[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 13, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56987-56988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22204]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


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

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice of permit applications received.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is required to publish a 
notice of permit applications received to conduct activities regulated 
under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. NSF has published 
regulations under the Antarctic Conservation Act in the Code of Federal 
Regulations. This is the required notice of permit applications 
received.

DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit written data, comments, 
or

[[Page 56988]]

views with respect to this permit application by November 12, 2021. 
This application may be inspected by interested parties at the Permit 
Office, address below.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Permit Office, Office of 
Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, 
Alexandria, Virginia 22314 or [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Polly Penhale, ACA Permit Officer, at 
the above address, 703-292-8030.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Science Foundation, 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 as requiring special protection. 
The regulations establish such a permit system to designate Antarctic 
Specially Protected Areas.

Application Details

Permit Application: 2022-012

1. Applicant: Laura K.O. Smith, Quixote Expeditions, LLC. 1498 Paradise 
Point Rd., Oakland, MD 21550.

    Activity for Which Permit is Requested: Waste Management. The 
applicant, Quixote Expeditions, LLC, seeks and Antarctic Conservation 
Act permit for waste management activities associated with the 
operation of the ``Ocean Tramp,'' a reinforced ketch rigged sailing 
yacht, and the ``Hans Hansson,'' a motorized vessel, in the Antarctic 
Peninsula region. Activities conducted by Quixote include: Passenger 
landings, kayaking, hiking, photography, coastal camping, wildlife 
viewing and potential station visits. Wastes generated during shore-
based activities would be returned to the vessel for proper disposal 
and no poultry products shall be brought ashore at any time.
    Coastal camping activities, including campsite selection, will 
follow criteria set forth in the IATTO Guidelines for Short Overnight 
Stays in Antarctica in order to minimize environmental impact. 
Emergency kits containing food rations and camping stoves will be 
brought ashore for overnight stays. All wastes, including food waste, 
generated during overnight stays will be collected and returned to the 
vessel for proper disposal following the activity. Mitigation measures 
are in place to prevent the release of any fuel used in camp stoves if 
necessary.
    The applicant also proposes the operation of unoccupied aerial 
systems (UAS) for commercial and navigational purposes. UAS will only 
be flown by experienced pilots with more than 20 hours of flight 
experience. UAS will not be flown over any bird or wildlife colonies 
and pilots will follow guidelines and criteria set forth by IATTO. 
Potential risk will be assessed by crew members prior to each flight to 
determine feasibility of UAS use in current conditions.
    Location: Antarctic Peninsula Region.
    Dates of Permitted Activities: December 1, 2021-March 30, 2026.

Permit Application: 2022-013

2. Applicant: Lisa Bolton, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, 20 Park Place 
Ste. 903, Boston, MA 02116.

    Activity for Which Permit is Requested: Waste Management. The 
applicant proposes to operate small, battery-operated remotely piloted 
aircraft systems (RPAS) to collect commercial and educational footage 
of the Antarctic. The quadcopter would not be flown over concentrations 
of birds or mammals, or over Antarctic Specially Protected Areas or 
Historic Sites and Monuments. The RPAS would only be operated by pilots 
with extensive experience, who are pre-approved by the Expedition 
Leader. Several measures would be taken to prevent against loss of the 
RPA, including installing floatation devices in the case of an 
accidental water landing; only flying when the wind is less than 25 
knots; constant monitoring of battery life throughout the duration of 
all flights; having an observer on the lookout for wildlife, people, 
and other hazards; and ensuring that the pilot always maintains visual 
contact with the RPA. The applicant would also operate two helicopters 
for sightseeing in the Antarctic Peninsula region. No landings would 
occur, except in the case of emergency. Helicopters will be garaged, 
fueled, and serviced on board the Scenic Eclipse. Helicopter operations 
will only occur weather conditions, including sufficiently low winds, 
that allow easy take-off and landing. Helicopters will be operated by 
trained, certified, and experienced pilots. Helicopters will carry 
emergency gear including cooking fuel and radios. The applicant is 
seeking a Waste Permit to cover any accidental releases that may result 
from operating the RPAS and helicopters.
    Location: Antarctica Peninsula Region.
    Dates of Permitted Activities: January 1, 2022-March 31, 2026.

Erika N. Davis,
Program Specialist, Office of Polar Programs.
[FR Doc. 2021-22204 Filed 10-12-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P