[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 225 (Friday, November 26, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67501-67502]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25730]


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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.

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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.

DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit written data, comments, 
or views with respect to this permit application by December 27, 2021. 
Permit applications 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Polly Penhale, ACA Permit Officer, 
Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower 
Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-292-8030; or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Science Foundation, as directed 
by the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-541), 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.
    Description of Permit Modification Requested: The Foundation issued 
a permit (ACA 2018-015) to Polar Latitudes Inc. on November 2, 2017. 
The issued permit allows the applicant to conduct waste management 
activities associated with coastal camping and operating remotely 
piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) In the Antarctic Peninsula region.
    On October 5, 2021, NSF issued a permit modification authorizing 
waste management activities associated with planned operations for the 
2021-2022 field season. This modification included slight changes in 
operation. For the 2021-2022 season, Polar Latitudes plans to operate 
the MS SEAVENTURE, which will carry 149 passengers and 15-20 expedition 
staff. Polar Latitudes requested that the number of individuals 
permitted for coastal camping activities be increased from 30 
participants to 40 participants and four expedition guides, with 
increased equipment brought onshore to support a larger group. Polar 
Latitudes also updated their RPAS policies, which are still in 
accordance with standards put forth by IATTO and the ATCM.
    Now the applicant proposes a modification to this permit to 
authorize waste management activities associated with newly proposed 
onshore activities to be conducted in the the 2021-2022 Antarctic 
season. The applicant proposes conducting multiple one-day 
reconnaissance expeditions led by a

[[Page 67502]]

two-person reconnaissance team at ATS-approved visitor sites in 
Antarctica. The purpose of these expeditions is to identify, map and 
photograph suitable routes to be used in future commercial land-based 
expeditions. Materials to be brought ashore including food and supplies 
to support activities as well as emergency supplies, including cooking 
fuel for emergency use only. All solid, hazardous, and biological 
wastes will be removed from the continent and returned to the 
operator's vessel, MS SEAVENTURE, following all expeditions.
    Location: Antarctic peninsula region.
    Dates: January 1, 2022-March 30, 2022.

Erika N. Davis,
Program Specialist, Office of Polar Programs.
[FR Doc. 2021-25730 Filed 11-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P