Title  : Automated surface observing systems
Type   : Antarctic EAM
NSF Org: OD / OPP
Date   : August 19, 1993
File   : opp94004


                                         OFFICE OF POLAR PROGRAMS
                                           OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
202/357-7766

MEMORANDUM

   Date: August 19, 1993

   From: Acting Environmental Officer

Subject: Environmental Action Memorandum (Installation of
          Automated Surface Observing Systems [ASOS})

     To: Director, Office of Polar Programs
         Manager, Polar Operations Section
         Aviation Projects Manager, DOD
         LCDR C. M. Rhone, NSFA
         Electronics Engineer, DPP

This Environmental Action Memorandum (EAM) describes the need for
the installation of Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) in
the vicinity of McMurdo Station, Antarctica.  These new systems
are designed to support aviation operations and weather
forecasting.  They will provide basic observing functions
required to generate surface weather observations and other
aviation information.  It is proposed that installation could be
accomplished during the 1993-1994 austral summer season.  The
Acting Environmental Officer posed a set of questions relating to
the proposed project, and to the potentially affected environ-
ment.  These questions were responded to by LCDR C. M. Rhone of
the Naval Support Force, Antarctica on June 28, 1993; the
questions and responses are shown below:

Finding

The Acting Environmental Officer, after reviewing the information
presented above, believes that the proposed activity poses
neither potentially minor nor transitory impacts/no significant
impacts to the antarctic environment.  In fact, there are
recognized safety benefits that would accrue from completion of
the proposed project.  The benefits of these self-contained units
include improved safety for aviation and field parties operating
in the McMurdo area, reduction in weather observers, and
operational reliability through remote control.  The military
contractor is authorized to proceed with the proposed activity.

                                  Jane Dionne

Attachments:
  ASOS vs AWS
  Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS)