Construction and operation of Belarusian Antarctic Research Station

165 Pages·2014·7.7 MB·English

NNaattiioonnaall AAccaaddeemmyy ooff SScciieenncceess ooff BBeellaarruuss

SSTTAATTEE SSCCIIEENNTTIIFFIICC IINNSSTITUTION
INSTITUTE FOR NATURE
MANAGEMENT

STATE SCIENTIFIC AND
PRODUCTION

AMALGAMATION
THE SCIENTIFIC AND
PRACTICAL CENTRE FOR
BIORESOURCES
STATE INSTITUTION
TTHHEE RREEPPUUBBLLIICCAANN CCEENNTTRRE FOR
POLAR RESEARCH

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AANNTTAARRCCTTIICC RREESSEEAARRCCHH SSTTAATTIIOONN AATT MMOOUUNNTT VVEECCHHERNYAYA,
ENDERBY LAND

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Minsk 2013
Draft Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation
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Content
Acronyms and abbreviations …………………………………………………………………………………….…… 10
Non-technical summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..................................... 20
1.1 Regulatory framework for activities in Antarctica and history of the Belarusian
scientific research in Antarctica ………………………………………………………………………………… 20
1.2 Objectives of the Belarusian explorations in Antarctica……………………………..….……. 21
1.3 Necessity of drafting of CEE of the Belarusian Antarctic station construction……… 22
2. Description of planned activity …………………………………………………………………………………… 24
2.1 Major scientific activities the Republic of Belarus in Antarctica…………………………… 24
2.2 Belarusian Antarctic station construction site selection criteria………….................. 24
2.3 Possibilities to use the RAE Mount Vechernyaya field base infrastructure…………… 27
2.4 Station design concept and major parameters ……………………………………………………. 27
2.4.1 Station design concept ……………………………………..…………………………………………. 27
2.4.2 Structural features and major parameters of modules.......………………………….. 28
2.4.3 Power supply system ………………………………………............................................. 35
2.4.4 Water supply and drainage …………………………………………................................. 36
2.4.5 Waste management ……………………………………………………………………………………. 37
2.4.6 Logistics ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 38
2.5 BAS construction alternative sites at Mount Vechernyaya and zero alternative…… 38
2.5.1 Alternative sites at Mount Vechernyaya ……………………………………………………… 38
2.5.2 Alternative construction sites in other Antarctic areas................................... 39
2.5.3 Zero alternative (no construction)………………………………………………………………… 39
3. Initial Environmental Evaluation ……………….……………………………………………………………….. 40
3.1 General geographic description and relief …………………………………………………………… 40
3.2 Sea and sea ice ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 41
3.3 Geology and soils ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 43
3.4 Glaciers and inland waters ………………………………………………………………………………….. 46
3.5 Meteorology and climate …………………………………………………….……………………………… 48
3.6 Flora and fauna …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 52
3.7 Initial environmental situation before BAS construction…………………...................... 56
3.7.1 On-site activities before starting of BAS construction …..………….................... 56
3.7.2 Environmental assessment investigations methodology еды………………………. 60
3.7.3 Chemical composition of snow waters ……………………………….......................... 61
3.7.4 Chemical composition of surface waters …………………………………………………….. 64
3.7.5 Chemical composition of bottom sediments and soils …………………………………. 67
3.7.6 Biotic components ……...………………………………………………………………………………. 71
3.7.7 Aesthetic value of the landscape and natural surroundings………….……………… 71
3.7.8 Projection of the state of environment in absence of the proposed activity 71
4. Environmental impact assessment of the planned activity ……………………………………….. 72
4.1 Sources of impact ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 72
4.1.1 Sources of impact at station construction ……………………................................ 72
4.1.1.1 Station construction phases ………………………………………………………………… 72
4.1.1.2 Impacts on sea delivery of the station modules, equipment and cargo... 73
4.1.1.3 Impacts at cargo vessel-to-site transfers and station assembly works …. 74
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4.1.1.4 Activities for reduction of impacts during station construction……………. 78
4.1.2 Sources of impacts during the station operation …………………………………………. 79
4.1.2.1 Air emission sources ……………………………………………………………………………. 79
4.1.2.2 Noise exposure sources ……………………………............................................ 85
4.1.2.3 Fuel storage and distribution ……………………………………………………………….. 86
4.1.2.4 Water supply and sewage disposal …………….……………………………………….. 87
4.1.2.5 Assessment of the environmental impact due to wastewater
generation and discharge ………………………………………………………………………………... 90
4.1.2.6 Solid wastes generation and disposal …………………..…………………………….. 92
4.1.2.7 Other impacts ……………………………………………………………………………………… 94
4.2 Exposure analysis ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 94
4.2.1 Exposure identification at the station construction ……………………………………… 94
4.2.1.1 Ambient air exposure …………………………………………………………………………… 95
4.2.1.2 Noise exposure ……………………………………………………………………………………. 95
4.2.1.3 Exposure on soils and rocks …………...……………………………………………………. 99
4.2.1.4 Exposure on surface waters, snow and ice cover ……….……..................... 99
4.2.1.5 Exposure on biota, marine environment and marine ecosystems…….….. 100
4.2.1.6 Impact on aesthetic features of the landscape and natural
surroundings……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 100
4.2.2 Identification of environmental exposure at station operation ………............ 101
4.2.2.1 Ambient air exposure ………………………….….…………………………………………… 101
4.2.2.2 Noise exposure …………………….……………………………………………………………… 123
4.2.2.3 Exposure on soils and rocks …………………..………...................................... 125
4.2.2.4 Exposure on surface waters, snow and ice cover ……………...................... 126
4.2.2.5 Impact on aesthetic features of the landscape and natural
surroundings……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 127
4.2.2.6 Exposure on biota ……………………………………………..................................... 127
4.2.2.7 Exposure on marine environment and marine ecosystems………………..... 129
4.2.2.8 Specially Protected Areas (ASPA), Specially Managed Areas (ASMA),
Historic Sites and Monuments (HSM), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)… 129
4.3 Risk level matrix related to the BAS construction and operation ……………………….
130
4.4 Exposure matrix related to the BAS construction and operation ………………………… 132
4.5 Possible indirect or secondary impacts …………………………………………………………..…… 134
4.6 Cumulative exposure ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 135
4.7 Effect of proposed activity on scientific investigations and other types of
activities and valuables …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 135
5. Measures to mitigate or remediate the impacts of the proposed activity and
monitoring programs ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 136
5.1 Mitigation and remediation measures …………………….............................................. 136
5.2 Monitoring programs ………………………………………………….......................................... 137
5.3 Operational monitoring and actions in emergency …………………………………………….. 139
6. Gaps in knowledge and uncertainties ………………………………………………………………………… 140
7. Conclusions ……………………………………………………………………….......................................... 141
8. List of references ……………………………………………............................................................. 143
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9. Preparers and advisors………...………………………………………............................................... 147
Annexes……………………………………………………………………………............................................... 148
Annex 1 BAS modules description and major specifications .…………………………………..… 148
Annex 2 Maps of air pollutants dispersion from stationary sources at BAS operation.
Scenario 2…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 157

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List of tables
Table 2.1 – Types and major parameters of BAS modules………………………………………………. 32
Table 2.2 – Parameters of diesel generators to be used at the BAS………………………………… 36
Table 2.3 – Parameters of blow heaters and petrol engines to be used at BAS……………… 36
Table 3.1 – Macroelement content in soil samples taken at Mount Vechernyaya sites.... 45
Table 3.2 – Macroelement content in bottom lake sediments at Mount Vechernyaya
area………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 48
Table 3.3 – Long-term average values of major meteorological parameters in the
planned BAS deployment site …………………………………………………….……………………………….... 51
Table 3.4 – Average monthly and extreme values of major meteorological
measurements at Mount Vechernyaya field camp ………………………………………………………… 52
Table 3.5 – Contents of major ions in snow water samples at the Mount Vechernyaya
field base location …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 62
Table 3.6 – Trace element content in the snow cover at the Mount Vechernyaya field
base location ………………………………………….......................................................................... 63
Table 3.7 – Major ions content in the lake waters at the Mount Vechernyaya field base
location …………………………………………………........................................................................... 64
Table 3.8 – Trace element content in the lake waters at the Mount Vechernyaya field
base location………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 66
Table 3.9 – Oil product content in surface water samples taken at the Mount
Vechernyaya field base location …………………………………………………………………………………….. 67
Table 3.10 – Concentration of heavy metals in the lake sediments in the Mount
Vechernyaya field base vicinity ……………………………………………………………………………………… 67
Table 3.11 – Content of oil products in the lake bottom sediments of the Mount
Vechernyaya field base location …………………………………………………………………………………….. 68
Table 3.12 – Contents of PAHs and PCBs in the Verkhneye Lake sediments …………………... 69
Table 3.13 – Heavy metal content in soil samples …………………………………………………………... 69
Table 3.14 – Oil product content in the soils at the Mount Vechernyaya field base ………. 70
Table 3.15 – Contents of PAHs and PCBs in soils at the Mount Vechernyaya field base … 71
Table 4.1 – Major characteristics of Academician Fedorov and Academician Treshnikov
RAE vessels …….……………………………………………………………………………….…………………………….. 74
Table 4.2 – Ka-32 helicopter major performance characteristics …………………………………... 75
Table 4.3 – Major performance characteristics of Ka-32 helicopter’s TVZ-117 engines .... 75
Table 4.4 – Ka-32 helicopter emission factors, based on ICAO standard ……………………….. 75
Table 4.5 – Ka-32 helicopter emissions during the BAS construction ……………………………. 76
Table 4.6 – EASA noise certificate, issued to Kamov manufacturers for Ka-32 helicopter.. 77
Table 4.7 – Characteristics of motor vehicles and machinery used at Mount
Vechernyaya BAE field camp …………………………………………………………………………………………. 80
Table 4.8 – Consumption of fuel by vehicles and mechanisms for 2011-2012 BAE field
season …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 81
Table 4.9 – Emission factors for stationary diesel installations ………..………………………..…... 82
Table 4.10 – Emission factors for domestic waste combustion ……………………………………… 82
Table 4.11 – Emission factors for non-road transport ……………………………………………………. 83
Table 4.12 – Pollutants air emission at BAS operation, Scenario 1, seasonal mode .………. 83
Table 4.13 – Pollutants air emission at BAS operation, Scenario 2, wintering mode ……… 84
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Table 4.14 – Noise characteristics of diesel generators …..……………………………………………… 85
Table 4.15 – Averaged characteristics of domestic wastewaters from settlements…........ 90
Table 4.16 – Estimated gross pollutants discharges into the sea with sewage during BAS
operation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 91
Table 4.17 – Projected amount of domestic wastes generation at BAS …………….…………… 92
Table 4.18 – Receptors’ centre points in the UTM system and conventional coordinate
system …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 102
Table 4.19 – Modelled air pollutants concentrations for selected receptors from the
BAS stationary emission sources operation (Scenario 1) ………………………………………………… 105
Table 4.20 – Maximum modelled air pollutants concentrations for selected receptors
during the BAS stationary emission sources operation (Scenario 1) ……………….……………. 106
Table 4.21 - Regulatory standards for ambient air pollutant concentrations ……………….. 106
Table 4.22 – Estimated concentrations of air pollutants for the laboratory & residential
and protected area locations (Scenario 2)………………………………………………………………………. 119
Table 4.23 – Sound pressure calculation results for DG-60 diesel generator at specific
calculation points …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 125
Table 4.24 – Critical levels of sulfur dioxide exposure on the natural vegetation.............. 127
Table 4.25 – Evaluation matrix of the levels of risk for the environmental components
associated with the Mount Vechernyaya BAS construction……………………………………………. 130
Table 4.26 – Exposure matrix related to the BAS construction and operation ……………….. 133

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List of figures
Figure 1.1 – Planed location of the Belarusian Antarctic station ……………………………………. 23
Figure 2.1 – BAS proposed placement relative to Molodyozhnaya station, Enderby Land 25
Figure 2.2 – Alternative sites for BAS construction at Mount Vechernyaya……………………. 26
Figure 2.3 – General view of several BAS modules (architectural design)………………………. 30
Figure 2.4 – Plan of the modules delivery from ships to the construction site ………………. 31
Figure 2.5 – General view (A) and layout (B) of the laboratory & residential single-
storey module………………………………………………………….……………………………………..…………….. 32
Figure 2.6 – General view (A) and layout (B) of the service & residential single-storey
module …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 33
Figure 2.7 – General view (A) and layout (B) of the laboratory & residential two-storey
module ………………………………………………………………………………............................................ 33
Figure 2.8 – General view (A) and layout (B) of the production & residential two-storey
module …………………………………………................................................................................... 34
Figure 2.9 – BAS facilities allocation at construction site ……............................................ 35
Figure 3.1 – Topographic map of Mount Vechernyaya area …………………………………………. 40
Figure 3.2 – Hypsometric map of Mount Vechernyaya………………………….......................... 41
Figure 3.3 – Google map of Mount Vechernyaya …….…………………………………................... 41
Figure 3.4 – Coast line at Mount Vechernyaya…...…………………………………………………………. 42
Figure 3.5 – Examples of soil formation at the BAS deployment area ……………………………. 44
Figure 3.6 – Fluvioglacial deposits at temporary stream beds………………………………………… 44
Figure 3.7 – View of the excurrent Heys Glacier from field camp Mount Vechernyaya….. 46
Figure 3.8 – Crevasse at Heys Glacier……………………………………………………………………………… 47
Figure 3.9 – Permanent and seasonal fresh water lakes at field camp Mount
Vechernyaya …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 47
Figure 3.10 – Annual temperature ranges by data of Molodyozhnaya station ..……………. 49
Figure 3.11–Wind rose by data of Molodyozhnaya station ……………………………………………. 49
Figure 3.12 – Frequency of winds by data of Molodyozhnaya station …………………………… 50
Figure 3.13 – Monthly precipitation values by data of Molodyozhnaya station................. 51
Figure 3.14 – Distribution of wind speeds by data of observations at Mount
Vechernyaya meteorological station, summer season 2012-2013…………………………………. 52
Figure 3.15 – Characteristic ecosystems (cenoses) at the planned BAS construction area 54
Figure 3.16 – Adelie penguins at Gnezdovoy Cape…………………………………………………………. 55
Figure 3.17 – Polar skuas nestling ……………………………………………………............................... 55
Figure 3.18 – Weddell seal………………………………………………………........................................ 56
Figure 3.19 – Infrastructure of Mount Vechernyaya Field camp used by BAE………………… 57
Figure 3.20 – View of the metal block module at Mount Vechernyaya field base ………….. 58
Figure 3.21 – General view of the storage locations of metal barrels for fuel……………….. 59
Figure 3.22 – Sampling plan of snow, surface water, bottom sediments and soils at the
Mount Vechernyaya field base location ……………………………………………………………………….. 60
Figure 3.23 – Multiple excess of trace elements in snow water samples taken at the
Mount Vechernyaya field base location ………………………………………………………………………… 64
Figure 4.1 – Diesel generators at Mount Vechernyaya field base………………………………… 80
Figure 4.2 – Incinerator KTO50 (picture from producer site)………………….……………………… 80
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Figure 4.3 – BAS domestic wastewater collector layout ………........................................... 89
Figure 4.4 – Flat - weighted helicopter noise level chart at delivering cargo to BAS ……… 96
Figure 4.5 – A-weighted helicopter noise level chart at delivering cargo to BAS …………… 96
Figure 4.6 – C-weighted helicopter noise level chart at delivering cargo to BAS…............ 97
Figure 4.7 – Noise exposure chart (1 sec. scale) (SEL) at delivering cargo to BAS …………. 97
Figure 4.8 – Noise level graph at helicopter flight, Gnezdovoy Cape vicinity……………....... 97
Figure 4.9 – Noise level graph at helicopter flight, BAS site…………................................... 98
Figure 4.10 – Noise spectra at helicopter flight, Gnezdovoy Cape vicinity……………………… 98
Figure 4.11 – Noise spectra at helicopter flight, BAS site………………………......................... 98
Figure 4.12 – Distribution of maximum 1-hour CO concentrations in atmospheric air
from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1………………………………………………………… 107
Figure 4.13 – Distribution of maximum 24-hour CO concentrations in atmospheric air
from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1 …………………………………………………….… 108
Figure 4.14 – Distribution of monthly average CO concentrations in atmospheric air
from BAS stationary sources operation, averaged for summer season. Scenario 1………… 108
Figure 4.15 - Distribution of maximum hourly NO concentrations in atmospheric air
2
from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1……………………………………………………….. 109
Figure 4.16 – Distribution of maximum 24-hour NO concentrations in atmospheric air
2
from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1 ………………………………………………………. 110
Figure 4.17 – Distribution of monthly average NO concentrations in atmospheric air
2
from BAS stationary sources operation, averaged for summer season. Scenario 1………… 111
Figure 4.18 – Distribution of maximum hourly PM10 concentrations in atmospheric air
from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1 ………………………………………………………. 111
Figure 4.19 – Distribution of maximum 24-hour P10 concentrations in atmospheric air
from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1 ………………………………………………………. 112
Figure 4.20 – Distribution of monthly average PM10 concentrations in atmospheric air
from BAS stationary sources operation, averaged for summer season. Scenario 1………… 113
Figure 4.21 – Distribution of maximum hourly SO concentrations in atmospheric air
2
from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1……………………………………………………….. 114
Figure 4.22 – Distribution of maximum 24-hour SO concentrations in atmospheric air
2
from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1 ………………………………………………………. 114
Figure 4.23 – Distribution of monthly average SO concentrations in atmospheric air
2
from BAS stationary sources operation, averaged for summer season. Scenario 1………… 115
Figure 4.24 – Distribution of maximum hourly hydrocarbon concentrations in
atmospheric air from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1 ……………………………… 116
Figure 4.25 – Distribution of maximum 24-hour hydrocarbon concentrations in
atmospheric air from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1 ……………………………… 116
Figure 4.26 – Distribution of monthly average hydrocarbon concentrations in
atmospheric air from BAS stationary sources operation. Scenario 1……………………………… 117
Figure 4.27 – Calculated areas of the equivalent sound levels, as related to DG-60
diesel generator operation at BAS…………………………………………………………………………….. 124
Figure 5.1 – Locations of ecosystems recommended for protection and monitoring ……. 146

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Acronyms and abbreviations
AERMOD Atmospheric Dispersion Modeling System
AERMET Meteorological Data Preprocessor
ASMA Antarctic Specially Managed Area
ASPA Antarctic Specially Protected Area
ATCM Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
BAE Belarusian Antarctic Expedition
BAS Belarusian Antarctic Station
BOD Biological Oxygen Demand
CEE Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation
CEP Committee for Environmental Protection
CH Hydrocarbons
CO Carbon Oxide
COMNAP Council of Managers of National Antarctic Program
DEM Digital Elevation Model
EASA European Aviation Safety Agency
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMP Environmental Management Plan
HSM Historic Sites and Monuments
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
IEE Initial Environmental Evaluation
MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ship
MBM Metal Block Module
NMSim Noise Simulation Model
NO Nitrogen dioxide
2
NOx Nitrogen oxides
TSP Total Suspended Particulate
PAH Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds
PM10 Particulate Matter <10 µm
PM2.5 Particulate Matter <2.5 µm
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyls
PCDF/F Polychlorinated dibenzo(p)dioxins and dibenzofurans
RAE Russian Antarctic Expedition
SCAR Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research
SO Sulfur dioxide
2
SSSI Sites of Special Scientific Interest
UТM Universal Transverse Mercator
US EPA United States Environmental Protection Energy
VOC Volatile Organic Compounds
WMP Waste Management Plan
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