TRACKING# MCDV9700.R01

RECORD OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (ROER)


Background Information

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

Group sponsoring activity (i.e.; event #, proposal #, WBS#) S-082

Scope/type of activity (i.e.; geology, tower relocation, traverse) Antenna installation with tower

Principal contact(s) P.I.: Carol Raymond / Cal Tech / JPL

Activity location(s) KnobHead and 1 other site TBA on Ferrar Glacier Escarpment


Intensity and Scope

Duration of activity (approximate dates): Austral Summers 1996 through 1998

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

If yes, the site is located in: ____________________________ sector of the South Pole Station.
Ferrar Glacier_______________ 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 ___ No ___

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

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

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

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


Environmental Documentation

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

Activity fits into a category of exclusion Yes ___ 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 ___
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 OPP Program Manager Geology Date: 9/6/96
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) ___ No ___

If no, why? ____________________________________________________________________________________________


Responsible Official: Date:
S/ R. Cunningham, OPP Environmental Compliance 18 September 1996

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

To: File for S-082/Kamb/Raymond Grant No. OPP 95-27606

From: R. Cunningham & K. Larson, Environmental Compliance

Date: 17 September 1996

RE: ROER for S-082/Raymond/Kamb

In reference to the Record of Environmental Review (ROER) performed by Dr. Scott Borg, Program Manager for Antarctic Geology and Geophysics, the measures listed below should be observed by the field team while undertaking he proposed activity. Observance of the listed mitigation will ensure that the proposed activity is one that fits into the category of exclusion for small scale collection of geological specimen and creates less than minor or transitory impact on the Antarctic environment.

  1. Placement and securing of the tower(s) should be accomplished with assistance from the contractors' riggers. By employing experienced support personnel, there is a reduced likelihood of equipment loss and release to the environment.

  2. At the completion of the project, all non-native materials should be removed, and the site returned to near natural conditions.

  3. The location coordinates of all monuments and towers must be reported to the ASA POC at the conclusion of each field season for inclusion in a Dry Valleys environmental database.

  4. The Principal Investigator should take reasonable steps to ensure that this activity is conducted in such a manner as to not compromise or preclude existing or foreseeable scientific investigations in the region.

  5. The project should be accomplished in accordance with the Dry Valleys Code of Conduct, adopted for the 1996-97 field season.


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