Port Access Route Study: Northern New York Bight, 107-109 [2021-28457]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 2022 / Notices ACTION: Notice. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) will host a public online forum to enable public discussion of the Center’s proposals to reorganize its Office of Rare Diseases Research and Office of Grants Management and Scientific Review to the Division of Rare Diseases Innovation and the Division of Extramural Activities, respectively. The proposals seek to recognize the importance of rare diseases research to the Center and to align its extramural activities with those of other Institutes and Centers at the National Institutes of Health. The online forum will allow members of the public to review the reorganization proposals and submit comments. SUMMARY: The public online forum will become available on January 24, 2022 and will remain open for five calendar days, through January 29, 2022. ADDRESSES: The public forum will be held online, at https://ncats.nih.gov/ about/center/proposed-reorganization for the period of time listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Maurer, Management Analyst, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, christopher.maurer2@nih.gov or 301– 827–7280. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NIH Reform Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 281(d)(4)) requires public notice of proposed reorganization plans. This announcement and the public forum serve as that notice. DATES: Name of Committee: Biological Chemistry and Macromolecular Biophysics Integrated Review Group; Biochemistry and Biophysics of Membranes Study Section. Date: February 2–3, 2022. Time: 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Institutes of Health, Rockledge II, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Nuria E Assa-Munt, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4164, MSC 7806, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 451– 1323, assamunu@csr.nih.gov. Name of Committee: Cell Biology Integrated Review Group; Biology and Development of the Eye Study Section. Date: February 3–4, 2022. Time: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Institutes of Health, Rockledge II, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Thomas Beres, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 5148, MSC 7840, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301–435– 1175, berestm@mail.nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.306, Comparative Medicine; 93.333, Clinical Research, 93.306, 93.333, 93.337, 93.393–93.396, 93.837–93.844, 93.846–93.878, 93.892, 93.893, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Keith R. Lamirande, Executive Officer, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. Dated: December 27, 2021. Miguelina Perez, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2021–28415 Filed 12–30–21; 8:45 am] [FR Doc. 2021–28380 Filed 12–30–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P BILLING CODE 4140–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY National Institutes of Health Coast Guard Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of the following meetings. The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:14 Dec 30, 2021 Jkt 256001 [Docket No. USCG–2020–0278] Port Access Route Study: Northern New York Bight Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of availability; final AGENCY: ACTION: report. The First Coast Guard District announces the completion of the Northern New York Bight Port Access Route Study (NNYBPARS). The study was conducted to evaluate the adequacy of existing vessel routing measures and SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 107 determine whether additional vessel routing measures are necessary for port approaches to New York and New Jersey and international and domestic transit areas in the First Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility. To accomplish this goal, the First Coast Guard District has undertaken measures to determine whether existing or additional routing measures are necessary to improve navigation safety due to factors such as planned or potential offshore development, current port capabilities and planned improvements, increased vessel traffic, existing and potential anchorage areas, changing vessel traffic patterns, effects of weather, or navigational difficulty. The NNYBPARS final report is available for viewing and download from the Federal Register docket at https://www.regulations.gov or the Coast Guard Navigation Center website at https:// www.navcen.uscg.gov/ ?pageName=PARSReports. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, contact Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways Management at First Coast Guard District, telephone (617) 223–8351, email craig.d.lapiejko@uscg.mil. I. Table of Abbreviations DHS Department of Homeland Security LNM Local Notice to Mariners MSIB Marine Safety Information Bulletin MTS Marine Transportation System NAD 83 North American Datum of 1983 NNYB Northern New York Bight PARS Port Access Route Study PWSA Ports and Waterways Safety Act TSS Traffic Separation Scheme USCG United States Coast Guard II. Background and Purpose When did the Coast Guard conduct this Port Access Route Study (PARS)? We conducted this PARS following our announcement of the PARS in a notice published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2020, entitled ‘‘Port Access Route Study (PARS): Northern New York Bight,’’ (85 FR 38907). The public was afforded a 60-day comment period, and two virtual public meetings were held via teleconference and webinar to receive public input. The Coast Guard received 25 comments in response to our Federal Register Notice, public meetings and other outreach efforts, which included announcement via a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB), publication in the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM), and Facebook and Twitter posts. All comments and supporting documents to this document are available in a public docket and can be viewed at https:// www.regulations.gov. E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 108 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 2022 / Notices On April 12, 2021, we published a supplemental notice of study; request for comments entitled ‘‘Port Access Route Study (PARS): Northern New York Bight’’ in the Federal Register (86 FR 18996) seeking additional information. The public was afforded a 30-day comment period. The Coast Guard received five comments to this document in response to our Federal Register Notice, and other outreach efforts, which included an announcement via a MSIB, publication in the LNM, and Facebook and Twitter posts. All comments and supporting documents to this document are available in a public docket and can be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov. On July 15, 2021, we published a notice of availability of draft report and public meeting; request for comments, entitled ‘‘Port Access Route Study (PARS): Northern New York Bight’’ in the Federal Register (86 FR 37339) announcing the availability of the draft version of the study report. The public was initially afforded a 45-day comment period. On September 09, 2021, the comment period was re-opened for an additional 22 days. During the combined 67-day public comment period, the Coast Guard received 21 comments in response to our Federal Register Notice and other outreach, which included four public meetings (one virtual and three in person), announcements via MSIBs, publications in the LNM, and Facebook and Twitter posts. All comments and supporting documents are available in a public docket and can be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov. A total of 51 comments were submitted by members of the public during the 157 days of open comment periods and 6 public meetings. A synopsis of the comments and copies of the First Coast Guard District’s public outreach can be found in the report. What is the study area? The New York Bight encompasses a very large area starting along the coasts of New York and New Jersey, from Montauk Point, NY, to Cape May, NJ, and then offshore to the outer edge of the Continental Shelf. The Northern New York Bight study area is described as an area bounded by a line connecting the following geographic positions: 40 18′00.0″ N 074 00′00.0″ W; 38 57′00.0″ N 071 16′00.0″ W; 39 47′24.0″ N 069 40′01.2″ W; 41 07′12.0″ N 071 34′33.6″ W; 41 04′15.6″ N 071 51′25.2″ W; and thence along the coast line back to the origin. All geographic points are based on North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83). This area extends approximately 150 nautical miles seaward and covers approximately 25,000 square nautical miles including the offshore area of New Jersey and New York used by private, commercial, and public vessels transiting to and from these ports. An illustration showing the study area is below with additional illustrations available in the online public docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. Illustration showing the NNYBP ARS study area. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:14 Dec 30, 2021 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 EN03JA22.250</GPH> khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Northern New York Bight Port Access Route Study Area Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 2022 / Notices Why did the Coast Guard conduct this PARS? The Coast Guard conducted the NNYBPARS to evaluate the adequacy of existing vessel routing measures and determine whether additional vessel routing measures are necessary for port approaches to New York and New Jersey and international and domestic transit areas in the First District area of responsibility. The NNYBPARS considered whether existing or additional routing measures were necessary to improve navigation safety due to factors such as planned or potential offshore development, current port capabilities and planned improvements, increased vessel traffic, existing and potential anchorage areas, changing vessel traffic patterns, effects of weather, or navigational difficulty. Vessel routing measures, which include traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, deep-water routes, precautionary areas, and areas to be avoided, are implemented to reduce the risk of marine casualties. PARS are conducted anytime the Coast Guard considers a need to recommend routing changes, within the territorial seas, for any port. The Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) requires the Coast Guard to conduct a study before establishing new or adjusting existing fairways or Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). U.S. waterways support multiple uses, such as commercial shipping, tug and barge operations, commercial and recreational fishing, research vessels, offshore support vessels, military vessels, and aquaculture apparatus. How did the First Coast Guard District conduct this PARS? The PARS was conducted in alignment with guidance outlined in Coast Guard Commandant Instruction 16003.2B, Marine Planning to Operate and Maintain the Marine Transportation System (MTS) and Implement National Policy which is available in the docket or see https://media.defense.gov/2017/ Mar/15/2001716995/-1/-1/0/CI_16003_ 2A.PDF. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES What were the objectives of the study? The objectives of the study were to; i. Determine present traffic density; ii. Determine potential traffic density; iii. Determine if existing vessel routing measures are adequate; iv. Determine if existing vessel routing measures require modifications; v. Determine the type of modifications; vi. Define and justify the needs for new vessel routing measures; VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:14 Dec 30, 2021 Jkt 256001 vii. Determine the type of new vessel routing measures; and viii. Determine if the usage of the vessel routing measures must be mandatory for specific classes of vessels. III. Viewing the Report The NNYBPARS report is available for viewing and download from the Federal Register docket at https:// www.regulations.gov or the Coast Guard Navigation Center website at https:// www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName= PARSReports. To view the NNYBPARS report in the docket, go to https:// www.regulations.gov, and insert ‘‘USCG–2020–0278’’ in the ‘‘search box.’’ Click ‘‘Search’’. Then scroll down to the document entitled ‘‘FINAL REPORT Northern New York Bight PARS December 27, 2021’’ under the document type ‘‘Supporting & Related Material.’’ IV. Conclusion As required by the March 15, 2019 Federal Register Notice of study; request for comments (84 FR 9541), the First Coast Guard District considered whether it should revise existing regulations to improve navigation safety in NNYB due to factors such as vessel traffic density, vessel traffic patterns, weather conditions, or navigation challenges in the study area. The First Coast Guard District analyzed all available sources of data relevant to this process, including existing and potential traffic patterns, existing regulations, public submissions, and other factors. The First Coast Guard District identified five different alternatives to consider within this study. As detailed in the final report, the First Coast Guard District recommends that multiple shipping safety fairways and one federal anchorage ground be established within the NNYBPARS study area. Shipping safety fairways may be utilized by mariners but are not mandatory for any specific class of vessel. The First Coast Guard District actively monitors all waterways subject to its jurisdiction to help ensure navigation safety. As such, the First Coast Guard District will continue to monitor the Northern New York Bight for changing conditions and consider appropriate actions, such as recommend vessel routes or more extensive use of electronic Aids to Navigation to promote waterway and user safety. This notice is published under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 70003, 70004 and 5 U.S.C. 552(a). PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 109 Dated: December 27, 2021. T. G. Allan Jr., Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2021–28457 Filed 12–30–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–ES–2021–N216; FXES11130200000–223–FF02ENEH00] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of receipt of permit applications; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance endangered species survival. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), prohibits certain activities that may impact endangered species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits. DATES: To ensure consideration, please submit your written comments by February 2, 2022. ADDRESSES: Document availability: Request documents by phone or email: Beth Forbus, 505–248–6681, beth_forbus@ fws.gov. Comment submission: Submit comments by email to fw2_te_permits@ fws.gov. Please specify the permit you are interested in by number (e.g., Application No. CS1234567). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beth Forbus, Supervisor, Classification and Restoration Division, 505–248–6681. Individuals who are hearing or speech impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 1–800–877–8339 for TTY assistance. SUMMARY: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) prohibits activities that constitute take of listed species unless a Federal permit is issued that allows such activity. The ESA’s definition of ‘‘take’’ includes hunting, shooting, harming, wounding, or killing, but also E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1

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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 1 (Monday, January 3, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 107-109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-28457]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2020-0278]


Port Access Route Study: Northern New York Bight

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability; final report.

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

SUMMARY: The First Coast Guard District announces the completion of the 
Northern New York Bight Port Access Route Study (NNYBPARS). The study 
was conducted to evaluate the adequacy of existing vessel routing 
measures and determine whether additional vessel routing measures are 
necessary for port approaches to New York and New Jersey and 
international and domestic transit areas in the First Coast Guard 
District's area of responsibility. To accomplish this goal, the First 
Coast Guard District has undertaken measures to determine whether 
existing or additional routing measures are necessary to improve 
navigation safety due to factors such as planned or potential offshore 
development, current port capabilities and planned improvements, 
increased vessel traffic, existing and potential anchorage areas, 
changing vessel traffic patterns, effects of weather, or navigational 
difficulty. The NNYBPARS final report is available for viewing and 
download from the Federal Register docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
or the Coast Guard Navigation Center website at https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=PARSReports.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, 
contact Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways Management at First Coast Guard 
District, telephone (617) 223-8351, email [email protected].

I. Table of Abbreviations

DHS Department of Homeland Security
LNM Local Notice to Mariners
MSIB Marine Safety Information Bulletin
MTS Marine Transportation System
NAD 83 North American Datum of 1983
NNYB Northern New York Bight
PARS Port Access Route Study
PWSA Ports and Waterways Safety Act
TSS Traffic Separation Scheme
USCG United States Coast Guard

II. Background and Purpose

When did the Coast Guard conduct this Port Access Route Study (PARS)?

    We conducted this PARS following our announcement of the PARS in a 
notice published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2020, entitled 
``Port Access Route Study (PARS): Northern New York Bight,'' (85 FR 
38907). The public was afforded a 60-day comment period, and two 
virtual public meetings were held via teleconference and webinar to 
receive public input. The Coast Guard received 25 comments in response 
to our Federal Register Notice, public meetings and other outreach 
efforts, which included announcement via a Marine Safety Information 
Bulletin (MSIB), publication in the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM), and 
Facebook and Twitter posts. All comments and supporting documents to 
this document are available in a public docket and can be viewed at 
https://www.regulations.gov.

[[Page 108]]

    On April 12, 2021, we published a supplemental notice of study; 
request for comments entitled ``Port Access Route Study (PARS): 
Northern New York Bight'' in the Federal Register (86 FR 18996) seeking 
additional information. The public was afforded a 30-day comment 
period. The Coast Guard received five comments to this document in 
response to our Federal Register Notice, and other outreach efforts, 
which included an announcement via a MSIB, publication in the LNM, and 
Facebook and Twitter posts. All comments and supporting documents to 
this document are available in a public docket and can be viewed at 
https://www.regulations.gov.
    On July 15, 2021, we published a notice of availability of draft 
report and public meeting; request for comments, entitled ``Port Access 
Route Study (PARS): Northern New York Bight'' in the Federal Register 
(86 FR 37339) announcing the availability of the draft version of the 
study report. The public was initially afforded a 45-day comment 
period. On September 09, 2021, the comment period was re-opened for an 
additional 22 days.
    During the combined 67-day public comment period, the Coast Guard 
received 21 comments in response to our Federal Register Notice and 
other outreach, which included four public meetings (one virtual and 
three in person), announcements via MSIBs, publications in the LNM, and 
Facebook and Twitter posts. All comments and supporting documents are 
available in a public docket and can be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov.
    A total of 51 comments were submitted by members of the public 
during the 157 days of open comment periods and 6 public meetings.
    A synopsis of the comments and copies of the First Coast Guard 
District's public outreach can be found in the report.

What is the study area?

    The New York Bight encompasses a very large area starting along the 
coasts of New York and New Jersey, from Montauk Point, NY, to Cape May, 
NJ, and then offshore to the outer edge of the Continental Shelf. The 
Northern New York Bight study area is described as an area bounded by a 
line connecting the following geographic positions:

40 18'00.0'' N 074 00'00.0'' W;
38 57'00.0'' N 071 16'00.0'' W;
39 47'24.0'' N 069 40'01.2'' W;
41 07'12.0'' N 071 34'33.6'' W;
41 04'15.6'' N 071 51'25.2'' W; and
thence along the coast line back to the origin. All geographic points 
are based on North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).

    This area extends approximately 150 nautical miles seaward and 
covers approximately 25,000 square nautical miles including the 
offshore area of New Jersey and New York used by private, commercial, 
and public vessels transiting to and from these ports. An illustration 
showing the study area is below with additional illustrations available 
in the online public docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN03JA22.250


[[Page 109]]



Why did the Coast Guard conduct this PARS?

    The Coast Guard conducted the NNYBPARS to evaluate the adequacy of 
existing vessel routing measures and determine whether additional 
vessel routing measures are necessary for port approaches to New York 
and New Jersey and international and domestic transit areas in the 
First District area of responsibility. The NNYBPARS considered whether 
existing or additional routing measures were necessary to improve 
navigation safety due to factors such as planned or potential offshore 
development, current port capabilities and planned improvements, 
increased vessel traffic, existing and potential anchorage areas, 
changing vessel traffic patterns, effects of weather, or navigational 
difficulty. Vessel routing measures, which include traffic separation 
schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, deep-water routes, 
precautionary areas, and areas to be avoided, are implemented to reduce 
the risk of marine casualties.
    PARS are conducted anytime the Coast Guard considers a need to 
recommend routing changes, within the territorial seas, for any port. 
The Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) requires the Coast Guard to 
conduct a study before establishing new or adjusting existing fairways 
or Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). U.S. waterways support multiple 
uses, such as commercial shipping, tug and barge operations, commercial 
and recreational fishing, research vessels, offshore support vessels, 
military vessels, and aquaculture apparatus.

How did the First Coast Guard District conduct this PARS?

    The PARS was conducted in alignment with guidance outlined in Coast 
Guard Commandant Instruction 16003.2B, Marine Planning to Operate and 
Maintain the Marine Transportation System (MTS) and Implement National 
Policy which is available in the docket or see https://media.defense.gov/2017/Mar/15/2001716995/-1/-1/0/CI_16003_2A.PDF.

What were the objectives of the study?

    The objectives of the study were to;
    i. Determine present traffic density;
    ii. Determine potential traffic density;
    iii. Determine if existing vessel routing measures are adequate;
    iv. Determine if existing vessel routing measures require 
modifications;
    v. Determine the type of modifications;
    vi. Define and justify the needs for new vessel routing measures;
    vii. Determine the type of new vessel routing measures; and
    viii. Determine if the usage of the vessel routing measures must be 
mandatory for specific classes of vessels.

III. Viewing the Report

    The NNYBPARS report is available for viewing and download from the 
Federal Register docket at https://www.regulations.gov or the Coast 
Guard Navigation Center website at https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=PARSReports.
    To view the NNYBPARS report in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, and insert ``USCG-2020-0278'' in the ``search 
box.'' Click ``Search''. Then scroll down to the document entitled 
``FINAL REPORT Northern New York Bight PARS December 27, 2021'' under 
the document type ``Supporting & Related Material.''

IV. Conclusion

    As required by the March 15, 2019 Federal Register Notice of study; 
request for comments (84 FR 9541), the First Coast Guard District 
considered whether it should revise existing regulations to improve 
navigation safety in NNYB due to factors such as vessel traffic 
density, vessel traffic patterns, weather conditions, or navigation 
challenges in the study area. The First Coast Guard District analyzed 
all available sources of data relevant to this process, including 
existing and potential traffic patterns, existing regulations, public 
submissions, and other factors. The First Coast Guard District 
identified five different alternatives to consider within this study.
    As detailed in the final report, the First Coast Guard District 
recommends that multiple shipping safety fairways and one federal 
anchorage ground be established within the NNYBPARS study area. 
Shipping safety fairways may be utilized by mariners but are not 
mandatory for any specific class of vessel.
    The First Coast Guard District actively monitors all waterways 
subject to its jurisdiction to help ensure navigation safety. As such, 
the First Coast Guard District will continue to monitor the Northern 
New York Bight for changing conditions and consider appropriate 
actions, such as recommend vessel routes or more extensive use of 
electronic Aids to Navigation to promote waterway and user safety.
    This notice is published under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 70003, 
70004 and 5 U.S.C. 552(a).

    Dated: December 27, 2021.
T. G. Allan Jr.,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2021-28457 Filed 12-30-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


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