Department of Homeland Security August 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This document is a new System of Records Notice (SORN) for the Automated Targeting System (ATS) and is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. ATS is an enforcement screening tool consisting of six separate components, all of which rely substantially on information in the Treasury Enforcement Communications System (TECS). ATS historically was covered by the SORN for TECS. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a separate SORN for ATS in the Federal Register on November 2, 2006. This SORN did not describe any new collection of information and was intended solely to provide increased notice and transparency to the public about ATS. Based on comments received in response to the November 2, 2006 notice, CBP issues this revised SORN, which responds to those comments, makes certain amendments with regard to the retention period and access provisions of the prior notice, and provides further notice and transparency to the public about the functionality of ATS. TECS is an overarching law enforcement information collection, risk assessment, and information sharing environment. It is also a repository for law enforcement and investigative information. TECS is comprised of several modules that collect, maintain, and evaluate screening data, conduct targeting, and make information available to appropriate officers of the U.S. government. ATS is one of those modules. It is a decision support tool that compares traveler, cargo, and conveyance information against intelligence and other enforcement data by incorporating risk-based targeting scenarios and assessments. As such, ATS allows DHS officers charged with enforcing U.S. law and preventing terrorism and other crimes to effectively and efficiently manage information collected when travelers or goods seek to enter, exit, or transit through the United States. Within ATS there are six separate and distinct components that perform screening of inbound and outbound cargo, conveyances, or travelers. These modules compare information received against CBP's law enforcement databases, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Terrorist Screening Center's Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB), information on outstanding wants or warrants, information from other government agencies regarding high-risk parties, and risk-based rules developed by analysts using law enforcement data, intelligence, and past case experience. The modules also facilitate analysis of the screening results of these comparisons. In the case of cargo and conveyances, this screening results in a risk assessment score. In the case of travelers, however, it does not result in a risk assessment score.

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the S99 Alford Street Bridge across the Mystic River, mile 1.4, between Charlestown and Boston, Massachusetts. Under this temporary deviation the S99 Alford Street Bridge may remain in the closed position from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. on July 27, 2007. In addition, the bridge may remain in the closed position from 7 a.m. on August 28, 2007 through 11:59 p.m. on August 30, 2007. Vessels that can pass under the draw without a bridge opening may do so at all times. This deviation is necessary to facilitate emergency mechanical repairs.

The Coast Guard is establishing a security zone in the vicinity of the HOVENSA refinery facility on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The security zone is needed for national security reasons to protect the public and the HOVENSA facility from potential subversive acts. This interim rule excludes entry into the security zone by all vessels without permission of the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port San Juan or a scheduled arrival in accordance with the Notice of Arrival requirements of 33 CFR part 160, subpart C.

The Coast Guard is establishing temporary special local regulations (SLR) for the Seattle Seafair, Lake Washington, Washington. These special local regulations limit the movement of non-participating vessels in the regulated race area and provide for a viewing area for spectator craft. This rule is needed to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during Seafair. The rule adds four hours to the effective time period each day of enforcement of the existing SLR to accommodate the addition of a fireworks display in this year's Seafair and to promote safety for spectators and participants through consistency in enforcement periods.

By this direct final rule, the Coast Guard is amending the vessel documentation regulations to eliminate the requirement to provide certain original documents to the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) for recording, and to eliminate the additional fee for filing by facsimile. We are undertaking this rulemaking to conform our business practices with similar functions provided by other governmental entities and to allow our customers to avail themselves of better service through electronic filing. This rulemaking is expected to improve efficiency at the NVDC and permit the use of improved information collection technology.

This rule temporarily amends the applicable fees for employment-based Forms I-485, ``Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status,'' and applications for derivative benefits associated with such Forms I-485 filed pursuant to the Department of State's July Visa Bulletin No. 107, dated June 12, 2007. The fees for all other petitions and applications administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue in force as effective on July 30, 2007.