[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 15, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2307-2309]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-00299]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2019-0614]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Neches River, Beaumont, TX

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is extending the duration of a temporary 
safety zone on the navigable waters of the Neches River extending 500-
feet on either side of the Kansas City Southern Railroad Bridge that 
crosses the Neches River in Beaumont, TX. The safety zone is necessary 
to protect the bridge as well as persons and property on or near the 
bridge from potential damage from passing vessels until missing and/or 
damaged fendering systems are repaired or replaced. Entry of certain 
vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically 
authorized by the Captain of the Port Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur or 
a designated representative.

DATES: This rule is effective from February 1, 2020, through December 
31, 2020.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being in the 
docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2019-0614 in the 
``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open Docket Folder on the 
line associated with this rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
rulemaking, call or email Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety Unit Port 
Arthur, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 409-719-5086, email 
Scott.K.Whalen@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
KCS Kansas City Southern Railroad Company
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code
VTS Vessel Traffic Service

II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis

    On April 19, 2018, the Coast Guard was notified that the wood 
fendering systems designed to protect bridge support columns of the 
Kansas City Southern Railroad Company's bridge (KSC) from strikes by 
vessels transiting under the bridge had been damaged or destroyed by 
Hurricane Harvey. The south bank column protection fenders are missing 
and the north bank column protection fenders are severely damaged. KCS 
indicated that strikes to the support columns could compromise the 
bridge structure. In response, on May 7, 2018, the Coast Guard 
published a temporary final rule; request for comment titled Safety 
Zone; Neches River, Beaumont, TX (83 FR 19965). During the comment 
period that ended on May 29, 2018, we received no comments. The safety 
zone was established on May 7, 2018, extended on September 5, 2018 (83 
FR 45047), extended again on January 31, 2019 (84 FR 530), and extended 
again on October 1, 2019 (84 FR 51031) via temporary final rule titled 
Safety Zone; Neches River, Beaumont, TX. The zone is scheduled to 
expire on January 31, 2020. Repairs are not yet completed leaving the 
bridge structural columns vulnerable to vessel strikes. On August

[[Page 2308]]

27, 2019, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) titled ``Safety Zone; Neches River, Beaumont, TX'' (84 FR 
44794). There we stated why we issued the NPRM, and invited comments on 
our proposed regulatory action related to the vulnerable bridge. During 
the comment period that ended on September 11, 2019, we received no 
comments.
    The Captain of the Port Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur (COTP) has 
determined that potential hazards posed by the unprotected bridge 
columns are a safety concern to the KCS Bridge and to persons and 
property on or near the bridge. The purpose of this rule is to provide 
for the safety of the KCS Bridge and persons and property on or near 
the bridge.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause 
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register. Delaying the effective date of 
this rule would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest 
because immediate action is needed to continue to respond to potential 
safety hazards posed by and to passing vessel traffic and to the 
unprotected bridge columns supporting the KCS Bridge.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231). The Captain of the Port Marine 
Safety Unit Port Arthur (COTP) has determined that potential hazards 
posed by the unprotected bridge columns are a safety concern to the KCS 
Bridge and to persons and property on or near the bridge. The purpose 
of this rule is to provide for the safety of the KCS Bridge and persons 
and property on or near the bridge.

IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Rule

    As noted above, we received no comments on our NPRM published 
August 27, 2019. There are no changes in the regulatory text of this 
rule from the proposed rule in the NPRM.
    This rule extends the duration of a temporary safety zone from 
February 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, or until missing or 
damaged fendering systems are repaired or replaced, whichever occurs 
first. The safety zone extends 500-feet on either side of the KCS 
Bridge that crosses the Neches River in Beaumont, TX in approximate 
location 30[deg]04'54.8'' N 094[deg]05'29.4'' W. The duration of the 
zone is intended to protect the bridge support columns as well as 
persons and property on or near the bridge until the bridge fendering 
is repaired or replaced. Only vessels less than 65 feet in length and 
not engaged in towing are authorized to enter the zone, unless 
otherwise permitted by the COTP or a designated representative to enter 
the safety zone.
    Persons and vessels desiring to enter the safety zone must request 
permission from the COTP or a designated representative. They may be 
contacted through Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) on channels 65A or 13 
VHF-FM, or by telephone at (409) 719-5070.
    Permission to transit through the bridge will be based on weather, 
tide and current conditions, vessel size, horsepower, and availability 
of assist vessels. All persons and vessels permitted to enter this 
temporary safety zone shall comply with the lawful orders or directions 
given to them by COTP or a designated representative.
    Intentional or unintentional contact with any part of the bridge or 
associated structure, including fendering systems, support columns, 
spans or any other portion of the bridge, is strictly prohibited. 
Report any contact with the bridge or associated structures immediately 
to VTS Port Arthur on channels 65A, 13 or 16 VHF-FM or by telephone at 
(409) 719-5070.
    The Coast Guard will inform the public through VTS Advisories, 
Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs), Local Notice to Mariners (LNMs), 
and/or Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) as appropriate.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders and we discuss 
First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control 
regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This rule has not been 
designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 
12866. Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB), and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt 
from the requirements of Executive Order 13771.
    This regulatory action determination is based on the nature of 
vessel traffic in the area and the location, and duration of the safety 
zone. This rule will only affect certain vessels transiting the upper 
reaches of the Neches River in Beaumont, TX, and will terminate once 
the necessary repairs are completed for the bridge. The Coast Guard 
will issue a VTS Advisory concerning the zone, and the rule allows 
vessels to seek permission to enter the zone.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. 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 received no comments from the Small Business 
Administration on this rulemaking. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 
U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
safety zone might be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any 
vessel owner or operator.
    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 rule. 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 the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard. The Coast Guard will not retaliate 
against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any 
policy or action of the Coast Guard.

[[Page 2309]]

C. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132 
(Federalism), if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on 
the relationship between the National Government and the States, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels 
of government. We have analyzed this rule under that order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments) because it does 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. If 
you believe this rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, 
please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.

E. 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 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule would not result 
in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule 
elsewhere in this preamble.

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), 
which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have made 
a preliminary determination that this action is one of a category of 
actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant 
effect on the human environment. This rule involves a safety zone that 
will prohibit entry within 500-feet of either side of the KCS Bridge 
that crosses the Neches River in Beaumont, TX. It is categorically 
excluded from further review under paragraph L60(d) in Table 3-1 of 
U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementing Procedures. A 
Record of Environmental Consideration supporting this determination is 
included in the docket with this rule where indicated under ADDRESSES.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that 
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places, or vessels.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-
6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.


0
2. Add Sec.  165.T08-0614 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T08-0614   Safety Zone; Neches River, Beaumont, TX.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All navigable 
waters extending 500-feet on either side of the Kansas City Southern 
Railroad Bridge that crosses the Neches River in Beaumont, TX in 
approximate location 30[deg]04'54.8'' N 094[deg]05'29.4'' W.
    (b) Effective period. This section is effective on February 1, 
2020, through midnight on December 31, 2020, or until missing and/or 
damaged fendering systems are repaired or replaced, whichever occurs 
first.
    (c) Regulations. (1) No vessel may enter or remain in the safety 
zone except:
    (i) A vessel less than 65 feet in length and not engaged in towing; 
or
    (ii) A vessel authorized by the Captain of the Port Marine Safety 
Unit Port Arthur (COTP) or a designated representative.
    (2) Persons and vessels desiring to enter the safety zone must 
request permission from the COTP or a designated representative. They 
may be contacted through Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) on channels 65A 
or 13 VHF-FM, or by telephone at (409) 719-5070.
    (3) Permission to transit through the bridge will be based on 
weather, tide and current conditions, vessel size, horsepower, and 
availability of assist vessels. All persons and vessels permitted to 
enter this temporary safety zone shall comply with the lawful orders or 
directions given to them by COTP or a designated representative.
    (4) Intentional or unintentional contact with any part of the 
bridge or associated structure, including fendering systems, support 
columns, spans or any other portion of the bridge, is strictly 
prohibited. Report any contact with the bridge or associated structures 
immediately to VTS Port Arthur on channels 65A, 13 or 16 VHF-FM or by 
telephone at (409) 719-5070.
    (d) Informational broadcasts. The Coast Guard will inform the 
public through public of the effective period of this safety zone 
through VTS Advisories, Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs), Local 
Notice to Mariners (LNMs), and/or Marine Safety Information Bulletins 
(MSIBs) as appropriate.

    Dated: December 19, 2019.
Keith Pierre,
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Captain of the Port Marine Safety 
Unit Port Arthur.
[FR Doc. 2020-00299 Filed 1-14-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


