Safety Zone; Vineyard Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0501, Offshore Massachusetts, Atlantic Ocean, 27839-27845 [2023-09415]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 3, 2023 / Proposed Rules the standardized FA with the Government (available during the application process), which implements the requirements set forth in §§ 236.5 and 236.6 and this section. (b) In order for DIB CS Program participants to receive classified cyber threat information electronically, the company must be a cleared defense contractor and must: (1) Have an existing active facility clearance level (FCL) to at least the Secret level in accordance with 32 CFR part 117; (2) Have or acquire a Communication Security (COMSEC) account in accordance with 32 CFR part 117, which provides procedures and requirements for COMSEC activities; (3) Have or acquire approved safeguarding for at least Secret information, and continue to qualify under 32 CFR part 117 for retention of its FCL and approved safeguarding; and (4) Obtain access to DoD’s secure voice and data transmission systems supporting the voluntary DIB CS Program. Dated: April 25, 2023. Aaron T. Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. If you have questions about this proposed rulemaking, call or email Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways Management, at Coast Guard First District, telephone 617–603–8592, email craig.d.lapiejko@ uscg.mil. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [FR Doc. 2023–09021 Filed 5–2–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Table of Abbreviations Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 147 [Docket Number USCG–2023–0277] RIN 1625–AA00 Safety Zone; Vineyard Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS–A 0501, Offshore Massachusetts, Atlantic Ocean Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard is proposing to establish 63 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 62 wind turbine generators (WTGs) and one electrical service platform (ESP) located in the Vineyard Wind 1 Wind Farm (VW1WF) project area within federal waters on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), specifically in the northern portion of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS–A 0501, approximately 12 nautical miles (NM) offshore of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts and 12 NM offshore Nantucket, lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 May 02, 2023 Jkt 259001 Massachusetts. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life, property, and the environment during the planned construction of each facility’s monopile type foundation and subsequent installation of the WTGs turbines and ESP platform from June 15, 2023, to May 31, 2024. When enforced, only attending vessels and those vessels specifically authorized by the First Coast Guard District Commander, or a designated representative, are permitted to enter or remain in the temporary safety zones. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before June 2, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2023–0277 using the Federal DecisionMaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. BOEM Bureau of Ocean Energy Management CFR Code of Federal Regulations DD Degrees Decimal DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking OCS Outer Continental Shelf OSS Offshore Substation NAD 83 North American Datum of 1983 NM Nautical Mile § Section U.S.C. United States Code WTG Wind Turbine Generator VW1WF Vineyard Wind 1 Wind Farm II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis On March 15, 2023, Vineyard Wind, LLC, an offshore wind farm developer, notified the Coast Guard that they plan to begin construction of facilities in the VW1WF project area within federal waters on the OCS, specifically in the northern portion of BOEM Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS–A 0501, approximately 12 NM offshore Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts and 12 NM offshore Nantucket, Massachusetts in June 2023. PO 00000 Frm 00128 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 27839 The extremely complex offshore construction of these OCS facilities presents many unusually hazardous conditions including hydraulic pile driving hammer operations, heavy lift operations, overhead cutting operations, potential falling debris, increased vessel traffic, and stationary barges in close proximity to the facilities and each other. Based on these circumstances, the First Coast Guard District Commander has determined that establishment of 63 temporary safety zones through rulemaking is warranted to ensure the safety of life, property, and the environment within a 500-meter radius of each of the 63 facilities during their construction. The Coast Guard is proposing this rule under the authorities provided in 14 U.S.C. 544, 43 U.S.C. 1333, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3. As an implementing regulation of this authority, 33 CFR part 147 permits the establishment of safety zones for non-mineral energy resource permanent or temporary structures located on the OCS for the purpose of protecting life and property on the facilities, appurtenances and attending vessels, and on the adjacent waters within the safety zone (see 33 CFR 147.10). Accordingly, a safety zone established under 33 CFR part 147 may also include provisions to restrict, prevent, or control certain activities, including access by vessels or persons to maintain safety of life, property, and the environment. If, as we anticipate, we issue a temporary final rule and make it effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, we will explain in that publication, as required by 5 U.S.C. (d)(3), our good cause for doing so. III. Discussion of Proposed Rule The District Commander is proposing to establish 63 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 62 WTGs and one ESP on the OCS from June 15, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2024. The construction of these facilities is expected to take place in mixed phases alternating between the installation of several monopile type foundations followed by the installation of the upper structures then repeating this process throughout the project area until all 63 facilities have been completed. The 63 temporary safety zones would be enforced individually as construction progresses from one structure location to the next throughout the entire process for a period lasting approximately 48 hours. The Coast Guard would make E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM 03MYP1 27840 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 3, 2023 / Proposed Rules notice of each enforcement period via the Local Notice to Mariners and issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via marine channel 16 (VHF–FM) as soon as practicable in response to an emergency or hazardous condition. The Coast Guard is publishing this rulemaking to be effective, and enforceable, through May 31, 2024, to encompass any construction delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If the project is completed before May 31, 2024, enforcement of the safety zones would be suspended, and notice given via Local Notice to Mariners. Additional information about the construction process of the VW1WF can be found at https://www.boem.gov/ vineyard-wind. The 63 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 62 WTGs and one ESP are in the VW1WF project area, specifically in the northern portion of BOEM Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS–A 0501, approximately 12 NM offshore of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts and 12 NM offshore Nantucket, Massachusetts, within federal waters on the OCS. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Name AL38 AM37 AM38 AM39 AN36 AN37 AN38 AN39 AP35 AP36 AP37 AP38 AP39 AP40 AP41 AQ34 AQ35 AQ36 AQ37 AQ38 AQ39 AQ40 AQ41 AQ42 AR33 AR34 AR35 AR36 AR37 AR38 AR39 AR40 AR41 AR42 AS32 AS33 AS34 AS35 AS36 AS37 AS38 AS39 AS40 AS41 AS42 AT33 AT34 AT35 AT36 AT37 AT38 AT39 AT40 Facility type ............................................................................. ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................ 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............................................................................. 1 The Rhode Island and Massachusetts Structure Labeling Plot (West) is an attachment to the Conditions of Construction and Operations Plan VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 May 02, 2023 The positions of each individual safety zone proposed by this rulemaking will be referred to using a unique alphanumeric naming convention outlined in the ‘‘Rhode Island and Massachusetts Structure Labeling Plot (West).’’ 1 Aligning with authorities under 33 CFR 147.15, the proposed safety zones would include the area within 500meters of the center point of the positions provided in the following table expressed in Decimal Degrees (DD) based on North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83). Jkt 259001 WTG ............................................................................. ESP ............................................................................... WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. Approval Lease Number OCS–A 0517 (boem.gov) and can be found at https://www.boem.gov/sites/ PO 00000 Latitude Frm 00129 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 41.1370161 41.1200616 41.1203387 41.1206168 41.1030927 41.1033791 41.1036612 41.1039392 41.0861251 41.0864155 41.0867017 41.0869837 41.0872615 41.0875351 41.0878044 41.0691535 41.0694480 41.0697382 41.0700243 41.0703061 41.0705837 41.0708571 41.0711263 41.0713913 41.0521781 41.0524766 41.0527709 41.0530609 41.0533468 41.0536285 41.0539059 41.0541792 41.0544482 41.0547130 41.0351987 41.0355012 41.0357995 41.0360937 41.0363836 41.0366693 41.0369508 41.0372281 41.0375012 41.0377701 41.0380347 41.0188243 41.0191225 41.0194164 41.0197062 41.0199917 41.0202731 41.0205502 41.0208231 Longitude ¥70.4638911 ¥70.4851682 ¥70.4635204 ¥70.4414663 ¥70.5072461 ¥70.4851982 ¥70.4631500 ¥70.4411014 ¥70.5289069 ¥70.5068649 ¥70.4848226 ¥70.4627799 ¥70.4407369 ¥70.4186937 ¥70.3966501 ¥70.5505566 ¥70.5285205 ¥70.5064840 ¥70.4844472 ¥70.4624101 ¥70.4403727 ¥70.4183350 ¥70.3962970 ¥70.3742587 ¥70.5721951 ¥70.5501649 ¥70.5281343 ¥70.5061034 ¥70.4840722 ¥70.4620407 ¥70.4400088 ¥70.4179767 ¥70.3959442 ¥70.3739115 ¥70.5938225 ¥70.5717982 ¥70.5497735 ¥70.5277485 ¥70.5057231 ¥70.4836975 ¥70.4616715 ¥70.4396452 ¥70.4176186 ¥70.3955918 ¥70.3735646 ¥70.5714016 ¥70.5493824 ¥70.5273630 ¥70.5053432 ¥70.4833231 ¥70.4613027 ¥70.4392819 ¥70.4172609 default/files/documents/renewable-energy/stateactivities/SFWF-COP-Terms-and-Conditions.pdf. E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM 03MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 3, 2023 / Proposed Rules Name Facility type AT41 ............................................................................. AU36 ............................................................................. AU37 ............................................................................. AU38 ............................................................................. AU39 ............................................................................. AU40 ............................................................................. AV37 ............................................................................. AV38 ............................................................................. AV39 ............................................................................. AW38 ............................................................................ VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 May 02, 2023 Jkt 259001 ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. 41.0210918 41.0030287 41.0033141 41.0035953 41.0038722 41.0041450 40.9866364 40.9869174 40.9871942 40.9702395 Longitude ¥70.3952396 ¥70.5049636 ¥70.4829490 ¥70.4609341 ¥70.4389190 ¥70.4169035 ¥70.4825752 ¥70.4605659 ¥70.4385563 ¥70.4601980 approximately one NM spacing between each position. BILLING CODE 9110–04–P PO 00000 Frm 00130 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM 03MYP1 EP03MY23.017</GPH> lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 The positions of the 63 proposed safety zones are shown on the following chartlets. For scaling purposes, there is WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG Latitude 27841 VerDate Sep<11>2014 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 3, 2023 / Proposed Rules 18:28 May 02, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00131 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM 03MYP1 EP03MY23.018</GPH> EP03MY23.019</GPH> lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 27842 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 3, 2023 / Proposed Rules BILLING CODE 9110–04–C Navigation in the vicinity of the proposed safety zones consists of large commercial shipping vessels, fishing vessels, cruise ships, tugs with tows, and recreational vessels. When enforced, no unauthorized vessel or person would be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the First Coast Guard District Commander or a designated representative. Requests for entry into the safety zone would be considered and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zone must request authorization from the First Coast Guard District Commander or designated representative via VHF–FM channel 16 or by phone at 617–603–1560 (First Coast Guard District Command Center). If permission is granted, all persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the First Coast Guard District Commander or designated representative. The proposed regulatory text appears at the end of this document. IV. Regulatory Analyses We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive Orders related to rulemaking. A summary of our analyses based on these statutes and Executive Orders follows. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 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 NPRM has not been designated a ‘‘significant regulatory action,’’ under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Aligning with 33 CFR 147.15, the safety zones established would extend to a maximum distance of 500-meters around the OCS facility measured from its center point. Vessel traffic would be able to safely transit around the proposed safety zones, which would impact a small, designated area in the Atlantic Ocean, without significant impediment to their voyage. This safety zone would provide for the safety of life, property, and the environment during the construction of each structure, in accordance with Coast Guard maritime safety missions. B. Impact on Small Entities The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601–612, as amended, VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 May 02, 2023 Jkt 259001 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 proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule may affect owners or operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in the VW1WF, some of which might be small entities. However, these safety zones would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of these entities because they are temporarily enforced, allow for deviation requests, and do not impact vessel transit significantly. Regarding the enforcement period, although these safety zones would be in effect from June 15, 2023, through May 31, 2024, vessels would only be prohibited from the regulated zone during periods of actual construction activity in correspondence to the period of enforcement. We expect the enforcement period at each location to last approximately 48 hours as construction progresses from one structure location to the next throughout the mixed phases. Additionally, vessel traffic could pass safely around each safety zone using an alternate route. Use of an alternate route likely will cause minimal delay for the vessel in reaching their destination depending on other traffic in the area and vessel speed. Vessels would also be able to request deviation from this rule to transit through a safety zone. Such requests would be considered on a case by-case basis and may be authorized by the First Coast Guard District Commander or a designated representative. For these reasons, the Coast Guard expects any impact of this rulemaking establishing a temporary safety zone around these OCS facilities to be minimal and have no significant economic impact on small entities. If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it. 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 proposed rule. If the PO 00000 Frm 00132 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 27843 proposed 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. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard. C. Collection of Information This proposed rule would 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 proposed 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 proposed rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments) because it would 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. If you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. 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 proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the potential effects of this proposed rule elsewhere in this preamble. E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM 03MYP1 27844 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 3, 2023 / Proposed Rules F. Environment We have analyzed this proposed 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 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have made a preliminary determination 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 proposed rule involves the establishment of a safety zone around an OCS facility to protect life, property, and the marine environment. Normally such actions are categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60 of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023–01–001–01, Rev. 1. A preliminary 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. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule. 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. V. Public Participation and Request for Comments We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking and will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal Decision-Making Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. To do so, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2023–0277 in the search box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, look for this document in the Search Results column, and click on it. Then click on the Comment option. If you cannot submit your material by using https:// www.regulations.gov, call or email the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this proposed rule for alternate instructions. Viewing material in docket. To view documents mentioned in this proposed rule as being available in the docket, find the docket as described in the previous paragraph, and then select ‘‘Supporting & Related Material’’ in the Document Type column. Public comments will also be placed in our online docket and can be viewed by following instructions on the https:// www.regulations.gov Frequently Asked Questions web page. We review all comments received, but we will only post comments that address the topic of the proposed rule. We may choose not to post off-topic, inappropriate, or duplicate comments that we receive. Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we post to https://www.regulations.gov will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions to the docket in response to this document, see DHS’s eRulemaking System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020). List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 147 Continental shelf, Marine safety, Navigation (waters). For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is proposing to amend 33 CFR part 147 as follows: PART 147—SAFETY ZONES 1. The authority citation for part 147 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 14 U.S.C. 544; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 33 CFR 1.05–1; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3. 2. Add § 147.T01–0277 to read as follows: ■ § 147.T01–0277 Safety Zones; Vineyard Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS–A 0501, Offshore Massachusetts, Atlantic Ocean. (a) Description. The area within 500meters of the center point of the positions provided in the table 1 is a safety zone: TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (a) lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Name AL38 AM37 AM38 AM39 AN36 AN37 AN38 AN39 AP35 AP36 AP37 AP38 AP39 AP40 AP41 AQ34 AQ35 AQ36 AQ37 AQ38 AQ39 AQ40 AQ41 AQ42 Facility type ............................................................................. ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 May 02, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Latitude WTG ............................................................................. ESP ............................................................................... WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. WTG ............................................................................. Frm 00133 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM 03MYP1 41.1370161 41.1200616 41.1203387 41.1206168 41.1030927 41.1033791 41.1036612 41.1039392 41.0861251 41.0864155 41.0867017 41.0869837 41.0872615 41.0875351 41.0878044 41.0691535 41.0694480 41.0697382 41.0700243 41.0703061 41.0705837 41.0708571 41.0711263 41.0713913 Longitude ¥70.4638911 ¥70.4851682 ¥70.4635204 ¥70.4414663 ¥70.5072461 ¥70.4851982 ¥70.4631500 ¥70.4411014 ¥70.5289069 ¥70.5068649 ¥70.4848226 ¥70.4627799 ¥70.4407369 ¥70.4186937 ¥70.3966501 ¥70.5505566 ¥70.5285205 ¥70.5064840 ¥70.4844472 ¥70.4624101 ¥70.4403727 ¥70.4183350 ¥70.3962970 ¥70.3742587 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 3, 2023 / Proposed Rules 27845 TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (a)—Continued Name Facility type lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 AR33 ............................................................................. 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AS35 ............................................................................. AS36 ............................................................................. AS37 ............................................................................. AS38 ............................................................................. AS39 ............................................................................. AS40 ............................................................................. AS41 ............................................................................. AS42 ............................................................................. AT33 ............................................................................. AT34 ............................................................................. AT35 ............................................................................. AT36 ............................................................................. AT37 ............................................................................. AT38 ............................................................................. AT39 ............................................................................. AT40 ............................................................................. AT41 ............................................................................. AU36 ............................................................................. AU37 ............................................................................. AU38 ............................................................................. AU39 ............................................................................. AU40 ............................................................................. AV37 ............................................................................. AV38 ............................................................................. AV39 ............................................................................. AW38 ............................................................................ (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 First Coast Guard District Commander in the enforcement of the safety zones. (c) Regulations. No vessel may enter or remain in the safety zones described in paragraph (a) of this section except for the following: (1) An attending vessel as defined in 33 CFR 147.20; (2) A vessel authorized by the First Coast Guard District Commander or a designated representative. (d) Request for Permission. Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zone must request authorization from the First Coast Guard District Commander or a designated representative. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels must comply with lawful instructions of the First Coast Guard VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 May 02, 2023 Jkt 259001 WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. ............................................................................. District Commander or designated representative via VHF–FM channel 16 or by phone at 617–223–1560 (First Coast Guard District Command Center). (e) Effective and enforcement periods. This section will be effective from June 15, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2024. It will only be enforced during active construction or other instances which may cause a hazard to navigation deemed necessary by the First Coast Guard District Commander. The First Coast Guard District Commander will make notification of the exact dates and times in advance of each enforcement period for the locations above in paragraph (a) of this section to the local maritime community through the Local Notice to Mariners and will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via marine channel 16 (VHF–FM) as soon as practicable in response to an emergency. If the project is completed before May 31, 2024, enforcement of the safety zones will be suspended, and notice given via Local Notice to Mariners. The First Coast Guard District Local Notice PO 00000 Frm 00134 Latitude Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 41.0521781 41.0524766 41.0527709 41.0530609 41.0533468 41.0536285 41.0539059 41.0541792 41.0544482 41.0547130 41.0351987 41.0355012 41.0357995 41.0360937 41.0363836 41.0366693 41.0369508 41.0372281 41.0375012 41.0377701 41.0380347 41.0188243 41.0191225 41.0194164 41.0197062 41.0199917 41.0202731 41.0205502 41.0208231 41.0210918 41.0030287 41.0033141 41.0035953 41.0038722 41.0041450 40.9866364 40.9869174 40.9871942 40.9702395 Longitude ¥70.5721951 ¥70.5501649 ¥70.5281343 ¥70.5061034 ¥70.4840722 ¥70.4620407 ¥70.4400088 ¥70.4179767 ¥70.3959442 ¥70.3739115 ¥70.5938225 ¥70.5717982 ¥70.5497735 ¥70.5277485 ¥70.5057231 ¥70.4836975 ¥70.4616715 ¥70.4396452 ¥70.4176186 ¥70.3955918 ¥70.3735646 ¥70.5714016 ¥70.5493824 ¥70.5273630 ¥70.5053432 ¥70.4833231 ¥70.4613027 ¥70.4392819 ¥70.4172609 ¥70.3952396 ¥70.5049636 ¥70.4829490 ¥70.4609341 ¥70.4389190 ¥70.4169035 ¥70.4825752 ¥70.4605659 ¥70.4385563 ¥70.4601980 to Mariners can be found at: https:// www.navcen.uscg.gov. Dated: April 27, 2023. J.W. Mauger, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2023–09415 Filed 5–2–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P LIBRARY OF CONGRESS U.S. Copyright Office 37 CFR Parts 222 and 235 [Docket No. 2023–4] Copyright Claims Board: AgreementBased Counterclaims U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments. AGENCY: The U.S. Copyright Office is amending its regulations governing SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM 03MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 3, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27839-27845]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-09415]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 147

[Docket Number USCG-2023-0277]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Vineyard Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Outer 
Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0501, Offshore Massachusetts, Atlantic 
Ocean

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is proposing to establish 63 temporary 500-
meter safety zones around the construction of 62 wind turbine 
generators (WTGs) and one electrical service platform (ESP) located in 
the Vineyard Wind 1 Wind Farm (VW1WF) project area within federal 
waters on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), specifically in the 
northern portion of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Renewable 
Energy Lease Area OCS-A 0501, approximately 12 nautical miles (NM) 
offshore of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts and 12 NM offshore 
Nantucket, Massachusetts. This action is necessary to provide for the 
safety of life, property, and the environment during the planned 
construction of each facility's monopile type foundation and subsequent 
installation of the WTGs turbines and ESP platform from June 15, 2023, 
to May 31, 2024. When enforced, only attending vessels and those 
vessels specifically authorized by the First Coast Guard District 
Commander, or a designated representative, are permitted to enter or 
remain in the temporary safety zones. We invite your comments on this 
proposed rulemaking.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before June 2, 2023.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2023-0277 using the Federal Decision-Making Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See the ``Public Participation and Request for 
Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further 
instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
proposed rulemaking, call or email Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways 
Management, at Coast Guard First District, telephone 617-603-8592, 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

BOEM Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DD Degrees Decimal
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
OCS Outer Continental Shelf
OSS Offshore Substation
NAD 83 North American Datum of 1983
NM Nautical Mile
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code
WTG Wind Turbine Generator
VW1WF Vineyard Wind 1 Wind Farm

II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis

    On March 15, 2023, Vineyard Wind, LLC, an offshore wind farm 
developer, notified the Coast Guard that they plan to begin 
construction of facilities in the VW1WF project area within federal 
waters on the OCS, specifically in the northern portion of BOEM 
Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS-A 0501, approximately 12 NM offshore 
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts and 12 NM offshore Nantucket, 
Massachusetts in June 2023.
    The extremely complex offshore construction of these OCS facilities 
presents many unusually hazardous conditions including hydraulic pile 
driving hammer operations, heavy lift operations, overhead cutting 
operations, potential falling debris, increased vessel traffic, and 
stationary barges in close proximity to the facilities and each other.
    Based on these circumstances, the First Coast Guard District 
Commander has determined that establishment of 63 temporary safety 
zones through rulemaking is warranted to ensure the safety of life, 
property, and the environment within a 500-meter radius of each of the 
63 facilities during their construction.
    The Coast Guard is proposing this rule under the authorities 
provided in 14 U.S.C. 544, 43 U.S.C. 1333, and Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS) Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3. As an 
implementing regulation of this authority, 33 CFR part 147 permits the 
establishment of safety zones for non-mineral energy resource permanent 
or temporary structures located on the OCS for the purpose of 
protecting life and property on the facilities, appurtenances and 
attending vessels, and on the adjacent waters within the safety zone 
(see 33 CFR 147.10). Accordingly, a safety zone established under 33 
CFR part 147 may also include provisions to restrict, prevent, or 
control certain activities, including access by vessels or persons to 
maintain safety of life, property, and the environment. If, as we 
anticipate, we issue a temporary final rule and make it effective less 
than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, we will explain 
in that publication, as required by 5 U.S.C. (d)(3), our good cause for 
doing so.

III. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The District Commander is proposing to establish 63 temporary 500-
meter safety zones around the construction of 62 WTGs and one ESP on 
the OCS from June 15, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2024.
    The construction of these facilities is expected to take place in 
mixed phases alternating between the installation of several monopile 
type foundations followed by the installation of the upper structures 
then repeating this process throughout the project area until all 63 
facilities have been completed. The 63 temporary safety zones would be 
enforced individually as construction progresses from one structure 
location to the next throughout the entire process for a period lasting 
approximately 48 hours. The Coast Guard would make

[[Page 27840]]

notice of each enforcement period via the Local Notice to Mariners and 
issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via marine channel 16 (VHF-FM) as 
soon as practicable in response to an emergency or hazardous condition. 
The Coast Guard is publishing this rulemaking to be effective, and 
enforceable, through May 31, 2024, to encompass any construction delays 
due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If the project is 
completed before May 31, 2024, enforcement of the safety zones would be 
suspended, and notice given via Local Notice to Mariners.
    Additional information about the construction process of the VW1WF 
can be found at https://www.boem.gov/vineyard-wind.
    The 63 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 
62 WTGs and one ESP are in the VW1WF project area, specifically in the 
northern portion of BOEM Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS-A 0501, 
approximately 12 NM offshore of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts and 12 
NM offshore Nantucket, Massachusetts, within federal waters on the OCS.
    The positions of each individual safety zone proposed by this 
rulemaking will be referred to using a unique alpha-numeric naming 
convention outlined in the ``Rhode Island and Massachusetts Structure 
Labeling Plot (West).'' \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The Rhode Island and Massachusetts Structure Labeling Plot 
(West) is an attachment to the Conditions of Construction and 
Operations Plan Approval Lease Number OCS-A 0517 (boem.gov) and can 
be found at https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/documents/renewable-energy/state-activities/SFWF-COP-Terms-and-Conditions.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Aligning with authorities under 33 CFR 147.15, the proposed safety 
zones would include the area within 500-meters of the center point of 
the positions provided in the following table expressed in Decimal 
Degrees (DD) based on North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Name                                 Facility type              Latitude        Longitude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1370161     -70.4638911
AM37..........................................  ESP.............................      41.1200616     -70.4851682
AM38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1203387     -70.4635204
AM39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1206168     -70.4414663
AN36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1030927     -70.5072461
AN37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1033791     -70.4851982
AN38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1036612     -70.4631500
AN39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1039392     -70.4411014
AP35..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0861251     -70.5289069
AP36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0864155     -70.5068649
AP37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0867017     -70.4848226
AP38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0869837     -70.4627799
AP39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0872615     -70.4407369
AP40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0875351     -70.4186937
AP41..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0878044     -70.3966501
AQ34..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0691535     -70.5505566
AQ35..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0694480     -70.5285205
AQ36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0697382     -70.5064840
AQ37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0700243     -70.4844472
AQ38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0703061     -70.4624101
AQ39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0705837     -70.4403727
AQ40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0708571     -70.4183350
AQ41..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0711263     -70.3962970
AQ42..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0713913     -70.3742587
AR33..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0521781     -70.5721951
AR34..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0524766     -70.5501649
AR35..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0527709     -70.5281343
AR36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0530609     -70.5061034
AR37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0533468     -70.4840722
AR38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0536285     -70.4620407
AR39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0539059     -70.4400088
AR40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0541792     -70.4179767
AR41..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0544482     -70.3959442
AR42..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0547130     -70.3739115
AS32..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0351987     -70.5938225
AS33..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0355012     -70.5717982
AS34..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0357995     -70.5497735
AS35..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0360937     -70.5277485
AS36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0363836     -70.5057231
AS37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0366693     -70.4836975
AS38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0369508     -70.4616715
AS39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0372281     -70.4396452
AS40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0375012     -70.4176186
AS41..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0377701     -70.3955918
AS42..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0380347     -70.3735646
AT33..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0188243     -70.5714016
AT34..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0191225     -70.5493824
AT35..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0194164     -70.5273630
AT36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0197062     -70.5053432
AT37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0199917     -70.4833231
AT38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0202731     -70.4613027
AT39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0205502     -70.4392819
AT40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0208231     -70.4172609

[[Page 27841]]

 
AT41..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0210918     -70.3952396
AU36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0030287     -70.5049636
AU37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0033141     -70.4829490
AU38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0035953     -70.4609341
AU39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0038722     -70.4389190
AU40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0041450     -70.4169035
AV37..........................................  WTG.............................      40.9866364     -70.4825752
AV38..........................................  WTG.............................      40.9869174     -70.4605659
AV39..........................................  WTG.............................      40.9871942     -70.4385563
AW38..........................................  WTG.............................      40.9702395     -70.4601980
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The positions of the 63 proposed safety zones are shown on the 
following chartlets. For scaling purposes, there is approximately one 
NM spacing between each position.
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.017


[[Page 27842]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.018

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.019


[[Page 27843]]


BILLING CODE 9110-04-C
    Navigation in the vicinity of the proposed safety zones consists of 
large commercial shipping vessels, fishing vessels, cruise ships, tugs 
with tows, and recreational vessels.
    When enforced, no unauthorized vessel or person would be permitted 
to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the First 
Coast Guard District Commander or a designated representative. Requests 
for entry into the safety zone would be considered and reviewed on a 
case-by-case basis. Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zone 
must request authorization from the First Coast Guard District 
Commander or designated representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or by 
phone at 617-603-1560 (First Coast Guard District Command Center). If 
permission is granted, all persons and vessels shall comply with the 
instructions of the First Coast Guard District Commander or designated 
representative.
    The proposed regulatory text appears at the end of this document.

IV. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and Executive Orders related to rulemaking. A summary of our analyses 
based on these statutes and Executive Orders follows.

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 NPRM has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM 
has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    Aligning with 33 CFR 147.15, the safety zones established would 
extend to a maximum distance of 500-meters around the OCS facility 
measured from its center point. Vessel traffic would be able to safely 
transit around the proposed safety zones, which would impact a small, 
designated area in the Atlantic Ocean, without significant impediment 
to their voyage. This safety zone would provide for the safety of life, 
property, and the environment during the construction of each 
structure, in accordance with Coast Guard maritime safety missions.

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 
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    This rule may affect owners or operators of vessels intending to 
transit or anchor in the VW1WF, some of which might be small entities. 
However, these safety zones would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of these entities because they are 
temporarily enforced, allow for deviation requests, and do not impact 
vessel transit significantly. Regarding the enforcement period, 
although these safety zones would be in effect from June 15, 2023, 
through May 31, 2024, vessels would only be prohibited from the 
regulated zone during periods of actual construction activity in 
correspondence to the period of enforcement. We expect the enforcement 
period at each location to last approximately 48 hours as construction 
progresses from one structure location to the next throughout the mixed 
phases. Additionally, vessel traffic could pass safely around each 
safety zone using an alternate route. Use of an alternate route likely 
will cause minimal delay for the vessel in reaching their destination 
depending on other traffic in the area and vessel speed. Vessels would 
also be able to request deviation from this rule to transit through a 
safety zone. Such requests would be considered on a case by-case basis 
and may be authorized by the First Coast Guard District Commander or a 
designated representative. For these reasons, the Coast Guard expects 
any impact of this rulemaking establishing a temporary safety zone 
around these OCS facilities to be minimal and have no significant 
economic impact on small entities.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this proposed rule 
would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment 
(see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to 
what degree this rule would economically affect it.
    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 proposed rule. If the proposed 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. The Coast Guard will not 
retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this 
proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would 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 proposed 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 proposed rule does not have tribal implications under 
Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments) because it would 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. If 
you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or 
Indian tribes, please call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

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 proposed rule would not 
result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the potential effects of 
this proposed rule elsewhere in this preamble.

[[Page 27844]]

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this proposed 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 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have made 
a preliminary determination 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 proposed rule involves the 
establishment of a safety zone around an OCS facility to protect life, 
property, and the marine environment. Normally such actions are 
categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60 of 
Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A 
preliminary 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. We seek any 
comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant 
environmental impact from this proposed rule.

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.

V. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking 
and will consider all comments and material received during the comment 
period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If 
you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which 
each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or 
recommendation.
    Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments through 
the Federal Decision-Making Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. To 
do so, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2023-0277 in the 
search box and click ``Search.'' Next, look for this document in the 
Search Results column, and click on it. Then click on the Comment 
option. If you cannot submit your material by using https://www.regulations.gov, call or email the person in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section of this proposed rule for alternate 
instructions.
    Viewing material in docket. To view documents mentioned in this 
proposed rule as being available in the docket, find the docket as 
described in the previous paragraph, and then select ``Supporting & 
Related Material'' in the Document Type column. Public comments will 
also be placed in our online docket and can be viewed by following 
instructions on the https://www.regulations.gov Frequently Asked 
Questions web page. We review all comments received, but we will only 
post comments that address the topic of the proposed rule. We may 
choose not to post off-topic, inappropriate, or duplicate comments that 
we receive.
    Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we 
post to https://www.regulations.gov will include any personal 
information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions 
to the docket in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking 
System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 147

    Continental shelf, Marine safety, Navigation (waters).

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is 
proposing to amend 33 CFR part 147 as follows:

PART 147--SAFETY ZONES

0
1. The authority citation for part 147 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 14 U.S.C. 544; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 33 CFR 1.05-1; 
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 
01.3.

0
2. Add Sec.  147.T01-0277 to read as follows:


Sec.  147.T01-0277  Safety Zones; Vineyard Wind 1 Wind Farm Project 
Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0501, Offshore 
Massachusetts, Atlantic Ocean.

    (a) Description. The area within 500-meters of the center point of 
the positions provided in the table 1 is a safety zone:

                                            Table 1 to Paragraph (a)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Name                                 Facility type              Latitude        Longitude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1370161     -70.4638911
AM37..........................................  ESP.............................      41.1200616     -70.4851682
AM38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1203387     -70.4635204
AM39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1206168     -70.4414663
AN36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1030927     -70.5072461
AN37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1033791     -70.4851982
AN38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1036612     -70.4631500
AN39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.1039392     -70.4411014
AP35..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0861251     -70.5289069
AP36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0864155     -70.5068649
AP37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0867017     -70.4848226
AP38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0869837     -70.4627799
AP39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0872615     -70.4407369
AP40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0875351     -70.4186937
AP41..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0878044     -70.3966501
AQ34..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0691535     -70.5505566
AQ35..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0694480     -70.5285205
AQ36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0697382     -70.5064840
AQ37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0700243     -70.4844472
AQ38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0703061     -70.4624101
AQ39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0705837     -70.4403727
AQ40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0708571     -70.4183350
AQ41..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0711263     -70.3962970
AQ42..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0713913     -70.3742587

[[Page 27845]]

 
AR33..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0521781     -70.5721951
AR34..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0524766     -70.5501649
AR35..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0527709     -70.5281343
AR36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0530609     -70.5061034
AR37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0533468     -70.4840722
AR38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0536285     -70.4620407
AR39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0539059     -70.4400088
AR40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0541792     -70.4179767
AR41..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0544482     -70.3959442
AR42..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0547130     -70.3739115
AS32..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0351987     -70.5938225
AS33..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0355012     -70.5717982
AS34..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0357995     -70.5497735
AS35..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0360937     -70.5277485
AS36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0363836     -70.5057231
AS37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0366693     -70.4836975
AS38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0369508     -70.4616715
AS39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0372281     -70.4396452
AS40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0375012     -70.4176186
AS41..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0377701     -70.3955918
AS42..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0380347     -70.3735646
AT33..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0188243     -70.5714016
AT34..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0191225     -70.5493824
AT35..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0194164     -70.5273630
AT36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0197062     -70.5053432
AT37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0199917     -70.4833231
AT38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0202731     -70.4613027
AT39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0205502     -70.4392819
AT40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0208231     -70.4172609
AT41..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0210918     -70.3952396
AU36..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0030287     -70.5049636
AU37..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0033141     -70.4829490
AU38..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0035953     -70.4609341
AU39..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0038722     -70.4389190
AU40..........................................  WTG.............................      41.0041450     -70.4169035
AV37..........................................  WTG.............................      40.9866364     -70.4825752
AV38..........................................  WTG.............................      40.9869174     -70.4605659
AV39..........................................  WTG.............................      40.9871942     -70.4385563
AW38..........................................  WTG.............................      40.9702395     -70.4601980
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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 First 
Coast Guard District Commander in the enforcement of the safety zones.
    (c) Regulations. No vessel may enter or remain in the safety zones 
described in paragraph (a) of this section except for the following:
    (1) An attending vessel as defined in 33 CFR 147.20;
    (2) A vessel authorized by the First Coast Guard District Commander 
or a designated representative.
    (d) Request for Permission. Persons or vessels seeking to enter the 
safety zone must request authorization from the First Coast Guard 
District Commander or a designated representative. If permission is 
granted, all persons and vessels must comply with lawful instructions 
of the First Coast Guard District Commander or designated 
representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or by phone at 617-223-1560 (First 
Coast Guard District Command Center).
    (e) Effective and enforcement periods. This section will be 
effective from June 15, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2024. It 
will only be enforced during active construction or other instances 
which may cause a hazard to navigation deemed necessary by the First 
Coast Guard District Commander. The First Coast Guard District 
Commander will make notification of the exact dates and times in 
advance of each enforcement period for the locations above in paragraph 
(a) of this section to the local maritime community through the Local 
Notice to Mariners and will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via 
marine channel 16 (VHF-FM) as soon as practicable in response to an 
emergency. If the project is completed before May 31, 2024, enforcement 
of the safety zones will be suspended, and notice given via Local 
Notice to Mariners. The First Coast Guard District Local Notice to 
Mariners can be found at: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov.

    Dated: April 27, 2023.
J.W. Mauger,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2023-09415 Filed 5-2-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


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