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Site Report: Naval Field Station - Wales

Site Name: Naval Field Station - Wales
Address: Cape Prince of Wales, Aircraft Warning Station, Wales, AK 99783
File Number: 540.38.002
Hazard ID: 1151
Status: Active
Staff: Sarah Bernhardt, 9072697527 sarah.bernhardt@alaska.gov
Latitude: 65.612267
Longitude: -168.095219
Horizontal Datum:WGS84

We make every effort to ensure the data presented here is accurate based on the best available information currently on file with DEC. It is therefore subject to change as new information becomes available. We recommend contacting the assigned project staff prior to making decisions based on this information.

Problems/Comments

Limited sampling conducted in 1989 on 5 acre station identified site as candidate for additional site investigation. Drums and transformers with PCBs, pesticides, and petroleum products. More than 600 abandoned drums, 3 burn pits, and leaking paint shed are potential sources. Extent of contamination and threat to human health unknown. 5 acre component of the Cape Prince of Wales former Aircraft Warning Station which is the responsibility of the Navy. Cleanup of Aircraft Warning Station is being conducted separate from Naval Field Station by Army Corps of Engineers. Land owned by Wales Native Corporation. Station purpose to conduct arctic experiments and gather weather information. Located 500 - 700' from Bering Strait. Habitat is beach with wet tundra. Drinking water for station from springs located upgradient of village. No successful wells in area. Three personnel at site; 80% of Wales residents within 1/4 mile radius; school 1/4 mile away. IRP site. See also Reckeys 199632X936602, 199732X900101, and 199732X900102. Update June 2022 - Site reopened. Results of the 2017 Field Work Report, dated October 2019, indicate multiple constituents remain above ADEC CULs in the soil and groundwater at the Wales Navy site. Field work including PFAS sampling and removal actions are planned for 2022. Reworking of debris from coastal erosion and concerns from the City of Wales and the WNC regarding the debris, the contents of the remaining NFS buildings, and potential subsurface contamination relating to the remaining buildings, according to the initiation of the current investigation. December 2025 Update - Field work completed in summer 2024 to complete a Removal Action and Remedial Investigation to further delineate contamination at the site. The Removal Action report was completed in October 2025 and is available in the Attachments for this site. The Remedial Investigation report is in draft form and will be posted once final.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
7/1/1989 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = MS - Monitoring/Sampling). Exact dates unknown. Army Corps of Engineers conducted limited sampling during a reconnaissance study conducted in the area. Report entitled "Environmental Assessment 1991" by James M. Montgomery, Consulting Engineers Services. Limited soil, water, and drum sampling found soil sample 14 ppb beta-BHC, 140 ppm kerosene and 800 ppm diesel. Aroclor 1260 and 1254 found in transformers; pesticides and metals in drums. Not clear which analysis run on soil and if and where water samples were taken. Partial inventory and minimal samples collected. Former Staff
7/16/1989 Preliminary Assessment Approved Naval Energy and Environmental Support Activity conducted preliminary assessment. Noted same matrix with potential migration to Bering Strait and shallow ground water. Drinking water supply for NFS located 3/4 mile upgradient. Noted 3 burn pits, small and large debris piles, 7 transformers and more than 600 visualized drums and 50 cylinders. Paint Shed, Burn Pits and Drum Disposal area identified as sites needing further investigation. Former Staff
10/24/1991 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). URS Consultants proposed site investigation for 1992. Shallow (approximately 5 feet) subsurface sampling, wood floor of Paint Shed, drum sampling and magnetometer to be used to locate buried drums. Total of 635 samples to be taken. Former Staff
11/26/1991 Site Added to Database Potential PCB soil contamination, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. Former Staff
12/12/1991 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). Staff reviewed Final Project Work Plan proposed by the Navy and concurred with 635 subsurface samples to be collected in 1992. Laura Noland
12/31/1991 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Attempted ranking - not enough data. Will rerank after 1992 Site investigation. Former Staff
2/18/1993 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC facilitated meeting between Navy, Air Force, and Army Corps of Engineers to plan cooperative work at co-located sites such as NARL and POW Main Dewline and Wales, Tin City, and Saint Lawrence Island. Former Staff
3/17/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). ADEC received Draft Site Investigation Report for White Alice, Tin City and Naval Field Station, Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska dated 3/4/93 and conducted by URS Consultants for the Navy. Former Staff
3/23/1993 Interim Removal Action Approved ADEC staff requested Navy place warnings signs in both English and local dialect at all three remote facilities. Also requested that area at Naval Field station where dioxin contamination detected (three transformer burn areas) be covered with tarps. Laura Noland
4/7/1993 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Ranked site based on latest report. Ranking = 113. Former Staff
4/14/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). ADEC staff provided comments to Navy regarding Draft Site inspection Report. Requested additional risk information concerning dioxin and furan soil contamination notes in report at three transformer burn sites. Navy report recommends removal action for many drums located at site. Laura Noland
5/10/1993 Proposed Plan ADEC staff received proposed workplan to cover dioxin/furan sites and install warning signs. Laura Noland
5/19/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). Navy sent ADEC staff a letter stating their intentions to install warning signs, ground cover for dioxin contaminated areas at Naval Field Station, and to secure buildings at Tin City. Laura Noland
5/24/1993 Interim Removal Action Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = SC - Site Control (Emergency Response)). ADEC staff provided comments regarding Navy proposal to provide warning signs lettered in the native dialect at Naval field Station, Tin City and Saint Lawrence. Laura Noland
6/15/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). ADEC staff requested clarification from Navy regarding their plans to cover dioxin contaminated areas at naval field Station. Laura Noland
7/2/1993 Update or Other Action ADEC staff reviewed risk assessment and sampling data concerning dioxin contaminated soils. Informed Navy that site exceeds the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) of 1 ppb must be covered during the 1993 season. The other two sites with lower levels will need to have additional site investigation during 1994 season. Laura Noland
10/8/1993 Site Characterization Report Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). Staff received Final Site Inspection Report for White Alice Site, Tin City, and Naval Field Station, Cape Price Of Wales dated September 27, 1993. Laura Noland
10/8/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). Staff received Statement of Work for a removal action planned for Naval Field Station, Cape Prince Of Wales. Chemical Analysis Quote sheet also included. Laura Noland
1/24/1994 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Reranked. Previous score = 113. Former Staff
5/5/1994 Meeting or Teleconference Held Staff met with Navy to discuss Removal Action/Remedial Action planned for 1994 field season. Laura Noland
5/16/1994 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). Staff reviewed Draft Removal Action Work Plan dated May 13, 1994 by Ebasco Environmental. Plan proposes the removal of debris, drums, PCB and dioxin contaminated soils with sampling and characterization of sites. Biocell to be established for POL contaminated soils. Laura Noland
6/3/1994 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). Staff reviewed Sampling and Analysis Plan for removal action dated May 25, 1994 by Ebasco Environmental. Plan proposes TPH, TCLP, TCL scans, TAL metals, and dioxin/furan soil analysis. Ground water to be sampled for TPH when encountered. Drums will also be sampled via composite samples. Laura Noland
12/9/1994 Update or Other Action Removal Action Final Report, Removal Action, Naval Field Station at Cape Prince of Wales, Wales, Alaska, Delivery Order Number 0010, received 6/14/1996. Kalu Kalu
6/7/1996 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RA - Remedial Action). Remedial Action Report, Cape Prince of Wales Site, Addendum 1, 1995 Work Season, Nome Area Sites Project, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, Contract Number DACW41-89-D0133, Delivery Order Number 15, received 7/30/1996. Tamar Stephens
6/14/1996 Update or Other Action Draft Final Project Plans; Work Plan/Environmental Protection Plan, Sampling/Analysis Plan, Site-Specific Health/Safety Plan, Addendum to Contractor Quality Control Plan, Drum, Asbestos, Hazardous Material Removal Action, Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, RACII/Delivery Order Number 0017, received 6/24/1996. Kalu Kalu
7/22/1996 Update or Other Action Final Project Plans, Drum, Asbestos, and Hazardous Material Removal Action, Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, RACII/Delivery Order Number 0017, Revision O, received 7/29/1996. Tamar Stephens
2/20/1997 Interim Removal Action Approved Received Closure Report - Drum, Asbestos, and Hazardous Material Removal Action. Documents removal action conducted in summer 1996: additional characterization of site wastes was performed, and wastes were transported off site for disposal. Wastes removed consisted of 12 gallons of chlorodifluoromethane, 336 gallons of acids and flammable liquids, 30 pounds of dry metal salts and photo processing chemicals, 15 gallons of dry metal salts, 12 gallons of waste mercury, 990 gallons of used generator oil and diesel/water mix, 27 pounds of sodium hydroxide, 440 gallons of used solvent, 600 pounds of various non-regulated material, 450 pounds of used personal protective equipment, and 9,250 pounds of scrap metal, empty containers, and asbestos. Tamar Stephens
7/9/1997 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC staff Stephens and Navy representative met with Bering Straits Native Corporation in Nome to provide information on plans for investigation at the site. Tamar Stephens
7/9/1997 Update or Other Action ADEC staff Stephens went on a site inspection with Navy and Navy contractor prior to initiation of investigation and risk assessment. Tamar Stephens
7/10/1997 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC staff Stephens and Navy representative informally met with a few representatives from Wales Native Corporation. Provided information on upcoming investigation and obtained some information on subsistence uses near the site. Tamar Stephens
7/14/1997 Meeting or Teleconference Held Risk Assessment Scoping Meeting. Tamar Stephens
7/22/1997 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Work plan to fill data gaps from previous investigations: includes petroleum spill areas, buried debris in dunes, beach area. Tamar Stephens
8/27/1997 Meeting or Teleconference Held Public meeting in Wales. ADEC staff Stephens, Navy staff attended. Tamar Stephens
9/18/1997 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC staff Stephens met with Navy representative for verbal update on sampling results. Tamar Stephens
2/20/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Risk Assessment work plan comment resolution teleconference with the Navy and Navy contractor. Work Plan approved. Tamar Stephens
5/5/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Public meeting in Wales. ADEC staff Stephens, Navy staff attended. Tamar Stephens
9/10/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Public meeting in Wales. ADEC staff Stephens, Navy staff attended. Tamar Stephens
2/24/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Meeting in Nome regarding cleanup levels, cleanup plans. Participants: ADEC staff (Stephens), representatives from Navy, Navy contractor, Bering Straits Native Corp, Wales Native Corp, City of Wales, Wales IRA. Tamar Stephens
3/7/1999 Update or Other Action Briefed Section Manager Jennifer Roberts on Proposed Plan and Risk Assessment. Tamar Stephens
3/8/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Risk Assessment comment resolution teleconference held with Navy, Navy contractor. Tamar Stephens
3/24/1999 Proposed Plan Proposed Plan approved. Public comment period is complete. Tamar Stephens
3/24/1999 Risk Assessment Report Approved Final risk assessment approved; incorporates changes in response to ADEC comments on draft. Tamar Stephens
7/20/1999 Cleanup Plan Approved Petroleum contaminated soil will be excavated, treated on-site with HAVE (hot air vapor extraction) system. Tamar Stephens
9/15/1999 Update or Other Action Conducted site inspection at conclusion of cleanup project. Tamar Stephens
1/4/2000 Update or Other Action Review of draft Closure Report – Treatment of Petroleum Contaminated Soil, Navy Field Station, Wales, Alaska. Action added by Sarah Riddle. Tamar Stephens
1/4/2000 Update or Other Action Reviewed and sent comment letter on draft Closure Report. Major deficiency is that the report failed to reference cleanup levels and to show that they had been met. Tamar Stephens
3/28/2000 Update or Other Action Approval of Closeout Report – Treatment of Petroleum Contaminated Soil, Naval Field Station, Wales, Alaska. Cleanup levels achieved. Approved by Tamar Stephens. Site closure will follow when Navy and DEC jointly sign Record of Decision. Tamar Stephens
1/10/2003 Update or Other Action Closure of this site will occur when DEC and Navy jointly sign Record of Decision (ROD). ROD was finalized some time ago to DEC's satisfaction; awaits Navy determination of their authorized signatory. Tamar Stephens
7/14/2003 Record of Decision Acting Section Manager John Halverson signed the Decision Document. Navy representative Kevin K. Ball, lead for the Navy Environmental Restoration Team, Engineering Field Activity Northwest, signed the decision document on June 24, 2003. DEC and the Navy each have a copy with original signatures. Contaminants of concern were identified as DRO, RRO, and methylene chloride. Decision Document specifies that petroleum-contaminated soil will be excavated from various locations, treated on site by hot air vapor extraction, and treated soil will be used to backfill the excavated areas. Soil with methylene chloride will be excavated and shipped off-site for disposal. Tamar Stephens
7/14/2003 Cleanup Level(s) Approved Cleanup levels were approved with signing of Decision Document by DEC on 7/14/2003. Cleanup levels established in Decision Document for DRO and RRO are based on Method 2 arctic zone cleanup levels: 12,500 mg/kg DRO, 13,700 mg/kg RRO, with a cleanup level of 1000 mg/kg for DRO and RRO in surface soil (to depth of 1 foot) for aesthetic purposes. Cleanup level for methylene chloride is risk-based (method 4): 144 mg/kg. Tamar Stephens
7/14/2003 Site Closure Approved Site closure was approved by John Halverson, acting Section Manager with his signing of the Decision Document on 7/14/03. Site cleanup conducted in 1999 met these criteria. Specific cleanup actions included: excavation and treatment by hot air vapor extraction of 1883 cubic yards of petroleum contaminated soil from diesel tank area, biocell, burn area, north and south beach areas, and fuel tank areas behind BOQ and Resident Building; 28 tons of petroleum soil was excavated and shipped off site due to lack of time and space for treatment at the site; confirmation sampling for methylene chloride did not locate this contaminant and it is believe to have evaporated from the soil between discovery and cleanup actions; 29 empty drums and 2 drums with fluid were excavated from sand dunes and properly disposed off site; batteries and battery parts were removed from drum area and garage area. In addition several buildings were demolished and demolition debris and other site debris were disposed. Non-hazardous wood debris was burned on-site; other materials were properly disposed off-site. This cleanup encompassed the entire facility, including three specific areas formerly identified as sites: Burn Area, Storage Area, and Drum Disposal Area, and other areas of contamination not separately identified as sites, such as under the fuel tanks behind the BOQ and resident building. Tamar Stephens
9/24/2003 Update or Other Action Site Closure letter sent to Navy and to Walter Weyapuk, President Wales Native Corporation (WNC). Courtesy copies sent to LBB Lawyers (attorney for WNC), Native Village of Wales, and City of Wales. Letter summarized site background, interim actions, development of cleanup levels and cleanup strategy, and actions that were taken to complete cleanup at the site. Tamar Stephens
9/21/2015 Update or Other Action Informed that Navy conducted a site visit in July 2015 and held public meeting on 7/8/15. Based on concerns posed by the community, and reports of present contamination that was not cleaned up, the Navy is planning a Site Inspection in summer of 2016 or 2017, pending funding. John Carnahan
7/17/2017 Site Characterization Workplan Approved UFP-QAPP approved with revised response to comments submitted. John Carnahan
6/16/2022 Site Reopened In 2015, the Navy responded to concerns from the City of Wales and the WNC that abandoned Department of Defense (DoD)-related material was appearing on the village beach due to coastal erosion. Further inspection of the site was conducted in 2017, resulting in additional hazardous materials inventoried. Soil and groundwater contamination above ADEC CULs was observed in sampling results. Cascade Galasso-Irish
8/2/2022 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC received the Removal Actions Work Plan, Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, dated June 2022. The work plan is in response to the Department of Defense (DOD) related material that is appearing on the beach due to coastal erosion, observed during the 2017 hazardous materials/waste investigation and a 2021 site visit by Navy personnel and contractors. The RAWP objectives are to characterize the presence or absence of contamination, identify potential sources, remove infrastructure, and remove hazardous waste and hazardous waste-impacted materials. Background concentrations will be established and a geophysical investigation of the beach disposal area will be completed. ADEC approved the RAWP on this date. Cascade Galasso-Irish
10/20/2023 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other On this date, DEC received the Draft Site Inspection Report, Former Naval Field Station Wales, October 2023. Review comments sent on November 6, 2023. Cascade Galasso-Irish
11/17/2023 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other On this date, DEC received the Draft Removal Action Report – Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station. DEC provided review comments on December 6, 2023. Cascade Galasso-Irish
2/23/2024 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other On this date, DEC reviewed and approved the redline final SI and RA report and approved the RTCs. The Naval Field Station - Wales site is recommended to go to the RI phase. Cascade Galasso-Irish
6/24/2024 Meeting or Teleconference Held The DEC PM, EPM1, and Risk Assessor met with the Navy PM and Navy contractor on this date to be briefed on summer 2024 planned work at the site on this date. DEC are reviewing the following documents: Draft Removal Action Work Plan for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Wales, Alaska, and Draft Remedial Investigation Work Plan for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Wales, Alaska, dated June 2024. Sarah Bernhardt
7/19/2024 CERCLA Removal Action Plan DEC provided comments on the Draft Removal Action Work Plan for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Wales Alaska on 7/10/2024. Further comments on the redline version of the document were provided on 7/19/2024. Sarah Bernhardt
8/13/2024 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC PM provided reviews on the Redline Final Waste Management Plan/Environmental Protection Plan for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Wales Alaska. Sarah Bernhardt
8/20/2024 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided a Response to Comments for the Draft Remedial Investigation Work Plan (RIWP) for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Wales, Alaska. DEC and Navy met on August 9, 2024, for a comment resolution meeting regarding the RIWP, and a revised RTC matrix was provided to DEC on August 14, 2024. Sarah Bernhardt
10/24/2024 Offsite Soil or Groundwater Disposal Approved DEC provided approval of transport of 2500 pounds of soil to Waste Management Columbia Ridge, a Subtitle D landfill. The soil was generated during the 2024 remedial investigation activity (investigation-derived waste - [IDW]). Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) used to treat liquid IDW prior to discharge was also included. Sarah Bernhardt
11/15/2024 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC received the Final Waste Management Plan/Environmental Protection Plan for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Wales Alaska on this date. A DEC approval letter was provided on 8/13/2024 and is incorporated into the final document. Sarah Bernhardt
11/25/2024 CERCLA RI Plan Approved DEC provided a final response to comments on August 20, 2024 following a review of the red line strike out draft final RIWP that resolved all outstanding comments, and which was received on August 14, 2024 following a comment resolution meeting between DEC and Navy. DEC received the final RIWP on November 15, 2024 and completed a backcheck. The Final Remedial Investigation Work Plan (RIWP) for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Wales Alaska document was approved by DEC on this date. Sarah Bernhardt
11/25/2024 CERCLA Removal Action Plan The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has completed review of the Final Removal Action Work Plan for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station (Former NFS Wales), Wales Alaska, dated October 2024. This document details describes the means and methods of implementing a removal action at the Former NFS Wales in Wales, Alaska planned for summer 2024. DEC received a red line strike out (RLSO) draft final version of the document on July 16, 2024, accepting all of the responses via letter and comment table on July 19, 2024. DEC received the final version of the document on November 6, 2024 and conducted a backcheck review. All of the responses to DEC comments had been previously resolved with the RLSO such that this is the final delivery and formal approval of the work plan. Sarah Bernhardt
7/24/2025 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC reviewed and provided approval of the Draft Removal Action Report for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Wales, Alaska, dated June 2025. This Removal Action (RA) Report summarizes removal action activities completed in summer 2024 at the Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station (Former NFS Wales or Former NFS) in Wales, Alaska. In preparation for Remedial Investigation fieldwork at the Former NFS, the Navy completed a RA including dismantling, removal, transportation, and disposal of the remaining components of the Four Garage Complex and boathouse to allow for samples to be collected beneath the footprint of the former structures. A total of 178 tons of debris consisting of the entirety of the remaining NFS Wales structures was disposed of during the RA completed in July, August, and September 2024. Sarah Bernhardt
12/2/2025 CERCLA Removal Action Report DEC received on this date the final and approved Removal Action Report for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Wales, Alaska, dated October 2025. This Removal Action (RA) Report summarizes removal action activities completed in summer 2024 at the Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station (Former NFS Wales or Former NFS) in Wales, Alaska. The final report is available in the attachments of the site file. Sarah Bernhardt
12/4/2025 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other On this date DEC provided comments on the Draft Remedial Investigation (RI) Report for Former Cape Prince of Wales Naval Field Station, Wales, Alaska, dated October 2025. The objectives of the RI were to determine the nature and extent of contamination; identify sources of contamination at the site, including the potential for ongoing chemical release(s) and the potential mobility and persistence of chemicals; characterize potential risks within the site; and characterize transport and fate processes related to current and reasonably foreseeable future conditions that may affect site risk. Sarah Bernhardt

Contaminant Information

Name Level Description Media Comments
For more information about this site, contact DEC at (907) 465-5390.

Control Type

Type Details
No ICs Required

Requirements

Description Details
Advance approval required to transport soil or groundwater off-site.

No associated sites were found.

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State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

P.O. Box 111800
Juneau, AK 99811-1800
Phone: 907-465-5066
Fax: 907-465-5245
TDD: 800-770-8973
Physical Location: 410 Willoughby