Title : On-site burning, remote camp Type : Antarctic EAM NSF Org: OD / OPP Date : June 27, 1990 File : opp93006 DIVISION OF POLAR PROGRAMS OFFICE OF SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH 202/357-7766 MEMORANDUM Date: June 27, 1990 From: Environmental Officer, DPP Subject: Environmental Action Memorandum (Award No. 87-15864, Proposal No. 90-40685; Kooyman, G.) To: Program Manager, Polar Biology and Medicine, DPP I have inspected the letter of June 18, 1990, sent to you by Dr. Gerald L. Kooyman concerning removal of wastes from his remote field research site during the 1990-1991 research season. I agree with Dr. Kooyman's assessment of the issue: that removal of certain combustible wastes poses a greater environmental impact in terms of fuel usage that would on-site burning. We must recognize, however, that arguments may be made that burning of these waste produces combustion residuals that are environ- mentally harmful (e.g., dioxins, cadmium). Despite those arguments, I believe that acceptance of the levels of such harmful residuals, liberated to the atmosphere when produced from burning appropriate wastes on-site, is justified when compared with similar residuals produced from fuel consumed during transport. We must remember that the Division has promulgated a policy relative to the removal of wastes, where feasible, from remote field sites. In line with that policy and for Dr. Kooyman's situation, I authorize at his field site the burning of such combustible wastes as paper, cardboard, untreated wood, kitchen wastes, and human faeces. The ash from such waste burning shall be deposited and retained in an appropriate waste receptacle and shall be returned to McMurdo Station for recycling or retrograde. In addition, all metal, glass, plastic, laboratory chemical -2- wastes, other wastes contaminated with laboratory chemicals, and fuels shall be returned to McMurdo Station for recycling or retrograde. Please assure that the Principal Investigator is fully apprised of this decision. Thank you for your cooperation. Sidney Draggan cc: Safety, Environment and Health Officer, DPP Field Projects Manager, DPP Environmental Engineer, DPP G. L. Kooyman