FR 2024-28336

General Summary of the Document

The document, issued by the Coast Guard under the Department of Homeland Security, establishes a temporary safety zone around the M/V CAPE RACE and its support vessels. This zone covers a 100-yard radius on waters ranging from the Charleston Harbor Entrance Channel through the Cooper River in South Carolina. This measure aims to safeguard personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from hazards posed by the movement of M/V CAPE RACE during its transit to the Detyens Shipyard in North Charleston. The safety zone is effective from November 28, 2024, and will be strictly enforced until the ship reaches its destination.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The document contains several complex legal terms and references that may be challenging for the general public to comprehend without specialized knowledge. While it mentions the process for obtaining permission to enter the safety zone, it lacks specific details on how vessel operators should proceed, which could lead to confusion. Additionally, the specific threats posed by the ship's movement are not clearly detailed, raising questions about the necessity of such stringent safety measures. Furthermore, while the document touches on the potential economic impacts on small entities, it does not thoroughly examine how local economic activities might be affected.

Impact on the Public Broadly

The establishment of a safety zone could potentially inconvenience local maritime traffic, as vessels will be unable to enter the restricted area without prior authorization. This restriction might cause delays for those navigating through the Charleston Harbor and Cooper River. On the positive side, the safety measures are designed to protect the public and the environment from possible hazards associated with the operation.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For the shipping and boating community, particularly small vessel operators, the directive may create logistical challenges. They may need to alter routes or schedule additional time to seek necessary permissions, potentially impacting operations and costs. However, this rule is crafted to ensure overall safety and environmental protection, which could benefit other stakeholders, including local businesses reliant on a safe and predictable marine environment. Environmental groups might view this regulation favorably, as it seeks to minimize risks to marine ecosystems during the transit of a large vessel.

While the document references multiple regulatory considerations under various Executive Orders, it lacks simple explanations of these procedures' significance for the general public, which might impact their understanding of why such regulations are necessary. Overall, the document aims to balance safety and regulatory compliance within a limited scope and duration, minimizing disruptions while addressing the operational needs of the M/V CAPE RACE.

The document under review primarily discusses the establishment of a temporary safety zone around the M/V CAPE RACE, focusing on safeguarding personnel, vessels, and the marine environment during the ship's movement. Within this context, financial aspects are not the central theme, but a relevant financial reference is made.

Financial Reference Summary

The primary financial reference in the document is associated with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, which requires federal agencies to consider the financial effects of their actions. Specifically, the document mentions actions that could lead to expenditures amounting to $100,000,000, adjusted for inflation, or more, in any given year by state, local, or tribal governments, or by the private sector.

In this case, the document indicates that the rule concerning the safety zone around the M/V CAPE RACE is not expected to result in such a substantial financial impact. This suggests that the costs associated with implementing this rule, like enforcement and potential disruptions to economic activities in the area, do not approach this significant financial threshold. The mention of this financial benchmark serves as a reassurance that the rule will not impose overwhelming financial burdens on governmental bodies or the private sector.

Relation to Identified Issues

When considering the identified issues within the document, this financial threshold helps to provide context for understanding the potential economic impacts of the safety zone. One issue noted is the lack of a thorough analysis of the rule's effect on local economic activities. The financial reference to the $100,000,000 threshold implies that, although some economic activities might be temporarily affected, these impacts are anticipated to be minor or limited in scope compared to the significant threshold that would necessitate further financial assessment.

The brief mention of financial implications does not delve into detailed spending or appropriations directly associated with the creation of the safety zone. However, it subtly addresses concerns about whether the rule could lead to significant financial consequences, helping to assure stakeholders that the anticipated economic impact remains under a critical level of concern. Additionally, ensuring there is no significant expenditure ensures that the burden on small entities remains manageable, which is relevant to the discussion of the rule's impact on local businesses and organizations.

Overall, while the document could benefit from more detailed explanations of potential economic effects, the financial reference to the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act provides a baseline understanding that significant fiscal consequences are unlikely.