Antarctica
Army Engineers play Key Role at Scott Base Antarctica Project
A construction team from 25th Engineer Support Squadron has played a key role in the installation of a Scott Base sewage treatment facility, which will drastically improve the seawater quality outside the base.
The Army engineer team of Corporal Paul Cottington, Corporal Aaron Tapp, Lance Corporal Kelly Allan, Sapper Shane Sigglekow and Sapper Robert Ross also recladded the Scott Base staff accommodation block and repainted some huts on Bratina Island, a 10 minute helicopter ride from Scott Base.
Cpl Cottington said the sewage plant task was straightforward. "The job boss was Grant Shadbolt, who was experienced in this work. "We were also helped by two base carpenters and worked six days a week for two weeks. On our day off we visited the Scott and Shackleton Huts. Antarctica was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'll never forget the terrain, the sights and the people." he said.
The Antarctic New Zealand Environmental Officer, Rebecca Roper-Gee, said the sewage treatment facility had been "a long time coming".
The plant arrived by ship in containers with kit-set buildings and concrete foundations in early February.
The Antarctic New Zealand Inventory/Purchasing Officer, Michael Nottage, said the work was full on from 4 to 18 February and now Scott Base will have a treatment plant "where the discharge quality is so good you could swim in it, just like any major city".
He said that Scott Base engineers will complete the pipe installation over the winter and the plant should be fully operational in time for the 2002/2003 season.
By Barry Allison
April 2002
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