Coast Guard sets safety zone for Lake Champlain fireworks in Essex, NY

The U.S. Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone around a fireworks barge on Lake Champlain near Essex, New York. The restricted area covers all navigable waters within 200 yards of the display location at coordinates 44 degrees 18 minutes 31.12 seconds North and 73 degrees 20 minutes 48.57 seconds West.

Why it matters: This rule exists because fireworks displays pose risks such as accidental discharges, flying projectiles, and falling debris. The Coast Guard determined that a safety buffer is necessary to protect people on the water and the marine environment from these hazards. The agency skipped the usual public comment period because the short timeframe between the notification in April and the event in July made it impractical to follow standard rulemaking procedures.

Who it affects

• Boat operators, kayakers, and other boaters navigating Lake Champlain near Essex during the specified hours.

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This rule was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard under the Department of Homeland Security; readers should verify the specific coordinates and contact details in the original Federal Register document before relying on them for navigation.

Agency: Homeland Security Department, Coast Guard
Source: Federal Register — read the official document