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Notes from the second User Forum, 8/15/06
Donie Bret-Harte represented the Toolik management
team. Chad Diesinger,
TFS Camp Manager, and John Hobbie, Scientific Liaison, attended. Donie Bret-Harte recorded these notes, in
consultation with others who attended the meeting.
First,
here is an update on the water well, which was discussed at the last User
Forum. The water from the well passed
the required tests so that it need not be considered surface water and
requires less treatment than is currently applied to water from the
lake. Water taken from the wellhead
will likely be used this winter.
However, no distribution system has yet been completed or approved by
ADEC. UAF has contracted with Design Alaska
to assist in designing and permitting a water distribution system.
Adrian
Green asked for clarification of the regulations regarding hunter activities
in the vicinity of Toolik Lake. Scientists were disturbed by hunters that
walked through experimental plots and shot arrows very near to the pad. Marselle Alexander-Ozinskas commented that
several people felt that the situation was not safe. Chad
responded that he had looked up the ADF&G regulations, and hunting is
only prohibited on the pad itself, although it is always illegal to shoot
someone. Most hunters are sensitive to
the needs of researchers and do not attempt to hunt within the plots or very
close to camp, but some are not. Scott
Houghton wondered if we could explore the possibility of establishing a
buffer zone where hunting was not allowed, through the BLM. However, it appears that this is really an
issue to bring to the state, which establishes the hunting regulations. It was suggested that scientists could write
letters to ADF&G, and Scott agreed to try to find out an appropriate address
for correspondence. Chad
commented that Kurt Bettingfield, the trooper who used to be stationed in
Coldfoot, has recently retired.
However, the troopers do have a temporary camp at Happy
Valley, and have stopped by camp
several times to check in with the staff.
Chad
will report any hunting violations to them that are reported to him. Reportable hunting violations include
herding caribou with automobiles, shooting from the road, and shooting
caribou cows.
John
Hobbie asked about safety issues in camp.
There have been a few safety issues in camp this summer, but they have
all been dealt with. There was an acid
spill under a fume hood, within a secondary containment. It was cleaned up. A mercury-containing thermometer was broken
in a boat; science support assistant/EMT Shelby
Bakken cleaned it up. Adrian commented
that posted instructions as to how to deal with chemical wastes are not
completely clear, but one can ask EMT/Hazmat specialist Nate
Green, so that takes care of any
problems. Christina Maki commented
that she felt that the procedures for dealing with Hazmat were working
well. Finally, camp assistant Kelly
Burton dislocated his shoulder in the early season when he slipped on the ice
while getting water for the sauna. He
was taken to Prudhoe Bay to have his shoulder put back
in, and safety signs were subsequently posted.
John
asked if there were protocols for training users in the use of power
tools. Chad
commented that, in the orientation, he mentions the need for people who want
to use power tools to contact Scott Houghton prior to using them. Scott commented that science support staff
are usually in the shipping/receiving tent during the day, and intercept any
users who want to use saws, etc.
Science support staff members either teach people how to use the
tools, or more often, just do the job themselves. The shop trailer does have a grinder and a
drill press that are not always attended by science support staff. Scott felt that neither of those tools is
as dangerous as the saws that are located in the shipping/receiving
tent. Safety glasses and hearing
protection are available, both in the shop trailer and in the
shipping/receiving tent.
John
commented that a safety review at the Marine Biological Laboratory
recommended that the MBL provide safety training, and videos on topics such
as chemical safety, and he recommended that Toolik should do something
similar. Adrian
commented that in the past the wet lab users have been required to view a lab
safety video as part of a briefing conducted by Chris
Crockett and Adrian before they were allowed to work in
there. That briefing didn’t happen
this year. Nate
Green commented that the UAF lab safety
video is available, if desired, but that the REUs
seemed to be well-supervised this year.
Christina commented that she is in the wet lab most of the days of the
week, and communicates with people about good laboratory practices. John responded that a lot of responsibility
falls on post-docs, graduate students, and research assistants to watch out
for the REUs, and that there
should be some formal training by the institution. He suggested that there should be
safety-training courses put in place before the LTER site review next
summer. He recommended formalizing a
truck/car safety briefing (which is already in place for the new science
support trucks), and a lab safety briefing.
We could use the UAF on-line lab safety briefing, at a minimum. Scott commented that it might be a good
idea to have a lab safety form that everyone would fill out when they arrive
in camp. This form would certify that
the user had watched taken the on-line safety training, and would include the
name of the person to notify in case there is a problem.
Donie
asked whether people have been using the new science support trucks, and
whether they are proving to be satisfactory.
Adrian commented that they
have been using the trucks and that they are very nice, but that the
possibility of scheduling them has not been publicized well enough. The schedule is posted next to Scott’s
desk, and there is information posted on the door of the Comm room, but it
was suggested that perhaps the schedule should be located next to the MBL
truck board. However, Scott needs to
retain control over the scheduling process, because of the requirement to
certify drivers for VPR’s insurance coverage.
Adrian agreed to put a
note on the MBL truck board directing folks to talk to Scott about scheduling
the science support trucks. John
commented that the MBL hopes to phase out the older vehicles and not replace
them, and wonders when we should request more trucks. We will not request new trucks this year,
as we are still gathering data on the usage of these trucks, but possibly
will request more trucks next year if demand warrants.
People
commented that the new shower module is very nice. It is attractive, the cubbies are useful,
and there is a lot more room. It is a
big improvement, and we appreciate the work that VPR did to construct
it. The showerheads are very high in
the new shower, however. Scott will
add an extension to bring them down somewhat.
The light/fan in the women’s shower still does not work because it
needs a breaker, but this will be fixed this fall, when the VPR electrician
returns.
Shipping
is going very well this year. Scott
commented that, because trucks are going back and forth more regularly to Fairbanks,
IAB has been able to move a lot of the freight without relying on
Lynden. Lynden has not been as
reliable this year because of complications involved with taking on the
federal by-pass mail contract, and some of the contractors have experienced
problems getting freight through Lynden.
Scott also commented that FEDEX labels can be prepared here at Toolik,
and boxes for FEDEX can be staged in the arctic entry of the dining
hall. There is a freezer at the
logistics trailer in Fairbanks,
and Brett will get frozen shipments to FEDEX before 12 noon, so they will go out of Fairbanks
the same day.
After the
meeting, Jim Laundre provided two requests.
He sees a need for another Conex between lab 3 and the winter lab, as
the existing Conex that provides storage for labs 2 and 3 is filled up. He also requested that the truck washing
station next to the kitchen be moved, so that truck washing doesn’t create in
so much mud where people have to walk to get to the labs.
The
suggestion box in the dining hall was opened, and contained requests for the
following items: Crackling Oat Bran cereal, a new shower curtain for the
men’s side of the shower module, chopsticks for the dining hall, and a CB in
the office for contacting truckers. There was also a plea to remove Alex
Huryn’s mummified fox from lab 3. The
cereal and the chopsticks have already been obtained. Scott will obtain another shower
curtain. There is already an antenna
in the Comm room that will allow CB contact with folks who are close to
camp. Alex’s mummified fox will be
left for him to deal with.
Folks who attended and/or provided comments:
Marselle Alexander-Ozinskas
Andrew Balser
Brett Biebuyck
Donie Bret-Harte
Lyle Croft
Chad
Diesinger
Adrian Green
John Hobbie
Scott Houghton
Christina Maki
Jeremy Mears
Notes from the first User Forum, 6/29/06
Donie Bret-Harte and Brian Barnes represented the Toolik management
team. Thom Walker, TFS Assistant Camp Manager, and John Hobbie,
Scientific Liaison, attended. Donie Bret-Harte recorded these notes, in
consultation with others who attended the meeting.
Brian
Barnes reviewed the VPR/IAB upgrade meeting, which had occurred the previous
day. The meeting focused on preparations for winter operation in this
coming year, and for completion of the Science Support Building and
construction of a utilidor, including water distribution system. A
winter-capable kitchen/dining facility is proposed as the next large upgrade
priority after the SSB is completed; we welcome community input on what other
major improvements should be considered. The kitchen should continue to
be centrally located between the labs and the residence side of camp.
If not in its current location, it should be close by, either on the side of
the current structure, or across the road where the tool shop is currently
located (conveniently close to the wastewater tank).
John
Hobbie inquired about whether the well water had been tested, and whether the
well could be used next winter. Golder Associates will deliver their
report on the well water test results in July. Jay Burnside had
reported at the upgrade meeting that the water is under the influence of the
lake, but does not contain arsenic. Dan White
will run some additional tests on the well water when he is here in
July. The well may be used next winter, but a distribution system has
not yet been completed or approved by ADEC, so full use of the well will not
be possible immediately.
Cody
Johnson inquired as to whether a general-use muffle furnace
could be purchased, as it would be very useful both for data collection and
for preparation for sample collection. There was some discussion as to
whether it would be better to collect samples at TFS and analyze them at home
institutions. However, Cody felt that it would assist his preparation,
as well as in the subsequent analysis. Acquisition of a muffle furnace
was also recommended by Science Vision Workshop participants, in their
December 2004 meeting. Brian Barnes asked Cody to investigate and
provide IAB with model numbers, sizes and descriptions for a range of muffle
furnace sizes that would be suitable for general use. Cody subsequently
provided some information on muffle furnaces sold through Fisher Scientific,
ranging from $2500 to $6500, depending on capacity.
Adrian
Green requested a second vacuum filtration apparatus, similar to that used in
the wet lab. Currently, the one in the wet lab is used by multiple
groups and is frequently a bottleneck in sample preparation. Scott
could easily make the filter holder apparatus, and IAB could purchase more
vacuum pumps. It was thought that it would be helpful to have three
additional units, in lab 1, lab 4, and the dry lab. Lab 2 currently has
a vacuum filtration apparatus used for soil extractions, which could also be
used by other groups if desired. Scott agreed to work on this.
John
Hobbie requested that TFS invest in a general-use fluorescent
microscope. One could be purchased for about $15,000, and would need to
be located in a dark room. There is a dark room currently used for
microscopy in the dry lab. Peter Ray commented that each laboratory
should also have a general-use dissecting microscope. Currently TFS has
two dissecting scopes, one in lab 4, and one in the herbarium. Peter
will provide specifications for additional dissecting microscopes.
John
Hobbie commented that it would be very useful to have an inventory of what
general use equipment is available, where it is located, manuals for
instruction, a record of calibration, and a checklist. Availability of
equipment should be posted on the web, with a reservation system.
Organizing these things will be part of Christie Haupert’s
job, when she joins TFS later this year as the new data/science support
technician.
John
Hobbie requested another projection screen for Cottongrass (for use when the
Community Center is busy), and a back-up LED projector, which would be very
useful when the LTER site review occurs in June of next year.
Adrian
requested additional dishpans for bathing at the sauna. There are
sufficient pitchers. Thom will ask Brett to send some dishpans up from
Fairbanks. Brian inquired as to whether soap from the sauna posed a
problem for the lake, and whether communal shampoo was going to be provided
by camp staff. John Hobbie replied that the LTER has never seen an
effect of soap and shampoo on the lake water, because most soaps and shampoos
do not contain any phosphorus now. Thom Walker replied that the camp
staff has been unable to find a supplier of Dr. Bronner’s soap in bulk
quantities in Fairbanks, but they will continue to investigate. Scott
commented that he was thinking of expanding the sauna deck in front of the
water barrels. No one had any objections to that. Scott also is
planning to sand down the benches and possibly provide some cedar back
boards, which would be more pleasant to lean on than plywood, and would
improve the smell.
Thom
Walker asked about getting rounds of wood for the sauna instead of split
wood. That would be much cheaper. Scott commented that it is easy
for people to hurt themselves splitting wood, especially if they aren’t
wearing clothes. The last load of wood contained quite a few small pieces,
and was less convenient.
Christie
Haupert asked whether TFS could consider the environmental
impact of products that are purchased, and try to purchase environmentally
friendly products when there is a choice. For example, using recycled
paper in the printers and copier would be great, and environmentally friendly
cleaners. Donie commented that it should be possible to order “re-leaf”
recycled copier paper, though it will have to come from outside of
Fairbanks. Simple Green cleaner is already in use in camp. The
staff agreed to continue to look for environmentally-friendly options for
products. Christie commented that she would be happy to look over the
records and suggest alternatives this winter.
Cody
commented that the GTH group could use additional winter storage, although it
will be ok for this year. Scott commented that he would like additional
storage for scientific equipment that could be accessed with a pallet jack,
as was mentioned last year.
Brian commented
that the heat in Cottongrass is very uneven, and is generally either too hot
or too cold. He would like to have local control over heat in future
buildings. The thermostats are in the hallway, so it is hard to
regulate the room temperature very effectively. Scott replied that when the
new generators are installed, there should be sufficient power to energize
the individual room heaters in Cottongrass.
Multiple
people complained about the phones. The quality is very poor,
especially in the evenings and when you try to call between buildings in
camp. This is because the routers do not prioritize the phones over
other data transmissions. Scott was told by the IT folks at UAF that
streaming video and audio eat up the bandwidth and slow down the
routers. However, it does not sound as if we have a bandwidth
limitation as much as a problem with the routers and the antennas.
Since our wireless equipment is all obsolete now, and we are preparing for an
upgrade that should enable the prioritization of phones over other
transmissions, this will hopefully solve the problem. In the meantime,
Scott suggested asking folks not to download streaming video and audio for a
week to see if there is any improvement.
The new
electric fan in the middle outhouse tower has made a huge difference to the
smell, and everyone is happy about that. It would be great if all the
towers could be improved that way.
Christie
commented that the food has been terrific, and the cooks are doing a great
job. Cody commented that the science support has been terrific, and the
staff is very helpful this year, especially Scott, Thom, and Shelby.
There is a lot of stuff going on, but the staff is handling all the requests
really well, and he appreciates it. Others agreed that the speedy
service for science support has been terrific. John Hobbie commented
that the upper level management sets the tone, and he appreciates that the
tone is very good now. Brian and Donie are happy to hear that.
Folks who attended or provided comments:
Brian Barnes
Donie Bret-Harte
Adrian Green
Christie Haupert
John Hobbie
Scott Houghton
Cody Johnson
Peter Ray
Amy Townsend-Small
Thom Walker
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8-1-06 TFSWebmaster