Title : Waste containment area-McMurdo
Type : Antarctic EAM
NSF Org: OD / OPP
Date : December 30, 1991
File : opp93046
DIVISION OF POLAR PROGRAMS
OFFICE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
202/357-7766
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 30, 1991
From: Environmental Officer, DPP
Subject: Environmental Action Memorandum (Proposed Temporary
Non-Hazardous Waste Containment Area at McMurdo
Station, Antarctica)
To: (Files S.7 - Environment)
This Environmental Action Memorandum describes the need for, and
location of, a temporary non-hazardous waste storage area during
the 1991-1992 austral summer season at McMurdo Station, Antarc-
tica. The Environmental Officer posed a set of questions relat-
ing to the proposed project, and to the potentially affected
environment. These questions were responded to by the National
Science Foundation's McMurdo Station Manager and the civilian
contractor's Environmentalist on October 10, 1991; the questions
and responses are shown below:
Environmental Assessment Queries and Responses
GENERAL
During the 1991-1992 austral summer season, the U.S. Antarctic
Program is undertaking a major waste remediation effort (in
addition to normal construction activities) at McMurdo Station.
Part of this effort requires the establishment of a temporary
solid waste processing and storage area.
LAND USE AND PLANNING:
1. What is the specific purpose of the proposed activity?
To establish a temporary containment area that will function
first, as a processing center for the reduction, consolida-
tion and containerization of demolition debris by means of
an industrial-sized mechanical grinder; second, the proposed
area will provide working space for the containerization of
unconsolidated scrap metal; and finally, will provide the
working space necessary to prepare the containers of consol-
idated demolition debris and the containers of unconsolidat-
ed scrap metal for vessel retrograde at the end of the 1991-
1992 austral summer season.
What alternatives has the contractor considered?
There is no other practicable way to handle and process
this material. There are an insufficient number of empty
shipping containers (milvans and flatracks) on-station in
which to contain the waste materials that will be gener-
ated during the 1991-1992 austral summer unless this
processing (reduction in volume) is accomplished.
2. What is the specific location of the proposed activity?
The proposed containment area is to be sited on the graded
pad which lies on the South side of the McMurdo to Scott
Base Road approximately 1000 Feet from the Ham Shack
(Building 186) at a location currently utilized for material
storage.
What alternative locations has the contractor considered?
All other open spaces at McMurdo Station were considered.
The proposed location is the only flat area of sufficient
size that can be utilized without impacting other
operations.
3. How will aesthetic impacts to the area be handled?
The containment area will consist of flatracks that are
filled with both consolidated and unconsolidated demolition
debris and scrap metal. The flatracks will be aligned end
to end along a perimeter which will form an enclosure. From
the road, it will appear as a line of flatracks with a gap
in it. The gap will provide access for material moving
equipment but will be shielded (with additional flatracks)
in such a way that the processing activity will not be seen
from the road.
4. Will the activity have any other indirect impacts on the
environment?
No. Only solid material will be placed within the
enclosure. Most of it will be too heavy to be moved by the
wind. That which does blow around, such as pieces of
drywall and light lumber, will be constrained to the
interior space of the containment area by the solid wall of
flatrack containers.
5. Will the activity change the traditional use of the chosen
site?
No. This is a fill area that is currently being used as a
temporary storage pad.
6. Are the physical or environmental characteristics of the
land suitable for the activity?
Yes.
IMPACT OR POLLUTION POTENTIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
7. Has protection of the environment and human health from
unnecessary pollution been considered for the activity
(includes such considerations as pollution abatement or
mitigation, and waste management [e.G., of noise, dust, fuel
loss, disposition of one-time-use materials, construction
wastes])?
Yes. At the conclusion of the 1991-1992 austral summer all
necessary processing will be completed. At that time, the
ground within the containment area will be completely
cleared of loose debris and the flatracks will be relocated
to the pier for backloading on to the vessel as retrograde
cargo.
8. Will the activity change ambient air quality at the site?
No.
9. Will the activity change water quality or flow (drainage),
at the site?
No.
10. Will the activity change waste generation or management at
the site?
Yes. This will be a temporary waste management area.
11. Will the activity change energy production or demand,
personnel and life support, or transportation requirements
at the site?
Generally two or three workers, operators and laborers, will
be at the site while material is being handled or processed.
12. Is the activity expected to adversely affect scientific
studies or locations of research interest (near and distant,
short-term and long-term)?
No.
13. Will the activity generate pollutants that might affect
terrestrial, marine or freshwater ecosystems within the
environs of the station or inland camp?
No.
14. Does the site of the activity serve as habitat for any
significant assemblages of antarctic wildlife (for example,
mosses or lichens, or antarctic birds or marine animals)?
No.
HUMAN VALUES
15. Will the activity encroach upon any historical property of
the site?
No.
16. What other environmental concerns are potentially affected
by the activity at the site? For example, have impacts
associated with decommissioning of the activity been
considered (and how)?
None. As noted above, at the end of the 1991-1992 austral
summer season the facility will be decommissioned and left
free of debris and other wastes.
Finding
The Environmental Officer, after reviewing the information
presented above, believes that the proposed activity poses
neither potentially minor nor transitory impacts to the antarctic
environment. Environmental benefits will accrue from completion
of the proposed project. The contractor is authorized to proceed
with the proposed activity.
Sidney Draggan
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