[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