Department of Homeland Security March 27, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard proposes temporary special local regulations during the ``Bo Bowman MemorialSharptown Regatta'', a marine event to be held on the waters of the Nanticoke River near Sharptown, Maryland. These special local regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic in the Nanticoke River during the event.

Technical information or comments are requested on the proposed Base (1% annual-chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs) and proposed BFE modifications for the communities listed below. The BFEs and modified BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The Coast Guard is establishing temporary fixed security zones in the waters extending approximately 100 yards around six separate oil refinery piers in the San Francisco Bay area. These security zones are an integral part of the Coast Guard's efforts to protect these facilities and the surrounding areas from destruction or damage due to accidents, subversive acts, or other causes of a similar nature. Entry into the zones is prohibited, unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) San Francisco Bay, or his designated representative. These zones will be subject to discretionary and random patrol and monitoring by Coast Guard, Federal, state and local law enforcement assets.

The Coast Guard is establishing three special anchorage areas in Long Beach, California where vessels less than 20 meters (approximately 65 feet) in length, and barges, canal boats, scows, or other nondescript craft, would not be required to sound signals required by Rule 35 of the Inland Navigation Rules. The effect of these special anchorages is to reduce the risk of vessel collisions within the harbors of Los Angeles and Long Beach by grouping unmanned barges, which typically do not sound signals in reduced visibility, within specified areas and indicating these designated areas on charts. Vessels moored in these areas will not have to sound signals in restricted visibility.