Antarctica New Zealand Initial Environmental Evaluation

Initial Environmental Evaluation

Development, Management and Execution of the New Zealand Antarctic Programme 2008/09

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Initial Environmental Evaluation

1. Introduction 5 2. Purpose, Location and Duration 7 3. Intensity 11 Description of activity 11 Use of chemicals 11 Installations 12 Field camps and fuel depots 14 Physical sampling 16 Activities on ice-free areas 16 Antarctic Specially Managed Areas 17 4. Permits 19 Entry and activities in Antarctic Specially Protected 20 Areas 5. Description of Environmental impacts 23 Initial environmental state 23 Methods and data used to predict impacts 28 Direct impacts 28 Indirect impacts 33 Cumulative impacts 34 Evaluation of impacts 41 6. Managing Environmental Impacts 50 Monitoring programmes 50 Mitigation and remediation 53 Alternatives 58 7. Conclusion 59 8. References 60 Annexes 62 Map showing area covered by IEE A Planned events for 2008/09 season B Antarctica New Zealand Code of Conduct C Antarctic Specially Protected Area Management Plans D Antarctic Specially Managed Area Management Plans E

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Executive Summary

Antarctica New Zealand has prepared this Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) for all non- science activities supported by Antarctica New Zealand. This IEE has been prepared in accordance with Annex I (Article 2) of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctica Treaty, and in accordance with the requirements of the New Zealand Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act, 1994.

Antarctica New Zealand, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Ministry for the Environment (MfE), made the decision to change the way in which we undertake an environmental impact assessment for our non-science activities. Instead of submitting a series of separate PEEs, a single Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) for all non-science activities supported by Antarctica New Zealand was prepared for the 2007/08 season and has again been prepared for the 2008/09 season (except for the Antarctic Heritage Trust (AHT), the Graduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies (GCAS) and the Latitudinal Gradient Project (LGP)). An IEE will be submitted on an annual basis.

Prior to the 2007/08 season Antarctica New Zealand looked at the potential environmental impacts of an activity on an event-by-event basis. A series of Preliminary Environmental Evaluations (PEEs) were submitted annually which created a large administrative burden and ultimately did not allow for any flexibility within the programme. An IEE allows Antarctica New Zealand to assess the impacts of activities as a whole, and allows better consideration of cumulative impacts. This enables the mitigation of the impacts of the annual programme in a more comprehensive manner.

Potential impacts associated with non-science activities supported by Antarctica New Zealand include disturbance to ice free areas, emissions and the creation of dust, impacts on the aesthetic and wilderness values of Antarctica, potential chemical and fuel spills, disturbance to flora and fauna, and contamination of the marine environment.

The conclusion of this IEE is that the non-science activities supported by Antarctica New Zealand in the 2008/09 season will have no more than a minor or transitory impact on the environment, provided the described mitigation and monitoring measures are implemented.

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1. Introduction

1.1 Antarctica New Zealand is a Crown Entity that was established on 1 July 1996 Permit Holder under the New Zealand Antarctic Institute (NZAI) Act (1996) to develop, manage, and execute New Zealand’s activities in respect of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Antarctica New Zealand’s vision and purpose have been developed through consideration of the future of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The guiding framework is provided by Antarctica New Zealand’s statutory functions and other relevant legislation, the Government’s Revised Statement of Strategic Interest and other related Government policy decisions and directions for New Zealand involvement with Antarctica.

Vision Antarctica and the Southern Ocean: valued, protected and understood.

Purpose Advancing appreciation, conservation and knowledge of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean for the benefits of New Zealand and the Southern Ocean for the benefit of New Zealand and the world community through leadership, partnership, and involvement in high quality Antarctica and Southern Ocean- related activities.

The Chief Executive of Antarctica New Zealand will be the nominated holder of the Notification/Permit in relation to this IEE.

1.2 Under the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act 1994, Antarctica New Antarctica Zealand is required to prepare an environmental impact assessment for its (Environment activities in Antarctica in support of the New Zealand Antarctic Programme. al Protection)

Act 1994 Under Section 18(2) of the Act, the IEE shall contain sufficient detail to enable an assessment to be made of whether the activity may have more than a minor or transitory effect on the Antarctic environment, and shall include the matters referred to in Article 2 (1) of Annex I to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

Under section 28 of the Act, certain activities are prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued under the Act.

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1.3 Article 2(1) of Annex I of the Protocol requires a description of the Annex I to the proposed activity, including its location, duration and intensity, as well as Protocol consideration of alternatives to the proposed activity and any impacts that the activity may have, including consideration of cumulative impacts in the light of existing and known planned activities.

1.4 This environmental impact assessment is intended to cover the activities Overview of related to the development, management and execution of the New Zealand activities Antarctic Programme between 26 August 2008 – 1 September 2009 in its normal areas of operation including Scott Base, stations operated by other Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, the surrounding areas, and outlying field camps. It excludes science events, which have all submitted separate EIAs to the Minister.

1.5 The activities covered under this IEE are likely to have no more than a minor Statement of or transitory effect on the Antarctic environment, provided the mitigation Impact and monitoring measures are implemented.

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2. Purpose, Location and Duration

2.1 Antarctica New Zealand’s objectives are defined by the functions set out in Purpose – Sections 5 and 6 of the NZAI Act (1996): NZAI Act To develop, manage, and execute New Zealand activities in respect of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, in particular in the Ross Dependency; To maintain, and enhance the quality of New Zealand Antarctic scientific research; To co-operate with other institutions and organisations both within and outside New Zealand having objectives similar to those of the Institute. The activities covered by this Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) are in support of all of these objectives.

2.2 On 27 May 2002, Cabinet agreed to adopt the 2002 Revised Statement of 2002 Strategic Interest in Antarctica, which recorded New Zealand’s interest in Statement of maintaining a credible presence in the Ross Dependency, supporting high Strategic quality Antarctic science, and demonstrating best practice in environmental Interests stewardship.

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2.3 The activities covered by this IEE therefore include: Activities under this IEE Maintaining a continuous presence in the Ross Dependency at Scott Base;

Transport and logistics assistance to New Zealand Antarctic Programme events including maintenance of New Zealand programme infrastructure;

Monitoring and management of environmental impacts arising from New Zealand Antarctic Programme activities;

Movement of Antarctica New Zealand supported events in Antarctica for health and safety reasons, search and rescue training, activities at the invitation of other national Antarctic Programmes and for carrying out general duties;

Movement of New Zealand government personnel in support of the development, management and execution of Antarctica New Zealand’s activities; and

Movement of events to support scientific research, conserve the intrinsic values of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and raise public awareness of the international significance of the continent.

2.4 The following activities are excluded from this IEE: Activities not under this IEE Events supported by New Zealand that do not support the development, management or execution of the New Zealand Antarctic Programme (individual science events are the subject of separate EIAs).

Events that would normally be captured by this IEE but are of an environmental impact justifying an IEE or CEE in their own right.

Expeditions and events not officially supported by the New Zealand Antarctic Programme.

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2.5 This IEE covers activities carried out at the following sites (see Annex A): Location The area within a 200km radius of Scott Base (77°51S, 166°45E), including all of Ross Island, Beaufort Island, Bratina Island, Black and White Islands and the Minna Bluff area, the McMurdo Dry Valleys and Southern McMurdo Sound;

The area within 100km radius of Mario Zuccelli Station (74°41.616S, 164°06.702E), including Gondwana Station and Adelie Cove;

The area within a 100km of Cape Hallett (72°19S, 170°16E);

The area within a 100km radius of South Pole Station (90°00S, 139°16W);

The area within a 100km radius of Concordia Station (75°06S, 123°20E); and

Transportation routes to and between these areas.

Antarctica New Zealand non-science events will spend the majority of their time at Scott Base or in the local area of Scott Base (i.e. McMurdo Station, the Hut Point Peninsula area, the Antarctic Field Training area and two of the three runways - Pegasus and Williams Field). Travel outside the Scott Base area will be in relation to operational (including maintenance) support, science support, invited visitor trips, education, environmental and safety work, clean up work, management plan review work, observation and familiarisation, and safety and rescue training.

Familiarisation trips will be run when appropriate (See Annex B, event KREC). These trips may include the following sites: Cape Evans ASPA 155, Cape Royds ASPA 157, Hut Point ASPA 158, Hut Point Peninsula, IMAX crevasse, Room with a View, Pegasus area (Constellation wreckage), White Island (Mt Nipha), Black Island (Aurora), Castle Rock, local sea ice and ice shelf areas.

The areas described in this section are not exhaustive as the need may arise to visit other locations. Travel outside of the main areas of operation will be notified to MFAT for approval in advance of such travel taking place.

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2.6 Exceptions to the locations as described in Section 2.5 are: Exceptions Entry into any Antarctica Specially Protected Area except where permitted under S29 of the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act 1994 to do so.

Entry into any Antarctic Specially Managed Area except where consistent with the provisions of this IEE.

2.7 The following locations are indicated on the map in Annex A: Maps Ross Island (includes McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA 2 (maps also in Annex E), Bratina Island, Southern McMurdo Sound, Beaufort Island, Minna Bluff and White and Black Island);

South Pole Station (map also in Annex E);

Concordia Station;

Terra Nova Bay (including Gondwana Station);

Cape Hallett (map also in Annex D); and

2.8 The New Zealand Antarctic Programme operates year round with three Duration distinct operational seasons (the dates of which vary depending on flight schedules and weather delays). Winfly normally occurs in August but has been delayed until the beginning of September for the 2008/09 season:

Winfly 2008 (3, 4, 8 September)

Summer 2008/09 (1 October 2007 – 20 February 2009)

Winter 2008 (21 February 2009 – 1 September 2008)

Except where expressly otherwise stated, the activities included in this IEE will occur during these three operational seasons to 1 September 2009.

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3. Intensity

3.1 The list of Antarctica New Zealand events planned under this IEE is included Description of as Annex B. This list is not exhaustive; the uncertain nature of operating in activities Antarctica means that activities may arise that would have otherwise been unforeseen.

Should an unforeseen activity arise that has a risk of environmental impact not included in this IEE, a separate environmental evaluation will then be prepared for that activity.

Planned activities with risk of significant environmental impact are listed in Sections 3 and Section 4 below.

Unless expressly stated otherwise in this IEE, the resulting environmental impacts of the events listed in Annex B and other activities that may arise, are limited to the general cumulative impact expected from human activities in an otherwise pristine environment as described in Section 5.

3.1.1 Chemicals are transported to Antarctica every season to be used in New Use of Zealand Antarctic Programme. Chemicals are used in the maintenance and chemicals upkeep of Scott Base, in the upgrade of projects, for the implementation of safety equipment, for the production of water and heat on base, in the operation of the waste waster treatment plant, and for the transportation of people both to Antarctica and around Antarctica.

Chemicals to be used as part of the activity are listed below (Table 1). Actual usage may vary without changing the environmental impact, however, usage will remain reasonable. All chemicals will be accompanied by a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before being sent to Antarctica.

Table 1. Chemicals proposed to be used in the 2007/08 season Planned Use of chemicals Sites Quantity Paints and thinners Scott Base and other Approx 3000 litres Gases (including liquid nitrogen, dry locations as described in nitrogen, helium,CO2, oxygen Section 2.5. (medical and industrial), blue ice etc) Glues Resins Sealers Detergents

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Solvents Water treatment chemicals Lubricants Hydrocarbon products Acids Fly Spray CRC for historic hut locks and doors Welding supplies Grease Fuel for maintaining the running of Scott Base and a number 420,000 litres Scott Base and the New Zealand of locations in the field, Antarctic Operation as well as transportation routes to and between sites.

3.1.2 Equipment is installed and removed from Antarctica on a regular basis. Installations Much of the equipment to be installed under this IEE is for monitoring purposes and to assist the implementation of safety systems e.g. safety handlines. Other proposed installation of equipment is for science support, and for the upgrade and maintenance of the infrastructure of Scott Base. Planned equipment to be installed in the 2008/09 season is listed below (Table 2). The Stage 7 bypass project is not likely to take place this season. However, equipment for this project will be shipped to Antarctica in the 2008/09 season. The list is not exhaustive and actual installation may vary without changing the environmental impact. It is proposed that all equipment can remain in the field for a period of three years to 1 September 2012 unless a future IEE enables them to remain in place for further duration. Some of the equipment is to be installed for short periods of time and will be removed before the end of the 2008/09 season. Records of all installations will be maintained by Antarctica New Zealand.

Table 2. Proposed equipment to be installed in the 2008/09 season Item installed Sites No/weight Purpose Markers Cape Bird 2 To indicate the ASPA 116 boundary to those collecting snow in gully that runs out of ASPA.

Solar space Cape Bird 1 Alternative energy heating A wind sock or Inclusion Hill and 2-3 To aid helicopter pilots to find the other marker. above middle safest route into Cape Bird. rookery at Cape Bird Ski tow McMurdo Ice 1 x 4000kg Provide recreation for Scott Base staff. Shelf, Ross Island

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Bamboo Poles Local area sea 1000 Marking safe routes and unsafe ice and ice shelf routes. Safety Handline Castle Rock 1 Provide safety protection for access to Access route Castle Rock walkway. Vista tags Ross Sea region 10-30 (~20g Marking locations for ongoing visitor sites – e.g. each) monitoring ASPA 155, 157 and 158. Helicopter Ross Island and Provide obvious markers for helicopter markers at the ASMA 2 landings at landing sites. helicopter landing pads Temporary Ross Island and Safety in lower/raising and protecting anchors for ASMA 2 personnel on exercises or rescues. setting up belays Safety equipment will be removed and safety where practicable. systems Cape Bird Toilet Cape Bird 1 Building to house a new toilet at Cape Bird. Stage 7 bypass Scott Base 1 Heated corridor linking the main base corridor to the Hillary Field Centre. Large deck Scott Base 1 Large deck at the entrance of Scott Base. Plaque Botany Bay 1 Plaque on structure to indicate that it is for a polarhaven, belongs to AntNZ, and is not a helicopter landing pad. Electrical cable Crater Hill 1 Replace old cable at Crater Hill hut with new cable.

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3.1.3 On average Antarctica New Zealand uses 420,000 litres of fuel per year. Field camps Electricity production, used for heating, water production and lighting within and fuel the base, has by far the largest amount of fuel consumption of all activities caches at Scott Base. A large quantity of fuel is used to run the diesel-fired boilers on base. Approximately 35,000 litres is used by vehicles and field events.

The primary types of fuel stored at Scott Base (Table 3) and used in field facilities and camps are kerosene (used primarily for cooking in the field), aviation fuel (AN8 also known as JP8, used in diesel engines and the Scott Base generators), mogas (cold temperature petrol blend) and liquid petroleum gas (LPG, used for cooking and heating). When sent into the field, fuel is stored in colour coded drums (209 or 60 litre) and plastic containers (5, 10 or 20 litre).

Table 3: Fuels stored at Scott Base and used in the field

Fuel Maximum Storage type quantity AN8 56,000 litres 2 bulk tanks in double skin Mogas 2000 litres Trailer mounted tank Kerosene 1000 litres 209 litre drums LPG 5,000kg 45 & 90kg decanting cylinders

Antarctica New Zealand currently has a number of fuel caches in the field for event support, including helicopter and fixed wing support (Table 4). They are situated at Cape Bird, Cape Royds, Cape Roberts, the A-Frame, and Cape Archer, and two at Darwin Glacier - Cape Lankester and Roadend Nunatak (the two at the Darwin glacier are covered under a separate IEE).

Six drums of fuel are staged at Cape Bird every season. There is also a 600L tank at this site. The Antarctic Heritage Trust will have up to 20 drums on site at Cape Evans over the next few years and there are several drums cached at Cape Roberts. There is 600 litres of diesel stored in a tank at the A-Frame. The fuel at Cape Archer was cached a number of years ago. This cache may be removed in the 2008/09 season. Two drums of fuel will be transported to Bratina Island to support events working in the area. Empty drums will be returned to Scott Base from the fuel caches when possible, but it is proposed that full drums remain in the field for use in the 2009/10 season if necessary. Information on this will be included in the 2009/10 IEE.

Antarctica New Zealand has seven wannigans, each of which has a maximum storage capacity of 120 litres. These wannigans are not fixed to any one site and may therefore visit several sites within a season.

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Table 4. Locations and quantity of fuel at Antarctica New Zealand fuel caches Sites No/weight Purpose Cape Archer 3 (209L) drums Refuelling cache. Cape Bird 6 (209L) drums Fuel for operation of the Cape Bird hut. (600L tank)

2x 45kg LGP Cape Roberts 2-3 (209L) Helicopter refuelling and tank. drums and tank = 1000 litres total Cape Evans 20 (209L) Support of the AHT camp. drums Bratina Island 2 drums (400 Helicopter refuelling, field camp support. litres total) A-Frame 600L tank + Operation of the A-Frame hut. sled with tank onboard sometimes stored

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3.1.4 It is possible that physical sampling may take place should contaminated Physical sites be found during the season. Sample sizes for analysis would be small. sampling

3.1.5 A number of activities are planned to take place on ice-free areas in Activities on Antarctica. The activities are to be mostly located around Scott Base, which ice-free areas is already a heavily modified area. Activities will include earth works, foot traffic, vehicle impacts and disturbance caused from the storage of containers and other items. We have listed out activities planned to be conducted on ice-free areas but are aware that this may not be a conclusive list (Table 5). Activities may vary without changing the overall environmental impact statement of this IEE – minor or transitory.

Table 5. Activities planned to be conducted on ice-free areas. Activity Site Previous site Area of disturbance use Potential soil disturbance if Cape Bird Snow gully 1m2 makers have to be dug into markers. ground. Removal of rock cairn. Cape Bird Cairn created. 1m2 Levelling of yard to create level Scott Base Heavily Total 300 m2 area for unloading of disturbed containers from trucks. site. Various maintenance around Scott Base, Disturbed Scott Base and other facilities. ASMA2 sites. Tracking from foot traffic, Scott Base Heavily vehicle disturbance and disturbed impacts form the storage of site. equipment. Foot traffic and possible ASMA 2, Ross Varying levels helicopter landings. Island, Terra Nova of Bay area, Cape disturbance Hallett at various sites. Inclusion of chain anchor bolts Castle Rock Used by USAP Short distance of 50 to to attach a chain safety line and Ant NZ 75 vertical meters along the walkway route. for past 50 yrs. Installation of temporary Ross Island and Some sites Minor anchors for setting up belay ASMA 2 potentially systems for JSART. have not been impacted.

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Activity Site Previous site Area of disturbance use Monitoring activity Cape Evans, Cape Varying levels Bird, Cape Royds, of Hut Point disturbance Peninsula at various sites. Camping, foot traffic ASMA2, Ross Varying levels Island, Terra Nova of Bay disturbance at various sites.

3.1.6 A number of previously unused sites may be visited in the 2008/09 season. Previously The level of visitation (if any) is unknown at some sites. The majority of sites unused sites covered by this IEE will have had visitation, the levels of which vary dramatically between sites. The sites to be visited in the 2008/09 season with the least previous visitation will likely be some of the sites in Southern Victoria Land e.g. Bettle Peak. Records are kept of all sites visited.

3.2 Antarctic Specially Managed Areas (ASMA) are set aside under Annex V of Antarctic the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty to preserve Specially their special values. ASMA are aimed at assisting in the planning and co- Managed ordination of activities, including improving co-operation between Parties Areas and minimising environmental impacts. A permit is not required to enter an ASMA.

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3.2.1 The McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA covers an area roughly 15,000km2 and McMurdo Dry contains millions of years old cold desert soils, special geological features, Valleys ASMA and unusual communities of plants and micro-organisms. The ASMA 2 Management Plan is annexed in Annex E.

There are several Antarctica New Zealand supported non-science events proposing to visit ASMA 2 this season. The activities involved include field support, escorting invited visitors and board members, environmental field audits, ASMA 2 review work, collaborative field audits with the USAP, clean up of sites of past activity, observation, education, maintenance and operational work, helicopter operations, JASART exercises, environmental management work, facilities inspection and site familiarisation.

Antarctica New Zealand has radio repeater sites in the Dry Valleys at Mt Newall, Mt Cerebus, and Mt JJ Thompson. It also has huts at Lake Vanda, and Cape Roberts.

Records will be maintained of all visits to the McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA 2.

3.2.2 The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is located on the polar plateau near Amundsen- the geographic South Pole, at 90 S. An area of approximately 26,400 km2 Scott South encompassing the station and long-term research and monitoring sites is Pole Station, designated as an ASMA to manage human activities for the protection of ASMA 5 scientific, environmental, and historical values.

It is likely that some Antarctica New Zealand Non-Science events will visit ASMA 5 in the 2008/09 season for a number of activities including familiarisation, observation, and collaborative work with the USAP. The ASMA 5 Management Plan is attached under Annex E.

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4. Permits

4.1 Under section 28 of the Act, the following activities are prohibited except in Permits accordance with a permit issued under the Act:

Entering or carrying out any activity in an Antarctic Specially Protected Area Taking or attempting to take any native bird or mammal Removing or damaging such quantities of native plants that their local distribution or abundance is significantly affected Harmfully interfering with native plants, mammals, birds or invertebrates Introducing onto land, ice shelves or into water any species of animal, plant or micro-organism not native to that area Importing any non sterile soil

4.1.1 Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPA) are set aside under Annex V of ASPAs the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty to preserve their special values. ASPAs are designed to protect outstanding environmental, scientific, historic, aesthetic or wilderness values, a combination of these values, or ongoing or planned scientific research.

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4.1.2 Entries into Antarctic Specially Protected Areas may only occur where Entries permitted to do so.

Such entries may take place at any point within the duration of this IEE and by any person officially supported by the New Zealand Antarctic Programme as agreed to by the principle holder of this permit or their nominee. The number of people permitted to visit an ASPA must not be exceeded. All activities to take place in the ASPA are listed below.

The relevant ASPA Management Plans are included in this IEE as Annex D. All activities in ASPAs will comply with the Management Plans.

There are a number of ASPA sites that Helicopters New Zealand need to be permitted for even though no other Antarctica New Zealand event has applied to go to these Areas. This is because Helicopters New Zealand is part of the logistics pool between the USAP and Antarctica New Zealand and need to be permitted to fly USAP personnel to different Areas.

The Management Plans for the historic hut ASPAs state that, “The annual maximum number of visitors shall be: 2000 people.” On average, New Zealand annually supports 150 to 200 visits to each historic hut Area. However, this number may fluctuate depending on sea ice conditions and therefore accessibility.

This IEE proposes that the number of visitors into the ASPAs as listed in Table 6 be permitted.

Table 6. Proposed number of visitors to be permitted to enter the ASPAs as listed ASPA Title Visitors 105 Beaufort Island 3 106 Cape Hallett 3 116 Cape Bird 3 121 Cape Royds 1 122 Arrival Heights No more than 10 at any one time. (Predict that up to 150 visitors will enter on this permit (some will have multiple visits), and that into the region of 250 person days will be spent at the location).

124 Cape Crozier 4

131 Canada Glacier 2 138 Linneaus Terrace 2 154 Botany Bay 1 155 Historic Hut, Cape No more than 12 (including guides) in the hut at any one Evans time; or 40 within the Area at any one time (including guides and those within the hut). (predict up to 250 visitors will enter on this permit)

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157 Historic Hut, Cape No more than 8 (including guides) in the hut at any one Royds time; or 40 people within the Area (including those within the hut) (predict ~ 200 visitors will enter on this permit) 158 Historic Hut, Hut No more than 8 in the hut at any one time. Point (predict ~ 200 visitors will enter on this permit)

4.1.3 This IEE proposes that the following activities in the ASPAs as listed in Table Activities 7 be permitted.

Table 7. Activities to be conducted in the ASPAs. ASPA Title Activity 105 Beaufort Helicopter support as helicopter landing site is within ASPA 105 Island Event support Environmental inspection of Area in accordance with the 5 year review process 106 Cape Hallett Download and maintenance of AWS installed for the LGP project Helicopter support as the helicopter landing site is within ASPA 106 Event support Environmental monitoring 116 Cape Bird Operational tasks including: installation of markers in the snow collection gully showing the boundary to the ASPA, and removal of the rock cairn adjacent to the glacier

121 Cape Royds Event support

122 Arrival Science technician visits in support of science being conducted Heights within the Area. Familiarisation/observation/education Monitoring and inspection of site for potential wind turbine project Maintenance and repairs to the Telecom satellite earth station Facilities inspection and site inspection Event support 124 Cape Crozier Helicopter support SAR cache check 131 Canada Helicopter support Glacier 138 Linneaus Helicopter support Terrace

154 Botany Bay Event support

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155 Cape Evans Familiarisation/observation trips VISTA monitoring programme involving installation of markers Event support Field audit 157 Cape Royds Familiarisation/observation trips VISTA monitoring programme involving installation of markers 158 Hut Point Familiarisation/observation trips VISTA monitoring programme involving installation of markers

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5. Description of Environmental impacts

5.1 Antarctica New Zealand Non-Science Activities in the 2008/09 season will Initial visit a range of locations from highly impacted areas, such as Scott Base, to Environmental more pristine locations like Darwin Glacier (Darwin Glacier activities and State impacts have been covered under a separate IEE for the 2008/09 season).

5.1.1. Scott Base. Scott Base is situated on Pram Point, the topography of which Terrestrial slopes gently southwards with a uniformly undulating surface. Soils are environment derived from naturally occurring volcanic rocks, largely scoriaceaous basaltic lava. Till deposits have not been identified however patterned ground movement has reworked the surface (Campbell et al, 1994). Soils are loosely compacted consisting of a pebbly bouldery surface containing variable amounts of fine particles. Permafrost generally occurs at a depth of 450mm(Waterhouse, 1996).

The terrestrial environment at Scott Base has been modified significantly over a period of 50 years as a result of activities associated with the operation of Scott Base. Earthmoving activity, vehicle movement and helicopter operations have all impacted Scott Base considerably. Most soils in this area have been compacted and some known sites of contamination exist. Even though Scott Base is a heavily impacted site, it remains desirable to keep the footprint of the activities described in Annex B to a minimum.

Ross Island. Ross Island is an area of 2460 km2 and only a small portion of the island is free of ice and snow. Hut Point Peninsula is one of the few ice-free areas on Ross Island. Hut Point Peninsula is where both McMurdo Station and Scott Base are situated and these stations are snow free for up to three months per year (December-February). Ross Island was formed through the coalescing of three large volcanic cones - Mt Erebus, Mt Terror and Mt Bird. Mt Erebus is the youngest cone and is remains active. Soils and ice-free areas occur sporadically on the island. The soils are mostly “cold desert soils” and lack topsoil, or accumulations of organic matter. Eight areas on Ross Island have been designated as ASPAs for various reasons including vegetation, wildlife, science and the historic huts. Much research is conducted at various locations on Ross Island, as both the New Zealand and the United States Antarctic Programme have stations on the island.

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Terrestrial McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA 2. The McMurdo Dry Valleys contain environment glaciers, mountain ranges, ice-covered lakes, meltwater streams, arid continued patterned soils and permafrost, sand dunes, and interconnected watershed systems. The Area contains unique geological features and minerals (e.g. salt deposits and desert pavements). The surface deposits include glacially deposited and modified sediments, sand dunes, desert pavement, glacio-lacustrine sediments, and marine fiord sediments. Low precipitation in the McMurdo Dry Valleys means that they are commonly referred to as cold deserts and their soils described as cold dessert soils. There is widespread occurrence of a pebble or boulder surface pavement, wide variations in soil salinity, and the presence of permafrost at variable soil depths (Waterhouse 2001).

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5.1.2 Weather Scott Base. Climate data has been recorded at Scott Base since 1957. The mean annual temperature of Scott Base from 1957 to 2000 is approximately -20°C (SCAR, 2002). The maximum average monthly temperatures from 1957 to 2000 range from -1.6°C in January to –23.4°C in July. The minimum average monthly temperatures from 1957 to 2000 range from –7.5°C in December to –41.4°C in August. The highest recorded temperature between 1971 and 2000 was 6.0°C, the coolest - 57°C and the mean temperature -19.6°C (NIWA website, accessed 29/08/07 ). Precipitation is probably less than 200 mm annually (water equivalent). The prevailing wind at Scott Base is from a northeast direction blowing towards Cape Armitage. The maximum wind velocities experienced have been gusts up to 185 km/h with steady velocities under blizzard conditions of 95–115 km/h (NIWA website, accessed 29/08/07 ). The mean annual wind speed is approximately 10-11 knots (Waterhouse 1996).

Ross Island. The prevailing winds around Ross Island are from the south due to the Transantarctic mountains turning the easterlies in a northwards direction (O’Connor et al. 1994). Southerly winds are turned towards both the east and west as they run up against the mountains of Ross Island (Waterhouse 2001). Temperatures on Ross Island tend to be lower than temperatures further up the Ross Sea coast as Ross Island is influenced by the Ross Ice Shelf. Temperatures vary greatly on Ross Island itself with significant differences in air temperature between Scott Base and McMurdo Station, although only 3 kilometres apart (Hatherton, 1990). Scott Base temperatures are influenced by the cold air originating in the Windless Bight area, to the northeast. Cape Evans and Hut Point are on average 8°C warmer than Scott Base (Hatherton, 1990).

McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA 2. The McMurdo Dry Valleys generally experience the warmest temperatures in the Ross Sea region in summer but have colder winters. The ice-free surfaces absorb most of the solar energy in summer. The mean annual air temperature in the Dry Valleys is between -17° to -20° C (Doran and Wharton website, accessed 27/08/07). The Dry Valleys have low precipitation, low surface albedo, and dry katabatic winds descending from the Polar Plateau which result in extremely arid conditions (Clow et al., 1988). The strong katabatic winds from the polar plateau flow into the valleys, which also receive strong local glacier drainage winds. The wind regime dominates the local climate over the austral winter (Clow et al., 1988).

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5.1.3 Flora and Scott Base. Few areas of vegetation have remained undisturbed at Pram Fauna Point. However, small and remnant patches of moss, lichen and algae have been noted in the vicinity of Scott Base mainly to the west and north of the main buildings. Significant biological re-colonisation can be observed on the slopes behind Scott Base, which was heavily disturbed in the late 1950’s (Waterhouse 2001).

Weddell seals occur in significant numbers (max 30-40 animals) year round on the sea ice in front of Scott Base. Minke and Orca whales have been sighted in McMurdo Sound and occasionally come close to shore in front of Scott Base is the sea ice has broken out. Leopard seals, Adélie penguins and the occasional Emperor penguin have also been seen in this vicinity. Skua are regular visitors to Scott Base and several pairs have nested in the vicinity over the last few seasons. Invertebrates in this area are not well researched. Ross Island. Ross Island is rich in both flora and fauna. An area at Cape Bird has been designated as an ASPA (116) as it contains some of the richest stands of mosses and associated microflora and fauna in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica, and an area on Mt Erebus called Tramway Ridge (ASPA 130) has been designated as an ASPA on the grounds that it supports an unusual ecosystem of exceptional scientific value to botanists, phycologists and microbiologists. Extensive biotic communities occur sporadically on Ross Island where there is light, warmth, water and shelter from the wind (Waterhouse 2001). There are several bird colonies on Ross Island which include the following: Emperor penguin colony at Cape Crozier; Six Adelie penguin colonies (three at Cape Bird, one at Cape Royds, and two at Cape Crozier) Breeding skua at six sites on Ross Island, including three sites at Cape Bird, one at Hut Point, one at Cape Royds, and one at Cape Crozier. Weddell seals breed at several locations around Ross Island and leopard seals are often seen hunting off the penguin colonies on Ross Island. McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA2. The McMurdo Dry Valleys are characterised by unique ecosystems of low biodiversity and reduced food web complexity. The habitats that exist in this Area are simple and relatively diverse compared to other ice-free areas. There are no vertebrates or vascular plants, and very few insects. Unusual microhabitats and biological communities are found throughout the valleys. The ecosystem of the Dry Valleys is largely driven by the melt from surrounding glacier as the Area receives very little precipitation.

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5.1.4 Marine The Ross Sea is one of the most biologically productive regions of the Environment Southern Ocean, with estimated annual production four-fold higher than the average global ocean production (Saggiomo et al., 2000). This primary production provides a platform for substantial populations of higher consumers, especially sea birds (Waterhouse, 2001).

Rich and diverse communities of plants and animals live on the sea floor. Soft sediments dominate the sea floor. The marine environment remains a relatively pristine one.

5.1.5 Other Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. The Amundsen-Scott South Pole locations Station is the southernmost continually inhabited place on earth. The station is located on the polar plateau near the geographic South Pole at 90°S. The climate at the south pole is extremely cold, windy, and arid. The mean annual temperature is –49.3°C, and annual precipitation is about 7cm. The station is situated on an ice sheet which is constantly moving.

Concordia Station. Concordia Research Station (Dome C) is a joint French- Italian station and opened in 2005. It is built on the polar plateau, 3233m above sea level. It is the coldest place on earth with temperatures barely rising above -25°C in summer and often falling below -80°C in winter. The annual average air temperature is -54.5°C. There is very little precipitation and the wind speed is generally only around 2.8 m/s in winter (Wikipedia website, accessed 29/08/07). The only flora and fauna seen at Dome C have been skua overflying the station.

Cape Hallett. Cape Hallett (72º19´S 170º16´E) is located at the southern end of Moubray Bay, northern Victoria Land, in the western Ross Sea. It forms the northern tip of the 32 km long by 8km wide, north-south aligned Hallett Peninsula which extends south to Cape Wheatstone and is joined to the mainland by a narrow ridge between Tucker Glacier and Edisto Inlet. The low point of this ridge is the broad Football Saddle (700m). Projecting about 1200m west from the high rocky ridge forming Cape Hallett is Seabee Hook, a low (generally less than 5m above sea level), curved spit composed of coarse volcanic material, between 130 and 575m wide, with a total area of approximately 41.1 ha. Willett Cove is a small bay enclosed on the south side of Seabee Hook (Gordon, 2003).

Cape Hallett was the site of an abandoned joint US/NZ station. The site of which has gradually been cleaned up over the last 30 years. It is also home to approximately 40,000 breeding pairs of Adelie penguins. The area is also rich in moss and lichen and was originally designated as an ASPA (106) to protect the vegetation. The ASPA boundaries have since been expanded to include the penguin colony as well.

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5.2 Sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6 will identify, and to a certain extent evaluate, Methods and the impacts of the proposed activities, discussing the extent, duration, data used to intensity and probability of the potential impacts and the existing predict impacts disturbance to the areas in determining their significance. Table 13 summarises the impacts identified in Sections 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5 and further evaluates their significance in relation to the areas the activity will take place in.

The monitoring and mitigation strategies are proposed in Section 6 will ensure that the potential impacts identified will remain minor. Where the nature and/or extent of the impacts are not known with any certainty, this is acknowledged.

5.3 The actual and potential environmental impacts of the proposed activities Direct impacts are identified and discussed, including any indirect and cumulative impacts. Any uncertainties and unknowns are also discussed.

5.3.1 Terrestrial environment Physical Physical disturbance to the terrestrial environment may cause changes to disturbance the soil profile including lowering the permafrost and release of water and salts as well as slumping and shrinkage of the ground surface (Campbell et al, 1994). Evidence of these kinds of changes is common in the vicinity of Scott Base. Physical disturbance may also include the movement of rocks from their original site. Physical disturbance to ice and snow is not so obvious but may include compaction and more rapid ablation in some circumstances.

Contamination of the terrestrial environment may occur through fuel or chemical spills. Hydrocarbon spills are generally localised but persist in the soils for decades. Spills can result in contamination and the inhibition of microfauna. If they do occur some material would be likely to remain despite recovery efforts and fuels are known to change the chemistry, biology and physical state of the contaminated soils.

Direct impacts to the terrestrial environment will potentially be caused by many of the activities discussed in this IEE (see Section 3.1.2 Installations, Section 3.1.5 Activity in ice-free areas, and Annex B), including camping, foot traffic, aircraft landings and takeoffs, grading/levelling, cleaning up sites of past activity and contaminated sites, building structures, installations, vehicle use, recreational walking, storage of equipment, and collection of physical samples.

Even though there are no large building activities planned for Scott Base

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this season, it is expected that most of the physical disturbance will occur at this location due to the high number of people stationed on base, and the associated activities integral to the running of a medium sized station.

McMurdo Station, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Mario Zuccelli Station, and Concordia are also modified sites. The Amundsen-Scott South Pole station is based on the ice plateau and therefore the direct physical impacts are actually to ice and snow rather than ice-free ground. The historic hut sites and some sites in the McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA are also modified sites due to high visitation numbers.

Table 8. Potential impacts on the terrestrial environment. Direct impact Activity Site Previous site use Area of disturbance Ground Installation of Cape Bird Collection of 1m2 disturbance markers into ground snow from the including to signal ASPA area. potential boundary. changing of soil profiles. Leveling of yard to Scott Base Heavily disturbed Total 300 m2 create level area for site unloading of containers from trucks. Earthworks on Scott Base Heavily disturbed eastern side of the site hangar to form a safe approach to side door. Various maintenance Scott Base Heavily disturbed around Scott Base site and other facilities.

Installation of Ross Island Some sites Minor temporary anchors and ASMA 2 potentially have for setting up belay not been systems for JSART. impacted Tracking by light ASPA 122 Some parts 200 m2 vehicles foot traffic. heavily impacted by both NZ and US use of the area.

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Tracking from foot Scott Base Heavily disturbed Area in traffic, vehicle site by New vicinity of disturbance and Zealand Antarctic station impacts form the Programme storage of equipment. Leveling of small area Cape Bird Highly impacted 20m2 currently used as a as already a landing pad for helicopter landing helicopter adjacent to pad. hut. Disturbance to Camping and tracking Various ice and snow locations Visits to the South Amundsen- Pole Station Scott South Pole Station Transport routes Ross Island and surrounds. Visits to Concordia Concordia Station Station Disturbance to Removal of rock cairn ASPA 116, Cape Cairn created 1m2 rocks including Bird moving them from their original site. Inclusion of chain Castle Rock Used by USAP and anchor bolts to attach AntNZ for past 50 a chain safety line years. along the walkway.

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5.3.2 Marine Environment Waste Disposal of sewage and domestic water, contaminated meltwater runoffs, and fuel spills directly impact the marine environment by contaminating the water quality and sea floor sediments. This in turn impacts the marine biota (see Flora and Fauna, and Indirect Impacts below). Water quality may show an increase in nutrients from sewage, and elevated levels of trace metals. Chemical contamination of the marine environment through accidental fuel spills, atmospheric and oceanic transport, and meltwater runoffs from dumps have been found to be relatively minor and localised. The activities described in this IEE will contribute to the sewage contamination out the front of Scott Base. However, because the sewage and domestic water is now treated the impacts are likely to be negligible.

The disposal of human waste and domestic liquids into the sea through tide cracks in the sea ice is an established practice used by both Antarctica New Zealand and USAP field parties. Very minor and localised effects are likely from these activities, in particular from nutrient enrichments, solids accumulation and release of micro-organisms.

5.3.3 Air Environment Emissions Emissions directly impact the air environment by releasing contaminants into the lower troposphere. The activities discussed in this IEE will contribute to the anthropogenic sources of contaminants in Antarctica and will therefore impact the quality of the air. Long term deposition of particulates, metals, hydrocarbons and/or other toxic contaminants may have an adverse effect on air quality (Waterhouse 2001).

The average emission levels created by Scott Base and its vehicle fleet is estimated to produce approximately 345 tonnes of nitrous oxides (NOx), per year (Waterhouse 2001). Some of these emissions will be caused by the 6 Hercules flights and 2 P3 Orion flights New Zealand has planned to fly to Antarctica. Field visits will involve helicopter travel, which will contribute to the carbon budget of the programme and will also create small amounts of local pollution from the aircraft engines (possibly small oil drips and spills and fumes).

Fuel useage through transportation including vehicle, helicopter and fixed wing aircraft has an associated increase in emission levels, which will include CO, NOx, and soot particles. However, the most significant source of many common air pollutants is combustion processes such as electricity and heat generation and includes pollutants of sulphates, heavy metals, and various products of incomplete combustion, such as toxic substances of PAHs and dioxins.

Dispersal of these contaminants will depend on wind conditions.

Dust Dust is not usually considered a major air quality issue beyond the immediate area where it originates (Waterhouse 2001). However, wind

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dispersion of the dust means that contaminants can be spread far and wide and create long term accumulation in the snow and ice.

There are several activities that will create dust including heavy machinery work around Scott Base to maintain the area, vehicle use on formed roads between Scott Base, Arrival Heights and McMurdo Station (especially during the later months of summer), camping and tracking on ice free ground, and the operation of aircraft especially in relation to take-off and landing on ice free ground.

5.3.4 Flora and Fauna Flora and fauna Flora and fauna may be directly impacted in a number of ways by the activities described in this IEE. Impacts on flora and fauna may vary from minor disturbances (e.g. animal demonstrates stressful behaviours) from which the animal and vegetation will definitely recover, to very high levels of disturbance (vegetation killed due to trampling) from which recovery is unlikely. Little is known about the impact of earth activities on the invertebrate fauna (if present) although some very localised impact could be expected. It is not anticipated that any of the activities described in this IEE will cause very high levels of disturbance. However, noise of vehicles, camping, operational activities, and overflying aircraft all have the potential to affect flora and fauna located at sites of activity.

Direct impacts on the marine environment may occur from the activity of tide-cracking human waste. Viruses, bacteria and genetic material pose the highest potential impacts on marine flora and fauna.

The introduction of non-native species has the potential to directly impact both flora and fauna.

5.3.5 Aesthetic and wilderness values Visual Aesthetic value usually relates particularly to visual appreciation. Direct impacts on the visual aesthetic may include the installation of equipment, the painting of New Zealand huts as the huts will become more apparent, containers outside Scott Base, and any rubbish that escapes.

Noise The wilderness values and aesthetic nature of Antarctica may be directly impacted by noise. Vehicles and aircraft will be used to support the New Zealand Antarctic programme, and will create moderate but discontinuous noise. Acoustic noise may be created from machinery and power

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generation, most of which is housed inside the buildings at Scott Base helping to conceal the noise from the external environment. Other direct impacts will occur from people talking, and use of machinery and generators in the field.

5.4 Particulates from emissions accumulate on snow and ice, which lowers the Indirect albedo of the surface and causes melt. The indirect impacts of this can be impacts both disturbance to the physical environment through the formation of stream channelling and excess water flows, and disturbance to the marine environment though sediment discharges and contamination. Contamination of the water quality and sediments in the marine environment through biological enrichment indirectly impacts deposit feeders and scavengers such as the sea urchin Sterechinus, the seastar Odontaster and the nemertean worm Parborlasia (Waterhouse 2001).

Direct impacts on snow and ice surfaces, such as compaction along transport routes, at camps sites and along walking paths, may in turn create indirect impacts on micro-organisms in the ice and snow. These same organisms will potentially be impacted by the contamination of the water quality at sites where human waste is tide-cracked. Micro-organisms such as algae, plankton, nekton and benthos may be indirectly affected by the water contamination.

Under normal operating conditions, the activities (Annex B) are not expected to have more than a minor or transitory effect on the environment, and therefore secondary impacts on natural systems are not anticipated. However, in the unlikely event of a catastrophic event such as a major fuel spill (fuel being the only potentially harmful substance which will be stored in large quantities) entering the environment, contamination of soils could in turn affect biota (marine and terrestrial) as well as indirectly affect science events researching the environment. However, it is expected that impacts would be localised.

Seals and birds may also be indirectly impacted by a number of the activities described in this IEE e.g. penguins may be disturbed by human traffic at Cape Bird, which in turn may impact the skua population.

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5.5 Cumulative impacts may occur over time and should be assessed by looking Cumulative at other human activities occurring in the proposed locations. A cumulative impacts impact is the combined impact of past, present and reasonably foreseeable activities.

The events described in this IEE will contribute to the cumulative environmental impacts of the programme overall. The proposed activity will add to the existing environmental impacts both at Scott Base and a number of other locations in the Ross Sea region. There are several locations this activity proposes to visit at which a number of science events and potentially personnel from other Antarctic Programmes will also be working, which means the potential cumulative impacts will be greater than if the activity was working in isolation.

It is important that Antarctica New Zealand continues to record and monitor the ongoing impacts of the New Zealand programme to ensure cumulative effects can be assessed and where possible mitigated. It is hoped that existing data sets can be combined with the USAP data sets to identify potential areas of high cumulative impact in the Ross Sea region.

5.5.1 Cumulative impacts to the terrestrial environment include ground instability, Terrestrial extensive surface precipitation of soil salts (Campbell et al. 1994, Balks et al. Environment 1995), soil shrinkage, increased soil wetness and increased water runoff.

Physical disturbance to soils change the biological environment of the soil,

destroying the natural soil and landscape features, such as patterned ground, soil thermal conditions, and disrupts the soil moisture and salinity gradients (Waterhouse 2001). Hut Point Peninsula already shows indicators of severe soil disturbance including a thermokarst landscape.

The most intense impacts on the terrestrial environment are from construction activities and can be attributed to activities such as ground scraping, ground levelling and quarrying that have taken place for building construction and road formation. Although there are no major construction activities proposed for the 2008/09 season, ground levelling and scraping will take place as part of the activity described in this IEE. Several containers will be removed from the Scott Base footprint this season including the old hydroponics unit, the container alongside, and the coldporch. This area will be levelled and a new container will be installed as part of the wind turbine project (this has been covered in a separate IEE). This will contribute to the cumulative impacts on ground disturbance already evident at Scott Base.

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Track formation and travel by vehicles across ice-free ground disturb the desert pavement and create scars in the landscape that may persist for many years. The degree of terrestrial disturbance from walking is highly variable and depends on the characteristics of the soil. At some locations the terrestrial surface is dynamic (often due to wind or freeze thaw) meaning that the impacts will quickly disappear. At others, the disturbance may takes millions of years to disappear.

Field activities often necessitate on-site occupation, normally in field camps or temporary huts. Impacts on the ground surface can result from walking, sampling, camping and installation of equipment. Most of the Antarctica New Zealand non-science activity will be based at Scott Base.

Cumulative impacts on the terrestrial environment in the Ross Sea region are most obvious at Hut Point Peninsula, specifically around McMurdo Station and Scott Base. Ground disturbance is most intense at these sites as well as around other scientific support stations in the region, including Marble Point and Cape Hallett. Marble Point was the construction site for an aircraft runway in 1957/58 and Cape Hallett was the site of a joint Antarctic Programme in the 1960’s. Considerable ground disturbance has taken place at all of the locations mentioned above. Terrestrial disturbances at field sites are of a lower intensity than station activities, although the total area disturbed may be greater due to the number of sites visited over the last 50 years.

Concerns about cumulative impacts of activities on ice-free areas have tended to concentrate on impacts in the McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA. Antarctica New Zealand data analysed over the last 3 years shows that there continues to be an increase in activity in the DV ASMA. The sites with high person-days are sites at which scientists have set up camp over the past three seasons. However, sites with high visitor numbers are those often visited by the non-science events who may only land for an hour or two. As has already been stated above, it is expected that the cumulative impacts of the activity as described in the IEE will be lower at field locations than at Scott Base itself.

Graph 1 shows an analysis of sites visited over the past 50 years. The field location that has the highest number of person-days is Cape Bird (over 10,000 person-days). This is largely due to the fact that Antarctica New Zealand has a hut at this site and some science events stay at this location for the entire season. Several of the events in this IEE propose to conduct work at Cape Bird. The work includes environmental monitoring, operational tasks, and safety support. These events, combined with science events and events from other national programmes will all contribute to the cumulative impacts on the physical environment at Cape Bird, specifically through tracking and installation of equipment. Events under this IEE will not take samples. Physical ground disturbance may also take place at this location through the levelling of the helicopter pad.

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Other sites that rate high on person-days are sites which have had large projects based at them such as the Cape Roberts Drilling Project (Cape Roberts - both land and sea ice) and the International Victoria Land Expedition (Canham Glacier). Most of the sites listed in the graph below will be visited as part of the activity described in this IEE and therefore cumulative impacts at the various locations will be increased.

Graph 1. Graph shows person days at various locations collected over a fifty year period 1960s to 2007/08 (Antarctica New Zealand data only).

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The Historic Hut ASPAs are also Areas that have high visitor numbers. Graph 2 shows both the number of visitors and the number of visits made to the huts in the 2007/08 season. The actual number of visitors to the huts remains reasonably low, while the actual number of visits made to Cape Evans in particular was close to 200. Cumulative impacts from tourists, and national programmes at these sites are likely to be high.

Graph 2 shows visitor numbers and visitation to the historic huts by Antarctica New Zealand in the 2007/08 season.

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5.5.2 Pollution of the marine environment by scientific stations and field parties Marine has contributed to localised contamination of several areas of the marine Environment environment. From the studies conducted it appears that significant but localised levels of contamination do occur but that observed impacts cannot be linked to specific sources, instead reflecting the cumulative effects of multiple inputs such as contaminated meltwater, historical marine dumping and sewage discharges (Waterhouse 2001).

The activity described in this IEE will have negligible impacts on the marine environment as Scott Base now treats human waste and domestic liquids before release into the environment. However, several events are intending to use tides cracks in the sea ice to dispose of their waste but it is expected that this disposal will be very localised. There are a number of field locations where disposal of untreated waste into the marine environment in the 2008/09 season will be higher than normal due to the number of people on site and the length of the stay at the sites and these include: Cape Bird, Cape Royds, and Cape Evans. Cape Bird is a site at which human waste has always been emptied into the sea ice. The cumulative impacts of continual disposal are still thought to be localised and minor.

5.5.3 The air environment of the Ross Sea region is affected by activities carried Air out in the region, and by activities occurring elsewhere in the world. Local Environment declines have been found in the air quality close to the main research (Emissions stations – Scott Base, McMurdo Station and Terra Nova station. The and Dust) emissions from the activity as described in this IEE, combined with emissions from science events, other national programmes, and tour ships will contribute to cumulative impacts on the air environment. However, it is expected that the impacts on air quality will remain local and extremely minor.

The impact of dust accumulating on nearby snowfield surfaces, will create accelerated thaw, and ice and snow cover retreat. This in turn leads to excess water flows, stream channelling, and sediment discharges (Waterhouse 2001). The events supported by Antarctica New Zealand will involve earth-moving activity, and vehicle movement on formed roads and helicopter operations, all of which produce noticeable amounts of dust, which is dispersed by wind. Other national programmes will be conducting similar dust forming activities in some of the same locations. The cumulative impact of dust settling on ice and snow, and the resulting increased ablation around Scott Base is thought to have impacted a small glacier near Scott Base. The glacier is thought to have lost tens of metres of ice thickness since the 1950’s.

While the impacts on the air quality will be negligible, the indirect cumulative impacts involving the reduction of the glacier and sediment discharges around Pram Point in particular, may be more serious.

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5.5.4 Cumulative impacts on wildlife from human activities (including aircraft) have Flora and been found to cause a decline in breeding success (Woehler et al. 1994, Giese Fauna 1996), a change in the local population distribution, and even death in some cases. Impacts on a number of species have been noted, but research on others remains unknown.

Human disturbance is thought to have contributed to the decline in both the Cape Royds and Cape Hallett Adelie penguin colonies. Both of these colonies are now designated ASPA to mitigate disturbance to the birds. Several events in this IEE intend to visit penguin colonies (e.g. Cape Crozier, Adelie Cove, Cape Bird, Cape Royds, Cape Hallett, Beaufort Island) although none of the work to be conducted involves sampling.

The field location that will likely have the most human traffic and therefore potential for cumulative impacts from the activity is Cape Bird. Cape Bird, (discussed under physical disturbance above) has a colony of Adelie penguins, which are studied by science events for several months each season, and can receive visits from several hundred tourists a year – all adding to the cumulative impacts on the wildlife in the area. Helicopters also visit this area on a regular basis. Activity shall remain high at Cape Bird in the 2007/08 season as there are both operational and science events planning to work at this location. The potential for high cumulative impacts in this area has been identified and will continue to be monitored closely.

The affect of cumulative impacts on skua remains unidentified. However, local population changes, namely an increase in numbers of skua around Scott Base and McMurdo Station has been noted. These have been attributed to human activity, primarily through increased food supply via station rubbish dumps (Waterhouse 2001). Rubbish dumps are no longer present but the skua remain. Low breeding success due to repeated human disturbance remains as a potential cumulative impact at a number of field locations activities covered by this IEE propose to visit in the 2008/09 season.

Seal colonies are regularly visited by researchers and personnel from the different national programmes. They are also overflown on a regular basis and by both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. The colony out the front of Scott Base is one of the most visited and therefore potentially the most impacted. However, seal populations have remained stable over the years and it is therefore assumed that cumulative impacts on this species have been low.

The local terrestrial biota around Scott Base and McMurdo Station have largely been destroyed through physical disturbance over the 50 years. Lichen species recorded in the area (Dodge, 1973) in 1973 have all but disappeared as have the extensive moss sites recorded at Cape Armitage (Longton, 1973), a site close to the two stations. High salinity in soils, created from soil disturbance, is toxic to most biological species (Waterhouse 2001).

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The disposal of human waste through tide cracks in the sea ice has added to the cumulative impacts at the various sites. Contamination of benthic biota in the Antarctic marine environment has not been studied extensively. However, from the studies conducted it appears that significant but localised levels of contamination do occur but that observed impacts cannot be linked to specific sources, instead reflecting the cumulative effects of multiple inputs such as contaminated meltwater, historical marine dumping and sewage discharges (Waterhouse 2001).

5.5.5 The continued expansion of the footprint of Scott Base has cumulatively Aesthetic and added to the effects on the aesthetic and wilderness values of the area. The wilderness installation of more and more equipment in the field is also adding to the values cumulative impacts on wilderness values.

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5.6 Evaluation of In order to assess the impacts of the planned activity, relevant information Significance of has been collated on the purpose, type, duration, nature and intensity of the Impacts proposed activity. The following section will build on this information to discuss the potential impacts on the environment. The approach taken is consistent with the 1999 COMNAP Guidelines for EIA in Antarctica. The previous section has identified and to a certain extent evaluated the impacts of the proposed activity. Tables 9 and 10 define the significance of impacts and the assessment criteria when evaluating impacts. Table 11. summarises the impacts identified in Section 5 and further evaluates their significance in the context of different environments.

Table 9: Definitions of impact significance Level of significance Description

Less than minor or transitory Both duration and extent and intensity of impacts are low

Minor or transitory Either duration is low or medium (i.e. the impact is transitory), or extent or intensity are low or medium (i.e. the impact is minor)

More than minor or transitory Duration is high or very high (i.e. the impact is more than transitory) and extent and intensity are high or very high (i.e. the impact is major)

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Table 10: Impact assessment criteria (Source: Oerter, 2000) Criteria of assessment Impact Environment Low Medium High Very High (1) (2) (3) (4) Air Local extent Partial extent Major extent Entire extent EXTENT OF Terrestrial IMPACT Aesthetic & Confined to the Some parts of A major sized Large-scale wilderness site of the an area are area is affected. impact; causing Area or activity. partially further impact. volume where affected. changes are Flora and Confined Some parts of Major Impairment at likely to be detectable. Fauna disturbance of the community disturbance in population level. fauna and flora are disturbed. community, e.g. within site of breeding success activity, e.g. is reduced. individuals affected. Air Short term Medium term Long term Permanent DURATION Terrestrial OF IMPACT Aesthetic & Several weeks to Several seasons Decades; Environment will wilderness one season; to several years; impacts are suffer Period of time short compared impacts are reversible. permanent during which to natural reversible. impact. changes in the processes. environment Flora and Short compared Medium Long compared Permanent. are likely to Fauna to growth compared to to growth/ occur. period/ breeding growth/ breeding season. breeding season. season. Air Minimal Affect Affected High Irreversible INTENSITY Terrestrial OF IMPACT Aesthetic & Natural Natural Natural Natural wilderness functions and functions or functions or functions or A measure of processes of the processes of the processes of the processes of the the amount of environment are environment are environment are environment are change minimally affected, but are affected or permanently imposed on affected. not subject to changed over disrupted. the Reversible. long-lasting the long term. Irreversible or environment changes. Reversibility chronic changes. due to the activity. Reversible. uncertain. Flora and Minor Medium High levels of Very high levels Fauna disturbance. disturbance. disturbance. of disturbance. Recovery Recovery likely. Recovery slow Recovery definite. and uncertain. unlikely.

Should not occur Possible but Likely to occur Certain to occur PROBABIL- under normal unlikely. during span of -unavoidable. ITY operation and project. conditions. Probable.

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Table 11. Potential environmental impacts (Note that because the locations of the proposed activity are diverse and the impacts therefore potentially different at each site, the worst case scenario of the potential impacts has been identified in this table e.g. impacts of camping on ice-free ground as opposed to camping on snow) Nature of Impact Environmental Impact Mitigation of Impact

Activity Spatial Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance

Physical disturbance Camping, tracking, Medium Medium High Very high to terrestrial aircraft operations Some parts of Disturbed sites Affected Unavoidable Use existing tracks, paths and roads environment the different may take SB area Tracking wherever possible locations as several years already highly unavoidable. Camp at designated campsites and keep shown in to recover. disturbed. camps to minimum size Annex A will be There should Minor or Land helicopters at designated helicopter affected not be much transitory landing sites change at Drive, walk and camp on snow patches other where possible locations. Walk on rocks when in areas where no snow is available e.g. McMurdo Dry Valleys Restrict pedestrian movement to specific areas Understand and follow all relevant literature as stated in Section 6.2 Mitigation and Remediation Replace any stones that may be moved for camping purposes

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Nature of Impact Environmental Impact Mitigation of Impact

Activity Spatial Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance

Physical Low High High Low Secondary containment of fuel disturbance Immediate Long term Worst case Should not Spill trays for equipment using fuel through location Contaminants scenario would occur if Minor or Fuel response equipment on hand fuel/chemical from spills can be a large fuel preventative transitory Familiarisation with the Scott Base Spill spills persist for spill at SB. practices are Prevention and Response plan. decades used at all Checks and regular maintenance of fuel times. containers Suitable handling and storage facilities Use chemicals inside whenever possible Use drip trays and absorbent pads when handling chemicals

Storage and Low Medium Low High Move containers on snow whenever installation Immediate Tracks and - Minimal Storage of possible location compacted affect containers and Minimise the amount of container areas may be Soil camp gear Less than movement and only store on already visible for compaction may be on ice- minor or impacted sites several years. and tracking free areas. transitory If possible locate containers while areas are from vehicles Tracking and snow covered compaction likely.

Levelling/grading, Medium Very high High High Minimise earthworks and vehicle usage and building Partial extent Permanent Affected Associated Minimise further expansion of the Scott structures Levelling and Will add to SB area impacts from Base footprint grading will cumulative already highly levelling and Minor or Use experienced operators only take place impacts of disturbed. grading likely transitory around Scott ground to occur.

Base. disturbance at SB especially.

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Nature of Impact Environmental Impact Mitigation of Impact

Activity Spatial Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance

Cleanup of sites of Low Low Medium Medium Use existing tracks, paths and roads past activity and The areas will Duration of Natural Possible but wherever possible contaminated be confined to impacts from functions of much of clean Less than Follow Antarctica New Zealand procedures sites the site of the clean up the up will take minor or for the clean up of sites of past activity clean activity will be environment place on ice transitory up/contaminat short term. will be surfaces e.g. ion. affected by Butter Point cleanup but will be reversible. Waste disposal Low Low Low Low No untreated waste or any other solids will Localised. Short term Natural Impacts from be disposed of in ice-free areas. Confined to Short time functions and waste should Field camps will have a designated waste the site of the compared to processes of not occur Less than officer who is responsible for al waste activity. natural environment under normal minor or generated at camps. processes. will be operation and transitory All waste will be handled and disposed of in minimally conditions. a manner consistent with the Protocol and affected. E.g. existing Antarctica New Zealand procedures. Litter may Return waste to New Zealand for disposal. escape. Contamination of Disposal of Low Medium Medium High Minimise disposal of human waste and Marine Environment sewage and Localised. Impacts will be The water Contamination domestic liquids through tide cracks in the domestic liquids reversible. quality will be likely to occur Minor or sea ice. affected but during span of transitory Dispose in the sea ice only where currents the impacts project. persist. are reversible. Probable. Treat sewage and domestic liquids before disposal where practicable

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Nature of Impact Environmental Impact Mitigation of Impact

Activity Spatial Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance

Pollution of Air Emissions Low Low Low High Minimise vehicle movement Environment Confined to Duration of Air Encourage people to share transport to Likely to occur. local area. impacts from environment Less than various locations emissions will will be minor or No unnecessary excursions be short term minimally transitory Use suitable fuel (light diesel) due to high affected. Attach soot filters winds and Heavy plant will meet EPA standards rapid dispersal. Dust Low Low Low High Avoid construction activities in high winds Less than Confined to Duration of Air Likely to occur. Avoid unnecessary driving on roads in late minor or local area. impacts from environment summer transitory emissions will will be No unnecessary earthworks excursions be short term minimally due to high affected – winds and impacts will be rapid reversible. dispersal. Disturbance to Flora Human Medium Medium Medium High Follow that Antarctica New Zealand Code of and Fauna disturbance, Some parts of Impacts may Disturbance Impacts on Conduct including aircraft the community take several but recovery invertebrates Traverse routes will be checked for seals. If operation, may be seasons to likely. in terrestrial seals are sighted close to routes, deviations walking, noise, disturbed – several years environment will be made where it is safe to do so. earthworks, e.g. to recover; likely to occur. Minor or Ross Sea Region Helicopter Guidelines will vehicle usage, invertebrates impacts will be transitory be followed. construction, and reversible. Minimise noise to extent practicable at all storage. times. Site management to avoid flora if possible. Keep to existing tracks and roads. Minimise earthworks required. Understand and follow all Management Plans while visiting ASPA and ASMA.

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Nature of Impact Environmental Impact Mitigation of Impact

Activity Spatial Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance

Disposal of Low Low Low High Minimise disposal of human waste and sewage and Confined to Impacts will be Minor Human waste domestic liquids through tide cracks in the domestic liquids site of activity of short disturbance. and domestic sea ice. – Scott Base duration. Recovery liquids will be Dispose in the sea ice only where currents and some field definite. disposed and persist. locations. therefore any Minor or Treat sewage and domestic liquids before Individuals associated transitory disposal where practicable may be impacts will affected by occur. contamination .

Potential transfer High High High Medium Follow Antarctica New Zealand’s Biosecurity of non-native Potential to Potential for High levels of Possible but if policies and procedures (include cleaning of species have major impacts to be disturbance mitigation Minor or gear, food handling procedures – poultry disturbance on of long may be measures are transitory products, importation of food to Antarctica, Antarctic duration – incurred. followed etc) wildlife and species Recovery likely should be Report all sightings of non-native species flora. specific. slow and unlikely. through the HS&E incident reporting system. uncertain. Follow the Antarctica New Zealand Code of Conduct.

Aesthetic and Medium High Medium High Use natural topography of sites to minimise Installation, Some parts of Impacts from Environment Impacts are Minor or the visual impact of installations, buildings wilderness values construction, the areas will construction will be likely to occur transitory and camps. camp set up, be affected. and affected but during span of Tightly secure rubbish and other items to caches, earthworks will not be project. avoid them being blown away. earthworks may remain subject to long for decades. lasting changes.

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Nature of Impact Environmental Impact Mitigation of Impact

Activity Spatial Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance

Indirect impacts Secondary impacts Medium Medium Medium High Follow Antarctica New Zealand policy and from direct Some parts of The duration There may be Impacts on procedures impacts above the areas will of most medium organisms in Mitigate direct impacts thereby eliminating (Section 5.4) be affected. indirect disturbance to snow and ice, secondary impacts. impacts will be flora and and also in soil Minor or Follow the Antarctica New Zealand code of medium term. fauna but are likely to be transitory Conduct. The impacts recovery is indirectly Minimise disposal of human waste and will be likely. impacted domestic liquids through tide cracks in the reversible. Environment through sea ice. should not physical Dispose in the sea ice only where currents have long- disturbance. persist. lasting Treat sewage and domestic liquids before changes. disposal where practicable Use existing tracks, paths and roads wherever possible Camp at designated campsites and keep camps to minimum size Cumulative impacts Human impacts on Medium High High Very high Concentrate activities in already impacted terrestrial, marine High Cumulative Natural Cumulative sites. (Section5.5) and air cumulative impacts could functions of impacts are More than Mitigate and monitor all activities. environments, impacts will last for processes of certain to minor or Follow the Antarctica New Zealand code of flora and fauna only occur at decades; environment occur if the transitory Conduct. and aesthetic and sites of high impacts should affected or activity goes Minimise disposal of human waste and wilderness values. disturbance be reversible. changed over ahead. Some domestic liquids through tide cracks in the which are few. long term. cumulative sea ice. Some parts of Reversibility impacts may Dispose in the sea ice only where currents areas will be uncertain. not be persist. disturbed. reversible, e.g. Treat sewage and domestic liquids before ground disposal where practicable disturbance Use existing tracks, paths and roads already wherever possible occurring at Camp at designated campsites and keep Scott Base and camps to minimum size McMurdo Land helicopters at designated helicopter Station landing sites

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Nature of Impact Environmental Impact Mitigation of Impact

Activity Spatial Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance

Drive, walk and camp on snow patches where possible Walk on rocks when in areas where no snow is available e.g. McMurdo Dry Valleys Restrict pedestrian movement to specific areas

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6. Managing Environmental Impacts

6.1 Antarctica New Zealand’s goals for monitoring are: Monitoring 1. To ensure compliance of Antarctica New Zealand’s activities with programmes the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act (1994). 2. To ensure environmental objectives, policies and practice remain effective, leading to continuous improvement in environmental management. 3. To contribute to New Zealand’s knowledge base on the state of the Ross Sea region environment, in particular identifying changes caused by human activities in the region. 4. To contribute to the protection of scientific and other essential values of the Antarctic.

Antarctica New Zealand has a number of monitoring programmes in place. The monitoring of impacts resulting from the proposed events will be built into existing monitoring programmes, which are listed below.

6.1.1 Environmental field audits shall be conducted on at least 10% of events. Environmental These will ensure compliance of Antarctica New Zealand’s activities Field audits with the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act (1994).

6.1.2 Fixed point photographs have been collected around the Scott Base Scott Base Photo area for the last ten years as a means of identifying changes in the monitoring station’s footprint, e.g. structures, vehicle tracks and paths. It provides a qualitative record of changes, and over recent seasons has captured the visual impact of the Hillary Field Centre construction well.

The litter and the terrestrial disturbance at Scott Base is monitored by GCAS students as part of their environmental projects in Antarctica. They have also been involved in surveying vegetation around Scott Base and auditing the waste on base.

All of the Scott Base environmental monitoring data is being entered into the Scott Base Environmental GIS.

6.1.3 Intensive monitoring related to the Scott Base sewage outfall was Scott Base commenced in the 1990s to inform a decision on treatment. This Sewage outfall culminated in a masters thesis which concluded that dispersal at the

outfall site was poor and recommended treatment, which has since

been installed. Monitoring of receiving water continued for 12 months following commissioning of the treatment plant to assess its effects. Monitoring of the effluent itself is now undertaken weekly by the engineering team as part of the plant’s management.

6.1.4 New Zealand is in the process of developing a visitor site assessment VISTA scheme (VISTA) for the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. The main aims of the scheme are: To determine if direct or cumulative environmental impacts are occurring at key sites in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica as a result of regular human visitation; To provide informed advice to operators and regulators on actual or potential environmental impacts and means to mitigate such impacts.

The anticipated outcomes of the scheme include: Collection of basic site information and baseline environmental condition data which will support the EIA process prior to activities being conducted; Implementation of sound methods for monitoring to verify the actual impacts of visits; Publication of internationally adopted site guidelines (based on site information collected), to assist management of activities at sites by highlighting key features and sensitivities; Dissemination of visitor site information collected through the web and publications; A coordinated approach with monitoring in other Antarctic regions, particularly the Oceanites Site Guide to the Antarctic Peninsula.

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6.1.5 Govt3 - Antarctica New Zealand is committed to improving protection of the Organisational intrinsic environmental values of Antarctica and New Zealand through environmental active and responsible environmental stewardship. In 2005 the reporting and organisation adopted “Caring for the Environment” as one its core monitoring values.

Specifically, the outcomes we seek to contribute in the medium term are:

Promoting a culture of environmental awareness and environmental best practice in all our activities

Aiming to run Scott base as a leading environmentally sustainable small research base in Antarctica

Using more renewable energy, reducing the amount of energy and materials we use and reducing or recycling more waste In line with this approach we have made a commitment to the Ministry for the Environment’s Sustainable Government programme (Govt3). Antarctica New Zealand’s commitments to Govt3 and the outcomes listed above have many similarities. With that in mind, we are in the process of developing an organisational monitoring and reporting system that will enable us effectively and routinely to report on our environmental performance.

6.1.6 ASPA and ASMA Every five years reviews of the Management Plans for ASPAs and Management Plan 5 ASMAs are conducted. Antarctica New Zealand is currently undertaking year reviews. a review of Beaufort Island and hopes to undertake an inspection of the Area in the 2008/09 season. The inspection will include GPSing a possible newly established Adelie colony as well as updating information in the Management Plan.

6.1.7 Waste audits Five years worth of data has been collected on waste created at Scott Base. Waste audits will continue to be conducted and new systems will be implemented depending on the results of the audits.

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6.1.8 Non-native species Traps have been set up at Scott Base to detect any non-native invertebrates. This will be on-going monitoring and is aligned with Antarctica New Zealand’s Biosecurity Policy.

6.2 Mitigation and A number of policies, procedures, guidelines and legislation are in place to remediation mitigate potential environmental impacts of the activity as described in this IEE.

They are as follows:

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, 1991 Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act, 1994 Protected Area Management Plans Managed Area Management Plans Biosecurity Policy Arrival Heights Procedures The Ross Sea Region Helicopter Guidelines Waste Management Handbook Waste Management Procedures Antarctica New Zealand Code of Conduct Antarctica New Zealand Standard Operating Procedures

6.2.1 Around Scott Base disturbance to the terrestrial environment will be Terrestrial mitigated by using existing tracks, paths and roads. Earthworks and environment vehicle use will be minimised where practicable.

Whilst deployed in the field any walking may create a small amount of local disturbance, for example to soils in the Dry Valleys. In such instances, physical disturbance shall be mitigated by events staying on established tracks and routes. If no established routes exist then care shall be taken to walk on rocks to minimise soil disturbance and tracking, especially at sensitive sites. Any camping shall take place at designated sites with a history of previous human activity, or on snow. Where possible activities will be limited to already-used sites.

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Installations and caches of gear shall be secure and shall be labelled by country, name and date of installation. All installations and removal dates will be recorded in the Antarctica New Zealand Site of Past Activity inventory.

Transport to and from sites will, where possible, will be pooled between events, rather than independent events requiring additional and separate transportation.

6.2.2 Vehicle movements will be minimised where practicable, and people will Air be encouraged to share transport to various locations to minimise environment emissions released into the air environment. No unnecessary excursions (emissions, will be made. Construction activities will be avoided during high winds dust) and any cutting of materials will take place inside containers to avoid dispersal of materials into the environment. Only suitable fuel will be used (light diesel) and soot filters will be attached to all vehicles including aircraft. Heavy plant will meet EPA standards.

6.2.3 The Antarctica New Zealand Code of Conduct which contains wildlife Flora and distances will be observed at all times. When flying to areas where Fauna wildlife is present, the utmost care will be taken to avoid disturbance. The Ross Sea Region Helicopter Guidelines will be followed at all times and flight paths and overflight distances will be maintained as prescribed in the guidelines.

6.2.4 The natural topography of the sites will be used to minimise any visual Aesthetic and impacts. Any construction will be designed to blend with the current wilderness design of Scott Base. If possible, generators will be shut off over night to reduce noise pollution.

6.2.5 The draft Scott Base Fuel Spill Prevention and Response plan (to be Chemicals adopted in 2008) describes the measures taken by Antarctica New Zealand to prevent and effectively respond to fuel spills resulting from its operations. The plan has been developed in a format consistent with the COMNAP Guidelines for Oil Spill Contingency Planning (1992), and takes into account the organisation’s obligation to plan response to environmental emergencies under Annex VI of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The plan is also consistent with Antarctica New Zealand’s Health, Safety and Environment Policy and linked directly to the organisation’s incident management

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system. The aim of this plan is to minimise the likelihood of spills and to ensure that when they do occur, rapid and effective response actions can be taken to mitigate the effects on health, safety and the environment by: identifying the potential risks, describing possible response actions, outlining available resources, defining functions and responsibilities, and providing a basis for training.

The primary focus of the plan is spills, which could result from Antarctica New Zealand’s operations at Scott Base. However, spills occurring in the field also require the advice, and in some cases, action of Scott Base staff and are therefore also covered in the plan.

The plan identifies the spill risk environment including sensitive locations, spill scenarios and response strategies and equipment.

Any chemicals used in the upkeep and maintenance of Scott Base and its associated facilities will be disposed of in accordance with the Waste Management Handbook, and will be handled and stored as per the stock requirements. Any chemicals remaining from projects will be added to the Scott Base stock and stored for future use or returned to New Zealand for disposal.

6.2.6 Antarctica New Zealand’s overall procedure statement on waste Waste management is: Management “Antarctica New Zealand will minimise, reuse and recycle waste generated by its activities as far as practicable and will ensure that waste is disposed of with minimal environmental impacts. Waste management planning will examine the use, where appropriate of alternative technologies, materials and disposal options, and identify areas of past activity which require future clean up and/or remediation.”

Solid waste All waste will be handled and disposed of in accordance with the Antarctica New Zealand Waste Management Handbook (available on the Antarctica New Zealand website) and the Waste Management Procedures. Waste will be minimised by reducing all packaging before departing for Antarctica. Any excess packaging of food will be left at Scott

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Base so that the amount of waste taken in to the field is minimised. Waste created in the field shall be securely fastened to prevent it blowing away. It shall be returned to Scott Base where it will be separated into the correct waste streams for return to New Zealand for disposal.

Liquid waste Grey water production will be minimised at all times. The waste water treatment plant will treat grey water produced at Scott Base. Grey water produced in the field will be returned to Scott Base where practicable. It will only be disposed in the sea ice where return to Scott Base is unfeasible.

Human waste Human waste produced at Scott Base will be treated by the waste water treatment plant. Human field waste produced in the field will be returned to Scott Base where practicable, and in turn returned to New Zealand for disposal. Human waste will only be disposed of in tide cracks in the sea ice where return to Scott Base is unfeasible.

No waste will be disposed of on ice-free areas.

6.2.7 A number of documents will be followed in relation to the prevention of Foreign the transfer of non-native organisms both to Antarctica, and between organisms sites within Antarctica. Antarctica New Zealand personnel will be briefed on the need to clean equipment and clothing as part of their pre- deployment training in Christchurch. No foreign organisms will be knowingly transported to Antarctica.

The supply of food to Scott Base will be managed to prevent the accidental introduction of non-native species and purchased as per the Antarctica NZ Biosecurity Policy. The majority of dry and non-perishable products are tinned or sealed prior to leaving New Zealand. Suppliers of fresh goods are briefed by Antarctica NZ on the importance of produce being free of dirt and live organisms; items such as potatoes are only accepted from suppliers if they are washed. Antarctica NZ visually checks all fresh produce for dirt and live organisms prior to it being sent to Scott Base. The importation of non-sterile soil shall be avoided to the maximum extent practicable. Annex II, Article 4 of the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty (implemented in New Zealand’s Antarctica (Environmental Protection Act) 1994) requires that precautions are taken to prevent the introduction of non-native organisms to Antarctica. Aspects of the activity that need particular care include:

Fresh food supplies;

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Poultry products;

Clothing and equipment; and,

Shipping containers.

The Antarctica New Zealand Code of Conduct states that you must “Clean your clothing, boots and equipment before packing then for transport to Antarctica. Pay particular attention to boot treads, Velcro fastenings and pockets which could contain soil or seeds.”

All passengers and cargo returning to New Zealand from Antarctica are subject to the Biosecurity Act 1993 and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. This means that the introduction of any plants, animals or plant or risk products requires a Biosecurity New Zealand permit or clearance and/or Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) approval.

All events under this IEE will take precautions to prevent the introduction of non-native organisms to Antarctica. They will read and understand the Antarctica New Zealand Biosecurity Policy and the Environmental Code of Conduct to the best of their ability. Poultry products will not be taken to penguin colony sites. Should non-native organisms be found, they will be reported through the HS&E incident reporting system and MFAT shall be alerted of the incident immediately.

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6.3 This section notes any alternatives to preferred sites and activities that could Alternatives have less impact, and explains why these were not selected.

There are a number of alternatives to the activity described in this IEE.

No Action To not proceed with the activity will result in the closure of Scott Base. This in turn will impact all New Zealand supported activities in Antarctica, the consequence of which is that no science will take place, and New Zealand will not maintain a continuous presence in Antarctica. The advantage of not proceeding with the activity is that no environmental impacts will occur, but clearly the objectives as set out in Section 2 will not be met.

Smaller Activity Another alternative is that a smaller activity be supported. Various events could be cut from the programme and alternative methods of communication and information gathering could be used to understand and manage Antarctica New Zealand’s operations. However, it is considered that a very sound understanding of operations and close involvement with base and event staff is essential to safe, environmentally sound and effective operations – therefore on-site activity is required.

Location Reduce the number of sites to be visited and restrict the activity to Scott Base alone. Again this would have the advantage of reducing the impacts on the Antarctic environment. Whilst this would mean that no impacts would occur away from the station, certain objectives of the programme would not be met. Many of the sites the events are proposing to visit and support are sites identified by the scientists as the best sites for their science and are often away from Scott Base.

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7. Conclusion

This IEE presents information outlining non-science events supported by the New Zealand Antarctic Programme for the 2008/09 season, and describes how the events may or may not impact the environment.

The measures described in Section 6 are designed to reduce or avoid adverse impacts of the proposal. Provided they are adhered to, the environmental impacts are likely to be small and/or unlikely. Monitoring programmes have also been identified to ensure that any impacts that do occur are closely observed. Part of the monitoring will be environmental audits where compliance with the mitigation measures as stated in this IEE will be checked.

The evaluation of environmental impacts of the proposed activity indicates that activities are likely to occur in moderately to highly impacted areas. Some of the potential impacts may not be less than minor or transitory – i.e. physical disturbance through grading and levelling, terrestrial disturbance through potential fuel spills, physical disturbance through camping, tracking, aircraft operations, marine flora and fauna disturbance through disposal of sewage and domestic liquids, disturbance to flora and fauna through transfer of non-native species. Some of these impacts are avoidable e.g. disturbance of flora and fauna through transfer of non-native species, or a major fuel spill, so long as the mitigation measures stated in Section 6 are followed. However, other impacts are unavoidable – pollution of the air environment through emissions and dust. These impacts can be minimised by following the mitigation measures.

Overall, this IEE predicts that certain environmental impacts arising from the proposed activity will have a minor or transitory impact on the environment. It is therefore recommended that the project proceed as specified in this IEE with implementation of the prescribed mitigation measures. The level of impact predicted is acceptable given the significant advantages of New Zealand having an active Antarctic Programme achieving all of the objectives as stated in Section 1.

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8. References

Balks, M.R., Campbell, D.I., Campbell, I.B., Claridge, G.G.C., 1995. Interim results of 1993/94 soil climate, active layer and permafrost investigations at Scott Base, Vanda and Beacon Heights, Antarctica. Special Report. 64. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Waikato, Hamilton.

Campbell, I.B., Claridge, G.G.C., Balks, M.R., 1994. The effect of human activities on moisture content of soils and underlying permafrost from the McMurdo Sound region, Antarctica. Antarctic Science. 6: 307-314.

Campbell, I.B. and Claridge, G.G.C., 1967. Site and Soil Differences in the Brown Hills Regions of the Darwin Glacier, Antarctica, New Zealand Journal of Science, Vol. 10, No. 2, p 563-577.

Clow, G.D., C.P. McKay, G.M. Simmons Jr. & R.A. Wharton Jr., 1988. Climatological observations and predicted sublimation rates at Lake Hoare, Antarctica. J. Climate 1:715- 728.

Dodge, C.W., 1973. Lichen Flora of the Antarctic Continent and Adjacent Islands. Phoenix Publishing Co., Canaan, New Hampshire.

Doran, P.T. and Wharton, R.A. website, accessed 27/08/07. (Chapter 13, McMurdo Dry Valleys) http://intranet.lternet.edu/archives/documents/Publications/climdes/mcm/mcmclim.htm

Giese, M. 1996. Effects of human activity on Adelie penguin Pygoscelis adeliae breeding success. Biological Conservation. 75:157-164

Gordon. S., 2003. Latitudinal Gradient Project Initial Environmental Evaluation, June 2003.

Haskell, T.R., Kennett, J.P., Prebble W.M., 1965. Geology of the Brown Hills and Darwin Mountains, Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica, Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Geology, Vol. 2, No. 15, p231-248.

Hatherton, I. 1990. Antarctica the Ross Sea region. DSIR Publishing, Wellington, New Zealand.

NIWA website http://www.niwascience.co.nz/edu/resources/climate/summary/summary.prn Accessed, 29 August 2007

Longton, R.E. 1973. A classification of terrestrial vegetation near McMurdo Sound, continental Antarctica. Canadian Journal of Botany. 51:2339-2346.

O’Connor, W.P., Bromwich, D.H., Carrasco, J.F. 1994. Cyclonically forced barrier winds along the Transantarctic Mountains near Ross Island. Monthly Weather Review. 122: 137-150.

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Oerter I.H., 2000. Comprehensive Environmental Impact Evaluation for Recovering a Deep Ice Core in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, October 2000. Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Germany.

Saggiomo, V., Garrada, G.C., Magoni, O., Marino, D., Ribera d’Alcala, M. 2000. Ecological and physiological aspects of primary productionin the Ross Sea. In Faranda FM, Guiglielmo, L., Ianora, A. (eds) Ross Sea Ecology. Springer-Verlag, New York: 247-258.

Waterhouse, E.J., 2001. The Ross Sea Region State of the Environment Report. New Zealand Antarctic Institute, 2001.

Waterhouse, E.J., 1996. Improvements to Bulk Fuel Storage and Transport Facilities at Scott Base, Ross Island, Antarctica. Initial Environmental Evaluation, New Zealand Antarctic Programme, April 1996.

Wikipedia website. Accessed, 29 August 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concordia_Station

Woehler, E.J., Penney, R.L., Creet, S.M., Burton, H.R., 1994. Impacts of human visitors on breeding success and long-term population trends in Adlie Penguins at Cassey, Antarctica. Polar Biology 14: 269-274.

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Annex A Map Showing Area Covered by IEE

The map attached depicts the general locations of Antarctica New Zealand events working in the 2008/09 season. The circles show the expected area of operation for all Antarctica New Zealand Non-Science events (except for those covered under separate EIA) for the 2008/09 season but does not show traverse routes which will also be used as part of this activity. Any activity taking place outside the areas (aside from transport routes) indicated on the map and outside the areas listed in Section 2.5 shall be reported to MFAT.

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Annex B Planned Events for the 2008/09 season

Event Description of Activity Operational Number K215 LEARNZ - Running education programmes involving audio-visual link-ups between Scott Base and schools in New Zealand.

K225 The Antarctic Youth Ambassador award is being run in conjunction with the Sir Peter Blake Trust. The aim of the scheme is to provide young New Zealanders with the opportunity to work with Antarctica New Zealand on an environmental project, including the chance to travel to Antarctica.

The AYA will join Antarctica New Zealand later this year to help work on various monitoring projects around Scott Base, as well as a number of other environmental projects. K230 New Zealand artists, author Lloyd Jones and photographer Boyd Webb are the 2008/09 Antarctica New Zealand Invited Artists K235 Anne Noble will visit as an artist with both Ant NZ and the USAP. K240 General media event.

K245 Journalist (Betty Flaggler) and a photographer (Jane Usher). This event will be covering science events in the field and at Scott Base.

K300 CEO visit. Act as senior representative at Scott Base. Escort Invited Visitors and Board members. Christchurch staff familiarization trips. K301 Antarctica New Zealand Permanent Staff Familiarisation Trips K310 Antarctica New Zealand Board Visit K320 Invited Visitor Programme A K321 Invited Visitor Programme B K400 Christchurch Operations Staff Operational running of Scott Base and associated events in the field. K400A Winfly Operations Staff Visits (early Sept – three flights) K401 Scott Base Operations – Summer Staff. Operational running of Scott Base and associated events in the field. K402 Scott Base Operations – Winter Staff. Operational running of Scott Base and associated events in the field. K406 Invited Visitors - familiarisation and observation. K410 Operational Support – Engineering Operational support and maintenance/improvements to existing facilities and sites associated with Antarctica NZ activities in Antarctica: Hut Maintenance and painting- Maintenance painting at Scott Base Cape Evan’s shelter huts - removal Cape Royd’s shelter hut

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Cape Roberts hut Bratina Island huts Cape Bird hut Crater Hill hut Lake Vanda Hut Lower Wright, (Lake Brownworth) Arrival Heights Lab Installation of new toilet building at Cape Bird

Scott Base earth disturbances- Levelling of yard to create a level area for the unloading of containers from trucks Placement of new Gravity Earth Station Earthworks on the Eastern side of the Hangar to from a safe approach to side door

Scott Base structures Improvements made to old waste handling facility to allow it to be used for winter storage of skidoo and other vehicles Maintenance painting as required Minor construction/maintenance to various decks and landings, yet to be determined, as required Building of large deck to entrance of base Possible building of Stage 7 linkway

Field structures Ski Field wannigan / bull wheel, installation on site of the Bull wheel and temporary placement of winch wannigan Arrival Heights lab- maintenance work/inspections as required Arrival Heights SES – maintenance work/inspections as required Cape Bird - improvements to helicopter landing pad adjacent to the hut, installation of a new toilet

K411 Helicopter Operations in support of the NZ and US Antarctic Programmes. K412 Royal New Zealand Air Force Support – the provision of C130 fixed wing support in support of Scott Base and science related activities. The RNZAF will also fly up to two P3 Orion missions in the Ross Sea area.

Up to 11 Hercules C130 flights are scheduled between Antarctica and New Zealand between Oct and Feb landing at blue ice runway at Pegusus for the 08/09 season.

The two P3 Orion flight dates are not available at this time(likely to be Jan - Feb 2009). K414 Engineering Inspection/Training Visitors. Worker visitors who perform on site training/instruction at Scott Base for staff on a yearly basis. Also includes engineering worker visitors who shall provide a mixture of on-site staff training and inspections of Scott Base

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facilities.

1/ Vehicle trainer to provide Toyota Driving instruction on site at SB, this is to ease pressure on SB staff and management at the start of the season.

2/ Vehicle training instructor from Gough, Gough and Hammer to provide on site instruction of the operation of tracked vehicles.

3/ NZ fire service personnel to complete Scott Base staff fire training

4/ Acewater Treatment to provide engineering training and perform environmental/water production systems inspections.

5/ Equipment inspection to perform compliance inspection of vehicle hoist, chain hoist, fire sprinkler pressure vessels and other equipment as required.

6/ Refrigeration technician (Christchurch refrigeration and Electrical) to install new evaporator in chiller and carry out inspections of freezers and provide on site training for engineers.

7/ Computerise Maintenance Management Technician to assist with the installation/set up of the new CMMS programme and provide on site training to engineering staff. An additional person is required to input data relating to inventory and location.

8/ Generator inspection- Powerhire Ltd, Biennial inspection and testing of Scott Base’s main power generation plant.

9/ Painter, person required for application of specialized non slip paint on concrete floor to create defined walkways through the vehicle workshop and HFC areas.

10/ Fire Protection Inspections- Cosgrove Major, Biennial compliance inspection of Scott Base and Arrival Heights fire protection systems.

11/ Dangerous Goods Compliance Inspection.

K415 Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) New Zealand The purpose of this event is to allow a familiarisation trip to take place for search and rescue situations in Antarctica. K423 Telecom Riggers Annual maintenance and repairs to radio communications infrastructure located on Ross Island, ASMA 2 and Black Island, Antarctica. Replacement of a new cable at Crater Hill hut.

K??? Stage 7 Bypass project (equipment storage and building)

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K426 Energy Centre Upgrade Rebuild diesel electric sets, replace main electrical load centres, install rising electrical main & replace diesel heating boilers. K428 Fire System Installation/Upgrade Project The work will consist of installation of sprinkler piping within the base buildings and placement & commissioning of a diesel powered pump and heated pump enclosure adjacent to the existing water storage tanks.

K430 Armed Forces Canteen Council (AFCC) The AFCC runs the shop and bar at Scott Base. AFCC staff will make an early season and late season visit to oversee operations.

K500, K501, The Antarctica New Zealand Environmental team intend to achieve a number of K502, K503 objectives in Antarctica in the 2008/09 season. The programme will have several components to it:

Environmental training at Scott Base Environmental training sessions will take place at Scott Base throughout the season. The environmental team will use every opportunity to run both formal and informal environmental training whilst on base.

Biosecurity Ongoing monitoring and incursion prevention measures. Biosecurity New Zealand visitor to conduct a risk assessment at ship offload.

Oil spill response exercise A review of the implementation of the Scott Base Oil Spill Contingency Plan may be carried out on Base. This may include a scenario exercise to test the systems in place.

Sites of past Activity Investigation into items on the sites of past activity register at various sites will be carried out in association with other environmental visits. Where sites have remains that are confirmed to be waste, these will be cleaned up and disposed of through the Scott Base waste system.

Monitoring VISTA monitoring will be carried out at Cape Royds, Cape Evans, and Hut Point Peninsula. This will involve site descriptions, terrestrial monitoring and photo monitoring.

Wind Turbine monitoring will be carried out at Crater Hill.

Arrival Heights 1. Further monitoring may take place in relation to the IEE for the building of the new laboratory at Arrival Heights. 2. The Area may also be scoped to provide further information for the potential phase 2 Wind Turbine project.

Waste management

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A further survey of the Scott Base waste management procedures and of the Scott Base waste management system will be undertaken as part of an ongoing review of the waste system.

Escorting visitors -Antarctic Youth Ambassador scheme, IV and MFAT Environmental team members may act as guides to a number of visitors including the AYA, an IV and an MFAT officer.

ASPA Management plan reviews An inspection of the Beaufort Island ASPA 105 may take place in the 2008/09 season. Sea ice conditions will dictate whether this inspection can take place or not.

Field event audits Environmental audits of selected field events will be conducted in accordance with Antarctica New Zealand audit procedures. A number of people will be trained to conduct the environmental audits including Christchurch Managers and experienced staff, AFT and other trained SB staff. Field audits may also be conducted in collaboration with the USAP.

K600 Various Corporate activities at Scott Base and surrounds, including: Review winter science technician work programme Induct & set up new 08/09 season science technicians Scott Base IT new season set up & maintenance Science & Technical Support to Events and Staff Support as required for IT and Knowledge Management strategy projects (maintenance system, electronic records management, etc) Scott Base staff focus groups/ exit interviews and EEO activities Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) systems work Antarctica New Zealand Representative duties

K601 Familiarisation visit for Treasury who advise the Government on funding for Antarctica New Zealand. K605 Systems review and audit by Advanced Dynamics. Advanced Dynamics are advisors to Antarctica New Zealand in organisational development, systems design and risk management. K700 Science and Information staff will be working at Scott Base during the season. Activities will include working on the packaging of the LGP camp for Darwin and Granite Harbour areas, familiarisation of the programme for the new Science Manager including acting as the Senior Rep for Antarctica New Zealand.

KREC Each season Antarctica NZ conducts a series of familiarisation and recreational visits to enable staff and visitors (including all event personnel) to Scott Base the opportunity to experience the local area, and to spend some time away from Scott Base. These visits are routinely conducted as organised day trips to a number of local sites including the historic huts. This IEE is intended to also cover the recreational and familiarisation visits for the LGP personnel.

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Annex C Antarctica New Zealand Code of Conduct

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Annex D Antarctic Specially Protected Area Management Plans

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Annex E Antarctic Specially Managed Area Management Plans

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