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 Attachments Map