Methane data-gathering tower in North Campus area
(02-05)

At a regularly-scheduled MPC meeting on July 25, 2002 the Committee considered the request for approval of a 30-foot data gathering tower to be constructed in the North Campus area (DDC memorandum to the MPC of June 19, 2002). The MPC's role is to ensure compliance of such projects with the UAF Master Plan.

We note that the MPC has tasked its North Campus Sub-committee (NCSC), chaired by Pat Holloway, to develop a comprehensive plan and recommendations for use of the North Campus area. The MPC expects to review this draft plan in early spring 2003. This proposal and others like it highlight the importance of having such a plan so that the diverse research, educational, and recreational uses of the area can be accommodated.
In particular, the issue of utilities to sustain these uses in the long term appears to be vital. It should be a major element of a new North Campus plan.

The MPC notes that this research proposal appears consistent with the research function of the North Campus area, and that it builds on related work conducted nearby by other UAF researchers (Chapin and Osborne). The MPC asked the NCSC to meet with the project PIs to explore questions about the tower's location, design, operation, and eventual removal. The NCSC did so, and their input was supplemented by a memo from Jamelle Duszynski, IARC Operations Manager, to Steve Titus of July 24, 2002 (attached). This memo addresses concerns raised about power, the duration of the project, and responsibility for project cleanup and removal.

After considering this information, the MPC recommends approval of the proposal as presented, subject to the following:

1) Tower location—The tower and associated power cable must be located to avoid impact on existing trails and other research activities. We request that the PIs provide the North Campus Sub-Committee (Pat Holloway or her designee) with a detailed map of the site and the cable as soon as possible.

2) Utilities—Even with the information provided by J. Duszynski (memo of July 24), questions remain about obtaining adequate power to the site. While not wanting to hold up progress on the research, the MPC recommends that a plan for power be developed and approved by Facilities Services before placement of any equipment occurs at the research site.

3) Access—Vehicles used to access the site are not permitted off existing roadways or during winter months.

4) Duration—We understand this to be a temporary facility for a project designed to extend up to five years. However, the North Campus Sub-committee will reevaluate the use of this site for the project at the end of two years (no later than August 2004).

5) Removal and cleanup of the site—The memo from IARC makes clear that it will ultimately be responsible for cleanup of the site. The MPC expects that the tower, power cable, and any associated equipment be removed upon project completion and that the site be returned to its natural state.

6) Reporting of research results—The MPC and its North Campus Sub-committee request copies of any research publications or project reports prepared in conjunction with use of this site. This will be used in a database of research conducted in the North Campus area and will aid in planning and development of future research facilities.

RELEVANT GOALS/ACTIONS IN UAF MASTER PLAN
Goals I, II, V; Actions A4, A9, A20, A22, A24

cc: Jamelle Duszynski, IARC Operations
     Kathleen Schedler, FS
     Steve Titus, DDC
     Dr. Yoshinobu Harazono, IARC Visiting Scientist

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Tanana Valley Campus
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Phone: +1 907 474 7920
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