[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 21, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20743-20744]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08186]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Application of Emergency Provision Under the Antarctic 
Conservation Act

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice of application of emergency provision for hazardous 
waste to be stored at McMurdo Station, Antarctica for more than 15 
months due to an emergency, pursuant to 45 CFR 671.17.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, is 
giving notice that an emergency relating to considerations of human 
health and safety caused hazardous waste to be stored at McMurdo 
Station for more than 15 months. Hazardous waste in the form of 
batteries, regulated medical waste, laboratory chemical waste, gas 
cylinders, paints and solvents, petroleum-based compounds and fuel 
contaminated soils, with an aggregate of

[[Page 20744]]

approximately 385,000 lbs. net weight, was, consistent with waste 
management best practices, segregated, packaged, and stored in a 
secured location for removal from the station.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The waste was to be removed in February 
2021, at the end of the 2021-2021 season. Due to the world-wide 
pandemic, the United States Antarctic Program severely curtailed its 
activities on the continent and directed efforts to activities required 
to ensure the safe and continuous operation of all three USAP stations 
and activities required to avoid irreversible damage to science or 
operational infrastructure. In order to minimize the risk of 
introducing COVID-19 to the Antarctic continent, personnel was reduced 
to a minimum and the annual ships for resupply and waste removal were 
cancelled for the season. The removal of the hazardous waste is a 
priority for removal during the January-February 2022 time period.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Polly A. Penhale, Senior Advisor, 
Environment at 703-292-7420.

    Authority: 45 CFR 671.17.

Erika N. Davis,
Program Specialist, Office of Polar Programs.
[FR Doc. 2021-08186 Filed 4-20-21; 8:45 am]
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