Title  : Palmer boathouse addition      <
Type   : Antarctic EAM
NSF Org: OD / OPP
Date   : January 31, 1991
File   : opp93021



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

   Date:  January 31, 1991

   From:  Environmental Officer, DPP

Subject:  Environmental Action Memorandum (Palmer Station
          Boathouse Addition)

     To:  Files (S.7 - Environment)

On January 16, 1991, the civilian contractor's Deputy Project
Director, Peninsula System submitted the following Information
related to an addition to the boathouse at Palmer Station.  Part
of his analysis included responses to questions posed by the
Environmental Officer, DPP.  The questions related to
environmental setting and land use planning, pollution
potentials, and potential biotic population or habitat effects
associated with the proposed action.  The questions and the
responses to them are shown below.

ENTITY RESPONSIBLE FOR PROJECT:

Antarctic Support Associates, Inc.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A 16-foot by 16-foot addition will be made to the boathouse at
Palmer Station to serve as a dive locker.

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING:

Palmer Station, Anvers Island, southeast side of the Palmer
boathouse on Hero Inlet.

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROJECT:

The area on which the addition is to be placed is adjacent to the
boathouse and near the boathouse's fuel filter.  There are no
indications of any antarctic wildlife at this location.
Disturbance to the area will come from movement of earth fill
materials and rip rap near the addition's foundations.

There will be freshwater runoff from the addition's shower and
washing equipment.

MITIGATING MEASURES PROPOSED TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACTS:

Workers will be instructed that daily cleanup is their
responsibility and that such performance will be monitored by a
member of the Division of Polar Programs.  They will be
instructed to minimize disturbance to fill materials, rocks and
boulders.

ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED ACTION:

No action alternative.  This alternative is not acceptable due to
current overcrowding in the BioLab Building where diving
equipment is now stored and maintained, and where dressing before
and after dives takes place.

CONCLUSION:

The Environmental Officer, after reviewing this material, finds
no potential for significant environmental impact and recommends
that the project be completed as planned.

                                                 Sidney Draggan

cc:  Safety, Environment and Health Officer, DPP
     Ocean Projects Manager, DPP