Port Access Route Study: In the Approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach and in the Santa Barbara Channel, 17562-17564 [2010-7815]

Download as PDF 17562 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 66 / Wednesday, April 7, 2010 / Rules and Regulations and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or e-mail Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge Administrator, Coast Guard; telephone (314) 269–2378, e-mail Roger.K.Wiebusch@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366–9826. Coast Guard The U.S. Army Rock Island Arsenal requested a temporary deviation for the Rock Island Railroad and Highway Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi, mile 482.9, at Rock Island, Illinois to remain closed-to-navigation position for a twohour period while a heart walk is held in the city of Davenport, IA. The Rock Island Railroad and Highway Drawbridge currently operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, which states the general requirement that drawbridges shall open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request to open is given in accordance with the subpart. There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the Upper Mississippi River. The Rock Island Railroad and Highway Drawbridge, in the closed-tonavigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 23.8 feet above normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational watercraft. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: March 26, 2010. Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge Administrator. [FR Doc. 2010–7828 Filed 4–6–10; 8:45 am] WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with RULES BILLING CODE 9110–04–P 33 CFR Part 167 [USCG–2009–0765] Port Access Route Study: In the Approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach and in the Santa Barbara Channel Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of study; request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is conducting a Port Access Route Study (PARS) to evaluate the continued applicability of and the need for modifications to current vessel routing in the approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach and in the Santa Barbara Channel. The goal of the study is to help reduce the risk of marine casualties and increase the efficiency of vessel traffic in the study area. The recommendations of the study may lead to future rulemaking action or appropriate international agreements. DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before June 7, 2010 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date. You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2009–0765 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 Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice of study, call or e-mail Lieutenant Morgan Barbieri, Project Officer, Eleventh Coast Guard District, telephone 510–437– 2978; e-mail Morgan.R.Barbieri@uscg.mil; or George VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:15 Apr 06, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Detweiler, Office of Waterways Management, Coast Guard, telephone 202–372–1566, e-mail George.H.Detweiler@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Ms. Renee K. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this study 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 comments, please include the docket number for this notice (USCG– 2009–0765), 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 telephone 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, click on the ‘‘submit a comment’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Document Type’’ drop down menu select ‘‘Notices’’ and insert ‘‘USCG– 2009–0576’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box. 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 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them 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. B. Viewing the comments and documents: To view comments and documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘read comments’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Keyword’’ box insert ‘‘USCG–2009– 0765’’ 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 E:\FR\FM\07APR1.SGM 07APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 66 / Wednesday, April 7, 2010 / Rules and Regulations WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with RULES 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 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, system of records notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316). II. Definitions The following definitions (except ‘‘Regulated Navigation Area’’) are from the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) publication ‘‘Ships’ Routeing’’ and should help you review this notice: Area to be avoided (ATBA) means a routing measure comprising an area within defined limits in which either navigation is particularly hazardous or it is exceptionally important to avoid casualties and which should be avoided by all vessels, or certain classes of vessels. Deep-water route means a route within defined limits, which has been accurately surveyed for clearance of sea bottom and submerged obstacles as indicated on nautical charts. Inshore traffic zone means a routing measure comprising a designated area between the landward boundary of a traffic separation scheme and the adjacent coast, to be used in accordance with the provisions of Rule 10(d), as amended, of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGS). Precautionary area means a routing measure comprising an area within defined limits where vessels must navigate with particular caution and within which the direction of traffic flow may be recommended. Recommended route means a route of undefined width, for the convenience of vessels in transit, which is often marked by centerline buoys. Recommended track is a route which has been specially examined to ensure so far as possible that it is free of dangers and along which vessels are advised to navigate. Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) means a water area within a defined boundary for which regulations for vessels navigating within the area have been established under 33 CFR part 165. VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:15 Apr 06, 2010 Jkt 220001 Roundabout means a routing measure comprising a separation point or circular separation zone and a circular traffic lane within defined limits. Traffic within the roundabout is separated by moving in a counterclockwise direction around the separation point or zone. Separation Zone or separation line means a zone or line separating the traffic lanes which vessels are proceeding in opposite or nearly opposite directions; or from the adjacent sea area; or separating traffic lanes designated for particular classes of vessels proceeding in the same direction. Traffic lane means an area within defined limits in which one-way traffic is established. Natural obstacles, including those forming separation zones, may constitute a boundary. Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) means a routing measure aimed at the separation of opposing streams of traffic by appropriate means and by the establishment of traffic lanes. Two-way route means a route within defined limits inside which two-way traffic is established, aimed at providing safe passage of ships through waters where navigation is difficult or dangerous. Vessel routing system means any system of one or more routes or routing measure aimed at reducing the risk of casualties; it includes traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, areas to be avoided, no anchoring areas, inshore traffic zones, roundabouts, precautionary areas, and deep-water routes. III. Background and Purpose A. Requirement for port access route studies: Under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) (33 U.S.C. 1223(C)), the Commandant of the Coast Guard may designate necessary fairways and traffic separation schemes (TSSs) to provide safe access routes for vessels proceeding to and from United States ports. The designation of fairways and TSSs recognizes the paramount right of navigation over all other uses in the designated areas. The PWSA requires the Coast Guard to conduct a study of potential traffic density and the need for safe access routes for vessels before establishing or adjusting fairways or TSSs. Through the study process, we must coordinate with Federal, State, and foreign State agencies (as appropriate) and consider the views of maritime community representatives, environmental groups, and other interested stakeholders. A primary purpose of this coordination is, to the extent practicable, to reconcile PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 17563 the need for safe access routes with other reasonable waterway uses. B. Previous port access route studies: From 1993 through 1996, the Coast Guard conducted a port access route study to analyze vessel routing measures in the approaches to California ports. We published the study results in the Federal Register on October 25, 1996 (61 FR 55248). The study recommended shifting the southern approach lanes of the existing TSS off San Francisco westward (seaward) and extending the existing TSS in the Santa Barbara Channel from Point Conception to Point Arguello. The study concluded that no changes to the TSS in the approaches to Los AngelesLong Beach were necessary at that time. In 1995, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach initiated major port improvement projects. These projects are completed and included the following: Lengthening of the Los Angeles Approach Channel to extend approximately 3.5 nautical miles beyond the Los Angeles breakwater. Deepening of the Los Angeles Approach Channel to a project depth of 81 feet. A slight shift of the Long Beach Approach to a 355 deg. True inbound course. Deepening of the Long Beach Approach Channel to a project depth of 69 feet. The Coast Guard published a notice of study in the Federal Register (64 FR 12139, March 11, 1999) which announced that we would conduct a PARS for the approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach. The Coast Guard published a notice of study results in the Federal Register on May 19, 2000 (65 FR 31856). The PARS evaluated the potential effects of the port improvement projects on navigational safety and vessel traffic management efficiency. It concluded that modifications to the TSS in the approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach and the Precautionary Area were necessary for the safety of the maritime community utilizing the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. C. Necessity for a new port access route study: The Coast Guard is always seeking ways to enhance the safety of life at sea. Increased vessel traffic has been observed bypassing the Santa Barbara Channel TSS and opting for routes south of San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands approaching the San Pedro Channel. Vessels, which have traditionally utilized the established TSS in the Santa Barbara Channel to access ports in Los Angeles-Long Beach, have recently shifted to transit in the E:\FR\FM\07APR1.SGM 07APR1 17564 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 66 / Wednesday, April 7, 2010 / Rules and Regulations WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with RULES area south of San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands. The Coast Guard has identified a potential safety enhancement by increasing predictability of vessel traffic patterns in this area with an established vessel routing system. When vessels follow predictable and charted routing measures such as a TSS, congestion may be reduced, and mariners may be better able to predict where vessel interactions may occur and act accordingly. This study will assess whether the creation of a vessel routing system is necessary to increase the predictability of vessel movements, which may decrease the potential for collisions, oil spills, and other events that could threaten the marine environment. IV. Timeline, Study Area, and Process of This PARS The Eleventh Coast Guard District will conduct this PARS. The study will begin upon publication of this notice and should take 6 to 12 months to complete. The study area will be the area with a northern boundary at 34°30′ N; a western boundary 121°00′ W; a southern boundary at 33°15′ N; and an eastern boundary along the shoreline. This area encompasses the TSSs in the Santa Barbara Channel and in the approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach and the approach to the San Pedro Channel from the Pacific Ocean, particularly the area south of San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands and north of San Nicholas, Santa Barbara, and Santa Catalina Islands where an increase in vessel traffic has been identified. As part of this study, we will analyze vessel traffic density, agency and stakeholder experience in vessel traffic management, navigation, ship handling, and effects of weather. We encourage you to participate in the study process by submitting comments in response to this notice. We will publish the results of the PARS in the Federal Register. It is possible that the study may validate existing vessel routing measures and conclude that no changes are necessary. It is also possible that the study may recommend one or more changes to enhance navigational safety and the efficiency of vessel traffic management. The recommendations may lead to future rulemakings or appropriate international agreements. Possible Scope of the Recommendations We are attempting to determine the scope of any safety problems associated with vessel transits in the study area. We expect that information gathered during the study will help us identify VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:15 Apr 06, 2010 Jkt 220001 any problems and appropriate solutions. The study may recommend that we— • Maintain the current vessel routing measures, • Modify the existing traffic separations schemes; • Create one or more precautionary areas; • Create one or more inshore traffic zones; • Establish area(s) to be avoided; • Create deep-draft routes; • Establish a regulated navigation Area (RNA) with specific vessel operating requirements to ensure safe navigation near shallow water; and • Identify any other appropriate ships’ routing measures. Questions To help us conduct the port access route study, we request information that will help answer the following questions, although comments on other issues addressed in this notice are also welcome. In responding to a question, please explain your reasons for each answer and follow the instructions under ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ above. 1. What navigational hazards do vessels operating in the study area face? Please describe. 2. Are there strains on the current vessel routing system, such as increasing traffic density? Please describe. 3. Are modifications to existing vessel routing measures needed to improve traffic management efficiency in the study area? If so, please describe. 4. What costs and benefits are associated with the potential study recommendations listed above? What measures do you think are most costeffective? 5. What impacts, both positive and negative, would changes to existing vessel routing measures or establishing new routing measures have on the study area? This notice is issued under authority of 33 U.S.C. 1223(c) and 5 U.S.C. 552. Dated: March 11, 2010. J.R. Castillo, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2010–7815 Filed 4–6–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 180 [EPA–HQ–OPP–2008–0770; FRL–8820–3] Chlorantraniliprole; Extension of TimeLimited Pesticide Tolerances AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This regulation extends the time-limited tolerances for indirect or inadvertent residues of the insecticide chlorantraniliprole (3-bromo-N–[4chloro-2-methyl-6[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl]-1-(3chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1H-pyrazole-5carboxamide) in or on grain, cereal, forage, fodder, and straw, group 16; leek; onion, green; onion, Welsh; peanut, hay; shallot; soybean, forage; soybean, hay; and vegetable, leaves of root and tuber, group 2 at 0.20 parts per million (ppm). The current tolerances are set to expire on April 10, 2010. This rule extends the expiration/revocation date of these time-limited tolerances for an additional 4–year period, to April 10, 2014. DATES: This regulation is effective April 7, 2010. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before June 7, 2010, and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION). ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ– OPP–2008–0770. All documents in the docket are listed in the docket index available at https://www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available in the electronic docket at https://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S– 4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305– 5805. E:\FR\FM\07APR1.SGM 07APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 7, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17562-17564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-7815]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 167

[USCG-2009-0765]


Port Access Route Study: In the Approaches to Los 
Angeles[dash]Long Beach and in the Santa Barbara Channel

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of study; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is conducting a Port Access Route Study (PARS) 
to evaluate the continued applicability of and the need for 
modifications to current vessel routing in the approaches to Los 
Angeles[dash]Long Beach and in the Santa Barbara Channel. The goal of 
the study is to help reduce the risk of marine casualties and increase 
the efficiency of vessel traffic in the study area. The recommendations 
of the study may lead to future rulemaking action or appropriate 
international agreements.

DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our 
online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before June 7, 2010 
or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2009-0765 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 
Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for 
instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice 
of study, call or e-mail Lieutenant Morgan Barbieri, Project Officer, 
Eleventh Coast Guard District, telephone 510-437-2978; e-mail 
Morgan.R.Barbieri@uscg.mil; or George Detweiler, Office of Waterways 
Management, Coast Guard, telephone 202-372-1566, e-mail 
George.H.Detweiler@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or 
submitting material to the docket, call Ms. Renee K. Wright, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this study 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 comments, please include the 
docket number for this notice (USCG-2009-0765), 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 telephone 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, 
click on the ``submit a comment'' box, which will then become 
highlighted in blue. In the ``Document Type'' drop down menu select 
``Notices'' and insert ``USCG-2009-0576'' in the ``Keyword'' box. 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 them 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.
    B. Viewing the comments and documents: To view comments and 
documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, 
go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ``read comments'' box, 
which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box 
insert ``USCG-2009-0765'' 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

[[Page 17563]]

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 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, system of records notice regarding our public dockets in 
the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

II. Definitions

    The following definitions (except ``Regulated Navigation Area'') 
are from the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) publication 
``Ships' Routeing'' and should help you review this notice:
    Area to be avoided (ATBA) means a routing measure comprising an 
area within defined limits in which either navigation is particularly 
hazardous or it is exceptionally important to avoid casualties and 
which should be avoided by all vessels, or certain classes of vessels.
    Deep-water route means a route within defined limits, which has 
been accurately surveyed for clearance of sea bottom and submerged 
obstacles as indicated on nautical charts.
    Inshore traffic zone means a routing measure comprising a 
designated area between the landward boundary of a traffic separation 
scheme and the adjacent coast, to be used in accordance with the 
provisions of Rule 10(d), as amended, of the International Regulations 
for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGS).
    Precautionary area means a routing measure comprising an area 
within defined limits where vessels must navigate with particular 
caution and within which the direction of traffic flow may be 
recommended.
    Recommended route means a route of undefined width, for the 
convenience of vessels in transit, which is often marked by centerline 
buoys.
    Recommended track is a route which has been specially examined to 
ensure so far as possible that it is free of dangers and along which 
vessels are advised to navigate.
    Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) means a water area within a defined 
boundary for which regulations for vessels navigating within the area 
have been established under 33 CFR part 165.
    Roundabout means a routing measure comprising a separation point or 
circular separation zone and a circular traffic lane within defined 
limits. Traffic within the roundabout is separated by moving in a 
counterclockwise direction around the separation point or zone.
    Separation Zone or separation line means a zone or line separating 
the traffic lanes which vessels are proceeding in opposite or nearly 
opposite directions; or from the adjacent sea area; or separating 
traffic lanes designated for particular classes of vessels proceeding 
in the same direction.
    Traffic lane means an area within defined limits in which one-way 
traffic is established. Natural obstacles, including those forming 
separation zones, may constitute a boundary.
    Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) means a routing measure aimed at 
the separation of opposing streams of traffic by appropriate means and 
by the establishment of traffic lanes.
    Two-way route means a route within defined limits inside which two-
way traffic is established, aimed at providing safe passage of ships 
through waters where navigation is difficult or dangerous.
    Vessel routing system means any system of one or more routes or 
routing measure aimed at reducing the risk of casualties; it includes 
traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, areas 
to be avoided, no anchoring areas, inshore traffic zones, roundabouts, 
precautionary areas, and deep-water routes.

III. Background and Purpose

    A. Requirement for port access route studies: Under the Ports and 
Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) (33 U.S.C. 1223(C)), the Commandant of the 
Coast Guard may designate necessary fairways and traffic separation 
schemes (TSSs) to provide safe access routes for vessels proceeding to 
and from United States ports. The designation of fairways and TSSs 
recognizes the paramount right of navigation over all other uses in the 
designated areas.
    The PWSA requires the Coast Guard to conduct a study of potential 
traffic density and the need for safe access routes for vessels before 
establishing or adjusting fairways or TSSs. Through the study process, 
we must coordinate with Federal, State, and foreign State agencies (as 
appropriate) and consider the views of maritime community 
representatives, environmental groups, and other interested 
stakeholders. A primary purpose of this coordination is, to the extent 
practicable, to reconcile the need for safe access routes with other 
reasonable waterway uses.
    B. Previous port access route studies: From 1993 through 1996, the 
Coast Guard conducted a port access route study to analyze vessel 
routing measures in the approaches to California ports. We published 
the study results in the Federal Register on October 25, 1996 (61 FR 
55248). The study recommended shifting the southern approach lanes of 
the existing TSS off San Francisco westward (seaward) and extending the 
existing TSS in the Santa Barbara Channel from Point Conception to 
Point Arguello. The study concluded that no changes to the TSS in the 
approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach were necessary at that time.
    In 1995, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach initiated major 
port improvement projects. These projects are completed and included 
the following:
    Lengthening of the Los Angeles Approach Channel to extend 
approximately 3.5 nautical miles beyond the Los Angeles breakwater.
    Deepening of the Los Angeles Approach Channel to a project depth of 
81 feet.
    A slight shift of the Long Beach Approach to a 355 deg. True 
inbound course.
    Deepening of the Long Beach Approach Channel to a project depth of 
69 feet.
    The Coast Guard published a notice of study in the Federal Register 
(64 FR 12139, March 11, 1999) which announced that we would conduct a 
PARS for the approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach. The Coast Guard 
published a notice of study results in the Federal Register on May 19, 
2000 (65 FR 31856). The PARS evaluated the potential effects of the 
port improvement projects on navigational safety and vessel traffic 
management efficiency. It concluded that modifications to the TSS in 
the approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach and the Precautionary Area 
were necessary for the safety of the maritime community utilizing the 
Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
    C. Necessity for a new port access route study: The Coast Guard is 
always seeking ways to enhance the safety of life at sea. Increased 
vessel traffic has been observed bypassing the Santa Barbara Channel 
TSS and opting for routes south of San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa 
Cruz Islands approaching the San Pedro Channel. Vessels, which have 
traditionally utilized the established TSS in the Santa Barbara Channel 
to access ports in Los Angeles-Long Beach, have recently shifted to 
transit in the

[[Page 17564]]

area south of San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands.
    The Coast Guard has identified a potential safety enhancement by 
increasing predictability of vessel traffic patterns in this area with 
an established vessel routing system. When vessels follow predictable 
and charted routing measures such as a TSS, congestion may be reduced, 
and mariners may be better able to predict where vessel interactions 
may occur and act accordingly.
    This study will assess whether the creation of a vessel routing 
system is necessary to increase the predictability of vessel movements, 
which may decrease the potential for collisions, oil spills, and other 
events that could threaten the marine environment.

IV. Timeline, Study Area, and Process of This PARS

    The Eleventh Coast Guard District will conduct this PARS. The study 
will begin upon publication of this notice and should take 6 to 12 
months to complete.
    The study area will be the area with a northern boundary at 
34[deg]30[min] N; a western boundary 121[deg]00[min] W; a southern 
boundary at 33[deg]15[min] N; and an eastern boundary along the 
shoreline. This area encompasses the TSSs in the Santa Barbara Channel 
and in the approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach and the approach to the 
San Pedro Channel from the Pacific Ocean, particularly the area south 
of San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands and north of San 
Nicholas, Santa Barbara, and Santa Catalina Islands where an increase 
in vessel traffic has been identified.
    As part of this study, we will analyze vessel traffic density, 
agency and stakeholder experience in vessel traffic management, 
navigation, ship handling, and effects of weather. We encourage you to 
participate in the study process by submitting comments in response to 
this notice.
    We will publish the results of the PARS in the Federal Register. It 
is possible that the study may validate existing vessel routing 
measures and conclude that no changes are necessary. It is also 
possible that the study may recommend one or more changes to enhance 
navigational safety and the efficiency of vessel traffic management. 
The recommendations may lead to future rulemakings or appropriate 
international agreements.

Possible Scope of the Recommendations

    We are attempting to determine the scope of any safety problems 
associated with vessel transits in the study area. We expect that 
information gathered during the study will help us identify any 
problems and appropriate solutions. The study may recommend that we--
     Maintain the current vessel routing measures,
     Modify the existing traffic separations schemes;
     Create one or more precautionary areas;
     Create one or more inshore traffic zones;
     Establish area(s) to be avoided;
     Create deep-draft routes;
     Establish a regulated navigation Area (RNA) with specific 
vessel operating requirements to ensure safe navigation near shallow 
water; and
     Identify any other appropriate ships' routing measures.

Questions

    To help us conduct the port access route study, we request 
information that will help answer the following questions, although 
comments on other issues addressed in this notice are also welcome. In 
responding to a question, please explain your reasons for each answer 
and follow the instructions under ``Public Participation and Request 
for Comments'' above.
    1. What navigational hazards do vessels operating in the study area 
face? Please describe.
    2. Are there strains on the current vessel routing system, such as 
increasing traffic density? Please describe.
    3. Are modifications to existing vessel routing measures needed to 
improve traffic management efficiency in the study area? If so, please 
describe.
    4. What costs and benefits are associated with the potential study 
recommendations listed above? What measures do you think are most cost-
effective?
    5. What impacts, both positive and negative, would changes to 
existing vessel routing measures or establishing new routing measures 
have on the study area?
    This notice is issued under authority of 33 U.S.C. 1223(c) and 5 
U.S.C. 552.

    Dated: March 11, 2010.
J.R. Castillo,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 2010-7815 Filed 4-6-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.