[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 173 (Thursday, September 8, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-22085]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: September 8, 1994]
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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]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M