Safety Zone; Tennessee River, Decatur County, AL, 52471-52473 [2022-18466]

Agencies

• Coast Guard
• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 165 (Friday, August 26, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52471-52473]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-18466]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2022-0719]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Tennessee River, Decatur County, AL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for 
navigable waters of the Tennessee River extending from mile marker 
169--172. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and 
the marine environment from potential hazards created by the salvage 
operations. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited 
unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Ohio 
Valley.

DATES: This rule is effective from 8 a.m. on August 29, 2022, through 4 
p.m. on August 31, 2022.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2022-0719 in the search box and click ``Search.'' Next, in the Document 
Type column, select ``Supporting & Related Material.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email Petty Officer Joshua Rehl, MSD Nashville, U.S. Coast 
Guard; telephone 615-736-5421, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule without prior notice 
and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This 
provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and 
opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those 
procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary

[[Page 52472]]

to the public interest.'' Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard 
finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because immediate action is 
needed to respond and repair to the potential safety hazards associated 
with the sunken vessel. It is impracticable to publish an NPRM because 
we must establish this safely zone by August 29, 2022. A sunken vessel 
between mile markers 169--172 is causing a hazard to navigation on the 
Tennessee River. The safety zone must be established to protect people 
and vessels associated with and resulting from the sunken vessel and we 
lack sufficient time to provide a reasonable comment period and then 
consider those comments before issuing the rule. This safety zone may 
include closures and/or navigation restrictions and requirements that 
are vital to maintain safe navigation on the Tennessee River during 
salve operations.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause 
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register. Delaying the effective date of 
this rule would be impracticable because immediate action is needed to 
respond to the potential safety hazards associated with the salvage 
operations of the sunken vessel.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231). The Captain of the Port Sector Ohio 
Valley (COTP) has determined that potential hazards associated with the 
salvage operations from August 29 through August 31, 2022, will be a 
safety concern for anyone within mile marker 169-172. This rule is 
needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the 
navigable waters within the safety zone while the salvage operations 
are taking place.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a safety zone from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on 
August 29 through August 31, 2022. The safety zone will cover all 
navigable waters within mile markers 169-172. The duration of the zone 
is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment 
in these navigable waters while the salvage operations are being 
conducted. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety 
zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated 
representative.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders, and we 
discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. This rule has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, this 
rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB).
    This regulatory action determination is based on the location of 
the event on the Tennessee River lasting only 8 hours each day.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
safety zone may be small entities, this rule will only last 8 hours, 
this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any vessel 
owner or operator.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please 
call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. We have analyzed this rule under that order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in 
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and 
Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast 
Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42

[[Page 52473]]

U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this action is one of a 
category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves a 
safety zone lasting only 8 hours that will prohibit entry within mile 
marker 169--172 of the Tennessee River. It is categorically excluded 
from further review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of 
DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A Record of Environmental 
Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket. 
For instructions on locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of 
this preamble.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so 
that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places, or vessels.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-
6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
00170.1, Revision No. 01.2.


0
2. Add Sec.  165.T08-0719 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T08-0719  Safety Zone; Tennessee River, Decatur County, AL.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All navigable 
waters of the Tennessee River from Mile Marker 169 through 172, 
extending the entire width of the river.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative 
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, 
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a 
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the 
Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley (COTP) in the enforcement of the 
safety zone.
    (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in 
subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in 
paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the 
COTPs designated representative.
    (2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's 
representative by 502-779-5422 or on VHR-FM channel 16. Those in the 
safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to 
them by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative.
    (d) Enforcement period(s). This section will be enforced August 29 
through August 31, 2022, from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. each day.

    Dated: August 22, 2022.
H.R. Mattern,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley.
[FR Doc. 2022-18466 Filed 8-25-22; 8:45 am]
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