[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 122 (Monday, June 27, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 36964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12664]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Availability of a Record of Decision Following a Final 
Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation for Antarctic Activities

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a Record of Decision following a 
Final Environmental Impact Statement/Comprehensive Environmental 
Evaluation (FEIS/FCEE) for activities proposed to be undertaken in 
Antarctica.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation gives notice of the 
availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement/Comprehensive 
Environmental Evaluation (FEIS/FCEE) for activities proposed to be 
undertaken in Antarctica.
    The Office of Polar Programs (OPP) has decided to proceed with the 
development and implementation of surface traverse capabilities in 
Antarctica. Given the United States Antarctica Program's (USAP) mission 
to support polar research, the proposed action is expected to result in 
reduced reliance on aircraft resources, increased opportunities for 
sciences at USAP facilities, and resources savings. In reaching this 
decision, the Director of the Office of Polar Programs has considered 
the potential environmental impacts addressed in the Development and 
Implementation of Surface Traverse Capabilities in Antarctica EIS/CEE. 
The Director has also considered input from Antarctic Treaty nations 
and the public pertaining to the EIS/CEE for Development and 
Implementation of Surface Traverse Capabilities in Antarctica.
    Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 2403a, the National Science Foundation has 
prepared this Record of Decision following the Final Environmental 
Impact Statement/Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation for Development 
and Implementation of Surface Traverse Capabilities in Antarctica, 
Amundsen-Scott Station, South Pole, Antarctica.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Record of Decision are available upon request 
from: Dr. Polly A. Penhale, National Science Foundation, Office of 
Polar Programs, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 755, Arlington, VA 22230. 
Telephone: (703) 292-8033.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A Notice of Availability of the draft EIS/
CEE was published in the Federal Register. Via a Web site link, the 
draft Development and Implementation of Surface Traverse Capabilities 
in Antarctica EIS/CEE was made available for review to all interested 
parties including Antarctic Treaty nations, international and U.S. 
Federal agencies, research institutions, private organizations, and 
individuals. Comments were received and considered as described in 
Appendix D of the environmental document, and include comments from the 
Australian Antarctic Division, German Federal Environmental Agency, 
Antarctica New Zealand, The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, and 
Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)/Council on Environmental 
Protection (CEP). The National Science Foundation has made the Final 
EIS/CEE and Record of Decision for the Development and Implementation 
of Surface Traverse Capabilities in Antarctica available on the 
internet at: http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/antarct/treaty/cees.htm.

Polly A. Penhale,
Environmental Officer, Office of Polar Programs, National Science 
Foundation.
[FR Doc. 05-12664 Filed 6-24-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M