2014-27901. Notice of Permit Applications Received Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice of Permit Applications Received under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, Public Law 95-541.

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 at Title 45 Part 670 of 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 views with respect to this permit application by December 26, 2014. This application may be inspected by interested parties at the Permit Office, address below.

ADDRESSES:

Comments should be addressed to Permit Office, Room 755, Division of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Li Ling Hamady, ACA Permit Officer, at the above address or [e-mail] or [phone].

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 requiring special protection. The regulations establish such a permit system to designate Antarctic Specially Protected Areas.

Application Details

Permit Application: 2015-016

1. Applicant Ashley Perrin. Racing Yacht Management. P.O. Box 623. Mill Valley, CA 94942.

Activity for Which Permit Is Requested

Waste permit; Applicant requests that 16 total passengers and crew aboard the 56 meter sailing yacht SY Fidelis be allowed into the Antarctic Treaty area, to cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula for tourism and sightseeing purposes. Applicant proposes to make select stops at non-protected area landings, for day-time sightseeing. Applicant intends to follow Appendix 2 for all food waste and garbage, and the boat has an onboard sewage treatment plant that meets MARPOL 6 standards. Contingency plans are in place in case of accidental releases to the environment.

Location

Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands.

Dates

January 1 to February 1, 2015.

Nadene G. Kennedy,

Polar Coordination Specialist, Division of Polar Programs.