[Federal Register: June 30, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 125)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 35534-35535] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr30jn98-14] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [CGD01-98-070] RIN 2115-AA97 Safety Zone: Independence Day Celebration Fireworks, Wards Island, East River, NY AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT. ACTION: Temporary final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for the Independence Day Celebration fireworks program located on Wards Island, East River, New York. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic in a portion of the East River, New York. DATES: This rule is effective from 8:45 p.m. until 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 1998. ADDRESSES: Documents as indicated in this preamble are available for inspection or copying at Coast Guard Activities New York, 212 Coast Guard Drive, room 205, Staten Island, New York 10305, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is (718) 354-4195. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant (Junior Grade) A. Kenneally, Waterways Oversight Branch, Coast Guard Activities New York, at (718) 354-4195. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulatory History Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) was not published for this regulation. Good cause exists for not publishing an NPRM and for making this regulation effective less than 30 days after Federal Register publication. Due to the fact that plans for this event were recently finalized, there was insufficient time to draft and publish an NPRM. Any delay encountered in this regulation's effective date would be contrary to public interest since immediate action is needed to close a portion of the waterway and protect the maritime public from the hazards associated with this fireworks display, which is intended for pubic entertainment. Background and Purpose The New York Power Authority has submitted an Application for Approval of Marine Event to hold a fireworks program on the waters of the East River, at Wards Island, New York. This regulation establishes a safety zone in all waters of the East River, within a 150 yard radius of the land shoot at approximate position 40 deg.46'55.5''N 073 deg.55'33''W (NAD 1983), approximately 200 yards northeast of the Triboro Bridge. The safety zone is in effect from 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 1998. The safety zone prevents vessels from transiting this portion of the East River, and it is needed to protect boaters from the hazards associated with fireworks launched from shore in the area. Regulatory Evaluation This final 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. It has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under that Order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040, February 26, 1979). The [[Page 35535]] Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this final rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary. This finding is based on the minimal time that vessels will be restricted from the zone, that marine traffic will still be able to transit through the East River, and advance notifications which will be made. Small Entities Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Coast Guard considered whether this rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. ``Small entities'' include 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. For reasons discussed in the Regulatory Evaluation above, the Coast Guard certifies under section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Collection of Information This final rule does not provide for a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq). Federalism The Coast Guard has analyzed this final rule under the principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has determined that this final rule does not have sufficient implications for federalism to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. Environment The Coast Guard has considered the environmental impact of this final rule and concluded that under Figure 2-1, paragraph 34(g), of Commandant Instruction M16475.1C, this final rule is categorically excluded from further environmental documentation. A ``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' is available in the docket for inspection or copying where indicated under ADDRESSES. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165 Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways. Regulation For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 165 as follows: PART 165--[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows: Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46. 2. Add temporary Sec. 165.T01-070 to read as follows: Sec. 165.T01-070 Safety Zone: Independence Day Celebration Fireworks, Wards island, East River, New York. (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: all waters of the East River within a 150 yard radius of the land shoot at Wards Island, New York in approximate position 40 deg. 46' 55.5''N 073 deg. 55' 33''W (NAD 1983), approximately 200 yards northeast of the Triboro Bridge. (b) Effective period. This section is effective from 8:45 p.m. until 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 1998. (c) Regulations. (1) The general regulations contained in 33 CFR 165.23 apply. (2) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or the designated on scene patrol personnel. U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the Coast Guard. Upon being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel via siren, radio, flashing light, or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed. Dated: June 16, 1998. L.M. Brooks, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, New York Acting. [FR Doc. 98-17369 Filed 6-29-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-15-M