TRACKING # MCST0000.R04__________

RECORD OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (ROER)

Background Information

 Stage of Action: Initial Decision X SIP Revised Scope In-the-field change 

 Group sponsoring activity (i.e.; event #, proposal #, WBS#) _ASA Operations WBS 2.23.0 _________________

 Scope/type of activity (i.e.; geology, tower relocation, traverse) _Use of freeze cells in ice pier to repair cracks

 Principal contact(s): John Hahn, ASA_

 Activity location(s) Ice Pier, McMurdo Station Antarctica

Intensity and Scope

 Duration of activity (approximate dates): _TBD_____________________________

 Activity will occur in an area with special environmental and/or scientific management standards? Yes No X

If yes, the site is located in: ____________________________ sector of the South Pole Station.

____________________________ area of the Dry Valleys

____________________________ (name) rookery/colony

____________________________ (name) SSSI or SPA

____________________________ (name) other special area

 Is the activity consistent with current operations or long-range plans in terms of size, personnel,

and/or footprint? Yes X No 

 Are complex, cumulative, large-scale, or irreversible effects likely? Yes No X

 Is activity likely to preclude or conflict with other foreseeable activities? Yes No X

 Activity is expected to create no significant effects on the following environments/resources:

air X aquatic X marine X terrestrial X glacial X historic X aesthetic X

 Are there EMI or EMR issues associated with this project? Yes No X

Environmental Documentation

 ACA permit required for: Flora/Fauna SSSI/SPA Not required X

 Activity fits into a category of exclusion Yes X No 

If yes, which one? Small scale collection of geological and/or biological specimen 

Routine, laboratory-based research 

Seismic research utilizing explosives

Renovation and/or remodeling of existing facilities X

Deployment of retrievable instrumentation 

Use of weather/research balloons

Use of radioisotopes (in compliance with applicable laws)

If no, is additional assessment required? Yes No X 

If yes, for which activities?_______________________________________________________ 

 Do existing environmental document(s) adequately describe likely effects? Yes X No 

If yes, list file name(s) of environmental document(s): Ref. ROER MCST9800.R12, 8-14-98 

Experimental freeze cells performed well with no accidental discharges to the environment.

This Environmental Review was prepared by: William A. Coughran Date: 3-3-00

Signature Block

This Environmental Review for the stage of the action cited on line one is adequate for the action to proceed as noted.

 Yes X Yes, with mitigation (attached) No If no, why? _________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Responsible Official: /s/ William A. Coughran Date: 3/3/00
A man-made ice pier is used to support ship off load operations at McMurdo Station. On occasion cracks 

develop in the ice pier and must be repaired if the pier is to be safe for use. In 1998, freeze cells were used on an 

experimental basis to determine if they would be effective in stimulating ice growth to repair cracks in the ice 

pier. The experiment was successful. The cells stimulated adequate ice growth and were removed with no 

impact to the environment. Since the technique has proven successful, freeze cells will be used on a recurring 

basis when cracks develop that require additional ice growth to effect repair. Cells will be removed after repairs 

are complete. Cells will consist of forty foot lengths of three and one half inch outside diameter pipe filled with 

propylene glycol and sealed. Approximately twenty feet of the pipe length will be exposed to the atmosphere. 

All freeze cells will be removed when the repairs are completed.