21 May 2004 Source: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/fr-cont.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [Federal Register: May 21, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 99)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 29246-29250] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr21my04-29] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [CGD01-04-002] RIN 2115-AA00 Security Zones; Democratic National Convention, Boston, MA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a series of temporary security zones on the Charles River in the vicinity of the FleetCenter/ North Station, throughout a portion of Boston Inner Harbor in the vicinity of Logan International Airport and surrounding Very Important Person (VIP) vessels designated by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Boston, Massachusetts, to be in need of Coast Guard escort for security reasons while they are transiting the COTP Boston, Massachusetts zone. These temporary zones are needed to safeguard protectees, the public, designated VIP vessels and crews, other vessels and crews, and the infrastructure within the COTP Boston, Massachusetts, zone from terrorist or subversive acts during the Democratic National Convention: A National Special Security Event, being held from July 26, 2004 to July 29, 2004 at the [[Page 29247]] Fleet Center/North Station Facilities, in Boston, Massachusetts. These security zones will prohibit entry into or movement within certain portions of the Charles River in the vicinity of the FleetCenter/North Station, Boston Inner Harbor in the vicinity of Logan International Airport, and 50 yards surrounding designated VIP vessels in the COTP Boston, Massachusetts zone, during the specified closure periods within the July 24, 2004 to July 31, 2004 timeframe. DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before June 21, 2004. ADDRESSES: You may mail comments and related material to Marine Safety Office Boston, 455 Commercial Street, Boston, MA. The Marine Safety Office Boston maintains the public docket for this rulemaking. Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket, will become part of the docket and will be available for inspection or copying at Marine Safety Office Boston between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief Petty Officer Daniel Dugery, Waterways Safety and Response Division, Marine Safety Office Boston, at (617) 223-3000. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related material. If you do so, please include your name and address, identify the docket number for this rulemaking, CGD01-04- 002, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit all comments and related material in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying. If you would like to know your comments reached us, please enclose a stamped, self addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. We may change this proposed rule in view of them. Public Meeting We do not plan to hold a public meeting. The United States Secret Service (USSS) and the United States Coast Guard have conducted numerous outreach meetings with port users and the affected maritime community regarding the proposed restrictions. However, you may submit a request for a meeting by writing to Marine Safety Office Boston at the address under ADDRESSES explaining why one would be beneficial. If we determine that a public meeting would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a separate notice in the Federal Register. Background and Purpose In light of terrorist attacks on New York City and on the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, on September 11, 2001, and the continuing concern for future terrorist and or subversive acts against the United States, especially at events where a large number of persons are likely to congregate, the Coast Guard proposes to establish temporary security zones in certain waters of the Charles River in the vicinity of the FleetCenter/North Station, certain waters of Boston Inner Harbor in the vicinity of Logan International Airport, and surrounding VIP designated vessels identified by the COTP Boston, Massachusetts during the Democratic National Convention (DNC). The DNC has been designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE) and will occur between July 26, 2004, to July 29, 2004, at the FleetCenter/North Station facilities, in Boston, Massachusetts. Security measures for this event, including security zones proposed herein, are necessary from July 24, 2004, to July 31, 2004, and are needed to safeguard maritime transportation infrastructure, the public, and designated protectees, and to safeguard designated VIP vessels carrying protectees, from potential acts of violence or terrorism during DNC activities. The planning for these security zones has been conducted in conjunction with, and as a result of requests from, the USSS, the lead federal agency for the DNC, and the U.S. Capitol Police. This proposed rule would temporarily close sections of the Charles River in the vicinity of the FleetCenter/North Station, certain Boston Inner Harbor water areas along the perimeter of Logan International Airport, and surrounding designated VIP vessels identified by the COTP Boston, Massachusetts, to be in need of Coast Guard escort for security reasons while they are transiting the COTP Boston, Massachusetts zone, at specified times from July 24, 2004 to July 31, 2004. For purposes of this rulemaking, designated VIP vessels include any vessels designated by the Coast Guard COTP Boston, Massachusetts to be in need of Coast Guard escort in the COTP Boston, Massachusetts zone, based on a request from the USSS or the Capitol Police. Any VIP designated vessel may contain protectees. ``Protectees'' for the purposes of the U.S. Secret Service include the President of the United States and former presidents and their spouses, the Democratic nominee for president, and the Democratic nominee for vice president and their spouses. ``Protectees'' for the purposes of the Capitol Police include particular U.S. Congressmen. One or more Coast Guard Cutters or small boats will escort designated VIP vessels deemed in need of escort protection. The Captain of the Port Boston, Massachusetts will notify the maritime community of the periods during which the security zones will be enforced. Broadcast notifications will be made to the maritime community advising them of the boundaries of the zones. No person or vessel may enter or remain in the prescribed security zones at any time without permission of the Captain of the Port. Each person or vessel in a security zone must obey any direction or order of the COTP, or the designated Coast Guard on-scene representative. The COTP may take possession and control of any vessel in a security zone and/or remove any person, vessel, article or thing from a security zone. No person may board, take or place any article or thing on board any vessel or waterfront facility in a security zone without permission of the COTP. Any violation of any security zone described herein, is punishable by, among others, civil penalties (not to exceed $32,500 per violation, where each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation), criminal penalties (imprisonment for not more than 6 years and a fine for not more than $250,000 for an individual and $500,000 for an organization), in rem liability against the offending vessel and license sanctions. This rule is established under the authority contained in 50 U.S.C. 191, 33 U.S.C. 1223 and 1226. As part of the Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (Pub. L. 99-399), Congress amended section 7 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA), 33 U.S.C. 1226, to allow the Coast Guard to take actions, including the establishment of security zones, to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism against individuals, vessels, or public or commercial structures. Moreover, the Coast Guard has authority to establish security zones pursuant to the Act of June 15, 1917, as amended by the Magnuson Act of August 9, 1950 (50 U.S.C. 191 et seq.) (the ``Magnuson Act'') and implementing regulations promulgated by the President in Subparts 6.01 and 6.04 of part 6 of Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations. [[Page 29248]] Discussion of Proposed Rule The Charles River security zone in the vicinity of the FleetCenter/ North Station would extend from the western most portion of the Monsignor O'Brien Highway Bridge/Museum of Science structure as the western boundary, to a line drawn across the Charles River, 50 yards east and parallel to, the Charlestown Bridge, as the eastern boundary. This security zone is intended to protect the north side of the FleetCenter/North Station, the USSS-designated NSSE venue for the DNC, which abuts the Charles River. The Fleet Center/North Station buildings themselves are located in the North End of Boston and are surrounded by the following roadways: Causeway Street, Lomasney Way, Nashua Street and a portion of Route I-93. The above-described waters of the Charles River will be temporarily closed to all vessel traffic, except for those vessels described below, unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port. Only commercial vessels that transit this area on daily or regular routes will be allowed to transit, as prearranged with the USSS and U.S. Coast Guard, and authorized by on-scene Coast Guard personnel, after having been swept by law enforcement personnel. Any vessel allowed to transit will be escorted through the area by law enforcement patrol craft. The Residents Inn Hotel pier in Charlestown, at the mouth of the Charles River, is just inside the eastern most boundary of the zone. Vessels may have access to this pier with prior approval of the USSS and U.S. Coast Guard, and authorized by on-scene Coast Guard personnel. The Charles River Zone would be effective from 12:01 a.m., e.d.t., on July 26, 2004, until 2 a.m., e.d.t., on July 30, 2004. The temporary security zone around Logan International Airport (The Logan Airport DNC Zone) is needed to provide protection from waterborne threats to aircraft carrying certain protectees as they arrive and depart from the airport. This zone would include the area between the mean high water line around the airport and a line measured 250 feet seaward of and parallel to the mean high water line. The dimensions of this zone are marked by a line of marker buoys along the Logan International Airport shoreline. Only commercial vessels that transit this area on daily or regular routes will be allowed to transit, as prearranged with the USSS and U.S. Coast Guard, and authorized by on- scene Coast Guard personnel. Any vessel allowed to transit will be escorted through the area by law enforcement patrol craft. All vessel transits will be restricted from the Logan Airport DNC zone 15 minutes prior to and after the departure and/or landing of aircraft carrying protectees. The Massachusetts Marine Environmental Police will coordinate commercial shoreline shell fishing vessels that operate in the area. The Logan Airport DNC zone would be in effect from 8 a.m., e.d.t., on July 24, 2004, until 10 p.m., e.d.t., on July 31, 2004. The temporary security zones surrounding VIP vessels designated by the COTP Boston, Massachusetts, are needed for security reasons while such VIP designated vessels are transiting the COTP Boston, Massachusetts zone. These temporary zones will encompass a distance of fifty (50) yards surrounding any designated VIP vessel carrying protectees. These zones would only be implemented as deemed necessary at or near the time of the designated VIP vessel transit by the USSS or the U.S. Capitol Police. The designated VIP vessel zones could be in effect at various times from 8 a.m., e.d.t., on July 24, 2004, until 10 p.m., e.d.t., on July 31, 2004. Regulatory Evaluation This proposed rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under the regulatory policies and procedures of the DHS is unnecessary. Although this proposed regulation will temporarily prevent traffic from transiting a portion of the Charles River, Boston Inner Harbor and surrounding certain VIP designated vessels during the specified effective periods, the effects of this regulation will be minimized based on several factors. Vessels that historically have conducted daily business in the area of the Charles River security zone will be allowed to transit, as long as prearranged as discussed, thereby preventing disruption to their normal business. The potential delays associated with vessels being swept and escorted through the zone will be minimal. The Logan Airport DNC security zone mirrors an existing state security zone, and therefore users of these waters will not encounter restrictions significantly different from those already in existence. The temporary security zones surrounding VIP designated vessels are included in this rule as a precautionary measure should they become necessary. At this time, no VIP designated vessel security zones are scheduled. If they are deemed necessary during the event and are subsequently implemented, these zones are limited in scope, enough so that vessels may transit safely outside of the zones and still make use of the waterway. Additionally, VIP designated vessels will be advised to operate in such a manner as to avoid restricting the main shipping channels from use by large commercial vessels that require the depth of water to operate safely. Lastly, advance notice to waterways users has been, and will continue to be made via outreach meetings, informational brochures, safety marine information broadcasts, and local notice to mariners. Small Entities Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), the Coast Guard considered whether this proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This proposed rule would affect the following entities, some of which may be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in these security zones during this event. However, this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities due to: Transit accommodations that are being made for regular commercial operators within the Charles River and Logan Airport DNC zones; the minimal time that vessels will be restricted from the area of the zones; vessels can pass safely around the zones; vessels will have to wait only a short time for the VIP designated vessels to pass if they cannot safely pass outside the zones; and advance notifications will be made to the local maritime community by marine information broadcasts. If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see [[Page 29249]] ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it. Assistance for Small Entities Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact Chief Petty Officer Daniel Dugery Waterways Safety and Response, Marine Safety Office Boston, (617) 223-3000. Collection of Information This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). Federalism A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on state or local governments and would either preempt state law or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in the preamble. Taking of Private Property This proposed rule would not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights. Civil Justice Reform This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. Protection of Children We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children. Indian Tribal Governments This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. We invite your comments on how this proposed rule might impact tribal governments, even if that impact may not constitute a ``tribal implication'' under the Order. Energy Effects We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211. Environment We have analyzed this proposed rule under Commandant Instruction M16475.1D, which guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded that there are no factors in this case that would limit the use of a categorical exclusion under section 2.B.2 of the Instruction. Therefore, this rule is categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g), of the Instruction, from further environmental documentation. A draft ``Environmental Analysis Check List'' and a draft ``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' (CED) are available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. Comments on this section will be considered before we make the final decision on whether the rule should be categorically excluded from further environmental review. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165 Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and record keeping requirements, Safety measures, Waterways. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 165 as follows: PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS 1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows: Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. 2. Add Sec. 165.T04-002 to read as follows: Sec. 165.T04-002 Security Zones; Democratic National Convention, Waters of the Charles River, Boston Inner Harbor in the vicinity of Logan International Airport, and designated Very Important Person vessel transits, Boston, Massachusetts, Captain of the Port Zone. (a) Location. The following areas are security zones: (1) All navigable waters of the Charles River from the westernmost portion of the Monsignor O'Brien Highway Bridge/Museum of Science structure as the western boundary, to a line drawn across the Charles River, 50 yards east and parallel to, the Charlestown Bridge, as the eastern boundary. (2) All waters between the mean high water line around the perimeter of Logan International Airport and a line measured 250 feet seaward of and parallel to the mean high water line. (3) All navigable waters 50 yards around any designated Very Important Person vessel carrying specified protectees during Democratic National Convention activities, in the Captain of the Port Boston, Massachusetts zone. (b) Regulations. (1) Entry into or remaining in these zones is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Boston. (2) Persons desiring to transit the area of the security zones may contact the Captain of the Port at telephone number 617-223-3000/5750 or the authorized on-scene patrol representative on VHF channel 16 (156.8 MHz) to seek permission to transit the areas. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels must comply with the [[Page 29250]] instructions of the Captain of the Port or his or her designated representative. (3) All persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port or the designated on-scene Coast Guard patrol personnel. On-scene Coast Guard patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant and petty officers of the Coast Guard on board Coast Guard Auxiliary, and local, state and federal law enforcement vessels. (4) The Captain of the Port or his designated representative will notify the maritime community of periods during which these zones will be enforced. The Captain of the Port or his designated representative will identify designated Very Important Person vessel transits by way of marine information broadcast. Emergency response vessels are authorized to move within the zone, but must abide by restrictions imposed by the Captain of the Port or his designated representative. (c) Authority. In addition to 33 U.S.C. 1231 and 50 U.S.C. 191, the authority for this section includes 33 U.S.C. 1226. (d) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from: (1) 12:01 a.m. e.d.t., on July 26, 2004, until 2 a.m. e.d.t., on July 30, 2004, with respect to the Charles River Zone described in paragraph (a)(1). (2) 8 a.m. e.d.t., on July 24, 2004 until 10 p.m. e.d.t., on July 31, 2004, with respect to the Logan Airport DNC Zone described in paragraph (a)(2). (3) 8 a.m. e.d.t., on July 24, 2004, until 10 p.m. e.d.t., on July 31, 2004, with respect to the moving security zones described in paragraph (a)(3) around designated Very Important Person vessels carrying specified protectees, as deemed necessary by the USSS or U.S. Capitol Police, 15 minutes prior to and while they are onboard the vessel. Dated: May 5, 2004. Brian M. Salerno, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Boston, Massachusetts. [FR Doc. 04-11589 Filed 5-20-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-15-P