Notice of Intent to Prepare a Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, as amended, 57940-57941 [2016-20242]

Agencies

• NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 24, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57940-57941]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[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 CEE.comments@nsf.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information regarding the 
CEE process, please contact: Dr. Polly A. Penhale, Environmental 
Officer, at CEE.comments@nsf.gov.

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