Title  : Site Cleanup of East Base
Type   : Antarctic EAM
NSF Org: OD / OPP
Date   : March 27, 1991
File   : opp93027



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

   Date:  March 27, 1991

   From:  Environmental Officer, DPP

Subject:  Environmental Action Memorandum (Cultural Resource
            Assessment and Site Cleanup of East Base)

     To:  Files (S.7 - Environment)
                (S.7.1 - Hazardous Wastes)



On October 23, 1990, the Environmental Engineer, DPP prepared and
submitted the following information which forms the basis for this
Environmental Action Memorandum:

Date Prepared:  23 October 1990

Name of Preparer/Title/Organization:  I. Sam Higuchi, Jr.; Environ-
mental Engineer; Polar Operations Section, DPP.

Responsible Entities for Project:  National Park Service for the
Cultural Resource Assessment, and Antarctic Support Associates for
the Site Cleanup

Project Description:  The project will consist of two phases.  The
first phase will involve a cultural resource assessment of East
Base.  The planned cultural resource assessment includes an arche-
ological survey and an historical survey of the site.  The second
phase of the project will be the general cleanup of the site and
the removal of debris.

Environmental Setting:  The project site is East Base, Antarctica
(68ø11'S, 67ø00'W).

Potential Environmental Impact of the Project:
o  There may be some minor digging associated with the cultural
   resources assessment.
o  Some cultural resources will be removed during the site cleanup.
o  Such hazardous and toxic substances as solvents and asbestos-
   containing materials may be removed from the site.

Mitigation Measures Proposed to Minimize the Impacts:
o  The digging associated with the cultural resource assessment
   will be carefully planned and limited in scope.
o  The cultural resource assessment will identify items not to be
   removed or damaged during the cleanup.
                               -2-


o  Hazardous and toxic substances or items will be properly
   packaged and labelled, and will be temporarily stored at Palmer
   Station for subsequent transport to McMurdo Station and
   retrograde.

Alternatives to the Proposed Project:
o  No action.  This is not an acceptable option as it is not
   consistent with the Safety, Environment and Health Initiative
   which includes the cleanup of abandon sites.

Conclusion:  Environmental Engineer recommends that the project be
implemented as planned.  The Environmental Officer concurs.



                                Sidney Draggan

cc:  Safety, Environment and Health Officer, DPP
     Environmental Engineer, DPP
     Ocean Projects Manager, DPP