Conservation Act of 1978; Notice of Waste Permit Application Received

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice of permit application received under the Antarctic Conservation Act and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has received a waste management permit application for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), submitted to NSF pursuant to regulations issued under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978.

DATES:

Interested parties are invited to submit written data, comments, or views with respect to this permit application on or before September 8, 2004. The permit application may be inspected by interested parties at the Permit Office, address below.

ADDRESSES:

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Susanne M. LaFratta at the above address or at (703) 292-7445.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Antarctic Waste Regulations in 45 CFR Part 671 require U.S. citizens, corporations, or other entities to obtain a permit for the use or release of designated pollutants in Antarctica and for the release of any waste in the Antarctic. NSF has received a permit application under this regulation for USAP activities in Antarctica. The permit applicant is: Raytheon Polar Services Company, 7400 South Tucson Way, Centennial, CO 80112.

The permit application applies to USAP activities conducted by all supporting organizations at all USAP facilities and operations in Antarctica. The proposed duration of the permit is from October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2009.

Raytheon Polar Services Company (RPSC) and other supporting organizations provide broad-based logistical support, technical support, and transportation services to the USAP. This includes the transport of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste from Antarctica to the United States.

RPSC operations include procuring, transporting to Antarctica, and tracking materials containing designated pollutants that are required for USAP operations, and for NSF and NSF grantees. RPSC is also responsible for fuel operations including fuel storage, distribution, and resupply; and record-keeping of fuel use. RPSC collects, stores, and ships both hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials and is responsible for the final disposition of these materials once they are returned to the United States. RPSC also provides training and technical guidance to enhance the safety and effectiveness of U.S. waste management practices in Antarctica.