TRACKING# MCDV9800.R02

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-042/S-025

Scope/type of activity (i.e.; geology, tower relocation, traverse) Placement of passive sensors (THERMISTOR STRING) into the lake ice of Lake Vida

Principal contact(s) Drs. John Priscu and Chris Fritsen

Activity location(s) Lake Vida

Intensity and Scope

Duration of activity (approximate dates): Nov 1996 through Jan 2001 (possibly thru 2007)

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.
Lake Vida_______________ 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, Program Manager, AG&G Date: 11/15/96
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? ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Responsible Official: Date:
Scott Borg, NSF Sci Rep, MCM 11/19/96
Attachments (3) are not electronic, but will be faxed as necessary.
Go to: MCM Dry Valley environmental issues MCM LTER home page