Regulated Navigation Area: Savannah River, Savannah, GA, 2448-2454 [E7-728]

Agencies

• Coast Guard
• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 12 (Friday, January 19, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2448-2454]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-728]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[CGD07-05-138]
RIN 1625-AA11


Regulated Navigation Area: Savannah River, Savannah, GA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.

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SUMMARY: On January 23, 2006, the Coast Guard published a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to revise the regulated navigation area in 
Savannah, Georgia, to address changes in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) 
tankship mooring locations following the creation of two new berths 
within a slip at the Southern LNG facility on the Savannah River. The 
previous rule only addressed facility and vessel requirements when an 
LNG vessel was underway or was moored parallel to the navigational 
channel outside of the slip. This interim rule describes requirements 
for three different potential mooring situations following the 
expansion: an LNG tankship moored outside of the slip, one or more LNG 
tankships moored inside the slip, and LNG tankships moored both inside 
and outside of the slip. This interim rule will become effective on 
February 20, 2007. However, we still encourage you to participate in 
this rulemaking by submitting comments and related material to the 
docket. We will accept comments for 60 days from the date this rule is 
published in the Federal Register, after which we intend to publish a 
final rule. Any comments received will be considered in the final rule. 
This interim rule is necessary to ensure safe navigation of the 
Savannah River and the safe transfer of LNG in the Port of Savannah.

DATES: This interim rule is effective February 20, 2007. Comments and 
related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before March 20, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: Comments and material received from the public, as well as 
documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket 
[CGD07-05-138], will become part of this docket and will be available 
for inspection or copying at Marine Safety Unit Savannah, Gordon Low 
Federal Building, Suite 1017, 100 W. Oglethorpe, Savannah, Georgia 
31401, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.

[[Page 2449]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Robert Webb, Waterways 
Management Officer, Marine Safety Unit Savannah; (912) 652-4353.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulatory Information

    On January 23, 2006, we published a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) entitled ``Regulated Navigation Area: Savannah River, Savannah, 
GA'' (71 FR 3442). To ensure the safe transfer of liquefied Natural Gas 
in the port of Savannah, we are publishing this interim rule that will 
become effective February 20, 2007. However, we still encourage you to 
participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related 
material to the docket. We will accept comments for 60 days after which 
we intend to consider received comments and publish a final rule. If 
you submit comments, please include your name and address, identify the 
docket number for this rulemaking [CGD07-05-138], 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 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 interim rule in view of them.

Public Meeting

    We do not plan to hold a public meeting on the interim rule. But 
you may submit a request for a meeting by writing to MSU Savannah (see 
ADDRESSES above) explaining why one would be beneficial. If we 
determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at the 
time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal Register. We 
did not receive a request for a public meeting in response to the 
notice of proposed rulemaking and we did not hold a public meeting.

Background and Purpose

    In May of 2002, Southern LNG Inc. submitted a letter of intent to 
expand the LNG facility on Elba Island that would nearly double LNG 
storage capacity and substantially increase the number of LNG tankship 
arrivals. The Coast Guard's positive endorsement was contingent upon 
the relocation of the primary LNG mooring facility in order to reduce 
the risk of allision and subsequent breaching of an LNG tankship's 
cargo tank(s). To meet this Coast Guard requirement, Southern LNG Inc. 
initiated a project to create a protected docking slip designed to 
allow simultaneous LNG transfers from vessels. This expansion, 
completed early in 2006, significantly reduced the level of risk 
associated with LNG tankship operations and vessels passing by the LNG 
facility. This interim rule addresses the three possible tankship 
mooring configurations now available to LNG tankships. The three 
possible tankship mooring configurations available to LNG tankships are 
LNG vessels moored inside the slip, outside the slip, and a combination 
of inside and outside the slip.

Discussion of Comments and Changes to the Proposed Rule

    A single commentor submitted several comments to the Coast Guard 
during the NPRM comment period (71 FR 3442). Several comments stated 
that the requirement for standby tugs should be eliminated as 
unnecessarily duplicative of the new slip and the infrastructure and 
procedures already in place to prevent an LNG spill. The Coast Guard 
does not believe the use of standby tugs is duplicative. The use of 
standby tugs to attend moored LNG vessels is a common practice in the 
LNG industry with the tugs having the general duties of providing a 
ready means of assistance to maintain a safe area around the LNG 
vessel, provide emergency firefighting assistance, and aid the LNG 
vessel in the event of an emergency departure. For example, Coast Guard 
Sector Baltimore requires one tractor tug to be on scene and two 
tractor tugs to be on a 10-minute standby. Also, the vessel operators 
and/or LNG facility in the ports of Lake Charles and Ponce, Louisiana, 
require standby tugs although there is no Coast Guard requirement.
    Due to the Southern LNG facility's location on the Savannah River, 
approximately 8 nautical miles from the busiest area of the port, it is 
unlikely that tug assistance could arrive in a reasonable amount of 
time or guarantee that they would be available at all in the event of 
an emergency if tugs are not dedicated to standby duties in the 
immediate vicinity of the moored LNG tankship. Therefore, the 
requirement for two standby towing vessels to take appropriate actions 
in an emergency remains. Additionally, the definition of standby was 
slightly modified to mean readily available at the facility and 
equipped to provide a ready means of assistance to maintain a safe zone 
around LNG tankships, provide emergency firefighting assistance, and 
aid the LNG tankship in the event of an emergency departure. This 
change makes it clear that the standby towing vessels should remain at 
the facility unless they are assisting a passing vessel in distress.
    A requirement for at least one LNG escort towing vessel and at 
least one standby towing vessel to be FiFi Class 1 equipped was added 
to ensure adequate fire fighting capabilities. In the case where one 
LNG tankship is moored at the facility and another LNG tankship is 
inbound to the facility, one FiFi Class 1 equipped towing vessel shall 
remain at the facility along with another standby towing vessel not so 
equipped while another FiFi Class 1 equipped towing vessel shall escort 
the inbound LNG tankship to the facility along with another escort 
towing vessel not so equipped. The Coast Guard believes this 
requirement produces the least risk to the port and takes into account 
the limited local availability of FiFi Class 1 equipped towing vessels. 
The requirement for a third towing vessel is eliminated when vessels 
are moored within the LNG facility slip.
    Three comments from the commentor stated that the Southern LNG 
facility is a receiving terminal only and that the ``marine-side'' 
services, such as docking, line handling, search and rescue, and towing 
are specifically not provided under the LNG facility tariff on file 
with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Therefore, the 
LNG facility should not be held responsible for providing the towing 
vessels required by this regulation. The Coast Guard has changed the 
rule to specify that an LNG tankship must have towing vessels on-scene 
when moored at an LNG facility. The provisions in section 165.756(d) 
are no longer directed at LNG facility operators. These changes provide 
greater consistency with other provisions in Part 165.
    Three comments from the commentor noted that the duties of the 
standby towing vessels outlined in paragraph (d)(3) of 33 CFR 165.756 
are vague. The Coast Guard agrees with this assertion and has added the 
following language to the definition for stand-by , ``means readily 
available at the facility and equipped to provide a ready means of 
assistance to maintain a safe zone around the moored LNG tankship, to 
provide emergency firefighting assistance, to aid the LNG tankship in 
the event of an emergency departure, or to take other appropriate 
actions in an emergency as necessary.'' To clearly outline the type of 
towing vessels that are required for the standby duties described in 
this regulation, additional language was also added to outline the 
minimum firefighting capabilities of at least one of the standby towing 
vessels.

[[Page 2450]]

    Two comments from the commentor stated that moving the LNG vessels 
from the river pier to the protected LNG facility slip has made the 
standby towing vessels unnecessary because the new mooring 
configuration has eliminated the potential for a passing vessel to 
allide with a moored LNG tankship causing an LNG spill. The Coast Guard 
carefully considered this assessment and disagrees. Although the risk 
has been reduced, there is still a risk of allision while LNG tankships 
are moored within the LNG facility slip. If a passing vessel loses 
power and/or steering, it is possible for it to enter the slip and 
allide with the moored LNG tankship. The existence of the two standby 
towing vessels allows the passing vessel in distress to request 
immediate assistance that may prevent an allision and possible LNG 
spill. Additionally, the standby towing vessels provide a ready means 
of assistance to maintain a safe area around the LNG vessel, provide 
emergency firefighting assistance, and aid the LNG vessel in the event 
of an emergency departure. Therefore, the requirement for two standby 
towing vessels remains.
    One comment from the commentor stated the standby towing vessels 
are not needed to prevent ranging of the LNG tankship at its mooring 
due to the surge caused by a passing vessel. This assertion was 
recently proven false when the surge created by a large vessel passing 
the LNG facility slip at excessive speed caused a moored LNG tankship 
to range and resulted in the emergency shutdown of the LNG transfer and 
caused several of the LNG tankship's mooring lines to break. Automatic 
emergency shutoffs prevented the release of LNG and the standby tugs 
immediately assisted the LNG tankship back to its original position 
where it was secured with additional mooring lines. While this 
occurrence may be unusual, it illustrates that standby towing vessels 
are valuable assets in the event of an emergency. This occurrence adds 
support to our decision to keep the requirement for two standby towing 
vessels.
    One comment from the commentor stated that the Coast Guard should 
monitor the speed of passing vessels through a remote monitoring system 
such as the Automated Information System (AIS). At this time, the local 
Coast Guard shore units cannot access the AIS information and do not 
have sufficient personnel resources to monitor such a system on a 24 
hour basis. However, the incident described in the above paragraph 
highlights the risk posed by vessels passing the LNG facility slip at 
excessive speed. Therefore the ``minimum safe speed'' language in 
paragraph (d)(5)(ii) of the proposed rule has been replaced with ``bare 
steerage way'' in paragraph (d)(6)(iv) of the interim rule to eliminate 
any confusion that passing vessels must make every effort to minimize 
their surge as they pass the LNG facility slip were an LNG tankship is 
moored.
    One comment stated that the requirement for emergency towing wires, 
also known as fire wires, apply only to LNG tankships moored at the 
river dock. The Coast Guard disagrees with this comment and the 
requirement for emergency towing wires remains in all mooring 
configurations unless the LNG tankship is equipped with waterline 
bollards. Language was added that exempts LNG tankships equipped with 
waterline bollards from this requirement. The Coast Guard believes that 
waterline bollards provide an equivalent level of safety and allow for 
standby towing vessels to quickly ``make-up'' to an LNG tankship in the 
event of an emergency.
    One comment from the commentor stated that the standby towing 
vessels are not necessary to assist in the emergency departure of a 
moored LNG tankship from the slip because the LNG tankship will likely 
be safest at its mooring even in the event of an emergency within the 
facility. The Coast Guard disagrees with this assertion. Industry 
publications state that in the case of an internal emergency within the 
terminal, it is often good practice to remove ships from the berths in 
order to avoid their possible involvement in the situation. Such 
emergencies may include a fire on the facility or an imminent terrorist 
threat to the facility that may prompt the Captain of the Port or the 
master of an LNG tankship to order departure of the vessel from the LNG 
facility slip or pier immediately. Therefore, the requirement for two 
standby towing vessels remains.
    One additional comment from the commentor requested relief from the 
towing vessel escort requirements for an outbound vessel in a ``heel'' 
condition. The Coast Guard carefully considered this request and 
believes that LNG vessels carrying only ``heel'' pose a minimal risk of 
an LNG spill. Therefore, we included language in the interim rule that 
removes the requirement to escort LNG vessels in heel when transiting 
within the Regulated Navigation Area. The definition of heel ``is the 
minimum quantity of liquefied natural gas (LNG) retained in an LNG 
tankship after unloading at the LNG facility to maintain temperature, 
pressure, and/or prudent operations. [A] quantity of LNG less than five 
percent (5%) of the LNG tankship's carrying capacity shall be presumed 
to be heel.'' This same reasoning led us to remove the restrictions on 
other vessels while the LNG tankship is outbound in a heel condition. 
Vessels over 200 gross tons will have a pilot aboard who will know that 
the outbound LNG tankship is in a heel condition. All other vessels 
will follow the navigation rules and treat the outbound LNG vessel just 
as any other deep-draft vessel transiting the Savannah River.
    Finally, several comments by the commentor also included support 
for the provisions in the proposed rule. One comment supported keeping 
unnecessary vessels out of the LNG facility slip. This provision 
remains in the interim rule. One comment supported limiting passing 
vessels to minimum safe speed. This provision remains in the interim 
rule, but the language was changed to ``bare steerage way'' to 
eliminate any confusion over a definition of ``minimum safe speed.'' 
One comment supported eliminating broadcast notices of LNG transits. 
This provision remains in the interim rule. One comment supported 
allowing oral waivers. This provision also remains in the interim rule.

Discussion of Interim Rule

    The interim rule accounts for all three potential mooring 
arrangements within the LNG facility slip. All of these requirements 
are needed to reduce the risk associated with marine LNG transfer 
operations. On-scene standby towing vessels will allow for immediate 
action in an emergency involving an LNG tankship, the LNG facility, or 
a vessel passing a moored LNG tankship conducting transfer operations. 
They will also be available to provide a ready means of assistance to 
maintain a safe zone around a moored carrier and to provide emergency 
firefighting support in the event of a fire.
    When an LNG tankship is moored outside of the slip, the towing 
vessel requirement of 3 towing vessels as outlined in the Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking published in January 2006 remains unchanged. 
Additionally, the LNG tankship will be required to provide at least one 
standby towing vessel with a minimum of 90,000 pounds of bollard pull 
to take appropriate actions in an emergency as directed by the LNG 
vessel bridge watch. However, one of the two escort towing vessels 
shall be FiFi Class 1 equipped, and the escort towing vessels shall 
have a minimum capacity of 100,000 pounds of bollard pull, 4,000 
horsepower and capable of safely

[[Page 2451]]

operating in the indirect mode in order to escort transiting vessels 
1,600 gross tons or greater past the moored LNG tankship.
    When an LNG tankship is moored inside the new slip, the requirement 
for tethered escorts is removed. However, an LNG tankship will still be 
required to have two standby towing vessels with a minimum capacity of 
100,000 pounds of bollard pull, 4,000 horsepower, and the ability to 
operate safely in the indirect mode in order to take appropriate 
actions in an emergency. At least one of these standby towing vessels 
shall be FiFi Class 1 equipped. These on scene towing vessels shall 
respond to any emergency situation for the LNG tankship moored within 
the slip occurring at the facility or caused by vessels transiting the 
Savannah River past the LNG facility. When two LNG tankships are moored 
inside the slip each vessel shall provide a standby towing vessel that 
is FiFi class 1 equipped with a minimum capacity of 100,000 pounds of 
bollard pull and 4,000 horsepower.
    When an LNG tankship is moored inside the new slip and another LNG 
tankship is moored outside of the slip, a minimum of three towing 
vessels are required. The LNG tankship moored outside the slip shall 
provide two escort towing vessels each with a minimum of 100,000 pounds 
of bollard pull, 4,000 horsepower and capable of safely operating in 
the indirect mode in order to escort transiting vessels 1,600 gross 
tons or greater past the moored LNG tankship. The LNG tankship moored 
inside the slip shall have at least one standby towing vessel with a 
minimum of 100,000 pounds of bollard pull, 4,000 horsepower and FiFi 
Class 1 equipped to take appropriate actions in an emergency as 
directed by the LNG vessel bridge watch.
    When one LNG tankship is moored outside and two LNG tankships are 
moored inside the LNG facility slip, the LNG tankship moored outside of 
the LNG facility slip shall have on-scene a minimum of two escort 
towing vessels each with a minimum of 100,000 pounds of bollard pull, 
4,000 horsepower and capable of safely operating in the indirect mode 
in order to escort transiting vessels 1,600 gross tons or greater past 
the moored LNG tankship. At least one of these towing vessels shall be 
FiFi Class 1 equipped. In addition, the LNG tankships moored inside of 
the slip shall have at least one standby towing vessel between the two 
ships with a minimum of 100,000 pounds of bollard pull, 4,000 
horsepower and FiFi Class 1 equipped to take appropriate actions in an 
emergency as directed by the LNG vessel bridge watch.
    Security operations have been added to the list of operations that 
are exempt from the applicability of this rule. This will allow 
facility owned or operated security vessels and local state and local 
law enforcement vessels to operate freely within the RNA.
    To limit delays to other vessels operating within the RNA, Sec.  
165.756(d)(1)(i) has been slightly modified to allow vessels of 1,600 
gross tons or greater to pass the facility while the LNG tankships are 
maneuvering and mooring, as long as the LNG vessels are outside of the 
Savannah River shipping channel (i.e., inside of the slip) and the 
other ships are proceeding past the slip at bare steerage way.
    In the interest of security, paragraph (d)(1)(iii)(C) was removed 
because it drew undue attention to LNG tankships transiting the area 
without increasing navigational safety. However, new language has been 
added for vessels 1,600 gross tons or greater while in the RNA to make 
a broadcast on channel 13 at the following points on the Savannah 
River: (a) Buoy ``33'' in the vicinity of Fields Cut for inbound 
vessels and (b) Buoy ``53'' in the vicinity of Fort Jackson for 
outbound vessels. This language was added to improve communications in 
the interest of safety and to reduce the risk of damage to moored LNG 
vessels or the facility due to surge or casualty of passing vessels. 
The subsequent paragraphs have been appropriately redesignated.
    A requirement for emergency towing wires (fire wires) was added in 
paragraph (d)(5)(ii) to follow standard industry practice and ensure 
the vessels are immediately available for emergency towing. LNG vessels 
equipped with waterline bollards are exempt from this requirement.
    Due to anticipated and observed hydrodynamic effects on the water 
within the LNG slip, vessel operating restrictions were added in 
paragraph (d)(6)(iv) to ensure safe LNG transfer operations.
    In the interest of safety and security, paragraph (d)(6)(vii) was 
added to prevent unnecessary vessels from entering the LNG slip.
    In the interest of port security, this interim rule also eliminates 
the Captain of the Port requirement to issue a Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners on scheduled LNG tankship activities during which the 
restrictions imposed by this section are in effect. The level of safety 
introduced by broadcasting LNG tankship schedules to the general public 
via marine radio does not outweigh the potential security impacts. 
River pilots who operate all vessels over 200 gross tons on the 
Savannah River are well aware of the LNG tankship transit times. While 
transiting within the RNA, the LNG tankships carrying LNG in excess of 
heel will be escorted by towing vessels and security vessels that can 
effect notice of this rule to any vessels not requiring a river pilot.
    To further define when the RNA is in effect the following was added 
to paragraph (a) of the proposed rule, ``when a LNG tankship in excess 
of heel is transiting the area or moored at the LNG facility.''
    To ensure the timeliness of response operations and maximize safety 
and security, the waiver authority in this rule has been modified to 
allow verbal or written waivers by the Captain of the Port to the 
requirements of this rule.

Administrative Procedure Act

    We are making this interim rule effective 30 days after publication 
in the Federal Register. Delaying implementation of this rule any 
longer to await public notice and comment would be contrary to the 
public interest because of the adverse effect on the safety of 
navigation in the Savannah River, vessel congestion, and the safety and 
security of LNG transfer operations in the port.
    However, we want to receive comments on the changes from the 
proposed rule before issuing a final rule. Please submit your comment 
on this interim rule on or before March 20, 2007. We may revise the 
rule based on your comments.

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 Homeland 
Security.
    Delays for inbound and outbound traffic due to LNG transits will be 
reduced through this interim rule and through pre-transit conferences 
between the pilots and the Coast Guard Captain of the Port. Additional 
financial benefits of this rule are that LNG tankships transiting in 
heel will not be required to have two escort towing vessels and LNG 
tankships moored only inside the LNG facility slip will only be 
required to provide 2 standby towing vessels vice the current 
requirement of 3 towing vessels.

[[Page 2452]]

    The requirement of having one of the escort towing vessels be FiFi 
Class 1 equipped does not impose an additional financial burden due to 
a FiFi Class 1 escort towing vessel is currently being utilized for 
this purpose.

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. 
The LNG facility does not qualify as a small entity. Towing vessels may 
qualify as small entities; however the economic impact incurred will be 
borne by the LNG tankships.
    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. Delays for inbound and outbound traffic due to LNG transits 
will be minimized through this change and through pre-transit 
conferences between the pilots and the Coast Guard Captain of the Port. 
The RNA requirements are less burdensome for smaller vessels, which are 
more likely to be small entities; however, there would not be a 
significant economic impact.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have 
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 (Pubic Law 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposal so that they could better 
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the 
rule would affect your small business and you have questions concerning 
its provisions or options for compliance, please contact the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Small businesses may also 
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 interim 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not 
consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Commandant Instruction M16475.lD 
and Department of Homeland Security Management Division 5100.0, 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)(g), of the Instruction, from further environmental 
documentation. A final

[[Page 2453]]

``Environmental Analysis Check List'' and a final ``Categorical 
Exclusion Determination'' are available in the docket where indicated 
under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and record 
keeping requirements, Waterways.


0
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 
CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701; 50 
U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Pub. 
L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security 
Delegation No. 0170.1.


0
2. Revise Sec.  165.756 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.756  Regulated Navigation Area; Savannah River, Georgia.

    (a) Regulated Navigation Area (RNA). The Savannah River between 
Fort Jackson (32[deg]04.93[min] N, 081[deg]02.19[min] W) and the 
Savannah River Channel Entrance Sea Buoy is a regulated navigation area 
when an LNG tankship in excess of heel is transiting the area or moored 
at the LNG facility. All coordinates are North American Datum 1983.
    (b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:
    Bare Steerage Way means the minimum speed necessary for a ship to 
maintain control over its heading.
    Bollard pull means an industry standard used for rating tug 
capabilities and is the pulling force imparted by the tug to the 
towline. It means the power that an escort tug can apply to its working 
line(s) when operating in a direct mode.
    Direct Mode means a towing technique defined as a method of 
operation by which a towing vessel generates towline forces by thrust 
alone at an angle equal to or nearly equal to the towline, or thrust 
forces applied directly to the escorted vessel's hull.
    Fire Wire means a length of wire rope or chain hung from the bow 
and stern of a vessel in port to allow the vessel to be towed away from 
the pier in case of fire; also called fire warp or emergency towing 
wire.
    Heel means the minimum quantity of liquefied natural gas (LNG) 
retained in an LNG tankship after unloading at the LNG facility to 
maintain temperature, pressure, and/or prudent operations. A quantity 
of LNG less than five percent (5 %) of the LNG tankship's carrying 
capacity shall be presumed to be heel.
    Indirect Mode means a towing technique defined as a method of 
operation by which an escorting towing vessel generates towline forces 
by a combination of thrust and hydrodynamic forces resulting from a 
presentation of the underwater body of the towing vessel at an oblique 
angle to the towline. This method increases the resultant bollard pull, 
thereby arresting and controlling the motion of an escorted vessel.
    LNG tankship means a vessel as described in 46 CFR 154.
    Made-up means physically attached by cable, towline, or other 
secure means in such a way as to be immediately ready to exert force on 
a vessel being escorted.
    Make-up means the act of, or preparations for becoming made-up.
    Operator means the person who owns, operates, or is responsible for 
the operation of a facility or vessel.
    Savannah River Channel Entrance Sea Buoy means the aid to 
navigation labeled R W ``T'' Mo (A) WHIS on the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Nautical Chart 11512.
    Standby means readily available at the facility and equipped to 
provide a ready means of assistance to maintain a safe zone around LNG 
tankships, provide emergency firefighting assistance, and aid the LNG 
tankship in the event of an emergency departure.
    Underway means that a vessel is not at anchor, not made fast to the 
shore, or not aground.
    (c) Applicability. This section applies to all vessels operating 
within the RNA, including naval and other public vessels, except 
vessels that are engaged in the following operations:
    (1) Law enforcement, security, or search and rescue;
    (2) Servicing aids to navigation;
    (3) Surveying, maintenance, or improvement of waters in the RNA; or
    (4) Actively engaged in escort, maneuvering, or support duties for 
an LNG tankship.
    (d) Regulations--(1) Requirements for vessel operations while a LNG 
tankship, carrying LNG in excess of heel, is underway within the RNA. 
(i) Except for a vessel that is moored at a marina, wharf, or pier, and 
remains moored, no vessel 1,600 gross tons or greater may come within 
two nautical miles of a LNG tankship, carrying LNG in excess of heel, 
which is underway within the Savannah River shipping channel without 
the permission of the Captain of the Port (COTP).
    (ii) All vessels less than 1,600 gross tons shall keep clear of 
transiting LNG tankships.
    (iii) The owner, master, or operator of a vessel carrying liquefied 
natural gas (LNG) shall:
    (A) Comply with the notice requirements of 33 CFR part 160. The 
COTP may delay the vessel's entry into the RNA to accommodate other 
commercial traffic.
    (B) Obtain permission from the COTP before commencing the transit 
into the RNA.
    (C) Not enter or get underway within the RNA if visibility during 
the transit is not sufficient to safely navigate the channel, and/or 
wind speed is, or is expected to be, greater than 25 knots.
    (D) While transiting the RNA, the LNG tankship, carrying LNG in 
excess of heel, shall have a minimum of two escort towing vessels with 
a minimum of 100,000 pounds of bollard pull, 4,000 horsepower and 
capable of safely operating in the indirect mode. At least one of the 
towing vessels shall be FiFi Class 1 equipped.
    (2) Requirements while an LNG tankship is moored outside of the LNG 
facility slip--(i) An LNG tankship moored outside of the LNG facility 
slip shall have on-scene a minimum of two escort towing vessels each 
with a minimum of 100,000 pounds of bollard pull, 4,000 horsepower and 
capable of safely operating in the indirect mode in order to escort 
transiting vessels 1,600 gross tons or greater past the moored LNG 
tankship. At least one of these towing vessels shall be FiFi Class 1 
equipped.
    (ii) In addition to the two towing vessels required by paragraph 
(d)(2)(i) of this section, the LNG tankship moored outside of the slip 
shall have at least one standby towing vessel with a minimum of 90,000 
pounds of bollard pull to take appropriate actions in an emergency as 
directed by the LNG vessel bridge watch required in paragraph (d)(5) of 
this section.
    (3) Requirements while LNG tankships are moored inside the LNG 
facility slip--(i) An LNG tankship moored inside the LNG facility slip 
shall have two standby towing vessels with a minimum capacity of 
100,000 pounds of bollard pull, 4,000 horsepower, and the ability to 
operate safely in the indirect mode. At least one of these towing 
vessels shall be FiFi Class 1 equipped. The standby towing vessels 
shall take appropriate action in an emergency as directed by the LNG 
vessel bridge watch required in paragraph (d)(5) of this section.
    (ii) If two LNG tankships are moored inside the LNG facility slip, 
each vessel

[[Page 2454]]

shall provide a standby towing vessel that is FiFi class 1 equipped 
with a minimum capacity of 100,000 pounds of bollard pull and 4,000 
horsepower that is available to assist as directed by the LNG vessel 
bridge watch required in paragraph (d)(5) of this section.
    (4) Requirements while LNG tankships are moored both inside the LNG 
facility slip and outside the LNG facility slip--(i) When one LNG 
tankship is moored inside and one LNG tankship is moored outside of the 
LNG facility slip, the LNG tankship moored outside of the LNG facility 
slip shall have on-scene a minimum of two escort towing vessels each 
with a minimum of 100,000 pounds of bollard pull, 4,000 horsepower and 
capable of safely operating in the indirect mode in order to escort 
transiting vessels 1,600 gross tons or greater past the moored LNG 
tankship. At least one of these towing vessels shall be FiFi Class 1 
equipped. In addition, the LNG tankship moored inside of the slip shall 
have at least one standby towing vessel with a minimum of 100,000 
pounds of bollard pull, 4,000 horsepower and FiFi Class 1 equipped to 
take appropriate actions in an emergency as directed by the LNG vessel 
bridge watch required in paragraph (d)(5) of this section.
    (ii) When one LNG tankship is moored outside and two LNG tankships 
are moored inside the LNG facility slip, the LNG tankship moored 
outside of the LNG facility slip shall have on-scene a minimum of two 
escort towing vessels each with a minimum of 100,000 pounds of bollard 
pull, 4,000 horsepower and capable of safely operating in the indirect 
mode in order to escort transiting vessels 1,600 gross tons or greater 
past the moored LNG tankship. At least one of these towing vessels 
shall be FiFi Class 1 equipped. In addition, the LNG tankships moored 
inside of the slip shall have at least one standby towing vessel 
between the two ships with a minimum of 100,000 pounds of bollard pull, 
4,000 horsepower and FiFi Class 1 equipped to take appropriate actions 
in an emergency as directed by the LNG vessel bridge watch required in 
paragraph (d)(5) of this section.
    (iii) In the event of an actual emergency, escort towing vessels 
can be utilized as stand-by towing vessels to take appropriate actions 
as directed by the LNG vessel bridge watch required in paragraph (d)(5) 
of this section.
    (5) Requirements for moored LNG tankships--(i) While moored within 
the RNA, each LNG tankship shall maintain a bridge watch consisting of 
a docking pilot or licensed deck officer who shall monitor all vessels 
transiting past the LNG facility. In addition, the LNG Bridge Watch 
shall communicate with the pilots of vessels greater than 1600 gross 
tons at the points identified in section (d)(6)(iii) of this section 
prior to passing the LNG facility in order to take actions of the 
towing vessel(s) required in paragraphs (d)(2) through (4) of this 
section.
    (ii) While moored within the RNA, LNG tankships shall have 
emergency towing wires (fire wires) positioned one meter above the 
waterline, both on the off-shore bow and quarter of the ship. LNG 
vessels equipped with waterline bollards are exempt from this 
requirement.
    (6) Requirements for other vessels while within the RNA--(i) 
Transiting vessels 1,600 gross tons or greater, when passing an LNG 
tankship moored outside of the LNG facility slip, shall have a minimum 
of two towing vessels with a minimum capacity of 100,000 pounds of 
bollard pull, 4,000 horsepower, and the ability to operate safely in 
the indirect mode, made-up in such a way as to be immediately available 
to arrest and control the motion of an escorted vessel in the event of 
steering, propulsion or other casualty. At least one of the towing 
vessels shall be FiFi Class 1 equipped. While it is anticipated that 
vessels will utilize the towing vessel services required in paragraphs 
(d)(2)(i) and (d)(4)(i) of this section, this section does not preclude 
escorted vessel operators from providing their own towing vessel 
escorts, provided they meet the requirements of this part.
    (A) Outbound vessels shall be made-up and escorted from Bight 
Channel Light 46 until the vessel is safely past the LNG dock.
    (B) Inbound vessels shall be made-up and escorted from Elba Island 
Light 37 until the vessel is safely past the LNG dock.
    (ii) The requirements in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section do not 
apply when one or more LNG tankships are moored in the LNG facility 
slip and no LNG tankship is moored at the pier outside of the LNG 
facility slip.
    (iii) Vessels 1,600 gross tons or greater shall make a broadcast on 
channel 13 at the following points on the Savannah River:
    (A) Buoy ``33'' in the vicinity of Fields Cut for inbound vessels;
    (B) Buoy ``53'' in the vicinity of Fort Jackson for outbound 
vessels.
    (iv) Vessels 1,600 gross tons or greater shall at a minimum, 
transit at bare steerageway when within an area 1,000 yards on either 
side of the LNG facility slip to minimize potential wake or surge 
damage to the LNG facility and vessel(s) within the slip.
    (v) Vessels 1,600 gross tons or greater shall not meet nor overtake 
within an area 1,000 yards on either side of the LNG facility slip when 
an LNG tankship is present within the slip.
    (vi) All vessels less than 1,600 gross tons shall not approach 
within 70 yards of an LNG tankship, carrying LNG in excess of heel, 
without the permission of the Captain of the Port.
    (vii) Except for vessels involved in those operations noted in 
paragraph (c) of this section entitled Applicability, no vessel shall 
enter the LNG facility slip at any time without the permission of the 
Captain of the Port.
    (e) Waivers. (1) The COTP may waive any requirement in this 
section, if the COTP finds that it is in the best interest of safety or 
in the interest of national security. Such waivers may be verbal or in 
writing.
    (2) An application for a waiver of these requirements must state 
the compelling need for the waiver and describe the proposed operation 
and methods by which adequate levels of safety are to be obtained.
    (f) Enforcement. Violations of this section should be reported to 
the Captain of the Port, Savannah, at (912) 652-4353. In accordance 
with the general regulations in Sec.  165.13 of this part, no person 
may cause or authorize the operation of a vessel in the regulated 
navigation area contrary to the provisions of this section.

    Dated: January 5, 2007.
D. W. Kunkel,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. E7-728 Filed 1-18-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P