Anchorage Regulations; Long Island Sound, 27948-27953 [E9-13884]

Agencies

• Coast Guard
• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 112 (Friday, June 12, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27948-27953]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-13884]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 110

[Docket No. USCG-2008-0171]
RIN 1625-AA01


Anchorage Regulations; Long Island Sound

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish seven anchorage grounds 
in Long Island Sound. These anchorages would be located within 
Connecticut or New York State waters. This action is necessary to aid 
in facilitating the safe and secure anchorage of vessels, particularly 
deep draft vessels, transiting Long Island Sound or awaiting entry to a 
port or facility in New York and Connecticut.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before August 11, 2009. Requests for public meetings must 
be received by the Coast Guard on or before July 13, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2008-0171 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is 202-366-9329.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for

[[Page 27949]]

Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for 
instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed 
rule, call or e-mail LT Doug Miller, Prevention Department Sector Long 
Island Sound, Coast Guard, telephone 203-468-4596, e-mail 
Douglas.J.Miller@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or 
submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted 
without change to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking (USCG-2008-0171), indicate the specific section of this 
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each 
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material 
online (via https://www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail or hand 
delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a 
comment online via www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received 
by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you 
fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as 
having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the 
Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and 
mailing address, an e-mail address, or a phone number in the body of 
your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding 
your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, 
select the Advanced Docket Search option on the right side of the 
screen, insert ``USCG-2008-0171'' in the Docket ID box, press Enter, 
and then click on the balloon shape in the Actions column. If you 
submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an 
unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for 
copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would 
like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, 
self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and 
material received during the comment period and may change the rule 
based on your comments.

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, 
select the Advanced Docket Search option on the right side of the 
screen, insert ``USCG-2008-0171'' in the Docket ID box, press Enter, 
and then click on the item in the Docket ID column. You may also visit 
the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of 
the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, 
SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the 
Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility.

Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any 
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice 
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the 
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But, you may submit a 
request for a public meeting on or before July 13, 2009 using one of 
the four methods specified under ADDRESSES. Please explain why you 
believe a public meeting 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

    The Coast Guard proposes to establish seven anchorage grounds in 
Long Island Sound in accordance with 33 CFR 109.05 and 110.1(b).
    The Coast Guard consulted with several agencies in the development 
of these proposed anchorage grounds, including: The Army Corps of 
Engineers New England District; the Army Corps of Engineers New York 
District; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); 
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS); the Connecticut 
Department of Environmental Protection--Office of Long Island Sound 
Programs; the New York Department of State; and the New York Department 
of Conservation. Additionally, the licensed marine pilot organizations 
of both Connecticut and New York were consulted due to their extensive 
knowledge of the usage and need for anchorage grounds in Long Island 
Sound.
    In determining the need for, and appropriate location of, the 
proposed anchorage grounds, we considered several factors, including: 
The commercial need for anchorage grounds; proximity to ports; safety 
of navigation; potential impact on commercial fishing; location of 
dredged material disposal sites; maritime security; environmental 
implications; and location of known underwater obstructions, cables, 
pipelines, and wrecks.
    The proposed anchorage grounds are designated for general purposes, 
but are intended primarily for use by commercial vessels of 300 gross 
tons and greater and all tank vessels including tank barges. This 
proposed regulation would not restrict anchorage in any other area of 
the Sound.
    Creating official anchorage areas through this rulemaking would 
cause more vessels to anchor in these areas, in addition to the large 
number that already do so, thereby providing the Captain of the Port 
with increased options for vessels needing to anchor while awaiting 
authorization to enter port. The designation of anchorage grounds would 
provide for the safety of navigation by providing designated locations 
for anchorage of deep draft vessels throughout Long Island Sound, in 
close proximity to the major ports of Bridgeport, New Haven, and New 
London, Connecticut, and Riverhead, Northport, and Port Jefferson, New 
York. Vessels transiting Long Island Sound would be on notice that 
vessels may be anchored in the anchorage grounds, thus providing for 
the safety of navigation. There are no cable or pipeline areas running 
through any of the seven proposed areas. Designation of these anchorage 
grounds would help guide the installation of future cables or pipelines 
so that they are located outside of the anchorage grounds. Keeping 
these areas free of underwater obstructions helps ensure safe 
navigation.
    Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considered 
the designation of one or more open-water dredged material disposal 
sites in the western and central regions of Long Island Sound, off the 
coasts of Connecticut and New York. An Environmental Impact Statement 
for the

[[Page 27950]]

Designation of Dredged Material Disposal Sites in Central and Western 
Long Island Sound is available at: https://www.epa.gov/region01/eco/lisdreg/. Two of the proposed dredged material disposal site 
areas are located off the coasts of Bridgeport and New Haven, 
Connecticut. In order to prevent disturbance of contaminated sediment, 
the proposed anchorage grounds off of Bridgeport and New Haven have 
been configured so that they are at least 1,000 yards, or one-half 
nautical mile, from the proposed disposal areas.
    Additionally, the proposed anchorage grounds have been examined in 
relation to historic disposal sites. None of the proposed anchorages 
overlaps with a historic dredge disposal site.
    The location of several submarine cables and pipelines carrying 
electricity and natural gas are de facto limitations on anchoring as 
these are hazards for vessels anchoring elsewhere in the Sound. Past 
anchor snags of submarine cables have interrupted use of the cable; 
snags also present potential hazards to the stability of vessels, as 
well as to the marine environment should the housing of the cable 
contain any environmentally harmful materials. Establishment of these 
anchorage grounds would provide for protection of the environment in 
that vessels may anchor in an area free from cables. This would provide 
protections against anchor strikes of submarine cables and pipelines.
    We anticipate no negative impact to the fishing community, 
including dragging, lobster, and shellfish fishing. This proposed rule 
does not intend to exclude fishing activity or the transit of vessels 
in the anchorage grounds. Rather, the regulations would only require 
that all vessels maintain a distance of 500 yards from an anchored 
vessel that is carrying petroleum or other flammable cargo, or that is 
conducting bunkering or lightering operations. Such anchored vessels 
are readily identified as, under the proposed rule, they must display a 
red flag by day or a red light at night in addition to the required 
navigation lights and shapes. This rule would require that vessels 
fishing and/or transiting through the anchorages maintain that pre-
established distance from said anchored vessels. We anticipate the 
designation of these anchorage grounds may increase the number of 
anchored vessels in the area; however such increase will cause only 
minimal interference to transiting vessels as the proposed areas have 
historically been utilized for anchoring. Additionally, the proposed 
anchorage grounds have been configured so they do not overlap with 
leased shellfish beds.
    The NOAA Navigation Manager for the Northeast Region has provided 
information regarding the location of wrecks within Long Island Sound. 
No historical wrecked vessels are located within any of the proposed 
anchorage grounds.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The proposed rule would create seven new anchorage grounds named 
for proximity to geographical locations. The geographic locations are 
described below:
    (1) Bridgeport Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island Sound 
enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]05'30'' N..................  73[deg]13'30'' W; thence to
41[deg]05'00'' N..................  73[deg]11'00'' W; thence to
41[deg]02'30'' N..................  73[deg]12'18'' W; thence to
41[deg]04'00'' N..................  73[deg]16'30'' W; returning to point
                                     of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) New Haven North Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island 
Sound enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]12'18'' N..................  72[deg]52'36'' W; thence to
41[deg]12'18'' N..................  72[deg]49'36'' W; thence to
41[deg]10'12'' N..................  72[deg]48'18'' W; thence to
41[deg]10'12'' N..................  72[deg]52'12'' W; thence to
41[deg]11'06'' N..................  72[deg]53'06'' W; returning to point
                                     of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) New Haven South Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island 
Sound enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]09'30'' N..................  72[deg]47'48'' W; thence to
41[deg]08'36'' N..................  72[deg]47'24'' W; thence to
41[deg]08'36'' N..................  72[deg]51'24'' W; thence to
41[deg]09'30'' N..................  72[deg]51'48'' W; returning to point
                                     of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) New London Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island Sound 
enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]15'36'' N..................  072[deg]13'36'' W; thence to
41[deg]16'18'' N..................  072[deg]10'24'' W; thence to
41[deg]15'24'' N..................  072[deg]10'06'' W; thence to
41[deg]14'42'' N..................  072[deg]13'12'' W; returning to
                                     point of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) Northport Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island Sound 
enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
40[deg]58'48'' N..................  073[deg]16'30'' W; thence to
40[deg]57'42'' N..................  073[deg]11'42'' W; thence to
40[deg]56'30'' N..................  073[deg]13'30'' W; thence to
40[deg]57'36'' N..................  073[deg]18'12'' W; returning to
                                     point of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (6) Port Jefferson Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island 
Sound enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]01'48'' N..................  073[deg]04'54'' W; thence to
41[deg]01'48'' N..................  073[deg]00'00'' W; thence to
41[deg]00'18'' N..................  073[deg]00'00'' W; thence to
41[deg]00'18'' N..................  073[deg]04'54'' W; returning to
                                     point of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (7) Riverhead Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island Sound 
enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]03'00'' N..................  072[deg]42'00'' W; thence to
41[deg]04'00'' N..................  072[deg]36'00'' W; thence to
41[deg]02'00'' N..................  072[deg]35'24'' W; thence to
41[deg]01'24'' N..................  072[deg]41'24'' W; returning to
                                     point of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    All coordinates referenced use datum: NAD 83.
    These proposed anchorage grounds are designated for general 
purposes, but are primarily intended for commercial vessels of 300 
gross tons and greater and all tank vessels including tank barges. 
Except in cases of emergencies, commercial vessels of 300 gross tons 
and greater and all tank vessels, including tank barges anchoring in 
the Captain of the Port Long Island Sound Zone inside the line of 
demarcation, would anchor in the anchorage grounds described above.
    Prior to entering any of the proposed anchorage areas, all vessels 
would be required to notify the Coast Guard Captain of the Port via 
VHF-FM Channel 16. The Captain of the Port may prescribe specific 
conditions for vessels anchoring within the proposed zones described in 
this section, pursuant to 33 CFR 109.05.
    This proposed rule would require that anchors be placed well within 
the anchorage areas, so that no portion of the hull or rigging will at 
any time extend outside of the anchorage area. All anchored vessels 
within the designated anchorage areas would be required to comply with 
the regulations in 33 CFR 164.19 and maintain a continuous bridge watch 
by a licensed

[[Page 27951]]

deck officer proficient in English, monitoring VHF-FM Channel 16. This 
individual would be required to confirm that the ship's crew performs 
frequent checks of the vessel's position to ensure the vessel is not 
dragging anchor.
    Existing regulations at 33 CFR 156.118 require that, in anchorages 
where lightering is authorized, the Captain of the Port must be 
notified at least four hours in advance of a vessel conducting 
lightering operations. Under the proposed rule, any vessel conducting 
lightering or bunkering operations would be required to display by day 
a red flag at its mast head or at least 10 feet above the upper deck if 
the vessel has no mast, and by night a red light in the same position 
specified for the flag. These signals would be in addition to day 
signals, lights, and sound signals required to be shown or sounded by 
all vessels when at anchor in a general anchorage.
    Within the proposed anchorages, fishing and navigation would be 
prohibited within 500 yards of an anchored vessel that is carrying 
petroleum or other flammable cargo, or that is conducting bunkering or 
lightering operations. Such anchored vessels are readily identified as 
they would be required to display a red flag by day or a red light at 
night in addition to the required navigation lights and shapes.
    This proposed rule would prohibit a vessel from occupying an 
anchorage for more than 30 days, unless the vessel obtains permission 
from the Captain of the Port. In the event of a request for the long-
term lay up of a vessel, the Captain of the Port may establish special 
conditions with which the vessel must comply in order for such a 
request to be approved.
    No vessel in such condition that it is likely to sink or otherwise 
become a menace or obstruction to navigation or anchorage of other 
vessels would be allowed to occupy an anchorage, except in cases where 
unforeseen circumstances create conditions of imminent peril to 
personnel, and then only for such period as may be authorized by the 
Captain of the Port.
    The proposed rule specifies that the Coast Guard Captain of the 
Port may close the anchorage area and direct vessels to depart the 
anchorage during periods of adverse weather or at other times as deemed 
necessary in the interest of port safety and security. Under the 
proposed rule, any vessel anchored in these areas must be capable of 
getting underway if ordered by the Captain of the Port and must do so 
within 2 hours. If a vessel would not be able to get underway within 2 
hours of notification, it would be required to request permission from 
the Captain of the Port to remain. No vessel would be allowed to anchor 
in a ``dead ship'' status (propulsion or control unavailable for normal 
operations) without prior approval from the Captain of the Port.
    Finally, fixed moorings, piles or stakes are prohibited.

Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our 
analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.

Regulatory Planning and Review

    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.
    The proposed rule is not significant because there are no fees, 
permits, or special requirements for the maritime industry to utilize 
these anchorage areas. The regulation is solely for the purpose of 
advancing the safety of maritime commerce. We anticipate no negative 
impact to the fishing community, including dragging, lobster, and 
shellfish fishing. This rule would not exclude fishing activity or 
vessel transit in the anchorage grounds. It would only require that 
vessels fishing and or transiting through the anchorages maintain a 
distance of 500 yards from an anchored vessel displaying a red flag by 
day or a red light by night. The Coast Guard anticipates the proposed 
anchorage grounds would cause minimal transit interference, by way of 
increased vessel anchorage, as these areas have historically been 
utilized for anchoring. This regulation would add to existing 
regulations in order to make best use of available water. Some of the 
proposed requirements in this regulation reflect existing regulatory 
requirements and many of the proposed requirements in this regulation 
are already practiced as a matter of prudent seamanship. Moreover, all 
of the regulatory changes are proposed in the interest of safe 
navigation and protection of the Captain of the Port zone.

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 affect the following 
entities, some of which may be small entities: Commercial vessels 
wishing to transit or fish in the portions of Long Island Sound covered 
by this regulation. This proposed rule should have minimal economic 
impact on lobster fishing vessels, small commercial vessels, or 
recreational boaters. This conclusion is based upon the fact that the 
only restriction for entry or use of the proposed anchorages targeting 
small entities is for all vessels to maintain a distance of 500 yards 
from an anchored vessel displaying a red flag by day or a red light by 
night. The proposed regulation would only create seven new anchorage 
grounds. These areas historically have been, and routinely are, used 
for anchorage by both deep draft and smaller vessels. The proposed 
anchorage grounds do not interfere with or overlap existing ferry 
routes between Connecticut and Long Island, New York.
    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 (Pub. L. 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 LT Doug Miller at (203) 468-4596 
or e-mail Douglas.J.Miller@uscg.mil. The Coast Guard will not retaliate 
against small entities that question or complain about this proposed 
rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

[[Page 27952]]

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 governments, 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 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 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 Department of Homeland 
Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction 
M16475.lD, 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 under the Instruction that this 
action is one of a category of actions which do not individually or 
cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. A 
preliminary environmental analysis checklist supporting this 
determination is available in the docket where indicated under 
ADDRESSES. This proposed rule involves the establishment of anchorages 
and falls under the categorical exclusion for promulgation of 
regulations, specifically Categorical Exclusion paragraph 34(f) of the 
Instruction.
    We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery 
of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 110

    Anchorage grounds.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to amend 33 CFR part 110 as follows:

PART 110--ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 110 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 471, 1221 through 1236, 2030, 2035, 2071; 
33 CFR 1.05-1; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
0170.1.

    2. Add Sec.  110.146 to read as follows:


Sec.  110.146   Long Island Sound.

    (a) Anchorage grounds.
    (1) Bridgeport Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island Sound 
enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]05'30'' N..................  73[deg]13'30'' W; thence to
41[deg]05'00'' N..................  73[deg]11'00'' W; thence to
41[deg]02'30'' N..................  73[deg]12'18'' W; thence to
41[deg]04'00'' N..................  73[deg]16'30'' W; returning to point
                                     of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) New Haven North Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island 
Sound enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]12'18'' N..................  72[deg]52'36'' W; thence to
41[deg]12'18'' N..................  72[deg]49'36'' W; thence to
41[deg]10'12'' N..................  72[deg]48'18'' W; thence to
41[deg]10'12'' N..................  72[deg]52'12'' W; thence to
41[deg]11'06'' N..................  72[deg]53'06'' W; returning to point
                                     of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) New Haven South Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island 
Sound enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]09'30'' N..................  72[deg]47'48'' W; thence to
41[deg]08'36'' N..................  72[deg]47'24'' W; thence to
41[deg]08'36'' N..................  72[deg]51'24'' W; thence to
41[deg]09'30'' N..................  72[deg]51'48'' W; returning to point
                                     of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) New London Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island Sound 
enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

[[Page 27953]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]15'36'' N..................  072[deg]13'36'' W; thence to
41[deg]16'18'' N..................  072[deg]10'24'' W; thence to
41[deg]15'24'' N..................  072[deg]10'06'' W; thence to
41[deg]14'42'' N..................  072[deg]13'12'' W; returning to
                                     point of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) Northport Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island Sound 
enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
40[deg]58'48'' N..................  073[deg]16'30'' W; thence to
40[deg]57'42'' N..................  073[deg]11'42'' W; thence to
40[deg]56'30'' N..................  073[deg]13'30'' W; thence to
40[deg]57'36'' N..................  073[deg]18'12'' W; returning to
                                     point of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (6) Port Jefferson Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island 
Sound enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]01'48'' N..................  073[deg]04'54'' W; thence to
41[deg]01'48'' N..................  073[deg]00'00'' W; thence to
41[deg]00'18'' N..................  073[deg]00'00'' W; thence to
41[deg]00'18'' N..................  073[deg]04'54'' W; returning to
                                     point of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (7) Riverhead Anchorage Ground. That portion of Long Island Sound 
enclosed by a line connecting the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]03'00'' N..................  072[deg]42'00'' W; thence to
41[deg]04'00'' N..................  072[deg]36'00'' W; thence to
41[deg]02'00'' N..................  072[deg]35'24'' W; thence to
41[deg]01'24'' N..................  072[deg]41'24'' W; returning to
                                     point of origin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    All coordinates referenced use datum: NAD 83.
    (b) General regulations. (1) These anchorages are designated for 
general purposes, but are intended primarily for use by commercial 
vessels of 300 gross tons and greater and all tank vessels including 
tank barges. Except in cases of emergencies, commercial vessels of 300 
gross tons and greater and all tank vessels, including tank barges 
anchoring in the Captain of the Port Long Island Sound Zone inside the 
line of demarcation, shall anchor in the anchorage grounds described 
above.
    (2) Prior to entering the anchorage area, all vessels shall notify 
the Coast Guard Captain of the Port via VHF-FM Channel 16.
    (3) In anchorages where lightering and bunkering operations are 
authorized, the Captain of the Port must be notified at least four 
hours in advance of a vessel conducting lightering or bunkering 
operations, as required by Sec.  156.118 of this title. In addition, 
all lightering and bunkering operations must be done in accordance with 
Sec.  156.120 of this title.
    (4) Within an anchorage, fishing and navigation are prohibited 
within 500 yards of an anchored vessel that is carrying petroleum or 
other flammable cargo, or that is conducting bunkering or lightering 
operations. Such anchored vessels are readily identified as they are 
required to display a red flag by day or a red light at night in 
addition to the required navigation lights and shapes.
    (5) Except as otherwise provided, a vessel may not occupy an 
anchorage for more than 30 days, unless the vessel obtains permission 
from the Captain of the Port.
    (6) If a request is made for the long-term lay up of a vessel, the 
Captain of the Port may establish special conditions with which the 
vessel must comply in order for such a request to be approved.
    (7) The Captain of the Port may prescribe specific conditions for 
vessels anchoring within the zones described in this section, pursuant 
to 33 CFR 109.05. These conditions may include, but are not limited to: 
The number and location of anchors; scope of chain; readiness of the 
engineering plant and equipment; use of tugs; and requirements for 
maintaining communication guards on selected radio frequencies.
    (8) No vessel in such condition that it is likely to sink or 
otherwise become a menace or obstruction to navigation or anchorage of 
other vessels shall occupy an anchorage, except in cases where 
unforeseen circumstances create conditions of imminent peril to 
personnel, and then only for such period as may be authorized by the 
Captain of the Port.
    (9) All vessels anchored within the designated anchorage areas 
shall comply with the regulations found in 33 CFR 164.19 and shall 
maintain a continuous bridge watch by a licensed deck officer 
proficient in English, monitoring VHF-FM Channel 16. This individual 
shall confirm that the ship's crew performs frequent checks of the 
vessel's position to ensure the vessel is not dragging anchor.
    (10) Anchors shall be placed well within the anchorage areas so 
that no portion of the hull or rigging will at any time extend outside 
of the anchorage area.
    (11) The Coast Guard Captain of the Port may close the anchorage 
area and direct vessels to depart the anchorage during periods of 
adverse weather or at other times as deemed necessary in the interest 
of port safety and security.
    (12) Any vessel anchored in these areas must be capable of getting 
underway if ordered by the Captain of the Port and must do so within 2 
hours, if a vessel will not be able to get underway within 2 hours of 
notification, permission must be requested by the Captain of the Port 
to remain in the anchorage. No vessel shall anchor in a ``dead ship'' 
status (propulsion or control unavailable for normal operations) 
without prior approval of the Captain of the Port.
    (13) Fixed moorings, piles or stakes are prohibited.
    (14) Any vessel conducting lightering or bunkering operations shall 
display by day a red flag (Bravo flag) at its mast head or at least 10 
feet above the upper deck if the vessel has no mast, and by night a red 
light in the same position specified for the flag. These signals shall 
be in addition to day signals, lights and whistle signals required to 
be shown or sounded by all vessels when at anchor in a general 
anchorage.

    Dated: 27 May 2009.
Dale G. Gabel,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. E9-13884 Filed 6-11-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P