Department of Homeland Security August 20, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is establishing regulated navigation areas (RNAs) and safety and security zones around the recently constructed Neptune Deepwater Port Facility, and modifying RNA and safety zone regulations for the existing Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port (NEGDWP), both of which are located in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The purpose of these regulated areas is to protect vessels and mariners from the potential safety hazards associated with deepwater port operations, and to protect the liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGCs) and deepwater port infrastructure from security threats or other subversive acts. All vessels, with the exception of LNGCs and deepwater port support vessels, will be prohibited from anchoring within 1,000 meters of the submerged turret loading (STL) buoys associated with the deepwater port, and prohibited from entering waters within 500 meters of the deepwater port STL buoys or the LNGCs using them. Additionally, vessels will be prohibited from deploying equipment which could become entangled in submerged infrastructure within 1,000 meters of STL buoys.

The Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research (ICCOPR) will hold a public meeting in Washington, DC to hear comments on the priorities of oil pollution research, including projects related to the Deepwater Horizon incident and the Arctic environment. This meeting is designed to give the public an opportunity to provide statements as to where the ICCOPR, a Federally mandated committee, should focus their efforts concerning oil pollution research. Public comment will then be used to augment the revision of the 1997 Oil Pollution Research and Technology Plan. This meeting will be open to the public.

The Houston/Galveston Navigation Safety Advisory Committee (HOGANSAC) and its working groups will meet in Houston, Texas, to discuss waterway improvements, aids to navigation, area projects impacting safety on the Houston Ship Channel, and various other navigation safety matters in the Galveston Bay area. All meetings will be open to the public.