Coast Guard December 1, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard has revised its proposal to amend the regulations governing the operation of the Connection Slough Drawbridge, originally published at 68 FR 183 (Sept. 22, 2003). The revised proposal reopens the comment period. The proposal is being revised at the request of the bridge owner to include drawbridge operator contact information, for waterway users to schedule drawspan openings during advance notice periods. The proposal would ensure a drawbridge operator can be contacted, is present at the drawbridge during identified increased navigation periods, and reduces the hours a drawbridge operator is required to be at the drawbridge and not gainfully employed.

The Coast Guard announces the availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (FEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that evaluated the potential environmental impacts resulting from accepting the cruise ship CORAL PRINCESS into the Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP). The CORAL PRINCESS runs four regular cruising routes that include Alaska, California, the Panama Canal, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida. Under the STEP, the CORAL PRINCESS will be using and testing the Hyde Marine, INC. Guardian Ballast Water Treatment System, when the vessel operates in U.S. waters.

The Coast Guard announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for the tank ship S/R AMERICAN PROGRESS. The DEA describes the S/R AMERICAN PROGRESS' application for the Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP) Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) demonstration initiative. The DEA for the S/R AMERICAN PROGRESS also addresses effects on the human and natural environments from installing, testing, and using the Severn Trent De Nora BalPure\TM\ ballast water treatment system as the vessel operates in U.S. waters.