2019-27892. 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 27, 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 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 a requiring special protection. The regulations establish such a permit system to designate Antarctic Specially Protected Areas.

Application Details

Permit Application: 2020-025

1. Applicant: William Muntean, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs, 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520.

Activity for Which Permit Is Requested: Enter Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs). The US Department of State proposes to lead an interagency team of inspectors into ASPAs to ensure compliance with the provisions and values of the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The applicant would review the appropriateness and effective of current management provisions for protecting and preserving Antarctica.

Location: ASPA 120, Pointe-Geologie Archipelago, Terre Adelie; ASPA 124, Cape Crozier, Ross Island; APSA, 125, Fildes Peninsula, King George Island; ASPA 135, North-east Bailey Peninsula, Budd Coast, Wilkes land; ASPA 157, Backdoor Bay, Cape Royds, Ross Island; ASPA 158, Hut Point, Ross Island; ASPA 161, Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea.

Dates of Permitted Activities: January 1-December 31, 2020.

Erika N. Davis,

Program Specialist, Office of Polar Programs.