[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 160 (Monday, August 23, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 47163]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17937]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Permit Modification Received Under the Antarctic 
Conservation Act of 1978

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice of permit modification request received and permit 
issued.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is required to publish a 
notice of requests to modify permits issued to conduct activities 
regulated under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. This is the 
required notice of a requested permit modification and permit issued.

DATES: October 30, 2016-January 31, 2023.
    The permit modification was issued on August 17, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Polly Penhale, ACA Permit Officer, 
Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower 
Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-292-7420; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Science Foundation (NSF), as 
directed by the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-541, 45 
CFR 670), as amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism and Conservation 
Act of 1996, has developed regulations for the establishment of a 
permit system for various activities in Antarctica and designation of 
certain animals and certain geographic areas a requiring special 
protection.
    Description of Permit Modification Requested: The Foundation issued 
a permit (ACA 2017-017) to Leidos Innovations Group on October 30, 
2016. The issued permit allows the applicant to conduct take of native 
mammal and bird species. Periodically native mammal and bird species 
enter the aircraft runways, the roads, and the ice pier at McMurdo 
Station, or the pier or general station area at Palmer Station. Such 
invasions pose operational safety concerns as well as potential harm to 
the animals. This permit authorizes permit agents to herd wildlife away 
from operational areas and out of harm's way. Individuals tasked with 
wildlife removal are trained in proper techniques designed to minimize 
disturbance.
    The applicant proposes a modification to his permit to extend the 
expiration date of the permit until January 31, 2023. The modification 
also includes changes to permit language for updated accuracy.
    The Environmental Officer has reviewed the modification request and 
has determined that the amendment is not a material change to the 
permit, and it will have a less than a minor or transitory impact.

Erika N. Davis,
Program Specialist, Office of Polar Programs.
[FR Doc. 2021-17937 Filed 8-20-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P