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Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Atlantic Ocean, Point Pleasant Beach to Bay Head, NJ
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
[Federal Register: June 2, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 105)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 32639-32641]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02jn03-10]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 100
[CGD05-03-049]
RIN 1625-AA08
Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Atlantic Ocean,
Point Pleasant Beach to Bay Head, NJ
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Temporary final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing temporary special local
regulations for the ``OPA/NJ Offshore Grand Prix'', a marine event to
be held on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean between Point Pleasant
Beach and Bay Head, New Jersey. These special local regulations are
necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during
the event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic in the
regulated area during the event.
DATES: This rule is effective from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 1,
2003.
ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in
the docket, are part of docket CGD05-03-049 and are available for
inspection or copying at Commander (oax), Fifth Coast Guard District,
431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-5004, between 9 a.m.
and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: S. L. Phillips, Project Manager,
Auxiliary and Recreational Boating Safety Branch, at (757) 398-6204.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulatory Information
We did not publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for this
regulation. Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard
finds that good cause exists for not publishing a NPRM and for making
this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register. Because of the danger posed by high speed power boats racing
in a closed circuit, special local regulations are necessary to provide
for the safety of event participants, spectator craft and other vessels
transiting the event area. For the safety concerns noted, it is in the
public interest to have these regulations in effect during the event.
The event will take place on June 1, 2003. There is not sufficient time
to allow for a notice and comment period prior to the event. However,
advance notifications will be made via the Local Notice to Mariners,
marine information broadcasts, and area newspapers.
Background and Purpose
On June 1, 2003, the Offshore Performance Association and the New
Jersey Offshore Racing Association will sponsor the ``OPA/NJ Offshore
Grand Prix''. The event will consist of 30-35 offshore power boats
racing along an oval course on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A
fleet of spectator vessels is expected to gather near the event site to
view the competition. To provide for the safety of participants,
spectators and other transiting vessels, the Coast Guard will
temporarily restrict vessel traffic in the event area during the races.
Discussion of Rule
The Coast Guard is establishing temporary special local regulations
on specified waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Manasquan River. The
temporary special local regulations will be in effect from 9:30 a.m.
until 3:30 p.m. on June 1, 2003. The effect will be to restrict general
navigation in the regulated area during the event. Except for persons
or vessels authorized by the Coast Guard Patrol Commander, no person or
vessel may enter or remain in the regulated area. The Patrol Commander
will allow non-participants to transit the regulated area between
races. These regulations are needed to control vessel traffic during
the event to enhance the safety of participants, spectators and
transiting vessels.
Regulatory Evaluation
This rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section
3(f) of Executive Order 12866 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 Homeland Security (DHS).
We expect the economic impact of this temporary final rule to be so
minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under the regulatory policies
and procedures of DHS is unnecessary.
Although this regulation prevents traffic from transiting a portion
of the Atlantic Ocean and Manasquan River during the event, the effect
of this regulation will not be significant due to the limited duration
that the regulated area will be in effect and the extensive advance
notifications that will be made to the maritime community via the Local
Notice to Mariners, marine information broadcasts, and area newspapers
so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly. Additionally, vessel
traffic will be allowed to transit through the regulated area between
races.
Small Entities
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601--612), we
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
[[Page 32640]]
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 will affect the following entities, some of which
may be small entities: the owners or operators of vessels intending to
transit or anchor in the effected portions of the Atlantic Ocean and
Manasquan River during the event.
This rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities for the following reasons. This
rule will be in effect for only a short period, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30
pm. on June 1, 2003. Vessel traffic will be allowed to transit the
regulated area between races, when the Patrol Commander determines it
is safe to do so. Before the enforcement period, we will issue maritime
advisories so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly.
If you think that your business, organization, or governmental
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule will have a
significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see
ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what
degree this rule will economically affect it.
Assistance for Small Entities
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 temporary rule so that they can better
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. 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 address listed under
ADDRESSES.
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).
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 will not create an
environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might
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 and direct effect on one or more
Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Governments and
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
To help the Coast Guard establish regular and meaningful
consultation and collaboration with Indian and Alaskan Native tribes,
we published a notice in the Federal Register (66 FR 36361, July 11,
2001) requesting comments on how to best carry out the Order. We invite
your comments on how this rule might impact tribal governments, even if
that impact may not constitute a ``tribal implication'' under the
Order.
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
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.
Environment
We have analyzed this rule under Commandant Instruction M16475.1D,
which guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and
have concluded that there are no factors in this case that would limit
the use of a categorical exclusion under section 2.B.2 of the
Instruction. Therefore, this rule is categorically excluded under
figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(h), of the Instruction, from further
environmental documentation. Special local regulations issued in
conjunction with a regatta or marine parade permit are specifically
excluded from further analysis and documentation under those sections.
An ``Environmental Analysis Check List'' and a ``Categorical Exclusion
Determination'' are available in the docket where indicated under
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100
Marine Safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Waterways.
? For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33
CFR part 100 as follows:
[[Page 32641]]
PART 100--SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS
? 1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1233 through 1236; Department of Homeland
Security Delegation No. 0170, 33 CFR 100.35.
? 2. Add a temporary Sec. 100.35-T05-049 to read as follows:
Sec. 100.35-T05-049 Atlantic Ocean, Point Pleasant Beach to Bay Head,
New Jersey.
(a) Definitions.
(1) Coast Guard Patrol Commander. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander
is a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the Coast Guard who has
been designated by the Commander, Coast Guard Group Atlantic City.
(2) Official Patrol. The Official Patrol is any vessel with a
commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the Coast Guard on board and
displaying a Coast Guard ensign.
(3) Regulated Area. The regulated area includes all waters of the
Manasquan River from the New York and Long Branch Railroad to Manasquan
Inlet, together with all waters of the Atlantic Ocean bounded by a line
drawn from the end of the South Manasquan Inlet Jetty, easterly to
Manasquan Inlet Lighted Buoy ``2M'', then southerly to a position at
latitude 40[deg]04[min]26[sec]
N, longitude 074[deg]01[min]30[sec]
W,
then westerly the shoreline. All coordinates reference Datum NAD 1983.
(b) Special local regulations:
(1) The regulated area shall be closed intermittently to general
navigation during the effective period. No person or vessel may enter
or remain in the regulated area while it is closed unless participating
in the event or authorized by the sponsor or regatta patrol personnel.
Notice of the closure times will be given via Marine Safety Radio
Broadcast on VHF-FM marine band radio, Channel 22 (157.1 MHz).
(2) All persons or vessels not registered with the sponsor as
participants or not part of the regatta patrol are considered
spectators.
(3) The spectator fleet shall be held in a spectator anchorage area
north of the regulated area, which shall be marked by patrol vessels
flying pennants to aid in their identification.
(4) No vessel shall proceed at a speed greater than six (6) knots
while in Manasquan Inlet during the effective period.
(5) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of
U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel. The operator of a vessel in the
regulated area shall stop the vessel immediately when instructed to do
so by U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel and then proceed as directed.
U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and
petty officers of the Coast Guard.
(c) Effective period. This section is effective from 9:30 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. on June 1, 2003.
Dated: May 21, 2003.
Ben R. Thomason, III,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, Fifth Coast Guard
District.
[FR Doc. 03-13734 Filed 5-30-03; 8:45 am]
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