Title : Addition to S-40's Field Camp Hut
Type : Antarctic EAM
NSF Org: OD / OPP
Date : December 31, 1991
File : opp93052
DIVISION OF POLAR PROGRAMS
OFFICE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
202/357-7766
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 31, 1991
From: Environmental Officer, DPP
Subject: Environmental Action Memorandum (Proposed Construction
of Addition to S-040's Field Camp ["COPACABA�A"] Hut,
Point Thomas, King George Island, Antarctica)
To: (Files S.7 - Environment)
Manager, Polar Biology and Medicine Program, DPP
Manager, Ocean Projects, DPP
Environmental Engineer, DPP
This Environmental Action Memorandum describes the need for, and
location of, an addition to the field camp hut for science
project S-040 during the 1991-1992 austral summer season. The
Environmental Officer posed a set of questions relating to the
proposed project, and to the potentially affected environment.
These questions were responded to by Messrs. Rich Skane and
Terry Johnson of Antarctic Support Associates, Inc. on October 8,
1991; the questions and responses are shown below:
Environmental Assessment Queries and Responses
GENERAL
1. What is the specific purpose for the proposed activity?
The proposed activity involves the construction of a 16'x
12' addition to the existing 40'x 12' hut used by S-040,
originally referred to as Arctowski Station.
What alternatives have the contractor and the
investigator considered?
The contractor considered designing and building a
modular unit which could be deployed by helicopter. This
alternative was not chosen due to the proximity of a
major penguin rookery and due to the fact that the
existing structure is relatively new and in good
condition. The proposed work would have less impact than
removing the existing building and replacing it with a
modular unit. The chosen alternative is anticipated to
have less potential for disrupting nearby penguin
breeding colonies.
LAND USE AND PLANNING
2. What is the specific location of the proposed activity?
The proposed activity would be located on Copacaba�a Beach
(Arctowski Station) on King George Island in Admiralty Bay,
Antarctic Peninsula (Map I). The specific location of the
proposed activity lies just outside the boundaries of Site
of Special Scientific Interest No. 8 (Map II). The proposed
activity would be conducted, therefore, in accordance with
the site's management plan.
What alternative locations have the contractor and
investigator considered?
None.
3. How will aesthetic impacts to the area be handled?
The proposed building addition would be a simple, one-story,
shed-roof design, having little visual impact. No site
grading or other gross removal of grade is necessary for the
project.
4. Will the activity have any other indirect impacts on the
environment?
None are anticipated.
5. Will the activity change the traditional use of the chosen
site?
No.
6. Are the physical or environmental characteristics of the
land suitable for the activity?
Yes.
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])?
In order to minimize the impact of construction, work will
commence in late season after breeding and fledgling
activities of resident penguins has ended. As much of the
building and interior components would be pre-fabricated at
Palmer Station so as to reduce noise, local waste genera-
tion, fuel consumption and generator operating time at the
Copacaba�a Beach site.
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?
The quality of water or runoff would not change. The amount
of drainage would increase, however.
10. Will the activity change waste generation or management at
the site?
The new addition would include a shower, the drain from
which would penetrate through the floor. All grey water
would be discharged directly on grade. This shower would
not have the customary hot and cold water supplies that
connect to a mixing valve and shower head. Instead, the
system would consist of a six-gallon plastic sack hung in
the shower stall, reducing the amount of water normally
consumed using a conventional system.
11. Will the activity change energy production or demand,
personnel and life support, or transportation requirements
at the site?
The electrical system in the new addition would include up
to four additional incandescent light fixtures and four
duplex outlets. Increased energy demand is potential, and
would be reflected by additional appliances the occupants
acquire. Such additional appliances as a television, video
cassette player/recorder, and automatic bread bakery have
been requested by the Principal Investigator. Also, a
larger generator (Honda 4 Kw) has been requested. Due to
the amount of construction planned, the duration of
generator operation may increase fuel demand temporarily.
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?
None are expected.
14. Does the site of the activity serve as habitat for any
significant assemblages of Antarctic wildlife (for example,
mosses, lichens, antarctic birds or marine animals)?
Yes. Copacaba�a Beach is a breeding site for Adelie,
Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. The fact that all three
species nest in close proximity to each other is an
outstanding attribute of Copacaba�a Beach. In addition, the
area supports a colony of elephant seals and eight species
of flighted birds.
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)?
Five gallons of Weldwood deck sealer was requested by the
Principal Investigator to coating the exterior decks of the
hut. Extra care would be taken to prevent spillage or
dripping during its application.
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. The contractor is authorized to proceed with the
proposed activity.
Sidney Draggan
Attachments
Map I (King George Island)
Map II (Vicinity of SSSI No. 8)
cc: OPS / PSS File Jackets for S-040
Dr. W. Trivelpiece, S-040