Coast Guard August 16, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the requirements in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 127.009, the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Long Island Sound, is preparing a Letter of Recommendation as to the suitability of Long Island Sound for liquefied natural gas (LNG) marine traffic. This Letter of Recommendation will encompass the marine safety and security aspects associated with the proposed Broadwater LNG facility. The letter of recommendation is in response to a Letter of Intent submitted by Broadwater Energy, a joint venture of Shell Oil and TransCanada Corporation, to construct and operate an offshore floating, storage and regasification unit (FSRU) for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the New York State waters of Long Island Sound. Because the proposed facility would be located in state waters, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the lead Federal agency for this proposed project. The COTP Long Island Sound is soliciting written comments and related material, and will join FERC at four public meetings seeking comments, pertaining specifically to maritime safety and security aspects of the proposed LNG facility. In preparation for issuance of a letter of recommendation and the completion of certain other regulatory mandates, the COTP Long Island Sound will consider comments received from the public as input into the Coast Guard's assessment of potential waterway safety and port security issues associated with the proposed facility.

The Coast Guard proposes to change the regulations governing the operation of 10 drawbridges, and establish operating regulations for 2 drawbridges, all of which cross the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Broward County, FL. The proposed rule would require all of these drawbridges to open twice an hour. The proposed schedule is based on a request from Broward County officials, a test the Coast Guard conducted from December, 2004, until February, 2005, and comments received from the public based on the test. The proposed schedule meets the reasonable needs of navigation while accommodating increased vehicular traffic throughout the county.