[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 1792]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00444]


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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. NSF has 
published regulations under the Antarctic Conservation Act in the Code 
of Federal Regulations. This is the required notice of a requested 
permit modification issued.

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 as requiring special 
protection.
    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. Now the 
applicant proposes a modification to his permit to increase the number 
of individuals permitted for coastal camping activities to be increased 
from 40 to 50 participants for operator's remaining 2021-2022 season.
    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.

    DATES: November 2, 2017-March 30, 2022.
    The permit modification was issued on December 14, 2021.
Erika N. Davis,
Program Specialist, Office of Polar Programs.
[FR Doc. 2022-00444 Filed 1-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P