Port Access Route Study: In the Waters of Montauk Channel and Block Island Sound, 47529-47531 [2011-19859]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 151 / Friday, August 5, 2011 / Proposed Rules Additional Protocol Regulations The Additional Protocol Regulations (15 CFR parts 781 through 786) (APR) implement certain obligations of the United States under the Protocol Additional to the Agreement Between the United States of America and the International Atomic Energy Agency Concerning the Application of Safeguards in the United States of America, known as the Additional Protocol. These obligations relate to nuclear fuel cycle-related activities. National Security Industrial Base Regulations The National Security Industrial Base Regulations (15 CFR 700 through 705) include the Defense Priorities and Allocations System, Reporting of Offsets Agreements in Sales of Weapon Systems or Defense-Related Items to Foreign Countries or Foreign Firms, and Effect of Imported Articles on the National Security. Because the rules regarding reporting of offsets agreements were recently revised (74 FR 68136), BIS is not soliciting comments on 15 CFR part 701 with this notice of inquiry. BIS also published a proposed rule regarding the Defense Priorities and Allocations System Regulations (75 FR 32122) and has yet to publish a final rule. BIS is not soliciting comments on 15 CFR part 700 with this notice of inquiry. Public Comments erowe on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 With respect to improving existing rules or eliminating outmoded ones, BIS would like to receive comments that are as specific and well-supported as possible. Helpful comments will include a description of a problem or concern, available data on cost or economic impact, and a proposed solution. BIS also welcomes comments on rules the public considers effective or well designed. BIS is also interested in information on foreign countries’ implementation of export controls. In the interest of fostering open exchange, BIS encourages those interested in submitting comments to peruse those already posted on regulations.gov. Dated: August 1, 2011. Kevin J. Wolf, Assistant Secretary for Export Administration. COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY 17 CFR Parts 1, 23, and 39 Coast Guard RIN 3038–AD51 33 CFR Part 167 Customer Clearing Documentation and Timing of Acceptance for Clearing; Correction Commodity Futures Trading Commission. AGENCY: Notice of proposed rulemaking; Correction. ACTION: This document corrects incorrect text published in the Federal Register of August 1, 2011, regarding Customer Clearing Documentation and Timing of Acceptance for Clearing. SUMMARY: John C. Lawton, Deputy Director and Chief Counsel, 202–418–5480, jlawton@cftc.gov, or Christopher A. Hower, Attorney-Advisor, 202–418– 6703, chower@cftc.gov, Division of Clearing and Intermediary Oversight, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: In FR Doc. 2011–19365 appearing on page 45737 in the Federal Register issue of Monday, August 1, 2011, the following corrections are made: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: § 1.72 [Corrected] On page 45737, in the left column, in § 1.72(e), the text ‘‘Prevents compliance with the time frames set forth in § 1.73(a)(9)(ii), § 23.609(a)(9)(ii),’’ is corrected to read, ‘‘Prevents compliance with the time frames set forth in § 1.74(b), § 23.610(b),’’. § 23.608 [Corrected] On page 45737, in the middle column, in § 23.608(e), the text ‘‘Prevents compliance with the time frames set forth in § 1.73(a)(9)(ii), § 23.609(a)(9)(ii),’’ is corrected to read, ‘‘Prevents compliance with the time frames set forth in § 1.74(b), § 23.610(b),’’. [FR Doc. 2011–19947 Filed 8–4–11; 8:45 am] Dated: August 1, 2011. David A. Stawick, Secretary of the Commission. BILLING CODE 3510–33–P [FR Doc. 2011–19874 Filed 8–4–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:53 Aug 04, 2011 Jkt 223001 47529 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 [Docket No. USCG–2005–21650] Port Access Route Study: In the Waters of Montauk Channel and Block Island Sound Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of availability of Preliminary Study Recommendations with request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard announces the availability of Preliminary Study Recommendations of a Port Access Route Study evaluating the continued applicability of and the need for modifications to the current vessel routing measures in the Waters of Montauk Channel and Block Island Sound. The goals of the study are to help reduce the risk of marine casualties and increase vessel traffic management efficiency in the study area. Preliminary recommendations indicate that marine transportation safety would be enhanced through modifications to the existing vessel routing systems. The Coast Guard solicits comments on the preliminary recommendations presented in this document so we can complete our Port Access Route Study. DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before October 4, 2011 or reach the Docket management facility by that date. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2005–21650 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. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1 47530 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 151 / Friday, August 5, 2011 / Proposed Rules If you have questions on this study, call or e-mail Lieutenant Junior Grade Isaac Slavitt, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, telephone 617–223– 8385, e-mail Isaac.M.Slavitt@uscg.mil; or George Detweiler, Office of Navigation Systems, Coast Guard, telephone 202–267–0416, e-mail George.H.Detweiler@uscg.mil. 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: erowe on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this study by submitting comments and related material on the Preliminary Study Recommendations of a Port Access Route Study: In the Waters of Montauk Channel and Block Island Sound. 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 notice (USCG–2005– 21650), 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– 2005–21650’’ 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. Viewing the comments and documents: To view comments and documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:53 Aug 04, 2011 Jkt 223001 https://www.regulations.gov, insert ‘‘USCG–2005–21650’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box and click ‘‘Search.’’ 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. 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). Discussion I. Definitions The following definitions (except ‘‘Regulated Navigation Area’’) are from the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) publication ‘‘Ships’ Routeing’’ Tenth Edition, 2010 and may 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 ships, or certain classes of ships. Precautionary area means a routing measure comprising an area within defined limits where ships 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 ships in transit, which is often marked by centerline buoys. Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) is a water area within a defined boundary for which regulations for vessels navigating within the area have been established under 33 CFR part 165. Separation Zone or separation line means a zone or line separating the traffic lanes in which ships are proceeding in opposite or nearly opposite directions; or from the adjacent sea area; or separating traffic lanes designated for particular classes of ships proceeding in the same direction. Traffic lane means an area within defined width in which one-way traffic is established. Natural obstacles, PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties; it includes traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, areas to be avoided, inshore traffic zones, roundabouts, precautionary areas, and deep-water routes. II. Background and Purpose A. Requirement for This Port Access Route Study: Under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) (33 U.S.C. 1221–1232), the Coast Guard may designate necessary fairways and traffic separation schemes to provide safe access routes for vessels proceeding to and from U.S. ports. The designation of fairways and TSSs recognizes the paramount right of navigation over all other uses in the designated areas. Subsequent to an oil spill in Buzzards Bay in April 2003, the Coast Guard sponsored a Ports and Waterways Safety Assessment. One of the recommendations of the Assessment was that the Coast Guard establish a recommended route to assist vessel traffic and provide safer transit routes for commercial vessels. In response the Coast Guard created a recommended route from Cleveland Ledge, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts to The Race, Long Island Sound, New York. This recommended route was subsequently incorporated on nautical charts by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Coast Guard determined that a Port Access Route Study (PARS) was needed to review and analyze all existing vessel routing measures in the approaches to Block Island Sound, between Montauk Channel and The Race, and the area from the Point Judith Pilot Boarding area to The Race. The goals of the PARS were to help reduce the risk of marine casualties and increase vessel traffic management efficiency in the study area. Preliminary recommendations of the PARS include modifications to vessel routing measures in Montauk Channel and The Race. These recommendations E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 151 / Friday, August 5, 2011 / Proposed Rules erowe on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 also include the establishment of a twoway route for Montauk Channel. B. Conduct of this PARS: We announced the PARS in a notice published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2005 (70 FR 38061). We will complete the PARS after review of any comments received in response to this notice. C. Data used by the Coast Guard to conduct the PARS: We reviewed various studies and data collected both in-house and by other waterway users on various traffic patterns in Block Island Sound. No comments were received during the Notice of Study request for comments and no public meetings were requested or held. Since no comments or recommendations were received the Coast Guard established a navigation working group. The make-up of the navigation working group included the New York and Connecticut Pilots, the Coast Guard, and various Block Island Sound maritime industry representatives. The navigation working group submitted preliminary recommendations which are addressed as described in paragraph III below. D. Publishing these preliminary recommendations: Because of the lack of comments to the original notice and our strong desire to engage the public in the study process, we decided to ask for comments on the recommendations presented by the navigation working group. The primary rationale was to allow the public to help us refine these recommendations through constructive comments. III. Study Recommendations From the information examined and the input provided by the navigation working group, we identified three recommendations that could be realized. Comments are particularly solicited with respect to these recommendations. A navigation chart with the proposed recommendations plotted is included in the docket at https://www.regulations.gov. Recommendation 1: Remove the existing Recommended Route from the Race to the western edge of the Narragansett Bay Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). Recommendation 2: A Recommended Two Way Route for the Approaches to Block Island Sound should be established between the following geographical positions: Latitude 41°00′51.30″ 41°10′10.04″ 41°10′20.42″ 41°00′51.30″ VerDate Mar<15>2010 Longitude N N N N 071°42′09.05″ 071°42′09.05″ 071°41′21.91″ 071°41′21.91″ 14:53 Aug 04, 2011 W W W W Jkt 223001 A Recommended Two Way Route for northwest and southeast bound traffic should be established between the following geographic positions: Latitude 41°13′29.27″ 41°13′44.08″ 41°10′44.76″ 41°10′10.04″ Longitude N N N N 072°02′54.82″ 072°00′40.34″ 071°41′58.95″ 072°42′09.05″ W W W W A Recommended Two Way Route for entrance into and exit from Long Island Sound should be established between the following geographic positions: Latitude 41°15′01.49″ 41°14′04.56″ 41°13′29.27″ 41°14′34.40″ Longitude N N N N 072°04′07.69″ 072°02′37.42″ 072°02′54.82″ 072°04′37.91″ W W W W 47531 IV. Future Actions Upon receipt of any comments concerning this notice of preliminary study results, we will analyze them and publish a notice of study results in the Federal Register. Any recommended changes to the Code of Federal Regulations will require that a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) be published in the Federal Register. In addition, any changes to the vessel routing system, i.e., TSS, ATBA, and precautionary areas, will be submitted to the International Maritime Organization for adoption and implementation. Dated: July 12, 2011. Daniel A. Neptun, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2011–19859 Filed 8–4–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P An east/west Recommended Two Way Route for coastwise traffic should be established between the following geographic positions: Latitude 41°14′04.56″ 41°17′21.88″ 41°16′42.03″ 41°13′44.08″ Longitude N N N N 072°02′37.42″ 071°37′48.80″ 071°38′17.44″ 072°00′40.34″ W W W W A Recommended Two Way Route for northeast and southwest bound traffic should be established between the following geographic positions: Latitude 41°10′44.76″ 41°16′42.03″ 41°16′49.55″ 41°10′20.42″ Longitude N N N N 071°41′58.95″ 071°38′17.44″ 071°37′20.65″ 071°41′21.91″ W W W W This northeast/southwest route would be marked with a note reading ‘‘Recommended Vessel Tracks for deep draft vessels (including tugs and barges). While not mandatory, deep draft commercial vessels (including tugs and barges) are requested to follow designated routes at the master’s discretion. Other vessels while not excluded from these routes, should exercise caution in and around these areas and monitor VHF channel 16 or 13 for information concerning deep draft vessels (including tugs and barges) transiting these routes’’. Recommendation 3: Move Montauk Point Lighted Whistle Buoy MP (LLNR 655) to the geographic position 41° 00.47′ N, 071°41.44′ W to mark the middle of the Two Way Route for the Approaches to Block Island Sound. PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 46 CFR Part 2 [Docket No. USCG–2007–27668] RIN 1625–AB35 Approval of Classification Societies Coast Guard, DHS. Proposed rule; reopening of comment period. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard is reopening the comment period before issuing a final rule regarding the Approval of Classification Societies (USCG–2007– 27668). We previously published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing application procedures and performance standards that classification societies must meet in order to obtain approval by the Coast Guard before conducting work in the United States. We published the proposed regulations to implement the requirements imposed by the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004, but before the publication of the final rule, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 changed the applicability to require that all classification societies be approved by the Coast Guard prior to conducting any work on a vessel in the United States. The published NPRM proposed allowing full members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) to be exempt from Coast Guard approval prior to working in the United States. Because SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 151 (Friday, August 5, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47529-47531]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-19859]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 167

[Docket No. USCG-2005-21650]


Port Access Route Study: In the Waters of Montauk Channel and 
Block Island Sound

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability of Preliminary Study Recommendations 
with request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces the availability of Preliminary 
Study Recommendations of a Port Access Route Study evaluating the 
continued applicability of and the need for modifications to the 
current vessel routing measures in the Waters of Montauk Channel and 
Block Island Sound. The goals of the study are to help reduce the risk 
of marine casualties and increase vessel traffic management efficiency 
in the study area. Preliminary recommendations indicate that marine 
transportation safety would be enhanced through modifications to the 
existing vessel routing systems. The Coast Guard solicits comments on 
the preliminary recommendations presented in this document so we can 
complete our Port Access Route Study.

DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our 
online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before October 4, 
2011 or reach the Docket management facility by that date.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2005-21650 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.

[[Page 47530]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this study, 
call or e-mail Lieutenant Junior Grade Isaac Slavitt, Project Officer, 
First Coast Guard District, telephone 617-223-8385, e-mail 
Isaac.M.Slavitt@uscg.mil; or George Detweiler, Office of Navigation 
Systems, Coast Guard, telephone 202-267-0416, e-mail 
George.H.Detweiler@uscg.mil. 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:

Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this study by submitting 
comments and related material on the Preliminary Study Recommendations 
of a Port Access Route Study: In the Waters of Montauk Channel and 
Block Island Sound. 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 notice (USCG-2005-21650), 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-2005-21650'' 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.
    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, insert ``USCG-2005-21650'' in the 
``Keyword'' box and click ``Search.'' 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.
    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).

Discussion

I. Definitions

    The following definitions (except ``Regulated Navigation Area'') 
are from the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) publication 
``Ships' Routeing'' Tenth Edition, 2010 and may 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 ships, or certain classes of ships.
    Precautionary area means a routing measure comprising an area 
within defined limits where ships 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 ships in transit, which is often marked by centerline 
buoys.
    Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) is a water area within a defined 
boundary for which regulations for vessels navigating within the area 
have been established under 33 CFR part 165.
    Separation Zone or separation line means a zone or line separating 
the traffic lanes in which ships are proceeding in opposite or nearly 
opposite directions; or from the adjacent sea area; or separating 
traffic lanes designated for particular classes of ships proceeding in 
the same direction.
    Traffic lane means an area within defined width 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 measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties; it includes 
traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, areas 
to be avoided, inshore traffic zones, roundabouts, precautionary areas, 
and deep-water routes.

II. Background and Purpose

    A. Requirement for This Port Access Route Study: Under the Ports 
and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) (33 U.S.C. 1221-1232), the Coast Guard 
may designate necessary fairways and traffic separation schemes to 
provide safe access routes for vessels proceeding to and from U.S. 
ports. The designation of fairways and TSSs recognizes the paramount 
right of navigation over all other uses in the designated areas.
    Subsequent to an oil spill in Buzzards Bay in April 2003, the Coast 
Guard sponsored a Ports and Waterways Safety Assessment. One of the 
recommendations of the Assessment was that the Coast Guard establish a 
recommended route to assist vessel traffic and provide safer transit 
routes for commercial vessels. In response the Coast Guard created a 
recommended route from Cleveland Ledge, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts to 
The Race, Long Island Sound, New York. This recommended route was 
subsequently incorporated on nautical charts by the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration. The Coast Guard determined that a Port 
Access Route Study (PARS) was needed to review and analyze all existing 
vessel routing measures in the approaches to Block Island Sound, 
between Montauk Channel and The Race, and the area from the Point 
Judith Pilot Boarding area to The Race. The goals of the PARS were to 
help reduce the risk of marine casualties and increase vessel traffic 
management efficiency in the study area.
    Preliminary recommendations of the PARS include modifications to 
vessel routing measures in Montauk Channel and The Race. These 
recommendations

[[Page 47531]]

also include the establishment of a two-way route for Montauk Channel.
    B. Conduct of this PARS: We announced the PARS in a notice 
published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2005 (70 FR 38061). We 
will complete the PARS after review of any comments received in 
response to this notice.
    C. Data used by the Coast Guard to conduct the PARS: We reviewed 
various studies and data collected both in-house and by other waterway 
users on various traffic patterns in Block Island Sound. No comments 
were received during the Notice of Study request for comments and no 
public meetings were requested or held. Since no comments or 
recommendations were received the Coast Guard established a navigation 
working group. The make-up of the navigation working group included the 
New York and Connecticut Pilots, the Coast Guard, and various Block 
Island Sound maritime industry representatives. The navigation working 
group submitted preliminary recommendations which are addressed as 
described in paragraph III below.
    D. Publishing these preliminary recommendations: Because of the 
lack of comments to the original notice and our strong desire to engage 
the public in the study process, we decided to ask for comments on the 
recommendations presented by the navigation working group. The primary 
rationale was to allow the public to help us refine these 
recommendations through constructive comments.

III. Study Recommendations

    From the information examined and the input provided by the 
navigation working group, we identified three recommendations that 
could be realized. Comments are particularly solicited with respect to 
these recommendations. A navigation chart with the proposed 
recommendations plotted is included in the docket at https://www.regulations.gov.
    Recommendation 1: Remove the existing Recommended Route from the 
Race to the western edge of the Narragansett Bay Traffic Separation 
Scheme (TSS).
    Recommendation 2: A Recommended Two Way Route for the Approaches to 
Block Island Sound should be established between the following 
geographical positions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Latitude                            Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]00'51.30'' N                  071[deg]42'09.05'' W
41[deg]10'10.04'' N                  071[deg]42'09.05'' W
41[deg]10'20.42'' N                  071[deg]41'21.91'' W
41[deg]00'51.30'' N                  071[deg]41'21.91'' W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A Recommended Two Way Route for northwest and southeast bound 
traffic should be established between the following geographic 
positions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Latitude                            Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]13'29.27'' N                  072[deg]02'54.82'' W
41[deg]13'44.08'' N                  072[deg]00'40.34'' W
41[deg]10'44.76'' N                  071[deg]41'58.95'' W
41[deg]10'10.04'' N                  072[deg]42'09.05'' W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A Recommended Two Way Route for entrance into and exit from Long 
Island Sound should be established between the following geographic 
positions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Latitude                            Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]15'01.49'' N                  072[deg]04'07.69'' W
41[deg]14'04.56'' N                  072[deg]02'37.42'' W
41[deg]13'29.27'' N                  072[deg]02'54.82'' W
41[deg]14'34.40'' N                  072[deg]04'37.91'' W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    An east/west Recommended Two Way Route for coastwise traffic should 
be established between the following geographic positions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Latitude                            Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]14'04.56'' N                  072[deg]02'37.42'' W
41[deg]17'21.88'' N                  071[deg]37'48.80'' W
41[deg]16'42.03'' N                  071[deg]38'17.44'' W
41[deg]13'44.08'' N                  072[deg]00'40.34'' W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A Recommended Two Way Route for northeast and southwest bound 
traffic should be established between the following geographic 
positions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Latitude                            Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]10'44.76'' N                  071[deg]41'58.95'' W
41[deg]16'42.03'' N                  071[deg]38'17.44'' W
41[deg]16'49.55'' N                  071[deg]37'20.65'' W
41[deg]10'20.42'' N                  071[deg]41'21.91'' W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This northeast/southwest route would be marked with a note reading 
``Recommended Vessel Tracks for deep draft vessels (including tugs and 
barges). While not mandatory, deep draft commercial vessels (including 
tugs and barges) are requested to follow designated routes at the 
master's discretion. Other vessels while not excluded from these 
routes, should exercise caution in and around these areas and monitor 
VHF channel 16 or 13 for information concerning deep draft vessels 
(including tugs and barges) transiting these routes''.
    Recommendation 3: Move Montauk Point Lighted Whistle Buoy MP (LLNR 
655) to the geographic position 41[deg] 00.47' N, 071[deg]41.44' W to 
mark the middle of the Two Way Route for the Approaches to Block Island 
Sound.

IV. Future Actions

    Upon receipt of any comments concerning this notice of preliminary 
study results, we will analyze them and publish a notice of study 
results in the Federal Register. Any recommended changes to the Code of 
Federal Regulations will require that a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) be published in the Federal Register. In addition, any changes 
to the vessel routing system, i.e., TSS, ATBA, and precautionary areas, 
will be submitted to the International Maritime Organization for 
adoption and implementation.

    Dated: July 12, 2011.
Daniel A. Neptun,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-19859 Filed 8-4-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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