Rothera Modernisation ‐ Phase 1 Initial Environmental Evaluation BAS Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme BAS Environment Office September 2019 0 This page has been intentionally left blank. 1 Contents Non‐Technical Summary ....................................................................................................................... 10 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 16 1.1 Background to AIMP ............................................................................................................. 16 1.2 Overview of proposed development .................................................................................... 16 1.3 Purpose and scope of document .......................................................................................... 17 2 APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................................. 18 2.1 Statutory requirements ........................................................................................................ 18 2.2 EIA methodology ................................................................................................................... 18 2.3 BREEAM ................................................................................................................................. 19 2.4 Sustainability Plan ................................................................................................................. 20 3 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................... 24 3.1 Purpose and need ................................................................................................................. 24 3.2 Location ................................................................................................................................. 26 3.3 Scope of preferred option ..................................................................................................... 27 3.3.1 Operations Building ....................................................................................................... 27 3.3.2 Architectural layouts ..................................................................................................... 28 3.3.3 Structural design ........................................................................................................... 28 3.3.4 Mechanical and electrical services ................................................................................ 28 3.3.5 Fire strategy .................................................................................................................. 28 3.3.6 Acoustic strategy ........................................................................................................... 29 3.4 Predicted lifespan ................................................................................................................. 29 3.5 Design details – Operations Building .................................................................................... 30 3.5.1 Building location ........................................................................................................... 30 3.5.2 Architectural Development ........................................................................................... 36 3.5.3 Mechanical, Electrical & power Services ...................................................................... 42 3.5.4 Anticipated Energy Efficiencies ..................................................................................... 43 3.6 Design details – Site Wide Services ....................................................................................... 44 3.7 Design details ‐ Interim Waste Management Facility (IWMF) .............................................. 47 3.8 Design details – Drilling & blasting ........................................................................................ 49 3.9 Alternatives considered ........................................................................................................ 56 3.9.1 Do nothing option ......................................................................................................... 56 3.9.2 Do minimum option ...................................................................................................... 6 1 3.9.3 Alternative Designs ....................................................................................................... 61 3.10 Overview of works ................................................................................................................ 63 2 3.11 Site set up and laydown ........................................................................................................ 65 3.11.1 Overburden Excavation ................................................................................................. 6 7 3.11.2 Drill & Blasting ............................................................................................................... 69 3.12 Anticipated waste ................................................................................................................. 77 3.13 Personnel .............................................................................................................................. 80 3.14 Plans for decommission proposed development ................................................................. 81 4 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGIES .............................................................................................. 82 4.1 Operations Building............................................................................................................... 82 4.2 Container storage location .................................................................................................... 98 4.2.1 Removal of loose material ............................................................................................ 98 4.2.2 Drainage ........................................................................................................................ 99 4.2.3 Backfill and compaction ................................................................................................ 9 9 4.2.4 Protection of existing fuel pipe ................................................................................... 100 4.2.5 Surface protection of runway crossing ....................................................................... 100 4.3 Interim Waste Management Facility (IWMF) ..................................................................... 101 4.4 Drilling & blasting ................................................................................................................ 103 4.5 Site wide services ................................................................................................................ 107 4.5.1 Temporary Diversion of Services ................................................................................ 107 4.5.2 New Side Wide Services .............................................................................................. 108 4.6 Demolition & decommissioning of existing buildings ......................................................... 110 5 SUPPORT ACTIVTIES .................................................................................................................... 114 5.1 Relocation of MF radar masts ............................................................................................. 1 1 4 5.2 Bentham container works ................................................................................................... 117 5.3 CCTV Installation on runway ............................................................................................... 118 5.4 Repair of aircraft hangar roof ............................................................................................. 118 5.5 Shipping & air freight .......................................................................................................... 119 5.5.1 Cargo ........................................................................................................................... 119 5.5.2 Personnel .................................................................................................................... 120 5.6 Accommodation .................................................................................................................. 120 5.7 Energy use ........................................................................................................................... 120 5.8 Water .................................................................................................................................. 120 6 OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................... 121 6.1 Fuel management & spill response ..................................................................................... 121 6.1.1 Fuel use ....................................................................................................................... 121 6.1.2 Fuel Storage ................................................................................................................ 125 6.1.3 Refuelling .................................................................................................................... 125 3 6.1.4 Emergency Spill Contingency Plan 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