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Safety and Security Zones; Port of New York/New Jersey
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
[Federal Register: October 9, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 195)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 51307-51309]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09oc01-11]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[CGD01-01-102]
RIN 2115-AA97
Safety and Security Zones; Port of New York/New Jersey
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Temporary final rule.
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SUMMARY: As a result of the several apparent terrorist attacks
September 11, 2001 on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the State
Department, and other governmental installations, the Coast Guard is
establishing temporary safety and security zones within the entire
bounds of the Port of New York, which will be enforced effective
immediately. The safety and security zones are needed to safeguard the
public, vessels, and vessel crews from further consequences of the
aforementioned attacks, and from potential future sabotage or other
subversive acts, accidents, or other causes of a similar nature. Entry
into or movement within these zones by any vessel of any description
whatsoever, except emergency response vessels, without the express
authority of the Captain of the Port, New York, or his authorized
patrol representative is strictly prohibited.
DATES: This rule is effective from September 11, 2001, through
September 14, 2001.
ADDRESSES: Documents as indicated in this preamble are available for
inspection and copying at Coast Guard Activities New York, 212 Coast
Guard Drive, room 204, Staten Island, New York 10305, between 8 a.m.
and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant M. Day, Waterways Oversight
Branch, Coast Guard Activities New York (718) 354-4012.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulatory Information
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
was not published for this regulation, and good cause exists for making
it effective less
[[Page 51308]]
then 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Good cause also
exists for not publishing a NPRM for this regulation. Due to the
catastrophic nature and extent of damage realized from the aircraft
crashes into the two towers of the World Trade Center, this rulemaking
is urgently necessary to protect the national security interests of the
United States against further adverse consequences of these and future
potential terrorist strikes within the Port of New York/New Jersey. Any
delay in the establishment and enforcement of this regulation's
effective date would be clearly contrary to public interest since
immediate action is needed to protect the public and the United States'
interests against similar acts of terrorism.
Background and Purpose
On September 11, 2001, both towers of the World Trade Center,
located within the Port of New York/New Jersey, were destroyed as a
result of two commercial airliner crashes that can only be explained as
resulting from terrorist attacks. In addition to the two airliner
crashes into the World Trade Center, two other commercial airliners
were also apparently highjacked and intentionally crashed, one into the
United States Pentagon and another in a rural area of Pennsylvania.
These acts were unforeseen and accomplished without warning.
The safety and security zones are needed to protect and safeguard
the public, vessels, and vessel crews from further consequences of the
aforementioned attacks, and from future sabotage or other subversive
acts, accidents, or other causes of a similar nature. The safety and
security zones have identical boundaries. All persons, other than those
approved by the Captain of the Port or his authorized patrol
representative are prohibited from entering into or moving within the
zones without the prior approval of the Captain of the Port. Emergency
response vessels must keep the Captain of the Port apprised of intended
movements while working within the port. The zones encompass the area
south of a line 500 yards north of the George Washington Bridge on the
Hudson River; south of a line drawn 500 yards north of the Triborough
Bridge on the East River; east of a line from Constable Hook Front
Range Light (LLNR 37250) to 40 deg.38'55.5"N, 074 deg.05'05.7"W (NAD
1983), on St. George, Staten Island. The public will be made aware of
the existence of these safety and security zones via Broadcast Notice
to Mariners made from U.S. Coast Guard Activities New York.
Regulatory Evaluation
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. It is not ``significant'' under the
regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation
(DOT) (44 FR 11040, February 26, 1979). The duration and sizes of the
zones are the minimum necessary to provide adequate protection for
public, vessels, and vessel crews. Any vessels seeking entry into or
movement within the safety and security zones must request permission
from the Captain of the Port or his authorized patrol representative.
Any hardships experienced by persons or vessels are considered minimal
compared to the national interest in protecting the public, vessels,
and vessel crews from the further devastating consequences of the
aforementioned acts of terrorism, and from potential future sabotage or
other subversive acts, accidents, or other causes of a similar nature.
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.
For the reasons addressed under the Regulatory Evaluation above,
the Coast Guard expects the impact of this regulation to be minimal and
certifies under section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that this final rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Maritime
advisories will be initiated by normal methods and means, and will be
widely available to users of the area.
Assistance for Small Entities
Under subsection 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104-121], the Coast Guard
wants to assist small entities in understanding this final rule so that
they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the
rulemaking. If your small business or organization would be affected by
this final rule and you have questions concerning its provisions or
options for compliance, please call LT Mike Day, telephone (718) 354-
4012. 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
comments on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-
FAIR (1-888-734-3247).
Collection of Information
This rule calls for no collection of information requirements under
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Federalism
We have analyzed this action under Executive Order 13132, and have
determined that this rule does not have federalism implications under
that order.
Unfunded Mandates
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
governs the issuance of Federal regulations that require unfunded
mandates. An unfunded mandate is a regulation that requires a State,
local, or tribal government or the private sector to incur direct costs
without the Federal Government's having first provided the funds to pay
those unfunded mandate costs. This rule will not impose an unfunded
mandate.
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 concern an
environmental risk
[[Page 51309]]
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. A
rule with tribal implications has a substantial direct effect on one or
more Indian tribe, 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.
Environment
The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact of these
regulations and concluded that under Figure 2-1, paragraph 34(g) of
Commandant Instruction M16475.1D, this rule is categorically excluded
from further environmental documentation. A written Categorical
Exclusion Determination is available in the docket for inspection or
copying where indicated under ADDRESSES.
Energy Effects
We have analyzed this proposed 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
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. It has not been designated by the Administrator of the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs as a significant energy
action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects
under Executive Order 13211.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
Regulation
For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33
CFR part 165 as follows:
PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
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(g),
6.04, 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46.
2. Add temporary Sec. 165.T01-102 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T01-102 Safety and Security Zones: Port of New York, New
York/New Jersey.
(a) Location. The following area within the Port of New York, New
York/New Jersey has been declared both a safety zone and a security
zone: the area south of a line 500 yards north of the George Washington
Bridge on the Hudson River; south of a line drawn 500 yards north of
the Triborough Bridge on the East River; east of a line from Constable
Hook Front Range Light (LLNR 37250) to 40 deg.38'55.5"N
074 deg.05'05.7"W (NAD 1983), on St. George, Staten Island.
(b) Effective dates. This section is effective from September 11,
2001 through September 14, 2001.
(c) Regulations.
(1) In accordance with the general regulations in Secs. 165.23 and
165.33 of this part, entry into or movement within these zones is
prohibited unless previously authorized by the Captain of the Port New
York or his authorized patrol representative. Emergency response
vessels are authorized to move within the zones, but must at all times
keep the Captain of the Port apprised of intended movements within the
port, and must abide by restrictions imposed by the Captain of the Port
as necessary to accomplish the purposes of this rule.
(2) No person may swim upon or below the surface of the water
within the boundaries of the safety and security zones unless
previously authorized by the Captain of the Port New York or his
authorized patrol representative.
(3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of
the Captain of the Port, and the designated on-scene U.S. Coast Guard
patrol personnel. U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel include
commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the U.S. Coast Guard.
(4) The general regulations covering safety and security zones in
Secs. 165.23 and 165.33, respectively, of this part apply.
Dated: September 11, 2001.
R.E. Bennis,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port.
[FR Doc. 01-25291 Filed 10-5-01; 8:45 am]
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