Restricted Areas and Danger Zones at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, 75453-75458 [2011-31017]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
• Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 232 (Friday, December 2, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75453-75458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31017]



[[Page 75453]]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers

33 CFR Part 334


Restricted Areas and Danger Zones at Eglin Air Force Base, FL

AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is amending its 
restricted area/danger zone regulations to update and revise several 
existing danger zone and restricted area descriptions and restrictions, 
remove one existing restricted area and establish four new restricted 
areas within the Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) facilities and along the 
Eglin AFB facility shoreline in Florida. The Eglin AFB and Eglin 
Reservation span over 724 square miles with over 150 miles of waterway 
boundary. This amendment to the existing regulation is necessary to 
update Eglin AFB water safety and water boundary security in order to 
provide adequate protection to Eglin AFB personnel and resources in 
concert with changing mission goals and multi-service/agency special 
testing and operation needs.

DATES: Effective Date: January 3, 2012.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Attn: CECW-CO (David B. 
Olson), 441 G Street NW., Washington, DC 20314-1000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Olson, Headquarters, 
Operations and Regulatory Community of Practice, Washington, DC at 
(202) 761-4922 or Mr. Jon M. Griffin, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 
Jacksonville District, Regulatory Division, at (904) 232-1680.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Pursuant to its authorities under Section 7 of the Rivers and 
Harbors Act of 1917 (40 Stat 266; 33 U.S.C. 1) and Chapter XIX of the 
Army Appropriations Act of 1919 (40 Stat 892; 33 U.S.C. 3) the Corps is 
amending the regulations in 33 CFR part 334 by revising five existing 
danger zone and restricted area descriptions and restrictions, removing 
one existing restricted area and establishing four new restricted 
areas. The proposed regulations were published in the December 28, 
2009, issue of the Federal Register (74 FR 68552) and provided a 30-day 
comment period. The https://www.regulations.gov docket number is COE-
2009-0056.

General Comments and Responses

    In response to the proposed rule, comments were provided by eight 
individuals. Seven of the commenters voiced concerns ranging from the 
establishment and use of the restricted areas to the rulemaking 
process. The eighth commenter said they have no objection to the 
proposed regulations.
    Most of the concerns raised were related to the new restricted 
areas proposed at the Camp Pinchot and Poquito housing areas. Some of 
the comments noted a concern that the establishment of these restricted 
areas would lead to a loss of property rights, would generate 
navigational hazards in Garnier Bayou and Poquito Bayou and eliminate 
their ability to utilize the waterways. Additionally, statements were 
provided questioning whether or not the proposed restricted areas would 
really provide any security and making allegations as to the perceived 
underlying reason for the military's request for these restricted 
areas.
    The regulations for restricted areas only apply to areas of 
navigable waters of the United States and the language in this final 
rule has been revised to clearly state this fact. Because the proposed 
restricted areas are situated in navigable waters of the United States 
along the waterfront of existing Eglin AFB residential areas, there 
will not be any loss of property rights to the adjacent landowners. 
Neither of these two proposed restricted areas includes the 
construction of any structures in navigable waters, so there is no 
possibility to create a navigational hazard within these waterways. A 
commenter suggested that the United States Coast Guard perform a risk 
assessment of the potential hazard to navigation which might be 
generated by the establishment of a restricted area in Poquito Bayou. 
Because the proposed restricted area does not propose any changes to 
the number, size, or location of any structures in the Bayou, there is 
no possibility of creating a hazard to navigation, therefore, a risk 
assessment is not necessary. The language used in the proposed rule 
indicated that the restrictions associated with these restricted areas 
would be in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and that entry into 
the restricted areas would require the permission of the Commander, 
Eglin AFB. These two statements generated the concern that the public 
would no longer be able to utilize any portions of these waterways at 
anytime. The language describing each of the restricted areas clearly 
delineates their location within the larger waterbody and they will be 
shown on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
navigational charts. The language addressing utilization of the 
restricted areas was revised to note that the public is allowed full 
use of the restricted area as long as there are no perceived threats to 
the Eglin AFB facilities. The revised language also makes it clear that 
at low threat levels, anyone entering the restricted areas would be 
subject to identification checks by U.S. Air Force patrol boats. At 
high threat levels, entry into the restricted areas would require the 
permission of the Commander, Eglin AFB. It is not the Corps role to 
address statements pertaining to the effectiveness of these restricted 
areas. The Corps has the authority to issue these regulations in 
response to a request by the Commander of a Department of Defense 
facility, after soliciting public comment and evaluating the reasonably 
foreseeable effects on the evaluation criteria in 33 CFR part 320, 
especially effects on navigation and the food fishing industry. The 
Commander of any military facility has the responsibility to provide 
appropriate protection to both the facility and the personnel utilizing 
the facility, and determine whether restricted area regulations are 
needed to help provide that protection. The waterfront security 
analysis performed by Eglin AFB indicated a need to provide a level of 
protection to these residential areas. The level of protection required 
was determined by the Eglin AFB security personnel.
    One commenter noted that if the public is going to be allowed 
access to the restricted areas and if identification checks are going 
to be required in those areas, that should be noted in the regulation. 
This commenter also said that the proposed rule was unclear as to the 
location of the restricted area in section 334.740.
    We have added language to the final rule to clarify that the public 
may utilize the restricted areas during periods of low threat levels 
and that identification checks may be conducted in the restricted area. 
The language describing the restricted area in section 334.740 notates 
the beginning point, the interim points, and the termination point, as 
well as the distance the restricted area extends from the shoreline, 
clearly delineating its location within the larger waterbody. The 
boundaries of the restricted area will be shown on the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration navigational charts.
    Two commenters expressed concern with the process used to 
disseminate the proposed rule and to receive comments. The process for 
establishing and

[[Page 75454]]

amending restricted area and danger zone regulations follows standard 
rulemaking procedures, including the additional procedures provided at 
33 CFR 334.4. In addition to publication of the proposed rule in the 
December 28, 2009, issue of the Federal Register, the Jacksonville 
District issued a local public notice which was available on the 
Jacksonville District Regulatory Division web page.
    In response to the comments received, we have made the following 
changes to the final rule:
    We have modified the rule text to clarify that the danger zone and 
restricted area regulations apply only to navigable water of the United 
States, as defined by 33 CFR part 329.
    Section 334.700(c)(2) was reworded to clarify that enforcement of 
the regulations in that section would be accomplished in accordance 
with the active security level as defined by the Department of Defense 
Force Protection Condition System.
    Section 334.710(c) was rewritten by redesignating the proposed 
paragraph (c) as paragraph (c)(1) and adding paragraph (c)(2). 
Paragraph (c)(1) provides information pertaining to the party/ies 
enforcing the regulation in this section. Paragraph (c)(2) was added to 
clarify that enforcement of the regulations in this section would be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition System.
    Section 334.720(c) was also rewritten by designating proposed 
paragraph (c) as paragraph (c)(1) and adding paragraph (c)(2). 
Paragraph (c)(1) provides information on the party/ies enforcing the 
regulation in this section. Paragraph (c)(2) was added to clarify that 
enforcement of the regulations in this section would be accomplished in 
accordance with the active security level as defined by the Department 
of Defense Force Protection Condition System.
    In section 334.730 several changes were made. Paragraphs (a)(1) and 
(a)(2)(i) were modified to clarify that Harvey Lock, Louisiana is 
referenced because it is the ``zero mile'' location from which the 
mileage values denoted in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway were measured. 
Paragraph (a)(2)(i) was also modified to correct one of the Gulf 
Intracoastal Waterway mileage values from 334.6 to 204.6. Paragraph 
(a)(2)(iii) was modified to expand a portion of the restricted area to 
provide protection for a fuel pier and associated mooring area at 
Hurlburt Field. Paragraph (b)(1) was subdivided to clarify the 
information pertaining to the danger zone. Paragraph (b)(1)(i) provides 
information on how the area is used and restrictions on entry into the 
area when it is in use. Paragraph (b)(1)(ii) was added to note that the 
danger zone and associated restrictions are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 
days a week. Paragraph (b)(2)(i) was modified to remove the existing 
language stating that no person or vessel shall enter the area without 
permission of Eglin AFB or the Hurlburt Field Commander. In response to 
comments, the final rule clarifies that all persons, vessels and other 
craft are permitted to access the restricted areas defined in paragraph 
(a)(2) during times of low security threats and that they would be 
subject to identification checks by the U.S. Air Force patrol boats. 
With the exception of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, during times of 
high security threats anyone wishing to enter, transit, anchor or drift 
within the restricted areas noted in paragraph (a)(2) must have the 
permission of Eglin AFB or the Hurlburt Field Commander or his/her 
authorized representative. Paragraph (c) was rewritten by designating 
the proposed paragraph (c) as paragraph (c)(1) and adding paragraph 
(c)(2). Paragraph (c)(1) provides information on the party/ies 
enforcing the regulation of this section. Paragraph (c)(2) was added to 
clarify that enforcement of the regulations in this section would be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition System.
    Section 334.740(b)(1) was modified to remove the existing language 
stating that no person or vessel shall enter the area without 
permission. In response to comments, the final rule clarifies that all 
persons, vessels and other craft are permitted to access the restricted 
area defined in paragraph (a) of this section during times of low 
security threats and that they would be subject to identification 
checks by the U.S. Air Force patrol boats. During times of high 
security threats anyone wishing to enter, transit, anchor or drift 
within the restricted area noted in paragraph (a) of this section must 
have the permission of the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB or 
his/her authorized representative. Paragraph (c)(2) was reworded to 
clarify that enforcement of the regulations in this section would be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition System.
    For sections 334.742, 334.744 and 334.748, paragraph (b)(1) was 
modified to remove the proposed language stating that no person or 
vessel shall enter the area without permission. In response to 
comments, the final rule clarifies that all persons, vessels and other 
craft are permitted to access the restricted areas defined in paragraph 
(a) of each of these sections during times of low security threats and 
that they would be subject to identification checks by the U.S. Air 
Force patrol boats. During times of high security threats anyone 
wishing to enter, transit, anchor or drift within the restricted areas 
noted in paragraph (a) of each of these sections must have the 
permission of the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB or his/her 
authorized representative. Paragraph (c) was rewritten by designating 
the proposed paragraph (c) as paragraph (c)(1) and adding paragraph 
(c)(2). Paragraph (c)(1) provides information on the party/ies 
enforcing the regulation of this section. Paragraph (c)(2) was added to 
clarify that enforcement of the regulations in this section would be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition System.
    Section 334.750 has been removed because the area it encompassed 
has been incorporated into section 334.740.

Procedural Requirements

    a. Review Under Executive Order 12866. This regulation is issued 
with respect to a military function of the Department of Defense and 
the provisions of Executive Order 12866 do not apply.
    b. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The regulation has 
been reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354) 
which requires the preparation of a regulatory flexibility analysis for 
any regulation that will have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities (i.e., small businesses and small 
governments). The Corps determined that this regulation would have 
practically no economic impact on the public nor would it result in any 
anticipated navigational hazard or interference with existing waterway 
traffic. This regulation will have no significant economic impact on 
small entities.
    c. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act. This 
regulation will not have a significant impact on the quality of the 
human environment and, therefore, preparation of an environmental 
impact statement will not be required. An environmental assessment has 
been prepared. It may be reviewed at the district office listed at the 
end of the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, above.
    d. Unfunded Mandates Act. This regulation does not impose an

[[Page 75455]]

enforceable duty among the private sector and, therefore, is not a 
Federal private sector mandate and is not subject to the requirements 
of Section 202 or 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (Pub. L. 104-
4, 109 Stat. 48, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.). We have also found under 
Section 203 of the Act, that small governments will not be 
significantly or uniquely affected by this regulation.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 334

    Danger zones, Navigation (water), Restricted areas, Waterways.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Corps amends 33 CFR 
part 334 as follows:

PART 334--DANGER ZONE AND RESTRICTED AREA REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 334 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  40 Stat. 266 (33 U.S.C. 1) and 40 Stat. 892 (33 
U.S.C. 3).


0
2. Revise Sec.  334.700 to read as follows:


Sec.  334.700  Choctawhatchee Bay, aerial gunnery ranges, Air Armament 
Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

    (a) The danger zones. (1) Aerial gunnery range in west part of 
Choctawhatchee Bay. The danger zone shall encompass all navigable 
waters of the United States as defined at 33 CFR part 329, including 
the waters of Choctawhatchee Bay within an area bounded by a line 
connecting the following coordinates, excluding that part of the area 
included within the aerial gunnery range along the north shore of 
Choctawhatchee Bay as described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section: 
Commencing at the northeast shore at latitude 30[deg]28'09.11'' N, 
longitude 086[deg]29'02.30'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]25'30'' N, 
longitude 086[deg]21'30'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]23'34.72'' N, 
longitude 086[deg]23'00.22'' W; then following the shoreline at the 
mean high water line to latitude 30[deg]24'09.45'' N, longitude 
086[deg]25'00.08'' W; thence to the southwest shore at latitude 
30[deg]27'54.18'' N, longitude 086[deg]29'18.32'' W; then following the 
shoreline at the mean high water line easterly to point of origin.
    (2) Aerial gunnery range along north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay. 
The danger zone shall encompass all navigable waters of the United 
States as defined at 33 CFR part 329, including the waters of 
Choctawhatchee Bay within an area bounded by a line connecting the 
following coordinates: Commencing at the northwest shore at latitude 
30[deg]27'26'' N, longitude 086[deg]25'30'' W; thence to latitude 
30[deg]26'00'' N, longitude 086[deg]25'30'' W; thence to latitude 
30[deg]26'57'' N, longitude 086[deg]20'35'' W; thence to latitude 
30[deg]26'12'' N, longitude 086[deg]20'35'' W; thence to latitude 
30[deg]26'29'' N, longitude 086[deg]15'00'' W; thence to the northeast 
shore at latitude 30[deg]29'08.7'' N, longitude 086[deg]15'00'' W; then 
following the shoreline at the mean high water line easterly to point 
of origin.
    (b) The regulations. (1) Aerial gunnery range in west part of 
Choctawhatchee Bay. The aerial gunnery range in the west part of 
Choctawhatchee Bay (as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section) 
may be used by persons and watercraft except during periods when firing 
is conducted. Use of the area will be advertised in advance by Eglin 
AFB Public Affairs. During periods of firing, traverse of this area 
shall not be denied to regular cargo-carrying or passenger-carrying 
vessels or tows proceeding on established routes. In case any such 
vessel is within the area, the officer in charge of gunnery operations 
will cause the cessation or postponement of fire until the vessel has 
cleared that part of the area within the range of the weapons being 
used. The vessel shall proceed on its normal course and shall not delay 
its progress.
    (2) Aerial gunnery range along north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay. 
No person, vessel or other craft shall enter or remain within the 
aerial gunnery range along the north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay (as 
described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section) during times the area is 
active. Activation of the area will be advertised in advance by Eglin 
AFB Public Affairs.
    (c) Enforcement. (1) The regulations in this section shall be 
enforced by the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida and 
such agencies as he/she may designate.
    (2) Enforcement of the regulations in this section will be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition (FPCON) System.

0
3. Revise Sec.  334.710 to read as follows:


Sec.  334.710  The Narrows and Gulf of Mexico adjacent to Santa Rosa 
Island, Headquarters Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

    (a) The restricted area. The restricted area shall encompass all 
navigable waters of the United States as defined at 33 CFR part 329, 
including the waters of The Narrows and the Gulf of Mexico easterly of 
the periphery of a circular area five nautical miles in radius, 
centered at latitude 30[deg]23'10.074'' N, longitude 
086[deg]48'25.433'' W (USC&GS Station Tuck 3), within the segment of a 
circle, three nautical miles in radius, centered at latitude 
30[deg]24'00'' N, longitude 086[deg]41'47'' W.
    (b) The regulations. The area will be used intermittently during 
daylight hours. During periods of use the entry into the area will be 
prohibited to all persons and navigation. Notifications will be via 
Eglin AFB water patrol and published in local news media in advance.
    (c) Enforcement. (1) The regulations in this section shall be 
enforced by the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida and 
such agencies as he/she may designate.
    (2) Enforcement of the regulations in this section will be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition (FPCON) System.

0
4. Revise Sec.  334.720 to read as follows:


Sec.  334.720  Gulf of Mexico, south from Choctawhatchee Bay; Missile 
test area.

    (a) The danger zone. The danger zone shall encompass all navigable 
waters of the United States as defined at 33 CFR part 329, including 
the waters of the Gulf of Mexico south from Choctawhatchee Bay within 
an area described as follows: Beginning at a point five nautical miles 
southeasterly from USC&GS Station Tuck 3, at latitude 
30[deg]23'10.074'' N, longitude 086[deg]48'25.433'' W, three nautical 
miles offshore of Santa Rosa Island; thence easterly three nautical 
miles offshore and parallel to shore, to a point south of Apalachicola 
Bay, Florida at latitude 29[deg]32'00'' N, longitude 085[deg]00'00'' W; 
thence southeasterly to latitude 29[deg]17'30'' N, longitude 
084[deg]40'00'' W; thence southwesterly to latitude 28[deg]40'00'' N, 
longitude 084[deg]49'00'' W; thence southeasterly to latitude 
28[deg]10'00'' N, longitude 084[deg]30'00'' W; thence 270[deg] true to 
longitude 086[deg]48'00'' W; thence due north along longitude 
086[deg]48'00'' W to the intersection of the line with a circle of five 
nautical miles radius centered on USC&GS Station Tuck 3, at latitude 
30[deg]23'10.074'' N, longitude 086[deg]48'25.433'' W, thence 
northeasterly along the arc of the circle to the point of beginning.
    (b) The regulations. (1) The area will be used intermittently 
during daylight hours for a week or 10 days at a time. Firing will take 
place once or twice a day for periods ordinarily of not more than one 
hour. Advance notice of such firings will be published in local 
newspapers.
    (2) During periods of firing, passage through the area will not be 
denied to cargo-carrying or passenger-carrying

[[Page 75456]]

vessels or tows proceeding on established routes. In case any such 
vessel is within the danger zone, the officer in charge of firing 
operations will cause the cessation or postponement of fire until the 
vessel has cleared the portion of the danger area involved. The entire 
area involved will be under constant observation of both surface patrol 
vessels and air patrol planes prior to and during periods of firing and 
notice will be given to vessels and tows of intention to fire by 
buzzing low over the vessel, upon which signal vessels and tows shall 
proceed on their established course promptly and clear the area as soon 
as possible.
    (3) All persons and vessels, except those identified in paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section, will be warned to leave the immediate danger 
area during firing periods by surface patrol craft. Upon being so 
warned, such persons and vessels shall clear the area immediately. Such 
periods normally will not exceed two hours.
    (c) Enforcement. (1) The regulations in this section shall be 
enforced by the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida and 
such agencies as he/she may designate.
    (2) Enforcement of the regulations in this section will be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition (FPCON) System.

0
5. Revise Sec.  334.730 to read as follows:


Sec.  334.730  Waters of Santa Rosa Sound and Gulf of Mexico adjacent 
to Santa Rosa Island, Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

    (a) The areas. (1) The danger zone. The danger zone shall encompass 
all navigable waters of the United States as defined at 33 CFR part 
329, including the waters of Santa Rosa Sound and Gulf of Mexico within 
a circle one nautical mile in radius, centered at latitude 
30[deg]23'10.074'' N, longitude 086[deg]48'25.433'' W (USC&GS Station 
Tuck 3). The portion of the area in Santa Rosa Sound includes the Gulf 
Intracoastal Waterway between miles 209.6 and 211.4 as measured from 
the Harvey Lock, Louisiana, ``zero mile'' location.
    (2) The restricted areas. (i) Area 1. The restricted area shall 
encompass all navigable waters of the United States as defined at 33 
CFR part 329, including the waters of Santa Rosa Sound and Gulf of 
Mexico, surrounding the danger zone described in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section, within a circle five nautical miles in radius centered at 
latitude 30[deg]23'10.074'' N, longitude 086[deg]48'25.433'' W (USC&GS 
Station Tuck 3). The portion of the area in Santa Rosa Sound includes 
the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway between mile designation 204.6 and 216.4 
as measured from the Harvey Lock, Louisiana, ``zero mile'' location.
    (ii) Area 2. Santa Rosa Island, North Side. The restricted area 
shall encompass all navigable waters of the United States as defined at 
33 CFR part 329 within the area bounded by a line connecting the 
following coordinates: Commencing from the shoreline at latitude 
30[deg]24'06.58'' N, longitude 086[deg]40'25.00'' W; thence to latitude 
30[deg]24'08.08'' N, longitude 086[deg]40'25.00'' W; then the line 
meanders irregularly, following the shoreline at a distance of 150 feet 
seaward from the mean high water line to a point at latitude 
30[deg]23'12.34'' N, longitude 086[deg]50'57.62'' W, thence proceeding 
directly to a point on the shoreline at latitude 30[deg]23'10.85'' N, 
longitude 086[deg]50'57.62'' W. The area also includes all contiguous 
inland navigable waters which lie within the land boundaries of Eglin 
AFB.
    (iii) Area 3. Choctawhatchee Bay, North side--Hurlburt Field. The 
restricted area shall encompass all navigable waters of the United 
States as defined at 33 CFR part 329 within the area bounded by a line 
connecting the following coordinates:
    Commencing from the shoreline at latitude 30[deg]24'28.30'' N, 
longitude 086[deg]40'54.91'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]24'26.32'' N, 
longitude 086[deg]40'54.91'' W; then the line meanders irregularly, 
following the shoreline at a distance of 200 feet seaward from the mean 
high water line to a point at latitude 30[deg]24'20.92'' N, longitude 
086[deg]41'45.96'' W; thence directly to latitude 30[deg]24'23.31'' N, 
longitude 086[deg]42'00.20'' W; thence directly to latitude 
30[deg]24'28.83'' N, longitude 086[deg]42'07.42'' W; thence directly to 
latitude 30[deg]24'25.98'' N, longitude 086[deg]42'17.12'' W; thence 
directly to longitude 30[deg]24'26.31'' N, longitude 086[deg]42'19.82'' 
W; then the line meanders irregularly following the shoreline at a 
distance of 200 feet seaward from the mean high water line to a point 
at latitude 30[deg]24'28.80'' N, longitude 086[deg]42'53.83'' W, thence 
proceeding directly to a point on the shoreline at latitude 
30[deg]24'30.79'' N, longitude 086[deg]42'53.83'' W.
    (b) The regulations. (1) The danger zone. (i) Experimental test 
operations will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) within the 
danger zone. During periods when experimental test operations are 
underway, no person, vessel or other watercraft shall enter or navigate 
the waters of the danger zone.
    (ii) The area identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and 
the associated restrictions described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this 
section are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The area is used 
on an intermittent basis and, generally, any test operations shall not 
exceed one hour and shall not occur more than twice weekly.
    (2) The restricted areas. (i) All persons, vessels and other craft 
are permitted access to the restricted areas described in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section. Any person or vessel within the restricted 
areas will be subject to identification checks by USAF patrol boats. 
During times of high security threats against Eglin AFB or Hurlburt 
Field, all entry, transit, anchoring or drifting within the restricted 
areas described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section for any reason is 
not allowed without permission of Eglin AFB or the Hurlburt Field 
Commander or his/her authorized representative, except to navigate the 
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Such vessels and other watercraft shall 
confine their movements to the waters within the limits of the 
Intracoastal Waterway and shall make the passage as promptly as 
possible under normal vessel speed.
    (ii) The areas identified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section and 
the associated restrictions described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this 
section are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    (c) Enforcement. (1) The regulations in this section shall be 
enforced by the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida and 
such agencies as he/she may designate.
    (2) Enforcement of the regulations in this section will be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition (FPCON) System.

0
6. Revise Sec.  334.740 to read as follows:


Sec.  334.740  North Shore Choctawhatchee Bay, Eglin Air Force Base, 
Fla.

    (a) The area. The restricted area shall encompass all navigable 
waters of the United States as defined at 33 CFR part 329 within the 
area bounded by a line connecting the following coordinates: Commencing 
from the shoreline at latitude 30[deg]28'59.90'' N, longitude 
086[deg]29'08.88'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]28'59.61'' N, longitude 
086[deg]29'01.81'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]29'08.01'' N, longitude 
086[deg]28'47.78'' W; then following the mean high water line at a 
distance of 1,000 feet to a point at latitude 30[deg]26'48.60'' N, 
longitude 086[deg]32'31.95'' W, thence proceeding directly to a point 
on the shoreline at latitude 30[deg]26'53.58'' N, longitude 
086[deg]32'41.81'' W. The area also includes all contiguous inland 
navigable waters

[[Page 75457]]

that lie within the land boundaries of Eglin AFB.
    (b) The regulations. (1) All persons, vessels and other craft are 
permitted access to the restricted area described in paragraph (a) of 
this section. Any person or vessel within the restricted area will be 
subject to identification checks by U.S. Air Force patrol boats. During 
times of high security threats against Eglin AFB, all entry, transit, 
anchoring or drifting within the restricted area described in paragraph 
(a) of this section for any reason is not allowed without the 
permission of the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB, and his/her 
authorized representative.
    (2) The area identified in paragraph (a) of this section and the 
associated restrictions described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section 
are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    (c) Enforcement. (1) The regulations in this section shall be 
enforced by the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida and 
such agencies as he/she may designate.
    (2) Enforcement of the regulations in this section will be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition (FPCON) System.

0
7. Add Sec.  334.742 to read as follows:


Sec.  334.742  Eglin Camp Pinchot, Fla., at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; 
Restricted Area.

    (a) The area. The restricted area shall encompass all navigable 
waters of the United States, as defined at 33 CFR part 329, within the 
area bounded by a line connecting the following coordinates: Commencing 
from the shoreline at latitude 30[deg]28'18.68'' N, longitude 
086[deg]35'38.66'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]28'20.80'' N, longitude 
086[deg]35'36.25'' W; then the line meanders irregularly, following the 
shoreline at a distance of 300 feet seaward from the mean high water 
line to a point at latitude 30[deg]28'06.02'' N, longitude 
086[deg]35'39.18'' W, thence proceeding directly to a point on the 
shoreline at latitude 30[deg]28'07.47'' N, longitude 086[deg]35'42.17'' 
W.
    (b) The regulations. (1) All persons, vessels and other craft are 
permitted access to the restricted area described in paragraph (a) of 
this section. Any person or vessel within the restricted area will be 
subject to identification checks by U.S. Air Force patrol boats. During 
times of high security threats against Eglin AFB, all entry, transit, 
anchoring or drifting within the restricted area described in paragraph 
(a) of this section for any reason is not allowed without the 
permission of the Commander, Eglin AFB, Florida, or his/her authorized 
representative.
    (2) The area identified in paragraph (a) of this section and the 
associated restrictions described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section 
are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    (c) Enforcement. (1) The regulations in this section shall be 
enforced by the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida and 
such agencies as he/she may designate.
    (2) Enforcement of the regulations in this section will be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition (FPCON) System.

0
8. Add Sec.  334.744 to read as follows:


Sec.  334.744  Eglin Poquito Housing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; 
Restricted Area.

    (a) The area. The restricted area shall encompass all navigable 
waters of the United States, as defined at 33 CFR part 329, within the 
area bounded by a line connecting the following coordinates: Commencing 
from the shoreline at latitude 30[deg]27'11.68'' N, longitude 
086[deg]34'32.87'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]27'11.86'' N, longitude 
086[deg]34'34.59'' W; then the line meanders irregularly, following the 
shoreline at a distance of 150 feet seaward from the mean high water 
line to a point at latitude 30[deg]27'31.25'' N, longitude 
086[deg]34'38.56'' W, thence proceeding directly to a point on the 
shoreline at latitude 30[deg]27'34.07'' N, longitude 086[deg]34'35.67'' 
W.
    (b) The regulations. (1) All persons, vessels and other craft are 
permitted access to the restricted area described in paragraph (a) of 
this section. Any person or vessel within the restricted area will be 
subject to identification checks by U.S. Air Force patrol boats. During 
times of high security threats against Eglin AFB, all entry, transit, 
anchoring or drifting within the restricted area described in paragraph 
(a) of this section for any reason is not allowed without the 
permission of the Commander, Eglin AFB, Florida, or his/her authorized 
representative.
    (2) The area identified in paragraph (a) of this section and the 
associated restrictions described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section 
are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    (c) Enforcement. (1) The regulations in this section shall be 
enforced by the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida and 
such agencies as he/she may designate.
    (2) Enforcement of the regulations in this section will be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition (FPCON) System.

0
9. Add Sec.  334.746 to read as follows:


Sec.  334.746  U.S. Coast Guard, Destin Station at Eglin Air Force 
Base, Fla.; Restricted Area.

    (a) The area. The restricted area shall encompass all navigable 
waters of the United States, as defined at 33 CFR part 329, within the 
area bounded by a line connecting the following coordinates: Commencing 
from the shoreline at latitude 30[deg]23'33.45'' N, longitude 
86[deg]31'37.51'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]23'35.67'' N, longitude 
86[deg]31'37.31'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]23'33.68'' N, longitude 
86[deg]31'30.98'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]23'32.00'' N, longitude 
86[deg]31'28.80'' W; thence proceeding directly to a point on the 
shoreline at latitude 30[deg]23'30.14'' N, longitude 86[deg]31'30.21'' 
W.
    (b) The regulations. (1) No person or vessel shall enter the area 
without the permission of the Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Destin 
Station, Florida, or his/her authorized representative.
    (2) The area identified in paragraph (a) of this section and the 
associated restrictions described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section 
are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    (c) Enforcement. The regulations in this section shall be enforced 
by the Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Destin Station, and such agencies 
as he/she may designate.

0
10. Add Sec.  334.748 to read as follows:


Sec.  334.748  Wynnhaven Beach, Fla., at Eglin AFB; Restricted Area.

    (a) The area. The restricted area shall encompass all navigable 
waters of the United States, as defined at 33 CFR part 329, within the 
area bounded by a line connecting the following coordinates: Commencing 
from the shoreline at latitude 30[deg]24'35.06'' N, longitude 
086[deg]46'20.31'' W; thence to latitude 30[deg]24'33.57'' N, longitude 
086[deg]46'20.31'' W; then the line meanders irregularly, following the 
shoreline at a distance of 150 feet seaward from the mean high water 
line to a point at latitude 30[deg]24'34.81'' N, longitude 
086[deg]46'09.19'' W, thence proceeding directly to a point on the 
shoreline at latitude 30[deg]24'36.30'' N, longitude 086[deg]46'09.19'' 
W.
    (b) The regulations. (1) All persons, vessels and other craft are 
permitted access to the restricted area described in paragraph (a) of 
this section. Any person or vessel within the restricted area will be 
subject to identification checks by U.S. Air Force patrol boats. During 
times of high security threats against Eglin AFB, all entry, transit, 
anchoring or drifting within the restricted area

[[Page 75458]]

described in paragraph (a) of this section for any reason is not 
allowed without the permission of the Commander, Eglin AFB, Florida, or 
his/her authorized representative.
    (2) The area identified in paragraph (a) of this section and the 
associated restrictions described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section 
are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    (c) Enforcement. (1) The regulations in this section shall be 
enforced by the Commander, 96 Air Base Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida and 
such agencies as he/she may designate.
    (2) Enforcement of the regulations in this section will be 
accomplished in accordance with the active security level as defined by 
the Department of Defense Force Protection Condition (FPCON) System.


Sec.  334.750  [Removed]

0
11. Remove Sec.  334.750.

    Dated: November 29, 2011.
Michael G. Ensch,
Chief, Operations and Regulatory Directorate of Civil Works.
[FR Doc. 2011-31017 Filed 12-1-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3720-58-P