, or other means, the operator of a vessel must proceed 
as directed.
    (e) Penalties. Those who violate this section are subject to the 
penalties set forth in 33 U.S.C. 1232.

    Dated: September 5, 2018.
Eric. J. Doucette,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Boston.
[FR Doc. 2018-19518 Filed 9-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P



                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                      45571

                                             VHF Channel 16. Vessel operators given                  2018–0575 using the Federal                           been removed and the contractor can
                                             permission to enter or operate in the                   eRulemaking Portal at http://                         locate the hard rock spots. The dredge
                                             safety zone must comply with all                        www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public                 operation has begun and will continue
                                             directions given to them by the Captain                 Participation and Request for                         for 24 hours a day, seven days a week
                                             of the Port Buffalo, or his on-scene                    Comments’’ portion for further                        for approximately four years. The Coast
                                             representative.                                         instructions on submitting comments.                  Guard is publishing this rule to be
                                               Dated: September 5, 2018.                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If                   effective, and enforceable, through
                                             Kenneth E. Blair,                                       you have questions on this rule, call or              August 31, 2023, in case the project is
                                             Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting                     email Mark Cutter, Waterways                          delayed due to unforeseen
                                             Captain of the Port Buffalo.                            Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard                 circumstances. If the project is
                                             [FR Doc. 2018–19562 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am]              Sector Boston, telephone 617–223–4000,                completed prior to August 31, 2023,
                                                                                                     email Mark.E.Cutter@uscg.mil.                         enforcement of the safety zones will be
                                             BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
                                                                                                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            suspended and notice given via
                                                                                                                                                           Broadcast Notice to Mariners, Local
                                                                                                     I. Table of Abbreviations                             Notice to Mariners, or both.
                                             DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
                                             SECURITY                                                CFR Code of Federal Regulations                          The Coast Guard is issuing this
                                                                                                     COTP Captain of the Port                              temporary interim rule without prior
                                             Coast Guard                                             DHS Department of Homeland Security                   notice and opportunity to comment
                                                                                                     FR Federal Register                                   pursuant to authority under section 4(a)
                                             33 CFR Part 165                                         TIR Temporary Interim Rule                            of the Administrative Procedure Act
                                                                                                     NPRM Notice of Proposed Rule Making
                                             [Docket Number USCG–2018–0575]                          § Section
                                                                                                                                                           (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision
                                                                                                     U.S.C. United States Code                             authorizes an agency to issue a rule
                                             RIN 1625–AA00                                                                                                 without prior notice and opportunity to
                                                                                                     II. Background Information and                        comment when the agency for good
                                             Safety Zone; Boston Harbor’s                            Regulatory History                                    cause finds that those procedures are
                                             Improvement Dredging Project,                                                                                 ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
                                                                                                        On June 1, 2018, U.S. Army Corps of
                                             Boston, MA                                                                                                    to the public interest.’’ Under 5 U.S.C.
                                                                                                     Engineers issued a notice allowing the
                                             AGENCY:  Coast Guard, DHS.                              Joint Venture of Cashman Dredging Inc.                553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that
                                             ACTION: Temporary interim rule and                      and Dutra Group to proceed with the                   good cause exists for not publishing a
                                             request for comments.                                   improvement-dredging project of Broad                 NPRM with respect to this rule because
                                                                                                     Sound North Channel, Boston’s Inner                   doing so would be impracticable and
                                             SUMMARY:   The Coast Guard is                           Harbor Main Ship Channel, Conley                      contrary to the public interest. The
                                             establishing two temporary safety zones                 Terminal including the turning basin or               notice allowing the dredging project to
                                             on the navigable waters of Boston                       ‘‘MSC Notch,’’ and President Roads                    proceed and providing dates for the
                                             Harbor. The first safety zone will be                   Anchorage. The project consists of                    project was only recently finalized and
                                             around any vessel, barge, or dredging                   deepening Broad Sound North Channel                   provided to the Coast Guard, and timely
                                             equipment actively engaged in dredging                  to 51 feet below the surface, and                     action is needed to respond to the
                                             operations, drilling, or blasting. The                  Boston’s Inner Harbor Main Ship                       potential safety hazards associated with
                                             second safety zone will be around any                   Channel, Conley Terminal including the                this dredging project. The late
                                             blasting worksites. These safety zones                  turning basin or ‘‘MSC Notch,’’ and                   finalization of project details did not
                                             are needed to protect personnel, vessels,               President Roads Anchorage each to 47                  give the Coast Guard enough time to
                                             and the marine environment from the                     feet below the surface.                               publish a NPRM, take public comments,
                                             potential hazards created by the                           The project includes dredging                      and issue a final rule before dredging
                                             dredging, drilling, and blasting                        approximately 11.7 million cubic yards                operations begin. It would be
                                             operations in support of the U.S. Army                  of silt, blue clay, till and weathered rock           impracticable and contrary to the public
                                             Corps of Engineers Boston Harbor’s                      from the Broad South North Channel,                   interest to publish a NPRM because a
                                             Improvement Dredging Project. When                      Boston’s Inner Harbor Main Ship                       safety zone must be established as soon
                                             enforced, this regulation prohibits                     Channel, Conley Terminal, and                         as possible to protect the safety of the
                                             persons and vessels from being in the                   President Roads Anchorage. Most of the                waterway users, construction crew, and
                                             safety zone unless authorized by the                    material dredged will be placed at the                other personnel associated with the
                                             Captain of the Port Boston or a                         Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site                       dredging project. A delay of the
                                             designated representative.                              (MBDS) approximately 20 miles                         dredging project to accommodate a full
                                             DATES: This rule is effective from                      offshore of Boston Harbor. A small                    notice and comment period would delay
                                             September 10, 2018 through August 31,                   fraction of the material dredged will be              necessary operations, result in increased
                                             2023.                                                   placed as a cap to the Main Ship                      costs, and delay the date when the
                                                Comments and related material must                   Channel Confined Aquatic Disposal                     dredging project is expected to be
                                             be received by the Coast Guard during                   Cell, just downstream of the inner                    completed and reopen Boston Harbor
                                             the effective period on or before                       confluence of the Chelsea and Mystic                  for normal operations.
                                             December 10, 2018.                                      Rivers. The initial phase of the dredge                  Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast
                                             ADDRESSES: To view documents                            operation involves using mechanical                   Guard finds that good cause exists for
                                             mentioned in this preamble as being                     dredges and does not involve any type                 making it effective less than 30 days
                                             available in the docket, go to http://                  of blasting or drilling operation. At                 after publication in the Federal
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES




                                             www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2018–                    some point, once the silt, blue clay, till            Register. For reasons stated in the
                                             0575 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click                    and weathered rock have been removed,                 preceding paragraph, delaying the
                                             ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket                        blasting or drilling may be needed to                 effective date of this rule would be
                                             Folder on the line associated with this                 remove the hard rock. Whether blasting                impracticable and contrary to the public
                                             rule. You may submit comments                           or drilling will be required, it will not             interest because timely action is needed
                                             identified by docket number USCG–                       be known until the top material has                   to respond to the potential safety


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                                             45572            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                             hazards associated with the dredging                    been reviewed by the Office of                        jurisdiction and you have questions
                                             project.                                                Management and Budget (OMB), and                      concerning its provisions or options for
                                                                                                     pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt                 compliance, please contact the person
                                             III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
                                                                                                     from the requirements of Executive                    listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
                                                The Coast Guard is issuing this rule                 order 13771.                                          CONTACT section.
                                             under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231.                         This regulatory action determination                  Small businesses may send comments
                                                The COTP Boston has determined that                  is based on the following reasons: (1)                on the actions of Federal employees
                                             potential hazards exist associated with a               These safety zones will only impact a                 who enforce, or otherwise determine
                                             dredging project that has already                       small designated area of the waterway at              compliance with, Federal regulations to
                                             commenced, and will continue through                    any given time; (2) vessels wishing to                the Small Business and Agriculture
                                             August 31, 2023. This rule is needed to                 transit the waterway will have sufficient             Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman
                                             protect personnel, vessels, and the                     room to transit around the the safety                 and the Regional Small Business
                                             marine environment on the navigable                     zones; (3) dredging vessel(s) conducting              Regulatory Fairness Boards. The
                                             waters of Broad Sound North Channel,                    operations will move out of the channel               Ombudsman evaluates these actions
                                             Boston’s Inner Harbor Main Ship                         for deep draft vessels that need to pass              annually and rates each agency’s
                                             Channel, Conley Terminal including the                  through that area and deep draft vessel               responsiveness to small business. If you
                                             turning basin or ‘‘MSC Notch,’’ and                     traffic will be well coordinated though               wish to comment on actions by
                                             President Roads Anchorage during the                    daily communications with U.S. Army                   employees of the Coast Guard, call 1–
                                             dredging project.                                       Corps of Engineers, Contractor, Ship                  888–REG–FAIR (1–888–734–3247). The
                                                                                                     Pilots, and the U.S. Coast Guard; (4)                 Coast Guard will not retaliate against
                                             IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes,
                                                                                                     local lobstermen can still set pots in                small entities that question or complain
                                             and the Rule
                                                                                                     some areas of Boston harbor; (5) the 500-             about this rule or any policy or action
                                               This rule establishes two safety zones                yd safety zone around blasting                        of the Coast Guard.
                                             that will continue through August 31,                   operations will only be enforced when
                                             2023.                                                   blasting is in progress for short                     C. Collection of Information
                                               The first safety zone will have a 100-                durations and with substantial public                   This temporary interim rule would
                                             yard radius centered on any vessel,                     notice days in advance of enforcement                 not call for a new collection of
                                             barge, or dredging equipment while                      through a Broadcast Notice to Mariners                information under the Paperwork
                                             actively engaged in dredging operations,                (BNM) via marine channel 16 (VHF–                     Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–
                                             drilling, or blasting. If blasting is needed            FM) of the exact location. The Coast                  3520).
                                             for hard rock, the second safety zone                   Guard will place a notice in the Local
                                             will have a 500-yard radius centered on                                                                       D. Federalism and Indian Tribal
                                                                                                     Notice to Mariner (LNM); issue
                                             the worksite on each day of blasting, to                Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) via                Governments
                                             be established once explosives are laid                 marine channel 16 (VHF–FM), Safety                       A rule has implications for federalism
                                             and ready for detonation, and                           Marine Information Port Bulletin,                     under Executive Order 13132,
                                             subsequently suspended once a                           discuss updates at the monthly Boston                 Federalism, if it has a substantial direct
                                             successful detonation has been                          Port Operators Group (POG) meeting,                   effect on the States, on the relationship
                                             confirmed. The Coast Guard will notify                  and at the Massachusetts Bay Harbor                   between the national government and
                                             the public and local mariners of this                   Safety Committee meetings.                            the States, or on the distribution of
                                             500-yard safety zone through                                                                                  power and responsibilities among the
                                                                                                     B. Impact on Small Entities                           various levels of government. We have
                                             appropriate means, which may include,
                                             but are not limited to, publication in the                 The Regulatory Flexibility Act of                  analyzed this rule under that Order and
                                             Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast                  1980, 5 U.S.C. 601–612, as amended,                   have determined that it is consistent
                                             Notice to Mariners via marine Channel                   requires Federal agencies to consider                 with the fundamental federalism
                                             16 (VHF–FM) in advance of any                           the potential impact of regulations on                principles and preemption requirements
                                             enforcement.                                            small entities during rulemaking. The                 described in Executive Order 13132.
                                                                                                     term ‘‘small entities’’ comprises small                  Also, this rule does not have tribal
                                             V. Regulatory Analyses                                  businesses, not-for-profit organizations              implications under Executive Order
                                               We developed this rule after                          that are independently owned and                      13175, Consultation and Coordination
                                             considering numerous statutes and                       operated and are not dominant in their                with Indian Tribal Governments,
                                             Executive orders related to rulemaking.                 fields, and governmental jurisdictions                because it would not have a substantial
                                             Below we summarize our analyses                         with populations of less than 50,000.                 direct effect on one or more Indian
                                             based on a number of these statutes and                 The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C.              tribes, on the relationship between the
                                             Executive orders and we discuss First                   605(b) that this rule would not have a                Federal Government and Indian tribes,
                                             Amendment rights of protestors.                         significant economic impact on a                      or on the distribution of power and
                                                                                                     substantial number of small entities.                 responsibilities between the Federal
                                             A. Regulatory Planning and Review                          While some owners or operators of                  Government and Indian tribes. If you
                                                Executive Orders 12866 and 13563                     vessels intending to transit the safety               believe this rule has implications for
                                             direct agencies to assess the costs and                 zone may be small entities, for the                   federalism or Indian tribes, please
                                             benefits of available regulatory                        reasons stated in section V.A above, this             contact the person listed in the FOR
                                             alternatives and, if regulation is                      rule will not have a significant impact               FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
                                             necessary, to select regulatory                         on any vessel owner or operator.
                                             approaches that maximize net benefits.                     Under section 213(a) of the Small                  E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
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                                             Executive Order 13771 directs agencies                  Business Regulatory Enforcement                         The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                             to control regulatory costs through a                   Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121),               of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires
                                             budgeting process. This rule has not                    we want to assist small entities in                   Federal agencies to assess the effects of
                                             been designated a ‘‘significant                         understanding this rule. If the rule                  their discretionary regulatory actions. In
                                             regulatory action,’’ under Executive                    would affect your small business,                     particular, the Act addresses actions
                                             Order 12866. Accordingly, it has not                    organization, or governmental                         that may result in the expenditure by a


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                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                             45573

                                             State, local, or tribal government, in the              Your comment can help shape the                       while setting up for blasting, during
                                             aggregate, or by the private sector of                  outcome of this rulemaking. If you                    blasting, and in the immediate
                                             $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or                submit a comment, please include the                  aftermath.
                                             more in any one year. Though this rule                  docket number for this rulemaking,                       (b) Definitions. As used in this
                                             would not result in such an                             indicate the specific section of this                 section:
                                             expenditure, we do discuss the effects of               document to which each comment
                                             this rule elsewhere in this preamble.                   applies, and provide a reason for each                   (1) Designated representative means
                                                                                                     suggestion or recommendation.                         any Coast Guard commissioned,
                                             F. Environment                                                                                                warrant, petty officer, or any federal,
                                                                                                        We encourage you to submit
                                               We have analyzed this rule under                      comments through the Federal                          state, or local law enforcement officer
                                             Department of Homeland Security                         eRulemaking Portal at http://                         who has been designated by the Captain
                                             Directive 023–01, which guides the                      www.regulations.gov. If your material                 of the Port (COTP) Boston, to act on his
                                             Coast Guard in complying with the                       cannot be submitted using http://                     or her behalf. The designated
                                             National Environmental Policy Act of                    www.regulations.gov, contact the person               representative may be on an official
                                             1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have                   in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION                        patrol vessel or may be on shore and
                                             made a preliminary determination that                   CONTACT section of this document for                  will communicate with vessels via
                                             this action is one of a category of actions             alternate instructions.                               VHF–FM radio or loudhailer. In
                                             that do not individually or cumulatively                   We accept anonymous comments. All                  addition, members of the Coast Guard
                                             have a significant effect on the human                  comments received will be posted                      Auxiliary may be present to inform
                                             environment. This rule involves the                     without change to http://                             vessel operators of this regulation.
                                             establishment of two safety zones on the                www.regulations.gov and will include                     (2) Official patrol vessels means any
                                             navigable waters of Broad Sound North                   any personal information you have                     Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary,
                                             Channel, Boston’s Inner Harbor Main                     provided. For more about privacy and                  state, or local law enforcement vessels
                                             Ship Channel, Conley Terminal                           the docket, visit http://                             assigned or approved by the COTP
                                             including the turning basin or ‘‘MSC                    www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice.
                                             Notch,’’ and President Roads                                                                                  Boston to enforce this section.
                                                                                                        Documents mentioned in this TIR as
                                             Anchorage: (1) A 100-yard radius                        being available in the docket, and all                   (c) Enforcement periods. This section
                                             centered on any vessel, barge, or                       public comments, will be in our online                is enforceable 24 hours a day through
                                             dredging equipment while actively                       docket at http://www.regulations.gov                  August 31, 2023. When enforced as
                                             engaged in dredging operations, drilling,               and can be viewed by following that                   deemed necessary by the COTP Boston,
                                             or blasting. (2) If blasting is needed for              website’s instructions. Additionally, if              vessels will be prohibited from entering
                                             hard rock, the second safety zone will                  you go to the online docket and sign up               this safety zone unless granted
                                             have a 500-yard radius centered on the                  for email alerts, you will be notified                permission from the COTP Boston or the
                                             worksite on each day of blasting, to be                 when comments are posted or a final                   COTP’s designated representative.
                                             established once explosives are laid and                rule is published.                                       (d) Regulations. When this safety zone
                                             ready for detonation, and subsequently                                                                        is enforced, the following regulations,
                                             suspended once a successful detonation                  List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
                                                                                                                                                           along with those contained in 33 CFR
                                             has been confirmed. Normally such                         Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation                  165.23 apply:
                                             actions are categorically excluded from                 (water), Reporting and recordkeeping
                                             further review under paragraph L60(a)                   requirements, Security measures,                         (1) No person or vessel may enter or
                                             of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS                           Waterways.                                            remain in this safety zone without the
                                             Instruction Manual 023–01–001–01,                                                                             permission of the COTP Boston or the
                                                                                                       For the reasons discussed in the
                                             Rev. 01. A preliminary Record of                                                                              COTP’s designated representatives.
                                                                                                     preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33
                                             Environmental Consideration for                                                                               However, any person or vessel
                                                                                                     CFR part 165 as follows:
                                             Categorically Excluded Actions is                                                                             permitted to enter the safety zone must
                                             available in the docket where indicated                 PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION                         comply with the directions and orders
                                             under ADDRESSES. We seek any                            AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS                        of the COTP Boston or the COTP’s
                                             comments or information that may lead                                                                         designated representatives.
                                             to the discovery of a significant                       ■ 1. The authority citation for part 165                 (2) To obtain permission required by
                                             environmental impact from this                          continues to read as follows:                         this regulation, individuals may reach
                                             temporary interim rule.                                   Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191;           the COTP Boston or a COTP designated
                                                                                                     33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5;             representative via Channel 16 (VHF–
                                             G. Protest Activities                                   Department of Homeland Security Delegation            FM) or 617–223–5757 (Sector Boston
                                               The Coast Guard respects the First                    No. 0170.1.                                           Command Center).
                                             Amendment rights of protesters.                         ■ 2. Add § 165.T01–0575 to read as
                                             Protesters are asked to contact the                                                                              (3) Upon being hailed by a U.S. Coast
                                                                                                     follows:                                              Guard vessel by radio, siren, flashing
                                             person listed in the FOR FURTHER
                                             INFORMATION CONTACT section to                          § 165.T01–0575 Safety Zone; Boston                    lights, or other means, the operator of a
                                             coordinate protest activities so that your              Harbor’s Improvement Dredging Project,                vessel must proceed as directed.
                                             message can be received without                         Boston, MA.                                              (e) Penalties. Those who violate this
                                             jeopardizing the safety or security of                    (a) Location. The following areas are               section are subject to the penalties set
                                             people, places, or vessels.                             safety zones: All navigable waters from               forth in 33 U.S.C. 1232.
                                                                                                     surface to bottom, within a 100-yard
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                                             VI. Public Participation and Request for                                                                        Dated: September 5, 2018.
                                                                                                     radius centered on any vessel, barge or
                                             Comments                                                dredging equipment while actively                     Eric. J. Doucette,
                                               We view public participation as                       engaged in dredging operations, drilling,             Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the
                                             essential to effective rulemaking, and                  or blasting. All navigable waters from                Port Boston.
                                             will consider all comments and material                 surface to bottom, within a 500-yard                  [FR Doc. 2018–19518 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am]
                                             received during the comment period.                     radius centered on the blasting worksite              BILLING CODE 9110–04–P




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Document Created: 2018-09-08 00:42:47
Document Modified: 2018-09-08 00:42:47
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionTemporary interim rule and request for comments.
DatesThis rule is effective from September 10, 2018 through August 31, 2023.
ContactIf you have questions on this rule, call or email Mark Cutter, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston, telephone 617-223-4000, email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 45571 
RIN Number1625-AA00
CFR AssociatedHarbors; Marine Safety; Navigation (water); Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Security Measures and Waterways

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