The U.S. Coast Guard has announced a proposed temporary safety zone on a segment of the James River in Richmond, Virginia. This measure, outlined in a recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published in the Federal Register, aims to ensure public and marine safety during an anticipated fireworks display on June 13, 2026. The zone would restrict vessel traffic and personnel from a designated area for one hour, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., to mitigate risks associated with the event.
The Rationale for a Safety Zone
On December 18, 2025, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture informed the Coast Guard of its plans to launch fireworks from land adjacent to the James River. While celebratory, fireworks displays pose inherent risks to nearby navigable waters. The Coast Guard identified potential hazards including accidental discharge, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other debris that could threaten personnel, vessels, and the marine environment.
Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector Virginia, assessed these risks and determined that a safety buffer of approximately 400 feet from the display site was necessary. The proposed rule is being issued under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 70034, which empowers the Coast Guard to establish safety zones to protect such interests.
Specifics of the Proposed Restriction
The temporary safety zone would encompass all navigable waters from surface to bottom within a clearly defined area of the James River. The precise coordinates are 37 degrees 31 minutes 18 seconds North, 077 degrees 25 minutes 10 seconds West; 37 degrees 31 minutes 19 seconds North, 077 degrees 25 minutes 07 seconds West; 37 degrees 31 minutes 11 seconds North, 077 degrees 25 minutes 04 seconds West; and 37 degrees 31 minutes 11 seconds North, 077 degrees 25 minutes 06 seconds West. These coordinates are based on the World Geodetic System 84 (WGS 84).
During the enforcement period, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 13, 2026, no vessel or person would be permitted to enter this safety zone without specific authorization from the COTP or their designated representative. A designated representative includes Coast Guard patrol commanders, coxswains, petty officers, or other officers operating Coast Guard vessels, as well as Federal, State, and local officers assisting the COTP in enforcement. Those needing permission to enter are instructed to contact the COTP or their representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone.
Regulatory Impact and Public Participation
In its regulatory analysis, the Coast Guard certified that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This determination is based on several factors. The regulated area is small, and the enforcement period is limited to just one hour during a time when vessel traffic is typically low. Furthermore, the Coast Guard plans to issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16, allowing small entities sufficient notice to adjust their transit plans. The provision allowing vessels to request permission to enter the regulated area from the COTP also mitigates potential economic disruption.
The agency also analyzed the proposed rule under various other statutes and Executive Orders. It determined that the rule is consistent with federalism principles, has no tribal implications, and will not result in unfunded mandates exceeding statutory thresholds. Environmentally, the rule is categorically excluded from further review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) due to its nature as a safety zone, with a Record of Environmental Consideration supporting this finding.
Public participation is a crucial component of the rulemaking process. The Coast Guard is actively seeking comments and related material on this proposed rule. Interested parties must submit their comments on or before May 27, 2026. Comments can be submitted online by searching for docket number USCG-2026-0405 at regulations.gov. The agency emphasizes that all comments received will be considered and can help shape the final outcome of this rulemaking.
