2019-28097. Notice of Permit Applications Received Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice of Permit Applications Received.

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 views with respect to this permit application by January 29, 2020. 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nature McGinn, ACA Permit Officer, at the above address, 703-292-8030, or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The National Science Foundation, as directed by the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-541, 45 CFR 671), 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. The regulations establish such a permit system to designate Antarctic Specially Protected Areas.

Application Details

Permit Application: 2020-026

1. Applicant: Brandon Savory, 662 Ash St, Prescott, AZ 86305.

Activity for Which Permit Is Requested: Waste management. Applicant requests that the yacht SV Cool Change be allowed to operate in 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. Garbage and food waste would be stored onboard the vessel and disposed of outside Antarctica. Human waste generated during shore excursions would be contained, stored on the vessel, and disposed of outside Antarctica. Should it be absolutely necessary, greywater and blackwater would be released at least 12 miles offshore and while the vessel maintains a speed of at least four knots.

Location: Antarctic Peninsula region.

Dates of Permitted Activities: January 1-February 28, 2020.

Erika N. Davis,

Program Specialist, Office of Polar Programs.