SBA geomag huts asbestos removal

[tanjapetersen]

AntNZ wants the asbestos in the Scott Base geomag huts to be removed.

Done so far:

• [x] Decided to keep huts historical instead of replacing them with new ones for now.

• [x] Negotiated with AHT. They take over renovations.

• [x] Asked INTERMAGNET for their requirements. They have no concerns and recommended procedure.

• [x] Initiated event plan with AntNZ (EMPEROR) for season 18/19.

• [x] Asked Neville if he'd be available to do the two visits: 3 days work at SB for each trip.

• [x] Electric compliance - Jason Marshall in charge (email 12/9/2017)

Tasklist:

• [x] AHT will compose MoU with AntNZ in March 2018. My requirements will be included. Contact person: Al Fastier.

NOT NOW - [ ] The absolutes pillar plinth socket needs to be reinforced during first visit.

NOT NOW - [ ] The theodolite tri-brach base needs to be rotated into an optimally stable rotation: mark its original position then try in the other 2 possible positions.

[tanjapetersen]

The Plan (submitted to EMPEROR):

The event is dependent on the AHT’s SB geomag huts asbestos removal event and it is composed of two parts: Pre- & post- asbestos removal.

Pre- asbestos removal: We would send one person to setup a 3-component fluxgate magnetometer and an absolute position away from the SB geomag huts construction site. Repeat magnetic measurements would be performed over the course of 2-3 days, an AntNZ Science Tech would be trained on how to keep the fluxgate running during the ~6 weeks construction period, and the reinforcement of the absolutes pillar’s plinth joint (to be performed by SB ground crew) would be guided.

Post- asbestos removal: We would send two scientists to perform repeat magnetic measurements and to re-install the monitoring equipment in the geomag huts over the course of 2-3 days.

[tanjapetersen]

Asbestos assessor visit the Variometer and Absolute huts 10 Feb 2018.

Panels and roof are most likely asbestos.

[tanjapetersen]

AntNZ canceled my event for 18/19 saying the asbestos removal won't go ahead before the SB rebuild starts.

AntNZ techs report about the huts really requiring some maintenance asap.

Talked to Al Fastier on the phone 5 March 2018 to ask him about status of the project. He'll provide me with an update on March 19. He had talked to Peter Beggs, AntNZ, who's all supportive.

[tanjapetersen]

Graeme Plank might be able to do some maintenance work during season 18/19:

NOTE: Grame's trip was cancelled. Items have been moved to https://github.com/tanjapetersen/geomag/issues/12

• [x] supervising pillar plinth socket reinforcement

• [x] rotating theodolite's tri-brach into stable position

[tanjapetersen]

NO GO decision from Nicky Burgess, Antarctic Programme Planner, AntNZ, 7 Mar 2018:

"For K102 the currently plan is to continue the 6 monthly inspection schedule and pending no increased need for maintenance then they won’t be scoped for work until they come under the rebuild timeline (likely after the 19/20 season).

No maintenance or remediation work would occur on the huts without you being contacted prior. You can continue to plan their regular geomagnetic survey events (every 5x seasons they come down and survey at SB, Evans, Vanda) but any pre/post asbestos removal monitoring does not need to be scheduled until further notice."

• [x] write reply & communicate decision to Al Fastier, AHT.

• [x] minor maintenance work by Graeme Plank in season 18/19.

[tanjapetersen]

Al Fastier (AHT) had a meeting with AntNZ, May 9th 2018:

"The magnetic hut meeting went surprisingly well. It was verbally agreed that Antarctica NZ will retain the structures. They will be responsible for their maintenance but will need to consult with AHT ( and I would say GNS) before undertaking any work to ensure that it meets the required heritage (and scientific) standards. I am keen to get the huts listed under the TAE Hut as Antarctic Monuments to give them the ongoing protection required. Kate Makenzie and I are currently discussing the process for doing this."

• [x] Al Fastier has another meeting with AntNZ next week to follow up on related action points.

[tanjapetersen]

Phone conversation with Josh Scarrow, Science Programme Support, AntNZ, 24 May 2018

Summary of our conversation: PhoneCall_JoshScarrow24May2018.docx

[tanjapetersen]

• [ ] Graeme Plank: what kind of putty/cement to be used for plinth socket reinforcement?

[tanjapetersen]

Email from Al passed on by Fred Davey: 14/6/2018:

Good morning Fred, A quick update on the Scott Base Magnetic Huts. I have had several meetings with Antarctica NZ staff with a positive outcome. The good news is that the huts are being retained and if any work if being done on them AHT must be advised and consulted with to ensure the relevant heritage policies and guidelines are meet. The plan is to give then longer term protection by listing them under A hut as Historic Monuments. I have asked the Trust's heritage architect Chris Cochran to assist in preparing paper on the Magnetic Huts to be taken to the next Antarctica treaty meeting. He is very keen to talk to you on the topic so have copied him into this email to make the connection. Thanks for being the catalyst to make this happen. All the best. Regards Al

[tanjapetersen]

Note: Graeme Plank couldn't go to Antarctica this season due to an injury!

[tanjapetersen]

Nov 2018: Proposal "Hut G and H" to become part of the Antarctica Historic Monuments went to NZAHT.

[tanjapetersen]

Fred Davey (GNS Emeritus) talked to Nigel Watson (AHT director) & Al Fastier (AHT person who does most of the work) end of Feb 2019 in ChCh:

All positive for getting the geomag huts to be heritage sites. Concern that AntNZ might reject because huts might be in the way of their SB redevelopment project.

[tanjapetersen]

Tanja updated Al Fastier & Nigel Watson (AHT), Fred Davey and Mike Mahon on news around the geomag huts in response to the SB Redevelopment Project's release of the "Preferred Design". See emails 17/7/2019.