Title  : Human Waste-Testa/S-004
Type   : Antarctic EAM
NSF Org: OD / OPP
Date   : September 09, 1992
File   : opp93073


                                       DIVISION OF POLAR PROGRAMS
                                        OFFICE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
                                                     202/357-7766
MEMORANDUM

   Date:  September 9, 1992

   From:  Environmental Officer, DPP

Subject:  Environmental Action Memorandum (Human Waste Handling
            by Ward Testa's "S-004" Field Activities)

     To:  Manager, Science Projects, DPP
          Manager, Polar Biology and Medicine Program, DPP


   REFs:  Safety, Environment and Health Program Policy
            Memorandum 90-1.  Pollution Control - Handling,
            Management and Removal of Wastes from Antarctic
            Inland Locations.  October 1, 1990.


It is the Division's intention to consider, on case-by-case and
site-specific bases, exceptions to the U.S. Antarctic Program's
policy on waste retrograde from field camps.  Requests for such
exceptions are considered when initiated by a Principal
Investigator and when supported by a defensible rationale.

For the upcoming 1992-1993 research season, Dr. Testa has
requested, and provided a rationale for, sea ice "pocket" (see
Attachment) disposal of human wastes and grey water generated
during S-004 activities.

                             Finding

The rationale is defensible and S-004 is authorized to dispose of
such waste only directly to sea ice "pockets" with subsequent
introduction to the sea.  Handling, and disposal or processing
methods for all other S-004 wastes shall follow established U.S.
Antarctic Program policies and procedures.



                                 Sidney Draggan

cc:  W. Testa (S-004)
     T. Johnson, ASA
     Waste Management, ASA