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