Title : Bicycles at McMurdo Station Type : Antarctic EAM NSF Org: OD / OPP Date : December 15, 1992 File : opp93093 DIVISION OF POLAR PROGRAMS OFFICE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 202/357-7766 MEMORANDUM Date: December 15, 1992 From: Environmental Officer, DPP Subject: Environmental Action Memorandum (Use of All-Terrain Bicycles at McMurdo Station for Facilities Operation, Maintenance and Construction Activities) To: Safety and Health Officer, DPP Environmental Engineer, DPP Manager, Field Projects, DPP Environmentalist, ASA REF: Environmental Action Memorandum (All-Terrain Vehicle Use at McMurdo Station, Antarctica and its Environs), Dated May 15, 1991. This Environmental Action Memorandum describes the need for, and location of, proposed actions to employ all-terrain bicycles for various tasks at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The Environmental Officer posed a set of questions relating to the proposed actions, and to the potentially affected environment. These questions were responded to by Antarctic Support Associates, Inc.'s (ASA) Environmentalist, Terry L. Johnson on December 11, 1992; background about the proposed actions as well as the questions and responses are shown below: Background Typically, McMurdo Station's sprawling complex requires the use of motorized vehicles when personnel are performing routine operation, maintenance and construction activities. Although walking to and from the various work centers is used whenever possible, many activities require the transport of tools, materials and equipment. These are most often too heavy for an individual to carry for any distance. Also walking can take time away from productive work, especially if an individual must cross from one end of town to another. In an effort to reduce significantly the use of motorized vehicles, associated fuel consumption and air emissions, and time involved in foot travel, Antarctic Support Associates, Inc. (ASA) proposes the use of all-terrain (mountain) bicycles within the environs of McMurdo Station. Such bicycles would be equipped with racks and baskets capable of transporting up to 25 kilograms of tools and equipment in addition to the rider. Use of all-terrain bicycles at McMurdo Station would not eliminate, completely, the use of motorized vehicles. Their use, however, would reduce significantly the use of vehicles presently used to run errands or deliver small quantities of tools, materials and equipment. GENERAL 1. What is the specific purpose of the proposed activity? The purpose of the proposed activity is to purchase 20 to 25 all-terrain bicycles for use by U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) personnel in conducting operations, maintenance and construction activities at McMurdo Station. What alternatives to the proposed activity have the Program and the Contractor considered? 1. No action. 2. The proposed activity. Have probable impacts of all alternatives been considered by the Program and the Contractor? Please explain how. 1. No action would require personnel to continue using motorized vehicles to perform routine operation, maintenance and construction functions at McMurdo Station when foot travel is not an option. Such usage requires a considerable amount of fuel to be consumed. In addition, there would be unnecessary emissions of oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide and particulate matter less than 10 microns in size (PM-10) particulates as well as an increase in fugitive dust from roadways. 2. The impacts associated with the proposed activity would be positive. The proposed activity would significantly reduce vehicular emissions, fuel consumption and fugitive dust created by vehicular traffic and, in general, greatly improve ambient air quality within the environs of McMurdo Station. Should the chosen alternative involve potential impacts, how would these impacts be mitigated by the Program or the Contractor? All impacts associated with the operation of all-terrain bicycles would be positive. Have measures to assess the indirect costs of the proposed activity been identified or considered by the Program or the Contractor? Please explain how. Yes. Use of all-terrain bicycles would significantly reduce the costs associated with operating and maintaining motorized vehicles. There would be a reduction in fuel and lubricant consumption. The reduction in motorized vehicle use would reduce the costs associated with the transport and disposal of used oil, oil filters, grease and anti-freeze. Repair and maintenance costs would be associated with the use of all-terrain bicycles, however, these would be minor compared with motorized vehicles maintenance costs. Although unsubstantiated at McMurdo Station, it is known that in other areas of the United States, including rural areas, improved air quality reduces health care costs associated with respiratory problems caused by air borne particulates. LAND USE AND PLANNING 2. What is the specific location of the proposed activity? McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Have alternative locations been considered by the Program or the Contractor? If yes, which are they; if no, explain why. No. At present only McMurdo Station would significantly benefit from the use of all-terrain bicycles. 3. How would any aesthetic impacts to the area from the proposed activity be handled by the Program or the Contractor? Aesthetics within McMurdo Station and the surrounding environs would be improved from the use of all-terrain bicycles by reducing fugitive dust and, in essence, the foot-print left by USAP activities. Reduced fugitive dust improves visibility and reduces the amount dust deposited on the surrounding snow and ice that increases solar absorption and accelerates melting. 4. Would the proposed activity have any other indirect impacts on the environment? If yes, what are they; if no, explain why none are expected. Yes. Reduced use of motorized vehicles creates reductions in many other areas of the USAP, such as the amount of materials and supplies that must be imported into Antarctica to support vehicle use. This would reduces air transport costs as well as emissions from aircraft. Other reductions are pointed out in earlier sections of this document. 5. Would the proposed activity change the traditional use(s) of the proposed or chosen site? If yes, how; if no, why? No. McMurdo Station would continue to serve the same functions; but, in a more environmentally-compatible manner. 6. Are the physical and environmental characteristics of the neighboring environment suitable for the proposed activity? If yes, explain why; if no, explain why. Yes. During the summer months, the majority of McMurdo Station is free of ice and snow making the area suitable for all-terrain bicycles. IMPACT AND POLLUTION POTENTIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 7. How has protection of the environment and human health from unnecessary pollution been considered for the proposed 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])? These considerations have been addressed in earlier sections. 8. Would the proposed activity change ambient air quality at the proposed or chosen site? If yes, how; if no, why? Yes. Ambient air quality would be significantly improved. 9. Would the proposed activity change water quality or flow (drainage), at the proposed or chosen site? If yes, how; if no, why? No. 10. Would the proposed activity change waste generation or management at the proposed or chosen site? If yes, how; if no, why? Yes. Wastes generated from motorized vehicle maintenance would be reduced significantly. 11. Would the proposed activity change energy production or demand, personnel and life support, or transportation requirements at the proposed or chosen site? If yes, how; if no, why? Yes. Energy demand would be reduced as would motorized transportation. 12. Is the proposed activity expected to adversely affect scientific studies or locations of research interest (near and distant, short-term and long-term)? If yes, how; if no, why? No. Prospects for scientific research would be improved as ambient air quality improves. 13. Would the proposed activity generate pollutants that might affect terrestrial, marine or freshwater ecosystems within the environs of the station or inland camp? If yes, how; if no, why? No. Pollutant generation would be reduced. 14. Does the site of the proposed activity serve as habitat for any significant assemblages of Antarctic wildlife (for example, mosses, lichens, antarctic birds or marine animals)? No. Areas that would be designated for use by all-terrain vehicles, i.e. established roadways, do not serve as habitat for significant assemblages of antarctic wildlife. HUMAN VALUES 15. Would the proposed activity encroach upon any historical property of the proposed or chosen site? If yes, how; if no, why? No. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 16. What other environmental and safety considerations may be potentially affected by the proposed activity at the proposed or chosen site? All-terrain bicycles would only be used on established roadways within the environs of McMurdo Station. They would be prohibited strictly from recreational as well as off-road use. These requirements for use would be enforced by ASA's Safety, Environment and Health Division. In addition, safety helmets shall be available and shall be required at all times for use of all-terrain bicycles. Finding The Environmental Officer has reviewed the information presented above and believes that the proposed actions will pose less than minor and less than transitory impacts to the environment within McMurdo Station. The Contractor is authorized to proceed with the proposed activity contingent upon the findings of any safety or health assessment deemed necessary by the Safety and Health Officer. Sidney Draggan