Department of Homeland Security 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Houston/Galveston Navigation Safety Advisory Committee (HOGANSAC) and its working groups will meet in Houston, Texas to discuss waterway improvements, aids to navigation, area projects impacting safety on the Houston Ship Channel, and various other navigation safety matters in the Galveston Bay area. All meetings will be open to the public.

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has approved a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Pennington Avenue Bridge, at mile 0.9, across Curtis Creek in Baltimore, MD. Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge may remain in the closed position on specific dates and times to facilitate electrical repairs.

The Coast Guard is amending the vessel response plan salvage and marine firefighting requirements for tank vessels carrying oil. These revisions clarify the salvage and marine firefighting services that must be identified in vessel response plans and set new response time requirements for each of the required salvage and marine firefighting services. The changes ensure that the appropriate salvage and marine firefighting resources are identified and available for responding to incidents up to and including the worst case discharge scenario.

The Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) will meet on January 12, 2009 in Washington, DC. The meeting will be closed to the public.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for the Flagler Museum New Year's Eve Celebration fireworks display on the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach, Florida. This temporary safety zone will restrict vessels from interfering with the fireworks display. This regulation is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters of the United States and protect participants, spectators, and mariner traffic from potential hazards associated with the event.

The Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), through its Working Group on the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex, has been tasked with providing comment and recommendations to the U.S. Coast Guard for optimizing domestic MARPOL port reception facilities. CTAC is a committee formed under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App. (Pub. L. 92-463). To assist and complement CTAC's efforts, the Coast Guard is hereby seeking comments from the public on MARPOL reception facilities in the U.S. The Coast Guard is specifically interested in identifying all issues that negatively impact MARPOL implementing regulations for port reception facilities; and recommendations to address those issues. CTAC Tasking: The original Task Statement that was provided to CTAC at the April 24, 2008 meeting in Washington, DC, included the following: 1. Provide comments and recommendations as necessary on: (To be completed by the Spring of 2009) Impact, if any, on MARPOL compliance caused by a variance in disposal costs; Impact, if any, on MARPOL compliance caused by vessels having to shift berths to complete transfers; Plan to document MARPOL reception facility services required and received through an advanced notice of arrival and departure report; Disposal of residues at other than those facilities receiving the cargo related to those residues. Vessels currently have limited information on availability of Annex I and Annex II facilities at subsequent ports of call; Level of consistency in disposal procedures in fulfillment of federal, state and local MARPOL waste disposal requirements as well as operational variances among facilities. For example, in fulfillment of state requirements, some facilities may request pre-identification of constituents in Annex I as well as Annex II residues. Additionally, facilities themselves have differing disposal procedures; and, Feasibility of simultaneous MARPOL and cargo transfers at every facility. According to vessel operators, some facilities prohibit simultaneous discharge of MARPOL residues and cargo transfers thereby causing delays. 2. Provide a final report in items listed above, a recommended way- ahead to implement any recommendations (e.g., proposed changes to MARPOL and/or domestic regulations) and the corresponding implementing language. (To be completed by the fall of 2009) Seeking Public Comment: Possible areas of concern for stakeholders may include: Conflicts with other regulations; Disposal cost issues at ports/terminals; Requirement for lab analysis of Annex I or II wastes; Segregation of Annex V wastes; and Additional burden, if any, of adopting standardized Advance Notice Forms (ANF) and/or Waste Delivery Receipt (WDR) forms adopted by the International Maritime Organization. Public comments that are received will assist and complement CTAC's efforts. CTAC's MARPOL Annex working group is scheduled to meet in February 2009. Comments must be received by January 31, 2009 in order to be considered.

The Coast Guard is removing its regulations for tank level or pressure monitoring (TLPM) devices because devices that satisfy compliance requirements remain unavailable.

This notice announces that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has forwarded the Information Collection Request (ICR), OMB control number 1652-0035, abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval of an extension of the currently approved collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. TSA published a Federal Register notice, with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments, of the following collection of information on October 20, 2008, 73 FR 62304. TSA requires General Aviation (GA) aircraft operators who wish to fly into and/or out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to designate a security coordinator and adopt the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on a revised information collection. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice seeks comments concerning the collection of information to assure appropriate flood insurance rates being placed on the affected public within Monroe County in Florida.

In the ``Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007'' (the 9/11 Act), Congress authorized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a voluntary private sector preparedness accreditation and certification program. This program, now known as ``PS-Prep,'' will assess whether a private sector entity complies with one or more voluntary preparedness standards adopted by DHS, through a system of accreditation and certification set up by DHS in close coordination with the private sector. PS-Prep will raise the level of private sector preparedness through a number of means, including (i) Establishing a system for DHS to adopt private sector preparedness standards; (ii) encouraging creation of those standards; (iii) developing a method for a private sector entity to obtain a certification of conformity with a particular DHS-adopted private sector standard, and encouraging such certification; and (iv) making preparedness standards adopted by DHS more widely available. This Notice discusses essential elements of the program, describes the consultation that has taken place and will take place with the private sector, and seeks additional recommendations in a number of areas, including the private sector preparedness standards that DHS should adopt, both initially and over time.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act: NAFTA Regulations and Certificate of Origin. This is a proposed extension of an information collection that was previously approved. CBP is proposing that this information collection be extended with no change to the burden hours. This document is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register (73 FR 63002) on October 22, 2008, allowing for a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act: Documents Required on Private Aircraft. This is a proposed extension of an information collection that was previously approved. CBP is proposing that this information collection be extended with no change to the burden hours. This document is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register (73 FR 63001) on October 22, 2008, allowing for a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites public comment on one currently approved Information Collection Request (ICR), OMB control number 1652-0037, abstracted below. TSA plans to submit the renewal request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The collection involves the voluntary submission of information regarding currently deployed security measures, through a self-assessment tool, from transportation sectors so that TSA can prioritize resources.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to 19 CFR 151.12, Inspectorate America Corporation, 2184 Jefferson Hwy., Lutcher, LA 70071, has been accredited to test petroleum, petroleum products, organic chemicals and vegetable oils for customs purposes, in accordance with the provisions of 19 CFR 151.12. Anyone wishing to employ this entity to conduct laboratory analyses should request and receive written assurances from the entity that it is accredited by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct the specific test requested. Alternatively, inquires regarding the specific test this entity is accredited to perform may be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling (202) 344-1060. The inquiry may also be sent to cbp.labhq@dhs.gov. Please reference the Web site listed below for a complete listing of CBP approved gaugers and accredited laboratories.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to 19 CFR 151.13, Intertek USA, Inc., 1020 Holland Sylvania Road, Holland, OH 43528, has been approved to gauge petroleum, petroleum products, organic chemicals and vegetable oils for customs purposes, in accordance with the provisions of 19 CFR 151.13. Anyone wishing to employ this entity to conduct gauger services should request and receive written assurances from the entity that it is approved by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct the specific gauger service requested. Alternatively, inquires regarding the specific gauger service this entity is approved to perform may be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling (202) 344-1060. The inquiry may also be sent to cbp.labhq@dhs.gov. Please reference the Web site listed below for a complete listing of CBP approved gaugers and accredited laboratories.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13, Saybolt LP, 414 Westchester, Corpus Christi, TX 78469, has been approved to gauge and accredited to test petroleum and petroleum products, organic chemicals and vegetable oils for customs purposes, in accordance with the provisions of 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13. Anyone wishing to employ this entity to conduct laboratory analyses and gauger services should request and receive written assurances from the entity that it is accredited or approved by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct the specific test or gauger service requested. Alternatively, inquires regarding the specific test or gauger service this entity is accredited or approved to perform may be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling (202) 344-1060. The inquiry may also be sent to cbp.labhq@dhs.gov. Please reference the Web site listed below for a complete listing of CBP approved gaugers and accredited laboratories. https://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/operationssupport/labsscientifi c svcs/commercialgaugers/.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13, Intertek USA, Inc., 5401 Evergreen Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32208, has been approved to gauge and accredited to test petroleum and petroleum products, organic chemicals and vegetable oils for customs purposes, in accordance with the provisions of 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13. Anyone wishing to employ this entity to conduct laboratory analyses and gauger services should request and receive written assurances from the entity that it is accredited or approved by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct the specific test or gauger service requested. Alternatively, inquires regarding the specific test or gauger service this entity is accredited or approved to perform may be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling (202) 344-1060. The inquiry may also be sent to cbp.labhq@dhs.gov. Please reference the Web site listed below for a complete listing of CBP approved gaugers and accredited laboratories, https://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/operationssupport/labsscientifi c svcs/commercialgaugers/.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13, Saybolt LP, 18251 Cascades Ave. South Suite A, Tukwila, WA 98188, has been approved to gauge and accredited to test petroleum and petroleum products, organic chemicals and vegetable oils for customs purposes, in accordance with the provisions of 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13. Anyone wishing to employ this entity to conduct laboratory analyses and gauger services should request and receive written assurances from the entity that it is accredited or approved by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct the specific test or gauger service requested. Alternatively, inquires regarding the specific test or gauger service this entity is accredited or approved to perform may be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling (202) 344-1060. The inquiry may also be sent to cbp.labhq@dhs.gov. Please reference the Web site listed below for a complete listing of CBP approved gaugers and accredited laboratories, https://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/operationssupport/labsscientifi c svcs/commercialgaugers/.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting comments on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Intelligence/Investigations Function Guidance Document (NIMS I&I). This document provides guidance on utilizing and integrating the Intelligence/Investigations Function while adhering to the concepts and principles of the NIMS. NIMS I&I presents information intended for the ICS practitioner that will assist in the decision-making process regarding the placement of the Function within the command structure, and provides tools that may be used while implementing the Function. The Function has aspects that cross disciplines, including traditional law enforcement, epidemiological investigations, regulatory investigations, and medical examiner/coroner investigations, as well as those conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board or other investigatory agencies. This Function can be utilized for planned events, as well as incidents.

On December 19, 2008, DHS published in the Federal Register a final rule ``Changes to Requirements Affecting H-2B Nonimmigrants,'' which provides that the Secretary of Homeland Security will publish a list of designated countries whose nationals can be the beneficiaries of an approved H-2B petition and are eligible for H-2B visas. This initial list will be composed of countries that are important for the operation of the H-2B program and are cooperative in repatriation of its citizens, subjects, nationals or residents who are subject to a final order of removal from the United States. Publication of such notice is made by the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State. Under the final rule, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will only approve petitions for H-2B nonimmigrant status for nationals of countries designated by means of this list or by means of the special procedure allowing petitioners to request approval for particular beneficiaries if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that it is in the U.S. interest. Pursuant to the final rule, this notice designates those countries the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, has found to be eligible to participate in the H-2B program.

This Notice announces the manner in which H-2B petitioners must notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding their employment of non-agricultural workers in H-2B nonimmigrant status or job placement fee information. These procedures are necessary to enable petitioners to comply with the notification requirements established by the Department of Homeland Security's regulations governing the H-2B nonimmigrant classification.

This final rule amends Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations regarding temporary nonagricultural workers, and their U.S. employers, within the H-2B nonimmigrant classification. The final rule removes certain limitations on H-2B employers and adopts streamlining measures in order to facilitate the lawful employment of foreign temporary nonagricultural workers. The final rule also addresses concerns regarding the integrity of the H-2B program and sets forth several conditions to prevent fraud and protect laborers' rights. The final rule will benefit U.S. businesses by facilitating a timely flow of legal workers while ensuring the integrity of the program. The rule generally removes the requirement for H-2B petitioners to state on petitions the names of prospective H-2B workers who are outside the United States and reduces the existing obligatory waiting period from 6 months to 3 months for an H-2B worker who has reached his or her maximum three-year period of stay in H-2B nonimmigrant status before such person may seek an extension of nonimmigrant stay, change of status, or readmission to the United States in any H or L nonimmigrant status. The rule provides a more flexible definition of ``temporary services or labor,'' which is generally defined as a period of one year but could be for a specific one-time need of up to 3 years. To better ensure the integrity of the H-2B program, this rule eliminates DHS's current practice of adjudicating H-2B petitions where the Secretary of Labor or the Governor of Guam has not granted a temporary labor certification. The rule also prohibits H-2B petitioners from requesting an employment start date on the Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, that is different than the date of need listed on the approved temporary labor certification. The final rule requires H-2B petitioners to notify DHS when the H-2B worker fails to report for work, is terminated prior to the completion of the work for which he was hired, or absconds from the worksite. This rule also precludes employers from passing the cost of recruiter fees charged by a petitioner, agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment service to prospective H-2B workers as a condition of an offer of H-2B employment. Under this rule, employers and H-2B workers may agree that certain transportation costs and government-imposed fees be borne by H- 2B workers, if the passing of such costs to these workers is not prohibited under the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other statute. Moreover, the rule enforces the existing penalties at section 214(c)(14) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) in the case of an employer who fails to meet any of the conditions of the H-2B petition, or who willfully misrepresented a material fact in the H-2B petition. Employers who fail to meet the H-2B conditions or who willfully make material misrepresentations on an H-2B petition may, under the statute, be precluded from approval for a period of up to 5 years of any H (except H-1B1), L, O, or P-1 nonimmigrant visa petition, or any immigrant visa petition described in section 204 of the INA, they may file with DHS. This rule also provides that DHS will publish in a notice in the Federal Register a list of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, as eligible for its nationals to participate in the H-2B program. Finally, this rule establishes a pilot exit control program for certain H-2B workers, by requiring them to report their departure at designated ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will publish a notice in the Federal Register describing the procedures and requirements for participation in this pilot program.