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Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Broad Creek, Cedar Creek, and Nanticoke River, DE
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
[Federal Register: June 29, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 125)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 37024-37027]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29jn06-19]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD05-06-044]
RIN 1625-AA09
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Broad Creek, Cedar Creek, and
Nanticoke River, DE
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to change the drawbridge operation
[[Page 37025]]
regulations of four Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT)
bridges: The Poplar Street Bridge, at mile 8.2, and the US 13A Bridge,
at mile 8.2, both across Broad Creek in Laurel, DE; the SR 36 Bridge,
at mile 0.5, over Cedar Creek in Cedar Beach; and SR 13 Bridge, at mile
39.6, across Nanticoke River in Seaford, DE. This proposal would allow
the bridges to open on signal if advance notice is given at different
times from 4 to 48 hours. This proposal will eliminate the continual
attendance of draw tender services during the non-peak boating periods
while still providing the reasonable needs of navigation.
DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or
before August 14, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may mail comments and related material to Commander
(dpb), Fifth Coast Guard District, Federal Building, 1st Floor, 431
Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704-5004. The Fifth Coast Guard
District maintains the public docket for this rulemaking. Comments and
material received from the public, as well as documents indicated in
this preamble as being available in the docket, will become part of
this docket and will be available for inspection or copying at
Commander (dpb), Fifth Coast Guard District between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Waverly W. Gregory, Jr., Bridge
Administrator, Fifth Coast Guard District, at (757) 398-6222.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Request for Comments
We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
comments and related material. If you do so, please include your name
and address, identify the docket number for this rulemaking CGD05-06-
044, indicate the specific section of this document to which each
comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit
all comments and related material in an unbound format, no larger than
8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying. If you would like a return
receipt, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope.
We will consider all submittals received during the comment period. We
may change this proposed rule in view of them.
Public Meeting
We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a
request for a meeting by writing to Commander (dpb), Fifth Coast Guard
District at the address under ADDRESSES explaining why one would be
beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will
hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal
Register.
Background and Purpose
DelDOT, who owns and operates the Poplar Street Bridge and the US
13A Bridge, at mile 8.2, both across Broad Creek in Laurel; the SR 36
Bridge, at mile 0.5, over Cedar Creek in Cedar Beach; and the SR 13
Bridge, at mile 39.6, across Nanticoke River in Seaford, requested
advance notification for vessel openings and a reduction in draw tender
services for the following explanations:
Broad Creek
In the closed-to-navigation position, the Poplar Street Bridge,
mile 8.2, and the US 13A Bridge, mile 8.2, both in Laurel, have
vertical clearances of five feet and two feet, above mean high water,
and eight feet and five feet, above mean low water, respectively. The
existing operating regulations for these drawbridges are set out in 33
CFR 117.233, which requires the bridges, along with the Conrail Bridge
(at mile 8.0) in Laurel, to open on signal if at least four hours
notice is given.
DelDOT provided information to the Coast Guard about the conditions
and reduced operational capabilities of the draw spans. Due to the
infrequency of requests for vessel openings of the drawbridge for the
past 10 years, DelDOT requested to change the current operating
regulations by requiring the draw spans to open on signal if at least
48 hours notice is given year-round.
Cedar Creek
The SR 36 Bridge, at mile 0.5 in Cedar Beach, has a vertical
clearance of two feet, above mean high water, and six feet, above mean
low water, in the closed-to-navigation position. The existing
regulation is listed at 33 CFR 117.5, which requires the bridge to open
on signal.
Bridge opening data submitted by DelDOT revealed significantly
fewer openings at certain hours of the night in the spring and summer
months; and during the fall and winter months. The bridge logs also
show the majority of drawbridge openings were performed year-round
between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The proposed change will
require the draw to open on signal from April 1 through November 30,
except from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., when at least four hours notice must be
given. From 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., from December 1 through March 31, the
draw would open on signal. At all other times, the draw would open on
signal if at least four hours notice is given.
These changes are being requested to reduce bridge tender services
required at the SR 36 Bridge due to the decrease in vessel opening
requests.
Nanticoke River
The SR 13 Bridge, at mile 39.6, in Seaford has a vertical clearance
of three feet, above mean high water and seven feet, above mean low
water in the closed-to-navigation position. The existing regulation is
listed at 33 CFR 117.5, which requires the bridge to open on signal.
Bridge opening data submitted by DelDOT revealed significantly
fewer openings between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the spring and
summer months; and on weekdays in the fall and winter months.
The proposed change would require the draw to open on signal from 8
a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 1 through October 31; and at all other times,
if at least four hours notice is given. From 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., from
November 1 through March 31, on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), the
draw would open on signal; and at all other times, if at least four
hours notice is given.
These changes are being requested to reduce bridge tender services
required at the SR 13 Bridge due to the decrease in vessel opening
requests.
Discussion of Proposed Rule
Broad Creek
The Coast Guard proposes to revise 33 CFR 117.233, which governs
the Conrail Bridge, mile 8.0, the Poplar Street bridge, mile 8.2 and
the US 13A bridge, mile 8.2, all in Laurel.
The current paragraph would be divided into paragraphs (a) and (b).
Paragraph (a) would contain the existing rule for the Conrail Bridge,
mile 8.0, in Laurel and would state that the draw shall open on signal
if at least four hours notice is given.
Paragraph (b) would contain the proposed rules for the Poplar
Street Bridge, mile 8.2 and the US 13A Bridge, mile 8.2, both in
Laurel. The proposals would require the drawbridges to open on signal
if at least 48 hours notice is given.
Cedar Creek
A new section, 117.234, would be inserted to allow SR 36 Bridge,
mile 0.5 in Cedar Beach, to open on signal from April 1 through
November 30, except from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., if at least four hours
notice is given.
[[Page 37026]]
From December 1 through March 31, from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the
draw would open on signal; and at all other times, if at least four
hours notice is given.
Nanticoke River
In 33 CFR 117.243, this proposed rule redesignate paragraphs (a)
through (c) as paragraph (a)(1) through (a)(3). The redesignated
paragraph (a) would contain the existing rules for the Norfolk Southern
Railway Bridge, mile 39.4, at Seaford. The contact information for
advance notice at the Norfolk Southern Railway Bridge would be changed
to the ``train dispatcher'' vice ``bridge tender'' and the new
telephone numbers at (717) 215-0379 or (609) 412-4338.
The redesignated paragraph (b) would contain the proposed rules for
the SR 13 Bridge, mile 39.6, in Seaford. The proposed rule would
require the draw to open on signal from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 1
through October 31; and at all other times, if at least four hours
notice is given. From 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., from November 1 through
March 31, on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), the draw would open on
signal; and at all other times, if at least four hours notice is given.
Text modifications to be consistent with other proposed changes
would be made in these paragraphs, as appropriate.
Regulatory Evaluation
This proposed 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
Homeland Security (DHS).
We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so
minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under the regulatory policies
and procedures of DHS is unnecessary. We reached this conclusion based
on the fact that the proposed changes have only a minimal impact on
maritime traffic transiting the bridge. Mariners can plan their trips
in accordance with the proposed scheduled bridge openings, to minimize
delays.
Small Entities
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have
considered whether this proposed 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 proposed
rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities.
This proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities because the rule only adds
minimal restrictions to the movement of navigation, and mariners who
plan their transits in accordance with the proposed scheduled bridge
openings can minimize delay.
If you think that your business, organization, or governmental
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would 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 would economically affect it.
Assistance for Small Entities
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-121), we want to assist small
entities in understanding this proposed 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 Waverly W. Gregory, Jr., Bridge
Administrator, Fifth Coast Guard District, and (757) 398-6222. 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 proposed rule would call 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 proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed rule would 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 proposed 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 proposed rule under Executive Order 13045,
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not
create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might
disproportionately affect children.
Indian Tribal Governments
This proposed 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.
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. The Administrator of the Office
[[Page 37027]]
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 proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we
did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.
Environment
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Commandant Instruction
M16475.lD and Department of Homeland Security Management Directive
5100.1, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and
have made a preliminary determination 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, we believe that this rule should
be categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (32)(e), of the
Instruction, from further environmental documentation. Under figure 2-
1, paragraph (32)(e), of the Instruction, an ``Environmental Analysis
Check List'' is not required for this rule. Comments on this section
will be considered before we make the final decision on whether to
categorically exclude this rule from further environmental review.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117
Bridges.
Regulations
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes
to amend 33 CFR part 117 as follows:
PART 117--DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS
1. The authority citation for part 117 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 499; Department of Homeland Security
Delegation No. 0170.1; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g); section 117.255 also issued
under the authority of Pub. L. 102-587, 106 Stat. 5039.
2. Revise Sec. 117.233 to read as follows:
Sec. 117.233 Broad Creek.
(a) The draw of the Conrail Bridge, mile 8.0 at Laurel, shall open
on signal if at least four hours notice is given.
(b) The draws of the Poplar Street Bridge, mile 8.2, and the US 13A
Bridge, mile 8.2, all at Laurel, shall open on signal if at least 48
hours notice is given.
3. Add new Sec. 117.234 to read as follows:
Sec. 117.234 Cedar Creek.
The SR 36 Bridge, mile 0.5 in Cedar Beach, shall open on signal;
except that from April 1 through November 30 from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.; and
from December 1 through March 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., the draw
shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given.
4. Revise Sec. 117.243 to read as follows:
Sec. 117.243 Nanticoke River.
(a) The draw of the Norfolk Southern Railway Bridge, mile 39.4 in
Seaford, will operate as follows:
(1) From March 15 through November 15, the draw will open on signal
for all vessels except that from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. at least 2\1/2\
hours notice will be required.
(2) At all times, from November 16 through March 14, the draw will
open on signal if at least 2\1/2\ hours notice is given.
(3) When notice is required, the owner operator of the vessel must
provide the train dispatcher with an estimated time of passage by
calling (717) 215-0379 or (609) 412-4338.
(b) The draw of the SR 13 Bridge, mile 39.6 in Seaford, shall open
on signal, except that from April 1 through October 31, from 6 p.m. to
8 a.m.; and from November 1 through March 31, Monday to Friday; and
from November 1 through March 31, on Saturday and Sunday, from 3:30
p.m. to 7:30 a.m., the draw shall open on signal if at least four hours
notice is given.
Dated: June 16, 2006.
Larry L. Hereth,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. E6-10247 Filed 6-28-06; 8:45 am]
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