August 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4- 600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of failure of an aft hinge bolt assembly in the nose landing gear (NLG) aft doors. This proposed AD would require replacement of the aft hinge bolt assembly in the left and right NLG aft doors, with new aft hinge bolt assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of an aft hinge bolt assembly in an NLG aft door while the airplane is in flight, which could lead to an in-flight loss of an NLG aft door, and damage to the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4- 605R and A300 B4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an in-service detection of cracks in the fuselage skin lap joints. This proposed AD would require an ultrasonic inspection of certain skin lap joints, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in certain skin lap joints. Such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by widespread corrosion damage that was found on the skin inner surface along the upper bulkhead at certain stations between certain stringers. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the fuselage crown skin inner surface, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD would also allow for terminating actions for some of the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks and corrosion on the crown skin inner surface. If the cracks or corrosion are not repaired, the cracks can rapidly join together and can cause a sudden decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a fire in the bilge area of the cargo compartment that burned through the insulation blankets that were intended to prevent smoke from migrating behind the cargo compartment sidewall liners and upward into the main cabin. This proposed AD would require replacing the cargo compartment insulation blankets on the left and right sides with new insulation blankets that incorporate fire stops. We are proposing this AD to prevent a fire in the bilge area of the cargo compartment burning through the insulation blankets and consequently allowing smoke to migrate behind the cargo compartment sidewall liners and upward into the main cabin.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This proposed AD would require removing from service the tail gearbox center housing (housing) when it has 12,200 or more hours time-in-service (TIS). This proposed AD is prompted by fatigue analysis conducted by Sikorsky that determined the housing required a retirement life. The proposed actions are intended to prevent a crack in the housing, which could lead to loss of tail rotor drive and loss of helicopter control.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Nevada. On July 3, 2008, the EPA redesignated the Truckee Meadows area, consisting largely of the cities of Reno and Sparks in Washoe County, Nevada, from nonattainment to attainment for the carbon monoxide (CO) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and approved the State's plan addressing the area's maintenance of the NAAQS for ten years. On November 7, 2014, the State of Nevada submitted to the EPA a second maintenance plan for the Truckee Meadows area that addressed maintenance of the NAAQS through 2030. The EPA is now approving this second maintenance plan. The EPA is also finding adequate and approving transportation conformity motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) for the years 2015, 2020, 2025 and 2030. We are taking these actions under the Clean Air Act (CAA or ``the Act'').

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing approval of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Nevada (``State''). On July 3, 2008, the EPA redesignated the Truckee Meadows area, consisting largely of the cities of Reno and Sparks in Washoe County, Nevada, from nonattainment to attainment for the carbon monoxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and approved the State's plan addressing the area's maintenance of the NAAQS for ten years. On November 7, 2014, the State submitted to the EPA a second maintenance plan for the Truckee Meadows area that addressed maintenance of the NAAQS through 2030. The EPA is also proposing to find adequate and approve transportation conformity motor vehicle emissions budgets for the years 2015, 2020, 2025 and 2030. We are making this proposal under the Clean Air Act.

This document describes circumstances in which state payroll deduction savings programs with automatic enrollment would not give rise to the establishment of employee pension benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). This document provides guidance for states in designing such programs so as to reduce the risk of ERISA preemption of the relevant state laws. This document also provides guidance to private-sector employers that may be covered by such state laws. This rule affects individuals and employers subject to such state laws.

The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing a proposed rule to provide flexibility to agencies regarding payment for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage for employees entering leave without pay (LWOP) or any other type of nonpay status, except when nonpay is as a result of a lapse of appropriations. The regulation also affects employees who have insufficient pay to cover their premium contribution. Under current regulations, a Federal agency pays the employee's share and the Government's share of FEHB premiums if an employee in LWOP or other nonpay status elects to continue coverage while in LWOP or other nonpay status and agrees to repay the agency (referred to interchangeably as ``employing office'') for their employee share upon return to employment for up to 365 days. In other words, the agency must allow an employee to incur a debt for the employee contribution to premium. This outlay of funds may result in an agency incurring a significant amount of debt. This proposed rule would provide an agency with the flexibility to require that all of its employees in LWOP or other nonpay status, except as a result of lapse of appropriations, pay their employee share for FEHB coverage directly to the agency and keep the payments current, if those employees elect to continue FEHB enrollment. Under 5 U.S.C. 8906(e), if an employee in LWOP status chooses to continue FEHB enrollment, the employee and Government contributions shall be paid on a current basis; and, if necessary, the agency shall approve advance payment of a portion of basic pay sufficient to cover the employee contribution. The agency will then recover the amount that it advanced from the employee upon his or her return to employment. Under current regulations employees in LWOP or other nonpay status can elect to make premium payments directly to an agency and keep payments current. Alternatively, employees in these circumstances may elect not to pay premiums directly on a current basis and can incur a debt such that their employing office advances the payments to cover their premiums. The employee agrees that upon his or her return to employment, or upon pay becoming sufficient, the employing office will deduct, in addition to the current pay period's premium, the accrued unpaid premiums from the employee's salary until the debt is recovered. Under this proposed rule, an agency may choose to require that an employee pay premiums directly to the agency on a current basis if the agency makes a determination that all employees in non-pay or insufficient pay status must pay premiums currently. The proposed rule also specifies the procedures for disenrollment for nonpayment of premiums.

DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 that provides exceptions from the certified cost and pricing data requirements and from the records examination requirement for certain awards to small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors.

DoD is issuing a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 that amends the allowability of costs of counterfeit electronic parts or suspect counterfeit electronic parts and the cost of rework or corrective action that may be required to remedy the use or inclusion of such parts.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to establish a mathematical conversion factor to translate the current energy conservation standards and the measured values determined under the energy factor, thermal efficiency, and standby loss test procedures for consumer water heaters and certain commercial water heaters to those determined under the more recently adopted uniform energy factor test procedure. As required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), as amended, DOE initially presented proposals for establishing a mathematical conversion factor in a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) published on April 14, 2015 (April 2015 NOPR). Upon further analysis and review of the public comments received in response to the April 2015 NOPR, DOE is publishing this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR), which: updates the proposed mathematical conversion factors based on new test data received after the publication of the April 2015 NOPR; proposes updates to the methodology for developing the conversions for certain covered water heaters based on feedback received from interested parties; and proposes a new approach for denominating the existing energy conservation standards in terms of the new uniform energy factor (UEF) metric.

NMFS is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category daily retention limit from the default limit of one large medium or giant BFT to five large medium or giant BFT for the September, October through November, and December subquota time periods of the 2016 fishing year. This action is based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments, and applies to Atlantic Tunas General category (commercial) permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat category permitted vessels when fishing commercially for BFT.

The Coast Guard published an interim rule in the Federal Register on May 9, 2016, that prescribes when and how the loss or jettisoning of cargo at sea must be reported. That rule contained a typographical error that erroneously revised a force majeure regulation instead of a notice of hazardous conditions regulation. This document corrects that error.

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Rock Island Railroad and Highway Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 482.9, at Rock Island, Illinois. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner time to facilitate repairs to the locking mechanisms on the rail deck of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position for critical repairs that are essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge.

The Coast Guard proposes to establish a safety zone during the 2016 Fautasi Ocean Challenge canoe race in Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa, on November 11 and 25, 2016. This action is necessary to safeguard the participants and spectators, including all crews, vessels, and persons on the water in Pago Pago Harbor during the event. This regulation will functionally close the port to vessel traffic during the race, but will not require the evacuation of any vessels from the harbor. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring in the harbor would be prohibited to all vessels not registered with the sponsor as participants or not part of the race patrol, unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Honolulu or a designated representative. Vessels who are already moored or anchored in the harbor seeking permission to remain there shall request permission from COTP unless deemed a spectator vessel that is moored to a waterfront facility within the safety zone. We invite your comments on this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of New Hampshire. The revisions consist of single source orders that establish reasonably available control technology for sources of volatile organic compounds.

This proposed rule would establish quotas, opening dates, and retention limits for the 2017 fishing season for the Atlantic commercial shark fisheries. Quotas would be adjusted as required or allowable based on any over- and/or underharvests experienced during 2016 and previous fishing seasons. In addition, NMFS proposes season opening dates and commercial retention limits based on adaptive management measures to provide, to the extent practicable, fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in all regions and areas. The proposed measures could affect fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.

In this document, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB or Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) announces that on August 3, 2016, the FCC, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (Council or ACHP), and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) executed the attached First Amendment to Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for the Collocation of Wireless Antennas (First Amendment to the Collocation Agreement) to address the review of deployments of small wireless antennas and associated equipment under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The First Amendment to the Collocation Agreement amends the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for the Collocation of Wireless Antennas (Collocation Agreement).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is amending the food labeling regulations by redesignating a provision, updating any references to that provision to reflect the redesignation, and revising the section heading. The rule does not alter the content or application of the redesignated provision in any substantive manner. This action is editorial in nature and is intended to provide clarity and consistency to our regulations.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is amending the animal drug regulations to reflect application-related actions for new animal drug applications (NADAs) and abbreviated new animal drug applications (ANADAs) during May and June 2016. FDA is also informing the public of the availability of summaries of the basis of approval and of environmental review documents, where applicable. The animal drug regulations are also being amended to reflect changes of sponsorship of applications, changes of sponsors' names and addresses, and the voluntary withdrawals of approval of applications.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing a new subpart that updates the Standards of Performance for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills. Under section 111 of the Clean Air Act, the EPA must review, and, if appropriate, revise standards of performance at least every 8 years. The EPA's review of the standards for municipal solid waste landfills considered landfills that commence construction, reconstruction, or modification after July 17, 2014. The final standards also reflect changes to the population of landfills and an analysis of the timing and methods for reducing emissions. This action will achieve additional reductions in emissions of landfill gas and its components, including methane, by lowering the emissions threshold at which a landfill must install controls. This action also incorporates new data and information received in response to the proposed rulemaking and addresses other regulatory issues including surface emissions monitoring, wellhead monitoring, and the definition of landfill gas treatment system. The new subpart will reduce emissions of landfill gas, which contains both nonmethane organic compounds and methane. Landfills are a significant source of methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas pollutant. These avoided emissions will improve air quality and reduce the potential for public health and welfare effects associated with exposure to landfill gas emissions.

This document amends the U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations to implement section 901 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 by raising from $200 to $800 the value of certain articles that may be imported by one person on one day free of duty and tax. This document also makes clarifying and conforming amendments to the regulations.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone for the protection of a very important person (VIP). This VIP will be staying on beachfront property in close proximity to Kailua Bay. It is necessary to restrict waterway access to vessels and persons to prevent waterside threats to the VIP. The security zone encompasses two primary areas from the surface of the water to the ocean floor from the navigable waters of the Kawainui Canal, beginning 150 yards south of the N. Kalaheo Avenue Road Bridge and continuing into Kailua Bay; and the navigable waters of Kailua Bay beginning at Kapoho Point and extending in a southwesterly direction to the shore boundary of a property located at 123 Kailuana Loop, Kailua, HI 96734. Entry of persons or vessels into the security zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Honolulu or a designated representative.

We are proposing to amend the regulations concerning the importation of fruits and vegetables to allow the importation of fresh raspberry fruit from Morocco into the continental United States. As a condition of entry, the raspberries would have to be produced under a systems approach to mitigate for the fungus Monilinia fructigena and would have to be inspected prior to exportation from Morocco and found free of this pest. The raspberries would have to be imported in commercial consignments only, produced at registered places of production, and field inspected for signs of M. fructigena infection no more than 30 days prior to harvest in registered packinghouses. The raspberries would also have to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the conditions for importation have been met. Raspberry consignments would be subject to further inspection at the port of entry into the continental United States. This action would allow the importation of raspberries from Morocco while continuing to protect against the introduction of plant pests into the United States.