IEE Antarctic Peninsula Cruise Program – MV Corinthian Multi-year Assessment Grand Circle Corporation Initial Environmental Evaluation for Antarctic Peninsula Ship-based Tourism Aboard MV Corinthian Five-year Programmatic Assessment December 2014 – March 2019 Submitted 12 September 2017 to US Environmental Protection Agency for Activities during the 2017-18 Season Grand Circle Corporation Page 1 IEE Antarctic Peninsula Cruise Program – MV Corinthian Multi-year Assessment TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. CONTACT DETAILS ................................................................................................................................................ 5 2. NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ 6 2.1 Description of the Proposed Activity ................................................................................................................. 7 2.2 Alternatives ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 2.3 Assessment of Potential Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 8 2.4 Minimization and Mitigation ............................................................................................................................. 9 2.5 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 3. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................. 11 3.1 Scope of the Evaluation ................................................................................................................................... 11 3.2 Company Description ....................................................................................................................................... 11 3.3 Vessel Specifications ........................................................................................................................................ 13 3.4 Vessel Operations ............................................................................................................................................ 18 3.4.1 In General ....................................................................................................................................... 18 3.4.2 Relevant Laws and Regulations ...................................................................................................... 19 3.4.2.1 Antarctica ............................................................................................................................ 19 3.4.2.2 Applicable Marine Legislation ............................................................................................. 22 3.4.2.3 Safety of Vessels ................................................................................................................. 23 3.4.2.4 Safe Vessel Operations ....................................................................................................... 23 3.4.2.5 Emergency Response Action ............................................................................................... 24 3.4.2.6 Environmental Safeguards .................................................................................................. 24 3.4.3 Oil and Oily Mixtures ...................................................................................................................... 25 3.4.4 Garbage .......................................................................................................................................... 27 3.4.5 Sewage ............................................................................................................................................ 27 3.4.6 Ballast ............................................................................................................................................. 28 3.4.7 Stack Emissions ............................................................................................................................... 28 3.4.8 Avoidance of Harmful Interference with Biota ............................................................................... 29 3.4.9 Security Plan ................................................................................................................................... 29 3.4.10 Anchor Watch ............................................................................................................................... 29 3.4.11 Disembarking Passengers ............................................................................................................. 30 3.4.12 SAR Arrangements ........................................................................................................................ 30 3.4.13 Insurance Provisions ..................................................................................................................... 33 4. PROPOSED ACTIVITY .......................................................................................................................................... 36 4.1 Itinerary Planning, Site Selection, Route Planning and Management ............................................................. 36 4.2 Purpose and Value of Antarctic Tourism ......................................................................................................... 41 4.3 Location and Duration ..................................................................................................................................... 41 4.4 Small Boat Activities and Cruising .................................................................................................................... 42 4.5 Landings and Shore Activities .......................................................................................................................... 44 4.6 Education and Training of Passengers, Crew and Expedition Team ................................................................ 47 5. ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED ACTIVITY ............................................................................................................ 51 5.1 Changes to Itinerary ......................................................................................................................................... 51 5.2 Changes to Sites Visited ................................................................................................................................... 51 5.3 Changes to Number of Passengers .................................................................................................................. 51 5.4 Changes to Vessel Used ................................................................................................................................... 52 5.5 Changes to Zodiac Usage ................................................................................................................................. 52 5.6 Alternative of Not Proceeding with Cruise Program ........................................................................................ 52 Grand Circle Corporation Page 2 IEE Antarctic Peninsula Cruise Program – MV Corinthian Multi-year Assessment 6. LIKELY IMPACTS, ASSESSMENT, MINIMIZATION AND MITIGATION OF PROPOSED ACTIVITIES ........................ 54 6.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................................................... 54 6.2 Relevant Laws and Regulations ........................................................................................................................ 54 6.3 Standard Operating Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 54 6.4 Assessment of Impacts .................................................................................................................................... 57 6.5 Air ................................................................................................................................................................. 59 6.5.1 Origins .................................................................................................................................................. 59 6.5.2 Assessment .......................................................................................................................................... 60 6.5.3 Minimization and Mitigation ................................................................................................................ 60 6.6 Water - Fuel and Oil Spills ................................................................................................................................ 60 6.6.1 Origins .................................................................................................................................................. 60 6.6.2 Assessment .......................................................................................................................................... 61 6.6.3 Minimization and Mitigation ................................................................................................................ 61 6.7 Wastes Generated During the Expedition ......................................................................................................