[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Page 42021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-17603]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Availability of the Final Comprehensive Environmental 
Evaluation (CEE) for Continuation and Modernization of McMurdo Station 
Area Activities in Antarctica

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) gives notice of the 
availability of the Final Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation (CEE) 
for Continuation and Modernization of McMurdo Station Area Activities, 
pursuant to the Antarctic Conservation Act, as amended, its 
implementing regulations, and in accordance with the Protocol on 
Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The proposed activity 
would implement modernization projects at McMurdo Station while 
continuing United States Antarctic Program (USAP) science and 
operations at McMurdo Station and locations supported by the Station.

DATES: The waiting period ends October 15, 2019, after which the 
Modernization and Continuation of McMurdo Area Activities are planned 
to commence.
    The Final CEE may be viewed by interested parties at https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/antarct/treaty/cees/AIMS/Final%20CEE_McMurdo%20Modernization_v8_05Aug2019.pdf.

ADDRESSES: Dr. Polly A. Penhale, Senior Advisor, Environment, Office of 
Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, 
Alexandria, Virginia 22314 or [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information regarding the 
CEE process, please contact Dr. Polly A. Penhale, at the above address, 
703-292-8030, or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Article 3 of Annex I to the Protocol on 
Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty requires the 
preparation of a CEE for any proposed Antarctic activity likely to have 
more than a minor or transitory impact. The draft CEE was made 
available to Antarctic Treaty Parties and the Committee for 
Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty for a 120-day period, 
as specified above.
    The draft CEE was published in the Federal Register (Vol. 84, No. 
76/Friday, April 19, 2019, Page 16547) for a 90-comment period, as 
specified in 45 CFR 641.18.
    The draft CEE was also made available through the Environmental 
Protection Agency's Environmental Impact Statement Database at https://cdxnodengn.epa.gov/cdx-enepa-II/public/action/eis/details?eisId=269627.
    Additional information on the proposed actions and purpose and need 
was provided in the Notice of Intent to prepare a CEE published in the 
Federal Register (Vol. 81, No. 164/Wednesday, August 24, 2016, Pages 
57940-57941).

    Dated: August 12, 2019.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2019-17603 Filed 8-15-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P