AGENCY:
Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION:
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
SUMMARY:
The Coast Guard proposes to establish two permanent security zones on the navigable waters of Lake Erie in the Captain of the Port Toledo zone. These security zones are necessary to protect the Enrico Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Station and the Davis Besse Nuclear Power Station from possible acts of terrorism. These security zones are intended to restrict vessel traffic from a portion of Lake Erie off the Enrico Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Station and the Davis Besse Nuclear Power Stations.
DATES:
Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before June 7, 2002.
ADDRESSES:
You may mail comments to U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Toledo, 420 Madison Ave, Suite 700, Toledo, Ohio 43604. The telephone number is (419) 418-6050. Marine Safety Office Toledo maintains the public docket for this rulemaking. Comments and materials 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 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
LT Herb Oertli, Chief of Port Operations, Marine Safety Office, 420 Madison Ave, Suite 700, Toledo, Ohio 43604; (419) 418-6050.
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 (CGD09-02-011), 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 81/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying. If you would like to know they reached us, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material 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 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Toledo 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
On September 11, 2001, the United States was the target of coordinated attacks by international terrorists resulting in the destruction of the World Trade Center, significant damage to the Pentagon, and tragic loss of life. National security and intelligence officials warn that future terrorists attacks are likely.
We propose to establish a permanent security zone off the waters of Enrico Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Station, Newport, Michigan. This security zone would include waters and adjacent shoreline within a boundary commencing at 41°58.4′ N, 083°15.4′ W; then northeast to 41°58.5′ N, 083°15.0′ W; then southeast to 41°58.2′ N, 083°13.7′ W; then south to 41°56.9′ N, 083°13.8′ W; then west to 41°56.9′ N, 083°15.2′ W; then back to the starting point at 41°58.4′ N, 083°15.4′ W.
Our proposed rule would also establish a permanent security zone off the waters of Davis Besse Nuclear Power Station, Port Clinton, Ohio. This security zone would include waters and adjacent shoreline within a boundary commencing at 41°36.3 N, 083°04.9′ W; then north to 41°37.0′ N, 083°03.9′ W; east to 41°35.9′ N, 083°02.5′ W; southwest to 41°35.4′ N, 083°03.7′ W; then back to the starting point 41°36.3′ N, 083°04.9′ W.
These proposed security zones are necessary to protect the public, facilities, and the surrounding area from possible sabotage or other subversive acts. All persons other than those approved by the Captain of the Port Toledo, or his authorized representative, are prohibited from entering or moving within these zones. The Captain of the Port Toledo may be contacted via VHF Channel 16 for further instructions before transiting through the restricted area. The Captain of the Port Toledo's on-scene representative will be the patrol commander. In addition to publication in the Federal Register, the public will be made aware of the existence of this security zone, exact location and the restrictions involved via Local Notice To Mariners and a Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
Discussion of Proposed Rule
Following the catastrophic nature and extent of damage realized from the attacks of September 11, this proposed rulemaking is necessary to protect the national security interests of the United States against having these nuclear power plants become targets of terrorists.
On October 12, 2001 we published a temporary final rule establishing a security zone on the waters of Lake Erie around the Enrico Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Station, (66 FR 52039), as well as a security zone on Lake Erie around Davis Besse Nuclear Power Plant (66 FR 52038). We propose to establish permanent security zones in place of those temporary security zones. The proposed security zones in this regulation are smaller in size compared to those originally created on October 12, 2001 in the temporary final rule.
Regulatory Evaluation
This proposed 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 exempted it from review 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 Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this proposal to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10(e) of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary.
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.
These proposed security zones will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons. Our proposed rule will not obstruct the regular flow of commercial traffic and will allow vessel traffic to pass around the security zone.
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 proposed 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 proposed rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact the office listed in Addresses in this preamble.
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 proposed rule would call for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
Federalism
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, and have determined that this proposed rule would not have implications for federalism under that Order.
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 would 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 affect 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 proposed 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. 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 considered the environmental impact of this proposed rule and concluded that, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g), of Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, this rule is categorically excluded from further environmental documentation. A “Categorical Exclusion Determination” is available in the docket for inspection or copying where indicated under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
- Harbors
- Marine safety
- Navigation (water)
- Reporting and record keeping requirements
- Security measures
- Waterways
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 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), 6.04-1, 6.04-6, 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46.
2. Remove § 165.T09-135.
3. Remove § 165.T09-136.
4. Add § 165.915 to read as follows:
(a) Security zones. The following areas are security zones:
(1) Enrico Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Station. All waters and adjacent shoreline encompassed by a line commencing at 41°58.4′ N, 083°15.4′ W; then northeast to 41°58.5′ N, 083°15.0′ W; then southeast to 41°58.2′ N, 083°13.7′ W; then south to 41°56.9′, N 083°13.8′ W; then west to 41°56.9′ N, 083°15.2′ W; then back to the starting point at 41°58.4′ N, 083°15.4′ W (NAD 83).
(2) Davis Besse Nuclear Power Station. All waters and adjacent shoreline encompassed by a line commencing at 41°36.3′ N, 083°04.9′ W; north to 41°37.0′ N, 083°03.9′ W; east to 41°35.9′ N, 083°02.5′ W; southwest to 41°35.4′ N, 083°03.7′ W; then back to the starting point 41°36.3′ N, 083°04.9′ W. (NAD 83).
(b) Regulations. (1) In accordance with § 165.33, entry into this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Toledo. Section 165.33 also contains other general requirements.
(2) Persons desiring to transit through either of these security zones, prior to transiting, must contact the Captain of the Port Toledo at telephone number (419) 418-6050, or on VHF/FM channel 16 and request permission. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port or his or her designated representative.
(c) Authority. In addition to 33 U.S.C. 1231 and 50 U.S.C. 191, the authority for this section includes 33 U.S.C. 1226.
Dated: April 26, 2002.
D.L. Scott,
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Toledo.
[FR Doc. 02-11492 Filed 5-7-02; 8:45 am]
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