Coast Guard April 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard proposes to modify the operating schedule that governs the Loop Parkway Bridge across Long Creek, mile 0.7 at Nassau, New York. The bridge owner, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), submitted a request to modify bridge openings and expects that this change to the regulations will better serve the needs of the community while continuing to meet the reasonable needs of navigation.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information: 1625-0007, Characteristics of Liquid Chemicals Proposed for Bulk Water Movement; without change. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.

The Coast Guard is revising existing regulations and consolidate into one table special local regulations for recurring marine events at various locations within the geographic boundaries of the Seventh Coast Guard District Captain of the Port (COTP) St. Petersburg Zone. Consolidating marine events into one table simplifies Coast Guard oversight and public notification of special local regulations within COTP St. Petersburg Zone.

The Coast Guard is reopening the comment period for the planned consolidation of redundant Coast Guard boat stations. In response to the request for comments we published February 14, 2020, an interested person asked that we extend the comment period.

The Coast Guard is finalizing its 2013 proposal to update the Liquid Chemical Categorization tables, aligning them with the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk and the International Maritime Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee circulars from December 2012 and 2013. This final rule corrects errors in our interim rule of August 16, 2013, and follows our supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking of October 22, 2015. The updated tables provide a list of liquid hazardous materials and liquefied and compressed gases approved for international and domestic maritime transportation, and indicate how each substance is categorized by its pollution potential, safe carriage requirements, chemical flammability, combustibility, and compatibility with other substances. This rule imposes no cost to chemical shippers and vessel owners.

The Coast Guard is amending an existing regulated navigation area (RNA) on the Savannah River located between Fort Jackson, GA and the Savannah River Channel Entrance Sea Buoy. This rule removes inapplicable and/or outdated definitions, processes and requirements in the RNA following a change in capability, infrastructure and layout of the Southern Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility on the Savannah River.

The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a temporary safety zone for certain waters of the Lake of the Ozarks. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters during a fireworks display scheduled for June 6, 2020. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Upper Mississippi River or a designated representative. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

In accordance with the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960, the Coast Guard is establishing new base pilotage rates for the 2020 shipping season. This final rule will adjust the pilotage rates to account for changes in district operating expenses, an increase in the number of pilots, and anticipated inflation. The Coast Guard estimates that this final rule will result in a 1 percent net increase in pilotage costs, compared to the 2019 season. In addition, the Coast Guard is clarifying the rules related to the working capital fund.

The Coast Guard authorizes the Amtrak Railroad Bridge, mile 3.77, across the South Branch of the Chicago River, to be operated remotely and establish an intermediate opening position. The request was made by the bridge owner. This test deviation will test if the intermediate position improves vessel flow through the river. The bridge will continue to open on signal for commercial and recreational vessels.

The Coast Guard will enforce a safety zone located in federal regulations for a recurring marine event. This action is necessary and intended for the safety of life and property on navigable waters during this event. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter the respective safety zone without the permission of the Captain of the Port Buffalo.

The National Boating Safety Advisory Council (Council) and its working groups will meet via teleconference to discuss matters relating to recreational boating safety. These meetings will be open to the public.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for all navigable waters of the Monongahela River from mile 23.8 to mile 26.0. This action is necessary to protect persons, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with power line work across the river near Elrama Power Plant, Pittsburgh, PA, during an electrical conductor pull from March 23, 2020 through April 6, 2020. Entry of persons or vessels into this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh or a designated representative.