Dry Cargo Residue Discharges in the Great Lakes

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 151 [Docket No. USCG-2004-19621] RIN 1625-AA89 AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS ACTION: Interim rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is amending its regulations to allow the discharge of bulk dry cargo residue (DCR) in limited areas of the Great Lakes by self-propelled vessels and by any barge that is part of an integrated tug and barge unit. DCR is the residue of non-toxic and non-hazardous bulk dry cargo like limestone, iron ore, and coal. These regulations also add new recordkeeping and reporting requirements and encourage carriers to adopt voluntary control measures for reducing discharges. Discharges are now prohibited in certain protected and sensitive areas where, previously, they were allowed. The Coast Guard also requests public comments on the need for and feasibility of additional conditions that might be imposed on discharges in the future, such as mandatory use of control measures, or further adjustments to the areas where discharges are allowed or prohibited. DATES: This interim rule takes effect September 29, 2008. Initial reports under amended 33 CFR 151.66(c)(4) are due January 15, 2009. Comments and related material submitted in response to the request for comments must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before January 15, 2009. ADDRESSES: Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, are part of docket U…