Appendix H - Overseas INCRMP.pdf

U.S. AIR FORCE

Overseas Integrated Natural and Cultural Resources Management Plan

Pituffik Space Base

Peterson - Pituffik SB

About This Plan

Document Control

ICRMP Approval/Signature Page

Executive Summary

1 Overview and Scope

1.1 Purpose and Scope

1.2 Management Philosophy

1.3 Authority

1.4 Integration with Other Plans

2 Installation Profile

2.1 Installation Overview

2.1.1 Location and Area

2.1.2 Installation History

2.1.3 Military Missions

2.1.4 Natural and Cultural Resources Needed to Support the Military Mission

2.1.5 Surrounding Communities

2.1.6 Local and Regional Natural and Cultural Areas

2.2 Physical Environment

2.2.1 Climate

2.2.2 Landforms

2.2.3 Geology and Soils

2.2.4 Hydrology

2.3 Ecosystems and the Biotic Environment

2.3.1 Ecosystem Classification

2.3.2 Vegetation

2.3.2.1 Historic Vegetation Cover

2.3.2.2 Current Vegetation Cover

2.3.2.3 Future Vegetation Cover

2.3.2.4 Turf and Landscaped Areas

2.3.3 Fish and Wildlife

2.3.4 Threatened, Endangered, and Host Nation-Protected Species

2.3.5 Wetlands and Floodplains

2.3.6 Other Natural and Cultural Resource Information

2.4 Mission Impacts on Natural and Cultural Resources

2.4.1 Natural and Cultural Resource Constraints to Mission and Mission Planning

2.4.2 Land Use

2.4.3 Current Major Impacts

2.4.4 Potential Future Impacts

3 Environmental Management System

4 General Roles and Responsibilities

5 Training

6 Recordkeeping and Reporting

6.1 Recordkeeping

6.2 Reporting

7 Natural and Cultural Resources Program Management

7.1 Fish and Wildlife Management

7.2 Outdoor Recreation and Access to Natural Resources

7.3 Conservation and Protection Standards Enforcement

7.4 Management of Threatened, Endangered, and Host Nation-Protected Species

7.5 Water Resource Protection

7.6 Wetland Protection

7.7 Grounds Maintenance

7.8 Forest Management

7.9 Wildland Fire Management

7.10 Agricultural Outleasing

7.11 Integrated Pest Management Program

7.12 Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH)

7.13 Coastal Zone and Marine Resources Management

7.14 Climate Change Vulnerabilities

7.15 Communication, Planning, and EIAP

7.16 Cultural Property Review Process

7.17 Resources Contracting

7.18 Cultural Discoveries

7.19 Public Access to Host Nation Sites of Cultural or Traditional Importance

7.20 Accidents and Emergencies Affecting Historic Properties

7.21 Suspected Vandalism

7.22 Curation of Collections and Records

7.23 Management and Coordination

7.24 Public Outreach

7.25 Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

8 Management Goals and Objectives

9 INCRMP Implementation, Update, and Revision Process

9.1 Natural and Cultural Resources Management Staffing and Implementation

9.2 Monitoring INCRMP Implementation

9.3 Annual INCRMP Review and Update Requirements

10 Annual Work Plans

11 References

12 Acronyms

13 Definitions

Appendix A Annotated Summary of Key Legislation Related to Design and Implementation of the INCRMP

Appendix B Wildland Fire Management Plan

Appendix C Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Plan

Appendix D Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP)

Appendix E UXO Areas

Appendix F Natural & Cultural Resources Area Map

Appendix G Thule Flora and Fauna

ABOUT THIS PLAN

This installation-specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is based on the United States Air Force’s (USAF’s) standardized Integrated Natural and Cultural Resources Management Plan (INCRMP) template for installations located outside the United States1.

This INCRMP has been developed in cooperation with applicable stakeholders, including appropriate Host Nation authorities. The INCRMP documents how natural and cultural resources are managed and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in implementing the INCRMP. Overseas installations will comply with the Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document (OEBGD) and applicable Final Governing Standards (FGS). External resources, including Air Force Instructions (AFIs), Air Force Manuals (AFMANs), USAF Playbooks, and Department of Defense (DoD) policy, are referenced where applicable.

Certain sections of this INCRMP begin with standardized, USAF-wide “common text” language that addressees USAF and DoD policy, FGS, and applicable US laws. This common text language is restricted from editing to ensure that it remains standard throughout all plans. The common text language is maintained and updated by the designated Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) with assistance from the Office of Collateral Responsibility (OCR), as appropriate. Immediately following the USAF-wide common text sections are installation content sections that address installation-specific requirements. Installation sections are unrestricted and are maintained and updated by USAF environmental Sections and/or installation personnel.

NOTE: The terms “Natural Resources Manager,” “NRM,” “NRM/POC,” “Cultural Resources Manager,” “CRM,” and “CRM/POC” are used throughout this document to refer to the installation person responsible for the natural and cultural resources program, regardless of whether this person meets the qualifications within the definition of a natural and cultural resources management professional in Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 4715.03, Natural Resources Conservation Program, and DoDI 4715.16, Cultural Resources Management.

1 "United States” is defined in AFI 32-7091, Environmental Management Outside the United States, as “The several States, District of Columbia, Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Midway and Wake Islands, United States Virgin Islands, any other territory or possession of the United States, an associated navigable waters, contiguous zones, and ocean waters of which the natural resources are under the exclusive management authority of the United States.” “Overseas” is used interchangeably with “outside the United States” in this document.

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Standardized INCRMP Template

In accordance with (IAW) the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) Environmental Directorate (CZ) Business Rule (BR) 08, EMP Review, Update, and Maintenance, the standard content in this INCRMP template is reviewed periodically, updated as appropriate, and approved by the Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Environmental Overseas Subject Matter Experts (SME).

This version of the template is current as of 06/26/2020 and supersedes the 2018 version.

NOTE: Installations are not required to update their INCRMPs every time this template is updated. When it is time for an INCRMP update, installations should adopt the most recent version of this template available in the Plan Tool.

Installation INCRMP

Record of Review – The INCRMP is updated not less than annually, or as changes to natural and cultural resource management and conservation practices occur, including those driven by changes in applicable regulations. IAW DoDI 4715.16; AFI 32-7091, Environmental Management Outside the United States; AFMAN 32-7003, Environmental Conservation (includes Cultural and Natural Resources management), the INCRMP is required to be revised and approved for operation and effect not less than every five years or as required by an applicable FGS. Annual reviews and updates are accomplished by the installation Natural Resources Manager (NRM), the installation Cultural Resources Manager (CRM), and/or the Section Natural and Cultural Resources Media Managers. At a minimum, the installation NRM or CRM conducts an annual review of the INCRMP in coordination with internal stakeholders, where applicable, and accomplishes pertinent updates. Installations will document the findings of the annual review in an Annual INCRMP Review Summary. By signature to the Annual INCRMP Review Summary, the Civil Engineering Squadron Commander asserts concurrence with the findings. Any agreed updates are then made to the document, at a minimum updating the work plans.

ICRMP APPROVAL/SIGNATURE PAGE

Record of Updates

Change No. Nature of Change Date of Change Approved By:

Initial Initial version using the Overseas

Integrated Natural and Cultural Resources Management Plan (INCRMP) template

20 December 2022 Col Capps 16 Dec 2022

Record of EMS CFT Annual Review

Review Date Review Participants Notes/Remarks Result in Plan Update?

(Yes or No)

24 February 2023 VS ESH VS Activities (Jorgen Langvad)

21 CES/CEIE

EMS CFT

No changes since the template update

No

3 May 2023 EMS CFT No change No 20 July 2023 Peterson ESOHC Approval No

[SIGNATURE]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The purpose and scope of this Natural and Cultural Resources Plan is to provide guidance and awareness to all personnel at Thule AB, maintain successful environmental compliance, sustain the mission, and enable the mission to go forward uninterrupted.

1 OVERVIEW AND SCOPE

This INCRMP was developed to provide for effective management and protection of natural and cultural resources. It summarizes the natural and cultural resources present on the installation and outlines strategies to adequately manage those resources. Natural and cultural resources are valuable assets of the USAF. They provide the infrastructure needed for testing weapons and technology, as well as for training military personnel for deployment. Sound management of natural and cultural resources increases the effectiveness of USAF adaptability in all environments. USAF has stewardship responsibility for the physical lands on which installations are located to ensure all natural and cultural resources are properly conserved, protected, and used in sustainable ways. The primary objective of USAF natural and cultural resources programs is to sustain, restore, and modernize natural and cultural infrastructure to ensure operational capability and no net loss in the capability of USAF lands to support the military mission of the installation. The plan outlines and assigns responsibilities for the management of natural and cultural resources, discusses related concerns, and provides program management elements that will help to maintain or improve the natural and cultural resources within the context of the installation’s mission. The INCRMP is intended for use by all installation personnel. Applicable FGS, supported by AFI 32-7091; OEBGD (where an FGS does not exist); and Title 54 United States Code (USC) §307101(e) act as the main drivers for the INCRMP.

1.1 Purpose and Scope

The purpose and scope of this Natural and Cultural Resources Plan is to provide guidance and awareness to all personnel at Thule AB, maintain successful environmental compliance, sustain the mission, and enable the mission to go forward uninterrupted.

1.2 Management Philosophy

The INCRMP serves as a key component of the Installation Development Plan (IDP), which provides background and rationale for the policies and programming decisions related to land use, resource conservation, facilities and infrastructure development, and operations and maintenance to ensure that they meet current requirements and provide for future growth. The INCRMP supports the mission by identifying the natural and cultural resources present on the installation, developing management goals for these resources, and integrating these management objectives into the military requirements for mission operations/support and regulatory compliance in order to minimize natural and cultural resource constraints.

Goals and objectives require monitoring on a continuous basis and management strategies are updated whenever there are changes in mission requirements, adverse effects to or from natural and cultural resources, or changes in regulations governing management of natural and cultural resources.

This INCRMP outlines the steps needed to fulfill compliance requirements related to natural and cultural resources management and fosters environmental stewardship. It is organized into the following principal sections:

An overview of the current status and conditions of the natural and cultural resources Identification of potential impacts to or from natural and cultural resources The key natural and cultural resource management areas addressed Management recommendations that incorporate the installation’s goals and objectives for natural and cultural resource management areas Specific work plans for effective implementation of the INCRMP

Management issues and concerns, as well as goals and objectives, are developed from analysis of all the gathered information, and are reviewed by Thule personnel involved with or responsible for various aspects of natural and cultural resources management. The INCRMP was developed using an interdisciplinary approach and is based on existing information of the physical and biotic environments, mission activities, and environmental management practices at Thule. Information was obtained from a variety of documents, interviews with installation personnel, on-site observations, and communications with both internal and external stakeholders. Coordination and correspondence with these agencies is documented and satisfies a portion of the requirements of 32 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 989, Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP), and 32 CFR 187, Environmental Effect Abroad for Major Federal Actions.

1.3 Authority

The DoD Publication 4715.05-G, Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document, requires the implementation of uniform conservation standards for natural and cultural resources and protection and management of historic and cultural resources at DoD installations and facilities in foreign countries. The OEBGD provides criteria, standards, and management practices to be used by DoD Lead Environmental Components in determining FGS IAW DoDI 4715.05, Management of Environmental Compliance at Overseas Installations.

FGS for each Host Nation requires preparation of integrated natural and cultural resource management plans in Chapter 13 for "Installations with significant land or water areas…" See installation and Host Nation specifics listed in the table below.

AFMAN 32-7003, Environmental Conservation, applies to overseas to the extent that they are consistent with applicable international agreements, Unified Combatant Command (UCC) policy, environmental annexes to operational orders or plans, country-specific FGS, or in their absence, the OEBGD.

AFI 32-7001, Environmental Management, requires installations to identify processes or activities that include reducing pollution, conserving natural and cultural resources, and conserving water. USAF Policy Directive (AFPD) 32-70, Environmental Considerations in Air Force Programs and Activities, identifies overseas requirements for a natural and cultural resources management program.

Installation-Specific Policies (including Host Nation and/or Local Laws and Regulations)

FGS - GL

C12.3.5.2.3. All activities within 2 meters of an immovable historical monument are prohibited.

FGS - GL C12.3.5.2.4. If an earth fixed ancient monument found during excavation, work affecting the ancient monument must be stopped.

Objects found shall be turned over to the Greenland Home Rule (GHR) Authority upon request. Approval to continue excavation work must be obtained from the Greenland National Museum or the regional government member of cultural affairs and education.

FGS - GL C12.3.6. Installation commanders shall establish measures to prevent DoD personnel from disturbing or removing historic or cultural resources without permission of Greenland authorities.

FGS - GL C12.3.8. If potential historic or cultural resources not previously inventoried are discovered in the course of a DoD action, the newly discovered items will be preserved and protected pending a decision on final disposition by the installation commander. The decision on final disposition will be made by the installation commander after coordination with the HN installation commander or similar appropriate Greenland authorities.

FGS - GL C13.3.5. The Greenlandic installation commander or, if there is no Greenlandic installation commander, the US Ambassador will be notified of the discovery of any endangered or threatened species and Greenland-protected species not previously known to be present on the installation.

FGS - GL C13.3.6. Installations shall maintain grounds to meet designated mission use and ensure harmony with the natural landscape and/or the adjacent Greenland facilities where practical.

FGS - GL C13.3.9. Land and vegetative management activities will be consistent with current conservation and land use principles (e.g., ecosystem protection, biodiversity conservation, and mission-integrated land use).

1.4 Integration with Other Plans

Managements of pests IAW Pest management Plan aims to limit interference/interaction with local flora and fauna to an absolute minimum, in accordance with the INCRMP.

Management of storm water drainage system IAW Storm Water Management Plan incorporates pollution control in accordance with the INCRMP.

Solid Waste Management Plan implement criteria for the refuse collection, waste minimization and landfill operations at Thule AB in accordance with the INCRMP.

Spill prevention and response plan implement criteria for the prevention, response and reporting of oil and chemical spills at Thule AB as well as remediation and provide documented guidance regarding spill prevention and response actions to ensure a safe, healthy, and clean environment and ensure continuity of operations in accordance with the INCRMP.

Hazardous Waste Management Plan implements procedures ensuring material hazardous to organisms and the environment is not released into the fragile arctic ecosystem as a result of Thule AB mission activities.

INCRMP revisions and concurrence with the final plan must be coordinated through the installation chain of command and the Danish Liaison Officer (DLO) . The NRM and CRM must ensure the INCRMP, and any other plans that may affect natural and cultural resources are mutually supportive and not in conflict

2 INSTALLATION PROFILE

OPR VS/ESH has overall responsibility for implementing the Natural and Cultural Resources Management program and is the lead organization for monitoring compliance with applicable regulations.

Natural and Cultural Resources Managers/POCs Name: Britta Gribsholt Phone: (719) 474-3840 Email: britta.gribsholt@vectrus.com

Host Nation POC/local authorities Danish Liaison Officer (DLO) Total acreage managed by installation 233,034 Total acreage of wetlands 900 Total acreage of forested land 0 Natural and Cultural Resources Program applicability (Place an X in the brackets "[ X ]" next to each program that must be implemented at the installation. Document applicability and current management practices in Section 7.0 )

[X] Fish and Wildlife Management [X] Outdoor Recreation and Access to Natural Resources [X] Conservation and Protection Standards Enforcement [X] Management of Threatened, Endangered, and Host Nation- Protected Species [X] Water Resource Protection [X] Wetland Protection [X] Grounds Maintenance [ ] Forest Management [ ] Wildland Fire Management [ ] Agricultural Outleasing [X] Integrated Pest Management Program [X] Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) [X] Coastal Zone and Marine Resources Management [X] Communication, Planning, and EIAP [X] Cultural Property Review Process [X] Resources Contracting [X] Cultural Discoveries [ ] Public Access to Host Nation Sites of Cultural or Traditional Importance [ ] Accidents and Emergencies Affecting Historic Properties [ ] Suspected Vandalism [ ] Curation of Collections and Records [X] Management and Coordination [X] Public Outreach [ ] Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Office of the Secretary of Defense most current "Base Structure R eport" notion of the total acres managed by the Installation

233,034

Installation's own notion of total acres managed by Installation

233,034

Installation surveyable acres (i.e., undisturbed, accessible acres)

The base is situated in the arctic in a coastal valley, bordered by mountain ridges to the north and south, the ice cap to the east, and the North Star Bay to the west. The major part of the Defense Area is unmanaged and not surveyable.

Total acres ever surveyed [NR] Total acres ever surveyed [CR]

A comprehensible Baseline Ecological Survey was conducted in 2004, but temporal and spatial coverage was limited, and undefined. Similarly, only a limited acreage has been surveyed for CR.

ICRMPs consulted with appropriate Host Nation/local authorities

Danish Liaison Officer (DLO)

Cultural Resources outreach program (e.g., website, welcome package, or brochures)?

Yes

Cumulative number of archaeology sites ever recorded

Number of known cultural resources to be managed 0 Have historic status codes been updated in the Accountable Property System of Record in FY##.?

No

Number of archeology sites mapped into GIS 0 Number of surveyed acres mapped into GIS 0 Are culturally significant real property assets (buildings/structures) mapped into GIS?

N/A

2.1 Installation Overview

2.1.1 Location and Area

Installation/GSU Location and Area Descriptions

Installation/ Geographically Separated Unit (GSU)

Main Use/Mission Acreage Addressed in INCRMP? Describe Natural and Cultural Resource Implications

Main Installation Space Defense Mission: Early Missile Warning, Space Surveillance and Control

233,034 233,034

Thule AB is located at 76°31'N and 68°30'W, in the Arctic area on the northwest coast of Greenland, 930 miles south of the North Pole and 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle.

Thule AB is the most northern installation of American military forces, and one of the most northern air bases in the world. The base is located on the aerial route halfway between Washington DC (2344 miles) and Moscow (2335 miles). The base is in a coastal valley, bordered by mountain ridges to the north and south, the ice cap to the east, and the North Star Bay to the west. Therefore, it is only possible to reach Thule AB by ship during the brief port season (late June to early September) or by air throughout the year.

The Greenlandic government owns the Thule Defense Area. In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, approx. 490,000 acres (1983 km2) were laid out as a defense area at the time of establishment. In 2003, this area was reduced to its present size of approximately 233,000 acres (943 km2). The northern border consists of Wolstenholme Fjord and Harald Moltke Glacier; the eastern border is the Ice Cap; the southwestern border is a straight line going from the Pituffik Glacier to an area on the coast of Wolstenholme Fjord. The area is uninhabited, and the closest community is a small settlement, Savissivik.

https://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/BSI/BEI_Library.html

2.1.2 Installation History

Thule Air Base was established in 1951-52 under the code name "Blue Jay" at Pituffik (Pituffik in present day Greenlandic), a flat glacial valley floor. At the peak of importance and during the construction periods, a total of approximately 10,000 people worked in the Thule Defense Area, which covered approximately 490,000 acres.

Even before the 1951 agreement became a reality, the Americans had extended the small weather station at Thule by adding a runway and commencing the construction of Thule AB itself. From being a forward base of operation for the United States' strategic air force, Thule AB has gradually changed character and become a space operations base supporting a number of high technological facilities and international arctic military and research stations on and in the vicinity of Thule. Thus, the world's largest radar installation was built by the end of the 1950s and was part of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS), a chain of radars stationed in Alaska and England. In 1987, this system was replaced with a Large Phased Array Radar. The remaining American installations, including Søndre Strømfjord and four radar stations located across Mid-Greenland, are now terminated.

The base worked as an emergency runway for B-52 bombers in the 1960s. In 1968, such a bomber, carrying four H-Bombs, crashed.

One member of the crew was killed.

This military presence has resulted in intensive construction activities throughout the defense area creating roads, gravel pits, bunkers, cables, poles, and structures. The following lists some support sites established over the years:

AAA: Four anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) batteries equipped with 90 mm long-range AAA and short distance 70 mm quick-firing radar-controlled "Skysweeper" canons. For surveillance of the air around the base, an Aircraft Control and Warning Station was established on the base area, which was later moved to North Mountain, and later to P-Mountain. For this purpose, two radar stations were built on the ice cap, north and east of the base, respectively.

Nike launch sites: To replace the AAA batteries, four Army Nike Defense System Batteries were constructed at Thule; two on North Mountain, A and B, and two on South Mountain, C and D, in 1957 and 1958. They provided ground to air protection of BMEWS and the main base. The operation of these batteries stopped in 1965. In 1959 to 1965, 48 nuclear missile warheads were deployed there. A- and B-Launch were demolished from 1988 to 1990 and C-Launch in 1996. D-Launch is still largely intact.

Camp Red Rock: Records indicate the camp originated in the early 1950s. Camp Red Rock was the first attempt to gain access to the ice cap. Even though the area was flat in relation to the ice cap, it proved too difficult to support. The site was located in a plateau at Nunartarssuaq at the bottom of Wolstenholme Fjord between the glaciers Harald Moltke and Knud Rasmussen. Access was gained by crossing the fjord in the springtime while the fjord was still covered with ice and via a road cut 17.5 miles to the camp. A ramp "NUTO" (Nunatarssuaq Take-Off) gave access to the ice cap. NUTO was closed in 1956 and the rest of the crew was transferred to Camp Tuto.

Little information is available about Camp Red Rock. Clean-up at the site was initiated in the mid-1980s.

Camp Tuto: In 1954, Camp Tuto (Thule Take Off) was established at the edge of the ice cap 12 miles from Thule, 500 m (1640 ft) above sea level. The mission was to provide administrative and logistical support for the Department of the Army research and development and other activities in Greenland. By Camp Tuto, the ice cap rised regularly in such a manner that a several kilometers long, 10 meters wide ramp could be built out of gravel and rocks across the breaking zone and onto the ice. Hereby, the possibility for transport directly from Thule via the ramp by Camp Tuto up on the ice was created. Other than the geo-technical measuring at Camp Tuto, extensive geomagnetic and ionosphere-physical measuring, as well as observations of the northern lights, was carried out. A 150 m horizontal tunnel was built into the glacier, where practical experience was sought to construct ice-tunnels. Camp Tuto had its own runway. The camp was closed as a year-round camp in 1965 and was closed permanently in 1966-67.

Camp Century: In the light of the experiences from Camp Tuto, a project to build an installation underneath the ice, approximately 200 km in on the Ice Cap, at a height of 2000 meters, was initiated in 1958. Camp Century was put into use in 1959, and in 1960 a nuclear power station was installed to run "The City Under the Ice". During the time when the nuclear power station was run, low radioactive water waste was deposited in the ice. The purpose of Camp Century was to test the American army's polar concept regarding arctic constructions and installations, as well as testing all-year facilities for a never-realized project, which involved connecting Narsarsuaq in the south to Camp Tuto in the north with the purpose of installing a number of rocket batteries underneath the ice. Camp Century was cancelled in 1963 and officially closed in 1966.

Cape Atholl: On Cape Atholl, Camp Atholl was built as one of four US Coast Guard LORAN stations (Long Range Aid to Navigation) constructed in 1954 under the code name "DOPE 1". The other sites were Cape Christian, Baffin Island and Satut Island near Jacobshavn.

Camp Atholl was a remote weather station, located 33 road miles from Thule, which is the furthest anyone can drive from Thule by vehicle. Camp Atholl was closed on July 1, 1975. The site was cleared in the late 1980s and today two buildings remain to serve as survival huts for the local hunters.

P-Mountain (Pingorssuit Mountain): This site consisted of 42 interconnected buildings and two radars located 18 miles from Thule at an elevation of 2,800 feet. In 1952, a survey was conducted for an Aircraft Control and Warning installation on P-Mountain. In 1958, a construction project called "Project Dew Drop" involved antenna and power buildings that also included tasks related to operations performed by the 4 DEW Line (Distant Early Warning) stations situated close to the Polar Circle (1 at Sisimiut in West Greenland, 2 on the ice cap and 1 at Kulusuk in East Greenland). Around 1969, P-Mountain served as a communication relay point to the United States for BMEWS. It was the world's northernmost surveillance unit. P-Mountain was closed in 1983. The demolition at P-Mountain from previous years was partially cleaned up in 2003. Foundation and debris remain at P-Mountain.

At all these facilities and sites, several other activities were performed, either on separate sites that lasted for a shorter or longer period, or as special projects.

None of the facilities and sites established in the Defense Area following American presence at Thule are recorded and managed as cultural resources.

2.1.3 Military Missions

Listing of Tenants and Natural and Cultural Resource Responsibility

Tenant Organization Natural and Cultural Resource Responsibility Vectrus Services A/S Contractor responsible for managing tenants impact to natural and cultural resources IAW PWS.

2.1.4 Natural and Cultural Resources Needed to Support the Military Mission

Rock and gravel are sourced for road and infrastructure construction purposes. No permanent gravel pits are located at Thule AB.

Material can be recovered from pre-approved zones, where the landscape subsequently must be left in a harmonious state.

Alternatively, gravel and silt recovered from the rivers (also known as 'river material') can be freely exploited.

Hard rock material is blasted from the hillside on North Mountain. The rock material is typically crushed and screened at Larsen's Square, an area immediately east of the main base. The crushed materials extracted by the BMC are primarily dedicated for maintaining the existing roads.

The North Mountain quarry will also be used for blasting of hard rock material for cover material, asphalt production or other purposes by third party contractors in connection with construction projects.

No cultural resources are known to be present in areas where natural resources are sourced, and no cultural resources are needed to support the military mission.

2.1.5 Surrounding Communities

Thule Defense Area is located in the arctic in a coastal valley, bordered by mountain ridges to the north and south, the ice cap to the east, and the North Star Bay to the west. The area is uninhabited, and the closest community is a small settlement, Savissivik, which is more than 110 km away and can only be reached by air (helicopter) or sea (boat in summer/dogsleds during winter).

2.1.6 Local and Regional Natural and Cultural Areas

Thule AB is the most northern installation of American military forces, and one of the most northern air bases in the world. The base is in a coastal valley, bordered by mountain ridges to the north and south, the ice cap to the east, and the North Star Bay to the west. It is only possible to reach Thule AB by ship during the brief port season (late June to early September) or by air throughout the year.

The northern border of the Defense Area consists of Wolstenholme Fjord and Harald Moltke Glacier; the eastern border is the Ice Cap;

the southwestern border is a straight line going from the Pituffik Glacier to an area on the coast of Wolstenholme Fjord. The area is uninhabited.

One area of pre-historic interest, named Uvdle (Ulli in present Greenlandic) has been identified along the coast of Wolstenholme Fjord, west of the 12 SWS. At this abandoned site, two ruins have been identified. Except for the ancient ruins at Udvle and artefacts stored and exhibited in Thule Heritage Hall, no known historic or cultural resources (including Earth Fixed Ancient Monuments) have been identified within the Defense Area. Dundas Peninsula, where several archaeological sites are identified, was relinquished from the Defense Area and Dundas returned to Greenland Self Rule on February 20., 2003. Areas on Dundas are therefore not part of the scope and not included in this Overseas INCRMP.

None of the cold war era facilities and sites established in the Defense Area following American presence at Thule are recorded and managed as cultural resources.

Several memorial markers are placed within the Defense Area. No management requirements are associated with these markers IAW

FGS-GL.

2.2 Physical Environment

2.2.1 Climate

The climate at Thule is highly arctic with a monthly average temperature ranging from between -23 degrees Celsius (-9 degrees Fahrenheit) and 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit).

Mean annual precipitation (rain and snowfall) is 40.0 inches (1 meter), of which 75 percent is snow. The summer is only 3 months duration of the year with average daily temperatures above freezing. The annual thaw of the frozen ground starts in May and ends in September.

Thule AB is in an area where high arctic storms occur. The arctic storm conditions are characterized by very low temperatures, high wind speeds (30-50 knots or more) causing wind chill factor of -40 degrees Celsius or colder, and very low visibility. The official storm season is from 15 September to 15 May. Arctic storms can also occur during the summertime. The wind speed record at Thule is registered at 189 knots (350 kmh or 217 mph).

From April to August daylight prevails 24 hours a day, while darkness reigns from November through January.

Table shows 2014 Climate data (source: 821 SPTS/OSW):

INCRMP Climate Table.png

2.2.2 Landforms

The Thule AB defense area is bounded by the icecap to the east and by the coastline to the west and north. To the southwest the boundary is a line from Ivnaq Ungatdleq through hill 800 (Hans Nielsen's Fjeld) with a true bearing of 225 degrees.

The Thule AB main facilities are located in a valley formed by sedimentary sand and gravel deposits (Main Base, Flight line, and DET-1) and close by is a pier (DeLong Pier).

Communication and navigational aids are installed on South Mountain. The Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) is located at UEWR Site-1. These locations are constructed on rocky ground with a thin layer of topsoil.

2.2.3 Geology and Soils

Marine Mesozoic sediments (formed 248-65 million years ago) and other younger platform deposits together with folded Paleozoic (formed 540-148 million years ago) and other older rock platform deposits dating back about 1,200 to 1,880 million years form the 4,500-meter-thick layer in the Thule Basin.

The base is located along the west end of an east-west trending valley that was carved by an advancing glacier. The ridge to the north is predominantly igneous (diorite) whereas the south ridge is predominantly sedimentary (limestone). The naturally occurring, near surface sediments were deposited by glacial outwash and by the receding ice cap. The naturally occurring, near surface sediments were deposited by glacial outwash and by the receding ice cap. Glaciers and glacial lakes are located within a few miles of the airfield. Glacial outwash deposition continues each year during the warm season (July through September) when runoff from the ice cap and inland glaciers converge into the North and South Rivers. The rivers transport a substantial sediment load of silt, gravel, cobbles, and boulders through the valley. The sediments form deltas along the coast. Periodically, (about every ten years) the runoff volume and velocity reach the point that culverts, roads, and bridges may be damaged or destroyed during these periodically events.

The soil of the valley, in which the Main Base and Det-1 are located, is composed of settling materials transported by run-off resulting from the melting of the ice cap. No soil analysis has been performed, but judging from visual inspections of undisturbed areas, the topsoil consists of areas with a dark humus composition and areas of lighter sandy materials.

Within the defense area several minerals and stones of interest to amateur geologists can be observed such as: Slate, Pyrite, iron ore, planetary stones, Granite, Sodalities, Garnets, and Quartz.

The in situ or native soils are predominantly silty, sandy gravel or silty gravelly sand is commonly referred to as glacial silt. Because of the high content of silt and clay (fines) these sediments are frost susceptible. Lenses and layers of relatively clean (low fines content) sand and gravel interpreted to be glacial sediments make up a lesser but significant volume. These elements are less frost susceptible.

2.2.4 Hydrology

Water Streams and Lakes:

Several streams carry melted snow, rain, and runoff from the icecap to coastal waters in the defense area. Only a couple of these are named, e.g. North River and South River (also known as Fox Canyon River).

The total length of rivers/streams is approximately 80 miles (127 km). They are only active in the short summer season from mid-June to mid-September. No streams are navigable.

The only managed river is the North Star River (the river area managed runs along the 12 SWS road from shelter 7 towards the North star Bay) and Fox Canyon river (the area managed is located where the road crosses towards D-launch, not on the river delta side.).

The management consists of the collection of silt sand to be used in road maintenance and to avoid floods affecting existing active roads and bridges. A bulldozer is driven into the river and from here it pushes the river materials up upon the riverbanks to be collected and transported to a storage area until use. The potential environmental impact of the bulldozer activity (oil leaks, etc.) require a reliable maintenance and frequent vehicle checks by drivers.

Due to the effect of large fuel spills in the past, seeps and sheens can often be observed during the summertime. A list of monitored Areas of Concern is being maintained by the BMC.

Several lakes and ponds are estimated to cover 200 acres (0.8 km2). These lakes/ponds are closely associated with the streams and are only ice-free during the short summer season. Lake Crescent is partly man-made by means of dikes. This lake provides the defense area with potable water. As precipitation is limited, the use of open ditches for storm water runoff is not common.

Wetlands and River Deltas:

Several wetlands are close to lakes or streams with the characteristics of lowland fens and marshes in late spring and summer.

Additional smaller wetlands exist only as remnants of melting ice; permafrost prohibits the water from being absorbed by the soil. The total area of wetlands is close to 900 acres. The areas are the habitat for several species of web footed birds and are not routinely managed. Dredging near the North Star River delta could become necessary due to the vicinity of the water port at DeLong Pier. If required, potential environmental impacts must be assessed prior to project execution.

Storm water drainage system:

The main purpose of the storm water drainage system at Thule AB is to ensure melt water from the ice cap and surface water from melting ice and snow pass to the fjord during spring and summer, without affecting installations (buildings, roads, storm drains ex.) at Thule AB. Serious flooding has previously occurred at Thule AB, washing bridges and roads away.

The storm water drainage system consists of an interconnected system of culverts, catch drains, naturally formed ditches and waterways. Adhering to best management practice (FGS, table C4.T3), this system is secured against receiving any possible sources of pollution. Ultimately, the storm water drainage systems end up in Wolstenholme Fjord. The system has no connection to the potable water system or to the waste water system.

Coastal Waters and Sewages:

The shoreline is 32 miles (51 km) long. The prevalence of icebergs of all sizes originating from the glaciers, combined with local wind conditions greatly complicates port access for ships during the short summer period.

During wintertime, the icebergs not blown to sea or melted during the summer, become part of the frozen sea, which can reach a thickness of 5-6 feet (1.5 – 1.8 meters).

The amplitude of the tidal variations in the bay is 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters). These variations create a tidal current, which is responsible for the water exchange in the North Star Bay.

The North Star Bay receives raw sewage waste from the Base. Point source pollution control is not performed. HQ AFSPC/CE had issued a waiver for FGS, but it expired in 2003 and could not be renewed. The waiver was based on a Wastewater Characterization Survey performed by Occupational and Environmental Health Directorate, Brooks Air Force Base in 1992. In 2004 ISC Consulting Engineers performed an updated Wastewater Characterization Survey with proposed solutions for a wastewater treatment plant. Again in 2010, ISC Consulting Engineers visited Thule AB to perform a wastewater treatment plan feasibility study. At this time a Wastewater Treatment facility remains on the unfunded MILCON project list for Thule AB and the 21st SW.

Drinking Water:

Lake Crescent is the only source for potable water at Thule AB. The water is pumped up at a depth of 6 – 12 meters and transported to the water treatment facility in building 1411 on the main base. Underground water streams supply the lake; despite the use of water on the base, the water table never drops. More than sufficient quantities of water are available to cover the demand for household use, steam and hot water production, and firefighting.

Lake Crescent has no direct protection of the water source, and runoff from the watershed goes directly into the lake. Except for the old pump and water treatment facility, no improvements are in the vicinity of the lake. Handling of chemicals and other water pollutants are not permitted in the proximity of the lake without special precautions. If handling is needed near the lake, guidelines and assistance can be obtained by contacting the BMC Environmental section.

Pesticide Use:

No pesticides are currently used on open land. Registered pesticides will only be used if approved by the appropriate AFSPC pest management consultant. The BMC Environmental section can help coordinate the contact to AFSPC.

2.3 Ecosystems and the Biotic Environment

2.3.1 Ecosystem Classification

The Thule Defense Area is located in the high arctic zone characterized by a severe arctic climate with little snowfall. Precipitation is so low the vegetation in many places is desert-like. Winters are long and cold with temperatures below freezing point most of the time.

Summers are very cool with an average temperature below 5°C in July.

The Thule Defense Area is within the permafrost zone, which has an important influence on the distribution and diversity of plants. Due to the permafrost some areas are waterlogged whereas other areas have increased salinity. These conditions require special adaptations of the vegetation.

2.3.2 Vegetation

The year-round permafrost at a depth of 1-6 feet restricts niche for local flora. A variety of plants are found despite the harsh Arctic environment. At the fell-field, which is found at wind swept ridges and stony barrens, plants are adapted to the desiccation and are hidden in small depressions and behind stones. These include Arctic Willow, Purple Saxifrage, Moss campion, Alpine Chickweed, and grass-like plants. Broad-Leafed-Willow-Herb is the national flower of Greenland and is very common and can be found everywhere, especially on heaths, by old riverbanks and beside springs

At the wetlands, fens, and marshes, the floristic composition further depends on the contents of nutrients, the stability of the soil, and the snow cover.

Mosses, Lichens, and Arctic Cotton-grass are commonly seen, while patches of Snow Buttercup, Tufted Saxifrage, Mountain Sorrel, Alpine Whitlow-grass, White Arctic Bell-heather, and the Arctic Poppy represent the more colorful view.

The vegetation in the Thule Defense Area has not been fully inventoried. A botanical inventory was carried out during two campaigns in 2004 as part of a Baseline Ecological Survey, but the vegetation could not be sufficiently well described, due to weather conditions. The temporal and spatial distribution of the vegetation and general ecosystem characterization with an evaluation of protective measure priorities is pending. A PSFB environmental project "Biodiversity Survey" is scheduled for FY23.

A list of the most comment plant species for Greater Thule Air Base Area is in Appendix G.

2.3.2.1 Historic Vegetation Cover

See section 2.3.2.

2.3.2.2 Current Vegetation Cover

See section 2.3.2.

2.3.2.3 Future Vegetation Cover

Increased temperature, prolonged summer periods, reduced permafrost, and/or increased precipitation may potentially impact the high arctic vegetation cover and/or species composition over time. Climate change is predicted to have a large impact on a wide range of arctic ecosystems and ecosystem services. While vascular plants are predicted to increase in abundance in response to warming, important lichen ecosystems are likely to be negatively affected by climate change, which can potentially cause a ripple effect through the entire arctic food chain (see section 14.7).

2.3.2.4 Turf and Landscaped Areas

The defense area consists generally of undeveloped grounds without specific use. In the developed areas, the otherwise bare ground is successively colonized by local, opportunistic arctic species. These include Arctic Willow, Purple Saxifrage, Moss campion, Alpine Chickweed, and grass-like plants.

2.3.3 Fish and Wildlife

The streams, ponds, and lakes house a significant fish and waterbird fauna. The Arctic char is present in a minority of the lakes. The breeding waterbirds, who are the most important element of the terrestrial bird fauna in the Defense Area, are all completely dependent on the availability of ponds and lakes with only moderate disturbance.

Among the most common terrestrial mammals are the arctic hare and the white form of the arctic fox. They both are dependent on grass, herbs and low bushes away from the coast and central base installations at low and higher altitudes. The musk oxen were reintroduced in Northwestern Greenland in 1986 and are observed in increasing numbers in the Defense Area including Main Base.

Polar bears are occasionally observed in the Defense Area.

The marine algae and invertebrate species mostly have a wide arctic and boreal distribution in the Atlantic and some species have an even wider geographic distribution. Due to ice scouring the vegetation and fauna in the littoral zone is scarce. As usual for arctic areas brown algae dominated in the sublittoral zone. The benthic community is diverse and abundant, and adapted to the regional high arctic environment and the silt load from the rivers. It is dominated by gastropods, bivalves, polychaetes, and crustaceans.

The fish species in the North Star Bay is dominated by a species community of Boreal-Arctic Species which occur in both Boreal and Arctic waters, and include Greenland shark, Arctic char, Arctic cod, and Greenland halibut. Ringed seals are common in the fjords while other marine mammals such as Narwhale, Beluga, Hooded Seal, and Walrus visit on occasion.

2.3.4 Threatened, Endangered, and Host Nation-Protected Species

Locally Endangered Species:

A study on the peregrine falcons was performed in 1993 and 1994. In 1993, the objectives were to locate breeding Peregrine Falcons, band young for identification, collect and identify prey remains from catch debris, collect information on nesting phonology. During 1994, the objectives also included placing a satellite-tracked radio transmitter on an adult female peregrine. The study showed the peregrine falcon does breed in this area and one nest was located on the western side of the Dundas Mountain. Additionally, three gyrfalcons with young were identified. The falcons are protected from hunting, under Greenlandic regulations, but otherwise no active management is performed.

International Endangered Species:

More than 30 CITES-species (and a few plant species) live in Greenland and surrounding waters.

The endangered species are listed in three categories:

I (globally endangered species) in Greenland: Sperm whale, Bowhead whale, Fin whale (Razorback), Humpback whale, White-tailed eagle.

II and III (endangered and locally endangered species): Narwhale, Beluga whale, Minke whale, Killer whale, Walrus, Polar bear.

No known endangered/threatened species are known to occupy the Thule Defense Area. Polar bears are occasionally travelling through the area.

The host nation installation commander at Thule Air Base and the Danish Liaison Officer (DLO) will be notified in case of discovery of any endangered or threatened species or host nation protected species in the defense area.

2.3.5 Wetlands and Floodplains

Several wetlands are close to lakes or streams with the characteristics of lowland fens and marshes in late spring and summer.

Additional smaller wetlands exist only as remnants of melting ice; permafrost prohibits the water from being absorbed by the soil. The total area of wetlands is close to 900 acres. The areas are the habitat for several species of web-footed birds and are not routinely managed. The distribution and ecosystem functioning of these wetlands are likely vulnerable to climate change impact (see section 14.7).

2.3.6 Other Natural and Cultural Resource Information

N/A

2.4 Mission Impacts on Natural and Cultural Resources

2.4.1 Natural and Cultural…