The action is not one which would have more than a minor or transitory effect on the antarctic environment, within the meaning of NSF's implementing regulations for the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty . The selected alternative, A, provides for the construction of a tower and turbine and installation of electronics in an existing, heated structure nearby. This action is consistent with NSF's efforts to promote scientific inquiry and protect the antarctic environment. Mr. Dwight Fisher, Acting Section Head Date Polar Research Support Office of Polar Programs National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Blvd. Currently, USAP uses wind generators at the Black Island Earth Station near McMurdo Station.
Black Island is characterized by consistent, strong winds and is near sea level.
South Pole represents one of the most challenging environments in which to test such technology because the air is less dense and the winds are moderate. If successful, the technology could be applied to numerous USAP activities including remote geophysical and meteorological observatories operating autonomously on the Polar Plateau. The test will provide a ground truth to tests of efficiency for this harsh environment and may have applications to cold environments other than Antarctica. Labor and resource costs to perform test. In this alternative, the new, 13.5-meter tower would be constructed in the operations sector of South Pole Station.