Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
Spanish Polar CommitteeSpanish Report 2012 Report Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research Scientific for Organisation Netherlands United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office Antarctic Treaty Report of Antarctic Treaty Inspections undertaken Inspections undertaken Treaty Report Antarctic of Treaty and Article 14 of the Environmental Protocol Environmental the of 14 Article and Treaty Spain in accordance with Article VII of the Antarctic Antarctic the VII of Article with accordance in Spain jointly by the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and and Netherlands the Kingdom, United the by jointly Inspections Programme
Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
Report of Antarctic Treaty Inspections undertaken jointly by the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands in accordance with Article VII of the Antarctic Treaty and Article 14 of the Environmental Protocol
April 2013
© Crown copyright 2013 Printed in the United Kingdom for The Stationery Office P002548041 C1 05/13
Contents
Introduction...... 5
Acknowledgments...... 7
Itinerary...... 8
Map of the inspected bases, stations, sites and vessels....9
General conclusions and recommendations...... 10
Best practice...... 16
Bases and stations...... 19 Comandante Ferraz Station (Brazil)...... 20 Arctowski (Poland)...... 23 Presidente Eduardo Frei (Chile)...... 28 Great Wall (China)...... 37 King Sejong (Republic Of Korea)...... 42 Bellingshausen (Russia)...... 48 Carlini (Argentina)...... 54 Artigas (Uruguay)...... 60 Palmer (United States)...... 65 Gabriel González Videla (Chile)...... 74 Esperanza (Argentina)...... 79 Arturo Prat (Chile)...... 86
Unoccupied installations and bases...... 93 Eco-Nelson (Czech Republic)...... 94 Refugio Meteorologia Cruls (Brazil)...... 95 Elichiribehety (Uruguay)...... 96
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Historic sites and monuments...... 99 Whalers Bay...... 100 Port Lockroy...... 103 Waterboat Point...... 108
Vessels...... 111 MV Ocean Diamond (Bahamas)...... 112 MV Plancius (Netherlands)...... 116 MV Silver Explorer (Bahamas) ...... 119 MV Corinthian II (Marshall Islands)...... 122 SY Paradise (France) ...... 125 Bahia Paraiso (wreck of Argentine-flagged vessel)...... 127
Annex...... 128
4 Introduction
Introduction Inspections were conducted jointly in December 2012 by the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom in the Antarctic Peninsula region.
The inspections were undertaken by Observers designated by their respective governments in accordance with the notification procedures under Article VII (1) of the Antarctic Treaty.
Lead Observers so designated were: The logistic platform for the Inspection Programme was provided by the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy For the Netherlands: Ice Patrol Vessel HMS Protector.
>>Mr Dick van der Kroef, Netherlands Organisation The core inspection team consisted of Dick Van der for Scientific Research, Amsterdam Kroef, Manolo Catalan, Colin Roberts and John Shears. The core team was augmented as For Spain: necessary by the following officers and specialists from HMS Protector who were also designated as >> Admiral Manolo Catalan, Technical Secretary, United Kingdom Observers in accordance with Spanish Polar Committee, Madrid the notification procedures of Article VII (1) of the Treaty: For the United Kingdom >>Commander Don Mackinnon – Royal Navy >>Mr Colin Roberts CVO, Director, Foreign and >>Lieutenant Commander Tom Boeckx – Royal Navy Commonwealth Office, London >>Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Martin Scutt – >>Dr John Shears, Director of Operations, British Royal Navy Antarctic Survey, Cambridge >>Petty Officer Robert Stamp – Royal Navy
5 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
>>Leading Photographer Aaron Hoare – Royal Navy All inspections were undertaken in accordance with Article VII of the Treaty and Article 14 of the The inspections, undertaken between 1 and 14 Environmental Protocol. December 2012, covered 12 permanent bases, 3 unoccupied bases, 3 historic sites, 4 cruise ships, In line with Article 14(4) of the Environmental 1 yacht and 1 wreck site. The inspection of the Protocol, reports of all inspections undertaken wreck of the Bahia Paraiso was carried out by were forwarded to the relevant Treaty Parties for Royal Navy divers who filmed the inspection and comment. Where responses from Parties were of a briefed the team immediately afterwards using the minor drafting nature or technical correction, the video footage. proposed changes have been incorporated in the relevant report. Responses of a more general or Exceptionally heavy snowfall in the Peninsula substantive nature are included within this report region in the austral winter of 2012 had left most at the Appendix. The reports of inspections of of the bases inspected still under substantial tourist vessels were also sent to the relevant tour accumulations of snow. This meant that some operators. Some minor factual corrections were aspects of infrastructure and terrain could not received, and these have also been incorporated be examined. into the reports.
To ensure impartiality the inspection of the British base at Port Lockroy was led by Mr van der Kroef and the report on that inspection drafted by Mr van der Kroef and Adm. Catalan.
6 Acknowledgements
Acknowledgments
The inspection team was afforded unlimited access The team would also like to record its gratitude to to all facilities of each station and vessel visited and the officers and crew of HMS Protector under the the team would like to record its sincere gratitude command of the Executive Officer Cmdr Don to the Station Leaders and staff, and vessel McKinnon, without whose skill and professionalism captains and crew, who provided invaluable the team would not have been able safely to assistance and generous hospitality. undertake so many inspections, all of which required the support of multiple small boat operations. The team acknowledge with gratitude the efforts of those who provided photographic support for the inspections. All photographs included in this report were taken by Leading Photographer Aaron Hoare with the exception of those on Nelson Island, taken by Lieutenant Commander Tom Boeckx, and the photograph of the wreck of the Bahia Paraiso which was taken from a video filmed by the Royal Navy diving team.
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Itinerary
The dates of the Inspections were:
1 December Comandante Ferraz
Arctowski
2 December Presidente Eduardo Frei, Marsh Airfield, Fildes Naval Station
3 December Great Wall
King Sejong
4 December Bellingshausen
Carlini
5 December Artigas
Eco-Nelson
Refugio Meteorologia Cruls
6 December Deception Island:
Whalers Bay
MV Ocean Diamond
MV Plancius
MV Silver Explorer
8 December Port Lockroy
9 December Palmer
Bahia Paraiso Wreck
SY Paradise
10 December Lemaire Channel:
MV Corinthian II
11 December Gabriel González Videla
Waterboat Point
13 December Esperanza
Elichiribehety
14 December Arturo Prat
8 Map of the inspected bases, stations, sites and vessels
Map of the inspected bases, stations, sites and vessels
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General conclusions and recommendations
Inspections small boat operations). In most cases training was All the bases and vessels inspected by the British, focussed on permanent staff, especially Spanish and Dutch 2012 inspection team were overwintering staff. The inspectors found some welcoming and cooperative. The bases inspected good examples of training programmes before did all they could to facilitate the inspection deployment, including mandatory exams. They process and every effort was made to respond to also found good examples of continuing training the issues raised by the inspectors. The inspectors during deployment. reported some difficulties in establishing initial The inspection team recommend: contact with some bases, particularly by e-mail, as the COMNAP lists appeared to be out of date. In >>that care is taken to ensure that all temporary some cases the inspection process could have personnel and visitors receive adequate training been simplified by having the key information and briefing before visiting Antarctica, particularly listed in the checklists ready in advance. Despite on safety procedures and environmental protection; including English and Spanish speaking inspectors, >>that smaller bases, in particular, take steps to the inspectors also noted the challenge posed by review the safety risks to staff involved in marine language barriers. They were also concerned to activities, especially diving and small boat note that in a number of cases recommendations operations, and adopt the best practice followed made in previous inspection reports had not by other (usually larger) bases. Where numbers resulted in any action or improvements. are limited, consideration should be given to collaboration with other bases to ensure teams The inspection team recommend: large enough to ensure staff safety. >>that all bases and vessels complete the relevant checklists annually and that these are made Scientific Research available to all on the Antarctic Treaty While all stations engaged in some form of Secretariat website; scientific research related activity, in some cases >>that likewise an updated list of base contact details this was limited to very basic environmental is maintained and available on the Antarctic monitoring, such as counting penguins, or Treaty Secretariat website. Bases might consider meteorology with routine manual readings. using a generic rather than personal e-mail Relatively few stations, even among those which address to minimise the disruption caused by had good standard laboratory facilities, were personnel changes; hosting genuine and active scientific research at >>that future inspection teams endeavour to the time of the inspection programme. The include speakers of the main languages of the capacity for research was much greater than actual bases they plan to inspect; use. Few of the stations inspected expected to >>that ATCM consider the introduction of a review reach capacity even in the January-March peak of process to assess whether inspection the season. recommendations have been implemented. The inspection team recommend: Personnel and Training >>that more effort is made by National Antarctic The inspectors found that for the most part bases Programmes to ensure that the research facilities were adequately staffed and the staff, including which have been established in Antarctica are visiting scientists, received adequate training. In the actively used; case of some small bases risks were being taken, especially in relation to marine activities (diving and
10 General conclusions and recommendations
>>and that to this end, research cooperation The inspectors reported that they were surprised between National Antarctic Programmes and to find very little attempt to use renewable energy between scientific institutions is pursued sources, even though the few bases which were more actively; using renewables were doing so successfully. >>that an assessment of current peer reviewed research is undertaken for each individual station The inspection team recommend: in the Antarctic Peninsula to be able to establish >> its impact and contribution to science; that more active consideration is given to >>that national Antarctic programmes pursue and promoting the use of renewable energy, especially invest in an approach of more remote and wind and solar power, in the Antarctic Peninsula; >> automated measurements for monitoring. that bases in close proximity give consideration to sharing key logistics and infrastructure such as fuel storage, power generation, fresh water Logistics and Infrastructure supplies, vehicles and accommodation; and that The inspection team noted improvements in the Parties planning new operations in Antarctica general standard of maintenance of bases in consider collocating with an established base; comparison to earlier reports. With one or two >>that stations which require upgrades of their fuel exceptions bases were in good order and the fabric storage and management implement these as a of buildings was sound. There had been a number matter of urgency; of substantial new buildings and other installations >>that all new fuel tanks should be double skinned in recent years, especially in the vicinity of Maxwell and bunded; Bay. The inspectors noted that, although base >>that all fuel tanks currently in use should be commanders on the ground operated sensible ad bunded and periodically surveyed (ultrasonically) hoc forms of cooperation and equipment sharing, to detect internal corrosion; and that stations little thought appeared to have been given to the should consider the oil spill risk, during winter, accumulation of independent operations in a small because fuel tanks in open bunds filled with area. The inspectors were of the view that this snow and ice cannot contain the fuel that might created unnecessary risks (for example, of pollution be released; from fuel spills) as well as unnecessary costs. The >>that all tanks out of service and redundant should inspectors believed that safety could be increased, be removed out of the Antarctic Treaty Area. and the impact on the environment reduced, if more consideration were given to collaboration Transport and Communications and collocation. Although vehicles maintained by bases were There had been a number of improvements too in inspected, the snow and ice conditions prevented the storing and management of fuel. However the inspectors from assessing their impact on the there remained some installations where the risk of environment and the terrain. However, the spillage was considerable. Around Maxwell Bay the inspectors noted that with more and more tracked concentration of bases, all with independent and small vehicles being used (such as quad bikes) storage of diesel fuel and with a diverse range of the impact on the environment should be closely means of transferring diesel, had the potential to monitored. Rules for using such vehicles off create considerable risks. established tracks should be restrictive.
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Most bases had good, some excellent, concerned to find several small stations with no communications facilities. It was clear that internet fire or smoke detection, or fire alarms, in the main and e-mail were well established in Antarctica, accommodation and living buildings. despite bandwidth limitations in some bases. While this was essentially positive, the frequent The inspection team recommend: changes to e-mail addresses makes it hard to >> maintain accurate contact lists. COMNAP lists that all bases that have not done so urgently appeared in many cases to be out of date and the review, with expert assistance, their fire safety inspectors still found it difficult to communicate and detection equipment and procedures, with some bases in advance of inspections. drawing perhaps on the examples of best practice set out elsewhere in this Inspection Report; The inspection team recommend: >>that bases with no fire detection and alarm systems in accommodation areas install them as >>that consideration be given to the development a matter of urgency; and of guidelines for the use and operation of >>that bases which currently store gasoline in or tracked vehicles outside established tracks; and near the working or living buildings on base >>that consideration be given to pooling urgently review and arrange to store separately investment in bandwidth to improve internet away from working or living areas. connectivity. Environmental Management Safety, Training and Emergency Procedures The inspection team found high levels of The inspection team found much good practice awareness of the provisions of the Protocol on and some excellent practice in the establishment, Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty training and exercising of emergency procedures. on all stations visited, and many cases of good Best practice tended to be in those bases which environmental practice. This was an area where engaged formally and proactively in reviewing their considerable progress has been made in recent management processes. There had clearly been years. A number of the infringements noted in improvements in tackling fuel and chemical previous Inspection Reports have been rectified. pollution, with a wider range of bases now However, given the importance of this issue, the equipped and ready to deal with spills on water inspectors wished to highlight some continuing and on land. risks and areas for improvement.
The inspection team were, however, surprised and In most cases, where new activities or buildings concerned, that there had not been a more had been initiated in recent years on stations, the widespread and comprehensive review of fire Base Commander was able to point to an safety at the bases in the wake of the disastrous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) having fire at Comandante Ferraz in February 2012. While been undertaken. In most cases the EIA had been some bases had instituted reviews after the undertaken by a parent body outside Antarctica, Comandante Ferraz fire, others had not; and the often with little involvement of the local base inspectors found a number of cases of poor management team (who in many cases rotated practice in fire safety and smoke detection through the life of a project). The inspection team systems, the operation of equipment inspection were of the view that it was important that bases regimes and, widely, in the storage of gasoline in were fully involved in any EIA, and that workplaces. The inspection team were particularly documentation relating to EIAs were available at
12 General conclusions and recommendations
the base. The inspection team found few cases taken to prevent accidental introductions by the where base personnel were engaged in actively many hundreds of scientists, logistic support monitoring the environmental impact of new personnel and tourists who now fly into the developments over time. Cases where this may station each season. As more visitors to Antarctica have given rise to concern included where there come though this gateway, the view of the had been a major change of use in a building or inspection team was that better biosecurity structure, and where the issue was not so much procedures would be required. the impact of the development or activity itself, but how it contributed to the wider total The inspection team found that the bases were cumulative impact of development or activity in knowledgeable about nearby Antarctic Specially the area. The inspection team considered that Protected Areas (ASPAs) and Antarctic Specially cumulative impacts were of particular concern in Managed Areas (ASMAs). Without exception, Maxwell Bay and the Fildes Peninsula on King station personnel were not allowed into ASPAs George Island, where six permanent stations are without a proper permit, and staff were briefed located close together. about them and where the boundaries were. However, at unoccupied stations and Historic Sites The inspection team were impressed by the efforts and Monuments (HSMs), it was often difficult to all bases were making to manage and separate tell where protected areas were. wastes. There was a clear sense that all bases recognised that all solid and hazardous wastes The inspection team recommend: should be removed from the Treaty area, and >> plenty of evidence that this was being done. Many that stations undertaking new developments bases had arrangements for shipping waste for (including change of use) and new activities in disposal in Punta Arenas, Chile. However, the Antarctica ensure that an EIA is carried out inspectors were told by several bases that there before the activity is authorised, that local was no facility in Punta Arenas for processing and station management are involved in the EIA recycling non-hazardous wastes. It therefore process, and that such EIAs are easily available appeared that all the care taken by bases to on bases for inspection; >> separate waste may be nugatory. that the stations in the Maxwell Bay and Fildes Peninsula area review the cumulative impact of The inspection team saw no unmanaged their activities and examine how this might be biosecurity risks. No non-native species were reduced by better national and international observed living or growing on the stations except co-operation. For example, by the stations in carefully controlled conditions (e.g. hydroponics) sharing common facilities and services, such as and under permit authorisation. Previous fuel storage, power generation, water inspections had highlighted non-native ornamental production, accommodation, and waste plants on some bases, but none were seen on this management; inspection programme. It remains important that >>that consideration is given to ensuring that the importation of non-native species be closely separated waste removed from Antarctica for monitored. The inspection team were concerned disposal is shipped to a destination with at the effectiveness of the biosecurity measures at recycling available at port reception facilities; Presidente Eduardo Frei, where imported worms were being used in the sewage treatment plant. It was not clear here what precautions were being
13 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
>>that a review is undertaken of the biosecurity important that this was not used as an excuse not arrangements at Frei station both for air arrivals to demolish and remove unwanted buildings of no at Marsh airfield and the use of imported worms historic value. for sewage treatment; and >>that consideration be given to the installation of While the inspectors found that each individual signs or markers, indicating the boundaries of base had sensible plans in place to receive visitors, ASPAs where appropriate to do so, especially at and that care was generally taken to ensure they stations and sites which are unoccupied such as were briefed on site guidelines, they were at Whalers Bay, Deception Island. concerned that there was no process for considering the cumulative impact in areas of concentration Medical such as the Fildes Peninsula. The inspection team considered that a more robust approach to the use The inspection team found a very wide range of of ASMAs might help manage these risks. medical facilities available in the bases they inspected. They also found a strong culture of The inspection team recommend: cooperation between medical staff in the region. In line with the inspectors general recommendation >>that Parties develop clearer methodologies for on collaboration and the sharing of resources, determining whether structures and installations within their bases which are no longer required The inspection team recommend: should be considered for Historic Site and Monument status, especially where new >>that consideration be given to producing a list of buildings are planned to replace them. specialist facilities (e.g. recompression chambers, X-Ray facilities), together with the relevant Tourism Operations contact details, to foster international medical The inspection team were impressed by the cooperation and to cut down the duplication of Expedition Leaders and the operations of the facilities that are only needed on rare occasions. cruise ships they visited. There was a high level of awareness of, and commitment to, the Treaty, its Tourism Protocol and to Antarctica itself. Many Leaders and Visitors to Science Bases guides strove to communicate this commitment to Tourism is a growing feature of life in Antarctica. their passengers. The inspectors were also The inspection team were surprised by how many of impressed by the effectiveness of the International the bases they inspected welcomed or encouraged Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) tourists. Some facilities were receiving several as the industry’s self-regulating body. IAATO rules thousand visitors a year, concentrated in the and procedures were being followed by all the summer months. Although only a minority of vessels we inspected. bases expressed any concern about the impact of tourists, the inspectors generally found an inverse However, the inspectors suspected that present correlation between the quality of science and the levels of tourism in Antarctica were currently enthusiasm for receiving tourists. depressed by temporary factors, such as the global recession and the initial impact of the heavy fuel A potential positive, in respect of visits to bases, ban. Over time the inspectors expect tourism to was an increased awareness of the potential Antarctica to increase significantly. It was therefore significance of old/older buildings as Historic Sites. important that States Party, working with industry However, in the view of the inspectors, it was and other stakeholders, look ahead to managing
14 General conclusions and recommendations
these pressures. Despite the scale of the continent, vessels registered in jurisdictions which are not Party Antarctic tourism would quickly meet bottlenecks to the Treaty for accepting their inspection. On the where tourist numbers concentrate, both in entry other hand, the inspectors would have been points, such as Marsh, and in key sites (such as concerned if such vessels did not permit inspections, Deception Island and Port Lockroy). There may be as this would have constituted a significant serious environmental impacts, if these bottlenecks weakness in the Treaty system. Of the 4 vessels were not carefully managed. inspected, 3 were flagged to non-State Parties. The inspectors welcomed the role played by IAATO The inspection team also saw that there was in requiring their members to accept inspections. growing interest to expand the range of activities in Antarctica. Some of these were well managed Although none of the individual ships inspected by experienced operators. Some involved smaller gave rise to specific concerns, the inspectors NGOs and small groups in yachts which were remained concerned about the risks to life and to harder to evaluate. The inspectors heard evidence the environment of vessels concentrating in key of high risk marine and land-based activities, for sites such as Deception Island. At present the which the search and rescue (SAR) and medevac informal scheduling system coordinated by IAATO arrangements were unclear. appeared to manage this risk to a large degree, although the administrative burden on Expedition The inspection team recommend: managers was substantial. As the number of ships increases, as the inspectors anticipated that it >> that Visitor Site Guidelines and ASMAs are used would, they suggested that a more robust system more proactively to help manage tourism, may be needed. especially in areas where the numbers of visitors are high; and The inspection team recommend: >>that consideration is given to determining the maximum visitor capacity for the most >>that the IAATO mechanism of managing ship popular sites. movements should be commended and strengthened, to ensure that as far as possible all Vessels marine operations are coordinated to avoid The inspection team were impressed by the quality vessel concentrations at key sites. of the vessels they inspected, and by their operators and crews. They were grateful to the Masters of
15 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
Best practice
Examples of Best Practice seen at stations and Historic sites during the course of the Antarctic Treaty Inspection.
Issue Station Comments
Antarctic Treaty Carlini Comprehensive completion of Antarctic Treaty documentation Inspection Checklist Palmer Artigas
Clean-up Comandante Ferraz Major demolition being undertaken after station fire
Inshore marine and diving Carlini Station has a decompression chamber facilities
Fire safety and detection Palmer Excellent system of fire alarms and safety procedures Arturo Prat
Fuel management and storage Palmer Good fuel management procedures and oil spill contingency plan
Food production King Sejong Containerised hydroponics facility
Logistics and infrastructure Presidente Eduardo Frei, International co-operation to share logistics, vehicles and co-operation including Marsh facilities on King George Island Bellingshausen Great Wall Artigas
Management of Historic Site Port Lockroy Conservators on site to preserve historic artefacts
Renewable energy Port Lockroy Site energy supplied by combination of wind turbine and solar PV panels
Science laboratories Palmer Excellent laboratories for a wide range of scientific research and facilities King Sejong Great Wall Carlini
Search and Rescue Presidente Eduardo Frei, Well trained emergency response teams (SAR) capability including Fildes Palmer
Sewage treatment Carlini Biological sewage treatment plant, including dewatering of sewage sludge
Small boat facilities Presidente Eduardo Frei, Excellent small boat facilities, including dedicated boat sheds including Fildes King Sejong Carlini Palmer
16 Best practice
Issue Station Comments
Visitor management Arctowski Special visitor centre (Arctowski) Port Lockroy Museum guides on site (Port Lockroy)
Waste management Palmer Excellent procedures for dealing with chemical wastes and recycling
Wildlife conservation Esperanza Comprehensive guidelines in place to protect breeding penguins and protection Port Lockroy Gabriel González Videla
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18 Bases and stations
Bases and stations
19 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
Comandante Ferraz Station (Brazil) Inspected 1 December 2012 10:30am–12pm
Introduction Physical Description Located on the eastern shore of the Keller At the time of the inspection, Ferraz was Peninsula, Admiralty Bay, King George Island at dominated by the burnt out remains of the former 62.05’ S 58.23’ W. Established in 1984 as a composite building based on modified shipping permanent facility, in normal circumstances the containers under a single roof incorporating larger base was operated by PROANTAR, the Brazilian storage areas. This structure was some ten metres Antarctic Programme. However, the central above the shoreline. To the south was a raised composite building was devastated by a fire in helipad, undamaged by the fire. Further to the February 2012. This had clearly brought to an end south there was a line of rather battered storage all the normal activities on the base. At the time of sheds including the non-functioning water the inspection the Brazilian Government was treatment plant; and a trio of modified containers engaged in a major and complex operation to recently delivered, housed a kitchen and eating clean up, and remove from the site, the burnt out space for the teams working on the clean up. Fifty ruins of the composite buildings. The work was metres to the south of that, a single small raised being directed by the Brazilian Navy, with support shed was used for changing and storage. One from the Ministry of the Environment. hundred metres to the rear of the base lied a small cluster of meteorological and communications installations around another small hut. This housed an emergency communications suite running off a small portable generator.
20 Bases and stations
The area between the fire damaged units and the throughout the area giving services which were, in shoreline was a hive of activity with several large general, supported by the Brazilian Navy vessel diggers and bulldozers and a large number of anchored in the Bay. containers loaded with scrap and debris from the fire. The workforce was currently accommodated At the time of the inspection, the main aim of on a merchant ship “Germania” anchored a mile operations seemed to be to clean the area by off shore in Admiralty Bay, coming in each day by removing old station buildings, before the glaciers launch to work. The Brazilian Navy ship “Perry surrounding the station increase melted during the Felinto” was also manoeuvring in the Bay and Antarctic summer. During the inspection, heavy several of her crew were ashore assisting with the machinery was working in the area removing other clean-up work. residua to be transported out of the Antarctic Treaty Area by the ship. The station had three Personnel temporary electrical generators, 260 KW each. For There were 70-80 personnel working at the base local power generation support the station had a at the time of the inspection, but no-one was considerable number of small portable generators sleeping over-night at the base. The inspection that could be moved according to need. The team understood from the Navy Commander station had 10 fuel tanks, each holding 30 000 directing the work that the plan was to establish a litres of Antarctic Gas Oil (Gas Oil Antarctic, GAO). temporary emergency centre composed of modular Water was supplied directly from the support ship. units on and around the helipad, which would The inspection team understood that Brazil had accommodate eventually up to 65 personnel. If already procured a complete set of modular sufficient progress were made by the end of the containers that were going to be received in summer 15-20 staff might overwinter in 2013. January 2013 to build a temporary new Scientific Research infrastructure for Ferraz Station. The plan was that the new infrastructure would be ready in late Scientific activities in the station area were February or beginning of March, using the suspended, but the Brazilian Antarctic Program helicopter pad as the place for installation. supported 21 research projects in this Antarctic summer, which could develop their activities in Brazil planned to start a new station design with a other localities. Also facilities saved from the fire view to starting construction by 2014. used for meteorological monitoring were down because of the lack of power supply. No major Transport and Communications science activities were planned over the season on Communication was in emergency conditions with the station for obvious reasons. an internet connection, 4 lines of satellite telephone, 1 Iridium telephone and VHF radios for Apart from a scientist for specific environmental personal use. control related to the fire incident no scientists were present at the station area. Arms and Military Support Logistics and Infrastructure The Brazilian Navy was overseeing the clean-up operations. After the accident the remaining infrastructure could be considered as working in emergency conditions, including small containers distributed
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Safety, Training and Emergency monitoring of the clean-up and was taking soil Procedures and water samples to measure heavy metals, Because of the fire the base was not operational hydrocarbons and other pollutants produced by inside. Any hazardous materials, such as gas the fire and that may have leached into the local cylinders, had already been removed from the environment. station in March 2012. Tourism Environmental Management Ferraz was clearly in no position to support At the time of the inspection the clean-up team tourist visits. were concentrating on clearing snow and setting up Summary their equipment. An Environmental Management Plan for the clean-up was constructed by the The inspection team could only commend the Brazilian Ministry of Environment (MMA) and Brazilian team they encountered for the spirit and partners, and a representative team of MMA commitment with which they were pursuing this would be on site preparing the area for the clean- complex and major task. The close cooperation up and monitoring the implementation of this between PROANTAR, the Navy and the Ministry of Plan. The clean-up plan was to remove the roof Environment and the environmental monitoring and sides of the main station complex with a programme which accompanied the clean-up tracked hydraulic steel cutting machine. The work was impressive. Brazil would have much to internal containers would then be removed and offer the international Antarctic community, in filled with waste, and waste would also be put into terms of lessons learned, through the process they open top containers brought in on the Germania. were currently engaged in. The clean-up team had arrived at Ferraz on 17 November 2012 and were intending to work there Recommendations throughout the austral summer and would depart >>that when Brazil has completed its investigation in March 2013 once all the buildings destroyed in into the cause of the fire and completed the the fire had been removed. clean-up it shares the lessons learned with As a result of the fire no scientific programmes other Parties. were being undertaken at Ferraz station during the 2012/13 season because of the damage to research laboratories, lack of accommodation and the dangerous state of the buildings. However, one environmental scientist from the University of Sao Paulo was on site to undertake environmental
22 Bases and stations
Arctowski (Poland) Inspected 1 December 2012, 2:30pm–5pm
Introduction office/laboratory space. An unmade track just Arctowski is located on the north shore of above high watermark led from the main building Admiralty Bay, King George Island between Point about 200m to a rocky outcrop bearing a Thomas and Rakusa Point at 60.15’S 58.26’W. lighthouse structure. At the foot of the outcrop a Established in 1977 by the Polish Academy of small wooden hut constructed from salvaged Sciences (PAS) it is a medium sized year-round wood in the style of a Polish mountain hut housed base. Formerly operated by the Department of a small Tourist Information centre and shop. Antarctic Biology, it is now managed by the Academy’s Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Personnel At the time of the inspection there were 10 Physical Description personnel at the base, including the Base The base was clustered in the corner of a flat gore Commander. These included a range of technicians, of land above the beach between Thomas and an environmental observer, a communications Rakusa points. The main building, clad in yellow officer and a medic. There were no scientists panelling, housed accommodation, a communal although 6 visiting scientists from Chile and room, cooking and office space. To the west was a Portugal were expected shortly. The inspection small laboratory, with a glass panelled conservatory team understood the base to be able to facing the sea. Behind this was a cluster of storage accommodate a maximum of 35 in summer with buildings, garages, generator and fuel storage, around 20 in the winter, although in practice with a small gymnasium. Behind this, higher up numbers were rarely this high. During the the slope, were three small buildings housing inspection 4 personnel visited from the nearby US independent accommodation units and some refuge, Pieter J Lennie Station.
23 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
Scientific Research A separate science building along the beach was At the time of the inspection no scientists were on dedicated to meteorological work. It contained a site. This summer season two Polish climatologists library, some dormitories and a central office from the Nicolas Copernicus University in Toruń space. A tower for meteorological equipment was were expected. The climatological scientists present near the building. operated automatic weather stations at the Point A week after the inspection date four Chilean Thomas glacier and at Jardin Peak, mapped glacial botanists were expected to start their research. retreat and measured snow accumulation and This cooperation was founded on a long period of ablation. Climatological data was also recorded at cooperation between Universities in Chile and Poland. the station. Since 2000, meteorological (climate) data has not been assimilated into the world At the end of December 2012 also two Portuguese meteorological net. Personnel at the station had ichthyologists from the Centre of Marine Sciences, no information about scientific cooperation with Universidade do Algarve at Faro, were expected to other stations on King George Island. start their research with a special attention to fish in the Nothotenid family. All their equipment was Some personnel present at the base were involved already stored on site, including two supporting in data collection and monitoring programmes of boats for boating work in Admiralty Bay. birds and pinnipeds on the western shore of Admiralty Bay. This involved: bird and pinniped The station offered weekly hospitality and its populations censuses (according to CCAMLR’s sanitary facilities to several American scientists that standard methods); bird research for which tissue worked at the Pieter J. Lennie Station Copacabana, samples were taken on any dead Skuas; the USA, and work on US projects in the ASPA 128. monitoring of non-breeding and vagrant bird No cooperation in science programmes was species entering the local ecosystem; and the ongoing between Poland and USA. monitoring of marked birds and pinnipeds. Periodic rounds through the neighboring ASPA 128 (SSSI-8) Logistics and Infrastructure were taking place, under permits, in support of the The Base was resupplied once a year by ship. management plan for the ASPA under Personnel were transported to the Base using both responsibility of the station. tourist and governmental vessels and by helicopter The policy of the station was that scientists bring from the Chilean Air Base Frei in Maxwell Bay. on site all the equipment they need for doing their Fuel was delivered to the Station by a Russian research. The station itself only provided very cruiser vessel once a year in October. It was basic facilities. reported that using the station pumps, it was The main science building contained several possible to supply 150,000 litres from the ship in separate rooms for doing research. Equipment was seven hours. After the supply operation, pipes limited to workbenches, cupboards and sinks. Half were reported to be cleaned by gravity. The of the building was originally designed as a Station had absorption carpets to be used in the greenhouse due to a previous plant experiment. case of oil spill emergencies. These activities, the subject of comment in Arctowski had a diesel fuel (Gas Oil Antarctic) previous reports, have been discontinued. The storage capacity of about 125,000 litres in five greenhouse was now available as an open space 25,000 litres tanks. Three new tanks of the same for other science projects.
24 Bases and stations
capacity were planned to enter into service next Arms and Military Support year (storage capacity will reach 175,000 litres). The station had no weapons and did not give or Tanks were double skinned but not bonded. receive support from the military.
The diesel fuel was used to power electrical Safety, Training and generators and vehicles The station had six Emergency Procedures generators, three of them were old generators The station personnel received lectures on safety, (more than 10 years old) of 100 KW each, and the fire and environmental issues prior to their other three were newer, having been operated for departure from Poland. The station had less than three years at the Station (one of the 100 emergency plans for accidents, fire and oil spills. KW generators for winter use, and two of the 75 Copies of the plans were provided to the KW generators for summer use). The generators inspection team. were estimated to be using around 75,000 litres per year. Around 520 metres of insulated water Environmental Management pipe connected the pump-house to the generator building and thence to the biology laboratory. The station had good waste management Similarly 420 metres of water pipe connected the procedures in place. Wastes were separated at generator to the accommodation buildings. source. An incinerator was used to burn paper and food waste, and a hydraulic crusher for glass and Water for the base was supplied from a nearby metal cans. Solid wastes were removed from the artificial reservoir which provided good quality station and taken to Poland for disposal by the supply all year. Water was pumped to a tank and resupply ship. Sewage was treated through a septic filtered. On average the daily consumption was tank system. This consisted of three separation 120 litres per person per day in the Station. tanks with final discharge being drained out to sea.
Transport and Communications The station staff were not aware of any major new developments planned for the base for which an The Station was equipped with a wide range of EIA would be required. Any building work was vehicles including two tractors, five snow bikes confined to repairs to the current infrastructure. and a crane. The Station had 2 zodiacs, 1 old (The station personnel reported that there were fishing boat (which was not used this summer), plans to replace the floors in the main hut, and two used amphibious vehicles, which are used that stores for this purpose were currently stored in for ship unloading operations, and a small boat the gym area and in one of the general sheds.) used for diving. Station staff were well aware of the requirements The Station had two helipads that usually received under the Environmental Protocol not to disturb helicopters coming from Marsh. flora and fauna. No non-native species were seen Communications were provided via VHF, 3 Iridium on the station, in marked contrast to the last satellite telephones and internet (512 Mbytes) 24 inspection in 1999 when imported plants, such as hours a day (including one e-mail account for the tomatoes growing in the greenhouse, were found. whole station) and fax. The station was adjacent to ASPA 128. Station staff were well aware of the provisions of the Management Plan, and maps of the ASPA were prominently displayed in the station building.
25 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
Permits to enter ASPA 128 had been issued to limited supply of surgical equipment, though the station staff to undertake wildlife monitoring and limits of surgery performed would be the suturing to undertake scientific research and access of minor wounds. There was a broad range of scientific instruments within the area. Copies of medications, as set by doctors in Poland. There was the permits were provided to the inspection team. also some legacy equipment that was not usable but has not yet been removed. This included a Medical dental drill/polish machine from the 1970s, and a The medical cover was provided by a polish much more modern X-Ray viewer which had no paramedic. In Poland, paramedics receive 3 years use in the absence of an X-Ray machine. training and are allowed to prescribe independently from a restricted formulary. The Clinical waste was compacted for removal medical cover was supplemented by telemedicine alongside other waste. with Poland. The medic had links with Frei base and would use them for advice and for evacuation Tourism of casualties should it become necessary. Arctowski’s tourism plan for the 2012/13 season included 11 ship visits (3 in November, 5 in The medical facilities consisted of a small December, 2 in January and 1 in February) with consulting room and a very small office. The passenger numbers up to 195. They had already consulting room had a good examination couch received two additional visits in October, as well and was well lit, with additional theatre-style as visits from the vessels involved with the work lighting available on a stand. It was clean and well at Ferraz. organised. There were sterilisation facilities for the
26 Bases and stations
One or more of the station staff as necessary Summary would meet visitors off the landing boats and brief The base appeared well-managed. The inspection the guides on the base and on where they could team were impressed by the base commander’s and could not go. Generally tourists confined philosophy of simplicity and self-reliance, with a themselves to a walk along the beach where marked preference for simple machinery which whale bones were displayed and where they could could be reliably maintained and repaired at the see seals and birds including a small Adélie penguin base. The inspection team noted that the base colony (located inside ASPA 128, but visible from appeared to be developing a side-line in supporting the beach). The station staff encouraged tourists to expeditions, for example through the storage of visit the small tourist information office which equipment for future expeditions. For a station the offered a selection of souvenirs, as well as size of Arctowski the Polish science program on displaying large scale maps and other information site was very small. Science activities of scientists on the area. The location of the shop at a distance coming from other countries seemed to dominate. from the working area of the base was deliberate. Smaller groups of 10 or less would be invited into the main building where the communal room was Recommendations set up in the style of a Polish country house. The >>that Arctowski consider developing its science cruise ships gave a minimum of 2 days notice, and programme to make full use of the facilities; confirmed around 2 hours before arrival. The staff and that it consider the scope for closer present at the time of the inspection were not scientific cooperation with other bases on aware of any problems from tourists either for the King George Island, in particular with base or for the surrounding environment. the reconstructed Comandante Ferraz in due course.
27 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
Presidente Eduardo Frei (Chile) Inspected 2 December 2012 10am–4:30pm
Introduction inspection team found evidence of a high level of Located in Ardley Cove at 62.11’S 58.58’W, local cooperation between different national Presidente Eduardo Frei Station is a large and bases, perhaps encouraged by the dependence of multi-functional collection of Chilean facilities all, to some degree, on the Chilean base. spread across the low saddle at the south end of the Fildes Peninsula. The main components are i) Physical Description The Presidente Eduardo Frei M. Antarctic Air Base Frei was a substantial base and the brightly ii) The Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Airstrip and coloured accommodation blocks (La Villa de las associated facilities operated by Dirección General Estrellas) had the air of a village. The Air Force base de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) iii) the Fildes Naval and its associated buildings were in the centre Station run by a Captain of the Chilean Navy and 100-200m above the beach. The accommodation iv) the Escudero station run by INACH. Although buildings, school and church were situated on the each element operates with a degree of autonomy slope behind the base. A road ran past these to they are grouped them here as a single entity for the Airfield, dominated by the control tower and a the purposes of the inspection report, not least as large hangar. Fildes Naval Base was in a small they share key infrastructure and services (school, concentration of buildings to the south end of the church, infirmary etc.). Frei is the most substantial beach below a rocky outcrop. Behind this were the operation on King George Island and its core buildings of Escudero. To the north, Frei merged activities, such as operating the airfield are key into the Russian station of Bellingshausen. There enablers for the many other bases in the area. The was no clear boundary between the two bases. At
28 Bases and stations
the time of the inspection the ground was much Off site obscured by a heavy snow covering. The landing >>A research team of three botanist investigating strip was largely covered with snow and ice. Eco physiology of Antarctic plants explaining consequences of climate change for Antarctic Personnel vegetation. This team was to be on site a few At the time of the inspection there were around days before transit to the Polish Station 70 Air Force staff at Frei and 18 staff working for Arctowski; and DGAC (including air traffic controllers, >>Spectral UV radiation and the effect on endemic meteorologists and ground staff). The inspection species in the Union Glacier area, research in coincided with the annual handover between transit to another location and for one day on crews at the Naval Base. The incoming and site of the station. outgoing crews of 8 each were both present. Additional naval staff would come from time to The inspection team was informed that the station time during the summer to carry out renovation holds a maximum capacity of 50 scientists (season and other work. There were 16 staff at Escudero, 2011/2012). For the season 2012/2013 about 20 including 2 scientists, although another 6 scientists scientists were expected. were expected shortly. A very few families were at the base, although more were expected to visit in Support for the transportation of scientists to and January – February. There were 4 children of from Escudero was funded by INACH. Funding primary school age (6-10) attending the school. In was limited to a maximum of 5 years. winter the total number would fall to around 40. The station was investing in new upgraded Scientific Research science facilities: Escudero (INACH) >>A modern laboratory for microbiological Only one scientist was on site during the inspection research was available with spacious visit. Science projects had not yet begun for the workbenches; season. Several projects were planned both to be >>A laboratory with a long workbench for carried out on site and to be given logistical microscopic research, with several binocular support for execution elsewhere in the region: microscopes, facility for spectrophotometry, drying ovens, weighing instruments, cold On site storage, liquid nitrogen etc; >>Research from the University of Concepcion into >>A small laboratory space with a fume cupboard heavy metals in guano of three species of for controlled handling of chemical substances; penguins present in Fildes Bay; >>A new underground laboratory, approximately >>Geomorphological research into the topography 70 m², with 16 m of workbenches was just of the periglacial environment and hydrogeology being finished, adding more workplace capacity and the impact of climate change in the to the station; and northern region of the Antarctic Peninsula; and >>Some diving facilities were available for marine >>Research into the interaction of bacteria and the biological work, supported with two Zodiacs for roots of the alien plants Juncus Bufonis and going out in Fildes Bay. No decompression Graminea (grass). These alien plants were widely facilities were available at the station. distributed over the island.
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The scientist on site informed the inspection team Island had the largest concentration of bases in the there were collaborative projects going on with Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Brazil. According to Consequently the Bay area experienced a greater the itinerary of science projects at the station, environmental impact than anywhere else in the none of these partners were expected to be region. For example, the westernmost Bases were visiting the station season 2012-2013. interconnected by tracks amounting to over 16 km and the surrounding terrain was impacted by Marsh Airfield heavy ground vehicles engaged in logistical and The airfield ran a full meteorological service, based communication work. on a team of four meteorologists supported by conventional and electronic equipment. However, Frei Air Base and its runway provided the main no meteorologists were on site at the time of the logistic facilities in the whole Antarctic Peninsula inspections. The inspection team were advised that and South Shetlands area. In general, all bases in all equipment met international standards and the vicinity worked together, sharing logistics and environmental protection and that the equipment heavy vehicles, especially during the summer months. was operated by user-level meteorological personnel, 24 hours a day. All the Chilean facilities at the station site worked together, supporting each other, so the inspection Logistics and Infrastructure team felt it was appropriate to evaluate them Because of its proximity to South American collectively. communication hubs (Punta Arenas, Ushuaia), ease of access, and lack of ice, this area of King George
30 Bases and stations
The station complex was resupplied between Water was supplied from a glacier lake located October and April by a variety of Chilean vessels. over 400m from the station. The water was At the time of the inspection the Chilean Navy pumped to an underground pool, and then Ship Lautaro was at anchor. treated by filtration and chloride before being distributed. The water was supplied to the Frei A considerable amount of stores and all personnel Base area, Escudero and Fildes Naval Station. On were transported by C-130 Hercules directly from average, the amount of water supplied equalled Punta Arenas. These flights also served other approx 10 cubic metres per day. The inspection Antarctic Treaty Parties with bases across the South team were told that the water appeared to have a Shetland Islands and the north of the Peninsula. high degree of calcification.
Diesel fuel resupply was delivered from ship to Marsh Airfield shore by a submarine pipeline, which extended out Lt. Rodolfo Marsh Airfield is the main logistic to the small island in Ardley cove. The pipe line entrance to the South Shetlands and surrounding was checked by expert divers, specialised in area. The infrastructure, maintenance and civil underwater maintenance, to certify its condition aviation operations are responsibility, as in all and operation, before the resupply of fuel from Chilean airports, of the Direccion General de the vessel to the depot system of the base began. Aeronautica Civil, under the authority of the The inspection team were advised that, due to ice Ministry of National Defense of Chile. damage, the pipe had been replaced several times in the past. At the airport, the duties were performed by a total of 18 persons: 1 Airfield Chief, 2 controllers, Frei Air Base 4 meteorologists, 3 weather observers, 2 flight Frei Air Force Station was the operations centre of information staff, 1 electronic, 1 electrical the Chilean installations. The base was run by the technician, 3 technicians in security, rescue and Chilean Air Force and was commanded by an Air aircrafts firefighting service and 1 mechanic Force Lieutenant Colonel. (vehicles and heavy equipment).
The electricity supply in the Frei Base area was The airstrip had specialised vehicles for air obtained from 1 Caterpillar generator. It had an emergencies and flight strip maintenance. During output of 400KW (2008) and 2 backup generators the inspection, the strip had suffered some of 472KW (2008) and 292KW (2007), which were deterioration during the training landing exercises used in case of failure of the first one, or to do of a Hercules 130 and was being prepared for programmed maintenance to it. The generated incoming flights three hours later. electrical power supplied the stations Frei, Escudero and Fildes Naval Station. Air supply was one or two flights per month by a 130 Hercules of Chilean Air Force coming from Diesel fuel was Antarctic quality and was stored in Punta Arenas. The airstrip also supported frequent 18 storage tanks, 3 separate groups of 5 tanks and Hercules operations by different countries. The 1 group of 3 tanks, dispersed in four different average number of monthly flights during the past areas. The total capacity was 1200 cubic metres. four years had been 9.6 flights, increasing during Aviation fuel was JP1, and the maximum storage the Antarctic summer, because of the tourists’ tank was 135 cubic metres. Gasoline 97 octane was flights and the increase of logistical needs. The held in one 30 cubic metre capacity storage tank, inspection team were advised that the month with which was isolated from the main area of the base. the highest number of flights is January, with an
31 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
average of 42 flights, and that in the past four Escudero years, an average of 52 tourists flights had been Accommodation, fuel supply, stores, food, and made between November to February by DAP waste management at Escudero were managed airlines with their BAE 146 and King Air airplanes. separately from Frei, although staff and equipment were transported by the Chilean Navy or Air Force. The airstrip had two main uses: one to support flights coming from the continent, and the other Escudero received electricity (by triphasic line with was to support the necessary air connection with on average 70 KVA power) from Frei Air Base. At the bases in the South Shetlands area. To support time of the inspection Escudero was maintaining these flights, the air strip had one permanent its own generators in reserve. There were three DHC-6 Twin Otter and one B-412 twin turbine generators, each powered by diesel fuel (GDA Gas helicopter, operated by the Chilean Air Force. Oil Antarctic), and with 72 KVA, 60 KVA, 32 KVA power output. Fuel storage capacity was about In 2005 a fire destroyed the operational and logistic 30,000 litres in one double cap tank located in a installations of the Rescue and Fire Extinction concrete bund equivalent to its total capacity and service of the TTE Marsh airport. The inspection with additional steel external protection. There team were informed of a plan, in an advanced were also 10 drums of 200 gasoline litres for bikes study phase, to rebuild all infrastructures in a new and zodiacs. area close to the air strip. Transport and Communications Fildes Naval Station Frei/Marsh Air Station had fire fighting vehicles Fildes Bay Naval Station received its electrical that deployed in the airfield when needed and power from Frei Air base generators. could be deployed elsewhere. The Station was also equipped with a wide range of vehicles as for land To heat the installations there were three diesel use: 1 Ford 350 diesel truck, 1 Toyota land cruiser, fuel (GDA Gas Oil Antarctic) boilers that alternate 2 Yamaha, 1 Honda bike, 1 Polaris bike, 3 Grenadier in use. For emergency use, there was an auxiliary snow bikes. For marine operations, the base generator of 17 KWh. The base did not use maintained: 2 Zodiacs MK5, 1 Zodiac MK3, renewable energy. Annual Gas Oil consumption 2 motors 55 HP, 4 motors 50 HP, 2 motors 25 HP. was about 48 cubic metres. The communications at the Air Force Base were Storage capacity was about 48,000 litres of diesel maintained with UHF equipment for aeronautical and 5,000 of gasoline; the latter used by the services, VHF for aeronautical and maritime motorised vehicles and pneumatic boats. Fuel was communications, and the rest was maintained by HF, stored is five tanks with a capacity of 5,500 litres telephone, cell phones, sat phones and internet. in total. After the supply operation, pipes were Some of the base personnel had permanent emptied by gravity. The Station had absorption communication trough HT, with a Communications carpets to be used in the case of oil spill Center, which had a radius including the whole emergencies. No recent incidents were reported. Base area. Water was supplied from Frei Air Force Base from Fildes Naval Station was equipped with: one 4X4 a lake, and pumped to two tanks of 7,500 litres truck and 2 snow bikes. For nautical purposes the each. The average daily consumption was approx Station had several zodiacs (2 MK6 for 15 persons 50 litres per person, per day. with two 50 Hp motors and 2 MK 4).
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Communications were provided by receivers and Frei station had considerable search and rescue transmitters MF/HF 2182 kHz and 3100 kHz (SAR) and emergency response capabilities. A maritime band voice, continuous operation VHF Chilean Air Force Bell 412 helicopter and a de channel 16/15, 6.8Mhz voice, air band VHF 118 Havilland Twin Otter were both based at the and 105 MHz, VHF, MF/HF Selective digital calling, airfield and were used to assist in the emergency 1 Iridium satellite telephone and internet response to the fire at Ferraz in February 2012. The ([email protected]). two large zodiac inflatable boats operated by the Chilean Navy by the Fildes Maritime Station also Escudero Station was equipped with a wide range provided assistance during the Ferraz emergency, of vehicles. At the time of the inspection this although their normal operating limits were within included: 1 Ford 350 diesel truck, 1 Toyota land the immediate vicinity of the base. cruiser, 2 Yamaha, 1 Honda bike, 1 Polaris bike, 3 snow bikes Grenadier. For marine science support, Special attention had been given to fire prevention the base had: 2 Zodiacs MK5, 1 Zodiac MK3, 2 and fire fighting on the station as a result of the motors 55 HP, 4 motors 50 HP 4 times, 2 motors fire at Ferraz. For example, the Fildes Maritime 25 HP Station had checked all its smoke and fire detectors and installed video surveillance cameras Communications were provided via VHF, HF, 1 in the garage, workshop and storage areas. Iridium satellite telephone, 3 telephone satellite lines with Punta Arenas and internet including e-mail. Environmental Management Station staff were well aware of the requirements Arms and Military Support of the Environmental Protocol. For example, at the There are no weapons at these bases. Support Escudero science facility the inspection team were provided by the military was as set out throughout shown a manual for environmental protection this report. produced by INACH.
Safety, Training and The station had good waste management Emergency Procedures procedures in place. Wastes were separated at Station personnel underwent comprehensive source in the different buildings across the station pre-deployment training in Chile, including courses and taken twice a week to a central waste on safety, fire and environmental issues. The processing facility, which contained a high inspection team were told that the station had temperature incinerator, glass crusher and other emergency plans for accidents, fire and oil spills. waste processing equipment. The high temperature There was a large oil spill containment boom laid incinerator was used to burn paper and food out on the foreshore in front of the base, along waste, with the ash residue put into empty 205 with an ISO container full of absorbent pillows and litre drums. Glass and cans were crushed. pads. The inspection team were informed that there Hazardous waste, such as lead-acid batteries, was had been a spill from one of the fuel tanks onto packed into wooden boxes. All solid wastes were the snow earlier in the year. The contaminated shipped to Chile for safe disposal. snow had been dug up, melted and drained into 205 litre drums and returned to Chile for disposal. Sewage was treated in a large biological treatment plant, which had been constructed in 2009. The plant used imported “Californian worms” to break down the sewage in a large open bunded area
33 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
inside the treatment building. Treated effluent was The station was adjacent to ASPA 125 (Fildes discharged by pipeline to the sea. It was not clear Peninsula) and ASPA 150 (Ardley Island). Station to the inspection team if an EIA had been staff were conversant with the management plans prepared for the construction and operation of the for the protected areas. At the time of the sewage treatment plant, or if importation of the inspection, a scientist from INACH was working at worms had been permitted under the provisions of Ardley Island to collect guano samples for heavy the Environmental Protocol. metal analysis. A permit, with the management plan, had been issued to the scientist, which was The inspection team were informed that several provided to the inspection team. major building projects had been carried out at the station in the last few years, including the Medical construction of two separate parking areas for Frei/Marsh provided medical cover (by an OF4 in C-130 Hercules and commercial tourist aircraft. A the Chilean Air Force) to the Chilean Air Force flat area was shown to the inspection team adjacent personnel, the Chilean Navy personnel, scientists to the hangar which was being considered for a at the INACH facility, and their families. At its peak third parking area. It was not clear to the during the summer months this may reach 180 inspection team if an EIA had been prepared for people. The age range was from 8 months to the levelling and construction of the aircraft approx mid-50s. All personnel deployed for more parking areas. than 1 year were required to undergo a prophylactic appendectomy, to minimize the Station staff were well aware of the requirements surgical risks that may occur during the winter under the Environmental Protocol not to disturb periods, due to limitations for medical evacuations flora and fauna. No non-native species were seen to the city of Punta Arenas on unfavorable on the station. However, the inspection team were meteorological conditions. This included partners told that two alien species of grass, juncus bufonis and children over 4 years of age. For safety, female and graminea spp., had been introduced and were staff were not allowed to be deployed if pregnant. now growing around the station and more widely Any pregnant female must be returned back to the on Fildes Peninsula. A scientist from INACH was mainland because the base’s infirmary does not investigating the soil microbiology associated with have the supplies to deal with this kind of surgery the roots of the introduced grasses to understand and it was not possible to provide antenatal and why they were growing better than the native post-natal care. The infirmary was not equipped to grass, Deschampsia antarctica. deal with the risk of maternal and fetal death during pregnancy. The last birth at Frei/Marsh was in 1985.
Frei/Marsh also provided medical support to the other bases in the South Shetland Islands, and to the tourists that transit from the airfield to the cruise ships as requested.
The hospital was a stand-alone building comprising an office, ward, dental room, and 2 clinical areas, as well as storage spaces. The ward was off of the office, and could take 2 patients. Patients were Sewage Treatment Plant
34 Bases and stations
held only long enough to be evacuated to the understood that arriving tourists were briefed on mainland. The dental room had some dated but where they could and could not go and on the well maintained equipment. The first clinical area environmental and other rules of the station. was set up as a resuscitation area. It contained a Tourists generally walked around the station, along manual defibrillator, mechanic ventilator, and an the beach enjoying the view and taking oxygen concentrator. It had a portable wet-film photographs of snow and penguins. X-ray unit, and the entire room was lead shielded (including lead plating in the door). This was the On some occasions, weather conditions prevented only X-ray facility in the area and was often tourists from moving to and from their ships. requested by medical staff at other bases. The When held up on shore there were no formal second clinical area was set up as a minor ops arrangements but the various bases would theatre. It could be used only for minor operations accommodate the tour groups until the weather and for emergency stabilisation surgery. Once cleared, usually no more than a few hours. In the patients were stabilised they would be evacuated event that tourists were unable to leave Frei by sea to the mainland. There was no recompression or air, the Antarctic operator “Antarctica XXI” chamber at Frei/Marsh. The closest static chamber could coordinate with the Base Commander, the was at Carlini (formerly Jubany) Base. use of the Air Force Refuge as a shelter, until the meteorological conditions improved. The Refuge Clinical waste was boxed in the infirmary in had 20 twin rooms, a kitchen, a dining room and cardboard sharp’s bins. These were then sealed a VIP reception room. The Infirmary at Frei into larger units for transport back to the mainland handled the emergency requirements of tourists. for disposal. Clinical waste was kept segregated at During the peak months they would treat more all times. Sanitary waste was treated as household tourists than base personnel, although rarely for waste and incinerated. anything serious.
Tourism Although no one at Frei expressed any concerns While Frei was not set up as a tourist destination, it about the through flow of regular tourists, there now sees a significant number of tourists passing were concerns about the impact on the base of between the airfield and cruise ships in the harbour. new forms of extreme adventure tourism. Particular During the period November 2011 to April 2012, concerns related to the Fildes Peninsula Marathon 144 aerial operations were made to and from and the high risk on-water activities like kayaking. Punta Arenas. 66 of them were tourist flights These had assumed support by the Chilean Frei operated by DAP airlines. The number in the base community, in addition to the potential 2012/13 summer might be less as there was still a general demand on their logistical and emergency heavy snow covering which deterred some services. The view was expressed that more operators. There were limited tourist facilities attention should be given to standardising the available at Frei. Tourists could use the base gift requirements for the granting of permits for tourist shop and bank. But there was no purpose built and leisure activities in this relatively accessible part tourist accommodation or other reception facilities. of Antarctica. There appeared to be a local representative of a On the day of the inspection, the Fildes Maritime company called Antarctica XXI: The First Air Cruise Station were monitoring 9-10 tourist cruise ships in to Antarctica whose tracked vehicle was used to the northern Peninsula area. move the inspection team around, but there was no sign of tourists at the time. The inspection team
35 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
Frei also fielded a number of political visitors and Recommendations was expecting both the Antarctic Committee of the Chilean Parliament and the Secretary General >>that consideration be given to greater of the IMO the following week. cooperation in the area of logistical support, both between the different Chilean Summary installations and between the Chilean bases and other bases in the area; The Chilean installations form an important >>that appropriate level EIAs are carried for any logistics hub on the northern Peninsula region. substantial construction work associated with There was evidence that Marsh was becoming the Airfield (eg apron pads); popular as a routing point for cruise ship >>that INACH promote greater international passengers wanting to avoid the transit of Drake’s cooperation to ensure its facilities are Passage. The various components of the base were fully exploited; all run professionally. Escudero had considerable >>that the potential environmental risks potential as a base for scientific work and Marsh associated with the introduction of Californian for collecting meteorological data. The facilities at worms for sewage treatment are evaluated Frei/Marsh were a driver in the operational and monitored; decisions by other Parties with bases in the vicinity. >>that Parties give due regard to the limited emergency facilities available in the area when considering applications for non-scientific activities.
36 Bases and stations
Great Wall (China) Inspected 03 December 2012 9:30am–11:15am
Introduction Physical description Located 1 Km south of Frei/Marsh at 62.13’S Great Wall was made up of around 20 buildings 58.58’W, Great Wall is one of the concentration of spread out over a site set immediately above the bases at the southern tip of the Fildes Peninsula. It shoreline looking out into Maxwell Bay and over is a medium sized facility which in recent years had Ardley Island. It was connected by a track to Frei, benefited from substantial investment in a new although this and the base were still under heavy administration and science building, a new fast melting snow at the time of the inspection. gymnasium and leisure centre and new fuel The older buildings were mostly red, including storage and generators. The scale and quality of disused fuel tanks to the south, while the more the new investment makes Great Wall one of the modern buildings were a mix of colours, red, blue best equipped bases in the area. With the new and white. The two newest buildings (2008) were investment some of the original structures were remarkable for their height, being three stories now redundant. Consideration was being given to high. The administration and science building was preserving the most important of these as historic designed with a clear aesthetic as well as practical buildings. The base is administered by the Chinese objective. It was bright and spacious with a triple Arctic and Antarctic Administration. height entrance hall. The base was served by a substantial jetty.
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Personnel the station to collect marine environmental and At the time of the inspection there were 11 ecological parameters. Data was sent real time personnel at the base: the base commander, base via email. manager, 2 scientists, 3 engineers, a radio Illustration of science projects into these areas of operator, a plumber and a cook. The base’s doctor research that were provided in the abstracts from had returned to China some weeks before on the field implementation plan 2011–2012 of medical grounds. This core team was preparing to CHINARE were as follows: return to China and expecting a relief team to fly in from Punta Arenas. They planned a day of >>Studies on Ethogram and habitat of Antarctic seals; handover. In the 4 summer months an additional >>Multi-media distribution and fate of persistent 20–30 scientists were expected. The base organic pollutants (POP) and the characterization commander and his management team were of it in the food chains of Antarctica; conversant with the Antarctic Treaty and its >>Study into the mycobiont and photobiont Environmental Protocol. They described the isolated from Antarctic Lichens; training personnel underwent in north-east China >>Investigation into the diversity of planktonic before deployment covering the Treaty, Roseabacter and their ecological functions in the environmental issues, survival and psychological Great Wall Bay; issues. There was a large amount of information >>Studies on tundra carbon, nitrogen and about Antarctica, the environment and rules for phosphorus biogeochemical cycles in Fildes respecting the environment on charts and posters Peninsula; around the base. >>Monitoring and assessing of the atmospheric chemical environment; Scientific Research >>Ecological and environmental monitoring and At the time of the inspection two scientists were study in the offshore waters of Great Wall and present at the station. One was a specialist in Ardley Bay; meteorology and oceanography, and the other >>Seismic activity and tectonic settings in Fildes in meteorology and weather observations. In Peninsula and its adjacent regions; and summer the station accommodated 20–30 >>Research on the cognition, psychological health scientists, in winter only 2. and safety of changes of sleep and circadian phase during winter in Antarctica. As no scientist, apart from meteorologists, were on site to inform the inspection team on more Dedicated permanent scientific facilities and other details of running science projects some major scientific equipment at Great Wall station documentation was provided in writing. This provided an excellent modern and spacious information related to the field season 2011–2012 laboratory on the ground floor of the main and indicated several science projects. In general building. This was equipped to do a variety of research was undertaken at the station into research in many scientific fields, including environmental sciences, ecology, marine (micro) separated fume hood facilities, climate cabinets, biology, oceanography and some seismology. drying ovens, centrifuge and a whole range of Various work was done on water samples, plants, small and essential laboratory equipment. There animals, aerosols and ice. China was running a were plenty of cold storage facilities for samples. polar marine environment monitoring system at
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Taken together, the inspection team concluded Water was supplied from a glacier lake, which that this was an impressive and very well equipped provided ample supply all year long. Water was laboratory for such a location in Antarctica. pumped to a tank and filtered to a quality considered good for the general use of the Station. A separate meteorological laboratory was also Water was heated by a boiler. present and similarly well equipped, including with two satellite receiving systems, computers and Transport and Communications excellent internet facilities. Routine meteorological Great Wall was connected by a system of gravel measurements were being made to WMO standards, roads to Frei, Bellinghausen and Artigas Stations such as rainfall, soil temperature, humidity, wind on Maxwell Bay. direction, visibility, clouds, and solar radiation. All the meteorological data was transferred via Frei The station was equipped with a wide range of station into the World meteorological network. vehicles, including 2 bulldozers, 2 cranes (1 of 25 tonnes, 1 of 16 tonnes), 2 excavators, 2 small For the field season 2012-2013 no scientists from trucks, 2 polar vehicles with chains (which were 25 other nations were expected on the station. In the years old, and due to be replaced in the following previous season some scientists from the USA year), 2 snow bikes, 5 all-terrains vehicles for worked at the station. In years before that some summer use in containers (of which 3 used diesel, cooperation was reported with Germany and the and 2 gasoline). There was also a tractor that was United Kingdom. no longer in use, that would be removed next time the support ship arrived. Logistics and Infrastructure Great Wall Station had three Volvo generators, The base also had 2 zodiacs for marine activities, powered by diesel fuel (Gas Oil Antarctic), and although these were considered not to be in producing 124 KW each. Usually only one of the operational condition. generators would be running, changing from one to another every 3 days. Emissions were filtered, There were no aircraft or helicopters at the station, but not monitored. There was also a small portable but the station had a concrete helicopter pad, generator for use when needed. There were no which the station manager reported was used renewable energy sources. infrequently.
For diesel oil storage there were 8 tanks with 88 The whole station was linked with optical fibre cubic metres capacity each, in two blocks of four, connections. Communications were provided via located approximately 50 metres away from main VHF, HF, 1 Iridium satellite telephone, Inmarsat station buildings. There were also two ready use satellite communication, and internet (500Kb) tanks, located approximately 20 metres from the including e-mail. generator building, with 15 cubic metres of capacity each. The tanks were single skin and Arms and Military Support located over concrete pools able to receive the The base commander confirmed there were no complete volume capacity of gas oil on the tanks. weapons held at the base. They did not provide support to or receive support from the military. As Fuel for the vehicles on the base was stored in 8 elsewhere they held emergency flares. gasoline drums, which each had a capacity of 200 litres. Fuel was re-supplied via the Xuelong Chinese support ship once every two years.
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Safety, Training and The station had good waste management Emergency Procedures procedures and practices in place. The plumber Station personnel underwent a comprehensive co-ordinated waste management and operated training programme in north-east China before the waste processing and disposal equipment. being deployed to Antarctica. Subjects covered Wastes were separated into different categories included survival, safety, fire fighting, the Antarctic across the station and taken to a central waste Treaty, environmental protection and psychology. processing facility, which contained a high temperature incinerator and other waste Fire-fighting exercises were held twice a year on processing equipment. the station. All the personnel were responsible for one or two buildings and were required to check The high temperature incinerator was used to burn them every day to make sure they were safe. All cardboard, paper and food waste, with the ash the buildings were equipped with fire-fighting residue put into sacks. Solid wastes, such as glass, equipment. cans, and ash sacks were stored in an ISO container next to the incinerator building. Full containers of Environmental Management waste were sent back to China for disposal. Station staff were very familiar with the requirements of the Environmental Protocol.
40 Bases and stations
Sewage was treated in a biological treatment Tourism plant, near to the incinerator building. Sewage was Personnel at Great Wall expressed that they were filtered to remove debris and then pumped into affected by the flow of tourists between Marsh tanks were it was aerated. Treated effluent was and the cruise ships in Maxwell Bay. Tourists were then pumped out to sea. required to give advance notice, but were otherwise free to walk around the base. They Station staff were aware in general of the could not enter the buildings, but there was a requirements for EIA, and thought that an EIA had small tourist shop (which the inspection team did been undertaken for the new laboratory and not have time to see). The base team expressed accommodation building built in 2009. The concern about the numbers of tourists, with some inspection team were informed that the Chinese 700 visiting in the past month. Although there had Arctic and Antarctic Administration (CAA) were been no specific incidents involving tourists, the responsible for undertaking the EIA for new sheer numbers were considered to be impacting projects and developments planned for the station. on the life of the base. The inspection team were informed that the old Summary main fuel tanks had been recently replaced by new fuel tanks, which were commissioned in 2011. The Great Wall had seen impressive investment in tanks had concrete bunds beneath them to contain recent years and was now one of the best any fuel spills, but at the time of the inspection the equipped bases in the region. The inspection team bunds were full of snow and water. There were welcomed the efforts that had been made to plans for the old fuel tanks to be dismantled and replace old fuel tanks and to remove old buildings removed from Antarctica when the Chinese and debris. There appeared to be scope for more resupply vessel next visited the station in 2013. international collaboration on science programmes to make best use of the new facilities. The Historic buildings inspection team commend Great Wall for the There was a proposal for the original station contribution they were making to the wider building – Building No. 1 – constructed in 1985 to community around Maxwell Bay, for example by be conserved as a historic site or museum. At the the loan of heavy vehicles. The inspection team time of the inspection, this building was empty were, however, surprised that the overwintering and in a very poor state of repair, showing teams only had one day of handover and advanced corrosion of the steelwork. Considerable wondered whether this permitted full continuity of effort would be needed to repair the building and safety procedures. for it to be converted into a museum. Recommendations Medical >>that efforts are made to expand international As the base doctor had returned to China there collaboration on scientific programmes; was no medical professional present to deal with >>that measures are put in place to ensure that the questions of the inspection team. In the concrete bunds around fuel tanks are absence of their own doctor, staff at Great Wall regularly cleared of snow; and were being supported by medical staff at the >>that there is a continued programme of Chilean and Russian bases. removing old tanks and structures which are no longer needed.
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King Sejong (Republic Of Korea) Inspected 3 December 2012, 2pm–4:30pm
Introduction Physical description Located on South Spit, Marian Cove, Maxwell Bay King Sejong was set on the inward shore of the at 62.13’S 58.47W. King Sejong is a medium sized promontory a short distance from ASPA 172. Some base set on a low lying promontory. It is isolated 20, mostly red, buildings were spread over the site. from the main cluster of bases near Frei/Marsh Most dated from the establishment of the base in which was only accessible by water. The base had 1988, but were well ordered and maintained. The correspondingly well developed maritime assets: site was dominated by a new double storey grey an artificial harbour, a 28 tonne support barge and administration and accommodation centre large 16 passenger Zodiacs. The base had an overlooking the shore and the jetty. Some 500 impressive science programme in hand. It had metres away was a gymnasium and ancillary benefited from substantial new investment, garage. As elsewhere, at the time of the principally in a large new administration and inspection, the topography of the site was accommodation centre. The base hosted an obscured by the snow covering. automatic satellite tracking facility on behalf of the Korean National Satellite Agency. It was a well Personnel organised base with evidence of considerable There were 28 personnel at the time of the ingenuity and resource, for example in the remote inspection, including a core overwintering party of video monitoring of high risk units, a hydroponic 18. The base was preparing to hand over to the unit providing fresh vegetables in the winter next overwintering team and planned a two week months and a golf simulator. The base is run by handover. The base commander estimated the the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI). summer maximum capacity at 80: there had been nearly 100 at times in the past, but this was too much and the intention was to limit numbers to a
42 Bases and stations maximum of 80. Incoming personnel received research was also reported on shell fish and training organised by KOPRI in Korea. This covered benthos, and there was an ongoing monitoring polar issues, Treaty matters, and environmental programme on Skuas (10 years of monitoring so issues. Specific briefing on ASPA 172 was provided far) and penguins (Gentoo and Chinstraps). both in Korea and during the handover period. Personnel required a permit from the Korean MFA Mainly Korean scientists were expected to operate to enter the ASPA. There was an impressive at the base during the 2012/13 season. However, amount of information about the immediate the inspection team were told that in the previous environs of the base and about its science season the station hosted scientists from Japan, programmes on display. Spain, Canada and Brazil.
Scientific Research Logistics and Infrastructure The inspection team were briefed by the scientist The base was mainly supplied (personnel and on site, who indicated that the research stores) via Frei air base. Fuel was delivered to the programmes at the station were broadly within the station every year by chartered vessels. following fields: upper atmosphere, atmosphere, biology, oceanography and geophysics. There were On site the base had three generators (Caterpillar also programmes to monitor local environmental 275), running on diesel fuel (Gas Oil Antarctic), and changes, to study the marine biological resources with an output each of 275 HP. Two of the and ecosystems in Antarctica, and to investigate generators were manufactured in 2006, and the the present and paleogeological and atmospheric other in 2011. The inspection team were advised environment. that usually only one of the generators was running, changing from one to another every 10 The upper atmosphere and atmosphere research days. Waste heat from the generator exhaust was programmes operated from dedicated laboratory used to heat water for the base. There were also buildings. A permanent laser system with an all sky two small portable generators (2 kW each) for use camera ran from one of the buildings, and this when needed. The floor of the generator building building also contained a meteor radar system, reported to be detecting on average 20-25,000 meteors a day. In winter research continued in this building, into airglow temperature. Measurements were also taken on O₃, CO₂, CH₂, N₂ and other relevant chemical compounds for climate research. All the acquired data on the global atmosphere was shared into an international network and the station had been registered as an observatory for Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) since 2010.
The base also operated a separate small dome building dedicated to measurements of the geomagnetic field. Further measurements were taken in other special small buildings, with the objective of picking up seismic signals, and to measure the gravity field.
In a very well equipped microbiology laboratory, work was being done into plankton, nutrients and chlorophyll concentration. Water samples were taken using a dedicated pump house with a water sampling station just next to the jetty. Active
43 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
consisted of heavy wooden planking with direct Transport and Communications access to the gravel substrate below. There was no The Station was equipped with a wide range of spill containment beneath the generators. vehicles including 1 bulldozer DL400, 1 mobile crane, 1 excavator, 2 polar track vehicles (used in There were 6 tanks for diesel storage, in two winter for emergencies only), 2 small Hyundai blocks. The tanks were single skinned and are trucks, 4 snow bikes, I small forklift, 1 large located over concrete pools, which would be able container forklift, 1 4x4 vehicle and a quad bike. to receive the complete volume capacity of gas oil For marine science support, including diving in the tanks. The inspection team noted that at the operations, there were 4 Zodiacs, each with 2 time of the inspection the pools were almost Yamaha engines of 60Hp, and there were 4 spare completely filled with snow. The base reported engines of the same power in storage. There was that they also had absorption fuel spill carpets, and also a support barge that could also be used by that there had not been any oil spills for the past other Antarctic stations. three years. Communications were provided via VHF, HF, Each of the diesel tanks had 150 cubic metres of INMARSAT, 18 personal radios, satellite capacity. There was also ready use tank with communication, internet (1MB) including E-mail, 2 cubic metres of capacity. The fuel was pumped fax and satellite TV. ashore through a floating hose to the lower set of tanks. From there it was pumped to the higher set There was also complete set of internal of tanks. Fuel was then gravity fed to the power communications (local area network) including TV house through steel pipework mounted above observation cameras, covering 15 different areas ground on supports. The inspection team were that could be monitored by individual PCs. There advised that fuel transfer was monitored visually was also a permanent satellite-phone and internet and that the refuelling hose was emptied by link with the telephone network provided at their gravity. The annual fuel consumption for the base Frei base. was 300 cubic metres per year. Arms and Military Support There were also 5 gasoline drums, with 200 litres The base held emergency flares, but no weapons. capacity each, for use in the base vehicles. These There was no specific interaction with the Korean drums were located very close to the station military, other than one Korean Navy personnel working area. who supervised maritime operations. During the summer, water for the base is supplied from a nearby glacier lake. Water was pumped to Safety, Training and Emergency a tank and filtered, providing a good quality supply Procedures for the general use of the Station. There was also a The inspection team were advised that all of the boiler to heat water for the general use in the station personnel underwent training in Korea station. It was reported that during winter, water before being deployed to Antarctica. Subjects supply was produced by reverse osmosis at the covered during the training included cold weather level of 3 metric tonnes per day. survival, the Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental Protocol.
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Emergency exercises for fire fighting and oil spill The station had an excellent waste management response were held every two months. The station system. Waste bins were located at the entrances had a fire emergency plan and an oil spill to most buildings, with separate bins for paper, contingency plan. There was also constant video plastic glass and steel/aluminium cans. All non- monitoring of fifteen high-risk areas (e.g. hazardous waste, apart from food waste and generators), as well as night-watch security. All the sewage, was removed for disposal in Punta Arenas, buildings were equipped with fire extinguishers. Chile. Hazardous wastes, such as laboratory chemicals and waste oils, were returned by the Large TV screens displayed the local weather KOPRI research and logistics vessel – Aaron – to conditions (wind speed, temperature etc.) in the Korea for safe disposal. Food wastes were disposed communications room and also in the recreation of in a high-temperature incinerator. The ash was room in the main accommodation building. This put into wooden boxes and sent to Chile for enabled station staff to keep a constant eye on the disposal. A biological sewage treatment plant was weather for boating operations. located next to the station generators in the power house. Treated effluent was pumped out to sea. Environmental Management All the station staff were well aware of the requirements of the Environmental Protocol.
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The Base Commander was aware in general of the Medical requirements for EIA. It was not clear to the Medical cover was provided by a ‘general doctor’ inspection team if an EIA had been prepared for (who had completed medical training, but not yet the new accommodation and office building trained in a speciality). His deployment to the constructed in 2007/08 season. Antarctic for one year was part of his National Service. He did not receive any additional training The inspection team were shown the bulk fuel in cold weather injuries, but had covered these at tanks. Each tank was single skinned, insulated and medical school. He received an additional 3 weeks covered with a stainless-steel jacket. There was training in dentistry prior to deployment. The evidence that one of the jackets had been doctor reported that he had been in contact with damaged by high winds during the winter and the Chilean doctor at Frei Marsh for support, and further protective sheeting applied. The tanks sat that the communications facilities at the base on elevated steel plinths on concrete foundations. would allow him ready access to support from Several of the foundations were decayed with Korea if necessary. interior reinforcing rods exposed and the concrete crumbling. The Station Leader explained to the The medical facilities were basic, with a inspection team that KOPRI intended to replace consulting room and walk in store room. The the bulk fuel tanks in the near future with new consulting room had an examination couch and double skinned tanks. defibrillator. There was also a TENS machine and therapeutic ultrasound probe for helping with Scientists from the station often visited ASPA 171 musculoskeletal injuries. The room could support Narebski Point to undertake terrestrial biology minor surgery, and there was a steriliser (heat and research work, and to monitor the nesting colonies UV light) present. The doctor had been proactive of Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. The ASPA was in arranging the provision of natural daylight put forward by Korea and adopted at ATCM XXXII lamps, having noted that some of the winter base in 2009 in order to protect the ecological and crews had suffered from Seasonal Affective environmental values of the area and to guarantee Disorder. He believed these lamps had helped current or planned scientific research. All station over the last winter. Despite the support the base staff were made aware of the requirements of the provided to scientific diving projects, there was Management Plan, which restricts human activities no recompression chamber on-site, but the other than scientific research. Copies of the doctor was aware of the facility at the Argentine permits issued to station staff were shown to the Carlini Base. inspection team. Clinical waste was kept separate from other waste A very interesting feature of the station was the and marked up as biohazard. Waste that could be greenhouse facility where a range of plants were burnt was incinerated locally, with the remainder being grown for food for the station. Plants, such being returned to the mainland. All expired as lettuce, peppers, and cabbage were all being medications were returned to the mainland. grown under bright lighting and in artificial soil Sanitary waste was treated as household waste media. Enough plants were grown to provide the and incinerated. station with fresh salads and vegetables once a week during the winter. All waste, such as plastic plant trays and the used artificial soil media, was sent to Chile for disposal.
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The majority of emergency planning was based encourage more international science collaboration around evacuation via Frei/Marsh to the mainland, to stimulate the regional synthesis and exchange of with the exception of diving emergencies as scientific results and monitoring data. noted above.
Tourism Recommendations The base received no visits from tourists, nor did >>that steps are taken to store gasoline well they wish to encourage tourists. All Korean away from working and living spaces; nationals visiting the base needed a permit from >>that heat in the new accommodation building the MFA. The base did, however, receive some is controlled by thermostat rather than by political visitors from Korea and KOPRI had opening windows; encouraged groups of school teachers from Korea >>that older fuel tanks are carefully inspected to visit. and bunds are regularly swept of snow; and >>that the wooden floor underneath the Summary generators is replaced with a fire proof and impermeable floor. The inspection team concluded that this was a well-managed and active base. Despite its relative difficulty of access it was in close touch with other bases around Maxwell Bay and contributed assets, such as its heavy barge. The base had clearly benefited from recent investment. There was an impressive science programme and evidence of innovation in many aspects of base life and work. As with other bases, the inspection team would
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Bellingshausen (Russia) Inspected 4 December 2012, 10:00am–12:15pm
Introduction Physical Description Located on Maxwell Bay at 62.12’S 58.58’W At the time of the inspection, there was deep Bellingshausen occupies a site on the north east of snow across the base. The base consisted of some the narrow saddle across the Fildes Peninsula. 20 buildings, some ageing, some newer, spread When the base was established in 1968 it spread widely across the site, which climbed a slope to the more widely across the eastern end of the saddle, north from the shore. The site was overlooked by but has concentrated to permit the development the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. A of Frei. Its fuel depot – three sets of three tanks on little above the church was a small laboratory – the the shoreline – 1.5km to the north was a distinct EcoLab – currently unused, established in 2007 by landmark in Maxwell Bay. The base suffered from Mission Antarctica 2041. At the western edge of neglect and underinvestment in the 1990s, but the the site was a small lake from which both infrastructure and facilities have been considerably Bellingshausen and Frei draw their water. The improved in more recent years. The base is interiors of a number of the older buildings had operated by the Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE). been renovated inside. One building was also in the process of having its exterior reinsulated and re-clad.
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Personnel 3 Biological research on the taxonomy of mosses There were 18 personnel at the base at the time of and its special biodiversity. Also attention went the inspection: the base commander, doctor, cook, to anthropogenic damage, like pollution and 4 scientists, 5 mechanics and 6 general workers. physical damage. In an earlier project research They expected a further 11 staff in the course of was also done into heavy metal content of mosses; the summer. The maximum the base could 4 Research was done on vascular plants, the only accommodate was 40. Personnel received a broad two Antarctic grasses: Deshampsia and training in St Petersburg before deployment, Colobantus. Locations were being marked with covering survival, safety and environmental issues GPS. A science connection was made to (including ASPA regulations). There was further zoological research by collecting small guidance at the base, where the key Antarctic invertebrates that live in mosses, also for Treaty documents were available. The inspectors taxonomic reasons and to search for new species were impressed by a system of requiring all in plant communities and maybe alien species. personnel to read the key environmental and safety regulations, and to sign to confirm that they There was a very basic biology laboratory at the had done so. station, although this did not extend beyond some small working space with some tables for biologists Scientific Research to work on, with a laptop computer, and a At the time of the inspection, there were three microscope. There was also a small meteorological scientists at the base: one meteorologist, one station at the station. botanist and one hydrologist. Over the summer An ornithology cooperation programme on Skuas period the population of the station was expected was ongoing at the base, mostly by students from to rise, with a further eleven extra people due, the University of Jena, Germany. No scientists from who would be mainly scientists. this project, however, were present at the station The inspection team were advised that there were during the inspection. There was also no information basically four scientific programmes running at available on progress on cooperation with Korea as the station: reported in the last inspection report.
1 Meteorological measurements and monitoring. An ecology laboratory within the Bellingshausen A common set of meteorological parameters station was set up in 2007 in cooperation with was recorded in the meteorological station with Mission Antarctica (which is registered in the instrumentation four times a day. Temperature, United Kingdom). The facility was closed at the snow, sun radiation, pressure, humidity etc. This time of the inspection. From the outside of this information was sent to the Russian Antarctic laboratory five solar panels were visible. The Expedition in Russia, and from there passed on inspectors judged from the interior the building further into international programmes. The that it is primarily used as a simple housing facility. station also contributed to a Sputnik/satellite No information on any science undertaken in this programme for atmospheric research that runs building could be given by the representative of in every Russian Antarctic station. It maps the Bellingshausen station. It looked like a small weather and delivers data for climate research; project, in cooperation with Akzo Nobel, was 2 Oceanographic research in winter involving the ongoing, that involved the weathering of some measurement of the ice line, its thickness, ice paint in Antarctic conditions. Six panels with blue dynamics and water temperature;
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and white paint were explicitly mounted on the It was reported to the inspection team that when outside of the building for this purpose and the base is refuelled, every 2 or 3 years by a marked with the paint brand. Russian supply vessel, the ship fills the large tanks on Rocky Cove using a 200 metres floating hose Logistics and Infrastructure that empties by blown air pressure on completion Bellingshausen had three generators, each about of the operation. The fuel is then transported from five years old. One had a power output of 60KW these large tanks to the base’s ready use tanks, by and the other two 100KW. The inspectors were a large tanker truck. (In summer the Russian tanker informed that usually only one of the generators truck also transports fuel to the Uruguay Antarctic was running, changing from one to another Station Artigas.) according to station planning. No renewable energies were used. In one of the main vehicle garages, there were three 1.5 cubic metres gasoline tanks and a The main Diesel oil storage was located in Rocky gasoline drum. The inspectors were concerned Cove about 1.5km to the north of the station. The about this for safety reasons, and would fuel storage on the base included nine tanks, three recommend that the gasoline be stored further of 1,000 cubic metres, three of 150 and three of away from the work area. The annual gasoline 80 cubic metres. It was reported that only two of consumption of the station was around 4 cubic these tanks were in use. The tanks were old and metres per year. showed surface oxidation, they also each had only one skin, and there was no secondary containment. The station has absorption fuel spill carpets and The inspection team were concerned about the during interviews, it was reported by the station condition of the tanks, and were advised by the leader, that in the last year there were no spill station leader that there were plans to replace oil accidents. these old tanks for two new 250 cubic metre Propane gas was used for the kitchen and was tanks at some point in the future. stored in large quantities in the main vehicle There were also three very old gas oil tanks with garage. The inspectors were concerned that these 20, 25 and 50 cubic metres capacity, located over were stored so close to other flammable liquids, an individual concrete structure, for the base’s and recommend that the propane be stored in a immediate use. These tanks were also single skinned. separate place.
The inspection team recommends that the base Water supply for the base was received from Fildes consider the possibility of expanding the day tanks Antarctic Base, pumped from a glacier lake to an to accommodate all the necessary fuel for the artificial pool and, from there, pumped for the station. It seemed that it would be possible to general use of the Base. There was no filtration arrange to have the fuel directly pumped from the facility for water. supply ship to these tanks. The inspection team also, however, recommend that a secondary Transport and Communications containment, capable of holding the fuel Bellingshausen was connected through gravel contained in the largest tank of the group with roads to the other stations in the area (Frei, allowance for snow displacement, be provided. Artigas, Great Wall, Marsh). The roads were used for transportation between the Bases. However, because of the snow conditions, the inspectors were not able to note the condition of this road network.
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Vehicles at Bellingshausen included two bulldozers, undergo further training in fire fighting, safety, 1 tractor with excavator, 1 tanker truck and two environmental protection, waste management and very old 4x4 vehicles. A Korean minibus was also nearby protected areas. stored at the station. For marine science support the station operated two small crafts, 1 zodiac Emergency exercises for fire fighting were held and an extremely large capacity landing craft for every three months. The station had a fire and cargo transport. safety plan, as well as a fuel spill plan. The station had only a rudimentary fire and smoke detection Communications were provided via VHF, HF, system. Most of the fire extinguishers held on the INMARSAT, 12 personal radios, satellite base appeared very old and many were corroded communication, and internet including E-mail, and rusting. Given the major fire at Ferraz station, fax and satellite TV. the inspection team considered that renewing and upgrading the fire detection and alarm system at Arms and Military Support Bellingshausen needed to be given urgent There were no arms at the base, nor does the base attention by the RAE. provide or receive support from the military. The Station Leader informed the inspection team Safety, Training and of a recent emergency incident when one of the Emergency Procedures station staff broke a leg. There was good co- operation between Bellinghausen and the adjacent Station personnel underwent safety training in Chilean Frei station and this enabled the quick Russia prior to their departure to the station. When evacuation of the casualty. new personnel arrive at Bellingshausen they then
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Although the inspection team found that all the for demolition and removal during 2005 according stations in the Maxwell Bay area have their own to the UK, Australia, and Peru Antarctic Treaty individual SAR and emergency plans, there Inspection Report (2005). appeared to be no regional plan to draw on the considerable wider pool of logistics, infrastructure A SBM biological sewage treatment plant was in and expertise that is available and specialist station use at the station, and had been installed in 2010. personnel willing to assist. Treated effluent was then discharged into the freshwater stream that runs past the station and Environmental Management into the sea. The introduction and operation of the The Station Leader was very well aware of the sewage treatment plant was a major environmental requirements of the Environmental Protocol, as improvement at the station as up to 2010 sewage were other station staff. and grey water had only been macerated before being discharged directly to the stream. The station had a large waste management and processing building. This contained an incinerator The Station Leader was aware in general of the used to burn wood, paper and food wastes. Ash requirement for EIA under the Environmental from the incinerator was put into empty fuel Protocol. The inspection team were told by the drums. There was also a rubbish compactor used Station Leader that EIAs were undertaken by the to crush drinks cans and glass into empty fuel RAE. No written EIAs were provided to the drums. The station produced about 100 drums a inspection team. year of ash, cans and glass. The Station Leader informed the inspection team The empty bulk fuel tanks at Rocky Cove, about that there had been no major spills at 1.5km away from the main station, were used to Bellingshausen over the past year. However, the store a range of wastes awaiting removal from inspection team noted there was evidence of Antarctica. In one of the tanks full waste drums significant fuel contamination on the floor of the are stored, in a second scrap metal and redundant large vehicle garage. machinery parts, and in a third large pieces of To improve fuel storage and pollution prevention wood and timber. The Station Leader told the the RAE were planning to remove the old bulk fuel inspection team that this waste material would be tanks still being used for fuel storage at Rocky removed by the new Russian polar research ship Cove and to replace them with new modern tanks – Akademick Treoshnikov – during the season. Due closer to the station. The Station Leader did not to the deep snow around the station, and the know when the new tanks would be built. limited time available, it was not possible for the inspection team to visit Rocky Cove. Station staff were aware of nearby protected areas, especially ASPA 125, Fildes Peninsula and The Station Leader explained to the inspection ASPA 150, Ardley Island. There was a large map team that the RAE were planning to remove the and poster showing the protected areas in the bulk fuel tanks, although he did not know when main administration/living quarters, along with a this would be. The inspection team noted that the copy of the ASPA Management Plans in Russian. three bulk fuel tanks currently being used to store Access to the ASPAs was prohibited without a waste materials had been cleaned and prepared permit issued by the RAAI.
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Medical the base would always provide emergency shelter The medical cover was provided by an experienced for tourists if needed, but he was not aware of this civilian doctor who had previous experience with having been needed in recent years. cold weather injuries while working in Russia. The medical centre was large and had a wide variety of Summary equipment. While some was relatively old, all The inspection team were impressed with the appeared well maintained and in working order. professionalism and experience of the team at The sickbay comprised an office with examination Bellingshausen, but felt that they were struggling couch and basic diagnostic equipment. There were in some respects to manage the ageing several clinical areas set up as: a surgical theatre infrastructure of the base. There had, nevertheless, (including an anaesthetic machine), a dental suite, been some progress in recent years in cleaning up a general clinical room with portable X-Ray and an the base and renovating some of the older oxygen concentrator, and a second general clinical buildings. Waste management was very good and room (set up as a 2 bed ward) with a second the level of environmental consciousness high. portable X-Ray machine and a new ultrasound Bellingshausen was praised by other bases for its scanner. Ancillary equipment available included UV willingness to cooperate and share equipment. The lamps and a small bed-side diagnostic machine for science programme was modest and the Eco-Lab blood testing. Re-supply of medical consumables was inactive at the time of the inspection. The principally by air, with some items coming by ship. inspection team considered that the base might benefit from more international cooperation. Clinical waste was kept separate from other waste. Unfortunately recommendations from earlier It was segregated with a portion being incinerated inspection reports about upgrading the fuel tanks and the remainder being returned to Russia for had not yet been implemented. The inspection disposal. Sanitary waste was incinerated. team were also concerned at the weakness of the fire safety regime and the fact that there appeared Since Bellinghausen was co-located with Frei/Marsh, to have been no review of fire safety after the fire emergency medical planning was based around at Ferraz. evacuation to mainland Chile and stabilisation in hospital prior to onward transit to Russia. Recommendations Tourism >>that there is a thorough review of fire safety The base commander was relaxed about the measures and equipment; number of tourists visiting the base. Numbers were >>that gasoline is stored in a location well away modest. 2 cruise ships had requested to visit in from work and accommodation space; November. The French ship Aurore carrying 185 >>that waste stored in Rocky Cove is removed passengers had asked to visit, but the ship had from the Treaty area; subsequently decided to take its passengers – >>that old fuel tanks are replaced and in the mostly Chinese – to Great Wall instead. The Dutch meantime they are regularly inspected and ship Plancius (100 passengers) had also requested surveyed ultrasonically, and that consideration a visit, but only a few actually came to be given to new fuel storage arrangements Bellingshausen. The base commander had records which obviate the need for vehicle transport of the visits. He did not apply a limit to the number from Rocky Cove to the base; and coming to the base at any one time, but had not >>that, as the Science facilities are very basic, had any problems with tourists. He confirmed that they would benefit from upgrading.
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Carlini (Argentina) Inspected 4 December 2012, 3pm–6pm
Introduction Physical Description Located at 62.14’S 58.38’W, Carlini (formerly Carlini was a medium sized base with 21 buildings. Jubany) is a medium sized base on the eastern The central cluster of buildings, painted red, ran in shore of Potter’s Cove administered by the a line along a raised beach above the shore. The Dirección Nacional del Antártico (DNA). Although base was dominated by a large crag, the “Three run by military officers seconded to the DNA the brothers”. From south to north the base was base had a clearly focus on scientific research and ringed at a distance of a few hundred metres by a monitoring, which included a significant scientific Helipad, waste site, a workshop, a small chapel, cooperation with the Alfred Wegner Institute meteorological installations and a communications (AWI). A joint Argentine and German research centre. Between this outer ring and the central laboratory and related accommodation was cluster there was an infirmary and a new incorporated into the base. The base also accommodation block, some of which was still benefitted from a team of army divers who being fitted out. At a short distance from the base supported the scientists’ marine programmes. the Fourcade Glacier provided a surface which Although many of the buildings were ageing with could be marked out to allow landings by ski-fitted wooden cladding, they were well maintained. The small aircraft. buildings were well dispersed around the site. The inspection was much helped by the base providing Personnel the inspectors on arrival with a comprehensive and At the time of the inspection there were 54 updated information pack based on the Treaty personnel at the base: 21 scientific and technical Inspection Checklist. This was a good example of staff and 33 logistic staff. The staff would be best practice in this area. increased to 75 when a new contingent arrived in
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mid-December. The base could accommodate 105 >>Monitoring and ecology for the preservation of at the maximum (65 scientists, 40 logistic staff). Antarctic fish; The overwintering team numbered 26. The senior >>Impact of retreating glaciers caused by global management staff (military) deployed for a year or warming and the distribution of benthic macro more received a comprehensive 8 month training algal in Antarctica coastal ecosystems (Potter programme run by the DNA covering survival, Cove, South Shetland Island); Antarctic studies (including Treaty matters) and >>Depositional environment in fjord, bay and the adaptation of specialist skills to the specific beach systems of King George Island. circumstances of Antarctica. Those deployed for >>Sources and pathways of soluble Fe from the shorter times would cover some elements of western Antarctica Peninsula to the this training. Southern Ocean; >>Fe and Mn in Antarctic bivalves: Indicators of Scientific Research change in near-shore biochemistry The inspection team was informed that 21 scientists >>Measurements of the mass balance in King were working on site during the inspection. The George Island; meteorological data of the station was delivered to >>KGI glacier discharge dynamics; Marambio and then delivered to the international >>Effects of glacial erosion on meiobenthos and network of WMO (World Meteorological endobenthic macro fauna; Organization) through the Servicio Meteorológico >>Analysis and quantification of melt water Nacional (National Weather Service). The science induced erosion and sediment deposition: delivered at the station involved meteorology, Intercalibration with lacustrine archives on (marine) biology, glaciology, chemical Fildes Peninsula and Potter Peninsula, King oceanography and geology. George Island; >>Influence of increasing suspended particulate The inspection team were presented with details matter concentrations on benthic and planktonic of twenty four projects which were due to be Antarctic filter-feeding organisms: a relation with running over the 2012/13 season: glacier melting; >>Energy acquisition, prey type and potential >>The impact of melting glaciers to the plankton in responses of penguins to climatic anomalies and the western Antarctic Peninsula; sea ice extent in the Antarctic peninsula region >>Development and optimalisation of and the Scotia Arc; biotechnologies to recover the soils exposed to >>Answers of Antarctic bird population on the contamination of hydrocarbons in Antarctica; relation to the interannual variability of food in >>Reproductive and feeding ecology in affected areas by global change; Antarctic penguins; >>The distribution of nutrients for Grey Skuas in >>Predator – prey interaction models between Antarctica; and Antarctic birds and fish-crustaceans in the >>Effect of global change to benthic marine algal in Antarctic Peninsula and the Scotia Arc; Potter Cove (South Shetland Island, Antarctica). >>Benthic communities in Antarctica: an interdisciplinary approach to analyze the possible The station housed a meteorological station, four impact of global heating; Argentine laboratories and the Dallman laboratory >>Determine the status of antioxidants in marine – a collaboration between Argentina and Germany. Antarctic organisms. Impact of xenobiotics of New investments were being made in the key species of the trophic chain; Argentine laboratory. At the time of the inspection
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work was in progress to finish the new labs and For Diesel oil storage there were 28 tanks with 10 new dormitories for the coming season. In the labs cubic metres of capacity each. For vehicles the workbenches, sinks etc. were available to prepare station had 13 cubic metres of gasoline stored in and process samples in a dry and wet lab 200 litres drums and 1.8 cubic metres of JP1 also environment. Scientists brought most of their own in 200 litres drums located in an isolated place far equipment to the base depending on their from Base buildings and working areas. Annual projects. A fume cupboard was noted to be on site consumption was 280 cubic metres per year. Gas and especially a facility with a nitrogen generator, Oil was provided via a fuel hose by ship. After the necessary to conserve and freeze samples quickly operation, the fuel hose was cleared firstly by to minus 168°C. One lab unit contained an old compressed air and finally by gravity. The Station aquarium laboratory. The inspection team were had absorption fuel spill carpets and it was informed of plans to renovate this lab in reported to the inspection team that in the last collaboration with Germany, although no decision year there were no spill oil accidents. had yet been taken. Propane gas was used for the kitchen and water The Dallman laboratory was used for a continuous was supplied from two glacier lakes. The water collaboration between German and Argentine supply pipe had a protective plastic wrapping, scientists. The laboratory was an integrated facility which was showing signs of degradation. The including dormitories, kitchen, laundry service etc. inspection team would recommend addressing this and some lab space. These labs were well equipped potential problem. Water was pumped filtered and with modern workbenches, lab equipment stored in eight 1,500 litres tanks, two of 100 litres spectrofluorphotometer, and an ultra-freezer to and three of 500 litres. It was considered to be of store samples up to minus 80°C. good quality for the general use of the Station. Average water consumption was about 50 litres The amount of collaborating scientists on the per person. station varied between 3 to 14. This season collaboration was planned on the station with During the inspection of the sewage treatment scientists from Germany, Spain and Italy. For the building at the base, there was a strong smell of previous season collaborations were reported with smoke. This, the inspection team was informed, Brazil, Canada and Spain. was due to a fault in the heating system exhaust. The station was awaiting delivery of spare parts to Logistics and Infrastructure fix the problem. In the meantime, however, the Carlini Base had four generators using diesel fuel inspection team expressed concerned about a (GDA Gas Oil Antarctic): one 300 KVA, two 225 potential risk from carbon monoxide. KVA, one 250 KVA. Usually only one of the generators was running, changing from one to Transport and Communications other according Base planning. No renewable The Station was equipped with a wide range of energies were used, although the Base was vehicles, including: 1 truck Unimog, I vehicle Terri, adopting energy saving measures by lowering 1 vehicle Logan with chains, two four wheels the power consumption of equipment for Polaris, one six wheels Polaris, 5 snow bikes, illumination and heating. 1 tractor John Deere. For marine operations there was: 3 Zodiacs MK III, 1 Zodiac MK IV, 2 Zodiacs Urricane.
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Communications were provided via VHF, HF, Argentine Antarctic Institute (IAA) was bitten by Internet via Satellite (256Kb) including e-mail, fax an elephant seal in the sanctuary at Stranger Point and satellite TV. in ASPA 132 (Potter Peninsula) in November 2012. A vehicle was sent to the site in order to evacuate Arms and Military Support the injured scientist, but it broke down in the ASPA There were no arms held at the base. Besides the on its way back to the station. The scientist was small number of military staff seconded to the safely evacuated to the station by other means. DNA, the base received logistic support from the The intention was to repair the vehicle and bring it Argentine armed forces. The base was however a back to the station once spare parts had arrived on civilian establishment and did not itself provide the resupply vessel. support to the military. Environmental Management Safety, Training and Emergency The Base Commander was very knowledgeable Procedures about the Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental Station staff and visiting scientists underwent a Protocol. Other station staff, to whom the comprehensive training programme before inspection team spoke, were all well aware of the deploying to Antarctica. The military personnel on requirements of the Environmental Protocol. the station were required to take an eight month General environmental management was well course run by the Argentine Army. This course was organised and undertaken to a high standard. in three parts and covered cold weather survival and mountaineering, the Antarctic Treaty and the Waste management procedures on the station Environmental Protocol (given by DNA staff), and were very good. Wastes were sorted into four specialist technical training tailored to each job different categories (biodegradables, plastics, function. Visiting scientists undertook a shorter metal and glass (inerts) and hazardous), and in pre-deployment course in Argentina organised by each building, above the various waste bins, there the DNA, which covered the Antarctic Treaty and were posters on the wall explaining the waste environmental issues. At the end of the DNA disposal system. The station had an old and basic course there was an exam. Staff on the station at waste management and processing building on the time of the inspection were very experienced Mirounga Point. This housed an incinerator and a and several had worked in Antarctica for many compactor. The incinerator was used to burn years. For example, the Base Commander had over organic waste, along with some wood. The fifteen years experience with the special Antarctic compactor was used to crush cans and glass. division in the Argentine military and had previously been the Station Leader at Esperanza.
The station had a Fire Emergency Plan and a range of fire-fighting equipment, and fire-fighting exercises were held. There was a fuel spill plan, and fuel spill response exercises were held every three months.
The Base Commander informed the inspection team that in the last year there had been one serious accident on the base. A scientist from the
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Empty fuel drums were used to store crushed would not have been able to hold any major spill. glass, cans, as well as ash produced by the Any spills that occur outside the tank bunds are incinerator. Full sealed drums were sent out on the cleaned up using absorbent pillows. The Base resupply vessel for disposal in Argentina. Large Commander told the inspection team that there quantities of solid wastes boxed up in small were future plans to build new and improved bulk wooden crates were stored outside the waste fuel tanks with more capacity at the station, but management building and the inspection team he did not know when that might be. were advised that these would be sent out on the next resupply vessel. The Station Leader informed The inspection team noted that, although the the inspection team that the DNA planned to build station buildings were well maintained, there were a new waste management building at the station, problems with corrosion and paint flaking from the and install a new high temperature incinerator older buildings and contaminating the snow and inside, during the 2012/13 season. ice free ground.
The station had an AquaMar biological sewage The Base Commander ensured that all staff were treatment plant located in the main station aware of the rules relating to nearby protected complex. Sewage was treated in a four stage areas. ASPA No 132 (Potter Peninsula) was located process, with final effluent going through a UV within 800m of Carlini station and extends from sterilization unit before being discharged to the Mirounga Point to Stranger Point. Access to the sea. Treatment levels of sewage were high in order ASPA was only permitted for scientific research. not to cause any pollution which could impact on The inspection team were shown the permit issued the long-term marine ecological studies being by the DNA to the overwintering scientist to undertaken in Potter Cove. Solids produced by the enable him to enter the ASPA to monitor the plant were dried in bags in a dewatering unit. This penguins, seabirds and seals that breed in the area. was a facility not seen in any other station inspected. Dry bags of sewage solids were sent to Medical Argentina for disposal. Medical cover was provided by a junior doctor (i.e. one who has not yet done higher specialist The Station Leader was aware in general of the training) and a nurse, both from the armed forces requirement for EIAs under the Environmental joint Antarctic command. Protocol. The inspection team were told by the Station Leader that EIAs were undertaken by the Military personnel were required to undergo Environmental Office of the DNA in Buenos Aires, prophylactic appendicectomy. Civilian personnel Argentina. There was a project at a preliminary were encouraged to have this done but it was stage to improve the infrastructure of a waste not mandatory. disposal building. The corresponding EIA would be undertaken at the appropriate time.. No written The medical centre had 3 clinical rooms, 1 patient EIAs were provided to the inspection team. room, a sluice and a storeroom. A second patient room was in the process of being renovated. All Bulk diesel fuel was stored in a series of twenty six areas were clean and well organised. The first 10,000 litre capacity cylindrical tanks. Around each room was a general medical room, with some set of tanks there was a 60 cm concrete bund to resuscitation facilities. There were 2 defibrillators contain fuel spills. At the time of the inspection the and a ventilator. There were also several pieces of open bunds were full of snow and water and new diagnostic and monitoring equipment (glucometer, auroscope, ophthalmoscope,
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ambulatory BP cuff, pulse oximeter). There was a to a medical facility on the mainland just north of steriliser, containing equipment for minor surgery. Tierra del Fuego that was maintained for this The second clinical area had a massage couch and purpose. Should the Argentines be unable to ancillary physiotherapy equipment. The final clinical evacuate patients by their own means, they would room contained a modern dental suite. The patient approach the Chileans to evacuate via Frei Marsh. room had capacity for only 1 patient, but it was not in use at the time of the inspection. There was Tourism no running water to the medical centre, and the Carlini did not encourage and, in the last season, staff were using carboys to transfer water as did not receive tourist visits. There was a system in required from the nearby accommodation block. place for recording tourist and NGO visits and their environmental impacts, but in practice Carlini did Medical re-supply occurred annually via a resupply not receive requests for visits. The inspection team ship. Should additional items be required they considered that this may be linked to its relative could be provided by air. This would take inaccessibility, however, the base commander was approximately 20 days, assuming good weather, clear that the volume of scientific work precluded but in reality, it was reported to take usually dealing with tourists. between 1 and 2 months. Summary Separate to the medical centre was the Carlini was an impressive base with good recompression chamber. It was the only chamber leadership and a strong focus on science. The in the area, the next closest being at Rothera Base scientific collaboration with Germany was a good (UK). It was operated and maintained by the Army model for Antarctica. The inspection team noted diving team. It had a 2 man chamber with an the investment in new facilities and the willingness airlock for access. The diving officer expressed his to share key assets such as the diving chamber. desire that the chamber be viewed as a resource Carlini provided a number of examples of best available to all divers in the area should anyone practice, with a particularly well developed encounter decompression illness. approach to fire safety. Clinical waste was kept separate from general waste. Some was incinerated and the remainder Recommendations was returned to the mainland at the end of the >>that attention is given to making good some season. Sanitary non pathogenic waste was of the superficial fabric, such as flaking paint incinerated, whereas sanitary pathogenic waste and plastic pipe wrapping, which could was removed from the station and sent to Buenos impact on the environment; and Aires as hazardous waste. The doctor was also in >>that the exhaust leak in the sewage treatment charge of running the ‘environmental waste room is addressed. disposal’ – essentially it was his job to determine by which route any waste should be disposed of and delegate accordingly.
Medical emergencies would result in evacuation back to the mainland. Ordinarily the patient would be transferred to Marambio Base and then onward to Buenos Aires. If the situation warranted it, then the flight to the mainland would instead stop at a
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Artigas (Uruguay) Inspected on 5 December 2012, 10am–1pm
Introduction Personnel Located at 62.11’S 58.51’W, Artigas is a small There were 8 personnel at the time of the station established on a gentle slope above Collins inspection. The base commander was a Lieutenant Bay in the eastern section of Maxwell Bay. It is set Colonel of the Uruguayan Army. Of the other 7, 6 about 150m from the shore, with its 10 buildings were from the armed forces (2 each from army, widely dispersed. The station was linked to navy and air force) with one civilian scientist. That Bellingshausen – where Artigas stores some of its said, the base was run as a civilian operation. The fuel – by a track. The station was established in team of 8 had been in place for the previous 1984 and is run by the Instituto Antarctico 12 months and were about to hand over to the next Uruguayo (IAU), for which the Ministry of National overwintering crew. They expected 10 scientists to defence is responsible. Its main purpose is scientific start arriving from January. The maximum capacity research. The inspection was much helped by the of the station was 60. The core team of 8 had production of a completed Checklist A, another been given just over 3 months of training in example of best practice in this area. Uruguay by the IAU covering the Treaty System, safety and emergency procedures and cold Physical description weather survival. The overwintering teams had a The station was set in a spacious gently sloping 2 week handover which was also seen as a key area above Collins Bay. Most of the buildings were element of their training. This covered the detail of long-established, although well-maintained. There the ASPAs in the vicinity of the base. was a large science and accommodation block built in 2006 which was painted with the blue and Scientific research white stripes and sun of the Uruguayan flag. There There was one scientists (a meteorologist) present was a lake above and behind the station. To the at the station at the time of inspection. In summer east was a small area surrounded by a square the total number of scientists was expected to raised bank used to store waste prior to shipping increase to 6, 10 at maximum. The science done out of the Treaty area. This was empty at the time on the station was in the areas of meteorology, of the inspection. The area was largely covered in biology, geosciences and humanities. The snow although being fairly exposed to the wind it had only drifted around the buildings and fuel tanks.
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following projects, described in the documentation >>Monitoring of the anthropogenic impact to the provided, were brought to the attention of the biological environment due to activities of the inspection team: Uruguayan Antarctic Institute linked to the management of fuel. Meteorology: >>Meteorological and climatological observations. Humanities: The inspection team was advised that all data >>Study of human psychological characteristic that was fed into the international meteorological net could be needed for selection to work in the via Frei station. Antarctic environment.
Biology: The last investment on the station was in a new >>Analysis of the diazotrofas communities; science building in 2006. This building provided >>Characterization of microbial communities in accommodation for scientists and was only used in King George Island soils; the summer season. Scientists brought their own >>Characterization and identification of genes project related equipment to the station. associated to the Nitrogen cycle and detection Workspace was available in a bio lab with three and expression of biodegradation genes in plain tables to work on. Another room operated as microbial communities close to fuel tanks; wet lab with a workbench. A third room operated >>Research of technological structure aspect of as a bio lab with a fume cupboard and a fridge active proteases of low temperatures; available for cold storage. The station provided >>Environmental characterization of the lake some computer and internet facilities. nearby the station; >>Study of the biodiversity of crustaceans in The meteorological station reads out data four Maxwell Bay; times a day. An available automatic weather >>Research of bacteria that grow in the roots of station was not functional at the time of native Antarctic plants; inspection. >>Research for new bacterial enzymes using a genomic approach; During the summer season 2012-2013 there are no >>Identification and bio prospecting of yeast international collaborations planned at the station. in Antarctica. Some international collaboration was mentioned for previous years with scientist from Chile Geosciences: (INACH), Mexico (fungus, lake research), Portugal >>Geodetic infrastructure programme in Antarctica (glaciology) and Spain (glaciology). by satellite observation (part of EPOCH, in International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF); Logistics and Infrastructure >>Tidal observations in Maxwell Bay. Artigas Base had four diesel fuel (GDA Gas Oil Antarctic) generators: one 104 KVA, two 85 KVA, Environmental sciences: and one 120 KVA. Usually only one of the >>Detection of marine waste in CAMLLR generators was running, alternating about every monitoring areas. Identification of marine 10 days. No renewable energies were used mammal populations and penguins in the Drake although the Base was adopting energy saving passage coast; processes improving insulation in living and >>Temporal and spacial bio monitoring of microbial working spaces. population in the Artigas surroundings;
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The present capacity for diesel oil storage on the storage tanks by electrical heaters. Water was base was 150 cubic metres. Oil was partially stored considered to be of a good quality for the general in 8 new steel tanks (7 exteriors and 1 inside the use of the Station. Average water consumption services area). Some of another group of tanks was about 290 litres per person per day. were old (some about 20 years) and showed corrosive external processes. It was reported that Transport and Communications all these tanks would be changed in the following The Station was equipped with a wide range of season. The inspectors recommend that the vehicles. For land use: 1 truck Ural 4X4 with Crane, intended fuel tank replacement be carried out as 1 truck IFA out of service, 2 carriers (1 operational, 1 soon as possible, for safety and environmental out of service), two four wheel vehicles (one out of protection reasons. For every day uses there was a service sent to Montevideo to be repaired), one ready use tank with 2.5 cubic metres of capacity in tractor with excavator. For marine support there the electrical generator building. were 2 Zodiacs.
Gas Oil was supplied every year from a Uruguay Communications were provided via 5 VHF (4 fixed navy logistic support ship by a fuel hose to a tank antennas, radio, base commander’s office, (1,000 cubic metres, 3km away from Artigas) meteorology office and dining room, 1 mobile on rented from the Russian Bellingshausen Base. carrier vehicle), 10 HF antennas, one parabolic During the re-supply, it was reported that the ship antenna for Internet via Satellite (1 Mb, voice and and bases would deploy containment barriers and data) including E-mail, fax, satellite TV. The Station other elements needed in their contingency plans. had a Local Area Network (LAN). After the operation, it was reported that the fuel hose was cleared firstly by compressed air and Arms and Military Support finally by gravity. Fuel was then moved to the Artigas received logistic and personnel support from Station from the tanks at Bellingshausen with a the armed forces. No arms were held at the base. Russian trunk tanker by road. Safety, Training and For use by the base vehicles (land and marine), the Emergency Procedures station also had gasoline stored in 200 litres drums Wintering station staff received a 3.5 month located close to the energy building working areas. pre-deployment training course in Uruguay Annual consumption of gasoline was approx 400 following the COMNAP TRAINET checklist and litres per year. The Station had absorption fuel spill recommended guidelines. Where they learned carpets and the inspection team were advised that about the Antarctic Treaty, environmental in the last year there were no oil spill accidents. management, first aid, fire fighting, Water was supplied from a glacier lake. The lake mountaineering and survival in cold climates. had 5 metres depth and, although in the winter Visiting summer scientists and logistics staff were the surface of the lake froze to 30 cm, water given a briefing on environmental management remained in liquid state allowing free pumping and living on the station, the ATCM visitors water the whole year. Pumped water was filtered guidelines and the code of conduct. Further and stored in two tanks (12 and 6 cubic metres training was given when wintering staff and capacity) and other small tanks, amounting to a summer visitors arrived on the station. total of 28 cubic metres of capacity. Water was maintained in liquid state during winter in their
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The station had a Fire Emergency Plan and a range Sewage was treated in septic plants located outside of old but functional fire-fighting equipment. Fire each of the main living and accommodation fighting exercises were held monthly. buildings. Effluent was discharged by pipe to sea. Solids were pumped out of the tanks and into a The Chief of Artigas Base informed the inspection transfer tank and sent to Montevideo for disposal. team that there was a major emergency at the station in January 2011. There was a serious road The Station Leader was aware of the requirement accident when an IFA truck skidded off the road, for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to crashed and turned over. The driver was crushed in be undertaken under the Environmental Protocol the lorry cab and subsequently died. The emergency before activities took place. He explained that EIA was notified to COMNAP in 2011. The wreckage for new developments and projects were of the IFA truck was still at the station at the time undertaken by the UAI in Montevideo. No written of the inspection and would be sent out on the EIAs were provided to the inspection team. next resupply vessel to Uruguay for disposal. It was not clear to the inspection team what extra safety The Station Leader told the inspection team that precautions had been taken at the station to the UAI leased one of the large old bulk fuel tanks prevent further vehicle accidents in the future. at the nearby Russian Bellingshausen station. Fuel from this tank was transported by Russian road Environmental Management tanker to Artigas when required. He was aware The Station Leader and all the station staff who that the Russia Antarctic Expedition intended to were interviewed by the inspection team were very dismantle and remove the old tanks at knowledgeable about the Antarctic Treaty and the Bellingshausen during the forthcoming season. Environmental Protocol. Environmental The inspection team were informed that the bulk management was to a high standard. fuel tanks at Artigas would also be replaced during Waste management procedures on the station the coming season, and the UAI hoped to have were good and well organised. Wastes were them operational for the following season. The separated at source into glass, metals (cans), tanks were being replaced because they were now plastics, organics, and batteries. The waste over twenty years old and showing signs of management and processing building was part of corrosion, and did not meet modern fuel storage the generator building. Cans were compacted and standards. The inspection team noted that the UK/ put into heavy duty black plastic sacks. Paper and card was also compacted, baled, and put into sacks. Glass was crushed and put into blue plastic drums. Ash from the incinerator was also put into blue drums. Both the sacks and drums were clearly labelled with their contents. Solid wastes were sent out on the resupply ship either for recycling or safe disposal in Montevideo. Large metal scrap was stored in a bunded waste area behind the generator building. There was also an incinerator in the waste building and this was used to burn only organic waste and paper and cartons that had contained food products. Dive and General Store
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Germany Antarctic Treaty Inspection Report (1999) Tourism stated that the bulk fuel tanks were to be replaced Artigas did not receive tourist visits, possibly and repositioned closer to the shoreline in 1999. because of its distance from Frei and the relative difficulty of access from the sea. In its checklist The Station staff had a high awareness of wildlife response the base listed 55 visitors in the past year, conservation and the need not to disturb birds and but in discussion it emerged that these were seals. Notices on the protection of flora and fauna mostly courtesy visits from other bases or official were displayed. The Base Commander was aware visits from Montevideo. The President of Uruguay of the nearby ASPA No 150 Ardley Island and visited in January 2012. The base had identified no ASPA No 125 Fildes Peninsula. Permits to enter impact or disruption to its work from tourism in nearby ASPAs were authorised by the UAI, and the area. The inspection team discussed the Fildes had been issued for scientists to enter both ASPA marathon, the route of which had passed next to 150 and ASPA 125 to collect material and the base. The staff had been involved in checking undertake research. the runners did not stray from the designated path Medical and did not leave any litter or waste behind. They judged that the marathon had no deleterious The station was equipped with modest, but well impact on the environment and a copy of the maintained, medical facilities, which included a authorisation was available. treatment room. There was a wintering Air Force doctor. Any serious medical emergencies would be Summary evacuated to Uruguay through Frei. Artigas was a small, but well run station. The Artigas managed a limited SCUBA diving inspection team had the impression that the science programme with one diver who undertook laboratories and other facilities constructed in hydrographic and tidal research in Maxwell Bay. 2006 were not yet fully exploited and that the Dives did not exceed 7m depth. The station had base had further potential, particularly if a dive store, which was within the waste opportunities for collaboration with other bases management building, but there was no was developed. decompression chamber on site. The inspection team were told that if there was a diving Recommendations emergency the casualty would be transported to >>that arrangements for gasoline storage should the nearby Argentine station Carlini where there be reviewed so that it is not accumulated in or was a small decompression chamber unit. The near workplaces; inspection team considered that an urgent review >>that diving operations with a single diver be should be made by the UAI of the diving reviewed and brought into line with best programme at Artigas to ensure it was safe and in international practice; and accordance with modern standards. >>that new fuel tanks are brought into use as soon as possible.
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Palmer (United States) Inspected 9 December 2012 1:30pm–4pm
Introduction Physical description Palmer is a compact medium-sized station set on Palmer had a rather different profile from most the promontory of Gamage Point, Arthur Harbour stations. The 13 main buildings were clustered on at 64.46’S 64.03’W. Established in 1968, it has the slope of the promontory rising in a group from been developed over time into a well thought the boathouse/dive centre by the pier and giving through and well-founded station. The most the impression of a small coastal village. The recent addition was a new science laboratory in buildings were clad in blue metal. The main fuel 2006 (TerraLab), and there are plans to improve tanks had been painted black to prevent waxing. the pier. The station is owned and managed by the The buildings were connected by a system of National Science Foundation’s US Antarctic raised wooden walkways. These had been painted Programme with contracted operational support in the past, but the base was moving to staining currently by the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) rather than painting to reduce maintenance. A whose lead company is Lockheed Martin. Its large horizontal cylindrical tank at the centre of the primary purpose is scientific research. The Palmer complex contained pressurised water for the Area Station Manager provided a completed and sprinkler system. The work areas were spacious updated checklist on the morning of the inspection. and well organised. The accommodation and living block was comfortable and well-designed giving excellent views from a number of angles over
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Arthur Harbour and its many islands. Although There are many projects running on several scales. there was still a fair amount of snow, much of the All projects were selected under peer review and rock around the station was snow free. funded via grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF). They came from a variety of Personnel institutions in the USA. Every month science At the time of the inspection there were 39 activities running at Palmer station were compiled personnel on the base, including 14 scientists. This and reported in a “News from the lab” publication. was expected to rise to 44 (with 21 scientists), falling in the winter to about 30 (3 scientists). The Because of the intensity and relatively large non-scientists were all employed by ASC. Many, amount of projects at Palmer compared with other but not all, had considerable Antarctic experience. stations inspected, the six projects running at the The station manager had 14 years experience. 5-10 station at the time of the visit for season 2012-2013 ASC staff each year received professional training are mentioned underneath only as a snapshot of (in SAR, fire fighting, first aid, industrial safety, the science activities in this report. There seemed pollution control). Others received internal training. to be much more science going on, including long There was a detailed programme of training and term monitoring projects, which the inspection exercising of emergency procedures in the station, could not cover in the time available. One of the with safety talks on different themes for all longer term programmes at the station is the personnel once a week. The scientists also gave Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER). It involves weekly talks to all staff. The inspection team noted investigation of plankton blooms, benthic ecology that the ASC team at the station were closely etc. Many projects fell under this programme. linked to the ASC headquarters in Denver, >>The effects of ocean acidification and rising sea Colorado and through them to NSF headquarters, surface temperatures on shallow−water benthic Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and McMurdo organisms in Antarctica. This project provided an Station, enabling and encouraging transfer of evaluation of the individual and combined knowledge and best practice. effects of rising ocean acidification and sea Scientific Research surface temperatures on shallow−water calcified benthic organisms in western Antarctic Peninsula The inspection team was briefed and shown round (WAP) marine communities. by the assistant Supervisor of Laboratory Operations. >>Developmental Mechanisms for the Evolution of Around eight scientists were on site at the time of Bone Loss. The adaptive evolution of the visit. The inspection team considered that the degenerative bone loss over geological time in science activities on the station were impressive Antarctic icefish. and that the station demonstrated a clear >>Redox balance in Antarctic notothenioid fishes: commitment to science. The station optimised data Do icefishes have an advantage? This project collection in such a way that time at the station sought to understand the characteristics of could be focused on what was really necessary to physiology and biochemistry of Antarctic fishes do in Antarctica. In the Terralab one technically that were compatible with life at body trained scientist was running 14 independent temperatures of ca.0C. research projects by collecting all data and >>Impact of recent climate warming on active− transporting samples to the USA for further analyses. layer dynamics, permafrost, and soil properties Only one primary investigator of these projects on the western Antarctic Peninsula. was present at the station during the inspection.
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>>A project to download data from two soil Science at the station was done in combination climate stations, 21 shallow boreholes, and two with the Lawrence M. Gould. The station itself permafrost boreholes installed over the past two had two primary science facilities. A lot of science field seasons at Palmer and Primavera was automated. (Argentina) Stations. >>Collaborative research: submarine groundwater Biolab with aquarium and freshwater inputs along the western Within this lab ten individual laboratories were Antarctic Peninsula. This project sought to present all with different setups dedicated to the determine (1) submarine groundwater discharge projects in hand. Connected to this lab was the (SGD) fluxes to near shore environments of the aquarium that was also connected to a pump Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP); (2) the house that received fresh seawater straight out of relative contribution of iron and nutrients from the harbor without filtration into the aquaria. this source to the receiving waters compared to Seven large outside and four inside aquarium tanks fresh melt water; and (3) the rate of across−shelf provided ample space to run incubation experiments mixing that potentially introduce Fe and other at ambient seawater conditions on krill, fish embryos, constituents to offshore waters. ice fish etc. or to measure the composition of seawater parameters such as dissolved gases in There were no special monitoring programmes seawater directly connected to a gas chronograph. running to look into the long term environmental In one outside tank an experiment was in progress effects of the Bahia Paraiso that was wrecked close with an experimental setup to acclimate to the station. phytoplankton to different CO₂ concentrations.
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In the aquarium room two climate controlled doing phytoplankton genetics. A final lab space environmental rooms were present providing had an autoclave, centrifuge, ice machine, workbenches and a fume cupboard for doing refrigerator, freeze dryer and other lab equipment. experiments and work on samples under controlled circumstances. One of the environmental rooms The central policy of the station was ideally to have was blinded and in use for an experiment in all the equipment scientists need on site to avoid controlled light conditions. constantly shipping science equipment to and from the station. This excluded very specialized The station deployed five gliders with different equipment needed for special projects. sensors (CTD, ADCP, FIRE) to continuously measure conductivity, temperature, depth, currents and Diving and boating facility phytoplankton activity in the Palmer Deep. The To support the marine science projects there was a gliders could also run up all the way to Rothera boat house next to the bio lab building with a station and have a satellite connection to transmit diving facility with two zodiacs. Dives were only data on surfacing every two days and to receive permitted up to 9 m to avoid decompression time. new mission information. Two deep gliders in the Terra lab (constructed in 2006) season 2012-13 were due to travel south along the Peninsula extending the range of the Palmer LTER The inspectors were briefed on this lab by the grid and would be monitoring eddies which shed coordinator of the experiments. He operated in from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and onto interaction with the primary researchers of the the shelf. science projects. The Terra lab building housed mainly automated centres. Outside and around the There are moored sediment traps deployed to building some long term experiments were taking investigate the “marine snow”. Work on it was in place. One project involved soil probes to look at progress on a workbench. Some work was in soil, humidity and temperature from a little progress involving the use of Thorium 244. Large borehole with thermistors. For continuous space was available all over the individual lab monitoring a seismometer and a magnetometer setups for storage of samples in a variety of (ultra) were installed in small separate buildings outside freezers (-20 and -70 degrees Celsius). There was a of the Terra lab and a VLF antenna is positioned on water purification facility. One set up was present the glacier that was looking at lightning strikes. On for bacterial research including fume cupboards. the roof of the building many light sensors were An isotope lab was available working under full installed for ultra violet monitoring and inferred permits and a meticulously tracked waste disposal ozone amounts. An interferometer telescope was protocol. The lab building housed a special installed that looked at Doppler shifts in the upper instrument tech office with an instrument atmosphere to track and differentiate different technician to look after repairs and maintenance. weather patterns.
One shared lab was fully equipped with An air filtration station was operated as part of the microscopes and an oxygen titration system. In Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty network. It filtered another lab two researchers were present, working air for 24 hours through filter material that is on krill populations using an echo sounder labeled each day. The machine had a radio nuclei deployed from a zodiac in the bay. A computer lab detector to detect radioactive species. All was was filled with adequate modern computer automated and remotely connected to the facilities and also a lab with a current setup for network centre in Vienna.
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Logistics and Infrastructure Logistic support was provided by the ‘Lawrence M Gould’ which arrived in Palmer every 4 to 6 weeks throughout the year, delivering stores and personnel from Punta Arenas. Stores were shipped from USA to Punta Arenas via commercial cargo ships. ‘Lawrence M. Gould’ could be moored to the pier at Palmer to unload stores directly ashore. Occasionally small ski equipped aircraft can land on Marr Ice Piedmont glacier, behind the station. Last time a landing occurred was in February 2009. Helicopters have also landed on the glacier moraine and Marr Ice Piedmont.
Power generation was provided by 2 x 250 KW There was equipment online for ultraviolet generators located in the Generator building. monitoring with a scanning monochrometer. On There was also an emergency generator of 150 site was also a GPS core reference station used in KW in the bio lab building. This supplied power to crustal deformation studies. Several air sampling essential services only. Exhaust gases were used to programmes were running, e.g. for the monitoring heat the GWR building. There was an automated of trace gases by NOAA. Analyses of samples of plant monitoring system which could be viewed on local air taken in flasks were done in Boulder, station and also from headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Work included studies of carbon cycling, Colorado. Engineering rounds were also conducted mostly CO₂ and also Halocarbon sampling (I, Cl, twice a day. The generators were approx 25 years Br). Airglow measurements were undertaken using old; it was intended that they be replaced in 2 an interferometer that measures the Doppler shift years. The generator building was protected by a of light given off by Oxygen and Nitrogen in the Halon Gas Drench System. The station buildings mesosphere. This was used to measure the wind were all protected by a sprinkler system. speed in the mesosphere. Fuel used on Palmer was Marine Diesel blended Much research was done over the years with a low with 40 percent Jet-A. On average maximum fuel frequency radio receiver, active since the 1970s, storage on Station was 378 mt, in two single measuring lightning strikes mostly in the tropical skinned tanks reinforced inside with an inner regions and in the Northern hemisphere using two rubber/vinyl membrane. Both tanks could store antennas up at the glacier. It was used to measure 450mt each, allowing oil to be transferred activities in the ionosphere, in the magnetic field between these two big tanks in the event of a lines, to investigate coronal mass ejections from leak. These two tanks were 40 years old, in good the sun. condition and were painted black to increase the temperature of the fuel stored. Usually one of There were no personnel on site from other these tanks was empty to allow for a full transfer national programmes. However several nationalities of fuel from one tank to the other in case of a tank were at present working through the USA defect. An above ground pipe connected the tanks Universities on NSF projects. with the pier. Refuelling was made once a year. After refuelling fuel lines were cleaned by
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compressed air under the supervision of the senior amateur radio. The third was the Earth Station diesel mechanics. Consumption of marine diesel Radio Dome and RF building, housing an Iridium was about 290mt per year. telephone and the satcom systems providing voice and data via Colorado (USA). This facility also Safety and spill preventions were top priorities for the housed a stand-by marine channel 27 repeater and station. A spill containment boom was deployed stand-by UHF repeater. The fourth communication around the ship during fuel transfers with other facility consisted of a VHF repeater shack beneath containments and cleaning materials available if the 30m tower supporting an inverted sloping V HF needed. All piping and equipment was continuously antenna pointing north. The facility also had marine inspected during transfer by personnel trained in channel 27, marine channel 16, UHF repeater and spill prevention and response. The main fuel tanks weather broadcast transmitter on 162.550 MHz. were connected with the daily ready use single skinned tank of 3mt, located in the bio lab and Arms and military support generator buildings. The station held 1 x 12 gauge pump action shot gun and 1.223 calibre hunting rifle with associated Up to 2 tons of gasoline in 200 litres drums was ammunition for taking of animals by science parties stored inside plastic container units located outside covered by permit. These were held securely by the the buildings. Alternative energy sources (solar Station Leader. Neither weapon had been used in panels) were used to power the weather station. recent years. The station also held emergency Water was provided by two complete systems of flares. The station did not provide assistance to or reverse Osmosis with a production of 30mt per receive assistance from the military. week each. Water was treated by UV sterilisation Environmental Management and stored in a fibreglass 5mt tank adjacent to the domestic water heating plant. An alternative water The Palmer Area Manager (Station Leader) and all supply was provided from a small glacier melt the station staff that the inspection team spoke to pond to the west of GWR building. The quality of were well aware of the requirements of the water met World Health Organisation and Environmental Protocol and the US Antarctic Environmental Protection Agency requirements. Conservation Act. As well as pre-deployment on-line training, an oral briefing on environmental Transport and communications issues and wildlife conservation was given when The Station had a wide range of different vehicles: staff and visitors arrived at the station, along with two all terrain vehicles, two snow mobiles, 1 crane, a written handout. 1 bulldozer and 2 quad bikes. For nautical work Station management and staff knew about the the station had 16 zodiacs (Mark III and Mark V) protected area management provisions for the with outboard motors (5 of them continuously nearby ASPA No. 139 Biscoe Point and ASPA No. ready for use in the water with an overhead 113 Litchfield Island. Access to the protected areas mooring system). was only allowed by NSF for compelling scientific There were four major communication facilities on reasons or for safety purposes (such as checking Station. The main one was in the Bio Lab building, and replacing emergency caches for the OSAR consisting of two 1 KW HF transceivers, a 200 w team). Permits were issued by NSF and copies held HF transceiver, an iridium phone, an INMARSAT by the Palmer Area Manager and shown to the system, one VHF marine radio, and a VHF AM aircraft radio. The second facility consisted of an
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inspection team. Maps showing the location of the for major refit and maintenance. At Palmer some ASPAs were prominently displayed at several scientists used small quantities of low-level locations around the station. radiochemicals for research purposes. For example, carbon14 and tritium were being used in biological Palmer station was located within the SW Anvers experiments. Radioactive waste from these Island and Palmer Basin ASMA No.7. This allowed experiments was separated into dry and liquid limited access by station personnel to some of the waste. Dry solid radioactive waste, such as gloves nearby islands, such as Torgersen Island, but and pipette tips, was stored in barrels, and liquid prohibited access to others except for scientific waste in drums. All radioactive waste was carefully research or safety purposes. The inspection team packed, labelled and tracked. were informed that visiting cruise vessels and yachts are also informed of the restrictions. Sewage, grey water and food wastes were not treated, but were macerated and then discharged Waste management and disposal on the station to sea via an outfall at the pier. The exception was was excellent and in the view of the inspection waste from avian products, e.g., poultry bones, egg team set very high standards. All wastes were shells, etc., which were separated and removed separated at source. All non-hazardous waste wais from the station as non-hazardous waste. Toilets shipped to Punta Arenas, Chile for disposal by the used seawater for flushing. The inspection team station resupply vessel Laurence M. Gould. Paper, were told that the effluent had no discernible cardboard and plastic bottles were compacted in a impact on the local environment. The wastewater Trashapacker 7000 machine and put into bales. was screened annually to ensure only domestic Glass was crushed and ground up and put into waste was discharged, and total release of nutrients empty 205 litre drums, which had previously been and solids and monitored on an annual basis. used to contain sand used for spreading on walkways and footpaths during icy conditions. The Palmer Area Manager was aware of the Large pieces of scrap metal were put into wooden requirements under the Environmental Protocol for boxes. Non-hazardous wastes were stored in ISO EIA. He told the inspection team that within USAP shipping containers (millvans) until they could be there had to be a Record of Environmental Review shipped out during station resupply. The (ROER), IEE or CEE for all science and logistics management of hazardous wastes was impressive projects. Reviews were undertaken by Antarctic and very strictly controlled on the station. The Support Contract (ASC) and then assessed and inspection team were told that the USAP policy is signed off by NSF. The inspection team were that no hazardous waste was allowed to be put to provided with a written copy of the ROER for a drain at Palmer station and all waste chemicals small floating dock and boat ramp for the station’s were required to be shipped out to the US for zodiac inflatable boats which was planned for the disposal in accordance with US Environmental 2012/13 season. Protection Agency regulations. An ISO shipping container had been set aside for processing and Pollution prevention and control was given a high sorting out waste chemicals. The station stored priority at Palmer station. The general policy was safely all its hazardous wastes, along with that to prevent spills from happening and to provide produced by the USAP research vessels, for a secondary containment whenever possible. The maximum of two years in ISO containers. The station had a spill response plan. During bulk hazardous wastes were taken back to the US by refuelling of the station by the Laurence M. Gould the Laurence M. Gould when it returned to the US a spill containment boom was deployed around
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the vessel, and clean-up equipment, including a Intermediate Life Support, and in first response persistaltic pump, and absorbent pads and pillows trauma management. The doctor provided were on hand in case of an incident. Fuel spill ongoing training in these skills to his teams, and to response exercises were usually held in conjunction the wider staff. Much of the doctor’s spare with the two or three bulk fuel transfers undertaken capacity was used in health promotion and by the resupply ship each year. The Palmer Area preventative medicine. Manager told the inspection team that there had been no major spills in the past two years. The medical facility was based on a single clinical area with adjacent offices and storage areas. The Safety, Training and clinical area was organised so that all resuscitation Emergency procedures equipment was in one part, diagnostics in another All station personnel underwent pre-deployment etc. The resuscitation equipment included a training in the USA. The US Antarctic Program had defibrillator, ventilator and anaesthetic machine. developed an on-line Internet training module to Diagnostic equipment included digital X-Ray, for educate staff about the Antarctic Treaty, the US which radiology oversight reports were received Antarctic Conservation Act (ACA) and within 24 hours, and ultrasound scanning. There environmental protection. was a small collection of laboratory machines which could perform automated blood counts and Specialist training was provided in the US for a basic biochemistry, including troponin testing. smaller number of technical staff in fire-fighting, There were facilities to centrifuge blood samples for search and rescue (glacier and ocean), hazardous transport to mainland facilities for more complex waste management, fuel spill prevention and tests such as thyroid function. A telemedicine response and first-aid. centre provided 24 hour live access to specialists in the USA. The system could be used either in The station was very well equipped for fire and camera mode, or with a probe for e.g. throat smoke detection and for fire fighting. All the main examination, or could be attached to a full buildings contained automatic fire detection and ophthalmologic suite. Medical re-supply was via suppression systems. Each of the two generator the monthly support ship visit. rooms had a fixed CO₂ suppression system. Fire fighting protective equipment and clothing, Waste disposal was conducted by the environment including breathing apparatus, was located at the officer. Clinical waste was separated into burnable entrances and exits to the main buildings. There material and medical waste. Medical waste was was a Fire Emergency Plan and fire fighting returned to the mainland for disposal. exercises were held every month. The Search and Rescue capability on the station was excellent with Tourism both an Ocean SAR team and a Glacier SAR team The station kept detailed records of all visitors. For on station. There had been no major emergencies the most part these were ship and yacht arrivals. In over the past year. the 2011/12 season there were 11 cruise ship visits and 9 yachts. The total number of visitors landing Medical was 1,459. Tour ships were required to book their The medical cover was principally provided by a visits in advance and to confirm 72 hours in board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. He advance. This booking was done through the NSF was assisted by a number of Emergency Medical headquarters in liaison with IAATO. The station Technicians. These were trained in Basic and limited cruise ship landings to 12 a year. One or
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two of these slots were left unbooked to give Summary some flexibility. Visits were usually limited to a half Palmer was a very impressive station demonstrating day, am or pm, with a maximum of 48 onshore at many aspects of best practice. The quality of any one time. Visitors were escorted in groups of science was very high and the inspection team about 12 by station personnel volunteering as noted the trend towards remote access to data at guides. Tours were 60-90 minutes enabling all the station enabling planners to limit activities in passengers to land in rotation. The largest number Antarctica to those which could only be done on received in 2011/12 was 210. Cruise ships with larger site. The fire safety system was of a very high numbers also visited, but did not land. Instead staff standard and the station drew on US mainland from the station took their zodiacs to the ship and industry standards for health and safety measures. delivered lectures on board. There were four such The strong culture of review and knowledge visits, all from Holland America, in 2011/12. sharing in the station and between US stations on the continent clearly contributed to the high For 2012/13 9 cruise ships were booked to land standards as did the private sector management passengers, 3 Holland America visits and 1 yacht. techniques brought by the operator. About half the yacht visits were unscheduled. The French Yacht Paradise arrived during the inspection. The station manager estimated that the disruption Recommendations of a cruise ship landing lost the station a half day’s >>that consideration be given to applying a work. They therefore wished to keep the limit to higher level of treatment to sewage 12 visits a year. At this level, visits were welcomed discharged into the sea; and and seen as part of the educational contribution of >>that the weapons be removed from the station. They also contributed to alleviating the Antarctica when no longer needed for isolation of the station which had no local means scientific purposes. of accessing neighbouring stations (such as Port Lockroy or Vernadsky). The station also operated a shop for tourists. The Station Leader reported that the station personnel had detected no environmental impact from this level of tourist visits.
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Gabriel González Videla (Chile) Inspected 11 December 2012, 9am–11:45am
Introduction Physical description Presidente Gabriel González Videla base was Videla was located on a small rocky island a few established in 1951 and is located at 64.49’S acres in extent and connected to the continent by 62.52’W. The base had been operated in a variety a small tidal causeway 50 metres in length covered of ways over the past 60 years, but was now run at high tide. It was located within Paradise Bay. jointly by the Chilean Air Force (providing the base There are 7 buildings mostly on higher ground to commander) and the Chilean Navy as a summer the centre and west of the island. The fuel store only (December-March) base. The Navy’s tasking was orange, but the other buildings had been was to monitor maritime traffic the Chilean MRCC restored to their original predominantly black paint and to provide a first response in the event of a as part of an effort to establish the base as a site pollution incident. It was subsidiary to Fildes of historic interest. The main building had a small Maritime Station, but also reported directly to the lookout tower. The Helipad was still covered in MRCC centre in Valparaiso. The Air Force snow. Most of the site was occupied by a Gentoo component maintained the base. There was close Penguin rookery. There was a small shrine in the cooperation with Almirante Brown Station centre of the base complex. To the south of the (Argentina) a mile away across the bay (although base a sign and a plaque mark Historic Site No 56 Brown was still unoccupied at the time of the (Waterboat Point). The island was covered in fast inspection). The team at Videla had only been melting snow at the time of the visit. there a week when the inspection took place, and were still in the process of preparing the base for the summer season.
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Personnel Scientific Research At the time of the inspection there were 13 The station was in the middle of a large Gentoo personnel at the base, 9 Air Force and 4 Navy. The penguin colony. The station staff participated in a Base Commander was an Air Force Major. The penguin count twice a season to contribute to senior Naval Officer (Harbour Master) was a investigations into population dynamics. This data Second Lieutenant. Other staff included a nurse, 2 was delivered to the Chilean Antarctic Institute cooks and a range of technicians. A team of 4 (INACH). They also photographed the Torre Glacier technicians working on the internet connection to be able to monitor its annual retreat. had recently left. The base’s maximum capacity was 20. There were no scientific facilities present at the station beyond a small basic meteorological The inspection team were advised that the Air station. The data acquired over a full summer Force personnel changed every year, and that naval season was delivered to INACH at the end of the personnel completed a 2 year assignment to the season. The standalone building used for science in station completing 2 full seasons. Competition for the past was now used as a museum. places was reported to be high, with a rigorous selection process and training in place. Applicants Logistics and Infrastructure applied principally for a specific station in Stores from Punta Arenas logistic support were Antarctica but might be assigned to another if provided by the Chilean Navy ships Lautaro, selected and successful. Aquiles and Viel. The helipad was covered with ice during the winter but in the summer helicopters
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could land allowing logistic support from ships or tank, and two smaller (7 mt and 5 mt) in the from Fildes. At the time of the inspection the general store. Water was pumped from these helipad was still covered in snow. tanks to the accommodation building. The average weekly consumption was approx 5 cubic metres. In Power generation was provided by 2 x 75 KVA order to conserve the fresh water, the station used generators, located in the Generator building. sea water for sanitation. There were also two emergency generators, each of 16 KVA in the building that could supply power Transport and Communications for illumination. Emergency generators did not The station did not have any land vehicles. At the supply enough power to maintain the electrical time of the inspection the station had 2 zodiacs heating of the Station. At the time of the (Mark V) with outboard motors. inspection one of the main generators was in the process of being repaired. The station was waiting The station had a communication system to for a new 65 KVA generator to be delivered, contact maritime traffic through the Guerlache arriving on the next supply ship. The Station had Strait. The Station had VHF covering maritime also 2 small portable gasoline generators (1 kW). channel 16 continuously, HF 3100khz in The fuel used on Videla Station was Antarctic Gas connection with Fildes, Digital Selective calling Oil. Fuel was stored in 200 litre drums in an (DSC), AIS system for ships identification (20 miles), isolated building, located about 30 metres away 2 Satellite Iridium telephones, internet bandwidth from the accommodation and generator buildings. of 256 Kb. For internal safety and control the In this building there were 9 large and 4 small Station had 5 handheld VHF and 10 handheld UHF cylinders of propane, used only in the kitchen. transceivers. The station had also the Chilean There were ten 200 litre JP1 drums to refuel protocols for maritime traffic CTM and GRAFIMAR helicopters, four 200 litre drums of gasoline for that allowed continuous positioning for all ships zodiacs and small generators, and 2.5 mt of Gas that report at MRCC Chile or COMNAP. Oil also stored in 200 litre drums for the generators. At the time of the inspection in the Arms and Military Support generator room there were also three 200 litre There were no arms at the base. Videla was run drums of gasoil ready for immediate use. and maintained by the Chilean military.
The station had a large number of booms and Safety, Training and absorbent material to enable them to provide first Emergency Procedures response assistance in case of an oil spill in the All station personnel underwent pre-deployment area. There were no alternative energy sources training in Chile, including cold weather survival (solar panels, wind turbines). and mountaineering courses with the Armed Water was provided from three different sources: Forces. They also attended a four day training water used for peoples’ consumption and food course at INACH in Punta Arenas and learnt about preparation was stored in sealed bottles measuring the Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental 5 litres; ships provided water generated by reverse Protocol. All station staff had to pass a general osmosis (RO) plants; and salt water was used for knowledge exam about Antarctica. The Navy sanitary matters.Water was only produced during personnel on the station were specialists in search the day to ensure that the RO plants could be and rescue and oil spill response in Chile and had monitored. Fresh water could be stored in a 25 mt received several years of specialist training in Valparaiso before coming to Antarctica.
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The station was poorly equipped for fire and the base. The Base Commander said this smoke detection. The inspection team were told information would also be put onto a sign and put that the base had no automatic fire detectors or up at the main landing point. smoke alarms. The base did, however, have a considerable amount of fire fighting equipment, Waste management and disposal on the station including fire extinguishers, fire pumps and hoses. was simple and effective. All solid wastes were There was a Fire Emergency Plan and fire fighting separated at source. Empty fuel drums were used exercises were held every two months or so. Fire to store paper and card, glass and cans. Drums fighting exercises were not undertaken more were also used for waste oils. Open topped blue frequently in order to avoid disturbing the Gentoo drums with sealable lids were used to store solid penguins nesting around the base. food wastes. Hazardous wastes, such as lead-acid batteries, were stored in boxes. Solid wastes were The Search and Rescue and oil spill response sent out on various Chilean Navy vessels, such as capability on the station was good. The Navy the Laturo, after station resupply and disposed of personnel were experts in marine SAR, zodiac boat in Punta Arenas, Chile. handling and in dealing with fuel spills at sea. There had been one major emergency involving Sewage, grey water and liquid food wastes were Gonzalez Videla during the past two years. The treated in a small biological treatment plant. The Navy staff and zodiac boats had assisted with an plant consisted of three tanks, with the first tank evacuation from the nearby Argentine Almirante using microorganisms to break the sewage down Brown summer station in 2010. The casualty and the second and third tanks using chlorination required medical care which could not be provided and disinfectant respectively to kill any remaining at Almirante Brown as they did not have a doctor bacteria. The effluent was discharged through a or nurse. The casualty was brought to Gonzalez filter before final discharge to the sea and was Videla and given emergency medical treatment by considered to be very clean by the Base Commander. the station nurse and was then evacuated by ship to The first tank used a pump to mix the effluent and Frei station for onward air transport to Argentina. prevent solid residue from forming.
The base had a portable emergency communications Although the Base commander was aware of the pack, containing a satellite telephone and other need to avoid environmental impact, the inspection equipment, kept in the observation tower. The team were unsure if an Environmental Impact pack was to be used in the event of a major Assessment had been undertaken for the change disaster on the base. One of the major lessons of use of the station science laboratory into an learnt from the Tsunami disaster by the Chilean Antarctic heritage museum. The Base Commander Navy had been to ensure that portable emergency told the inspection team that there were no plans back-up communications equipment was available for new buildings as the intention was to maintain at all of its coastal stations. the base as a historic site.
Environmental Management One of the major roles of Gonzalez Videla was to provide a local pollution response capability. The Base Commander and the station staff spoken Accordingly, standards of pollution prevention and to by the inspection team were aware of the control on base were high. The inspection team requirements of the Antarctic Treaty and were shown the emergency response store, in the Environmental Protocol. There was a large old boat shed, which contained over 200m of information poster and map in the museum which absorbent boom and several rolls of absorbent set out the environmental guidelines for visiting
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pads. It was, however, difficult to access the boat being rigged. There had been requests for shed because there were several Gentoo penguins permission to camp on shore, but these had been nesting right next to the main entry door. refused. Yachts frequently moored in Paradise Bay and it was thought there was some overnight Medical camping at Brown whilst it was unoccupied. Medical cover was provided by a nurse from the Air Force. Top cover was provided by the doctor at The inspectors were surprised to find that a small Frei Base. If a cruise ship were in the area, the museum had been established a few years ago in nurse would still need the permission of Eduardo a building that had served as a laboratory. It Frei to contact and utilise the cruise ship doctor. contained information about the base and its history and a selection of enlarged photographs The medical facilities were being reduced in size, showing the early history of the base and its with the original room being converted to construction; and the history of the British Graham accommodation. There was a single very small Land Expedition of 1921-22, as a result of which two clinical area with a store cupboard adjacent. This is young explorers had been forced to overwinter on not currently well organised owing to the ongoing the island in an upturned waterboat. This was also move. There was only a very basic level of equipment. commemorated at Historic Site 56, Waterboat There was no defibrillator. Waste medication and Point. Within the museum there was also a small clinical waste was returned on the supply ship. shop selling souvenirs, Chilean wine and postcards.
All emergency planning was based around the Summary concept of casualty evacuation by helicopter to The staff at Videla were conscientious about the Eduardo Frei for stabilisation and onward transfer environmental management of the rookeries. The to Punta Arenas. inspection team were struck by the shift in focus away from science and towards tourism and the Tourism development of the base as a site of historic interest. Although the stated objectives of the base did not include tourism, this was clearly a significant element in the activity of the base. In the Recommendations December 2011 – March 2012 summer season >>that Fire and smoke alarms are installed in they had received about 2,000 visitors, mostly the accommodation building as soon as from cruise ships. Tourists visited in groups of not possible; and more than 40, were briefed on arrival and guided >>that the safety arrangements for small boat round the island. The sensitive areas of the operations are reviewed and aligned with penguin rookery were roped off and the international best practice. inspection team saw the ropes in the process of
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Esperanza (Argentina) Inspected on 13 December 2012, 9:30am–12:30pm
Introduction Physical Description Esperanza is a permanent base located at 63.24’S Esperanza was spread over a wide sloping area 56.60’W on the northern tip of the Antarctic with nearly 40, mostly red, buildings covering an Peninsula looking out across Hope Bay to the area of 40,000 square metres. It was linked by Antarctic Sound. It is a substantial base operated around 1.5km of stone tracks, most of which were by the Argentine Army under the supervision of covered in snow at the time of the inspection. The the Dirección Nacional del Antártico (National base was accessed from the sea through a small Antarctic Directorate – DNA). According to the jetty or via the helipad to the east of the base. base commander, the main purposes of the base Small aircraft could land on the glacier to the east. were logistics and science. Behind the base rises The cluster of 13 houses gave the impression of a Mt Flora, the upper slopes of which are designated small village. The base included a chapel, school as ASPA No148. Families of personnel at the base and an indoor and outdoor museum. live there throughout the year. The base also supported a Radio Station (Radio Archangel Personnel Gabriel) which broadcasted three hours of Esperanza was unusual in maintaining a full programmes a day on short wave. complement of personnel including spouses and children throughout the year. The standard year round personnel total was 65, including up to 20 children from infants to 16 years old. In the
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summer the number of visiting scientists could Nacional, it became available for the international reach 30. The comfortable base maximum was 85. meteorological programmes. When aircraft At the time of the inspection there were 34 people were due to arrive in the area meteorological at the base including 6 children, 2 spouses, 2 data was recorded for Marambio every hour. scientists and 2 meteorologists from the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (National Weather 2 Seismology: the seismology work was done in Service). The remainder of personnel were from cooperation with the University of Trieste – Italy, the Army. The small number was because the base through the “Antarctic Seismograph Argentinean was in the middle of the annual staggered Italian Network” (ASAIN). The Inspectors were changeover of personnel. Spouses were employed shown how all seismological stations in Antarctica at the base running the radio station, teaching at e.g. Esperanza, Carlini, Belgrano II, Orcadas, San the school, working at the infirmary or helping Martin were visible. All this data was used for with the cooking. tomographic studies in Italy and Argentina.
The school was attached to the provincial 3 Biology: the main science programme on the education system of Ushuaia (Ushuaia School No 38) station involved ecosystem monitoring and which provided the teachers and other forms of appeared to be fully dedicated to penguin support. It had primary and secondary classes. research. Under a permit, that was shown to the inspectors, every five days 200 penguins Military personnel received the full 8 month were counted and sexed as a reference pre-deployment training course, covering theory, population in predefined and several marked practice (including survival) and the adaptation of areas – one close and one far from the beach specialist skills to the Antarctic environment. – and followed with regards to their breeding Successful completion of the exams at the end of success from egg to adult stage. Guano and this course was necessary for appointment to the contents of the penguin intestines were Argentina’s Antarctic bases. There was a good investigated to establish their diet. The faeces knowledge of the Treaty System among those to of Weddell seals were also investigated. whom the inspection team spoke, and a clear commitment to the conservation of Antarctica. The inspectors understood that tide measurements, limnographic, glaciological and oceanographic Scientific Research research activities which were reported in the last The scientific activities at the station were within inspection report had been discontinued. However, three areas of research. The two Argentine other research activities in the fields of marine scientists on site worked for the Argentine pollution, permafrost and geocriology were being Antarctic Institute (Instituto Antártico Argentino carried out. -IAA-/Dirección Nacional del Antártico -DNA-). The two meteorologists that were on site worked for There was a standard meteorological station. No the Argentine Air Force. automatic weather station was present, although the inspectors were advised that it was planned to 1 Meteorology: data was used for weather have such a station installed for the next season. forecasting and some climate research Two small 20 foot container sized basic laboratories elsewhere. Daily information was sent in real were present. One “geology lab” dedicated to time over the internet to Marambio station. seismology with a small desk and a computer Then, through the Servicio Meteorológico connected to a broadband seismograph was
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installed just outside the geology lab. The other The fuel farm was adjacent to the generator laboratory was called the “bio lab” and had a building with a capacity of 310 cubic metres held small desk type workbench for two persons on on 32 single skinned horizontal interlinked tanks of one side and a fume cupboard on the other side. 10 cubic metres capacity each. The tanks were During the visit this was not operational. It was over a concrete platform bunded around the stated that at the time of the inspection, two whole set of tanks. Quantities of fuel in drums scientists worked in the lab and that over the were stored adjacent to the fuel tank farm with summer season this would rise to 12 scientists; all smaller amounts of fuel distributed in the nearby mainly involved in penguin research. refuges (700 litres Malvinas, and 600 litres of gas oil and 200 litres of JP1 at Independencia No international scientists were present. Science Argentina and Martin Güemes). At the time of the cooperation with Italy in seismology had been inspection there were 140 large propane cylinders running for several years. It was noted that very on Station with 81 still full. All cylinders were close to the station a small automated Brazilian stored far from the housing but outside the meteorological station was operational, although carpentry workshop. there was no information available at the base about what sort of data was collected here. Potable water was taken at 4 metres depth from Boeckella glacier lake, 300 metres SW of the Logistics and Infrastructure Station. The pipeline to the Base was heated and Over the last years, annual resupply was by means the water treated by filtration and chloride in a of a charter ship that delivered bulk and stores in purification plant before being stored in two January or February. Transfer of fuel was achieved 3 cubic metres tanks. using helicopters carrying under-slung rolling tanks to the reception area close to the fuel farm. The Transport and Communications fuel area was bonded by elevated gravel The Station had the following vehicles for land earthworks to contain any potential spill. Average uses: 1 truck, 3 muskegs, 10 snow bikes, 1 snow resupply was 330 cubic metres of fuel, 8 cubic cat, 1 Caterpillar tractor, 1 unimog vehicle, 2 4X4 metres of other combustibles (Gasoline, JP1, oils) ATVs. All vehicles were well maintained in a garage 10 cubic metres of gas in cylinders and 200 cubic with mechanical facilities. The snow-cat’s principal metres of general cargo and other provisions. On a use was to support the glacier aircraft ski-way. For monthly basis, personnel and light stores were marine work the Station had 4 zodiacs with 30 hp delivered, by Twin Otter aircraft coming from outboard motors. At the time of the inspection a Marambio Station (about 100 km away) that could number of out of service vehicles were parked in land using a ski-way on a nearby glacier. an open area ready to be moved out of the Treaty Area : 3 mobile two wheel tanks, 1 muskeg, 2 Electrical power was supplied by three 28 years old mobile two wheel platforms. Caterpillar generators (two 140 KVA, one 150 KVA) with an emergency unit of 140 KVA. There The Station had good communication facilities was a 200 litre, ready to use fuel tank located in maintaining continuously coverage of maritime the generator building, filled by gravity from the channel 16 and air channel 118.1 Mhz. The Station main fuel tanks. The generators were run for 10 had the following communication equipment: 1 days on a rotation basis. At the time of the HF ICOM IC718, 1 HF ICOM IC 728, 1 HF ICR72, 1 inspection it was stated that the Station was at full MOTOROLA MICOM 2 and one Yaesu FI 857 capacity for a single generator. There were no covering bands (HF, VHF, UHF). plans to renew the generators in the near future.
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For satellite communications the Station had an fire alarms, as well as portable fire extinguishers. Antenna C band model Casegrain (internet 256 Each of the Army personnel took it in turns to man Mb) and an antenna Patriot for TV. For internal the generator shed for a 24 hr roster and to check personal communications there were 19 UHF the fire alarm panel. transceivers Motorola GTX. The Station leader advised the inspection team of plans to build a There was also a fuel spill plan and fuel spill new antenna for Internet and TV. response exercises were held every four months. The inspection team were told that the station has Arms and Military Support a supply of absorbent booms in case of any spills. There were no arms held at the base. The base The Army staff organised regular search and was largely run and staffed by the military. It rescue exercises and in September 2012 carried out received logistical support from the Comando a major joint SAR exercise with the nearby Chilean Conjunto Antártico (Antarctic Joint Command) of O’Higgins station. the Programa Antártico Argentino (Argentine Antarctic Programme). Environmental Management The Base Commander was aware of the Antarctic Safety, Training and Treaty and the Environmental Protocol. Other Emergency Procedures station staff that the inspection team spoke with Station staff and visiting scientists underwent a were also aware of Antarctic Treaty requirements. comprehensive training programme in Argentina Waste management procedures on the station before deploying to Antarctica. Military personnel were generally good, but storage and processing working at the station were required to take an of wastes was untidy and disorganised. The eight month course run by the Argentine Army. inspection team were told that this was because a The course was in three parts and covered cold large number of wintering personnel had just left weather survival and mountaineering, the history the station and had cleared out their rooms and of Antarctica and the Antarctic Treaty and the houses leaving large quantities of rubbish to be Environmental Protocol (given by DNA staff), and dealt with. The station had a waste management specialist technical training for each job function. plan. Wastes were being sorted into four different Visiting scientists undertook a shorter pre- categories (biodegradables, plastics, metal and deployment course in Argentina organised by the glass (inerts) and hazardous). In each building there DNA, which covered the Antarctic Treaty and were posters on the wall explaining waste disposal environmental issues. At the end of the DNA using a colour-coded system. There was an old course there was an exam. Staff on the station and basic waste management and processing interviewed by the inspection team were very building to the north of the station. The facility experienced and several had worked in Antarctica housed a twin chamber high temperature for many years as part of their military service. For incinerator and a compactor. The incinerator was example, the Base Commander had previously used to burn organic waste, including food waste, been in charge of the Argentine station at San and paper food wrapping. It was fitted with a Martin for two years. water scrubber to prevent smoke and particulates The station had a Fire Emergency Plan and a range in the exhaust. The compactor was used to crush of fire-fighting equipment, and fire-fighting tins and cans. exercises were held. All the main buildings, including all the houses, had smoke detectors and
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Empty fuel drums were used to store crushed ice. No significant spills have occurred in the last glass, cans, as well as ash produced by the two years. Nine 205 litre drums of lubricating oil incinerator. Full sealed drums of solid wastes were were being stored in the open on wooden pallets labelled and being stored in the open at a depot at beside the drum store. the helicopter pad. Larger items of solid waste were boxed up in wooden crates and stored in the A notable new feature at Esperanza was a small open beside the waste drums. There were also wind turbine producing 1 kw of energy. The drums of waste oil at the depot. Most of the turbine had been installed at the base in 2011 and drums could not be moved as they were iced in was being used to supply electricity to one of the after the winter snow. The inspection team were houses. The inspection team were informed that told that all solid wastes would be sent to Buenos the turbine was being tested and if successful Aires for recycling or disposal. further turbines would be built on the base to augment the diesel power generators which were The station had a biological sewage treatment now at their maximum capacity. plant which was housed in a building next to the main living and accommodation building. The ASPA No 148 Mount Flora lay 5km to the effluent was treated with chlorine before being immediate South West of the base. This site had discharged to sea via an outfall pipe. Sewage sludge been designated because of its rich fossil flora. The produced by the plant was stored in drums and Base Commander explained that everyone on the removed from the station for disposal in Argentina. station was made aware of the ASPA and no-one was allowed to go into it unless authorised by The Base Commander was aware of the permit issued by the DNA. A copy of the current requirements for new activities to be subject to an ASPA Management Plan was shown to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the inspection team, and there were posters with Environmental Protocol. He explained that EIAs information about the ASPA in various buildings. were the responsibility of the DNA in Buenos Aires. The inspection team were told that an EIA had Adjacent to and behind the base were several been prepared for the new school which was the large penguin colonies, mostly breeding Adélie most recent major new building at Esperanza. A penguins. In order to minimise disturbance the copy of a preliminary environmental assessment penguin colonies nearest to the base were roped report for the construction of the concrete off preventing access by vehicles and people, both foundations for a digital satellite television antenna station personnel and tourists, to the breeding birds. at the station was provided to the inspection team. The antenna would be built later in December Medical 2012 and be located next to the other satellite Medical cover was provided by an experienced antenna at the base covering an area of 64 m². Argentinean Army doctor with a background in neurosurgery. He had conducted 6 tours of Bulk diesel fuel was stored in a series of thirty two Antarctica at various sites. He had his training on single-skinned 10,000 litre capacity cylindrical cold weather problems updated every 2-3 years. tanks. The inspection team saw that the tanks He had received 6 months of dental training for were badly rusted and corroded with significant dealing with emergencies. paint flaking. The tanks had a concrete bund beneath them in case of any fuel spills. At the time Esperanza was unusual in that children are of the inspection, the bund was full of snow and included in the overwintering party. There could be up to 20 children on site ranging in age from 2 to
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16. All children received vaccinations according to Diving emergencies were transferred to Carlini. the standard schedule recommended by WHO. There were 2 routes for evacuation of casualties. This was done in Buenos Aires prior to travelling to The preferred route was helicopter transfer to Esperanza. The doctor had access to telephone Carlini Base and then onward transport to a hospital support from a paediatric team in Buenos Aires. facility on the mainland just north of Tierra del Fuego. If this were not possible patients would be The infirmary had 3 clinical areas. There was a transferred to Frei and then onward to Punta Arenas. consulting room/office, a dedicated dental suite and a clinical area set up for emergencies and Tourism surgery. There was a well organised pharmacy, a Esperanza received several thousand tourists each toilet/shower and a kitchen/lab. The consulting year. Although the number of visits had increased room included an ultrasound machine. The significantly over the last decade, it fluctuates every emergency area included a ventilator, defibrillator season depending on sea ice conditions. For and portable wet-film X-Ray machine. Medical example, this year only one cruise ship had visited resupply occurred annually by supply ship. Additional so far because of the late snow and the ice medication requirements were provided by air if conditions in the Antarctic Sound. The base held a required. All clinical waste was kept segregated for plan for handling tourists. They were welcomed return to Buenos Aires by the supply ship. ashore by guides in groups of up to 30 at a time,
Inside the Museum
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briefed on the visit guidelines and shown round Summary the base. They were taken to see the penguin Esperanza was a large and varied base, operated rookeries, the Historic Sites (Nos. 39 and 40), the as a year round community. Science appeared to “outdoor museum” where old vehicles were be a relatively low priority. Attracting tourists was, displayed and the Museum. The Museum by contrast, an increasing part of the base’s activity. contained a collection of stuffed and preserved The initial steps towards installing a renewable fauna, dried flora and fossils as well as some items energy capacity were welcomed by the inspectors. of historical interest from the base, such as old A degree of disorganisation at the base could sledging equipment from the days of sledge dogs. probably be attributed to the inspection falling at Smaller groups might be offered refreshments in the point of handover between annual teams. the Casino (the main hall of the community) where there were some information leaflets available. Recommendations Historic Site No. 39 (a reconstruction of the hut >>that greater effort is made to exploit the in which 3 Swedish members of the science facilities which are available; and Nordenskjöld Expedition overwintered) was >>that the bunded areas beneath the fuel tanks roped off for protection. are regularly cleared of snow and ice so they can contain any spill.
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Arturo Prat (Chile) Inspected on 14 December 2012, 9:30am–12:30pm
Introduction Physical Description Arturo Prat is located on a promontory between Although the main buildings were visible during Discovery Bay and Iquique Inlet on the north east the inspection, the base was under heavy snow. coast of Greenwich Island, South Shetlands: 62 28’ The helipads and ASPA could not be seen. There S 59 37’W. It is a small base, established in 1947 were 5 main structures at the base and a number and operated by the Chilean Navy, the first Chilean of ancillary buildings, all metal clad and painted base in Antarctica. The purpose of the base was to red. There were several communications masts and provide SAR and marine pollution response and to two large TV receivers. 150m from the main support the scientific activities of INACH at the cluster of the base was a fully independent refuge. base. ASPA 144 lay immediately to the north The base was normally accessed from the sea by a between the base and the shore of Discovery Bay. jetty built out into the Iquique Inlet. The wave from The central building dated back to the origins of a glacier fall in the inlet had recently damaged the the base and the majority of buildings dated from jetty which was out of service. There was a beach its early years. In the summer of 2011/12 INACH landing to the south west. began building a new multipurpose laboratory. The structure was completed at the time of the inspection, but the interior had yet to be fitted out.
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Personnel information from the checklist that was provided The standard crew for the base was 9. There were to the inspectors on site mentioned two research 9 station crew at the time of the inspection, all lines for the station: from the Navy, who had begun their tour of duty >>Annual evaluation of the environmental effects in late November. In addition there were 15 Navy of the anthropogenic activities at the Chilean personnel there on a temporary basis to help with stations (Universidad de Magallanes); and maintenance and the construction of the new >>The contamination of persistent organic INACH laboratory. These were accommodated in pollutants (Universidad de Concepción). the refuge. In summer the numbers would increase to 24 (excluding the temporary maintenance team, The scientific programme at Prat was run by but including a number of scientists). The maximum INACH and operated independently from the the base could comfortably hold was 35, although Chilean Navy that operated the central facilities at extra space could be made in the gymnasium in the station. case of need. There were no scientists at the base at the time of the inspection. There was a science building present that at the time of the inspection was expanding with an Scientific Research annex providing an extra 80 square meters. It was The type of research planned at this station could full of cargo including new chairs and mattresses. not be established on site. There were no scientists Another storage building outside was also filled present during the inspection. However, written with new building materials for the annex to the
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science building. In a few weeks’ time the building Power generation was provided by six generators was planned to be finished. The capacity of the (three 55KVA, three 30 KVA), located in the building was planned for six scientists and it would generator building. The power distribution system only operational in the summer season. The top could be supplied by two generators running at floor of the INACH science building was to be used the same time. There was also one generator, of for dormitories. The unfinished ground floor had 30 KVA, in the Refuge building, which could two potential lab spaces and very modern sanitary supply power in emergencies or if required. All facilities. The base commander was not aware of generators were set over a metallic platform, able the plans that were to be realized for the science to contain any oil-fuel spillage that might occur. building or what sort of labs were to be build The generators were continuously overhauled on a inside the building. He stressed the independence rotation basis. At the time of the inspection one of of INACH in that matter. The inspectors would the generators was being overhauled at Punta have welcomed a better exchange of information Arenas. In the generator room there were also two and future plans between INACH and the base boilers for heating water for general use. There commander. was also a boiler in the Refuge for the same purpose. All generators and boilers ran on There were no scientific personnel from other Antarctic Gas Oil. Antarctic programmes present or expected. Fuel was stored in eight 20 cubic metre tanks in Logistics and Infrastructure the generator building and one additional 15 cubic Stores from Punta Arenas were delivered by the metre tank close to the Refuge , located 30 metres Chilean navy ships Lautaro, Aquiles and Viel, away from the accommodation and generator according to their itinerary in the zone during building. The floor of the tank room had some summer. During winter the Station received fresh inclination allowing, in the case of a spill, the fuel food supplies and personnel by helicopter from to collect in an external bunded pool. The Station Frei. In any case the Station was prepared to had a large number of booms and absorbent operate without support all year round. The Station material to enable them to provide first response had two concrete helipads (12X12 square metres) assistance in case of any oil spill in the Station or in and an elevated wooden platform. During the the area. All tanks were cleaned annually. At the summer there were on average 5 to 8 helicopter time of the inspection half of the fuel tanks were operations. During winter air activities were out of operation due to the cleaning process. Also reduced to an average of 4. At the time of the at the time of the inspection in one of the remote inspection snow had been cleared from the helipad, buildings there were 1000 litres of gasoline in 5 allowing the supply of stores and personnel. plastic drums for the zodiacs. To refuel helicopters there were four 200 litres cylinders of JP1. Annual Fuel was supplied during the summer from one of consumption was 122 cubic metres of Antarctic the Chilean navy ships, by means of a hose Diesel Oil and 1000 litres of gasoline. JP1 was only connected on the beach, through the station used when the helicopters required refuelling. fixed fuel pipe system to the fuel tanks. From There had been no requirement to carry out these main tanks there were copper pipes helicopter refuelling operations in the last 2 years. connecting to the generators and boilers. After There were no renewable energy sources (wind fuel delivery the pipes and hose were cleaned by turbines, solar panels). air pressure from the ship.
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Fildes. There was also: AIS for ships identification, 1 satellite Iridium telephone, 1 2.5 metre parabolic antenna (internet 1 Mb, audio telephone) and one 3.7 metre parabolic antenna (TV). For internal safety and control the Station had personal transceivers.
Arms and Military Support There were no arms held at the base. The base was run and maintained by the military and was dependent for personnel and supplies on the Fuel Tanks Chilean Armed Forces.
Water was pumped from a glacier lake to the main Safety, Training and water tank (20 cubic metres) through an aerial Emergency Procedures pipe heated by two 5 KW electrical resistances to All station personnel from the Chilean Navy avoid freezing. Water was filtered and chlorinated underwent pre-deployment training in Chile, in the water treatment plant, before being stored. including cold weather survival, mountaineering Fresh water could be stored in a 20 cubic metre and first aid. The last part of the training was a tank and two smaller tanks (3 and 5 cubic metres). four day course at INACH in Punta Arenas where There was an additional 2.5 cubic metre tank in personnel learned about the Antarctic Treaty and the the Refuge. Water was pumped from these tanks Environmental Protocol and conservation of wildlife. to the main accommodation building. The average weekly consumption was approx 5 cubic metres. In The Base Commander was very aware of fire order to conserve fresh water the Station used sea safety and station personnel were very well water for sanitation. At the time of the inspection prepared for fire fighting. All the main buildings the main tank was in its annual cleaning process had smoke detectors and fire alarms, as well as and inspectors were favourably impressed by the three major stores of fire fighting equipment, competent manner in which the energy systems including fire extinguishers, fire pumps and hoses. and fuel storage were maintained. In addition, the base had a fixed freshwater water supply system piped into the main buildings to Transport and Communications pump water to the fire hoses. There was a Fire The station had one bulldozer and two snow Emergency Plan. The Base Commander told the bikes for land transport. At the time of the inspection team that fire fighting exercises were inspection the station had 2 zodiacs (Mark V) taking place three times a week. Next to the main with outboard motors. The Station had an station was refuge Gonzalez Pacheco. It would be substantial communication system to support the used in an emergency if a fire destroyed the main Harbour Master duties on the Station, in direct station. The refuge was very well equipped with contact with and dependant from the Chilean an emergency generator, bunk rooms, and kitchen. Naval Station at Fildes. The Search and Rescue and oil spill response The station had VHF covering channel 16 and the capability on the station was excellent. The Navy air channel (118.1 MHz) both continuously personnel were well trained and experts in marine monitored. HF 2100 kHz maintained the link with SAR, zodiac boat handling and in dealing with fuel
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spills at sea. The station had an Oil Spill Response annex to their scientific laboratory. However, the Plan. There had been no major emergencies Base Commander had not seen it and did not have involving the base in the last year. At the time of a copy on the station. the inspection the station jetty was broken and not in use because it had been hit by a large wave One of the major roles of Arturo Prat station was caused by a piece of the nearby glacier breaking to provide a local pollution response capability for off and falling into the sea. Greenwich Island. Accordingly, standards of pollution prevention and control on base were Environmental Management good. The inspection team were shown the The Base Commander and the station staff spoken emergency response store, next to the generator to by the inspection team were aware of the shed, which contained large quantities of requirements of the Antarctic Treaty and absorbent boom, pillows and many rolls of Environmental Protocol. absorbent pads.
Waste management and disposal on the station Next to the station was ASPA 144, Discovery Bay. was well organised. All solid wastes were The Base Commander explained to the inspection separated at source and taken to the incinerator team that personnel were prohibited from entering building situated to the north of the main station the area, unless authorised to do so by permit complex. Paper, cartons, and wood were burnt in issued by INACH. a two stage incinerator. Cans and glass were crushed and put into empty fuel drums, as were Medical organic food wastes. Drums were also used for ash Medical cover was provided by a senior non- from the incinerator, waste oils and for the oily commissioned medic from the Chilean Navy. He solid residue from cleaning the bulk fuel tanks. Full was a dental specialist, with additional training in waste drums were sent out on Chilean Navy casualty care and trauma (PHTLS qualified). He had resupply vessels to Punta Arenas for disposal. support as required from the doctor at Eduardo Frei. There was a teleconferencing facility at the Sewage, grey water and liquid food wastes were base, but this was separate from the medical first pumped to septic tanks located at the main facility. The medic had received training in cold buildings and then pumped to a biological weather injuries as part of his pre-deployment treatment plant. The effluent was discharged training package. through a UV lamp to kill any remaining microorganisms and via a pipe to the beach below There was a single clinical room provided as part the base. Solids from the treatment plant were put of the main hut. It was very clean and well into drums and removed from Antarctica for organised. There was a defibrillator and ventilator. disposal in Chile. There was bottled oxygen ready to use. There were 2 beds in a bunk bed arrangement. There The Base Commander was aware of the was a small store of dental equipment but no requirement under the Environmental Protocol to dedicated dental suite. All clinical waste was undertake Environmental Impact Assessments returned to Punta Arenas by ship. It was kept (EIAs) for new activities at the station. He told the segregated from other waste. In Punta Arenas it inspection team that the responsibility for EIA was was sent to the hospital where it was separated by with INACH. The inspection team were informed type (sharps, contaminated material, expired that INACH had undertaken an EIA for the new
90 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012 Bases and stations
medications, etc) for disposal. Medical emergencies Summary were evacuated by helicopter to Eduardo Frei and Prat was a well organised and well run base, then transferred to the mainland. operated to Navy standards. Although some of the buildings were quite old, they were solid and Tourism serviceable. The independent refuge was an There was no structured tourist programme at unusual and convincing safety feature, as was the Prat. They received occasional visits from cruise installation of fire hose sockets in all the ships and yachts (495 passengers in 2010; 73 in buildings. The inspection team welcomed the 2011 and around 200 in 2012 and none so far in intention to reinforce the scientific work of the the summer of 2012/13). Visitors were asked to base through the investment in an expanded come ashore in groups of no more than 25, were laboratory facility. The tank cleaning programme briefed on arrival and guided round the base, with was to be commended. care taken to prevent anyone entering the ASPA. The base had not noticed any impact from this low level of visitors either on the base operations or on >>Recommendations the environment. >>that INACH and the Navy ensure there is a good flow of information about each others’ plans.
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92 Unoccupied installations and bases
Unoccupied installations and bases
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Eco-Nelson (Czech Republic) Inspected on 5 December 2012, 2:30pm–3:30pm
Eco-Nelson is located at 62.15S 58.59W. According the roof of this hut, but it was not possible to see to past reports, Eco-Nelson was established as a the interior. Another small hut was set a few feet private installation by a Czech national in 1988. away. Both these huts were secured by wire guys The inspection team could not establish contact and appeared stable and secure with intact with Eco-Nelson before the visit and none of the windows, despite exterior weathering. bases around Maxwell Bay had information about whether or not it was occupied. 100 metres down the slope towards the beach was a further small wooden structure that looked The site lay 100-150m above the beach at the foot like a storage unit, and a slightly larger steep of a small crag. The inspection team found it pitched unit about (6’x4’). The door to the latter heavily snowed in and thus none of the doors was partially open and wedged with the volume of could be opened without extensive snow and ice snow that had drifted inside. Both appeared intact. removal. It consisted of four simple block and A cable ran from the main building up a line of wood structures. There was a single-storey main posts to an aerial fixed at the top of the small crag. building with slope roofed extensions, partly There was no further information available about painted yellow. There was a wind turbine unit on this from an external inspection.
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Refugio Meteorologia Cruls (Brazil) Inspected on 5 December 2012, 4:00pm–4:30pm
The inspection team also saw a small hut some painted: “Refugio Meteorologia Cruls – BRASIL”. 200m above the beach to the West of Eco-Nelson. As far as the inspection team could tell, the building was sound with windows intact. A section Located at 62.14S 58.59W, this was a small green of panelling of the shed appeared to have been building with an open access porch. To the west carried away, exposing the slats used to separate was a small shed. The doors were locked and/or the double skin wall. frozen shut with snow and ice. On the front was
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Elichiribehety (Uruguay) Inspected on 13 December 2012, 12:30pm–1:00pm
Introduction station was operated by the Uruguayan Antarctic Located at 63.24’S 56.60’W, the Uruguayan Institute (IUA), part of the Uruguayan Ministry station T/N Ruperto Elichiribehety was inspected of Defence. on 13 December 2012, after the inspection visit to Personnel Esperanza (Argentina). At the time of the inspection the station was unoccupied so the Base Commander The station was unoccupied at the time of the of Esperanza accompanied the inspection team as inspection. The Base Commander of Esperanza he had the keys to the building. Elichiribehety was reported that the station was usually open for brief about 600m to the south of Esperanza. periods each summer season. He expected a small team of six IUA personnel to visit the station in Physical description January 2013 to undertake building repairs and The station comprised a single building and was maintenance. situated on elevated rocky ground at Hope Bay, Scientific research Trinity Peninsula. The building, named Trinity House, was built by the predecessor of the British The station building was empty and did not Antarctic Survey in 1952 and was closed in 1963. contain laboratories with scientific equipment or Ownership of the building and its contents was automated instruments. transferred from the UK to Uruguay in 1997. The
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Building condition and two men died in the fire. Debris from the fire Since the last inspection (UK, Australia and Peru in was found, including part of the original diesel 2005), considerable refurbishment and repair of generator. The graves of the two men who died the building had taken place. A new corrugated tin were also visited. They were being looked after by roof had been put on over the original wooden the IUA who had erected a commemorative plaque one, and was secured in place with wire rope tie between the two wooden memorial crosses. downs. The previous inspection in 2005 reported that the roof covering had been torn off by gale Recommendations force winds. At the time of the inspection the >>that the refurbishment of Elichiribehety by the station building was in good repair and provided a IUA should continue along with an active useful summer base for IUA activities. programme of scientific research; and Remains of old British hut and >>that a clean-up should be undertaken to clear the debris around the station. British graves The inspection team also took the opportunity to inspect the remains of the former British Base “D” Hope Bay station. The base burnt down in 1948
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98 Historic sites and monuments
Historic sites and monuments
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Whalers Bay Inspected 6 December 2012
Introduction aircraft hangar at the site. From 1944 until 1967 The ruins of the Norwegian Whaling Station the base was operated continuously until it was (Historic Site and Monument No. 71) are located at evacuated due to a major volcanic eruption. It Whalers Bay, Port Foster, Deception Island. The reopened in 1968 but was soon abandoned in buildings were listed as an HSM No. 71. The HSM 1969 following another eruption. The eruption is now an integral part of the Deception Island caused widespread melting of snow and ice on the Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA). Island and resulted in major mudflows, badly damaging, if not destroying, most of the buildings. The whaling station was established in 1912 by Hvalfangerselskabet Hector A/S of Norway. By ASPA No.140, Kroner Lake, can be found adjacent 1914/15 there were 13 floating factory ships, in to the western end of the HSM and beyond the addition to the shore station, in operation. The aircraft hangar. whaling station closed in 1931 as result of a slump In the periods 1990/91, 1991/92 and 2004/05, in whale oil prices. BAS undertook various clean-up activities at Base Buildings which were constructed and used by the “B” Deception Island, removing large quantities British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and its predecessors of waste and hazardous materials. Between 2004 are found within, and nearby to, the Norwegian and 2005, BAS also removed the fuselage of a Whaling Station. Base “B” Deception Island was de Havilland Single Otter aircraft for conservation established in 1943 using three of the abandoned in the UK. The plane’s wings and tailplane were whaling station buildings and in 1961, BAS built an also removed.
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Physical description roof’s intact nature as reported in January 1999 by Norwegian Whaling Station the Antarctic Treaty Inspection (1999) undertaken The Norwegian Whaling Station complex is by the UK and Germany. comprised of numerous structures, including: six As for the accommodation building situated by the cylindrical whale and fuel oil tanks; blubber boilers whale and fuel oil tanks, water has severely eroded and their associated pipework; waterboats; the the building’s foundations on its eastern side, remains of timber whale oil barrels. Quantities of thereby causing much damage. whalebone are also found to the east of the station. Graffiti is evident on the whale and fuel oil The aircraft hangar was however in a better tanks but does not appear to have been added to condition; its roof was intact and the foundations in recent years. had not subsided. Yet there remains a substantive amount of widespread corrosion to the steelwork As for the Norwegian whalers graveyard, this was and to the corrugated iron cladding. destroyed by the mudflow and no sign of the memorial plaque marking the position of the English and Spanish interpretive signs, describing cemetery (HSM No. 31), nor of the cairn with the site’s history, geology, the clean-up operations plaque (HSM No. 58) honouring Captain Adolphus and conservation, have been mounted on the Andresen who began Deception Islands’ whaling remaining buildings by BAS. Some of these signs operations in 1906, was evident. At the time of were broken and need replacing. They should be the Inspection, the approximate position of the also be updated and include references to Whalers cemetery was marked out by two cairns with Bay being part of the Deception Island ASMA. wooden crosses. Whilst one of the crosses was unmarked, the other was named “Tommerm Hans The Inspection team considered that it was A. Gulliksen”. hazardous to be near the buildings and even more so to enter them due to the danger of wind-blown Base “B” Deception Island debris and the potential for the building structures The buildings built or used by BAS at Base B are to collapse at any moment. now in a very poor state of repair, no longer being weathertight and often derelict. Furthermore, at Visitor management the time of the inspection, the buildings were full Whalers Bay is one of the most visited Antarctic of snow. tourism sites with more than 16,000 visitors in The main living and accommodation building at the 2011/12 season. It has an excellent area in Base B was “Biscoe House”. Originally the main which to anchor one’s vessel, being sheltered and whaling station accommodation block, Biscoe very near to the shore, enabling the safe landing House was badly damaged by the mudflow in of small boats. 1969. The mudflow went right through the On 6 December 2012, the inspection team building and knocked down whole sections of the witnessed visitor landings and activities ashore at walls. Biscoe House has continued to deteriorate Whalers Bay by three cruise vessels. All three over the years. At the time of the inspection, the vessels were members of IAATO and carried out roof at the western side of the building was found the landings in accordance with the ASPA on the ground. This is in stark contrast to the Management Plan. All visitors were instructed ashore by the Expedition Leaders and were told not to go inside any of the buildings or pick up any
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artefacts or historic materials. All of the tourist Recommendations operators also stationed one of their guides at the hangar to stop people from going inside and to >>it is unlikely that the buildings and structures ensure that visitors did not walk beyond it and at Whalers Bay will survive for many more enter the ASPA. years unless action is taken to stabilise and repair them. Given that Whalers Bay is of such historic and scientific importance, and that it is one of the most visited sites in Antarctica, urgent consideration should be given to the viability of preserving some of the buildings and structures by those Parties, notably Norway and the UK, with a significant interest in the site; >>the ASMA Management Plan should be updated to take account of the deteriorating and increasingly hazardous state of the buildings and structures at Whalers Bay; >>given that two of the HSMs no longer exist, the Antarctic Treaty Parties should review their status at the ATCM, rationalising them into one HSM covering the whole site; and >>the UK should update and replace the interpretive signs on the buildings used or built by the British Antarctic Survey.
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Port Lockroy Inspected 8 December 2012, 12:30pm–4pm
Introduction Restoration and conservation work at the base was Due to potential conflicts of interest, the two undertaken by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) principal inspection team members from the until 2006 when the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust United Kingdom did not participate in this (UKAHT) took over responsibility for this. The main inspection. The Inspection was led by the inspectors hut, Bransfield House is a museum and is open to from Spain and the Netherlands with support from visitors. During the 2012/2013 summer, the station some of HMS Protector’s crew members in their housed four staff who carried out building official capacity as part of the inspection team. maintenance and conservation work whilst providing a postal service, managing tourist visits Port Lockroy – Base A, Historic Site and Monument and wildlife monitoring on behalf of BAS. No. 61 was established in 1944 and is located at Goudier Island close to Wienke Island at Latitude Physical description 64° 49’S, Longitude 53° 29’W. The operating Goudier Island is the largest of several small rocky nation is United Kingdom whilst the site is islands in Port Lockroy and has an area of managed by the United Kingdom Antarctic approximately 0.25 hectares. It is home to a colony Heritage Trust (UKAHT). Base A was operated of some 700 pairs of Gentoo penguins, as well as almost continuously until its closure in 1962. The some breeding sheathbills. A natural rock ledge UK reviewed the status of its abandoned stations provides a safe landing site for small boats, and is in 1994 and determined Port Lockroy to be of connected to the main building by a pathway. particular importance due to its significant early From here a small network of paths allows visitors contribution to geology, meteorology, botany and, to explore the island while minimizing disturbance during 1957/58 International Geophysical Year, to to wildlife. The area covered by station (surface ionosphere research. area of station footprint) is approximately 0.25 hectares.
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The main station building, built in 1944, was a scientific evaluation. Both monitoring areas were timber structure of approximately 1,000 square pointed out to the inspection team and the meters known as Bransfield House. Over clad with separated area was clearly marked. bituminous felt which was repainted regularly, Port Lockroy’s post office and museum were located During the 2012/13 season a lot of snow was within Bransfield House, the latter exhibiting the present on the site and the inspection team noted station’s early life and activities. In early 2010, Port that the area around the dark-coloured boathouse Lockroy’s Nissen Hut (13m x 4.6m), which is used was the first to be clear of snow due to heat to accommodate seasonal staff, was reconstructed radiating off the building. The structure itself on the historic site in line with its original design. A seemed to work as a catalyst for the melting of timber boatshed (4m x6m), used for storage and, snow and as such it created a slightly more when necessary, as an emergency shelter, was favorable breeding place than otherwise would exist. built in 1957 and is located onshore 30 meters Wildlife observations from the main building. Any wildlife observations (e.g. different species of Personnel penguins, birds, whales, kills, etc, being noted) were recorded by the base team. Any Port Lockroy was a seasonal site, operating and entanglements of wildlife with marine debris being staffed only during the austral summer, from (although these are rare/hardly ever occur) were approximately November – March each year. The also recorded and reported to BAS for onward site museum was open all year round. Four staff reporting to the Commission for the Conservation member s were present at the base, but this of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). number could increase to a maximum of eight in order to facilitate conservation works at other Beach combing UKAHT HSMs. Due to the CCAMLR’s monitoring of debris washed ashore in different areas of the Antarctic Scientific research Peninsula, monthly beach combing operations Wildlife Monitoring undertaken on behalf of BAS were carried out. In addition to this survey being had three main areas of particular focus: penguin undertaken, observations of marine mammal monitoring (count); wildlife observations of other entanglements were also recorded during animals (including reporting wildlife the season. entanglements); and beach combing. Logistics and Operations Penguin monitoring Communications at the Port Lockroy station were Under BAS’s lead, penguin monitoring was maintained locally from the Nissen hut with the essentially the comparing of the breeding use of VHF, one Iridium satellite phone, two successes of a penguin colony exposed to visitors satellite telephones as backup to Iridium (including against that of a penguin colony which not one in the Emergency Kit) and one HF radio which exposed to visitors, namely a penguin control was only used in emergencies. All communication colony. In order to carry out this experiment, one equipment items were charged by solar panels and part of the island was closed off to people, including wind turbines. Should these power sources fail, the the Port Lockroy staff, except when the penguin communications equipment was charged by a population of the whole island was being counted. small generator. Once the Port Lockroy staff have collected the data on BAS’ behalf, BAS was responsible for the
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With regards to logistics, resupply and seasonal was a shortage of renewable energy sources that staff transfers were carried out once a year with the supply fuel was used for the generator. Paraffin the support of IAATO vessels, whereby Port candles were used as a source of lighting only as a Lockroy’s modest needs were delivered ashore by last resort. Furthermore, each year, approximately small boats which are usually supplied by the eight 18 litre bottles of propane were consumed at IAATO vessels. No boats or vehicles were kept on the station; spare and empty bottles being stored the Island. in the boat shed. Around 20 litres of petrol was consumed in the running of a small generator The total amount of fuel quantities available at the which charged the batteries used in the event that station were: they were needed to support the wind turbine and solar panels. Each season, approximately three >> Petrol: 11 jerry cans (20 litres); litres of methylated spirits was used for priming the >> Propane: 18 cylinders (18 litres); station’s stoves and its lamps, and some 20 litres of >> Meths (methylated spirits): 4 litres; paraffin/kerosene was used in the lamps and in >> Paraffin/kerosene: 9 kerosene jerry cans (20 litres). reducing the Bitumen paints viscosity. There were also seven powder fire extinguishers around Port At the station, propane gas was used for the stove, Lockroy. The Station Leader was responsible for the cooker/oven and the incineration toilet. the station’s fuel management. No hazardous Electrical lamps were powered by renewable chemicals were used at Port Lockroy. energy sources. It was only in cases in which there
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At the time of inspection, the inspection team Arms and military support were aware of the Island’s limitations in terms of None. places to store the petrol, meth, and propane spare and used bottles. Nonetheless, during the Safety, training and emergency inspection it was noted that the Boat Shed procedures appeared to be full of flammable items. The The base leader explained that each staff member inspection team thus recommend that spare and going to the Port Lockroy base received training in used bottles be stored out of the Boat Shed, the the following areas: first aid training; risk Nissen Hut and Bransfield house in order to reduce assessment; communications; waste management; the risk of a fire occurring. In comparison to the and all other operational matters. Staff members large quantities of merchandise that are stored in the were informed about the Antarctic Treaty and the Boat House, the total volume of the aforementioned Environmental Protocol. The base also had an flammable items was relatively small. “Operations Manual with Appendices 2012/2013” The station also had two small 0.9kW Honda which goes through the relevant protocols vis-à-vis power generators that were used as an additional emergencies in detail whilst also providing detailed power source to the wind turbine and solar panels, information with regards to running the Station the former being located on the Nissen hut and and receiving tourists. the latter being found on Bransfield House and the Additional on-site training was provided at the Nissen Hut. As there was no running water in the start of the season by a UKAHT operation team Station water supply, IAATO vessels supplied water, member and SAR cover was provided by which is stored in jerry cans, for general IAATO vessels. consumption. On average, each person at the Station consumed 5 litres of water per day.
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Environmental management communications between the Station and the A waste segregation system was in place at Port ships following the Antarctic Treaty Site Lockroy and there was designated waste storage Guidelines for Goudier Island. A UKAHT Port space allocated in the Boathouse. On-site Waste Lockroy information sheet was available. was kept to a minimum and there was an At the start of a season a written update was agreement in place with the tour operator Quark provided for all expedition leaders on all ships. The which ensured that waste was removed from the Port Lockroy staff also offered and delivered base after site visits. pre-landing talks on-board tourist vessels and the An incinerating toilet was installed in the Nissen staff were present during the tourist visits and to Hut which negated the need for toilet buckets to help facilitate the visits. They also enforced the be emptied on a daily basis in the surrounding Site’s Guidelines. seawater. However, as was explained to the There were no reported operational problems at inspectors, the Station’s staff preferred using the the Station which were caused by visitors and toilet buckets as the incinerating toilet was time small problems were easily resolved by contacting consuming and drains the base’s propane the concerned ships. Strict passenger briefings resources. On balance, the staff felt that the were given and any on-site problems were dealt bucket system was more sustainable for the site with immediately with expedition staff or and its environmental impact was close to zero. expedition leaders. Medical The site’s long-term monitoring of fauna All four personnel on the base had received one (penguins) had so far demonstrated that tourism day of First Aid training and two members of staff seemed to have no negative impact upon the also received paramedical training. The first area’s fauna and those findings were established in medical point of contact was the nearest available the continuous penguin monitoring study. cruise ship on VHF Ch 16. The personnel believed that they would never have to wait more than two The inspectors concluded that there were no to three hours before help would arrive. The base evident problems concerning the amount of had a few small First Aid kits. There was no visitors coming to this site. However, should the equipment to deal with major trauma and the amount of visitors increase in the near future the base did not generate clinical waste. inspectors noted that the site’s carrying capacity seemed to be unknown. Tourism Port Lockroy is one of the most visited places on Recommendations the Peninsula by cruise ship and yachts. Visits were arranged through the IAATO ship scheduler and in >>that a visitor capacity for each season be field cooperation between ships and the Station. established for Port Lockroy, in anticipation of Last season (2011/12) approximately 15,600 visitors tourist number increases in the near future; from 142 cruise ships and 52 yachts visited the site. >>that the base team review the storage of Visitor records are supplied to the British Foreign & flammable materials stored in the Boat Commonwealth Office (FCO) and to IAATO at the House, in order to find an alternative and end of each season. much safer solution.
Visit schedules were made through the IAATO Ship Scheduler pre-season. Changes and further visits were arranged through in-field 107 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
Waterboat Point Inspected 11 December 2012
Introduction Physical description The remnants of a hut used by two British There was very little left of the hut. At the time of members of a 1920-22 expedition to Graham Land the inspection, much of the HSM was covered in are located at Waterboat Point, Paradise Harbour, snow and just the wooden door post was visible. and were adjacent to the summer-only Gonzalez Higher areas not covered in snow were occupied Videla station (Chile). The remnants of the hut by numerous breeding Gentoo penguins. were listed as Historic Site and Monument No. 56. There was a commemorative plaque set in The expedition’s members were Thomas Bagshawe concrete next to the post. The plaque was made and Maxime Charles Lester from the UK. They by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and brought spent a year at Waterboat Point in 1921/22, living to Waterboat Point in January 2007 by HRH The under an upturned whaler’s boat, undertaking a Princess Royal when visiting the Antarctic range of scientific research in the local area, Peninsula on-board the Royal Navy’s ice patrol including meteorology and a pioneering study into ship HMS Endurance. the breeding biology of penguins. A metal frame for a large sign was also located near to the HSM. The inspection team saw the sign in the museum at Videla station and were told by the Base Commander that this had been made
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by the Chilean Air Force as a memorial to the Recommendations expedition and that it would be put up in the frame later in the season. >>having two commemorative plaques next to the HSM seemed unnecessary and out of Visitor management scale with the very few remnants of the hut that remain. The inspection team thus The inspection team were told by the Base recommend that there should be only one Commander that about 2,000 tourists visited plaque and that the larger Chilean metal Gonzalez Videla station in the 2011/12 season. frame should be removed. The UK plaque Visitors were taken on a guided walking tour of should be regularly cleaned with water during the base by its personnel and tourist expedition the summer to remove penguin guano. leaders. The tour included a viewing of the HSM. The base tried to limit the number of tourists ashore to no more than 40 people (a maximum 50 ashore at any one time). No problems were reported with tourist visits to the HSM.
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110 Vessels
Vessels
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MV Ocean Diamond (Bahamas) Inspected 6 December 2012, 9am–12:30pm
Introduction There were approximately 180 passengers on The Ocean Diamond was already anchored in Port board the vessel, of different nationalities. Foster 500m off Whalers Bay when HMS Protector External Inspection entered Port Foster at 8:30am. She had already commenced landing passengers ashore and The vessel appeared in good material state for her age planned to depart Deception Island at noon. The with no overboard discharges or environmental/ weather conditions were benign; little wind and pollution concerns noted. An ice belt had been temperatures around 3-4 degrees. added at some point in the vessel’s life but did not appear to be part of the original build. Vessel Details Antarctic Treaty, Documentation MV Ocean Diamond, with a Quark expedition onboard, was visited and inspected whilst at and Compliance anchor in Whalers Bay, Deception Island. An older, The master and officers were well versed in the but well maintained mid size cruise vessel, ice class requirements and responsibilities laid down in the 1D, MV Ocean Diamond was commanded by a Antarctic Treaty. A copy of the Treaty as well as German master with a Russian Chief Officer and a supporting documentation and CCAMLR mixed nationality crew of 91. The inspection team references was available on the bridge. The master was well received throughout and no difficulties was very clear on his responsibilities, in conjunction were encountered. with the expedition staff, for the activities of
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personnel landed ashore and had a robust system Equipment appeared in good order and well in place to prevent breaches of the treaty by maintained and well dispersed throughout the passengers landed ashore. ship. The main lounge was used as the primary muster area and had muster sheets present, Environmental Management although these had previously been marked during The ship had a sound environmental plan and was the last passenger muster/drill. It would be visually seen to be complying with waste recommended, to avoid confusion in a real regulations. The ship was well served with posters emergency, that clean muster sheets are provided and other documentation to assist crew and to the muster point after each muster, in passengers in understanding their responsibilities. preparation for the next. The waste, sullage and sewage plants and systems, although not inspected in detail, were reported as A smaller observation lounge was the secondary operational and, in keeping with the generally muster point in the event of the main lounge sound status of other machinery and equipment being close to the incident/fire etc. The secondary observed this was agreed and accepted. Personnel muster point was much smaller however and it proceeding and returning from ashore passed would be very challenging to muster and account through a cleansing arrangement for boots etc to for all personnel, circa 200, in this area effectively. ensure no cross contamination was possible. The ship’s safety officer believed that this area would be close to ‘impossible’ to use and freely Pollution and MARPOL Plan admitted that such a muster had not been The ship had a contingency plan for pollution or exercised before. It is recommended that spill, comprising use of the ship’s berthing lines consideration be given to dealing with a significant and a boat as a makeshift boom deployed over the emergency/fire etc in the vicinity of the main side. Thereafter, a submersible pump could be lounge and how passengers and crew would be deployed to suck the contaminant back on board mustered and controlled. Lifeboats and rafts were for storage within a bilge/sullage internal tank. This all observed in good condition and more broadly procedure had not been recently exercised in emergency equipment throughout was well practice, however the crew had been briefed and maintained and in a good state of repair. trained on it. Whilst it would probably be effective Medical in benign conditions, the ship’s berthing lines would arguably struggle to contain a larger Two doctors were carried on-board, one ship’s incident in any type of swell/chop and provision of doctor and one from the expedition. The infirmary a dedicated pollution boom, capable of was in a good state of repair and appeared well deployment by boat, could be a consideration for stocked and equipped with no significant the future. omissions observed. A separate treatment room/ one-bed ward was adjacent. The expedition doctor Emergency Procedures accompanied parties ashore throughout. The ship’s Chief Officer and Safety Officer Small Boat Operations discussed safety and emergency procedures at length with the inspection team. Robust Boat operations to and from the shore were arrangements were in place for accounting for, conducted using Zodiac-type boats with outboard mustering, and searching for missing passengers motors and crewed predominantly by Quark and crew. A sound fire plan was evident alongside expedition personnel. Boats appeared well regular training and drills recorded in a training log. controlled and handled with sound and safe
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procedures for passengers embarked. Control of passengers on the beach in the event weather personnel to and from the shore had been prevented a return to the ship. All passengers were carefully considered and despite having two briefed on landing on what they could and could distinct access/embarkation points, and the not do. The guides had demarcated certain limits, potential for something to be missed, was in fact such as the southern end of the beach, with a well controlled throughout. The inspection team rope. All were offered the opportunity to return to witnessed the return of one boat and party from the ship whenever they wished. The landings were ashore which was well controlled throughout. handled skilfully with no incidents despite the considerable age of some passengers. Expedition and Tourist Management The ship was well equipped with information The guides were all experienced either in about safety, the Antarctic Treaty, environmental Antarctica or in other forms of adventure activity. considerations and procedures for activities The operator requires staff to take the IAATO including kayaking and landings. Passengers were Assessment as a condition of employment. briefed on the ship immediately before disembarking. Once on land the passengers were given advice on On the day of the inspection, the Expedition what to do and see. Most chose to walk along the Leader was running three separate operations: beach and around the Historic Site No.71, taking 20 passengers were kayaking, about 80 passengers photos. Some walked up the slope to Neptune’s were being brought ashore, while the remainder Window where guides were stationed to monitor. were being taken on a cruise by Zodiac around Passengers were easily visible in uniform yellow Port Nelson. Some passengers remained on-board. jackets. Around 50 passengers chose to swim The Leader was assisted by a total of 20 guides, (briefly). Towels were provided and guides were giving a ratio of around 1 guide to 9 passengers. close by.
The parallel water/land activities were designed to The inspection team observed no breach of the comply with the limit of 100 passengers ashore at guidelines. The whole operation was carried any one time. The Leader and guides operated a professionally and to a high standard. Passengers complicated but well-executed plan of phased appeared to have confidence in their guides. transfers to and from the beach to bring everyone When all passengers had departed the inspection ashore, while observing the numbers limit. This team checked the area. They found nothing left had been carefully planned by the expedition team behind. There was some evidence that one or in advance and execution was coordinated by more passengers had entered one of the former radio and in contact with the ship’s bridge. To British Antarctic Survey huts, but there was no facilitate the movement the ship was equipped evidence of damage or disturbance. with double ladders to enable in and out flows simultaneously. The inspection team noted that the Expedition Leader had authorised the cruising Zodiacs to enter Passengers were brought from ship to shore in Nelson’s Bellows. This entailed a certain risk as the Zodiacs, 10 passengers and one guide/helm. All weather could change rapidly, but the weather Zodiacs beached in the same spot where a ruined conditions at the time were calm, clear and still. floating dock provided some wind shelter. The guides had already landed emergency equipment (tents, water, etc.) enabling them to shelter
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Summary Recommendations MV Ocean Diamond had a capable and welcoming >>that special care be taken when permitting team and there were no issues observed, and no Zodiacs/kayaks to enter Neptune’s Bellows (in significant concerns raised from the inspection. light of weather conditions and potential Provision of a dedicated portable MARPOL boom, manoeuvrability). for boat deployment in an emergency, may be worthy of consideration in the future but otherwise the vessel appeared well equipped, trained, and prepared for passenger operations in the Antarctic area.
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MV Plancius (Netherlands) Inspected 6 December 2012, 3pm–6pm
Introduction External inspection MV Plancius entered Port Foster at 3pm, a few The vessel appeared in good material state for hours after the departure of MV Ocean Diamond. her age with no overboard discharges or She started disembarking passengers immediately. environmental/pollution concerns noted. The ice During this visit the weather conditions changed, strengthening had been incorporated from build with a slight increase in wind, a drop in and the ship had clearly encountered ice recently temperature and snow. This later cleared. with superficial markings at and just above the waterline. Overview MV Plancius was visited and inspected whilst at Antarctic Treaty, Documentation anchor in Whalers Bay, Deception Island. This and Compliance vessel was an older but well maintained mid-small The Master and Officers were well aware of the size cruise vessel, ice class 1D. The Plancius was requirements and responsibilities laid down in the commanded by a Russian master with a Danish Antarctic Treaty. The Master was clear on his Chief Officer and a mixed nationality crew of 46 (the responsibilities, in conjunction with the expedition maximum permissible) and maximum passenger staff, for the activities of personnel landed ashore complement of 112. There were 110 passengers on and had a robust system in place to prevent breaches board at the time of the inspection. The inspection of the treaty by passengers landed ashore. team were well received throughout and no difficulties were encountered.
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Environmental Management dining hall as the secondary. Both provided The ship had a sound environmental plan and was adequate room for all personnel to muster in the seen to be complying with waste regulations. The event of an emergency. At the first opportunity passengers all received briefings on their after embarking a new set of passengers, full responsibilities with regards to the Antarctic Treaty emergency drills including passengers were shortly after joining the ship and before entering conducted to ensure that everyone onboard was the Treaty Area. They were required to sign a fully aware of the alarms on-board and the statement declaring that they understand the procedures to be followed. A lifeboat allocation list requirements. The waste, sullage and sewage was also prominently displayed for the passengers. plants and systems, although not inspected in Lifeboats and rafts sufficient for >150% personnel detail, were reported as operational and, in on onboard were all observed in good condition keeping with the sound status of other machinery and more broadly emergency equipment and equipment observed this was agreed and throughout was well maintained and in a good accepted. Personnel proceeding and returning state of repair. from ashore passed through a cleansing arrangement for boots etc. to ensure no cross Medical contamination was possible. This routine was enforced by staff and one passenger who forgot to One doctor was carried on-board, and the Master adhere to the routine was seen to be re-directed and Chief Officer also received and remained to the cleaning area before proceeding inside. current in basic remote location medicine. The infirmary was in a good state of repair and Pollution and MARPOL Plan appeared well stocked and equipped with no significant omissions observed. The sickbay, a The ship had a contingency plan for pollution or separate treatment room/one bed, ward was adjacent. spill over the side and a well stocked locker of absorbent matting and booms for containing any Small Boat Operations incidents. The procedure had not been recently exercised however the crew had been briefed and Boat operations to and from the shore were trained on it. A MARPOL log was also in evidence conducted using Zodiac type boats with outboard on the bridge. motors and crewed predominantly by expedition personnel. Boats appeared well controlled and Emergency Procedures handled with sound and safe procedures for passengers embarking and disembarking. Control The ship’s Master and Chief Officer discussed of personnel to and from the shore has been safety and emergency procedures with the carefully considered. With a single access/ inspection team. Robust arrangements were in embarkation point the movement of passenger place for accounting for, mustering, and searching and crew/expedition staff was well controlled. A for missing, passengers and crew and these were reversible ‘T-card’ style board was used with practiced on a relatively frequent basis. A sound individual passengers responsible for reversing watch and station bill for the crew was evident their cards on departure or arrival. Green = alongside regular (weekly) training and drills on-board, red = off the ship and the system gave recorded in a training log. Equipment appeared in a very clear representation to the crew of when all good order and well maintained and well personnel were accounted for on-board. The dispersed throughout the ship. The main lounge potential for the system to fail is small but was used as the primary muster area and the oversight of the board by the crew member
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stationed at the embarkation point to ensure that The passengers wore their own clothes, including all passengers correctly logged in/out would some low visibility jackets. Guides generally reduce this risk still further. deployed at the edges of the permitted area and by the landing point. The Expedition Leader Expedition and Tourist Management adjusted their deployments and maintained The ship was equipped with a wide range of contact with all groups and the ship throughout. information on safety, the Antarctic, and the He denied a request from a kayak guide to enter Antarctic Treaty. Passengers were briefed on-board Neptune’s Bellows given the weather conditions. in general terms during the cruise with specific Several passengers chose to swim. briefings in advance of each disembarkation. We observed no infringement of the guidelines. During the inspection, the Expedition Leader and The management of passengers ashore, although guides organised three activities: a landing in fairly informal, was professional and effective. Whalers Bay, kayaking and a hill walk to a small When the passengers had departed, the inspection peak to the North of Neptune’s Window. The team undertook a quick check of the beach area guides were all confident and experienced. The and found a single piece of litter (a chemical heat Expedition Leader was considering the merits of the pad), which they removed. IAATO e-course for guides, but the inspection team did not meet guides who had taken the exam. Summary Plancius had a capable and professional crew and Overall responsibility for tracking all passengers expedition team. There were no issues observed, rested with the bridge, while the activities were and no significant concerns raised from the supervised by the guides. There were 11 guides in inspection. Relocation of the personnel accounting total, giving a ratio of 1 guide to 10 passengers. board may be worthy of consideration in the We counted 8 ashore, two of whom (both alpine future but otherwise the vessel appeared well guides) accompanied the 10-15 on the hill walk, equipped, trained, and prepared for passenger which landed at the Southern end of the beach. operations in the Antarctic area. 60-70 passengers came ashore in the centre of the beach by the ruined floating dock. The guides disembarked emergency equipment. The beach Recommendations landings were handled skilfully and all passengers >>that high visibility jackets be worn by all those were given a further briefing on arrival explaining landing ashore. where they could and could not go, warning against entering buildings and against removing anything from the beach or the Historic Site.
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MV Silver Explorer (Bahamas) Inspected 6 December 2012, 8:15pm–10:30pm
Introduction received throughout and no difficulties were MV Silver Explorer entered Port Foster at around encountered. Silver Explorer was carrying 125 4:30pm, several hours earlier than the time agreed passengers of mixed nationality. with other IAATO Expedition Leaders. She moved External Inspection to the edge of the sea ice at the extreme North of Port Foster, broke a short distance in and landed The vessel appeared in a very good material state some passengers on the ice. This was a couple of with no overboard discharges or environmental/ miles from HMS Protector so the inspection team pollution concerns noted. could not see how this was handled. At 7:30pm she moved round to Whalers Bay and started to Antarctic Treaty, Documentation disembark passengers onto the beach at around and Compliance 8:15pm. The inspection started at this point. The Team were met by a member of the IAATO Secretariat, who was working on the vessel in a MV Silver Explorer was visited and inspected whilst number of capacities including environmental at anchor in Whalers Bay, Deception Island. At 23 compliance. The Master and Officers were very years old the vessel, previously called the Prince well versed in the requirements and responsibilities Albert II, had undergone two extensive refits. The laid down in the Antarctic Treaty. ship was a very well maintained cruise vessel (up to 132 passengers), classified by Lloyds Register as Ice Environmental Compliance Strengthened 1A. The MV Silver Explorer was The ship had a sound environmental plan and had commanded by a Ukrainian Master with a an education programme for assisting the crew and Bulgarian Chief Engineer and a mixed nationality passengers in understanding their responsibilities. crew of 112. The inspection team was well The sullage and sewage plants, although not
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inspected in detail, were reported as operational good condition, in date for maintenance inspection and, in keeping with the generally sound status of and comply with current legislation. Watertight other machinery and equipment observed, this doors were all fully functional and could be was agreed and accepted. automatically operated from the bridge and DC Room. Key crew members have undertaken The Galley was very clean and tidy. It was apparent specialist fire-fighting and DC courses and run that robust cleaning schedules were in place. regular training for both fires and floods onboard Garbage managing was very strong. Where to ensure the remaining crew and passengers are possible garbage separation took place at source, suitably equipped for emergencies. it then went to a garbage processing compartment with a large refrigerated compartment for food Medical waste. It was the sole task of one member of the One doctor and one paramedic were carried crew to run the garbage processing which greatly on-board. The infirmary was not inspected during reduces the chance of cross contamination and the visit. lapses in procedure. Boat Operations Control of personnel to and from the shore also Boat operations to and from the shore were appeared to be very well controlled with the single conducted using eight Zodiac-type boats with embarkation points well appointed with outboard motors. Boats appeared well controlled disinfection trays and shower facilities for cleaning and handled with sound and safe procedures for of boots and clothing. A robust security system passengers embarked. The company did not offer also ensured that all personnel ashore and on- kayaking or overnight trips, generally limiting board were accounted for at all times. excursions to ‘walks ashore’ only. Pollution and MARPOL Plan Expedition and Tourist Management The ship had a comprehensive SOPEP and carried a Arrangements for managing passengers were boom and other MARPOL equipment to contain detailed and well thought through. Entry and exit any overboard spill. Bilge and sullage tanks were from the ship was managed by a staff member available for use for any onboard spills. operating a numbered badge system for which ID Emergency Procedures was required. There was also a security guard at the embarkation point. For returning passengers The ship’s Chief Officer discussed safety and there was a disinfectant boot dip on arrival and a emergency procedures at length with the clean room to go through before entering the ship inspection team, and a tour of the fire fighting in different footwear. arrangements was conducted by CPO Innes. The Silver Explorer had comprehensive fixed systems in The Expedition Leader was also the Expedition place; high pressure sprinklers throughout the Director of the Silver Explorer which runs several accommodation and a gaseous drench (complying cruise ships. He supervised the landing ashore with with current legislation) in the engine room. All 10/11 guides, at a ratio of 1:9/10. 98 passengers could be controlled from the Bridge and Damage landed. It was a late landing out of schedule, Control (DC) Room. All equipment was in good carried out because bad weather had prevented condition with no leaks or damaged pipes/cables. another landing earlier that day. The landing was Portable equipment was in plentiful supply. carried in large zodiacs. Emergency equipment was Random items were checked and found to be in
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landed by the guides. The Leader knew the details guide was new to Antarctica, although he had and expiry dates of all the contents of the game warden experience in South Africa. Despite emergency pack. making the e-course mandatory, the guides had some doubts about the e-course and were in Passengers were briefed before leaving the boats. discussion with IAATO about how it might The inspection team interviewed some who clearly be improved. understood that there were areas they could not go because of the existence of an Antarctic Summary Specially Protected Area (ASPA). Passengers were The MV Silver Explorer was an impressive vessel all in uniform red jackets. The guides were careful and expedition operation. The ship appeared well to keep them together in small groups, each with equipped, trained, and prepared for passenger a guide. There were guides for each of the main operations in the Antarctic area. The Silver Explorer language groups. The whole operation was had in 2011 rescued the crew of the MV Oliva, a carefully managed and very disciplined. The bulk carrier that grounded off Tristan de Cunha. inspection team observed no infringements or Footage shown of the rescue further confirmed unmanaged risks. the general impression that this was a well-run ship, crewed by a professional and well drilled crew. The guides were well informed about Whalers Bay and about the Antarctic, the Treaty and environmental protection. They had all passed the Recommendations IAATO e-course exam, which was mandatory for >>None. staff. Guides were on full all-year contracts. All appeared confident and professional. Only one
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MV Corinthian II (Marshall Islands) – Inspected 9 December 2012, 9:30am–10:30am
Introduction Vessel Details The inspection team inspected MV Corinthian II An older, but well maintained, mid-size cruise while she was disembarking passengers for ice vessel, ice class 1C (Lloyds), the Corinthian was cruises off Pleneau Island. This was the commanded by a Captain in his third Antarctic southernmost point of the cruise from Ushuaia. season, with a Chief Officer in his fourth Antarctic They had visited Aitcho Island and Admiral Brown season, and a mixed nationality crew of 70. A Base (unoccupied). Their next stop would be Port maximum passenger complement of 120, there Lockroy. They could not land on Pleneau because were 101 passengers at the time of the inspection. of the ice conditions, but were taking passengers to look for seals. Although the Marshall Islands is External Inspection not a Treaty Party, the operator of the vessel was The vessel appeared in good material state for her age Travel Dynamics, a member of IAATO and the with no overboard discharges or environmental/ Master welcomed the Observers on board. The pollution concerns noted. The ship had clearly inspection was carried out swiftly to enable encountered ice recently (observed manoeuvring in Corinthian to make its scheduled landing at open ice in the Lemaire Channel) with superficial Port Lockroy. markings at and just above the waterline. Ship handling in the observed ice conditions was monitored and assessed as safe and appropriate for the class of vessel.
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Environmental Compliance Emergency Plans and Procedures The ship had a sound environmental plan and was The ship’s Master and Chief Officer discussed seen to be complying with waste regulations. The safety and emergency procedures with the passengers all received briefings on their inspection team. Robust arrangements were in responsibilities with regard to the Antarctic Treaty place for accounting for, mustering, and searching shortly after joining the ship and before entering for missing, passengers and crew and these were the Treaty Area from the Expedition Team. The practiced on a relatively frequent basis. A sound crew were briefed on the Treaty and compliance watch and station bill for the crew was evident requirements at the start of the season and they alongside regular (weekly) training and drills were required to sign a statement declaring that recorded in a training log. Equipment appeared in they understand the requirements if they wish to good order and well maintained and well proceed ashore during the season. The waste, dispersed throughout the ship. The main lounges sullage and sewage plants and systems, although were used as the primary muster areas and due not inspected in detail, were reported as consideration was given to alternative locations operational and, in keeping with the sound status should an incident preclude the use of the of other machinery and equipment observed this lounges. Every time new passengers embarked, a was agreed and accepted. Personnel returning full set of emergency drills including passengers from Zodiac rides passed through a cleansing was conducted to ensure that everyone on-board arrangement for boots etc. to ensure that no cross was fully aware of the alarms on-board, and the contamination was possible though no landings procedures to be followed including donning had taken place. lifejackets and survival /immersion suits. A lifeboat allocation list was also prominently displayed for A very comprehensive IAATO Field Manual was the passengers, as were muster lists (and their present and evidently in use on the bridge. locations) throughout the ship.
Pollution and MARPOL Plan Lifeboats and rafts sufficient for ~150% personnel on The ship had a sound SOPEP contingency plan for on-board were all observed in good condition and pollution or spill over the side and a well stocked more broadly emergency equipment throughout locker of absorbent matting and booms for was generally well maintained and in a good state containing any incidents. The procedure was of repair. exercised on a monthly basis and the crew had been briefed and trained on it. Expedition Management The ship was chartered by Travel Dynamics (New Boat Operations York). Travel Dynamics had 6 guides and had Boat operations were conducted using Zodiac-type brought in 4 additional Antarctic-trained guides boats with outboard motors and crewed by through a sub-contract with Overseas Adventure expedition personnel. Boats appeared well Travel. All Travel Dynamics staff had at least 5 years controlled and handled with sound and safe Antarctic experience. The United States determined procedures for passengers embarking and that the IEE for this activity meets the requirements disembarking. Control of personnel to and from of Article 8 and Annex I of the Protocol on the ship was not observed due to time constraints. Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. With a single access/embarkation point at the stern The Leader was aware of the IAATO course, but it however, the movement of passenger and crew/ expedition staff should be easily controlled.
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was not mandatory for guides. One guide was The Leader had not noticed any breach of the thought to have taken the exam, but the guidelines by passengers on this cruise. He inspection team could not verify this. recalled that one passenger had asked if a rock could be taken from one of the landings, but For the activity observed – the ice cruising – 5 Zodiacs there had been no problem when this request were out with one on standby, 8-11 passengers was denied. The Leader described the expedition per Zodiac with 1 guide. The 5 Zodiacs cruised in team’s efforts to get the passengers to groups of two or three. All guides and passengers “internalise” the rules so that they would were instructed to keep a distance from the seals. encourage each other to observe them.
The activity had been the subject of a PowerPoint The inspection team saw no evidence that any of briefing to all passengers. The Leader and guides the guidelines had been infringed. had coordinated their programme that morning. The Leader had overall responsibility for the activity Research Activity and for ensuring all passengers returned safely to The ship participated in Leopard Seal and Orca the ship. All guides had radio communications Catalogues. There were no research scientists with the Leader and the bridge. The ship operated on board. a numbered tag system for disembarkation/ embarkation. In addition, each Zodiac reported in Summary its return by radio. A member of the Guide Team Corinthian II and its embarked expedition team had delegated responsibility for completing the appeared competent and professional in all respects. post visit report and submitting to IAATO. There were no significant concerns raised from the inspection. Otherwise the vessel appeared well- Besides the visit-specific briefing, all passengers equipped, trained, and prepared for passenger received a general briefing during the southward operations in the Antarctic area. transit from Ushuaia on Zodiac and visit rules, Treaty matters and biosecurity (A Zircon-S boot bath was at the embarkation point supervised by Recommendations the crew). All passengers had to sign a declaration >>None. that they would abide by the regulations. There was extensive Treaty and environmental material displayed on posters around the ship and in the bridge a full set of Treaty and other documents supplied by IAATO.
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SY Paradise (France) Inspected 9 December 2012, 4:00pm–5:30pm
External Inspection The vessel had evident signs of normal wear and tear but was well maintained and in a sound condition. There were no overboard discharges or pollution concerns noted from the exterior of the vessel.
Power and Equipment The yacht had a several available power sources:
>>A wind turbine mounted at the aft end of the vessel sufficient in 20kts cross wind for all routine power needs and for charging the batteries; >>An independent diesel generator (220kW); >>Batteries charged from either of the above sources; and >>Main engine, Perkins diesel (1700kW).
Cabin heating was provided by either a main heater located in the engine compartment or by two alternatives; a diesel fuelled heater sited centrally in the main cabin or by electric heater(s) Introduction run from the generator. Galley cooking facilities were provided by a single unit with a combination SY Paradise was visited and inspected whilst at of electric or gas hobs and an electric oven. Overall anchor in Arthur Harbour, off Palmer Station, power requirements appeared to be well managed Anvers Island on 9 Dec 2012. with significant available redundancy in the majority of elements to provide a sustainable and Vessel Details safe environment. A 67ft aluminium hulled French vessel, the Paradise was skippered by a French master and the The vessel carried 1,000 litres of diesel fuel to expedition was led by a single Expedition Leader. A supply the engine, generator and heater stored in complement of seven clients, which is the norm for integral tank(s). A small emergency supply (75-100 Yacht Paradise (maximum of 10 limited by life raft litres) of diesel was carried in three drums on the size), was on board. Clients were actively employed stern of the vessel. Three propane gas cylinders as crew members, although the vessels rigging and were carried to supply the galley stored in the set up allowed operation of all equipment by a stern locker of the vessel which was segregated minimal number of personnel (3). from the remainder of the accommodation and storage space on board.
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Fuel (petrol) for the small tender’s outboard was kept inboard. One 10-man life raft was carried and also stored in an outboard motor tank (~ 10 Litres) located forward of the mast on the deck. The in the stern locker, with a second tank vessel carried no specific MARPOL equipment. (~ 10 Litres) either also in the stern locker or in the forward locker. Navigation and Communications PARADISE navigated primarily using electronic The vessel had no fresh water making capability means, although paper charts were also carried. At and was reliant upon a 1,500 litre integral water least two independent electronic charting systems tank for all fresh water supplies during voyages. were carried, the primary system being This was sufficient for the length of cruise OziExplorer. These were fed by multiple conducted, provided that use of water was independent satellite positioning systems including monitored. Both black and grey water waste was built-in battery powered systems and portable retained on board in integral tanks for discharge GPS. The vessel also had a small navigation radar outside the Antarctic Treaty Area. mounted in an elevated position at the stern.
Boat Operations The vessel was supplied with several VHF radios, Boat operations to and from the shore were including portable sets for short range conducted using a single small inflatable tender with communication. Satellite communications provided an outboard motor crewed by the expedition leader. long range communications via e-mail (preferred) or voice (least preferred). Safety, Emergency Plans and Procedures Upon arrival on the vessel, and before sailing, all Summary clients were briefed on the actions to be taken in Yacht Paradise was well-prepared for the location the event of an emergency; fire, man overboard, and conditions in which she operates, run by a etc. There was reportedly little opportunity to well-qualified team with many years of Antarctic practice these procedures and the limited experience. resources of a small vessel meant that the main focus of attention was upon preventing Recommendations occurrence of an incident. All clients provided their own waterproof clothing/suits but were issued >>that plan of action in the event of an oil spill with a combined safety harness and lifejacket. is developed; These were used at night and in rough weather at >>that regular practice of man overboard all times in conjunction with fitted deck lines. procedures, which may need to be During darkness and poor weather conditions, implemented in an emergency without the movement outside the cockpit was restricted to guidance of Skipper or Expedition Leader. an absolute minimum.
The vessel was well supplied with fire extinguishers throughout and all equipment appeared in good order and well maintained. A set of distress flares was kept on-board and was available for immediate use. A single man overboard marker was mounted on the stern with a second spare
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Bahia Paraiso (wreck of Argentine-flagged vessel) Inspected 9 December 2012, 10:00am–12:00pm
Introduction Divers’ Report The Argentine Navy vessel Bahia Paraiso ran On entry into the water the visibility was aground and sank on 28 January 1989 while approximately 1 metre, thus making it difficult to attempting to deliver tourist passengers to Palmer provide a comprehensive assessment. However, Station. There was no loss of life, but several the structure proved to be in a good condition hundred thousand litres of fuel spilled into the bay. considering the age of the ship. The hull, partially There have been various assessments of the covered in growth, showed no major degradation environmental impact in the years since the wreck or damage, apart from the initial collision damage and previous reports of a continuing surface sheen it sustained. Further inspection of the hull showed from fuel still leaching from the wreck. no pollution trapped in any external pockets or exudation from the ship itself. The debris from the The inspection team took the opportunity of the ship was moderately contained to the site and also visit to Palmer Station to request the Royal Navy showed no initial signs of environmental impact. diving team to carry out a dive inspection of the wreck. Summary On the basis of the evidence available, including Whilst transiting to the dive location, an initial look discussion with the team at Palmer, the inspection at the site showed no slick or pollution around the team tentatively concluded that the wreck area. The dive team made the following report to appeared to no longer be leaking fuel in calm the inspection team, which was supported with weather conditions. photo and video footage.
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Annex
Responses received of a substantial nature to the Inspection Report and hereby included in accordance with Article 12(4) of the Environmental Protocol. Party Inspection Report
1. Poland Arctowski...... 130
2. Chile Presidente Eduardo Frei...... 132 Gabriel González Videla...... 136 Arturo Prat...... 137
3. China Great Wall...... 140
4. Russia Bellingshausen...... 142
5. Uruguay Artigas...... 144
6. Argentina Bahia Paraiso (wreck of Argentine-flagged vessel)...... 147
128 Annex
129 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012
1. Comments on the Antarctic Treaty Inspection conducted on 1 December 2012 in the Polish Antarctic Station “Arctowski”
Poland welcomes the inspections of its Antarctic station by other Parties to the Treaty. The recommendations contained in the final report submitted to the XXXVI Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Brussels will be analysed by the appropriate authorities and duly implemented.
The following comments are intended to supplement the information contained in the inspection report:
1. The Polish Antarctic Station “Arctowski” was established by Poland in 1977 as a base for scientific research and associated logistic operations of the Polish National Antarctic Program. Till 2012 the station was operated by the Department of Antarctic Biology PAS, which not only provided logistical and technical support for the station but was also responsible for the scientific management of the station. In 2012 the Department of Antarctic Biology PAS was incorporated into the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS, which is one of the leading Polish scientific institutions, especially in the field of molecular biology. In consequence, major managerial changes are now taking place, both the logistic and in the scientific departments. Future research strategies are under discussion with other Polish institutes and universities.
2. In 2012/2913 two scientific research projects were supported at the Arctowski Station:
a. Ecological monitoring – long-term bird and pinniped observation programme on King George Island (Department of Antarctic Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland).
b. Climatological and glaciological interactions in the global warming conditions.
c. Study on the SSSI No 8 (King George Island, West Antarctic) (Department of
d. Climatology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń).
3. Data and/or biological samples were collected by station staff and scientist for four more research projects for subsequent analysis in Poland:
a. Metagenomic, structural and functional characteristics of glacial environments microbiocenozes (Department of Antarctic Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland)
b. The causes, course and consequences of the expansion of Poa annua L. in Western Antarctica, a multi-aspect population study (Department of Antarctic Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland)
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c. Monitoring of the structure of the Earth’s electric field from Polish observation stations in the Antarctic, Arctic and central Europe. (Institute of Geophysics PAS) d. Biology, morphology and molecular systematics of Antarctic parasites (Institute of Parasitology PAS).
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2. Observations and Comments from Chile to the Reports made by the Antarctic Inspections of the UK, the Netherlands and Spain regarding the Stations: Presidente Eduardo Frei, Arturo Prat and Gabriel González Videla
Presidente Eduardo Frei Station: In response to the Antarctic Treaty Inspection Report of the Presidente Eduardo Frei station, Chile made the following comments and observations under the Report’s subsections as presented below:
Physical Description: >>There are no marked boundaries between any base or station. The only way to identify them is by signs that indicate the name of the base and the country that runs it.
Personnel: >>For the 2013-2014 period, the village “Las Estrellas”, will held five families, there are going to be a total of 8 children, and 6 of them will be students at the F-50 School, which depends of the Chilean Ministry of Education.
Scientific Research: Escudero (INACH) >>Chilean scientific activities have been scheduled to be implemented at different periods of each Antarctic Season, using air and sea platforms that Chile and other National Antarctic programmes use between Punta Arenas and King George Island. For this 2012-2013 season, which started on November 21th with the entry of the Chief Scientist to Escudero station and a researcher -who stayed at Frei station but used the laboratories of Escudero- there were not many scientists at this base during the visit of the inspectors, because a group of researchers who traveled to Antarctica on November 27th, went to Union Glacier, not to Escudero. However, the rest of the Antarctic research projects that were considered to work in Escudero station, were scheduled to start it operations from December 7th, 2012. It is planned that the latest scientific activities end on 28th March 2013. For more information on this topic, look up for the comments on Scientific Research at the end of this section. >>During the visit of the inspectors to Escudero, the Chief Scientist of the base was interviewed, who was asked for his interest of research. However, he is not developing a project in Fildes associated with the presence of bacteria in the roots of alien plants. To date, there is no record of alien plants in Fildes Peninsula, unlike other places in King George Island, so it is hardly that a study of the species like the one mentioned in the report can take place in Fildes.
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Environmental Management: >>By the Resolution Nº 0649/2005 dated on MAY 18th 2005, the National Comity for the Environmental Impact Evaluation of the Antarctic Environment (CONAEIA) authorized the construction and operation of the Sewer Water Treatment Plant, Without Mud Generation, Eduardo Frei Montalva Antarctic Base. >>The airport has only two aircraft parking platforms. The main is used for C-130 and other aircrafts. It was built in 2005 and approved by Environmental Resolution No. 0058/2005 dated January 25th, 2005. The other platform, located in front of the aircrafts hangar, belongs to the Chilean Air Force and it is used only for their air operations.
Tourism: >>It is possible to spend the night if there are rooms available in Frei Base or in other nearby Bases
Recommendations: >>Every year the Chilean Antarctic Operators give logistical support to a large number of bases established in King George Island and adjacent islands throughout its aircraft, as well as its naval units. As an example, the Fildes Naval Station has managed to become and to be recognized by all foreign bases as the maritime authority in that area, always available to react to SAR and Pollution Control emergencies. >>The “Sewer Water Treatment Plant, without Generation of Mud of the Eduardo Frei Montalva Antarctic Air Base”, was evaluated and it´s operation authorised by Resolution Nº 0649/2005 dated May 18th 2005 of the National Comity for the Environmental Impact Evaluation of the Antarctic Environment (CONAEIA).
The Chilean delegation also provided the following comments regarding scientific research at Professor Julio Escudero and Eduardo Frei Station: Escudero is the main arrival point for the Chilean scientific activities in Antarctica, so for this 2012-2013 season, it is planned that 120 researchers stop at this station at some point. However, the base facilities allow a maximum of 36 people working there at the time.
Each research project selected through open competition and peer review of INACH and other national institutions that fund science in Antarctica, run for a maximum of three years.
The Chilean Antarctic Program planned the implementation of 28 scientific projects using Escudero as its work platform this summer. These projects used to work only in Fildes or had activities both in Fildes or elsewhere in the Antarctic Peninsula region. These projects embarked the ships “Lautaro” or “Aquilles” of the Chilean Navy, in order to move to other places before or after working at Escudero.
In addition, Escudero was scheduled to provide support for the implementation of four other research projects of the National Antarctic Programmes of Spain, Brazil, Portugal and Venezuela, and also, to run two international collaborative activities (Chile-Ecuador and Chile-Belgium).
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The detail of the scientific activities run in Escudero is presented below:
Code Title Principal Investigator Institution
AN_01-09 Spectral UV radiation and associated effects on Dr. Raúl Cordero Universidad de Santiago de Chile endemic species
AN_01-12 Impact of global change on the physiology of Dr. Iván Gómez Universidad Austral de Chile Antarctic macroalgae: implications for coastal primary production in scenarios of increased temperature and UV radiation
AN_02-12 Ecophysiology in Antarctic Plants: Clarifying the Dr. León Bravo Universidad de La Frontera biological consequences of climate change on plant populations of the Maritime Antarctic
CO_01-10 Construction of atmospheric corrosivity maps of Dr. Rosa Vera Pontificia Universidad Católica Chile for metals and alloys of technological interest de Valparaíso
CO_01-12 New antineoplastic molecule of Deschampsia Dr. Manuel Gidekel Uxmal S.A. antarctica Desv.
FR_05-10 Turbulence in space plasmas and their impact on the Dr. Marina Stepanova Universidad de Santiago de Chile dynamics of the magnetosphere and space weather
FR_01-12 Evaluating the importance of moss folders for Dr. Angélica Casanova Universidad de Concepción establishing native plants in Antarctica, under a scenario of global change
FI_02-10 Factors involved in the association cyanolichens: Dr. Julieta Orlando Universidad de Chile Availability, specificity and selectivity
FI_02-12 Functional genomics of microorganisms associated Dr. Nicole Trefault Universidad Mayor with sponges and Antarctic cnidarians: a potential approach to the study of the synthesis of bioactive compounds
FP_01-10 Effects of climate change on UV radiation in Dr. Alessandro Damiani Universidad de Chile Antarctica: development of a UV reconstruction model based on terrestrial surface
FP_01-12 Influence of freshwater flow on primary Dr. Claudia Aracena Universidad Austral de Chile productivity, biogenic silica content and nutrients in South Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula
FP_03-12 Phylogeography and evolutionary history of the Dr. Angie Díaz Universidad de Magallanes species Neobuccinum eatoni (Mollusca, Neogastropoda) in the Southern Ocean
RT_06-12 Fildes Peninsula Resistoma: Is there contribution Dr. Helia Bello Universidad de Concepción from resistance genes from wastewater?
RT_16-10 Diversity and ecology of community planktonic Dr. Rodrigo De la Pontificia Universidad Católica photosynthetic eukaryotes of Antarctic coastal Iglesia de Chile waters: a comparison between summer and southern winter
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Code Title Principal Investigator Institution
RT_01-11 The role of biological soil crusts as soil nitrogen Dr. Cecilia Pérez Instituto de Ecología y sources in non-ornithogenic in the South Shetland Biodiversidad Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
RT_ 28 -11 Biological weathering in a soil chronosequence from Dr. Roberto Godoy Universidad Austral de Chile glacial retreat in Fildes, Antarctic Peninsula
RT_13-10 Macroecology and diversity of meiofauna of high Dr. Matthew Lee Universidad de Los Lagos latitudes using a morphological and molecular approach
RT_14-12 Diversity of actinobacteria in Antarctic ecosystems Dr. Leticia Barrientos Universidad de La Frontera and evaluation of the biotechnological potential of its active metabolites
RT_19 -11 Isolation of Antarctic microorganisms capable of Dr. José Pérez Universidad de Chile synthesizing highly fluorescent semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots) for biotechnological applications
RT_09-12 Selection and identification of microbial consortia Dr. Léa Cabrol Pontificia Universidad Católica with high acidogenic activity and methanogenic in de Chile Antarctic sediments for the application to psychrophilic anaerobic digestion of sewage in temperate zones/cold
RT_15-09 Secondary metabolites of marine organisms Dr. Aurelio San Martín Universidad de Chile
RT_15-12 Evolutionary adaptations of potassium channels Dr. Patricio Rojas Universidad de Santiago de Chile dependent of voltage in an Antarctic organism
PR_01-12 Heavy metals in soils of Adelie penguin colonies, Dr. Alessandra Perfetti Universidad de Concepción Antarctic penguin and gentoo penguins in the Fildes Peninsula
PR_03-12 Evaluation of the effect of the supernatant of Dr. Ana María Rabanal Universidad de Concepción Antarctic bacteria on the survival of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) challenged with Flavobacterium spp.
PR_05-12 Morphological and molecular characterization of Dr. Sebastián Morales Universidad de Concepción foliar fungal parasites in Deschampsia antarctica plants exposed in situ to climate warming in Fildes Peninsula
MA_01-12 Antarctic Environmental Monitoring Center Dr. Claudio Gómez Universidad de Magallanes
IN_01-12 Diversity of cyanobacteria in the Antarctic Peninsula Dr. Marcelo González INACH
IN_02-12 Comparison of the thermal stress response in Dr. Marcelo González INACH tropical Antarctic echinoderms
PA_01-12 Geomorphology, relief evolution, periglacial Dr. Joao Canario IST – Portugal environment and hydrogeology: changes and impacts in the northern Antarctic Peninsula region (GEOPANT)
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Code Title Principal Investigator Institution
PA_02-12 Geomorphology, relief evolution, periglacial Dr. Jerónimo López‐ CSIC – España environment and hydrogeology: changes and Martínez impacts in the northern Antarctic Peninsula region (GEOPANT)
PA_03-12 Ecological activity of marine natural products of the Dr. Conxita Ávila CSIC – España Antarctic benthos: in situ chemical ecology, pharmacological potential and disturbances caused by human activity (ACTIQUIM-II)
PA _11-12 Evidence of environmental and climatic changes Dr. Juan Alfonso COEA-Venezuela during the recent Quaternary lake sediments of Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Maritime Antarctic
All scientific activities developed by Chile in Antarctica are presented annually by the Chilean Antarctic Science Program (PROCIEN), which is available online at the website of INACH (www.inach.gob.cl). PROCIEN is also reported in the Electronic Information Exchange System (EIES).
Comments regarding the Environmental Management at Escudero and Frei Station INACH, besides maintaining a manual for the protection of the Antarctic Environment in Escudero, gives all its scientists induction speeches before they travel to Antarctica. Among these induction speeches is one that treats the Madrid Protocol in depth, in order to ensure its understanding and compliance by all the participants of the scientific activities. In these inductions speeches, the appropriate permissions for collecting samples of flora and fauna -or parts of them- are delivered to the scientists in accordance with the provisions of Annex II of the Protocol, as well as the entry permits for Antarctic Specially Protected Areas, according to Annex V.
Gabriel González Videla station: In response to the Antarctic Treaty Inspection Report of the Gabriel González Videla Antarctic station, Chile made the following comments and observations under the Report’s subsections as presented below:
Scientific Research: >>Although Gabriel González Videla station does not count with scientific laboratories for the better development of research projects, during the last three years, INACH has supported in this base scientific activities in marine vertebrates, primarily studying penguins. For more information on this topic, look up for the comments on Scientific Research at the end of this section. >>This standalone building that holds the museum was never a scientific laboratory. It used to be a shelter that now works as a museum.
Safety, Training and Emergency procedures: >>For preventive actions, the base has a considerable amount of firefighting equipment, including 12 fire extinguishers, water pumps and minor material (hoses, coupling, pistons, etc.)
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Recommendations: >>Smoke and fire alarms will be requested to be installed during the next season of the Station.
The Chilean delegation also provided the following comments with regards to scientific research at Gabriel González Videla Station: In November 2012, INACH informed the Chilean Air Force of the scientific activities that the institute would develop at Gabriel González Videla Station during the season of 2012 – 2013. Giving a brief summary, there is one Chilean scientific project and another from the Brazilian Antarctic Program. Both activities were scheduled to be implemented during the month of February 2013.
The national project would study the effects of persistent organic pollutants in the aquatic trophic level of the Antarctic Peninsula, in order to compare the results with those obtained in the Patagonian area, which is led by Dr. Gustavo Chiang, of the Universidad de Concepción. Moreover, the project led by Dr. Joao Torres (Brazil), studied flying birds supported by the Chilean group.
Additionally, other five research projects were scheduled to work in the vicinity of the base with the support of the ship “Aquiles” of the Chilean Navy, during the period of permanence of the other groups in Gabriel González Videla Station. These projects are:
Code Title Principal Investigator Institution
FI_01-12 Variability of seismic facies and sedimentary Dr. Cristián Rodrigo INACH processes in small bays and fjords of the Danco Coast, Antarctic Peninsula
FP_03-12 Phylogeography and evolutionary history of the Dr. Angie Díaz Universidad de Magallanes species Neobuccinum eatoni (Mollusca, Neogastropoda) in the Southern Ocean
FR_04-10 Biogeographic and phylogeographic scenarios Dr. Andrés Mansilla Universidad de Magallanes related to the origin and persistence of the macroalgal diversity in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions using taxonomic, ecophysiological and molecular tools
IN_01-12 Diversity of cyanobacteria in the Antarctic Peninsula Dr. Marcelo González INACH
RT_13-10 Macroecology and diversity of high latitudes meiofauna Dr. Matthew Lee Universidad de Los Lagos using a morphological and molecular approach
Arturo Prat station: In response to the Antarctic Treaty Inspection Report of the Arturo Prat Antarctic station, Chile made the following comments and observations under the Report’s subsections as presented below:
Physical Description: >>During the inspection, the Iquique Inlet was inoperative; but it was repaired and is operational since January 29th, 2013.
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Scientific Research: >>In October 2012, INACH informed the Chilean Navy of its scientific activities that the Institute would develop in Prat Station during the 2012-2013 Antarctic season, including the logistical support required for the development of these activities. These logistic activities in support of the scientific investigations were scheduled for November 2012. However, due to problems with the shuttle platforms to Antarctica, the scientific staff of INACH could only enter Prat Base on January 2013. >>Among the scheduled activities for November 2012, were the tasks of organizing and to install the scientific equipment in the Scientific Multipurpose Laboratories building for use of INACH researchers.
Environmental Management: >>Regarding the extension of the Scientific Multipurpose Laboratory building made by INACH, an evaluation of this activity was performed and it was determined that as this annex would be done in an area that was already intervened, an installation of foundations or modifications on the ground to develop this enlargement was not needed. Because there was already a treated prefabricated concrete foundation placed on the ground, it was determined that the impact that this expansion would generate, would be less than minor or transitory, which did not require the preparation of an Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE). This extension was made with galvanized steel beams sized to avoid unnecessary cuts in ground and thermolaminated panels. With the expansion of this building, it will be possible to support a maximum of 10 field researchers in each working season.
Medical: >>There is indeed a videoconferencing system, which is outside the nursing units. It is noteworthy to point out that this is only a support system in case of a medical emergency and that its priority use is for communicating with other Units or Dealings.
Tourism: >>An Internal Standing Order with detailed instructions to regulate tourism activities when necessary was designed by the Chilean Navy.
The Chilean delegation also provided the following comments regarding scientific research at Arturo Prat Station: These are the scientific activities that had to be rescheduled for January and February 2013:
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Code Title Principal Investigator Institution
CI_01-12 Using natural compounds from Antarctic Dr. Paris Lavín INACH actinomycetes to increase food security in processing plants and refrigerators
FR_03-10 DIAZOSPRING: Ecology of diazotrophic cyanobacteria Dr. Beatriz Díez Pontificia Universidad in hot springs along a latitudinal gradient from Católica de Chile Atacama to Antarctica
FR_04-10 Biogeographic and phylogeographic scenarios related Dr. Andrés Mansilla Universidad de Magallanes to the origin and persistence of the diversity of macroalgal in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions using taxonomic, ecophysiological and molecular tools
FP_01-12 Influence of freshwater flow on primary productivity, Dr. Claudia Aracena Universidad Austral de Chile biogenic silica content and nutrients in South Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula
RT_15-10 DIAZOPOLARSEA: Diazotrophic in the Antarctic Ocean Dr. Beatriz Diez Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
RT_16 -11 Biodiversity of the Antarctic marine macroalgae: a first Dr. Marie-Laure Universidad Austral de Chile step into the understanding of local and regional Guillemin patterns using a taxonomy methodology assisted by molecular markers
RT_09-12 Selection and identification of microbial consortia with Dr. Léa Cabrol Pontifica Universidad Católica a high acidogenic activity in Antarctic methanogenic de Valparaíso sediments for application to psychrophilic anaerobic digestion of sewage in temperate zones/cold
RT_12-12 Para-ICE: owards a better understanding of the Dr. Christophe Kinnard Centro de Estudios Ice shedding Avanzados en Zonas Áridas
RT_14-12 Diversity of actinobacteria in Antarctic ecosystems and Dr. Leticia Barrientos UFRO evaluation of the biotechnological potential of its active metabolites
MT_01-12 Composition of the bacterial community in polar MSc (c) Cynthia Universidad de Chile marine systems Sanhueza
INT_01-12 Diversity of cyanobacteria in the Antarctic Peninsula Dr. Marcelo González INACH
Of these activities, only five were programmed to be implemented with residence in Prat Station, these are the ones directed by B. Diez, ML. Guillemin, C. Kinnard and C. Sanhueza. The others were executed during the day, both on the Guesalaga Peninsula or in Chile Bay (Discovery Bay), and were supported by the vessel “Aquiles” of the Chilean Navy.
The researchers arrived at Prat Station on January 15th and concluded its work on February 17th.
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3. Comments from China on the Antarctic Treaty Inspections Report
The Chinese side welcomes the inspection conducted jointly by the UK, Netherlands and Spain in China’s Great Wall Station, and thank the UK for providing us the opportunity to comment on the report of the joint inspection. With regard to the recommendations made and issues raised, the Chinese side wishes to comment as follows:
1. International collaboration on scientific programmes International collaboration is one of the key principles enshrined in the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty. As a Consultative Party to the Treaty, China fully appreciates the importance of international collaboration on Antarctic research programmes. The Great Wall Station has engaged in some collaborative researches with some member states. We will increase the collaboration with other countries through relevant international programmes within the capacity of the equipment and facilities in the Great Wall Station. Taking into account the unique environment and scientific research value of this area, we would also be willing to use the Great Wall Station as a platform to promote better understanding of the Antarctic region.
2. Concrete bunds around fuel tanks There was very heavy snow on the King George Island in 2012. We will instruct the Station to monitor the oil system regularly and more closely and keep the concrete bunds clear of snow and water in case of an oil spill.
3. Removal of old tanks and structures As noted by the joint inspection team, we have had plans for the old fuel tanks to be dismantled and removed from Antarctica when the Chinese resupply vessel next visited the Station in 2013. We would like to hereby confirm such a plan.
4. Tourists in the Great Wall Station The large number of tourists is an issue of concern for the Great Wall Station. The work of the Station as well as the research programmes were affected by tourist activities. The Station does not accept tourists other than free basic hospitality. In the summer of 2012/2013, some tourist groups applied to China Arctic and Antarctic Administration for visit to the Great Wall Station. Some tourist groups applied only when they arrived at the Station, and the Station usually receives these tourists, with a view to avoid strong emotional reaction of the tourists by a refusal.
We hope that the ATCM could consider the impact of tourism on national Antarctic research programmes. We would also like to express our concern to IAATO, and hope that all the tourist groups could apply to China Arctic and Antarctic Administration prior to their arrival at the Station to avoid unnecessary disturbance to the research work and life of the personnel in the Station.
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5. The condition of Building No.1 This building was included in the list of HSM in the 34th ATCM. We attach great importance to the maintenance and restoration of the building. Presently, China Arctic and Antarctic Administration and the Polar Research Institute of China are making effort to finalise the repair plan and applying for a fund for the restoration.
6. Time for the handover of the overwintering teams The time of handover planned for the overwintering teams and the relief personnel is normally about 7 to 15 days. This year, because of the change of flight by the Chilean Air Force, the members of the relief team were delayed for almost a week. As a result, the time for handover this year was reduced to one day. The one-day handover this year was unexpected and exceptional.
7. The operation of the Great Wall Station is in full compliance with the Antarctic Treaty, the Protocol and all relevant regulations. Nevertheless, we appreciate the recommendations made by the inspection team and reiterate our strong commitment to international collaboration and environmental management in the Great Wall Station.
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4. Comments from Russia concerning the Antarctic Treaty Inspections Report
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5. Comments from Uruguay concerning the Antarctic Treaty Inspections Report
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6. Comments made by Argentina concerning the Inspection of Bahia Paraiso (wreck of Argentine-flagged vessel)
General comment: “Further to what has been stated in this draft inspection report and considering that it might be useful for a more thorough understanding of the subject, Argentina would like to provide the following additional information:
At the XVIII Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM – Kyoto, April 1994), the Argentine Delegation announced that the operation to remove the fuel stored in the “Bahia Paraiso”, which sunk west of the Antarctic Peninsula, had been successfully concluded.
As it was expressed at that time, this was a valuable example of cooperation resulting from an understanding between the Argentine Republic and the Netherlands. Such work won the “Clean Seas” trophy, given by the Government of Malta. It is worth remembering that this report (“Informe Final sobre la Operación de Remoción de Combustibles del Bahía Paraíso”/”Final Report on the operation to remove fuel from the Bahía Paraíso”) was duly distributed in Spanish and English by Argentina and the Netherlands through the usual diplomatic channels.
Argentina has periodically conducted monitoring of the site”.
Comments received on 28 February 2013
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Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2012