National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs
Arlington, Virginia
ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT CONCURRENCE
Activity: Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of a Satellite Communications Antenna (Ross
Island Earth Station) at McMurdo Station, Antarctica
MCST1801.IEE
I have read the attached document and concur with the findings and recommendation. I concur that the proposed activity can commence.
Scott Bohnhoff Date Section Head, Polar Environment, Safety and Health
1
National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs
Arlington, Virginia
ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT AND FINDING OF NOT MORE THAN
MINOR OR TRANSITORY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of a Satellite Communications Antenna (Ross Island Earth Station) at McMurdo Station, Antarctica
MCST1801.IEE
FINDING
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has prepared an Initial Environmental Evaluation (TEE) and an Environmental Assessment (EA) as a combined environmental document for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a new antenna at McMurdo Station (designated the Ross Island Earth Station, or RIES) to support enhanced satellite communications and data connectivity capabilities. Two alternatives were considered:
Alternative A — Construct, Operate, and Maintain the RIES at McMurdo Station.
Alternative B — No Action — Do not Construct the RIES at McMurdo Station. Continue to Operate and Maintain the Primary Satellite Communications Earth Station at the Black Island Telecommunications Facility (BITF).
Based on the analyses in the TEE/BA, the NSF Office of Polar Programs (OPP) has determined that implementation of Alternative A (proposed action) would not create more than a minor or transitory effect on the Antarctic environment within the meaning of the NSF's implementing regulations for the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. Therefore, a comprehensive environmental evaluation will not be prepared.
I recommend this activity proceed in accordance with Alternative A. This alternative provides for the construction and safe operation and maintenance of a satellite communications system at McMurdo Station and is consistent with the NSF's efforts to promote scientific investigations while protecting the Antarctic environment.
€4ALtk_ Reconiiending Official Date Polly Penhale Environmental Officer Polar Environment, Safety and Health
Recommending Official Date Patrick Smith Antarctic Technology Development Manager Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics
11
3
National Science Foundation
Office of Polar Programs
Arlington, Virginia
ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT AND
FINDING OF NOT MORE THAN
MINOR OR TRANSITORY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of a Satellite Communications Antenna (Ross
Island Earth Station) at McMurdo Station, Antarctica
MCST1801.IEE
1. INTRODUCTION
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Polar Programs (OPP) proposes to construct
and operate a new antenna at McMurdo Station, Antarctica for the United States Antarctic
Program (USAP). The USAP relies on satellite connectivity to maintain communications and
data connectivity capabilities. Currently, several specialized antenna systems are located at
McMurdo Station (or in the immediate area) and are used by the USAP and other organizations
that operate in the Antarctic. The present primary satellite communications system is located at
the Black Island Telecommunications Facility (BITF), approximately 33 km south of McMurdo
Station.
The following factors contribute to the proposal to construct a new satellite earth station on Ross
Island in the immediate proximity of McMurdo Station:
NSF has engaged in a long-term partnership with the National Oceanographic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) program for
hosting satellite data receptor ground stations at McMurdo for the recovery of polar-
orbiting environmental data necessary for the economic and life-safety benefit of the
United States. The partnership includes the NOAA collaboration with the European
Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).
EUMETSAT will launch a series of enhanced satellites beginning in Fall 2021 that will
outstrip the current capacity of the present BITF satellite communications infrastructure
supporting the collaboration between NSF and NOAA.
NSF determined that continuing the use of the BITF facility for primary satellite
communications services is not a viable option based on: (a) the existing BITF satellite
earth station does not have sufficient technical performance in order to meet the required
communications enhancement objectives and (b) the costs for an upgrade of the BITF
facility and risks arising from continued year-round operations of the remote BITF
facility do not meet risk-vs-benefit objectives.
4
The construction of a new, purpose-built satellite communications earth station on Ross Island
will provide the following benefits:
Right-sizing of the earth station antenna to meet expected worst-case communications
satellite technical performance characteristics expected over the service lifetime needed
to support the NSF-NOAA collaboration through the year 2040.
Close physical proximity to McMurdo Station to allow rapid response by and reduced
risks to maintenance crews to respond to outage events to maintain the necessary systems
up-time performance required by NOAA.
Direct interconnection of the earth station to the McMurdo electrical power grid for
reliable power.
Direct interconnection of the earth station communications interface with the McMurdo
telecommunications infrastructure via fiber optic cable eliminate risk of failure of the
current microwave radio link.
Therefore, NSF proposes to construct the new earth station on Ross Island, hereafter referred to
as the Ross Island Earth Station (RIES).
2. PROPOSED ACTIVITY
The proposed activity consists of building and operating the RIES. The proposed RIES would be
located on a hillside within the McMurdo Station Transmitter Site (hereafter, “T-Site”; see
Figure 1 and Figure 2) and would consist of a 13-m class antenna housed inside a 21-m diameter
radome (as illustrated in Figure 3). Criteria for building and operating a new earth station site on
Ross Island, in the McMurdo Station area, includes the following:
Spatial footprint: An approximately 560 m2 area capable of accommodating a 13-m
antenna with a radome, and possibly an equipment shelter;
Satellite access: A clear view of the sky for connectivity with existing and future
satellites along an arc between longitude 150° E and 174° E, with special emphasis on
unobstructed views to the longitudes of 157°E, 160°E, 164°E, 166°E, and 169°E which
either host current satellites or are potential locations of future satellites that represent
communications service opportunities for McMurdo;
Site access: An access road for personnel and equipment; and
Infrastructure: Equipment to provide electrical power and local communication
capabilities.
Construction of the proposed RIES would involve the following:
Moving earth north of the proposed RIES site;
Building the RIES pad, parking area, and access road;
Extending utilities (e.g., electrical power, communications, and data lines) to the site;
Relocating the existing high frequency (HF) radio communications conical monopole
CM-11 antenna (see Figure 2); and
5
Erecting the RIES antenna and radome similar to others operated by the USAP (see
Figure 3)
The antenna and radome would be erected on a precast concrete foundation positioned on a pad
of compacted earth.
The construction and testing phases of the project (including procurement, shipping,
construction, and testing) would take approximately four years. Site development and
construction would be conducted over 2.5 years, and field testing would occur over the last 12
months of the fourth year.
Earth-disturbing activities associated with constructing the proposed RIES site would be
conducted by personnel currently included in McMurdo Station’s typical staffing. Construction
of the RIES antenna and radome would require 12 construction and support personnel in addition
to McMurdo Station’s typical staffing, for approximately 2.5 months.
An existing HF antenna (CM-11) near the site of the proposed RIES would be moved
approximately 100 m south from its present location prior to earthwork or construction (see
Figure 2). Relocation activities would be planned and coordinated to ensure that service
interruptions would be minimized.
Creating an unobstructed satellite view for the proposed RIES would require excavating
approximately 42,300 m3 of rock and soil (i.e., fines) from an 8,350 m2 area on a hill
immediately north of the site, as shown in Figure 2. Most of the excavated material would be
incorporated into the proposed project to construct the associated RIES site pad, parking area,
and access road. However, rocks exceeding 15 cm in diameter would be separated from
excavated material and could be used at other locations where fill is needed. Excavation of the
material would require using approximately 16,800 kg of explosives that would be detonated in
no more than 70 discrete blast events (also referred to as “shots”). Each shot would require
drilling up to 19 holes, 4.6 m deep, and placing approximately 13 kg of explosives in each hole,
for a total of approximately 1,300 holes. Blasting teams would consist of approximately seven
personnel, and each shot would require nine hours for preparation and detonation. After each
blast, loosened material would be excavated and moved to the site of the proposed RIES using
earth-moving equipment (e.g., front-end loaders) from the existing vehicle and equipment fleet at
McMurdo Station.
The proposed activity includes widening, smoothing, and compacting the existing access road
from the main T-Site road to the parking area of the proposed RIES (see Figure 2). The grade of
the existing access road would also be raised using material from the excavated hill to match the
elevation of the parking area and proposed RIES antenna pad. The reconfigured access road
would be approximately 116 m long and 9.1 m wide, for a total area of 1,055 m2.
Utility lines servicing the proposed RIES would include electrical power cables and fiber optic
data transmission lines. New cables would be extended from Building 221 at T-Site to the
proposed RIES (Figure 2). Each cable would be approximately 300 m long and laid in a 30-cm
cable tray supported by metal stanchions anchored in the soil. The cables would then be placed
in buried conduit once they were within 38 m of the radome. At road crossings, cables would be
6
housed in sub-surface utilidors (i.e., conduits). The cables would be routed to maintain 3 m
clearance of guy wires associated with towers adjacent to the site of the proposed RIES.
The area for the 18-m diameter antenna foundation would initially be excavated approximately 1
m to construct the proposed RIES compacted pad of fines materials atop the exposed basalt
bedrock (see Figure 4). The antenna and radome would be erected on precast concrete footers
positioned on the compacted pad. Material excavated from the hill (as described above) would be
used to raise the area surrounding the pad and create an area 52 m in diameter that would enable
heavy equipment and vehicles to access the proposed RIES site. A parking area approximately
15 m2 would also be built on the now raised area next to the proposed RIES.
Both the pad and the parking area would be compacted, and an approximately 330 m3 cap of fine
soils (i.e., fines) would be added to the pad to mitigate potential heating issues caused by the
telecommunications equipment and seasonal temperature swings interacting with underlying
permafrost. The fines used for the cap would be excavated from an existing fines recovery area
at McMurdo Station. Approximately 44 truck round trips would be required to move the material
from the fines recovery area to the RIES pad, assuming a capacity of 7.5 m3 for each truckload.
Heavy equipment, including a rock drill, bulldozers, loaders, and dump trucks, would be used to
prepare the site and build the proposed RIES. Construction-related vehicles would be re-fueled at
the McMurdo Station fuel station. Freshwater produced by the desalination plant at McMurdo
Station would be applied to fines on the site to enhance compaction and control fugitive dust.
The proposed RIES would operate as an unmanned facility. Periodic maintenance would be
performed by McMurdo Station personnel, who would access the facility by vehicle or on foot.
Because the proposed RIES would be built in an area previously developed with similar
communications equipment and structures, constructing and operating additional support
facilities would not be necessary.
Existing electricity-generating facilities at McMurdo Station have sufficient capacity to
accommodate the power load for the proposed RIES. If determined necessary later, an
emergency backup generator dedicated to the proposed RIES could be installed near Building
221. The USAP would conduct the appropriate level of environmental review prior to installing
and operating any such generator associated with the proposed RIES.
The proposed RIES would function as an active and passive facility, transmitting and receiving
satellite data over the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Fixed Satellite Service
(FSS) bands applicable to ITU Regions 2 and 3.
The transmitter would produce an electromagnetic field. Personnel would also use low-power
radio frequency (RF) communication transceivers during construction of the proposed RIES and
while conducting periodic maintenance operations.
Once the proposed RIES is operational, the existing telecommunications facility at Black Island
would be maintained in operational status and continue to support other off-continent satellite
communications, such as military satellite communications (MILSATCOM, via either or both of
the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) and Wideband Global Satellite (WGS)
7
system), and Armed Forces Network (AFN) Direct-to-Sailor (DTS) satellite television reception.
In addition to any future satellite communications role, the BITF would continue as the primary
HF radio communications reception site for McMurdo air-ground and deep field
communications.
3. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY
Under the proposed action alternative (Alternative A), the RIES would be built, operated, and
maintained at McMurdo Station in an area adjacent to the existing T-Site facility and north of
Building 221 (see Figure 2).
3.1. Alternative B (No Action)
Under the No Action alternative (Alternative B), the RIES would not be built and
operated at McMurdo Station and the existing facility at Black Island would continue to
support telecommunications at McMurdo Station. Operation and maintenance activities
associated with the Black Island facility would continue as they currently do. NSF would
be unable to support the telecommunications service increases expected by its Federal
partner NOAA, with resulting impacts to the NOAA mission.
3.2. Alternatives Considered but Not Analyzed
The USAP evaluated nine potential sites for constructing and operating the proposed
RIES. Sites were initially identified using multiple criteria, including the following:
The site must afford a complete view of the sky arc for satellite visibility. (This was
the primary criteria.)
The site must adequately facilitate access by construction vehicles, equipment, and
personnel.
Construction and operation of the proposed RIES must not result in conflicts with
adjacent or nearby land uses and operations.
The proposed sites for RIES were identified prior to the 2014-2015 season through
analysis conducted using a computerized geographic information system (GIS) and
digital elevation models produced by the Polar Geospatial Center, Univ. of Minnesota
(see Figure 5). During the next three operating seasons, field visits were made to each
potential site to observe physical conditions, conduct optical horizon surveys, and
evaluate the sites based on the selection criteria (satellite visibility, constructability, site
access, and potential for land use conflict). Signal propagation studies were also
conducted on selected sites.
Based on the field visits, the Second Crater, West Ridge, Arrival Heights Lab, and First
Crater sites were eliminated from further consideration. These sites had excellent views
of the sky arc; however, it was determined that access to the sites and/or construction of
the proposed RIES on them would be unnecessarily challenging. In addition, their
proximity to Arrival Heights (ASPA No. 122) would result in a land use conflict. The
8
McMurdo Lab site did not provide a clear view of the sky arc. Additionally, on-site,
optical horizon surveys indicated that Site 3 and the East Ridge site did not provide clear
viewing arcs without importing very large amounts of fill or the construction of large
structures to elevate the antenna. For these reasons, the sites were eliminated from
detailed analysis in this IEE.
A signal propagation study was conducted by Aerospace Corporation on the remaining
two sites (Site 1 and Site 2). The study showed that signal strength was poor at Site 1, on
Observation Hill. In addition, concerns regarding constructability on a small site and
signal fade due to nearby helicopter operations were identified. Therefore, Site 1 was
eliminated from consideration. Three optional locations at Site 2 were evaluated based on
results of an on-site optical horizon survey. The signal propagation study confirmed that
the signal strength was good at the optional sites. However, two of the optional sites were
eliminated due to constructability issues (e.g., over 76,000 m3 of fill would be needed to
develop a level pad of sufficient size).
Based on technical requirements for the proposed RIES and logistical considerations, the
proposed site described in the Proposed Activity (Section 2.0) section in this document
was determined to be the most suitable and was retained for analysis in this IEE.
4. INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL REFERENCE STATE
As applicable, this section describes the existing environmental setting and conditions of the
proposed RIES site, McMurdo Station, and areas adjacent to McMurdo Station.
McMurdo Station is the largest USAP facility. Elevated terrain exists to the north and east of the
station. This terrain is generally ice free during the austral summer season. Underlying soils are
composed of volcanic cinders and gravel. The station’s footprint, which includes the proposed
RIES site, consists of terrain previously disturbed by station-related activities. The size of this
disturbed area is approximately 2.5 km2 (Klein et al., 2004). Areas near the proposed RIES site
include locations where rock and soil (fines) have been quarried for construction and
maintenance purposes at the station. Overall, McMurdo Station and the surrounding areas are
characterized as “heavily disturbed” (Geochemical and Environmental Research Group [GERG],
2003).
The proposed RIES would be located on a hillside 170 m in elevation and within the area of the
McMurdo Station T-Site telecommunications facility, which serves as the communications hub
for the McMurdo area (see Figure 6). The T-Site area presently consists of a transmitter
operations building (Building 221) 17 antenna towers, and various above-ground power cables
and telecommunications lines routed to the station. T-Site facilities are connected to the electrical
grid at McMurdo Station. For data transmission, the T-Site connects to the station via fiber optic
and copper telecommunications cables. Existing antennas and aerial structures near the T-site
include the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN), utility-grade wind turbine
generators, and radome structures housing the NOAA JPSS and NASA McMurdo TDRSS Relay
(MTRS).
9
Most snowfall that occurs at McMurdo Station each year either sublimates or melts during the
austral summer. Snowmelt is channeled through various areas of the station and flows into
McMurdo Sound from several discharge points. Run-off is controlled using a series of diversion
ditches, culverts, pipes, and plastic lining materials to reduce erosion and to control the
movement of soil or sediment. There are no prominent run-off streams in the areas encompassing
the T-Site or the proposed location for the RIES.
Wildlife in the Ross Island vicinity consists primarily of marine mammals (Weddell seals,
Leptonychotes weddelli) and Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and emperor (Aptenoytes forsteri)
penguins. A Weddell seal pupping colony is located off Hut Point and the nearest Adélie colony
is located at Cape Royds approximately 35 km from McMurdo Station. The nearest emperor
penguin colony is located at Cape Crozier approximately 70 km from McMurdo Station
Scavenging birds, such as migratory south polar skuas (Stercorarius maccormicki), are common
near McMurdo Station, and the largest colony in Antarctica is found at nearby Cape Crozier
(Ainley et al., 1990). When open channels form in the McMurdo Sound sea ice, killer whales
(Orcinus orca) and leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) move in to prey on fish, penguins, and
seals. Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) also move in to prey on pelagic invertebrates
and small fish species, such as Pleuragramma antarcticum.
The proposed RIES would be located approximately 1.5 km southeast of the Antarctic Specially
Protected Area (ASPA) No. 122 (Arrival Heights). Arrival Heights was designated as an ASPA
because it is an electromagnetically quiet zone for studies that require installing sensitive
instruments to record high-resolution signals that are associated with upper-atmosphere research
programs. In addition, the proposed RIES site is within 2 km of Scott Base.
5. IDENTIFICATION AND PREDICTION OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
MEASURES OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY
This section of the IEE identifies the anticipated environmental outputs associated with
constructing and operating the proposed RIES at McMurdo Station; in addition, this section
provides an assessment of the resulting potential environmental effects of these actions. The
design of the proposed RIES includes best management practices (BMPs) intended to eliminate
or minimize potentially adverse effects to the Antarctic environment. The use and benefits of
these measures, as well their cumulative effects, were considered in this impact assessment.
The proposed RIES is near sites and facilities that were the subjects of previous environmental
impact assessments. These assessments include the following:
Construction and Operation of a Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN)
Antenna Array at McMurdo Station, Antarctica (MCST1002.IEE. 2009)
Construction and Operation of a Primary and Backup Earth Station at McMurdo Station,
Antarctica to Support the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite
System (NPOESS) Program (MCST0702.IEE. 2007)
Satellite Radome Relocation, T-Site (MCST0100.R09. 2001)
10
Conical Monopole Antenna Installation, T-Site (MCST0100.R04. 2000)
Installation of Sloping V Antenna at T-Site (MCST0100.R03. 2000)
Construction of a Replacement Telecommunications Facility at McMurdo Station,
Antarctica (MCST0108.EAF. 2000)
MTRS-2 Antenna Installation at T-Site, McMurdo Station, Antarctica (MCST0107.EAF.
2000)
Communications Shelter Replacement, T-Site (MCST9900.R06. 1999)
Facility to Support RADARSAT, a Joint Project of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) at McMurdo Station,
Antarctica (MCST9401.EAF. 1993)
RADARSAT Earth Station/Auxiliary Power Plan (OPP93110. 1993)
5.1. Direct Effects
The direct effects of the proposed action (Alternative A) would result from outputs that
interact with the environment. An environmental output is defined by the Council of
Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP; 1999) as a physical change or an
entity imposed on or released to the environment as the result of an action or an activity.
The following sections outline the outputs that would result in constructing and operating
the proposed RIES.
5.1.1. Physical Disturbances
Under the proposed action (Alternative A), constructing the RIES, an access road,
and a parking area and removing the adjacent hill would affect a total area of
approximately 13,870 m2. This area represents a relatively small portion (less than
one percent) of the entire footprint of McMurdo Station. In addition, most of the
area has been disturbed by past and current operations.
To construct the proposed RIES, approximately 42,300 m3 of soil and rock would
be excavated from an adjacent hillside to provide an unobstructed view to
transmit and/or receive satellite signals (see Figure 2). To the extent possible, the
excavated material would be used to re-grade the proposed RIES radome pad and
access roadway and to create an insulating cap atop the site, as outlined in the
Proposed Activity (Section 2.0) section in this document.
Minor surface disturbances would also occur during the installation of utility
support stanchions (if used) and the deployment of sub-surface utilidors at road
crossings. During operation of the facility, no additional disturbances are expected
to occur. Periodic maintenance involving minor re-grading of the site and/or
access road would be conducted as needed.
Impacts resulting from physical disturbances associated with the proposed action
would occur within the footprint of McMurdo Station, and are consistent with
normal operations at the station. Using fines excavated from the adjacent hillside
11
would minimize the need to excavate material specifically for the project to 330
m3 of fines for the insulating cap. Fines would be excavated from existing,
approved fines collection areas as described and assessed in the IEE and
amendment for excavation of fines (NSF 2011, 2014). Alteration of the terrain to
accommodate constructing the RIES would not significantly change existing land
use conditions near the site, nor would it significantly alter snowmelt runoff
patterns in the area. Because there are no biological communities in the area,
physical disturbances resulting from the proposed action would not adversely
impact terrestrial ecology. Therefore, impacts would be minor or transitory.
If the proposed RIES is not built at McMurdo Station (Alternative B: No Action
Alternative), existing conditions at T-Site would remain as they are. There would
be no impacts from physical disturbances.
5.1.2. Personnel Safety
During construction, measures would be taken to protect personnel safety,
particularly during activities involving heavy equipment, explosives, or physical
hazards. Once the transmitting capability of the RIES is operational, the
maximum near-field radio frequency (RF) power emission would be less than 1.0
mW/cm2 and falls within the FCC safety standards of a person directly exposed to
the energy. Safety measures are already in place at the T-Site and would be
expanded to include placards indicating RF energy zones in proximity to the RIES
and restrict access to authorized personnel only.
Under Alternative B (No Action Alternative), the proposed RIES would not be
built and existing conditions at McMurdo Station would continue, having no
impact on personnel safety.
5.1.3. Releases to the Environment
Releases to the environment during construction of the proposed RIES would
result from the use of 16,800 kg of explosives to excavate rock and fines material.
For the purposes of this IEE, it is assumed that the use of explosives associated
with constructing the proposed RIES would occur in the course of a single year.
The amount of explosives proposed for the RIES project is significantly higher
than the annual amount typically used during one operating season
(approximately eight metric tons), but the explosives used in constructing the
RIES would be distributed among 70 discrete shots. Use of explosives by the
USAP has been previously evaluated in Continued Use of Explosives to Support
Operations and Scientific Research in Antarctica (NSF, 2006).
Air emissions potentially resulting from the use of explosives were estimated
using pollutant-specific emission factors for gelatin-based dynamite, which is the
type of explosive commonly used in the USAP. Table 1 summarizes emission
factors and estimated air emissions resulting from the use of 16,800 kg of
explosives during construction of the RIES.
12
Table 1. Estimated Emissions from the Use of Explosives
Parameter
Emission Factor1
(kg released/tonne of
explosive used)
Estimated
Emissions Per
Shot2 (kg)
Total Estimated
Emissions3 (kg)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 52 12.8 874
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) 26 6.4 437
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 1 0.25 17
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) 2 0.49 34
Notes: 1 Emission factors for gelatin-based dynamite. 2 Emissions based on 247 kg used per shot. 3 Emissions based on 16.8 metric tonnes used (70 shots).
Approximately 70 shots would be conducted to loosen rock materials, and each
shot would require using 247 kg of explosives, placed in up to 19 drilled holes,
approximately 4.6 m deep (13 kg per hole). A minimum of nine hours would
elapse between shots. Particulate by-products resulting from detonating the
explosives in each shot would be entrained within the fractured material. While
dust would disperse in the ambient air, the dust is not expected to affect the local
air quality. Therefore, resulting impacts are considered minor or transitory.
Releases to the acoustic environment would result from using explosives in the
construction of the RIES. These outputs would have the potential to affect
receptors, as noise, vibrations, and other percussive outputs have the potential to
propagate from the source and into air and solid media. After a detonation on
land, nearby receptors may perceive the noise and percussion as the blast wave
travels outward from the detonation site. Because of the remote location of the
site and the lack of habitat and terrestrial receptors at T Site, impacts to biota from
detonations are expected to be less than minor or transitory.
Some residues from media affected by the blasts (e.g., ice/snow, rock, and soil)
may be released to the air and deposited in the immediate area surrounding the
site of the shot. Controlled blasting techniques would be used as a BMP to ensure
complete consumption of explosive charges and to minimize the release of flying
debris (e.g., rocks or ice). The quantity of residual materials released as the result
of an explosion is expected to be very small and not alter or react with the
surrounding environment.
Minor releases to the environment may potentially occur during RIES
construction, operation, and maintenance activities and could include the
following:
Deployed equipment or materials that cannot be practically recovered.
Fugitive dust from soil excavation.
13
Exhaust emissions from the operation of heavy equipment, vehicles, and the
backup generator.
Deployment of the antenna, radome, concrete footers, and associated
infrastructure are not expected to yield a significant impact on the area. To the
maximum extent practical, it is anticipated that materials and equipment would be
recovered and removed from the site at the end of the useful service life of the
facility. Should any materials become frozen in-place over time or otherwise
become irretrievable, they would represent a release to the environment and
would be reported in the Annual Report for the USAP Master Permit. If these
types of releases were to occur, resulting impacts would be localized and,
therefore, less than minor or transitory.
Preparation of the site and associated roadways, soil excavation, grading
activities, and vehicle operations would generate fugitive dust. Consistent with
construction and maintenance practices employed at McMurdo Station,
freshwater would be periodically applied to land surfaces to minimize fugitive
dust. The extent of exhaust emissions from construction-related vehicles and
equipment would be well within typical levels associated with routine equipment
operations in the McMurdo Station area, and air quality impacts would be less
than minor or transitory.
5.1.4. Visual Characteristics
Alteration of the hillside in the area and installation at an elevated location of the
proposed RIES in the McMurdo Station area would result in a modification to the
visual characteristics of the station. Removing portions of the hillside would yield
a change to the visual profile of this portion of Ross Island. However, nearby
areas were previously altered and are characterized by the presence of antennas,
wind turbines, and other structures. The spherical 21-m diameter radome housing
the RIES antenna would be visible from various vantage points in the McMurdo
area. Overall, the RIES would be in relatively close visual proximity to existing
United States and New Zealand telecommunications resources (e.g., radomes,
antennas, support buildings) and wind-powered, electrical generating equipment.
In this context, it is not anticipated that the RIES radome would substantially alter
the visual characteristics of the area or further compromise the aesthetic or
wilderness value of Ross Island. Therefore, impacts would be minor or transitory.
5.1.5. Electromagnetic Field and Interference (EMF/EMI)
T-Site was selected for the proposed RIES because of its proximity to resources at
McMurdo Station and relatively high local elevation, which would provide a view
of the sky for connectivity with current and future satellites. The earth station
antenna would serve as both a passive receiver and an active transmitter and
would not generate electrical or magnetic fields at levels that would interfere with
science projects, other telecommunications systems, or ASPA No. 122. The
14
project team would work with NSF and other stakeholders to ensure tht
electromagnetic (EM) emissions from the proposed RIES would not affect flights
in the surrounding airspace. Mitigating measures would be implemented to ensure
that personnel working in proximity to the proposed RIES would not be exposed
to potentially harmful levels of electromagnetic radiation. Safety warning placards
would be posted where applicable to warn personnel about walking in proximity
to the antenna. The path of transmissions from the RIES would be away from and
above potential receptors at McMurdo Station.
Intermittent RF transmissions originating from low-power handheld or
communication transceivers or vehicle ignition systems may occur during
construction and periodic maintenance activities, but are not be expected to yield
adverse EMF/EMI effects. ASC operational explosives would use only non-
electric detonators which would mitigate the risk of EMF/EMI related impacts.
5.1.6. Indirect and Cumulative Effects
Overall, the proposed action to build and operate the RIES would not expand the
spatial footprint of McMurdo Station, nor would it adversely affect Station
operations. While dedicated staff would be brought in to construct the proposed
RIES radome, the total population of McMurdo Station would not be affected, as
the population at the station is limited by available berthing space. USAP support
of projects like the RIES are effectively planned and managed to avoid indirect or
cumulative effects, such as resource conflicts.
The proposed action would increase the cumulative release of electromagnetic
radiation to the ambient environment in proximity to McMurdo Station. However,
impacts are anticipated to be less than minor or transitory with respect to either
human health and safety risks or interference with instrument transmission or
reception. In accordance with established USAP practices, the placement of new
instruments or other resources near the proposed RIES would be reviewed for
potential operational and environmental concerns and conflicts that could
potentially interfere with operating RIES or similar devices in the area.
Indirect, beneficial effects of the proposed action would result from reducing
existing telecommunication systems at the BITF. Related environmental impacts,
particularly those associated with staffing and transport to Black Island, would be
reduced.
Operation of the RIES would have a positive cumulative benefit to USAP
operations and the scientific community by reducing data latency and providing
increased data transfer capabilities for other USAP operations and research
projects consistent with the bandwidth requirements of new satellites.
15
5.2. Impact Summary
The findings of this IEE indicate that the proposed action to build and operate the RIES at
McMurdo Station would not result in a major adverse environmental impact. Although
some effects would be long-term, the overall effects would be minor or transitory. Table
2 summarizes the potential environmental impacts that may result from the proposed
action (Alternative A). The proposed action would occur in an area of McMurdo Station
that has been previously disturbed and currently contains various types of antennas and
telecommunications equipment.
In summary, the proposed action would not contribute to the deterioration of the
surrounding environment, including nearby ASPA No. 122 at Arrival Heights, which is
approximately 1.5 km away from the proposed RIES site.
Implementation of Alternative B (No Action Alternative) would adversely affect the
objectives of the U.S. Government and USAP by increasing the latency of data from
polar orbiting satellites and limiting USAP transmission capabilities over available
bandwidth, both of which, in turn, could result in scientific, economic, and life-safety
impacts.
16
Table 2. Summary of Impacts Resulting from the Construction and Operation of the RIES
Activity Output
Environmental and Operational Impacts
Affected Environment Duration Extent Intensity
Impact
Probability Overall Rating
(see note)
Direct Effects
Construct
Antenna and
Radome
Prepare
antenna/
radome pad Remove
rock/soil
from
adjacent hill Construct
road Construct
antenna Install
utility lines
and fiber
optic cable
Physical disturbance
(i.e., excavating soil
from hillside and re-
grade terrain)
Soil Long- term
13,870 m2/
42,300 m3
Medium Certain 1 3
Alter surface water drainage patterns
Snowmelt run-off streams Short-
term Localized Low Unlikely 0
Emissions (from
explosive by-products,
fuel combustion
exhaust, and fugitive
dust)
Air Short-
term Localized Low
Certain (reversible)
1
Deploy equipment
(antenna, radome,
concrete pad, utilidor)
Soil Long- term
Localized Medium Certain (reversible)
3
Personnel Safety Short-
term Localized Low Unlikely 0
Personnel and
equipment support McMurdo Station resources
Short-
term Localized Low
Certain
(reversible) 1
Alter visual
characteristics Aesthetic and wilderness values
Long- term
Localized Medium Certain2 3
Operate and
Maintain
Earth
Station
Transmitter
Emissions (fuel combustion
exhaust) Air
Short-
term Localized Low
Certain (reversible)
1
Radio frequency (RF)
transmissions
EMF/EMI; ASPA No. 122
Long-
term Localized Low Unlikely 3 0
Personnel safety Long-
term Localized Low Unlikely 0
Electrical power load McMurdo Station Power Plant Minimal impact: Electrical load can be accommodated by current
generating capability. Personnel and
equipment support McMurdo Station resources
Existing resources and personnel would be used and can be
managed to prevent conflicts with other activities.
17
Table 2. Summary of Impacts Resulting from the Construction and Operation of the RIES
Activity Output
Environmental and Operational Impacts
Affected Environment Duration Extent Intensity
Impact
Probability Overall Rating
(see note) Data handling and
transmission Information technology (IT)
resources Existing IT resources can accommodate data flow with minimal
impact. Cumulative Effects
Operate
RIES
Electromagnetic
radiation McMurdo area
Long-
term Localized Low Certain 3
Data latency and
transfer Scientific community Beneficial effect: optimized data capabilities.
Indirect Effects Reduced
BIES
Operations
Emissions (fuel
combustion exhaust) Air
Beneficial effect: reduction in the quantities and/or frequencies of
resources (e.g., fuel, personnel, helicopter, overland traverse)
needed to support the facility.
Notes: + = Environmental improvement; 0 = No substantial effect; 1 = Minor, short-term effect; 2 = Minor effect that continues for a limited
period of time after the activity is completed; 3 = Minor, localized long-term effect; 4 = Environmental effects may be substantial or long-term. 1 The RIES site has been disturbed by past activities at McMurdo Station. 2 Removal of portions of the adjacent hillside represents a change to the visual profile of T-Site. The T-Site area currently supports existing
telecommunications facilities, including various antennas, radomes, and support equipment. 3 RIES transmitters would produce electromagnetic fields that may be detectable but would be directed away from the ASPA and are not expected
to compromise the scientific value of the areas or interfere with other transmitters or receivers.
18
6. IEE PREPARATION SOURCES
Mr. Art Jung, Program Manager, AECOM
703-682-4900, [email protected]
Mr. John Maier, Senior Scientist, AECOM
703-340-3110, [email protected]
Mr. Craig Carver, Environmental Planner, AECOM
804-515-8459, [email protected]
Mr. Laurent Cartayrade, Senior Environmental Planner, AECOM
703-340-3023, [email protected]
Consultation:
Dr. Kaneen Christensen, ASC Environmental Engineering Manager
720-568-2225, [email protected]
Mr. Kevin Culin, ASC RIES Project Manager
720-568-2501, [email protected]
Dr. Ted Doerr, ASC Environmental Engineering Staff
720-568-2041, [email protected]
Mr. David Huntsman, ASC IT&C Project Manager
720-568-2243, [email protected]
Mr. Mitch Perry, ASC IT&C Project Manager
720-568-2204, [email protected]
19
7. REFERENCES
Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP). 1999. Guidelines for
Environmental Impact Assessment in Antarctica.
Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG). 2003. Spatial and Temporal Scales
of Human Disturbance, McMurdo Station, Antarctica: Final Report.
Klein, A. G.; Kennicutt, M. C.; Wolff, G. A., & Sweet, S. T., Gielstra, D. A., & Bloxom, T.
(2004). Disruption of Sand-wedge Polygons at McMurdo Station, Antarctica: an
Indication of the Areal Extent of Physical Disturbance, 61st Eastern Snow Conference,
Portland, Maine.
National Science Foundation (NSF). 2009. Construction and Operation of a Super Dual Auroral
Radar Network (SuperDARN) Antenna Array at McMurdo Station, Antarctica.
(MCST1002.IEE. 2009).
NSF. 2014. Collection of Rock Fines at McMurdo Station, Antarctica (MCST1201.IEE.AM1)
NSF. 2011. Collection of Rock Fines at McMurdo Station, Antarctica (MCST1201.IEE)
NSF. 2007. Construction and Operation of a Primary and Backup Earth Station at McMurdo
Station, Antarctica to Support the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental
Satellite System (NPOESS) Program. (MCST0702.IEE).
NSF. 2006. Continued Use of Explosives To Support Operations and Scientific Research in
Antarctica. (PGAN9601.AM2).
NSF. 2001. Satellite Radome Relocation, T-Site. (MCST0100.R09).
NSF. 2000a. Conical Monopole Antenna Installation, T-Site. (MCST0100.R04).
NSF. 2000b. Installation of Sloping V Antenna at T-Site. (MCST0100.R03).
NSF. 2000c. Construction of a Replacement Telecommunications Facility at McMurdo Station,
Antarctica. (MCST0108.EAF).
NSF. 2000d. MTRS-2 Antenna Installation at T-Site, McMurdo Station, Antarctica.
(MCST0107.EAF).
NSF. 1999. Communications Shelter Replacement, T-Site. (MCST9900.R06).
NSF. 1993a. Facility to Support RADARSAT, a Joint Project of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) at McMurdo
Station, Antarctica. (MCST9401.EAF).
NSF. 1993b. RADARSAT Earth Station/Auxiliary Power Plan. (OPP93110).
20
21
Figure 1. McMurdo Station with Proposed Ross Island Earth Station
22
Figure 2. Location of Proposed Ross Island Earth Station
RECONFIGURED ACCESS ROAD
23
Figure 3. Typical Radome Used to House an Antenna
24
Figure 4. Pad Design and Fill Area
25
Figure 5. Sites Identified from the Desktop GIS Analysis
26
Figure 6. Existing T-Site Resources at McMurdo Station
Building 221
T-Site