Regulated Navigation Area: Savannah River, Savannah, GA, 51555-51557 [E7-17631]

Agencies

• Coast Guard
• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 174 (Monday, September 10, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51555-51557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17631]



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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 174 / Monday, September 10, 2007 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 51555]]



DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket No. CGD07-05-138]
RIN 1625-AA11


Regulated Navigation Area: Savannah River, Savannah, GA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: On January 19, 2007, the Coast Guard published an interim rule 
with request for comments, which revised 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 
final rule only addressed facility and vessel requirements when an LNG 
vessel was underway or moored parallel to the navigational channel 
outside of the slip. The interim rule was necessary to describe 
requirements for three different potential mooring situations following 
the LNG facilities expansion. This final rule adopts the interim rule 
requirements without change for the following mooring situations at the 
LNG facility: 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.

DATES: Effective October 10, 2007 the interim rule amending 33 CFR part 
165 which was published at 72 FR 2448 on January 19, 2007, is adopted 
as a final rule.

ADDRESSES: Comments and material received from the public, as well as 
documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket, 
are part of docket [CGD07-05-138], and are 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.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Regulatory Information

    On January 19, 2007, the Coast Guard published an interim rule with 
request for comments entitled ``Regulated Navigation Area: Savannah 
River, Savannah, GA'' in the Federal Register (72 FR 2448). The Coast 
Guard received two letters commenting on the interim rule. No public 
meeting was requested, and none was held.

Background and Purpose

    In May 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 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, or a
     Combination of inside and outside the slip.

Discussion of Comments and Changes

    The Coast Guard received four comments from two commenters during 
the interim rule comment period (72 FR 2448). One commenter requested 
consideration as a small entity and a ``variation in the 2nm/70 yard 
restriction''. It appears that the commenter's vessel may meet the 
definition of a small entity; however, the Coast Guard does not believe 
the rule will cause significant economic impact to the commenter.
    The requirement to maintain a 2 nautical mile distance from LNG 
tankships, carrying LNG in excess of heel, only applies to vessels 
1,600 gross tons and larger. The commenter's vessel is well under 1,600 
gross tons and would only have to meet the requirements outlined in 
paragraphs (d)(1)(ii) and (d)(6)(vi) of the rule. Paragraph (d)(1)(ii) 
states that all vessels less than 1,600 gross tons shall keep clear of 
transiting LNG tankships and paragraph (d)(6)(vi) prohibits vessels 
less than 1,600 gross tons from approaching within 70 yards (210 feet) 
of a LNG tankship, carrying LNG in excess of heel, without the 
permission of the Captain of the Port. The width of the navigable 
channel where the commenter's vessel is expected to encounter a LNG 
tankship, and is directed to keep clear, is no less than 500 feet 
(166.7 yards). The Coast Guard believes the width of the channel 
provides an adequate distance for vessels under 1,600 gross tons to 
keep clear of a LNG tankship and therefore would not delay the 
commenter's vessel or cause significant economic impact.
    Also, the requirement for vessels under 1,600 gross tons not to 
approach within 70 yards of a LNG tankship, carrying LNG in excess of 
heel, without permission of the COTP is applicable when approaching a 
moored LNG tankship. The route of the commenter's vessel does not 
typically include passing the LNG facility and therefore it is not 
likely that they will encounter a situation where they would approach a 
moored LNG tankship. The width of the navigation channel at the LNG 
facility is no less than 500 feet therefore, if a circumstance arose 
where the commenter's vessel did have to pass the LNG facility, the 
width of the channel would provide more than enough distance for the 
commenter's vessel to maintain the minimum 70 yard requirement. The 
Coast Guard does not believe this rule will cause the commenter 
significant economic impact because it is not likely the commenter's 
vessel will encounter a situation where they pass the LNG facility and 
the

[[Page 51556]]

channel is wide enough to maintain the 70 yard requirement without 
impacting the commenter's vessel.
    The second commenter submitted several comments. The commenter 
stated that it was their belief that the docking pilots would better 
serve the LNG vessel and facility if stationed on the escort tugs after 
berthing the LNG vessel in the slip. After careful review and 
consultation with local docking management, the requirement for a 
bridge watch consisting of a docking pilot or licensed deck officer on 
board the moored LNG vessel remains. The Coast Guard believes that the 
docking pilot's reaction time and situational awareness to an emergency 
situation on the LNG tankship will be greater if he or she remains on 
board the LNG tankship.
    The second commenter also stated they believe the docking pilots 
would be better off assisting a vessel, transiting the RNA, which has 
developed an emergency situation requiring tug assistance. Following 
careful review of this comment, we believe the Federal Pilot or 
Savannah River Pilot piloting a passing vessel 1,600 gross tons or 
greater that has an emergency, is better equipped to coordinate tug 
assistance in the course of their actions to address the emergency and 
bring a stricken vessel under control than a docking pilot on board an 
assist tug.
    The second commenter also stated that they believe the docking 
pilots will be in violation of Georgia Code Sections 52-6-45 and 52-6-
54 if they are on board an LNG vessel ordered to get underway in the 
event of an emergency departure. After careful review, consultation, 
and in agreement with the Savannah River Pilots and local docking 
management, the Coast Guard does not believe Georgia Code Sections 52-
6-45 and 52-6-54 are applicable nor that docking pilots will be in 
violation of these state codes by remaining on board a LNG tankship 
ordered to get underway in an emergency.
    Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.) Section 52-6-45 (2006) is entitled 
``Vessels to be under direction and control of licensed pilots; 
exemptions; use of docking pilots.'' O.C.G.A. section 52-6-45(a) states 
``[E]xcept as otherwise provided in this Code section, every vessel 
shall be under the direction and control of a pilot licensed by this 
state when underway in the bays, rivers, harbors, and ports of this 
state and the approaches thereto.'' O.C.G.A. section 52-6-45(b) lists 
categories exempted of the requirements in section 52-6-45(a) one of 
which is ``[V]essels in distress or jeopardy, except that such vessel 
shall take a state licensed pilot as soon as one arrives at the 
vessel.'' Furthermore, paragraph (c) in Sec.  52-6-45 states 
``[N]othing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit a 
vessel from utilizing the services of a docking pilot in addition to 
the state licensed pilot required under this chapter during docking and 
undocking maneuvers with the assistance of one or more tugboats.''
    O.C.G.A. section 52-6-54 makes it unlawful for anyone to act as a 
pilot without a license or interfere or disturb a licensed pilot in the 
performance of their duties. Additionally, paragraph (c) of O.C.G.A. 
section 52-6-54 states ``[N]otwithstanding any other provisions of this 
Code section, any person may assist a vessel in distress which has no 
pilot on board if such person delivers up the vessel to the first 
licensed pilot who comes on board and offers to conduct it.''
    The requirement for a docking pilot to remain on board a moored LNG 
ship at the facility is a necessary requirement needed to assist LNG 
ships in an emergency situation; emergency situations have occurred at 
the facility--as previously discussed in the Interim Rule with requests 
for comments (72 FR 2448). O.C.G.A. section 52-6-45 and O.C.G.A. 
section 52-6-54 allow for licensed pilots and docking pilots to operate 
on board a vessel in conjunction with one another. These Georgia Code 
sections also allow for anyone to assist a vessel in distress without a 
pilot on board as long as that person does not interfere with a 
licensed pilot that shows up on scene to assist the vessel. It is for 
these reasons above that the requirement for a bridge watch consisting 
of a docking pilot or licensed deck officer on board the moored LNG 
vessel remains.
    This final rule adopts the requirements published in the interim 
rule (72 FR 2448) without change. The final rule is necessary to ensure 
the safety of LNG vessels, the facility, the waterway, and the public 
due to the three different mooring situations now possible following 
the LNG facilities expansion.

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.
    Delays for inbound and outbound traffic due to LNG transits will be 
reduced through this 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.
    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.

Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offered to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposal so that they could better 
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking.
    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). 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 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

[[Page 51557]]

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 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 
guide 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 ``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 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
Accordingly, the interim rule amending 33 CFR part 165 which was 
published at 72 FR 2448 on January 19, 2007, is adopted as a final rule 
without change.

    Dated: August 14, 2007.
D.W. Kunkel,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard 
District. 1
[FR Doc. E7-17631 Filed 9-7-07; 8:45 am]
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