Coast Guard May 8, 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is considering establishing an anchorage ground offshore in the approaches to the Cape Fear River, NC, and removing, relocating or otherwise modifying the existing Lockwoods Folly Inlet explosives anchorage ground. We are considering establishing an offshore anchorage ground in response to requests suggesting an anchorage ground is necessary to accommodate current and future vessel traffic, improve navigation safety, and because traditional anchorage areas may be impacted by offshore renewable energy development. Our consideration of changing or removing the explosives anchorage grounds is based on growth in both the size and draft of vessels that call on the Port of Wilmington and Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point. We invite your comments on whether we should initiate a rulemaking to address these issues or maintain the status quo.