Title  : All-Terrain Vehicle use at McMurdo
Type   : Antarctic EAM
NSF Org: OD / OPP
Date   : May 15, 1991
File   : opp93029


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

   Date:  May 15, 1991

   From:  Environmental Officer, DPP

Subject:  Environmental Action Memorandum (All-Terrain Vehicle
            Use at McMurdo Station, Antarctica and its Environs)

     To:  Files (S.7 - Environment)

                           BACKGROUND

All-terrain vehicles provide many useful functions related to
Antarctic scientific and logistic activities conducted in the
area's harsh climate and isolated conditions.  Their use must,
however, be carefully planned and governed due to potential
safety hazards and potential environmental impacts that have been
associated with their uncontrolled use.  Track markings left on
slow-to-recover antarctic substrates, the potential to promote
airborne substrate particulates, and vehicle emissions are some
of the problems associated with the use of all-terrain vehicles.
Such areas as McMurdo Station proper, the Dry Valleys, the Dry
Valleys' lakes, and areas of net snow ablation may be partic-
ularly vulnerable.  There is a need to establish a policy and
standards regarding the use of all-terrain vehicles in
Antarctica.

The scientific community has expressed interest in the
possibility of using single operator, four-wheeled, all-terrain
vehicles for light transportation and hauling duties (including
transfer of field party equipment from the helicopter landing pad
at McMurdo Station).  Also, operations support personnel have
stated interest in greater access to such vehicles in conducting
their duties around McMurdo Station proper.

The Environmental Officer views such uses at McMurdo Station
proper as unwarranted as continuing efforts to minimize airborne
substrate particulates would be compromised.  In addition, the
use of all-terrain vehicles at Dry Valleys, and Dry Valleys'
lakes, field research sites clearly runs counter to significant
efforts by the Program to maintain the highest level of environ-
mental quality achievable at these sites.  The Environmental
Officer believes that research opportunities at Dry Valleys, and
Dry Valleys' lakes, field research sites, of necessity, impose a
burden of "minimal impact production".  That is, field parties
may have to forego use of certain research support aids (e.g.,
all-terrain vehicles) to assure environmental protection in
especially sensitive areas.

This is not meant to imply that there is no role for all-terrain
vehicles in the Program.  If used properly in the support of
science or operations, these vehicles can exhibit valuable opera-
tional characteristics, high maneuverability, and potentially low
environmental impact.

Finding;

In light of the above, use of all-terrain vehicles in such
situations as noted above shall not be increased until a use
policy and standards are promulgated.  The Environmental Officer
recommends that a working group within the Safety, Environment
and Health Technical Council be formed to identify legitimate
applications for all-terrain vehicle use within the USAP, to
evaluate their safety and environmental impact, and to designate
areas and situations within which all-terrain vehicle use will be
restricted or prohibited.  The report of this working group shall
be submitted to the Office of Safety, Environment and Health no
later than September 15, 1991.



                                  Sidney Draggan

cc:  Safety, Environment and Health Officer, DPP
     Field Projects Manager, DPP
     Science Projects Manager, DPP