Rule2025-10608
Regulated Navigation Area; Cuyahoga River, Cleveland, OH
Primary source
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Published
June 11, 2025
Effective
July 11, 2025
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is issuing an interim rule that will extend enforcement of an existing temporary Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) for certain waters of the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters near the "Irishtown Bend" in Cleveland, Ohio, during a bank stabilization construction project from July 11, 2025, with an anticipated completion date of all waterside work on November 30, 2025. This rulemaking continues to limit vessel speeds near the area and prohibit vessels from being inside the RNA during construction hours unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Eastern Great Lakes or a designated representative. We invite your comments on this rulemaking.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 111 (Wednesday, June 11, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 111 (Wednesday, June 11, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24508-24511]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-10608]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket Number USCG-2024-0393]
RIN 1625-AA11
Regulated Navigation Area; Cuyahoga River, Cleveland, OH
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Interim rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is issuing an interim rule that will extend
enforcement of an existing temporary Regulated Navigation Area (RNA)
for certain waters of the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio. This
action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these
navigable waters near the ``Irishtown Bend'' in Cleveland, Ohio, during
a bank stabilization construction project from July 11, 2025, with an
anticipated completion date of all waterside work on November 30, 2025.
This rulemaking continues to limit vessel speeds near the area and
prohibit vessels from being inside the RNA during construction hours
unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Eastern Great Lakes
or a designated representative. We invite your comments on this
rulemaking.
DATES: This interim rule is effective from July 11, 2025 through
November 30, 2025. Comments and related material must be received by
the Coast Guard July 11, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2024-0393 using the Federal Decision Making Portal at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. See the ``Public Participation and Request for
Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further
instructions on submitting comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this document
call or email, call or email MST1 Cody Mayrer at Marine Safety Unit
Cleveland's Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone
216-937-0111, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f5b1c5ccd8a6b8b7d8b8a6a0b6b9b0a3b0b9b4bbb1d8a2a2b8b580869692db989c99"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2f6828b9fe1fff09fffe1e7f1fef7e4f7fef3fcf69fe5e5fff2c7c1d1d59cdfdbde">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents for Preamble
I. Abbreviations
II. Basis and Purpose, and Regulatory History
III. Discussion of Comments and Changes
IV. Discussion of the Rule
V. Regulatory Analyses
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
B. Small Entities
C. Assistance for Small Entities
D. Collection of Information
E. Federalism
F. Unfunded Mandates
G. Taking of Private Property
H. Civil Justice Reform
I. Protection of Children
J. Indian Tribal Governments
K. Energy Effects
L. Technical Standards
M. Environment
VI. Public Participation and Request for Comments
I. Abbreviations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
OMB Office of Management and Budget
RNA Regulated Navigation Area
Sec. Section
U.S.C. United States Code
II. Basis and Purpose, and Regulatory History
On December 17, 2023, Goettle Construction company notified the
Coast Guard that they will be conducting waterside construction
associated with a bank stabilization project on the Cuyahoga River in
Cleveland, Ohio from August 15, 2024, through November 30, 2025.
Construction is intended to shore-up and replace approximately 2,400
linear feet of corrugated steel bulkhead located on the western (left
descending) bank of the Cuyahoga River between the Detroit-Superior
Bridge and the Columbus Road Bridge. The Captain of the Port Sector
Eastern Great Lakes (COTP) has determined that potential hazards
associated with the equipment used to complete this project would be a
safety concern for any craft intending to navigate near the project
area during construction hours. Furthermore, additional safety measures
are necessary to keep workers on the construction barges safe while
completing the construction project.
There will be impacts to the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland during
this stabilization project. However, this work is necessary because if
the bank of the river is allowed to slide into the river, then it could
potentially close the river for an estimated 12-18 months for all
vessel traffic.
The Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on
May 21, 2024, with a 30-day comment period, at 89 FR 44622. That
proposed rule proposed that we would enforce the RNA through November
30, 2025. During the NPRM comment period, 10 comments were received.
After a review of all comments, several meetings were held with project
stakeholders to discuss concerns over impacts to commercial vessel
traffic in the affected area of the navigable waterway. Due to the
significant nature of this project, and in the interest of continued
collaboration with stakeholders, the Coast Guard published an interim
rule with request for comment on November 25, 2024.\1\ That interim
rule provided for an additional 30-day comment period. The Coast Guard
published the Final Rule on February 25, 2025.\2\ The result of the
analysis of the comments and collaboration with stakeholders was to
maintain the original engineering scope of the project with modified
project dates and timing to accommodate stakeholder concerns related to
vessel and facility scheduling. As a result, the Coast Guard shortened
the duration of the RNA to last only until July 11, 2025. We have since
learned that the project will not be completed during the shortened
duration of the RNA, by July 11. Therefore, we are relying on the
original NPRM proposed enforcement dates to extend this RNA until
November 30, 2025.
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\1\ 89 FR 92804.
\2\ 90 FR 10594.
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On March 19, 2025, the Coast Guard held a construction schedule
update meeting with the Goettle Construction representative and
concerned maritime stakeholders. At the meeting, Goettle Construction
indicated that due to various construction issues, the anticipated end
date of the waterside work, and thus, the RNA, would need to be
extended to November 30, 2025. As a result, this interim rule will
provide a comment period on extending the RNA effective period end date
as an opportunity for the public to notify us of any new concerns.
Based on construction delays in the renovation project, the Coast Guard
is effectively extending the dates for the RNA to correspond to the new
completion dates for the given work.
The Coast Guard is issuing this rulemaking under authority in 46
U.S.C. 70011 and 70034. The authority to
[[Page 24509]]
promulgate regulations under this section is delegated to the
Commandant of the Coast Guard under Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) Delegation No. 00170.1(II)(70), Revision No. 01.4.
III. Discussion of the Rule
As noted above, the RNA final rule was issued on February 25, 2025.
That final rule established an RNA starting on March 27, 2025, with an
anticipated completion date of July 11, 2025. The RNA covered all
navigable waters within 10 feet of construction barges in the Cuyahoga
River located on the western bank (left descending bank) of the
Cuyahoga River between the Detroit-Superior Bridge and the Columbus
Road Bridge in Cleveland, Ohio. This IFR effectively extends the
duration of the RNA until November 30, 2025 to ensure the safety of
vessels and these navigable waters during the following revised
scheduled hours of the construction project:
<bullet> Effective July 11, 2025, through November 30, 2025 the RNA
will be enforced from 7 a.m. each Tuesday through 7 a.m. each Thursday.
No vessel or craft would be permitted to be operated within 10 feet
of the construction barges without obtaining permission from the COTP
or a designated representative. The regulatory text appears at the end
of this document.
The economic impact of this rule is reduced to reasonable minimums
as a result of consideration of comments and collaboration with
affected stakeholders. If the project is completed before November 30
and there is no longer a safety concern in the area, we will notify the
public through local notice to mariners that we are no longer enforcing
the RNA.
V. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses
based on these statutes or Executive orders.
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
Executive Orders 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and 13563
(Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) 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 13563 emphasizes the importance of
quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing
rules, and of promoting flexibility.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not designated this
rule a ``significant regulatory action,'' under section 3(f) of
Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, OMB has not reviewed it.
This regulatory action determination is based on the size,
location, and duration of the safety zone. Vessel traffic will be able
to safely transit around this RNA. The RNA is only enforced 48 hours
each week, from 7 a.m. on Tuesdays through 7 a.m. on Thursdays until
November 30, 2025. Moreover, the Coast Guard would issue a Broadcast
Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM Marine Channel 16 about the regulated
area, and the rule would allow vessels to transit around the RNA.
B. Small Entities
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, we have
considered whether this 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.
While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the
regulated area may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section
V.A. above, this rule would not have a significant economic impact on
any vessel owner or operator. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C.
605(b) that this rule would not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
C. Assistance for Small Entities
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, Public Law 104-121, we offer to assist small
entities in understanding this rule so that they can better evaluate
its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. 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.
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).
D. Collection of Information
This rule calls for no new collection of information under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.
E. Federalism
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132
(Federalism) if it has a substantial direct effect on 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 Executive Order 13132 and
have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order
13132. Our analysis follows.
It is well settled that States may not regulate in categories
reserved for regulation by the Coast Guard. It is also well settled
that all of the categories covered in 46 U.S.C. chapter 700 (Ports and
Waterways Safety), as well as the reporting of casualties and any other
category in which Congress intended the Coast Guard to be the primary
source of a vessel's or facilitiy's obligations, are within the fields
generally foreclosed from regulation by the States. See, e.g., United
States v. Locke, 529 U.S. 89 (2000) (finding that the States are
foreclosed from regulating tanker vessels), see also Ray v. Atlantic
Richfield Co., 435 U.S. 151, 157 (1978) (State regulation is preempted
where ``the scheme of federal regulation may be so pervasive as to make
reasonable the inference that Congress left no room for the States to
supplement it [or where] the Act of Congress may touch a field in which
the federal interest is so dominant that the federal system will be
assumed to preclude enforcement of state laws on the same subject.''
(citations omitted)).
This Interim Final Rule will establish a Regulated Navigation Area
(RNA) for certain waters of the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio. In
enacting 46 U.S.C. 70011 (Waterfront safety) Congress articulated a
need for the Coast Guard to protect the navigable waters of the United
States. We have analyzed this proposed rule for an RNA under Executive
Order 13132 and have determined that it is consistent with the
fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described
in Executive Order 13132. The Coast Guard recognizes that the States
may prescribe higher safety standards pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 70011(c),
but such
[[Page 24510]]
standards may not, conflict with Federal statutes and regulations. Ray
v. Atlantic Richfield Co., at 158. Therefore this rule is consistent
with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements
described in Executive Order 13132.
While it is well settled that States may not regulate in categories
in which Congress intended the Coast Guard to be the sole source of a
vessel's obligations, the Coast Guard recognizes the key role that
State and local governments may have in making regulatory
determinations. Additionally, for rules with federalism implications
and preemptive effect, Executive Order 13132 specifically directs
agencies to consult with State and local governments during the
rulemaking process. If you believe this rule has implications for
federalism under Executive Order 13132, please call or email the person
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this preamble.
F. Unfunded Mandates
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. Although this rule will not result
in such expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere
in this preamble.
G. Taking of Private Property
This rule will not cause a taking of private property or otherwise
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630 (Governmental
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights).
H. Civil Justice Reform
This 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.
I. Protection of Children
We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045 (Protection
of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks). This
rule is not an economically significant rule and will not create an
environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might
disproportionately affect children.
J. Indian Tribal Governments
This rule does not have Tribal implications under Executive Order
13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments),
because it will 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.
K. Energy Effects
We have analyzed this 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.
L. Technical Standards
The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, codified as a
note to 15 U.S.C. 272, directs agencies to use voluntary consensus
standards in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides
Congress, through OMB, with an explanation of why using these standards
would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical.
Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g.,
specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test
methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices)
that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies.
This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not
consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.
M. Environment
We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security
Management Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing
instructions, 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 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 Regulated Navigation Area
during specific periods each day from July 11, 2025, through November
30, 2025, that would prohibit vessels from operating within 10 feet of
the construction barges. Normally such actions are categorically
excluded from further review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A,
Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. Paragraph L60a
pertains to Regulated Navigation Areas. This rule involves Regulations
establishing, disestablishing, or changing Regulated Navigation Areas.
A record of environmental consideration is available in the docket.
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 is
amending 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, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-
1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No.
00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.
0
2. Add Sec. 165.T24-0393 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T24-0393 Regulated navigation area; Irishtown Bend
Construction, Cuyahoga River, Cleveland, OH.
(a) Location. The following area is a Regulated Navigation Area
(RNA): All navigable waters of the Cuyahoga River between the Detroit-
Superior Bridge in position 41[deg]29'37'' N, 081[deg]42'13'' W (NAD
83) and the Columbus Road Bridge in position 41[deg]29'17'' N,
081[deg]42'01'' W (NAD 83), from surface to bottom, during the time of
enforcement described in paragraph (d) of this section.
(b) Definition. As used in this section, ``on-scene
representative'' of the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes (COTP)
is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer who has been
designated by the COTP to act on the COTP's behalf. The on-scene
representative may be on a Coast Guard vessel, other designated craft,
or on shore and communicating with vessels via VHF-FM radio or
loudhailer.
(c) Regulations. In addition to the general RNA regulations in
Sec. 165.13, the regulations in this paragraph (c) apply to the RNA
described in paragraph (a) of this section.
(1) A vessel transiting through the RNA must make a direct passage.
No vessel may stop, moor, anchor or loiter within the RNA at any time
unless it is
[[Page 24511]]
engaged or intending to engage in construction work discussed in the
RNA or are able to maintain a safe distance from the construction
barges. All movement within the RNA is subject to a ``Slow-No Wake''
speed limit. No vessel may produce a wake or attain speeds greater than
5 knots unless a higher minimum speed is necessary to maintain bare
steerageway.
(2) The operator of any vessel transiting in the RNA must comply
with all lawful directions given to them by the Captain of the Port
Eastern Great Lakes (COTP) or the COTP's on-scene representative.
(3) The inland navigation rules in 33 CFR subchapter E remain in
effect within the RNA and must be followed at all times.
(4) No vessel may navigate within 10 feet of the construction
barges during the Enforcement periods.
(d) Enforcement periods. This section is enforceable during the
following periods: July 11, 2025 through November 30, 2025 from 7 a.m.
each Tuesday through 7 a.m. each Thursday.
(e) If the COTP determines this section need not be enforced during
these times on a given day, marine broadcast notices to mariners will
be used to announce the specific periods when this section will not be
subject to enforcement. For information on radio stations broadcasting
BNMs, see 33 CFR 72.01-25 and check the latest Local Notice to Mariners
(LNM) for Coast Guard District 9 on <a href="https://www.navcen.uscg.gov">https://www.navcen.uscg.gov</a>.
Dated: June 4, 2025.
J.P. Hickey,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2025-10608 Filed 6-10-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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