national science foundation environmental document concurrence activity › eia ›...

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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).

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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-


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-


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


Mr. Craig Carver, Environmental Planner, AECOM


Mr. Laurent Cartayrade, Senior Environmental Planner, AECOM


Consultation:

Dr. Kaneen Christensen, ASC Environmental Engineering Manager


Mr. Kevin Culin, ASC RIES Project Manager


Dr. Ted Doerr, ASC Environmental Engineering Staff


Mr. David Huntsman, ASC IT&C Project Manager


Mr. Mitch Perry, ASC IT&C Project Manager


mailto:[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).

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

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