TRACKING#

RECORD OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (ROER)

Background Information

Stage of Action: Initial Decision ___ SIP ___ Revised Scope ___ In-the-field change _X_

Group sponsoring activity (i.e.; event #, proposal #, WBS#) S-058

Scope/type of activity (i.e.; geology, tower relocation, traverse) Placement of passive sensor for collection/retrieval next year.

Principal contact(s) Ralph Harvey

Activity location(s) 2 sensors in Allan Hills, one near McMurdo

Intensity and Scope

Duration of activity (approximate dates): November 1996 through Jan 1998 (15 months)

Activity will occur in an area with special environmental and/or scientific management standards? Yes ___ No _X_

If yes, the site is located in: ____________________________ sector of the South Pole Station.
____________________________ area of the Dry Valleys
____________________________ (name) rookery
____________________________ (name) SSSI or SPA
____________________________ (name) other special area

Is the activity consistent with current operations or long-range plans in terms of size, personnel, and/or footprint?
Yes _X_ No ___

Are complex, cumulative, large-scale, or irreversible effects likely? Yes ___ No _X_

Is activity likely to preclude or conflict with other foreseeable activities? Yes ___ No _X_

Activity is expected to create no significant (positive or negative) effects on the following environments/resources:
air _X_ aquatic _X_ marine _X_ terrestrial _X_ glacial _X_ historic _X_ aesthetic _X_

Are there EMI or EMR issues associated with this project? Yes ___ No _X_

Environmental Documentation

ACA permit required for: Flora/Fauna ___ SSSI/SPA ___ Not required _X_

Activity fits into a category of exclusion Yes _X_ No ___
If yes, which one? Small scale collection of geological ___ and/or biological specimen ___
Routine, laboratory-based research ___
Seismic research utilizing explosives ___
Renovation and/or remodeling of existing facilities ___
Deployment of retrievable instrumentation _X_
Use of weather/research balloons ___
Use of radioisotopes (in compliance with applicable laws) ___

If no, is additional assessment required? Yes ___ No ___
If yes, for which activities?__________________________________________________________

Do existing environmental document(s) adequately describe likely effects? Yes ___ No ___
If yes, list file name(s) of environmental document(s): __________________________________________

This Environmental Review was prepared by: Scott Borg Date: 11/19/96
Signature Block
This Environmental Review for the stage of the action cited on line one is adequate for the action to proceed as noted.
Yes ___ Yes, with mitigation (attached) _X_ No ___

If no, why? ____________________________________________________________________________________________

If sensors cannot be retrieved then they must be reported as a release to the environment.

Responsible Official: Date:
s/ Scott Borg, NSF Sci. Rep. 11/19/96
Go to: MCM Dry Valley environmental issues MCM LTER home page