Title  : ROV Survey of Winter Quarters Bay
Type   : Antarctic EAM
NSF Org: OD / OPP
Date   : January 24, 1991
File   : opp93017


                                       DIVISION OF POLAR PROGRAMS
                         OFFICE OF SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
                                                     202/357-7766
MEMORANDUM

   Date:  January 24, 1991

   From:  Environmental Officer, DPP

Subject:  Environmental Action Memorandum (Remotely Operated
            Vehicle (ROV) Survey of Winter Quarters Bay)

     To:  File S.7 (Environment)


On December 13, 1990, the Environmental Engineer, DPP prepared
and submitted the following information which forms the basis for
this Environmental Action Memorandum:

NAME OF PREPARER/TITLE/ORGANIZATION:  I. Sam Higuchi, Jr.;
Environmental Engineer; NSF/DPP/Polar Operations Section/SEHIT

RESPONSIBLE ENTITY FOR PROJECT:  NSF/Polar Operations Section

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:  Locate and map sites of sunken wastes and
equipment for possible future salvage.  Make a visual record of
the survey.  Survey will require 2 to 3 additional 48 inch
diameter holes to be drilled in annual sea ice near ice pier.
Existing holes drilled in the ice by Dr. J. Oliver's group will
also be used.  Either a vehicle or hut will be used as a research
platform.  Power required for the instruments will be supplied by
a generator.

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING:  All activity will be limited to the
annual sea ice in Winter Quarters Bay area of McMurdo Station.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROJECT:

   o  operation of the generator and vehicles will reduce local
      air quality, negligibly;
   o  operation of ROV may stir up contaminated bottom sediments.

MITIGATION MEASURES PROPOSED TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACTS:

   o  generator will only be operated when required;
   o  disturbing the bottom sediments will be avoided to preclude
      visual problems in making the video record.

ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT:
No action.  Although a viable alternative, it would mean the
additional knowledge to be acquired about any sunken wastes and
equipment; and, an appropriate decision could not be made as to
whether to salvage these items.
                               -2-


SCUBA survey:  This alternative is not being used for three
reasons: (1) this would be an unsafe method (risk to human life)
of studying the items under the ice pier; (2) the ROV can go
deeper than a person in SCUBA gear; (3) the ROV with a mapping
device will more accurately locate objects.

CONCLUSION:  The impact to the environment has been determined to
be minor relative to past impacts at the location of study.  The
ROV study is designed to not disturb bottom sediments.  Recommend
implementation of the plan as proposed.




                                Sidney Draggan

cc:  Safety, Environment and Health Officer, DPP
     Environmental Engineer, DPP