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18 August 2011 Washington, DC Security Zone; Potomac River, Georgetown Channel
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 160 (Thursday, August 18, 2011)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 51255-51257] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2011-21027] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket No. USCG-2011-0760] RIN 1625-AA87 Security Zone; Potomac River, Georgetown Channel, Washington, DC AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Temporary final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone encompassing certain waters of the Potomac River, Georgetown Channel, in Washington, DC, in order to safeguard high-ranking public officials from terrorist acts and incidents. This action is necessary to ensure the safety of persons and property, and prevent terrorist acts or incidents. This rule prohibits vessels and people from entering the security zone and requires vessels and persons in the security zone to depart the security zone, unless specifically exempt under the provisions in this rule or granted specific permission from the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Baltimore. DATES: This rule is effective from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. on August 28, 2011. ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0760 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0760 in the ``Keyword'' box, and then clicking ``Search.'' They are also available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this temporary rule, call or e-mail Mr. Ronald L. Houck, at Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division, Coast Guard; telephone 410-576-2674, e- mail Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulatory Information The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary final rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.'' Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because it is contrary to public interest to delay the effective date of this rule. The Coast Guard is establishing the security zone to protect high-ranking government officials, mitigate potential terrorist acts, and enhance public and maritime safety and security. The Coast Guard was unable to publish a NPRM due to the short time period between event planners notifying the Coast Guard of the event and publication of the security zone. Furthermore, delaying the effective date would be contrary to the security zone's intended objectives of protecting high-ranking government officials, mitigating potential terrorist acts and enhancing public and maritime safety security. Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Due to the need for immediate action, the restriction of vessel traffic is necessary to protect life, property and the environment, therefore, a 30-day notice period is impracticable. Delaying the effective date would be contrary to the security zone's intended objectives of protecting high-ranking government officials, mitigating potential terrorist acts and enhancing public and maritime safety and security. Background and Purpose The President of the United States will be attending the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, DC dedication ceremony on August 28, 2011. The ceremony is located along the waterfront in Washington, DC, in close proximity to navigable waterways within the Captain of the Port's Area of Responsibility. The Coast Guard has given each Coast Guard Captain of the Port the ability to implement comprehensive port security regimes designed to safeguard human life, vessels, and waterfront facilities while still sustaining the flow of commerce. The Captain of the Port Baltimore is establishing this security zone to protect high-ranking government officials, mitigate potential terrorist acts, and enhance public and maritime safety and security in order to safeguard life, property, and the environment on or near the navigable waters. Discussion of Rule Through this regulation, the Coast Guard will establish a security zone. The security zone will be in effect from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. on August 28, 2011. The security zone will include all navigable waters of the Potomac River, Georgetown Channel, within 75 yards from eastern shore measured perpendicularly to the shore between the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge and the Arlington Memorial [[Page 51256]] Bridge, and within 150 yards from eastern shore measured perpendicularly to the shore from the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the George Mason Memorial Bridge (the most western bridge of the 5-span, Fourteenth Street Bridge Complex), including all waters of the Georgetown Channel Tidal Basin, located in Washington, DC. This location is entirely within the Area of Responsibility of the Captain of the Port Baltimore, as set forth at 33 CFR 3.25-15. This rule requires that entry into, attempted entry into, or remaining in this security zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Baltimore. Except for persons or vessels authorized by the Captain of the Port Baltimore, no person or vessel may enter or remain in the regulated area during the enforcement period. All vessels underway within the security zone at the time it is in effect are to depart the zone immediately. To seek permission to transit the area, the Captain of the Port Baltimore can be contacted at telephone number 410-576-2693 or on Marine Band Radio, VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). Coast Guard vessels enforcing the security zone can be contacted on Marine Band Radio, VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). The Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notices to Mariners to further publicize the security zone. Regulatory Analyses We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders. Regulatory Planning and Review This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. Although this security zone restricts vessel traffic from transiting through the affected area, vessels may transit safely around the zone. Furthermore, the effect of this regulation will not be significant due to the limited size and duration that the regulated area will be in effect. In addition, notifications will be made to the maritime community via marine information broadcasts so mariners may adjust their plans accordingly. Small Entities Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have considered whether this rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule may affect the following entities, some of which might be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to operate or transit through or within the security zone during the enforcement period. The security zone will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons. The security zone is of limited size and duration. Vessel traffic may safely transit around the zone. Before the effective period, maritime advisories will be widely available to the maritime community. Assistance for Small Entities Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offer to assist small entities in understanding the rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process. 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. Collection of Information This rule calls for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). Federalism A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble. Taking of Private Property This rule will not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights. Civil Justice Reform This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. Protection of Children We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children. Indian Tribal Governments This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Energy Effects We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant [[Page 51257]] energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211. Technical Standards The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards. Environment We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded this action is one of a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule is categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g), of the Instruction. This rule involves establishing a temporary security zone. An environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. 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; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, 160.5; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. 0 2. Add Sec. 165.T05-0760 to read as follows: Sec. 165.T05-0760 Security Zone; Potomac River, Georgetown Channel, Washington, DC. (a) Location. The following area is a security zone: All waters of the Potomac River, Georgetown Channel, within 75 yards from eastern shore measured perpendicularly to the shore between the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge and the Arlington Memorial Bridge, and within 150 yards from eastern shore measured perpendicularly to the shore from the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the George Mason Memorial Bridge (the most western bridge of the 5-span, Fourteenth Street Bridge Complex), including all waters of the Georgetown Channel Tidal Basin, located in Washington, DC. (b) Definitions. As used in this section: Captain of the Port Baltimore means the Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Maryland. Designated representative means any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer who has been authorized by the Captain of the Port Baltimore to assist in enforcing the security zone described in paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Regulations. The general security zone regulations found in 33 CFR 165.33 apply to the security zone created by this temporary section, Sec. 165.T05-0760. (1) All persons are required to comply with the general regulations governing security zones found in 33 CFR 165.33. (2) Entry into or remaining in this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Baltimore. All vessels underway within this security zone at the time it is implemented are to depart the zone. (3) Persons desiring to transit the area of the security zone must first obtain authorization from the Captain of the Port Baltimore or his designated representative. To seek permission to transit the area, the Captain of the Port Baltimore and his designated representatives can be contacted at telephone number 410-576-2693 or on Marine Band Radio, VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). The Coast Guard vessels enforcing this section can be contacted on Marine Band Radio, VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). Upon being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel, or other Federal, State, or local agency vessel, by siren, radio, flashing light, or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port Baltimore or his designated representative and proceed at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course while within the zone. (4) Enforcement. The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of the zones by Federal, State, and local agencies. (d) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. on August 28, 2011. Dated: August 4, 2011. Mark P. O'Malley, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Baltimore. [FR Doc. 2011-21027 Filed 8-17-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-04-P |