81 FR 57940 - Notice of Intent to Prepare a Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, as amended

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 164 (August 24, 2016)

Page Range		57940-57941
FR Document		2016-20242

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announces its intent to prepare a CEE pursuant to the Antarctic Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 2401, et seq., as amended, (ACA) and its implementing regulations, and in accordance with the procedures of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The purpose of the CEE is to evaluate the potential environmental effects of continued USAP activities in Antarctica and maintaining or enhancing capabilities that support the USAP. In addition, this CEE will update baseline descriptions of the USAP presented in the 1991 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the United States Antarctic Program. (Supplement). NSF originally published a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) in 1980 and reprinted and redistributed the PEIS in 1984. As noted, a Supplement was prepared in 1991 and project- specific impact analyses have been consistently conducted starting in 1991 and continuing through 2016. By this notice, NSF is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues to be analyzed in the CEE.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 164 (Wednesday, August 24, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 24, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57940-57941]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20242]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent to Prepare a Comprehensive Environmental 
Evaluation Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, as amended

AGENCY: National Science Foundation

ACTION: Notice of Intent to Prepare a Comprehensive Environmental 
Evaluation (hereinafter CEE) for Continuation of United States 
Antarctic Program (USAP) Activities

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) announces its intent to 
prepare a CEE pursuant to the Antarctic Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 
2401, et seq., as amended, (ACA) and its implementing regulations, and 
in accordance with the procedures of the Protocol on Environmental 
Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The purpose of the CEE is to 
evaluate the potential environmental effects of continued USAP 
activities in Antarctica and maintaining or enhancing capabilities that 
support the USAP. In addition, this CEE will update baseline 
descriptions of the USAP presented in the 1991 Final Supplemental 
Environmental Impact Statement for the United States Antarctic Program. 
(Supplement). NSF originally published a Programmatic Environmental 
Impact Statement (PEIS) in 1980 and reprinted and redistributed the 
PEIS in 1984. As noted, a Supplement was prepared in 1991 and project-
specific impact analyses have been consistently conducted starting in 
1991 and continuing through 2016. By this notice, NSF is announcing the 
beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and 
identify issues to be analyzed in the CEE.

DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the CEE. 
Scoping comments on issues may be submitted in writing until October 
15, 2016. To be eligible for inclusion in the Draft CEE, all comments 
must be received prior to the close of the scoping period. NSF will 
provide additional opportunities for public participation upon 
publication of the Draft CEE.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to Dr. Polly A. 
Penhale, Environmental Officer, Room 755, Division of Polar Programs, 
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 
22230 or by email at [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information regarding the 
CEE process, please contact: Dr. Polly A. Penhale, Environmental 
Officer, at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History of the United States Involvement in Antarctica

    The United States has been active in Antarctica since its discovery 
and exploration in the 1800's and has played a crucial role in building 
the international cooperation necessary for establishing a peaceful 
human presence on the Earth's last undeveloped continent. Through the 
Antarctic Treaty, which went into effect with 12 original member 
nations in 1961, the United States and 52 other nations have agreed to 
avoid militarization or conflict over territorial claims in the 
Antarctic Treaty Area, the area of the earth from the South Pole to 60 
degrees south latitude. Treaty nations are dedicated to international 
cooperation, scientific study, and the protection of Antarctica's 
distinctive environment.

The United States Antarctic Program (USAP)

    Since 1956 and without interruption, Americans have been conducting 
science and education programs in Antarctica. The 2,500 or so American 
scientists, administrators, and supporting personnel involved in these 
activities make up USAP. Three year-round research stations are 
maintained by the USAP: McMurdo, Amundsen-Scott South Pole, and Palmer. 
From October through February, field research camps are established for 
research. McMurdo Station, the largest station in Antarctica is USAP's 
logistics hub and a center for scientific studies. The Amundsen-Scott 
South Pole Station supports astronomy, upper atmosphere science, 
meteorology, glaciology, and earth sciences studies. Palmer Station, on 
Anvers Island just west of the Antarctic Peninsula, is primarily a 
marine biology center and also supports upper atmospheric sciences and 
other studies.
    USAP transportation infrastructure includes vessels, aircraft, and 
tractor-based traverse capabilities. USAP operates two research vessels 
(the Laurence M. Gould and the Nathaniel B. Palmer) and deploys a fuel 
tanker, resupply vessel, and a United States Coast Guard ice breaker 
once annually. The United States Air National Guard and Air Force 
operate LC-130 and C-17 aircraft supporting intracontinental and 
intercontinental transport of equipment, material, and people. In 
addition, DeHavilland Twin Otter and Basler BT-67 aircraft, plus 
helicopters transport research teams to remote research locations. 
Traverses are a critical method to transport fuel and material to South 
Pole Station, Black Island, and Marble Point from McMurdo Station. 
Similarly, traverse capabilities are in used to support major deep 
field science projects.
    The NSF has overall management responsibility for USAP and U.S. 
activities in Antarctica. However, several federal agencies have 
important roles in the U.S. presence in Antarctica. The Department of 
Defense assists in planning and provides logistical support to USAP. 
The Department of Homeland Security's United States Coast Guard 
provides icebreaker services and other assistance, as required. 
Further, the United States has strong diplomatic interests in 
Antarctica and the Department of State coordinates U.S. policy on 
Antarctica.

USAP Activities in Antarctica

    USAP activities have increased in complexity and locations over the 
years.

[[Page 57941]]

Over 124 science projects were supported by USAP during the 2015-2016 
austral summer season. Examples of recent complex USAP projects include 
ecosystem-scale, multi-disciplinary projects; study of deep subglacial 
lakes; installation and operation of Project IceCube (a neutrino 
detector at South Pole Station); upgrades to the South Pole Telescope, 
and extensive marine and terrestrial seismic projects. The demand for 
science and education programs in Antarctica is expected to continue 
increasing over the next decade.
    In addition to supporting increasingly complex science and 
education programs in Antarctica, a safety, environment, and health 
program has enabled USAP to reduce the health and safety risks to 
participants and improve environmental protection. USAP has made 
significant progress in the remediation of old waste disposal sites and 
in the removal of wastes from Antarctica.
    Because the science and education programs supported by USAP are 
increasing in size and complexity, improved equipment, more specialized 
facilities, additional electrical power, and improved logistical 
support are required. USAP has met many of these emerging needs, 
including construction and operation of the Crary Science and 
Engineering Center and the Science Support Center at McMurdo Station.
    However, approximately 60 years after USAP began much of the 
infrastructure at each of the three year-round USAP Stations has 
exceeded its intended life expectancy. USAP stations were originally 
built to serve the newly developing Antarctic science and education 
programs of the 1950s and 1960s. With few people or facilities in 
Antarctica, there was an expeditionary approach to infrastructure 
development. Energy efficiency and environmental protection were not 
high priorities. Today, much of the USAP infrastructure cannot meet 
modern practices without replacement, significant repair, or 
substantial restrictions in use. Reconstruction of the Amundsen-Scott 
South Pole Station was completed in 2010; however, the Station and 
outlying facilities require repairs and ongoing maintenance in order to 
support current and future science and education programs.

Issues and Possible Alternatives for USAP Activities

    In 2011, a Blue Ribbon Panel was established by the Directors of 
the Office of Science and Technology Policy and of the NSF to assess 
the current USAP operations, logistics and management and make 
recommendations on a long-term strategy to deliver an efficient and 
effective national research program. The 2012 report ``More and Better 
Science in Antarctica through Increased Logistical Effectiveness'' 
provided a basis for discussions among USAP participants, managers, 
scientists, educators, and NSF leadership. From these discussions and 
others, the following USAP needs have been identified:

 Capacity and flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of 
USAP science and education in Antarctica over a 35-50 year planning 
horizon
 Increased energy conservation (reduced energy consumption)
 Increased operational efficiency (e.g., reduced costs and 
personnel requirements)
 A continued safe and healthy working environment for USAP 
personnel and visitors
 A continued high standard of environmental stewardship in 
Antarctica
 Reflecting the ``active and influential presence'' in 
Antarctica in a manner consistent with U.S. stature in the 
international research community
 Reflecting the professional nature of NSF and its scientific 
activities

    These needs are important considerations in meeting USAP's long-
term goals and may generate conflicts in the use of available 
resources. To more fully respond to these needs, NSF has been preparing 
Master Plans for McMurdo and Palmer stations. In addition, NSF has been 
expanding planning efforts to address the needs of other USAP 
components including South Pole Station, field camps, vessels, and 
traverse capabilities. To address the issues and fulfill the purpose 
and need of the proposed action, two alternatives have been identified 
for evaluation in the CEE:
    Alternative A--Implement the McMurdo Station Master Plan, Palmer 
Station Master Plan, South Pole Station renovation and maintenance 
plan; and maintain and improve traverse, field camp, and marine 
capabilities (Proposed Action). This alternative would include the 
modernization of McMurdo Station and Palmer Station through 
reconstruction, consolidation, and renovation of facilities. Critical 
maintenance as well as facility and infrastructure improvements would 
be made at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Traverse, field camp, 
and marine operations and capabilities would be maintained and enhanced 
to meet evolving science requirements, improve efficiencies, and 
continue to protect health, safety, and the environment.
    Alternative B--Maintain facilities and capabilities at the current 
level of performance. This alternative maintains the ``status quo'' of 
USAP facilities and capabilities across the program, including at all 
three stations, camps, traverse, and vessels. This alternative 
represents the `No action' alternative. The improvement or replacement 
of facilities to prevent major structural failures, and mitigate risks 
to health and safety, would be conducted on a modest, long-term 
implementation schedule.
    The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant 
issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, 
including identification of viable alternatives, and guide the process 
for developing the CEE. At present, NSF has identified the following 
preliminary resource areas for analysis of potential impacts: Air 
quality, climate, marine and terrestrial biological resources, 
geological resources, glacial resources, water quality, groundwater 
resources, aesthetics, wilderness values, solid waste generation, and 
health and safety. Federal, state, and local agencies, along with other 
stakeholders that may be interested or affected by NSF's decision on 
this proposal are invited to participate in the scoping process.

    Dated: August 19, 2016.
Nadene G. Kennedy,
Polar Coordination Specialist, Division of Polar Programs.
[FR Doc. 2016-20242 Filed 8-23-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 164 / Wednesday, August 24, 2016 / Notices 57941

Over 124 science projects were and make recommendations on a long- Alternative B—Maintain facilities and
supported by USAP during the 2015– term strategy to deliver an efficient and capabilities at the current level of
2016 austral summer season. Examples effective national research program. The performance. This alternative maintains
of recent complex USAP projects 2012 report ‘‘More and Better Science in the ‘‘status quo’’ of USAP facilities and
include ecosystem-scale, multi- Antarctica through Increased Logistical capabilities across the program,
disciplinary projects; study of deep Effectiveness’’ provided a basis for including at all three stations, camps,
subglacial lakes; installation and discussions among USAP participants, traverse, and vessels. This alternative
operation of Project IceCube (a neutrino managers, scientists, educators, and represents the ‘No action’ alternative.
detector at South Pole Station); NSF leadership. From these discussions The improvement or replacement of
upgrades to the South Pole Telescope, and others, the following USAP needs facilities to prevent major structural
and extensive marine and terrestrial have been identified: failures, and mitigate risks to health and
seismic projects. The demand for • Capacity and flexibility to adapt to the safety, would be conducted on a
science and education programs in changing needs of USAP science and modest, long-term implementation
Antarctica is expected to continue education in Antarctica over a 35–50 schedule.
increasing over the next decade. year planning horizon The purpose of the public scoping
In addition to supporting increasingly • Increased energy conservation process is to determine relevant issues
complex science and education (reduced energy consumption) that will influence the scope of the
programs in Antarctica, a safety, • Increased operational efficiency (e.g., environmental analysis, including
environment, and health program has reduced costs and personnel identification of viable alternatives, and
enabled USAP to reduce the health and requirements) guide the process for developing the
safety risks to participants and improve • A continued safe and healthy working CEE. At present, NSF has identified the
environmental protection. USAP has environment for USAP personnel and following preliminary resource areas for
made significant progress in the visitors analysis of potential impacts: Air
remediation of old waste disposal sites • A continued high standard of quality, climate, marine and terrestrial
and in the removal of wastes from environmental stewardship in biological resources, geological
Antarctica. Antarctica resources, glacial resources, water
Because the science and education • Reflecting the ‘‘active and influential
quality, groundwater resources,
programs supported by USAP are presence’’ in Antarctica in a manner
aesthetics, wilderness values, solid
increasing in size and complexity, consistent with U.S. stature in the
waste generation, and health and safety.
improved equipment, more specialized international research community
• Reflecting the professional nature of Federal, state, and local agencies, along
facilities, additional electrical power, with other stakeholders that may be
and improved logistical support are NSF and its scientific activities
interested or affected by NSF’s decision
required. USAP has met many of these These needs are important
on this proposal are invited to
emerging needs, including construction considerations in meeting USAP’s long-
participate in the scoping process.
and operation of the Crary Science and term goals and may generate conflicts in
Engineering Center and the Science the use of available resources. To more Dated: August 19, 2016.
Support Center at McMurdo Station. fully respond to these needs, NSF has Nadene G. Kennedy,
However, approximately 60 years been preparing Master Plans for Polar Coordination Specialist, Division of
after USAP began much of the McMurdo and Palmer stations. In Polar Programs.
infrastructure at each of the three year- addition, NSF has been expanding [FR Doc. 2016–20242 Filed 8–23–16; 8:45 am]
round USAP Stations has exceeded its planning efforts to address the needs of BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
intended life expectancy. USAP stations other USAP components including
were originally built to serve the newly South Pole Station, field camps, vessels,
developing Antarctic science and and traverse capabilities. To address the NUCLEAR REGULATORY
education programs of the 1950s and issues and fulfill the purpose and need COMMISSION
1960s. With few people or facilities in of the proposed action, two alternatives
Antarctica, there was an expeditionary have been identified for evaluation in Advisory Committee on Reactor
approach to infrastructure development. the CEE: Safeguards (ACRS) Meeting of the
Energy efficiency and environmental Alternative A—Implement the ACRS Subcommittee on Reliability and
protection were not high priorities. McMurdo Station Master Plan, Palmer PRA; Notice of Meeting
Today, much of the USAP infrastructure Station Master Plan, South Pole Station
cannot meet modern practices without renovation and maintenance plan; and The ACRS Subcommittee on
replacement, significant repair, or maintain and improve traverse, field Reliability and PRA will hold a meeting
substantial restrictions in use. camp, and marine capabilities on September 7, 2016, Room T–2B1,
Reconstruction of the Amundsen-Scott (Proposed Action). This alternative 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville,
South Pole Station was completed in would include the modernization of Maryland.
2010; however, the Station and outlying McMurdo Station and Palmer Station The meeting will be open to public
facilities require repairs and ongoing through reconstruction, consolidation, attendance.
maintenance in order to support current and renovation of facilities. Critical The agenda for the subject meeting
and future science and education maintenance as well as facility and shall be as follows:
programs. infrastructure improvements would be
made at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Wednesday, September 7, 2016—1 p.m.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES

Issues and Possible Alternatives for Station. Traverse, field camp, and Until 5 p.m.
USAP Activities marine operations and capabilities The Subcommittee will be briefed on
In 2011, a Blue Ribbon Panel was would be maintained and enhanced to the activities of Risk-Informed Steering
established by the Directors of the Office meet evolving science requirements, Committee from both the staff and the
of Science and Technology Policy and improve efficiencies, and continue to industry. The Subcommittee will hear
of the NSF to assess the current USAP protect health, safety, and the presentations by and hold discussions
operations, logistics and management environment. with the NRC staff, the industry, and

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Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice of Intent to Prepare a Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation (hereinafter CEE) for Continuation of United States Antarctic Program (USAP) Activities
Dates		This notice initiates the public scoping process for the CEE. Scoping comments on issues may be submitted in writing until October 15, 2016. To be eligible for inclusion in the Draft CEE, all comments must be received prior to the close of the scoping period. NSF will provide additional opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Draft CEE.
Contact		For further information regarding the CEE process, please contact: Dr. Polly A. Penhale, Environmental Officer, at [email protected]
FR Citation		81 FR 57940