Continuation of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) Activities From 1996 to 2005

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Continuation of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP)

Activities From 1996 to 2005

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation proposes to continue the

activities of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). These

activities include: continuation of investigator-initiated, merit-

reviewed antarctic science and education projects; protection of the

health and safety of USAP participants and the antarctic environment;

and implementation of environmental performance standards and planning

and decision making procedures. Goals are to be established for the

replacement of inefficient USAP buildings, equipment, and fuel storage

and transfer facilities. In addition, the NSF will advocate increased

partnerships with universities, federal agencies, industry, and others

interested in antarctic science, education, and engineering

technologies.

The Director of the Office of Polar Programs of the National

Science Foundation intends to prepare an environmental impact

statement, under the implementing regulations of the National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and a comprehensive environmental

evaluation, within the procedures of the Protocol on Environmental

Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, for the decision to continue USAP

activities in Antarctica, increase partnerships, and establish goals

for infrastructure replacement. This decision will guide alternative

uses of federal resources upon which future agency action will be based

during the decade following the publication of the record of decision.

DATES: Comments regarding this notice of intent will be of most use to

the planning team if they are received before October 30, 1994.

The final environmental impact statement is expected to be

available in August, 1995. The record of decision is expected to be

available in October, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted to: Robert S.

Cunningham, Office of Polar Programs, Room 755 National Science

Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Robert S. Cunningham, Peter Karasik, or Allison Cook at the Office of

Polar Programs, National Science Foundation TEL: (703) 306-1031, FAX:

(703) 306-0139, EMAIL: [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History of the United States Involvement in Antarctica

The United States has been active in Antarctica since its discovery

and exploration in the 1800's. Since the 1950's, the United States has

played a crucial role in building the international cooperation

necessary for establishing a peaceful, non-exploitative human presence

on the Earth's last undeveloped continent. Through the Antarctic

Treaty, which went into effect with 12 original member nations in 1961,

the United States and 40 other nations have agreed to avoid

militarization or conflict over territorial claims in the Antarctic

Treaty Area, the area of the earth from the South Pole to 60 degrees

south latitude. Treaty nations are dedicated to international

cooperation, scientific study, and protection of Antarctica's

distinctive environment.

Antarctica, a land mass 98 percent of which is ice and snow

covered, is larger than the United States and Mexico combined and is

the highest, coldest, windiest, and driest of all continents. Though it

does contain about 70 percent of the earth's freshwater, that water is

locked in an ice sheet more than a mile thick across much of the

continent.

The majestic scenery and distinctive climate, elevation, location,

and natural history of Antarctica and its surrounding oceans entice

air-and ship-borne tourists whose numbers have increased substantially

in the last decade. Many of these unique attributes enhance scientific

investigations and afford uncommon educational opportunities.

Antarctica also provides unique challenges for the application of

advanced engineering technologies applicable in remote, extreme

environments.

The continent is an ideal laboratory for many upper atmosphere and

space science studies and, because it has had very little human

influence, is a benchmark for recording the effects of mankind on world

climate and atmospheric chemistry. The ongoing studies of atmospheric

ozone depletion and increase in carbon dioxide concentrations are

critical, world-wide environmental concerns. At the edges of the

continent and in the antarctic waters where sustained plant and animal

life is possible, biological research provides scientists with

opportunities to develop their skills and improve our knowledge of the

polar environment and the effects of human beings on the Earth's

natural processes. Researchers are studying the structure and function

of polar ecosystems and the ways that organisms adapt to extreme

conditions. In addition to being valuable in its own right, this

research may yield results which will improve the management of living

resources in this region.

The United States Antarctic Program (USAP)

Without interruption since 1956, Americans have conducted science

and education programs in Antarctica. These scientists, administrators,

and supporting personnel make up USAP: some 2,500 Americans. Antarctica

has no native inhabitants or infrastructure. Three year-round research

stations are maintained by USAP: McMurdo, Amundsen-Scott South Pole,

and Palmer Stations. In addition, from October thought February, field

research camps are established for glaciologists, earth scientists,

biologists, and other scientists. For science and education programs at

sea, the program has two ice-strengthened ships, the Polar Duke and the

Nathaniel B. Palmer.

Large, ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft, operated by United States Navy

Pilots for the National Science Foundation, provide logistical support

within Antarctica. These durable aircraft and others transport research

teams to most field locations and ferry personnel from staging areas in

Christchurch, New Zealand.

McMurdo Station, the largest station in Antarctica and Antarctica's

most southern port, is USAP's logistics hub and a center for scientific

studies. Each January, a Coast Guard icebreaker breaks out the sea ice

and a tanker and a cargo ship deliver a year's supply of fuel, building

materials, food, and scientific research supplies. In 1994, the year's

fuel supply was 28.4 million liters (7.5 million gallons) half of which

was used for USAP aircraft. During the 1993/1994 austral summer, 6.1

million kilograms (13,500,000 pounds) of cargo were delivered by vessel

and 1.4 million kilograms (3,050,000 pounds) were delivered by air to

Antarctica. During the October through February austral summer field

season, the population of scientists and support personnel at McMurdo

Station is near 1,200. In February, the last transport plane of the

season leaves a wintering population of about 230. Except for an

airdrop at midwinter in late June and a few flights in August,

scientists and support personnel are isolated until October.

The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, at the geographic south

pole, is built on the slowly moving antarctic ice sheet. The station,

supplied entirely by air from McMurdo Station 1,350 kilometers (840

miles) away, accommodates up to 125 people in the austral summer. About

25 people winter over during the eight months of isolation from mid-

February through October. The station supports astronomy, upper

atmosphere science, meteorology, glaciology, and earth sciences as well

as human health and behavioral studies. Two hundred yards upwind of the

main station in some of the cleanest air on earth, a clean air facility

monitors world background levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and

trace manmade chemicals.

Palmer Station, on Anvers Island just west of the Antarctic

Peninsula, is primarily a marine biology center. It also supports upper

atmospheric sciences and other studies. Logistically separate from

McMurdo Station and the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Palmer

enjoys year-round access by ship from South America, 1200 kilometers

(750 miles) north. The station has two major buildings, two fuel

storage tanks, several smaller structures, and a dock. Population

ranges from 10 to 43.

The National Science Foundation has overall management

responsibility for USAP and United States activities in Antarctica.

However, several federal agencies have important roles in the United

States presence in Antarctica. The Department of Defense assists in

planning and provides logistical support to USAP. The Department of

Transportation's United States Coast Guard provides icebreaker services

and other assistance as required. The Department of State is

responsible for the formulation of foreign policy and foreign policy

direction relating to the development and implementation of an

integrated United States program for Antarctica.

USAP Activities in Antarctica

USAP activities have steadily increased in size and complexity. In

1994, over 125 individual projects were supported by USAP. Support for

scientists aboard research ships or within the antarctic continent has

increased from approximately 22,500 scientist-days in 1983 to 30,400

scientist-days in 1993. The number of USAP-supported scientists and

students in the United States has increased from approximately 450 in

1983 to about 800 in 1993. International cooperation in science and

logistics support has also increased in the last decade. Demand for

science and education programs in Antarctica is also expected to

increase during the next decade.

In addition to supporting increasingly important science and

education programs in Antarctica, a five-year safety, environment, and

health program has enabled USAP to reduce the health and safety risks

to participants and significantly improve environmental protection.

USAP has made significant progress in the remediation of old waste

disposal sites and in the removal of wastes from Antarctica. For

example, 3,630,000 kilograms (8 million pounds) of wastes were removed

from Antarctica in 1994 with 70 percent being managed in the United

States through alternatives to disposal. Waste wood, the largest waste

component and 40 percent of the total, was chipped and used as fuel.

Approximately 30 percent of the wastes were recycled.

Because the science and education programs are increasing in size

and complexity, improved equipment, more specialized facilities,

additional electrical power, and improved logistical support are now

required. USAP has met many of these emerging needs. The recently

completed Crary Science and Engineering Center at McMurdo Station

provides modern facilities for data analysis and particularly research

on biological aspects of the local environment. In addition, improved

telecommunications now enable some scientists to interpret antarctic

data at home institutions rather than having to travel to Antarctica or

remain there for extended field visits. Many scientists now depend on

electronic mail and similar technologies to communicate directly with

home institutions and participating colleagues during their field

visits to Antarctica.

Now, almost 40 years after USAP began, much of the infrastructure

at each of the three year-round USAP Stations has served its intended

life expectancy. USAP stations were originally built to serve the newly

developing antarctic science and education programs of the 1950s and

'60s. With few people or facilities in Antarctica, there was an

expeditionary approach to infrastructure development. Energy efficiency

and environmental protection were not high priorities. Today, much of

the USAP infrastructure cannot meet modern practices without

significant repair or substantial restrictions in use.

For example, much of the 34-million liter (nine-million gallon)

fuel storage and transfer system at McMurdo Station is over 30 years

old and has experienced localized mechanical failures causing leaks and

spills. If modern engineering, environmental, and safety practices are

to be met, much of the facility requires replacement. The Amundsen-

Scott South Pole Station is beyond its 15- to 20-year design life and

requires substantial reconstruction in order to support ongoing and

future science and education programs. Palmer Station, though not in as

critical condition or in as harsh an environment as the Amundsen-Scott

South Pole Station, is in need of expansion, significant repair, and

replacement of inefficient buildings and worn out equipment.

Issues and Possible Alternatives for USAP Activities

During development of the proposal, discussions were held with USAP

participants, administrators, scientists, educators, and people from

the United States and other nations interested in Antarctica. From

these discussions and others, the following four categories of issues

have emerged:

USAP capacity to support ongoing and developing science

and education projects in the next decade and beyond;

The health and safety of USAP participants in Antarctica;

Energy use and conservation of resources; and

Control of the physical intrusion of people and the

reduction of human effects on Antarctica's environment.

These issues are important considerations in meeting USAP's long-

term goals and pose potential conflicts in the use of available

resources. To address the issues and fulfill the purpose and need of

the proposed action, four possible alternatives are suggested for

further evaluation. In each of the following alternatives, except B,

NSF would increase partnerships with others in the implementation of

USAP:

Alternative A--Use USAP facilities as long as they remain

functional. This alternative would continue USAP with no major

infrastructure repairs or renovations. Repairs to failing systems would

be made as needed, but scheduled replacement of facilities would cease.

Facilities that could not be repaired on site, would discontinue

service and support to science and education projects;

Alternative B--Maintain facilities at the current level of

performance. This alternative maintains the ``status quo'' of USAP

facilities for the next ten years. The improvement or replacement of

facilities to prevent major structural failures, and risks to health

and safety, would be conducted, on a modest, long-term implementation

schedule. Upgrades of fuel storage, fuel distribution, and utility

systems would also be scheduled to reduce the risk of system failure. A

sanitary wastewater treatment system would be constructed at McMurdo

Station. However, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station would not be

reconstructed, requiring a significant reduction in science support

capacity within 10 years and a possible closing of the station in the

following decade;

Alternative C--Complete moderate renovation of USAP

facilities. This alternative includes renovations at each USAP station,

including reconstruction of the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station,

renovation of Palmer Station, and a moderate renovation of McMurdo

Station. The renovation at McMurdo Station would retain existing

structures which are in good condition, demolish or extensively

renovate inefficient and severely deteriorated structures, and add some

new ones. A new science support center, central maintenance shop,

central warehouse, and dormitories would replace inefficient buildings

and consolidate functions. Approximately 37 buildings would be

decommissioned during 10 years. Several of the original 1950's

structures would be reutilized as a historic district within the

station. Existing fuel tanks and related piping would be upgraded,

replaced, or relocated to support the reconstruction of the Amundsen-

Scott South Pole Station. A sanitary wastewater treatment system would

also be constructed.

At Palmer Station, structures would be renovated and constructed

with some functions consolidated. New housing, including kitchen and

dining areas, would be built. Non-science related functions would be

removed from the Biolab. Fuel storage, utilities, docking facilities,

and waste storage would be improved. A sanitary wastewater treatment

system would also be constructed; and

Alternative D--Complete major renovation of USAP

facilities. This alternative is similar to Alternative C and includes

the reconstruction of Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and

consolidation and renovation of Palmer Station. Renovation and

improvements at McMurdo Station would be greater than in Alternative C.

The majority of the buildings and facilities at McMurdo Station would

be replaced. McMurdo Station would have increased functional

efficiency, reduced energy usage, and improved flexibility to support a

variety of science and education projects in the next decade and

beyond.

As in Alternative C at McMurdo Station, construction of a new

science support center, central maintenance shop, and central warehouse

and maintenance facility would replace inefficient buildings. The

majority of community functions would be consolidated into a new single

building. Approximately 40 buildings would be decommissioned. Building

9, an original at McMurdo Station, would be preserved as a historic

site. A redesigned waste management facility would be incorporated into

a new warehouse and maintenance facility. The fuel storage area would

be reconstructed further from the sea than the current facility. A

sanitary wastewater treatment system would be constructed.

The public is invited to comment on any aspect of the proposal and

the possible alternatives described above. The comment period on the

draft environmental impact statement (comprehensive environmental

evaluation) will be a minimum of 90 days from the date the

Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in

the Federal Register.

Dated: August 30, 1994.

Mr. John B. Talmadge,

Section Head, Polar Coordination and Information, Office of Polar

Programs, National Science Foundation.

[FR Doc. 94-22085 Filed 9-7-94; 8:45 am]

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