Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 170 / Friday, August 30, 1996 / Notices 45991 inspection by representatives of the to an existing permit which is not a Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson National Science Foundation or USAP. material change to the terms and Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230. conditions of the permit. Supplemental Factors FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nadene G. Kennedy at the above A. Participant Qualifications and Ms. Nadene Kennedy, Permit Office, address or (703) 306–1033. Minimum Experience Requirements Office of Polar Programs, Rm. 755, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The In order to participate on this National Science Foundation, 4201 National Science Foundation, as expedition, the participants will require Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230. directed by the Antarctic Conservation a minimum of 500 parachute jumps. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July Act of 1978 (Public Law 95–541), has Also, they are required to undergo 19, 1996, the National Science developed regulations that implement Flight Physiological Training under a Foundation received a request from ANI the ‘‘Agreed Measures for the program approved by the aviation board to issue a new waste management Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and of their respective country. There will permit for ANI operations within Flora’’ for all United States citizens. The be approximately 5 high-profile Dronning Maud Land and the Sor Agreed Measures, developed by the members of the expedition who are not Rondone and surrounding mountains in Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, experienced skydivers who will be Antarctica. The operations proposed, air recommended establishment of a permit accompanying an experienced tandem transport of clients and members of system for various activities in skydiving instructor who will be some national antarctic programs and Antarctica and designation of certain responsible for their safety and conduct. support of climbing expeditions, are animals and certain geographic areas a Further training on Antarctic Operations substantively the same and supplement requiring special protection. The will be conducted before departure from those described in the ANI permit regulations establish such a permit Punta Arenas. The majority of the 96WM2 for the period of December 27, system to designate Specially Protected participants are veterans of one of our 1995 to December 26, 2000. Considering Areas and Sites of Special Scientific North Pole Skydiving Expeditions and the exemplary performance of ANI in Interest. are experienced in cold weather the administration of the terms and The applications received are as operations. condition of past permits, the current follows: B. Non-Interference With Other permit, and the minor nature of the 1. Applicant: R. Natalie P. Goodall, Scientific Projects request, the permit 96WM2 is amended Sarmiento 44, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del to include the referenced locations of Fuego, ARGENTINA. The Friendship Expedition will ANI operations for the pendency of the Permit Application No. 97–002. exercise caution not to interfere with permit. Activity for Which Permit is projects at the South Pole Station as Erick Chiang, Requested: The applicant is a free-lance well as any other encountered along the Acting Deputy Director, Office of Polar research biologist conducting research travel route. Programs. on marine mammals and birds in Tierra C. Conclusion [FR Doc. 96–22180 Filed 8–29–96; 8:45 am] del Fuego, Argentina. This season the BILLING CODE 7555±01±M applicant will lecture onboard cruise The Friendship Expedition represents ships visiting the Antarctic Peninsula no more than a minor or transitory and proposes to salvage skeletons and impact upon the Antarctic Environment. Notice of Permit Applications Received bones of cetaceans and marine birds This expedition is being undertaken and Under the Antarctic Conservation Act (especially penguins) encountered conducted by environmentally- of 1978 (P.L. 95±541) during shore visits. The salvaged bones responsible individuals with the goal of will be used to compare with those protecting and maintaining the Ecology AGENCY: National Science Foundation. collected from similar species in Tierra of the Antarctic Continent for the ACTION: Notice of Permit Applications del Fuego region. All salvaged materials generations to come. Received under the Antarctic will be stored in the applicant’s research Interested persons are asked to Conservation Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95– collection in Ushuaia, Argentina. No comment within 30 days of this notice. 541. bones will be collected from large Ms. Nadene Kennedy, cetaceans, except earbones for Permit Office. SUMMARY: The National Science identification purposes only. [FR Doc. 96–22181 Filed 8–29–96; 8:45 am] Foundation (NSF) is required to publish Location: Antarctic Peninsula and BILLING CODE 7555±01±M notice of permit applications received to adjacent islands. conduct activities regulated under the Dates: December 1, 1995–April 30, Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. 1997. Notice of Permits Issued Under the NSF has published regulations under 2. Applicant: Bill J. Baker, Department Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 the Antarctic Conservation Act at Title of Chemistry, Florida State University, 45 Part 670 of the Code of Federal AGENCY: National Science Foundation. 150 W. University Boulevard, Regulations. This is the required notice Melbourne, Florida 32901. ACTION: Notice of amendment to a of permit applications received. permit issued under the Antarctic Permit Application No. 97–004 DATES: Interested parties are invited to Conservation of 1978, Public Law 95– Activity for Which Permit is submit written data, comments, or 541. Requested: Introduction of non- views with respect to these permit indigenous species into Antarctica. SUMMARY: The National Science applications by September 26, 1996. The applicant proposes to take four Foundation (NSF) Office of Polar Permit applications may be inspected by slants each of four non-pathogenic Programs, has amended the waste interested parties at the Permit Office, microorganisms to McMurdo Station, management permit issued to address below. for use exclusively in the Crary Lab, to Adventure Network International (ANI) ADDRESSES: Comments should be perform antimicrobial assays on extracts under the Antarctic Conservation Act of addressed to Permit Office, Room 755, from marine invertebrates. These 1978. The amendment is a modification Office of Polar Programs, National microorganisms (Asperguillus niger, 45992 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 170 / Friday, August 30, 1996 / Notices

Bacillus subtillis, Escherichia coli, and techniques using anesthesia will be of the magmatic system underlying Saccharomyces cerevisae) will be performed to examine the prey Mount Erebus. handled using sterile techniques and utilization of Weddell Seals. Previous Location: , Mount will be disposed of by sterilization at research of stomach samples from Erebus, Ross Island (SSSI #11). the conclusion of the study. harvested seals indicated that Antarctic Dates: December 1, 1996–December Location: McMurdo Station, Ross silver fish is the major prey constituent 30. Island, Antarctica. during the austral summer. Since 7. Applicant: Wayne Z. Trivelpiece, Dates: October 1, 1996–February 28, stomach content is no longer a viable Department of Biology, Montana State 1997 option, and otoliths from fecal samples University, Bozeman, Montana 59717. 3. Applicant: Douglas Quin, Wild are often too eroded for accurate age Permit Application No. 97–009. Sanctuary, 13012 Henno Road, Glen estimation, lavage techniques offer a Activity for Which Permit is Ellen, California 95442. non-lethal techniques of obtaining this Requested: Taking, and Import into the Permit Application No. 97–005. data. U.S. The permit applicant proposes to Activity for Which Permit is Location: McMurdo Sound vicinity, capture up to 50 Adelie adults, from the Requested: Taking. The applicant is a Antarctica. pack-ice in the vicinity of Marguerite participant in the Artist and Writer’s Dates: October 1, 1996–September 30, Bay, in order to collect diet samples Program and will make Digital Audio 1997. using the water off-load technique. Tape (DAT) sound recordings of 5. Applicant: Donald B. Siniff, Dept. Birds will be released unharmed after mammals and birds being studied by of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 100 handling. various researchers in the field this Ecology Building, University of Location: Pack ice in and around season. Although the applicant may Minnesota, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, Marguerite Bay, Antarctic Peninsula. need to be in close proximity to the St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. Permit Dates: January 1, 1997–March 15, wildlife to gain quality recordings, he Application No. 97–007. 1997. plans to take care not to harass or Activity for Which Permit is 8. Applicant: David Ainley, H.T. otherwise upset the animals. Requested: Take. Import into the U.S. Harvey & Associates, P.O. Box 1180, Location: Ross Island and McMurdo Enter Site of Special Scientific Interest. Alviso, California 95002. Permit Sound vicinity. The applicant proposes to enter the Application No. 97–010. Dates: November 1, 1996–December White Island Site of Special Scientific 21, 1996. Interest (SSSI#18) to tag up to 15 adult Activity for Which Permit is 4. Applicant: Donald B. Siniff, Dept. Weddell seals, and tag and draw blood Requested: Take; Import into the U.S.; of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 100 samples from approximately 5 Weddell Enter Specially Protected Area and Ecology Building, University of pups, as part of a continuing population Enter Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Minnesota, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, study. The White Island seal population The applicant is conducting research St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. Permit has been a focus of interest dating to the to attempt to explain why penguin Application No. 97–006. early 1960’s. This group of seals populations have been decreasing in the Activity for Which Permit is represents an isolated population that is , by intensive studies at Requested: Taking. Import into the U.S. very small and the evidence suggests it colonies on Ross Island. This work will The applicant plans to tag and release has very limited exchange of be incorporated into the long-term study approximately 350 Weddell adult seals individuals with the McMurdo Sound of populations dynamics mentioned in and approximately 550 Weddell pups as population. Since intensive censusing the Royds management plan. The part of a continuing investigation of the applicant proposes to enter was begun in the late 1980’s, no new #4 #1 McMurdo Sound Weddell seal (tagged) adults have appeared in the (SSSI ) and (SSSI ) for population, which was begun in the population. Thus, the genetics of this purposes of banding up to 2,500 Adelie early 1960’s and has continued to the population is of interest because it will chicks and 250 adults per year. present. In addition, blood and tissue increase understanding of such concepts Approximately, 45 adult Adelies per samples will be taken from up to 200 as inbreeding depression and genetic year will be fitted with radio individuals and imported to the U.S. for drift. transmitters to be worn for 2–3 weeks DNA extraction and toxins analysis. Location: SSSI#18—North-west White during January and then removed. These samples are primarily to Island, McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Another 250 adults per year will be supplement future research into the Dates: October 1, 1996–September 30, given PIT tags (Passively Interrogated paternity and genetic characteristics of 1997. Transponder). The applicant also the McMurdo populations specifically 6. Applicant: Phillip R. Kyle, Dept. of proposes to capture 35 adult penguins and Antarctic seals in general. Earth & Environmental Science, New on the beach each year at the three Objectives of this research are 1) to Mexico Tech, Socorro, New Mexico colonies of intensive study and 10 at continue the long-term tagging studies 87801. Permit Application No. 97–008. (SPA #4) to collect by tagging all pups born into the Activity for Which Permit is tissues for stable isotope analysis, pump McMurdo Sound population and to Requested: Enter Site of Special stomachs, band chicks and look for replace tags on previously tagged Scientific Interest No. 11, Tramway banded emigrants from the Ross Island individuals so they will not be lost from Ridge, Mount Erebus. colonies. While conducting work on the tagged population, and 2) to update The applicant proposes to access Adelie penguins, the team will re-band, estimates of population parameters Tramway Ridge (SSSI#11) to measure as needed, a large number of South annually and to continue the analyses the temperature of the soil as a means Polar Skuas to continue a population and test of hypotheses associated with of monitoring the volcanic activity of study begun in 1961. this data base. Mark-recapture surveys, Mount Erebus. In addition, as the only The applicant plans to import into the necessary to obtain all the estimates area of soil on Mount Erebus, he intends U.S. penguin tissue samples and required for current capture-recapture to measure the quantity of CO2 in the scavenge up to 165 chick carcasses to models, will also be conducted. soil and to measure its flux into the stable isotope analysis in the U.S., A preliminary investigation into the atmosphere. This will provide which will require several months to feasibility of conducting lavage information on the degassing behavior complete analysis. Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 170 / Friday, August 30, 1996 / Notices 45993

Location: Cape Crozier (SSSI #4), Cape and Cape Washington, McMurdo Sound hours with a group of no more than 4– Royds (SSSI #1) and Cape Bird, Ross vicinity. 5 people. Soil sampling protocols have Island, and Beaufort Island (SPA #5), Dates: October 1, 1996–March 31, been selected to minimize site Ross Sea. 1997. disturbance. Manner of taking: Soil and/ Dates: November 1, 1996–January 31, 9. Applicant; Wayne Z. Trivelpiece, or rock samples will be placed in sterile 2002. Department of Biology, Montana State plastic bags and returned to McMurdo 8. Applicant: Gerald L. Kooyman, University, Bozeman, Montana 59717. where the nematodes will be Center for Marine Biotechnology, and Permit Application No. 97–012. immediately extracted. Remaining soil Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Activity for Which Permit is samples will be shipped to the U.S. for Oceanography, University of California, Requested: Taking; Import into the U.S.; further biological and chemical San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093– and, Enter Site of Special Scientific analyses, and will be handled according 0204. Permit Application No. 97–011. Interest. The applicant is conducting a to USDA guidelines. Activity for Which Permit is continuing study of behavioral ecology The applicant also plans to introduce and population biology of the Adelie, Requested; Taking; Import into the U.S.; to Antarctica the nematode species gentoo, and chinstrap penguins and the Enter Site Special Scientific Interest, Aphelenchus avenae as a standard in interactions among these species and and Enter Specially Protected Area. laboratory experiments to compare the their principal avian predators: skuas, Ground counts will be made at two anhydriotic strategy of S. lindsayae to gulls, sheathbils, and giant fulmars. Up major Emperor colonies (Cape provide insights into its response to to 1000 Adelie and gentoo chicks, plus Washington and Coulman Island) and at varying environmental conditions. 300 adults of each of all three penguin a third smaller and most southern Extreme caution will be used to avoid species, will be banded. Up to 50 adults Emperor colony (Cape Crozier) contamination of the laboratory or of each penguin species will be fitted bordering the Ross Sea. This is a outside environments with A. avenae. with radio transmitters and time-depth continuation of the longest series of Cultures will be maintained in the lab recorders to continue studying penguin in an incubator designated exclusively censuses of Emperor penguins in foraging habits. The study also involves Antarctica. Cape Crozier remains small, for this species. All work conducted stomach pumping of 40 adult penguins with this nematode will be done under less than 600 chicks, and its existence per species. In addition the principal still seems tenuous after its decline to sterile conditions using a laminar flow avian predators of the penguins, hood. All cultures and materials used 15 chicks in the 1970’s. mentioned above, will also be studied, for this work will be autoclaved before The applicant also proposes to requiring up to 200 adults and 30 chicks disposal. capture up to 75 adult Emperor of each species to be banded, if possible. Location: Cape Royds, Ross Island penguins, near the McMurdo ice edge One (1) milliliter sample of blood will (SSSI #1); Cape Crozier, Ross Island and at Cape Washington. Some of these be collected from each of a maximum of (SSSI #4); , Cape Bird, (about 10) will be maintained in an 20 breeding adults of each penguin Ross Island (SSSI #10); , enclosure on the sea ice for up to 1 species for DNA analysis as part of a Lake Fryxell, Taylor Valley, Victoria month while behavioral and collaborative genetic study. All captured Land (SSSI #12); and, , physiological experiments are birds will be released unharmed. Asgaard Range, (SSSI conducted. The birds will be allowed to Carcasses and skeletons of penguins and #19). dive at will through an ice hole. other birds salvaged at the study site 11. Applicant: Arthur L. DeVries, Approximately 30 adult Emperors will will be imported into the U.S. for Department of Physiology, 524 Burrill be captured/released/recaptured. educational and scientific study. The Hall, University of Illinois, 407 South Recorders will be attached to those birds applicant also proposes to collect grass Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, Illinois for a few dives while they feed below (Deschampsia sp.) specimens for a 61801–3704. Permit Application No. the ice edge. Similar captures and colleague at Montana State University 97–014. releases with recorders will be who is examining bacteria on grasses Activity for Which Permit is accomplished near Cape Washington. throughout the world. Requested: Introduction of Non- Recaptures will occur after the two- Location: SSSI #8—Western Shore of indigenous Species into Antarctica. week feeding commute. These Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Fifteen (15) specimens of New Zealand experiments are designed to explore and South Shertland Islands, Antarctica. black cod, Notothenia angustata, will be comprehend the physiological Dates: October 1, 1995–April 1, 1996. cold acclimated in a closed seawater responses that support the great diving 10. Applicant: Diana W. Freckman, system in the aquarium at McMurdo capacities of those birds. Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Station. The cold acclimated specimens Seventy-five chicks will be collected Colorado State University, Fort Collins, will be used in experiments to over the season at Cape Washington. Colorado 80523–1499. Permit determine the role of the antifreeze Fifty of these chicks will be weighed at Application No. 97–013. glycopeptides in freezing avoidance, fledging. Up to 5 chicks leaving the Activity for Which Permit is and for isolating DNA. The DNA will be colony will be captured and released Requested: Import into the U.S. and screened for the presence of an with satellite transmitters. Blood Enter Sites of Special Scientific Interest. ‘‘unexpressed’’ antifreeze glycopeptide samples will be collected from an The applicant proposes to enter five (5) gene. Sensitive blood serum freezing additional 5 chicks each week over the Sites of Special Scientific Interest to habit tests suggest cold acclimated black last month of development to measure collect soil samples to examine the cod synthesize small amounts of selected hormone levels. After about dispersal and survival of nematodes in antifreeze glycopeptide after one month, they will be released at the the soils, as well as examining how acclimation to + 4lC for 6 weeks. ice edge. If possible, the applicant functional communities develop, and Some specimens will be injected with proposes to collect 10 frozen eggs and how these communities may be affected purified antifreeze glycopeptides to salvage 2 adult Emperor carcasses for by disturbance. Site access will be by determine if the presence of the importation into the U.S. helicopter to the landing pad designated antifreeze glycopeptides in the Location: Beaufort Island (SPA #5), for each site and the duration of the visit circulation is sufficient to provide Cape Crozier (SSSI #4), Coulman Island, to the site will be limited to several avoidance of freezing or if it needs to be 45994 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 170 / Friday, August 30, 1996 / Notices integrated into the membranes of CFR Part 30. The Licenses authorize the of the date of the DFI, in writing and protected cells by synthetic ice crystals distribution, possession, and use of under oath or affirmation: and the fate of the ice is determined. sealed sources in devices generally 1. a statement as to whether the The integument of the cod will also be licensed, not to exceed 100 millicuries Licensee will apply sufficient resources used in experiments to determine per source and 1,000 millicuries per to manage an effective radiation safety whether it is a barrier to ice propagation foil, in accordance with the conditions program; and due to its physical properties or whether specified therein. The Licenses were 2. a statement as to why the Licenses antifreeze glycopeptides provide a due to expire on March 31, 1996. should not be revoked in light of the physiocochemical barrier in conjunction However, on February 29, 1996, the financial concerns and the repetitive with the integument. Brain lipids will Licensee filed a renewal application violations. also be analyzed to determine the degree and, in accordance with 10 CFR In a letter, dated June 18, 1996, the of unsaturation of the phospholipid 30.36(a), the Licenses are under a timely Licensee responded to the DFI and fatty acids. renewal. indicated that it would: (1) commit the Upon completion of experiments, the necessary resources to permit the RSO black code will be sacrificed and II (who works part-time) to work up to 20 preserved in 10% formalin. As a result of a June 1995 inspection, hours per week until full compliance Location: McMurdo Station, Ross a Confirmatory Action Letter (CAL) was with the radiation safety program Island, Antarctica. issued on June 15, 1995 and a Notice of requirement was achieved, which it Dates: October 1, 1996–March 31, Violation (NOV) was issued on July 27, stated could be done in 4 months, after 1997. 1995 to HNU for numerous violations which it believes that it can maintain 12. Applicant: Ron Naveen, characterized in the aggregate as a compliance by the RSO working 10–12 Oceanites, Inc., 2378 Route 97, Severity Level III problem. The hours per week; (2) designate an Cooksville, Maryland. Permit violations included the failure to: (1) assistant RSO from a qualified member Application No. 97–015. notify the NRC that the Radiation Safety of the staff; (3) complete, by August 1, 1996, a Radiation Safety Refresher Activity for Which Permit is Officer (RSO) listed on the Licenses had Course, including testing, for employees Requested: Taking; Enter Sites of been laid off and had not been replaced; dealing with instruments containing Special Scientific Interest. The Antarctic (2) conduct a physical inventory of sealed sources; (4) conduct an annual Site Inventory project intends to collect radioactive materials; (3) conduct leak audit of the radiation safety program, data and information regarding the tests of sealed sources at the required and update quarterly reports of source biological and physical features of six month intervals; (4) calibrate survey transfers by October 1, 1996; (5) perform Antarcitc Peninsula visitor locations. instruments at the required six month wipes of all sources taken from storage; Survey of the various sites may involve intervals; (5) perform monthly surveys; (6) calibrate a second survey meter by slight disturbance to the animals at the (6) monitor exposures of individuals to site. Furthermore, the project may be July 15, 1996, to ensure one calibrated radiation and radioactive material; (7) survey meter is available at all times; (7) requested to survey existing Sites of review the radiation protection program Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) continue its search for a missing 50 mCi content and implementation at least Fe–55 source; (8) provide locked files during the three-year period of this annually; (8) report to the NRC any project. Access to the SSSI’s is solely for for radiation safety records; (9) have an transfers of generally licensed devices; outside auditor conduct an audit of the survey purposes. (9) maintain radiation safety record Location: Antarctic Peninsula visitor organization after the program is notebooks; and (10) provide training to brought into full compliance; and (10) locations and Sites of Special Scientific Licensee staff. Interest. meet the specified payment schedule Subsequently, the NRC conducted a that it negotiated with the NRC Fees Dates: September 1, 1996–August 31, follow-up inspection from December 8, 1999. Branch for the payment of fees. 1995, to April 23, 1996, to review the In a followup call with the Licensee Nadene G. Kennedy, Licensee’s implementation of the on July 18, 1996, the Licensee agreed Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs. corrective actions taken in response to that: (1) the RSO would work at least 20 [FR Doc. 96–22182 Filed 8–29–96; 8:45 am] the June 1995 CAL and July 1995 NOV. hours per week, rather than 10–12 hours BILLING CODE 7555±01±M Based on this inspection, the NRC per week, until this condition was identified several repetitive violations relaxed by the NRC; (2) it would have and determined that the Licensee had an outside auditor complete an audit of NUCLEAR REGULATORY not implemented adequately the the organization by December 1, 1996; COMMISSION corrective actions in response to the and (3) it would meet the other Notice and CAL. [Docket Nos. 030±31621, 030±31622; commitments made in its June 18, 1996 License Nos. 20±27938±03G, 20±27938±02; Therefore, the Commission required letter. EA 96±234] further information from HNU in order On August 7, 1996, the Licensee to determine whether the Commission consented to issuing this Order with the HNU Systems, Inc., Newton Highlands, can have reasonable assurance that in commitments, as described in Section Massachusetts; Confirmatory Order the future, should HNU be permitted by III below. The Licensee further agreed in Modifying License (Effective the NRC to continue to perform licensed its August 7, 1996 letter that this Order Immediately) activities under the Licenses, it will is to be effective upon issuance and that conduct the activities in accordance it has waived its right for a hearing. I with NRC requirements, and whether Implementation of these commitments HNU Systems, Inc. (Licensee or further enforcement action is warranted will provide enhanced assurance that HNU), is the holder of Byproduct against HNU. Accordingly, the NRC sufficient resources will be applied to Materials License Nos. 20–27938–03G issued a Demand for Information (DFI) the radiation safety program, and that and 20–27938–02 (Licenses) issued by to the Licensee on June 7, 1996, which the program will be conducted safely the Nuclear Regulatory Commission required the Licensee to submit, among and in accordance with NRC (NRC or Commission) pursuant to 10 other things to the NRC, within 30 days requirements.