The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Protocol) was adopted in 1991 and came into force in 1998. The Protocol states that the protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems and the intrinsic value of Antarctica shall be fundamental considerations in the planning and conduct of all activities in the Antarctic Treaty area.

The United States has prepared the following CEEs in accordance with applicable provisions of Annex I: Environmental Impact Assessment, Article 3 of the Protocol; the Antarctic Treaty’s Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment in Antarctica; the Antarctic Conservation Act, as amended by the Antarctic Science Tourism and Conservation Act of 1996, 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 2401 et seq. (ACA); and implementing regulations set forth in Environmental Assessment Procedures for National Science Foundation Actions in Antarctica, 45 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) § 641.

The following Final CEEs are now available:

Continuation and Modernization of McMurdo Station Area Activities

• Final CEE (August 2019)
• Final Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation for Continuation and Modernization of McMurdo Station Area Activities

Project IceCube

• Final CEE (August 2004):
• Project IceCube Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation

Development and Implementation of Surface Traverse Capabilities in Antarctica

• Final CEE (August 2004):
• Development and Implementation of Surface Traverse Capabilities in Antarctica Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation

Questions about these documents should be sent to Dr. Polly A. Penhale, Senior Advisor, Environment, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite W7100, Alexandria, VA 22331, or via e-mail to CEE.comments@nsf.gov.