Title  : Deck addition at Palmer         <
Type   : Antarctic EAM
NSF Org: OD / OPP
Date   : January 31, 1991
File   : opp93020



                                       DIVISION OF POLAR PROGRAMS
                         OFFICE OF SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
                                                     202/357-7766
MEMORANDUM

   Date:  January 31, 1991

   From:  Environmental Officer, DPP

Subject:  Environmental Action Memorandum (Deck Addition at Palmer
          Station BioLab)

     To:  Files (S.7 - Environment)

On January 18, 1991, the civilian contractor's Deputy Project
Director, Peninsula System submitted the following information
related to the placement of a new deck at the BioLab Building at
Palmer Station.  Part of his analysis included responses to
questions posed by the Environmental Officer, DPP.  The questions
related to environmental setting and land use planning, pollution
potentials, and potential biotic population or habitat effects
associated with the proposed action.  The questions and the
responses to them are shown below.

ENTITY RESPONSIBLE FOR PROJECT:

     Antarctic Support Associates, Inc.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

     A 310 square foot addition will be added to the present deck.
     This deck will provide space for three additional fish tanks
     at the station.

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING:

     Palmer Station, Anvers Island, north side of the BioLab
     Building.

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROJECT:

     Only earth fill materials, remaining from the original
     construction at Palmer Station will be disturbed for the
     deck's foundations.  Some large rock fill will be moved since
     they would interfere with placement of the deck.  No antarctic
     wildlife use the proposed location for habitat or breeding.
     There are no visible indications of lichens, mosses or grasses
     inhabiting the area.

MITIGATING MEASURES PROPOSED TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACTS:

     Workers will be instructed that daily cleanup is their
     responsibility and that such performance will be monitored by
     a member of the Division of Polar Programs.  They will be
     instructed to minimize disturbance to fill materials, rocks
     and boulders.

ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED ACTION:

     No action alternative.  This alternative is not acceptable due
     to the scientific research requirement for additional fish
     tanks.

CONCLUSION:  The Environmental Officer, after reviewing this
material, finds no potential for significant environmental impact
and recommends that the project be completed as planned.




                                   Sidney Draggan

cc:  Safety, Environment and Health Officer, DPP