Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous Cargoes, 68208-68214 [E9-30347]

Agencies

• Coast Guard
• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 245 (Wednesday, December 23, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68208-68214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-30347]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Parts 104, 105, 160

[USCG-2004-19963]
RIN 1625-AA93


Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous Cargoes

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: On December 16, 2005, the Coast Guard published an interim 
rule that defined ``certain dangerous cargo residue'' (CDC residue). 
After reviewing comments on the interim rule, the Coast Guard proposes 
to change that definition to include certain bulk liquids and liquefied 
gases in residue quantities. Based on changes to the CDC residue 
definition, the Coast Guard also proposes to revise the definition of 
``certain dangerous cargo.'' Additionally, the Coast Guard intends to 
adopt changes made to 33 CFR part 104 and 105 by the 2005 interim rule.

DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our 
online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before February 22, 
2010 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date. Comments 
sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on collection of 
information must reach OMB on or before February 22, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2004-19963 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) 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 methods. For 
instructions on submitting comments, see the ``Public Participation and 
Request for Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section 
below.
    Collection of Information Comments: If you have comments on the 
collection of information discussed in section VI.D. of this notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), you must also send comments to the Office 
of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and 
Budget. To ensure that your comments to OIRA are received on time, the 
preferred methods are by e-mail to oira_submission@omb.eop.gov 
(include the docket number and ``Attention: Desk Officer for Coast 
Guard, DHS'' in the subject line of the e-mail) or fax at 202-395-6566. 
An alternate, though slower, method is by U.S. mail to the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 
725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, ATTN: Desk Officer, U.S. 
Coast Guard.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed 
rule, call Lieutenant Sharmine Jones, Office of Vessel Activities, U.S. 
Coast Guard Headquarters, telephone 202-372-1234. If you have questions 
on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Ms. Renee V. 
Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents for Preamble

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
    A. Submitting Comments
    B. Viewing Comments and Documents
    C. Privacy Act
    D. Public Meeting
II. Abbreviations

[[Page 68209]]

III. Background and Purpose
    A. History of This Rulemaking
    B. Parallel Rulemaking Affecting This Rulemaking
IV. Discussion of Comments on the Interim Rule
    A. CDC Residue
    B. NOAs and Port Scheduling
    C. Definition of Charterer
    D. Foreign Recreational Vessels
V. Discussion of Proposed Rule
    A. Proposed Changes to Definitions of CDC and CDC Residue
    B. Interim Rule Changes To Be Adopted
    C. Interim Rule Changes Affected by Parallel Rulemaking
VI. Regulatory Analysis
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review
    B. Small Entities
    C. Assistance for Small Entities
    D. Collection of Information
    E. Federalism
    F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    G. Taking of Private Property
    H. Civil Justice Reform
    I. Protection of Children
    J. Indian Tribal Governments
    K. Energy Effects
    L. Technical Standards
    M. Environment

I. 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.

A. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking (USCG-2004-19963), 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 or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of 
these means. We recommend that you include your name and a 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://regulations.gov, insert 
``USCG-2004-19963'' in the ``Keyword'' box, and click ``Search''; 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 they have reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-
addressed postcard or envelope.
    We will consider all comments and material received during the 
comment period. We may change this proposed rule based on your 
comments.

B. 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, 
insert ``USCG-2004-19963'' in the ``Keyword'' box, and click 
``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column. 
If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket 
online by visiting 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.

C. Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of all 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).

D. Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But, you may submit a 
request for a public meeting to the docket using one of the methods 
specified under ADDRESSES. In your request, 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.

II. Abbreviations

AIS Automatic identification system
CDC Certain dangerous cargo
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COI Collection of information
CTAC Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NOA Notice of arrival
NOAD AIS Vessel Requirements for Notices of Arrival and Departure, and 
Automatic Identification System
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
OMB Office of Management and Budget
U.S.C. United States Code

III. Background and Purpose

A. History of This Rulemaking

    The notice of arrival (NOA) is a process by which a vessel submits 
required information--including data about the vessel, cargo and crew--
before the vessel arrives at a port or place in the United States. The 
information contained in the NOA allows the Coast Guard to implement 
appropriate safety and security measures, including security screening 
and escort into port.
    In 2003, the Coast Guard became concerned about the potential 
security hazards of bulk Ammonium nitrate and propylene oxide cargoes 
transported on U.S. waters. After consultation with the Chemical 
Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) and Towing Safety Advisory 
Committee, the Coast Guard determined that these substances should be 
considered ``certain dangerous cargoes'' (CDCs). Regulations at 33 CFR 
160.204 specifically define CDCs, but, in general terms, CDCs are 
substances or materials that pose an unreasonable risk to health, 
safety, and property if improperly handled. Existing regulations 
require most vessels carrying CDCs to submit NOAs.
    The Coast Guard published a temporary final rule on August 18, 
2004, titled ``Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous 
Cargoes; Electronic Submission'' (69 FR 51176). That temporary final 
rule changed the definition of ``certain dangerous cargo (CDC)'' to 
include: ammonium nitrate, in bulk; ammonium nitrate based fertilizers, 
in bulk; and propylene oxide, alone or mixed with ethylene oxide, in 
bulk. The temporary final rule also updated 33 CFR parts 104 and 105 on 
vessel and facility security to include these new CDCs. In addition, 
the temporary final rule implemented two new optional formats for 
electronic submittal of NOAs.
    The Coast Guard published an interim rule on December 16, 2005, 
titled ``Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous 
Cargoes; Electronic Submission'' (70 FR 74663). That interim rule made 
permanent the definition of CDC as implemented in the 2004 temporary 
final rule. The interim rule also made permanent the application of 
vessel security requirements at 33 CFR part 104 to barges carrying 
CDCs. However, the interim rule removed the remainder of the temporary 
changes made to 33 CFR parts 104 and 105 because they were no longer 
necessary.
    The interim rule also added changes that had not been included in 
the 2004

[[Page 68210]]

temporary final rule. First, the interim rule added another optional 
method for electronic submittal of NOAs. Second, the interim rule 
clarified that 33 CFR part 160 on NOAs does not apply to U.S. 
recreational vessels under 46 U.S.C. 4301. Third, the interim rule 
added a definition of ``CDC residue'' that, in effect, exempted certain 
vessels carrying CDC residue from the same NOA requirements imposed on 
vessels carrying CDCs. The 2005 definition of CDC residue is limited to 
residue quantities of bulk ammonium nitrate or ammonium nitrate 
fertilizer remaining onboard after the vessel discharges all saleable 
cargo; no other cargo residues fall within the current definition of 
``CDC residue.''
    In response to the 2005 interim rule, the Coast Guard received 
comments from the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) 
suggesting the Coast Guard revise the definition of CDC residue to 
include some bulk liquids and liquefied gases. The Coast Guard tasked 
CTAC's Hazardous Cargoes Transportation Security Subcommittee with 
reviewing the current requirement that a CDC vessel remain a CDC vessel 
until the removal of all bulk liquid and liquefied gas CDC cargoes, 
including residue quantities of such cargoes, from the vessel. The 
Committee completed its recommendation on August 24, 2006, and 
submitted it to the Coast Guard for review and consideration. The Coast 
Guard concurs with CTAC and, with this NPRM, proposes to amend the 
definitions of CDC and CDC residue consistent with CTAC's 
recommendation.

B. Parallel Rulemaking Affecting This Rulemaking

    Concurrent with this proposal to amend the definition of CDC 
residue, a parallel rulemaking effort has proposed to renumber relevant 
paragraphs and change some of the provisions implemented by the 2005 
interim rule. That parallel rulemaking is ``Vessel Requirements for 
Notices of Arrival and Departure, and Automatic Identification System'' 
(NOAD AIS). The Coast Guard published an NPRM on December 16, 2008, and 
the comment period closed on April 15, 2009 (73 FR 76295). Section 
V.C., ``Interim Rule Changes Affected by Parallel Rulemaking,'' 
discusses the impact of this NOAD AIS proposal on specific provisions 
implemented by the 2005 interim rule. You may read the NOAD AIS 
proposal, and public comments on it, at docket USCG-2005-21869.

IV. Discussion of Comments on the Interim Rule

    The Coast Guard received two letters commenting on the 2005 interim 
rule: one submitted by an advisory committee and the other submitted by 
a trade association. The letter from the advisory committee addressed 
several issues associated with CDC residue and NOAs. The letter from 
the trade association addressed the clarification made by the interim 
rule with regard to applicability of 33 CFR part 160. The Coast Guard 
received no comments on the interim rule as it affected 33 CFR parts 
104 and 105 or the electronic submission of NOAs.

A. CDC Residue

    One commenter sought to provide information on industry practices 
relevant to vessel transport of CDCs. In particular, the commenter 
described the manner in which chemical cargo residues are diluted by 
washing the tanks with water or by loading another cargo over the 
residue. The commenter suggested that these practices, as well as the 
practice of carrying multiple cargoes on one vessel, reduce the risk of 
an intentional incident involving CDC residues. The commenter suggested 
the Coast Guard undertake further study of CDC residues in order to 
avoid expending Coast Guard and industry resources on unnecessary 
security precautions. The Coast Guard agreed with this recommendation 
and tasked the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) with 
providing recommendations on CDC residue. The Committee's 
recommendations form the basis of the Coast Guard's proposal in this 
NPRM.
    The same commenter suggested that the definition of ``CDC residue'' 
implemented by the interim rule be renamed ``Ammonium Nitrate Residue'' 
to avoid implying that all CDCs carried in residue quantities satisfy 
the definition. With this NPRM, the Coast Guard proposes to broaden the 
definition of ``CDC residue'' to include cargo residue other than 
ammonium nitrate, thereby removing the possibility of confusion.

B. NOAs and Port Scheduling

    One commenter described the difficulty of complying with NOA 
requirements when vessels plan to call at multiple berths in the same 
port. The commenter indicated that the minimum notice required before 
transit to another berth causes delays and unnecessary ship movements, 
contributing to traffic congestion in busy ports. This proposed rule is 
likely to reduce the number of intra-port transits requiring NOAs 
because it broadens the definition of CDC residue. However, the general 
issues of port congestion and NOAs for intra-port transit are outside 
the scope of the interim rule and this NPRM, neither of which addresses 
the time for the submission of NOAs. We have forwarded these comments 
to the appropriate program staff for further consideration and 
appropriate action.
    The same commenter suggested that the Coast Guard use Vessel 
Traffic Service systems and/or Automatic Identification System coverage 
to track vessel movements in the port area, instead of requiring NOAs. 
In this proposed rule, the Coast Guard is revising the definition of 
CDC and CDC residue in its NOA regulations. Because the Coast Guard 
escorts vessels carrying CDC in ports, this proposed change would allow 
the Coast Guard to focus on vessels that are loaded with a CDC cargo 
and free it from having to escort vessels that are only transporting 
CDC residue. This proposed rule would also relieve some vessels that do 
not operate in VTS areas from having to submit NOAs. This commenter's 
recommendation goes beyond the scope of this rulemaking so we are 
forwarding it to the appropriate program staff for consideration in the 
NOAD AIS rulemaking.

C. Definition of Charterer

    One commenter suggested that requiring NOAs to include the identity 
of the vessel charterer provides minimal value to the Coast Guard. In 
addition, this commenter indicated that individual companies submitting 
NOAs identify the vessel charterer differently because the definition 
of ``charterer'' is confusing. Regulations at 33 CFR 160.204 define the 
term charterer to mean ``the person or organization that contracts for 
the majority of the carrying capacity of a ship for the transportation 
of cargo to a stated port for a specified period. This includes `time 
charterers' and `voyage charterers'.'' However, the use of the 
information collected in the NOA is outside the narrow scope of the 
interim rule and this NPRM. We have forwarded these comments to the 
appropriate program staff for further consideration and appropriate 
action.

D. Foreign Recreational Vessels

    One commenter expressed concern that the term ``foreign 
recreational vessels'' could create confusion between foreign-made 
vessels and foreign-owned vessels. Specifically, the commenter 
recommended inserting a reference to the definition of ``vessel of the 
United States'' found in 46 App. U.S.C. 1903(b).

[[Page 68211]]

The Coast Guard agrees that the phrase ``U.S. recreational vessels 
under 46 U.S.C. 4301 et seq.'' could create some confusion, as it does 
not directly refer to definitions found in Title 46 of the United 
States Code. As discussed below, the provision that concerns this 
commenter is addressed in the parallel NOAD AIS rulemaking proceeding.
    As part of the separate NOAD AIS rulemaking mentioned earlier in 
this preamble, the Coast Guard has proposed to delete the provision 
that is the subject of the comment, revise the remaining language on 
applicability of 33 CFR part 160, and add a definition of ``foreign 
vessel'' to Part 160. The proposed revisions should clarify the issues 
identified by the commenter concerned about Sec.  160.202(b). 
Interested parties may review the NOAD AIS proposal at docket USCG-
2005-21869.

V. Discussion of Proposed Rule

A. Proposed Changes to Definitions of CDC and CDC Residue

    The Coast Guard proposes to amend the definition of CDC residue to 
include certain bulk liquids and liquefied gases that remain onboard in 
a cargo system after discharge and are not accessible through normal 
transfer procedures. A vessel carrying only CDC residue may qualify for 
an NOA exemption for vessels not carrying CDC, provided it meets 
criteria in Sec.  160.203(b). Changing the definition of CDC residue 
will allow the Coast Guard to better allocate resources to vessels that 
are carrying CDCs and not just CDC residue.
    In formulating this proposal, the Coast Guard considered aspects of 
the transportation industry and chemical properties to decide which 
chemicals to include in the definition. These aspects included: Real-
life workings of vessels in handling residues; methods of pumping 
material; the quantity of cargo remaining onboard after discharge, 
including stripping, cleaning tanks, etc.; the relative hazard of CDCs; 
physical properties of the chemicals; vapor pressures of the chemicals; 
toxicity of the chemicals; and exposure guidelines for the chemicals.
    The Coast Guard believes that expanding the definition of CDC 
residue is appropriate for several reasons. First, discharging a 
typical chemical cargo leaves a minimal amount of cargo in the tank 
that is not accessible using the normal pumping system. Second, 
preparing the tank for a new cargo effectively removes the potential 
hazard of the previous cargo due to dilution or removal of the 
potential hazard. Third, with specific respect to liquefied gases, gas 
tankers carry residue at a pressure well below its vapor pressure, 
which mitigates the hazard.
    The Coast Guard also proposes that a few bulk liquid and liquefied 
gas cargoes should remain CDCs even when carried in residue quantities. 
We base this proposal primarily on the relative hazard created by the 
vapor pressure of the cargo and its potential impact to health and 
safety. Therefore, the Coast Guard proposes to amend the definition of 
CDC residue to specify that the following cargoes remain CDCs at all 
times, even when only residue quantities remain onboard: anhydrous 
ammonia, chlorine, ethane, ethylene oxide, methane (LNG), methyl 
bromide, sulfur dioxide, and vinyl chloride. Under this proposal, 
vessels carrying residue quantities of these cargoes will remain CDC 
vessels.

B. Interim Rule Changes To Be Adopted

    The 2005 interim rule made changes to 33 CFR parts 104 and 105 
dealing with vessel security regulations for CDC vessels. In 
particular, the interim rule adopted the change, first made in the 2004 
temporary final rule, specifying that 33 CFR part 104 applies to barges 
carrying CDCs in bulk and engaged on international voyages. 
Additionally, the 2005 interim rule removed all other changes made to 
parts 104 and 105 by the 2004 temporary final rule, because those 
paragraphs were no longer necessary. The Coast Guard proposes to adopt 
these part 104 and 105 changes introduced by the interim rule as final.

C. Interim Rule Changes Affected by Parallel Rulemaking

    The 2005 interim rule also updated electronic submission options by 
adding the eNOAD system as an optional method for electronically 
submitting NOAs under 33 CFR part 160. However, an NPRM published in 
the parallel NOAD AIS rulemaking proposes to revise Sec.  160.210 to 
require that all NOAs be submitted electronically.
    Separately, the 2005 interim rule added a new paragraph, Sec.  
160.202(b), clarifying that the NOA provisions in Part 160 do not apply 
to U.S. recreational vessels. The NOAD AIS rulemaking proposes to 
remove Sec.  160.202(b), renumber Sec.  160.202 as Sec.  160.203, and 
revise the new Sec.  160.203(a) to read: ``This subpart applies to U.S. 
vessels in commercial service and all foreign vessels that are bound 
for or departing from ports or places of the United States.'' 
Similarly, the NOAD AIS proposal would renumber Sec.  160.204 as Sec.  
160.202, and add definitions of ``commercial service'' and ``foreign 
vessel.''
    In light of the NOAD AIS proposal to remove or revise these two 
sections affected by the 2005 interim rule, the Coast Guard does not 
expect to address either section in the final rule to follow this NPRM. 
Interested parties may review the relevant sections in the NOAD AIS 
docket at USCG-2005-21869.

VI. Regulatory Analysis

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

A. 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. 
OMB has not reviewed it under that Order.
    As discussed in the ``Background and Purpose'' section of this 
proposed rule, the Coast Guard published an interim rule in 2005 that 
changed the definition of certain dangerous cargo (CDC) to include 
ammonium nitrate, in bulk; ammonium nitrate based fertilizers, in bulk; 
and propylene oxide, alone or mixed with ethylene oxide, in bulk. In 
the regulatory analysis for the interim rule, the Coast Guard presented 
the costs and impacts associated with changing the definition of CDC 
(70 FR 74663).
    After publication of the interim rule, the Coast Guard received 
comments and recommendations from the Chemical Transportation Advisory 
Committee (CTAC). Based on these recommendations, the Coast Guard 
proposes to change the definition of CDC so that residue quantities of 
some chemicals are not CDC. CTAC defined residue as the cargo that 
remains onboard in a cargo system after discharge that is not 
accessible through normal transfer procedures. Currently, vessel 
operators affected by the interim rule are required to submit a notice 
of arrival (NOA) when transporting CDC, regardless of quantity 
(including residue amounts). If the Coast Guard adopts this change, 
some vessel operators would no longer be required to submit NOAs when 
transporting residue quantities of CDCs. Some chemicals will continue 
to be considered CDCs in residue amounts (see the ``Discussion of 
Proposed Rule'' section for more details). Vessel owners carrying these 
chemicals will continue submitting NOAs when transporting these 
chemicals in residue amounts, which is the current practice under the 
interim rule.
    Due to the proposed change in the definition of CDC, we expect 
there

[[Page 68212]]

would be a reduction in the cost and reporting burden for vessel owners 
who transport CDCs in residue amounts. The Coast Guard does not have 
precise estimates of how many vessel trips or vessel owners will no 
longer be subject to the NOA requirement. Under current requirements, 
there is no distinction made for shipments of CDC in residue status.
    Based on data from the Coast Guard Ship Arrival Notification System 
(SANS), we estimate there are on average 2,800 vessels currently 
carrying CDC that make approximately 25,000 port arrivals a year. Under 
the current interim rule baseline, each of these vessel arrivals 
involving CDCs in any amount would require an NOA. Under the proposed 
rule, some of these vessel arrivals would no longer require an NOA if 
the vessel is carrying certain CDCs in residue quantity. Based on 
information from the Coast Guard Office of Vessel Activities, we 
estimate that there will be at least a five-percent annual reduction in 
the number of NOA submittals as a result of this proposed rule. Changes 
in vessel operations and the demand for marine transportation of bulk 
CDC shipments may affect these estimates.
    Based on data in the existing collection of information ``Advance 
Notice of Vessel Arrival,'' OMB Control Number 1625-0100, we estimate 
the NOA preparation time to be about 30 minutes (0.5 hours). We 
estimate the cost for an NOA submission to be about $17.50 ((0.5 hours 
x $31 labor rate/hour) + $2 transmittal fee).\1\ Therefore, we consider 
a five-percent annual reduction in NOA submissions to be equivalent to 
a $22,000 decrease in cost burden for vessel operators that transport 
certain CDCs in residue status.\2\ This would also result in a 
reduction in the NOA information the Coast Guard would need to process.
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    \1\ Sources for time, labor rate and transmittal fee estimates: 
(1) Collection of Information, OMB Control Number 1625-0100, 
``Advance Notice of Vessel Arrival,'' Supplementary Document ``1625-
0100 eNOAD NPRM R1,'' January 14, 2009; and (2) Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking, ``Vessel Requirements for Notices of Arrival and 
Departure, and Automatic Identification System'' docket number USCG-
2005-21869.
    \2\ The figure $22,000 is rounded from $21,875 = $17.50 NOA cost 
x 25,000 arrivals x 0.05 [the 5% reduction in NOA].
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    The Coast Guard carefully considered chemical properties and 
aspects of the transportation industry in determining which chemicals 
to include or exclude from the definition of CDC residue. The Coast 
Guard excluded chemicals that may pose an unreasonable risk in residue 
quantities from the proposed changes to the definition of CDC residue.

B. 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 governmental 
jurisdictions with populations fewer than 50,000 people.
    This proposed rule would not increase the NOA reporting costs to 
vessel operators shipping CDC. This rulemaking would reduce the burden 
to vessel operators shipping residue quantities of certain CDCs. 
Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies that under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) this 
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. If you think that your business, 
organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity 
and that this rulemaking would have a significant economic impact on 
it, please submit a comment to the Docket Management Facility at the 
address under ADDRESSES. In your comment, explain why you think it 
qualifies and how and to what degree this rulemaking would economically 
affect it.

C. 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 
proposed rule would affect your small business, organization, or 
governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its 
provisions or options for compliance, please consult Lieutenant 
Sharmine Jones, Office of Vessel Activities (CG-5432), Coast Guard, 
telephone 202-372-1234. 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.
    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).

D. Collection of Information

    This proposed rule does not require a new collection of information 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). It 
would modify an existing collection under OMB Control Number 1625-0100, 
Advance Notice of Vessel Arrival.
    As defined in 5 CFR 1320.3(c), ``collection of information'' 
comprises reporting, recordkeeping, monitoring, posting, labeling, and 
other, similar actions. The title and description of the information 
collection, a description of those who must collect the information, 
and an estimate of the total annual burden follow. The estimate covers 
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing sources of 
data, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 
reviewing the collection.
    Due to the proposed change in the definition of CDC, we expect that 
this rulemaking would reduce the annual burden for vessel operators who 
transport certain CDCs. Regulations would no longer require vessel 
operators to submit NOAs when transporting residue quantities of 
certain CDCs. This proposed rule would result in a reduction of the 
total number of annual respondents and responses in the existing 
collection under OMB Control Number 1625-0100. The following is a 
summary of the changes to the existing collection as a result of this 
proposed rule and updated ship arrival data. The Coast Guard based most 
of the information on estimates discussed in the ``Regulatory Planning 
and Review'' section and data from the Coast Guard Ship Arrival 
Notification System (SANS).
    Title: Advance Notice of Vessel Arrival.
    OMB Control Number: 1625-0100.
    Summary of the Collection of Information: The Coast Guard requires 
pre-arrival notices from certain vessels entering a port or place in 
the United States. These vessels include those carrying a CDC as 
defined in 33 CFR 160.204. This proposed rule would change the 
definition of CDC so that residue quantities of some chemicals would no 
longer be considered CDC. As a result, the Coast Guard would no longer 
require vessel operators to submit NOAs when transporting residue 
quantities of certain CDCs.
    Need for Information: To ensure port safety and security and to 
ensure the uninterrupted flow of commerce.

[[Page 68213]]

    Proposed Use of Information: The Coast Guard would use the 
information to enhance maritime domain awareness.
    Description of the Respondents: Respondents are the owners, agents, 
masters, operators, or persons in charge of a vessel that carries a CDC 
and arrives at a port or place in the United States.
    Number of Respondents: The total number of respondents for the 
collection of information is 31,594 per year. The number of these 
respondents or vessels (the subset of the total number of vessels) 
affected by this rulemaking is 2,800 per year.
    Frequency of Response: The frequency or number of responses 
associated with the collection of information is 170,866 per year. The 
number of these responses associated with CDC transits affected by this 
rulemaking is about 25,000 per year. This rulemaking would decrease 
that number of responses by about 5 percent or 1,250 per year [25,000 X 
0.05 (the 5% reduction in NOA)].
    Burden of Response: The burden of response associated with the 
collection of information is approximately 30 minutes or 0.5 hours per 
response. This rulemaking would not change the burden of response. It 
would reduce the number of responses.
    Estimate of Total Annual Burden: The total annual burden for the 
collection of information is 163,994 hours per year for all NOA 
respondents. We estimate this proposed rule would reduce the total 
annual burden by 625 hours per year.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 625 hours per year reduction = 1,250 less NOA responses per 
year x 0.5 hours per NOA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3507(d)), we have submitted a copy of this proposed rule to the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review of the collection of 
information. We ask for public comment on the collection of information 
to help us determine how useful the information is; whether it can help 
us perform our functions better; whether it is readily available 
elsewhere; how accurate our estimate of the burden of collection is; 
how valid our methods for determining burden are; how we can improve 
the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information; and how we can 
minimize the burden of collection. If you submit comments on the 
collection of information, submit them both to OMB and to the Docket 
Management Facility where indicated under ADDRESSES, by the date under 
DATES. You need not respond to a collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid control number from OMB.

E. 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.

F. 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 (adjusted for 
inflation) 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.

G. Taking of Private Property

    This proposed rule would not affect a taking of private property or 
otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, 
Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected 
Property Rights.

H. 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.

I. 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.

J. 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.

K. 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.

L. 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.

M. 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 that this action is one of a category 
of actions which does 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 the ``Public 
Participation and Request for Comments'' section of this preamble. This 
rule involves editorial or procedural regulations, such as those 
updating addresses or establishing applications procedures and 
regulations concerning manning, documentation, admeasurement, 
inspection, and

[[Page 68214]]

equipping of vessels. We seek any comments or information that may lead 
to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this 
proposed rule.

List of Subjects

33 CFR Part 104

    Maritime security, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Security measures, and Vessels.

33 CFR Part 105

    Maritime security, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and 
Security measures.

33 CFR Part 160

    Administrative practice and procedure, Harbors, Hazardous materials 
transportation, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Vessels, and Waterways.
    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to adopt the amendments to 33 CFR parts 104 and 105, introduced by the 
interim rule published at 70 FR 74669 on December 16, 2005, as final, 
and to amend 33 CFR part 160 as follows:

PART 160--PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY-GENERAL

    1. The authority citation for part 160 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1223, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701; 
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Subpart D is 
also issued under the authority of 33 U.S.C. 1225 and 46 U.S.C. 
3715.

    2. In Sec.  160.204, revise paragraphs (7) through (9) of the 
definition for ``Certain dangerous cargo (CDC)'' and the entire 
definition of ``Certain dangerous cargo residue (CDC residue)'' to read 
as follows:


Sec.  160.204  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Certain dangerous cargo (CDC) includes any of the following:
* * * * *
    (7) All bulk liquefied gas cargo carried under 46 CFR 151.50-31 or 
listed in 46 CFR 154.7 that is flammable and/or toxic and that is not 
carried as certain dangerous cargo residue (CDC residue).
    (8) The following bulk liquids except when carried as CDC residue:
    (i) Acetone cyanohydrin;
    (ii) Allyl alcohol;
    (iii) Chlorosulfonic acid;
    (iv) Crotonaldehyde;
    (v) Ethylene chlorohydrin;
    (vi) Ethylene dibromide;
    (vii) Methacrylonitrile;
    (viii) Oleum (fuming sulfuric acid); and
    (ix) Propylene oxide, alone or mixed with ethylene oxide.
    (9) The following bulk solids:
    (i) Ammonium nitrate listed as a Division 5.1 (oxidizing) material 
in 49 CFR 172.101 except when carried as CDC residue; and
    (ii) Ammonium nitrate based fertilizer listed as a Division 5.1 
(oxidizing) material in 49 CFR 172.101 except when carried as CDC 
residue.
    Certain dangerous cargo residue (CDC residue) includes any of the 
following:
    (1) Ammonium nitrate in bulk or ammonium nitrate based fertilizer 
in bulk remaining after all saleable cargo is discharged, not exceeding 
1,000 pounds in total and not individually accumulated in quantities 
exceeding two cubic feet.
    (2) For bulk liquids and liquefied gases, the cargo that remains 
onboard in a cargo system after discharge that is not accessible 
through normal transfer procedures, with the exception of the following 
bulk liquefied gas cargoes carried under 46 CFR 151.50-31 or listed in 
46 CFR 154.7:
    (i) Ammonia, anhydrous;
    (ii) Chlorine;
    (iii) Ethane;
    (iv) Ethylene oxide;
    (v) Methane (LNG);
    (vi) Methyl bromide;
    (vii) Sulfur dioxide; and
    (viii) Vinyl chloride.
* * * * *

    Dated: December 15, 2009.
Kevin S. Cook,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Director of Prevention Policy.
[FR Doc. E9-30347 Filed 12-22-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P