Title : Cleaning Palmer's Pond Type : Antarctic EAM NSF Org: OD / OPP Date : February 25, 1991 File : opp93024 DIVISION OF POLAR PROGRAMS OFFICE OF SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH 202/357-7766 MEMORANDUM Date: February 25, 1991 From: Environmental Officer, DPP Subject: Environmental Action Memorandum (Cleaning Palmer Station's Glacial Meltwater Pond to Increase its Capacity) To: Files (S.7 - Environment Background Freshwater, at Palmer Station, is produced by reverse osmosis and desalination. In addition, during austral summer months, produc- tion water is significantly supplemented by water collected from an established glacial melt pond (Figure 1). Recent enhancement in scientific and logistic activity at the station has begun to severely tax systems for water production. In mid-February 1991, the station went on a limited schedule of freshwater rationing as water production facilities were not able to keep up with demand. In order to address the need for additional freshwater resources, in the short-term, the civilian contractor proposes to clear away materials accumulated within the stations glacial meltwater pond --subsequently increasing its capacity. The civilian contractor provided the following information related to the potential for environmental impact of the pond clearing: Responsible Entity: Antarctic Support Associates. Proposed Project Description: Silt and debris, accumulated over a period of many years will be removed from the glacier melt water pond so as to increase current capacity. Potential for Environmental Impact: Impacts would be limited to disturbing rocks, silt and other natural debris in and around the existing pond. Biota (primarily bacteria, and fungi) associated with materials to be removed would be impacted. Rocks, silt and other natural debris would not be removed from the general area of the pond. They would be placed just out of the way of the glacier runoff stream feeding the pond. There are no lichens on these rocks; and, there are no other antarctic wildlife species inhabiting or using this area. The area of the proposed action is less than 50 yards from an existing building. The meltwater pond and adjacent area have been subjected in the past to other efforts to facilitate the capture of water. These efforts included installation of a pump with associated piping, a grated walkway and a concrete berm. -2- Alternatives Considered: Currently, long-term alternatives to increase the station's water collection and production capabili- ties are being surveyed. Once the optimal mix of water produc- tion technologies is identified, its implementation will require major funding and engineering of the salt water service and fresh water production facilities. It is not anticipated that imple- mentation of a long-term solution will materialize in time to be available for the 1991-1992 austral research season. In addition, the recent acquisition of three new aquarium tanks will tax the salt water system, potentially limiting its use as part of the potable water production facility. Finding: The Environmental Officer is familiar with the location of the proposed action, and feels there is little likelihood of significant impact. He has reviewed materials prepared by the civilian contractor and discussed the proposed actin with the Environmental Engineer, DPP. The Environmental Officer recommends that the proposed action be approved and completed as soon as is feasible. As the study of alternatives to provide a long-term solution to Palmer's freshwater needs progresses, the civilian contractor shall keep the Environmental Officer and the Environmental Engineer apprised of plans and their proposed implementation. Sidney Draggan Attachment Figure 1. Palmer Station Facilities cc: Safety, Environment and Health Officer, DPP Ocean Projects Manager, DPP Environmental Engineer, DPP