Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343:reg:16:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 16 (pt 3/51)
Character Range: 204043–206949

moulds probably arrived with the AAE), they do not cause structural damage. Assorted yeasts including Rhodotorula (pink yeast), moulds and occasional mixed fungi were identified from swabs taken from assorted sites in the living quarters of the Main Hut (2009). Fungi that might attack the timber structure, rather than simply surface staining (generally Basidiomycetes) exist at 20-30ºC, with an optimum range of 23-25ºC. There is no evidence of insect attack at the site. Generally, insects such as termites and woodborers require similar temperatures to fungi (Godden Mackay Logan 2001).

Cold air cannot hold much water vapour and the level of relative humidity is consequently generally high. High relative humidity can lead to corrosion and fungal growth, but structural steel and metal objects inside the Main Hut are largely not threatened by corrosion, unless subjected to wetting and drying cycles associated with snow and ice contact. The daily variability of relative humidity is low. However to fully understand the associated risks with high humidity and the lack of air movement within the huts, further analysis of monitoring data would be required. Some metal objects located elsewhere on the site often have higher levels of corrosion.

There is only limited evidence of salt damage, possibly as a result of the powerful effect of the prevailing offshore winds that limit the movement of salt-bearing winds from the sea onto land. Ice and snow samples collected in 2002 from sites inside and external to the Main Hut were found to have uniformly low chloride contents (1-96 ppm) with only one site, in the workshop verandah (above the meat cellar) showing elevated levels (~1130 ppm). In order to better understand the impact of salt on the timbers and internal artefacts, methods to monitor sulphate concentrations and incorporate into the program will be investigated.

Data loggers have been used to monitor the external Cape Denison environment and micro-environments inside Mawson's Huts since the summer of 1998/99. Temperature and relative humidity data accumulated over this time, supplemented by corrosion studies using bimetallic CLIMAT bolts and copper-steel coupons, has been used to guide conservation decisions regarding ice removal from the interior of the Main Hut and to provide information on the effects of the high humidity environment on the structures and the corrosion of iron fastenings and fittings. These data have also been used to monitor the impacts of snow and ice removal on internal microenvironments of the Main Hut. While this monitoring will continue, additional monitoring of moisture within walls and ceiling will also be undertaken. This information will assist in understanding the climatic impact of the over-cladding of the roof and the potential need for better ventilation.

Fauna impacts

Although Cape Denison contains Adélie penguin colonies,