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Site Report: Postal Facility on Arctic Blvd (formerly)

Site Name: Postal Facility on Arctic Blvd (formerly)
Address: 3719 (3737) Arctic Blvd.;, Anchorage, AK 99503
File Number: 2100.26.216
Hazard ID: 24016
Status: Cleanup Complete
Staff: No Longer Assigned, 9074655229 dec.icunit@alaska.gov
Latitude: 61.186366
Longitude: -149.895227
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

Facility formerly leased by U.S. Postal Service. Currently a self-storage facility. In 1989 a 6,000 gallon gasoline tank and 65 cubic yards of contaminated soil were removed. The contaminated soil was subsequently disposed of at the Anchorage Regional Landfill. Soil and groundwater assessment in October 1990 detected up to 626 mg/kg TPH in the soils and up to 2,980 ug/l benzene in groundwater samples. Monitoring wells were installed in 1993 to help define the extent of the soil and groundwater contamination at the site. Soil borings installed in 1996 found up to 4,430 mg/kg DRO and 1200 mg/kg GRO just to the north of monitoring well MW-3, and 0.14 mg/kg benzene near monitoring well MW-2. Groundwater is at about 6 to 10 feet below ground surface and flows to the northwest to west directions. Oxygen Release Compound (ORC) socks were used in monitoring wells MW2, MW3, MW4, MW7, and MW8 from October 2003 until November 2005.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
5/23/1989 Site Visit Tank tightness test performed for Postal Service in May 1989 showed tank probably tight, but leak found around faulty check valve back into the tank. Former Staff
9/20/1989 Leaking Underground Storage Tank Release Confirmed - Petroleum LUST Site created in CSP for source area ID 77977 Contaminated soil and groundwater found during tank removal. Former Staff
9/20/1989 Site Added to Database Former Staff
9/21/1989 Leaking Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Initiated - Petroleum Some contaminated soil removed during tank pull. Former Staff
11/10/1989 Underground Storage Tank Site Characterization or Assessment Removal of tank and some contaminated soil. Water sample obtained from excavation by Hunter Environmental Services, Inc. Approx. 65 yards of contaminated soil removed and stockpiled on site. Up to 247 mg/kg TPH detected in soil (Method 418.1). Up to 1,340 ug/l benzene detected in the groundwater. Former Staff
7/1/1990 Release Investigation Groundwater Assessment Work Plan prepared by DOWL Engineers. Includes installation of monitoring wells and proposed soil disposal at municipal landfill or thermal treatment at Anchorage Sand & Gravel. Approved with additions of soil assessment work plan, additional water samples, activity status of local wells and disposal plan for soil. Former Staff
8/30/1990 Update or Other Action Soil Disposal Plan prepared by DOWL Engineers. They propose disposal at Anchorage Regional Landfill. Approval by ADEC contingent upon verification of receipt by landfill. Former Staff
9/24/1990 Offsite Soil or Groundwater Disposal Approved Contaminated soil transported from site to Anchorage Regional Landfill for disposal. Disposal receipts obtained by DOWL Engineers. Former Staff
10/1/1990 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Groundwater Assessment Report prepared by DOWL Engineers and dated October 1990. Soil and groundwater samples obtained. Analyses of soil samples detected up to 626 ppm TPH (Method 418.1). Water samples showed up to 2,980 ppb benzene. They proposed to install two additional monitoring wells. Former Staff
10/30/1990 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed a phase 2 site assessment report. Former Staff
12/4/1990 Update or Other Action RP plans to install 2 additional monitoring wells. Requested Modified 8015 for TPH instead of 418.1. Approved by ADEC. Former Staff
1/31/1991 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Results from monitoring well sampling. Monitoring well MW 3 had 2,470 ppb benzene. DOWL stated that contamination is localized and has not migrated to MW 4, 5, or 6. Remedial action plan to be sent after more testing/site work. Former Staff
7/24/1992 Update or Other Action ADEC letter requesting a current Corrective Action Plan for this site. Groundwater is contaminated from the former leaking underground storage tank. Deadline given of August 14, 1992. Former Staff
8/11/1992 Update or Other Action Due to contaminant levels in the groundwater above cleanup levels when water level is high, propose to install a vapor extraction system to remove remaining contamination. Former Staff
11/8/1996 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Two soil borings installed in 1996 found up to 4,430 mg/kg DRO and 120 mg/kg GRO just to the north of monitoring well MW-3, and 0.14 mg/kg benzene at monitoring well MW-2. Robert Weimer
11/20/1997 Update or Other Action ADEC sends Notification of Intent to Cost Recover Letter to Current Owner: MPH TRUST, C/O HOGE & LEKISCH Former Staff
5/29/2002 Update or Other Action Assigned to DEC staff Amanda Dreyer Robert Weimer
6/6/2002 Update or Other Action Letter Request for Corrective Action plan and Groundwater monitoring Amanda Dreyer
7/10/2002 Update or Other Action Received Semi-annual groundwater monitoring and sampling plan Amanda Dreyer
7/17/2002 Update or Other Action Approved the semi-annual groundwater monitoring sampling plan. Shannon and Wilson sampled the wells on 7/15/02 per the request of the RP Amanda Dreyer
6/20/2003 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other June 20, 2003 groundwater monitoring event. Up to 0.115 mg/l GRO, 1.50 mg/l DRO, and 24.7 ug/l benzene in the groundwater. Depth to groundwater was 8 to 10 feet below ground surface. The groundwater flow direct was to the northwest. The furthest downgradient monitoring well (MW-8) continues to meet all cleanup levels. The benzene contamination concentrations increased in 1 monitoring well (MW3). Robert Weimer
10/31/2003 Update or Other Action Oxygen Release Compound (ORC) socks were placed in monitoring wells MW2, MW3, MW4, MW7, and MW8 on October 31, 2003. These ORC socks were removed on May 10, 2004. Robert Weimer
2/26/2004 Update or Other Action Cost recovery payment received. Eric Henry
5/15/2004 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other May 15, 2004 groundwater monitoring event. Up to 0.344 mg/l GRO, 0.974 mg/l DRO, and 123 ug/l benzene in the groundwater. There results may be biased low because ORC sock had been removed just 5 days prior to the sampling. Depth to groundwater was 6 to 7 feet below ground surface. The groundwater flow direction was to the northwest. The furthest downgradient monitoring well (MW-8) continues to meet all cleanup levels. The benzene contamination concentrations increased in 3 monitoring wells (MW3, MW4, and MW7). New ORC socks were placed in the monitoring wells after sampling. Robert Weimer
10/7/2004 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other October 7, 2004 groundwater monitoring event. Up to 0.418 mg/l GRO, 0.780 mg/l DRO, and 91.1 ug/l benzene in the groundwater. There results are considered biased low because the ORC sock had been removed from the monitoring well just prior to the sampling. Depth to groundwater was 6 to 7 feet below ground surface. The groundwater flow direction was generally to the northwest. The furthest downgradient monitoring well (MW-8) continues to meet all cleanup levels. The benzene contamination concentrations increased in 1 monitoring well (MW2). New ORC socks have been placed in the monitoring wells. Robert Weimer
5/8/2006 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other December 6, 2005 groundwater monitoring event. Up to 0.942 mg/l GRO, 0.445 mg/l DRO, and 229 ug/l benzene in the groundwater. The results are considered biased low because ORC socks were removed just 7 days prior to the sampling. Depth to groundwater was 9 to 10 feet below ground surface. The groundwater flow direction was generally to the northwest. The furthest downgradient monitoring well (MW-8) continues to meet all cleanup levels. The benzene contamination concentrations increased in 1 monitoring well (MW3). No ORC socks have been in the monitoring wells since November 30, 2005. Robert Weimer
5/8/2006 Update or Other Action Discussed request for reduction in groundwater monitoring with RP's consultant. Because ORC socks were removed only one week before the sampling event the groundwater sampling results are considered biased low. ADEC requests that a groundwater sampling event be conducted in 2006 (MW2, MW3, MW4, MW7, and MW8 for BTEX, GRO, and DRO). Based on the results we may be able to reduce the sampling at this site. Robert Weimer
12/4/2007 Update or Other Action Talked with RP's consultant he will submit the report for the October 5, 2006 groundwater monitoring event. To review the results of the sampling to see if a reduction in DRO analysis is warranted. Robert Weimer
4/17/2008 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Site ranked on the new Exposure Tracking Model (ETM). The ETM is a new site ranking system that looks at, based on available data, the potential exposure pathways for the contamination remaining at the site. Robert Weimer
9/5/2008 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other October 5, 2006 groundwater monitoring event. Up to 0.242 mg/l GRO, non detect (<1.56 mg/l) DRO, and 84.7 ug/l benzene in the groundwater. Depth to groundwater was 7.0 to 8.02 feet below ground surface. The groundwater flow direction was generally to the northwest. The furthest downgradient monitoring well (MW-8) continues to meet all cleanup levels. The benzene and GRO contamination concentrations increased in 2 monitoring wells (MW2 and MW7). No ORC socks have been in the monitoring wells since November 30, 2005. Robert Weimer
9/22/2008 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other December 21, 2007 groundwater monitoring event. Up to 0.285 mg/l GRO, non detect (<1.56 mg/l) DRO, and 107 ug/l benzene in the groundwater. Depth to groundwater was 8.39 to 9.13 feet below ground surface. The groundwater flow direction was to the west. Due to the shift of the groundwater to the west (from the typical northwest direction) during this monitoring event, there were no monitoring wells downgradient of the most contaminated monitoring well MW-3. The benzene and GRO contamination concentrations increased in monitoring well MW-3. No ORC socks have been in the monitoring wells since November 30, 2005. Robert Weimer
9/22/2008 Update or Other Action Discussed groundwater sampling with RP's consultant. Sent request for continued annual BTEX/GRO sampling in all of the monitoring wells. Approved suspending DRO in all monitoring wells except MW-4. Robert Weimer
10/11/2011 Site Characterization Report Approved June 1, 2009 groundwater monitoring event. Up to non detect (<0.1 mg/l) GRO, non detect (<0.833 mg/l) DRO, and 6.38 ug/l benzene in the groundwater. Depth to groundwater was 8.35 to 9.16 feet below ground surface. The groundwater flow direction was to the west. Due to the shift of the groundwater to the west (from the typical northwest direction) during this monitoring event, there were no monitoring wells downgradient of the most contaminated monitoring well MW-3. The benzene contamination concentrations increased in monitoring well MW-7. No ORC socks have been in the monitoring wells since November 30, 2005. Robert Weimer
12/16/2013 Potentially Responsible Party/State Interest Letter Updated RP/Property owner information Robert Weimer
12/16/2013 Update or Other Action Called RP's past consultant (S&W) to check on status of the groundwater monitoring at this site. Have not received monitoring reports since the June 1, 2009 monitoring event. They confirmed that they had not conducted groundwater monitoring at the site since then. The site is currently scheduled for annual groundwater monitoring. Robert Weimer
12/16/2013 Update or Other Action The Department requests that the next annual groundwater sampling event results be submitted by March 1, 2014. The report for the 2009 groundwater monitoring identified that some of the monitoring wells had some frost heaving that could damage the monitoring wells. Department requests that any damaged monitoring wells/well caps be repaired and that all of the monitoring wells be resurveyed prior to the groundwater monitoring event. Robert Weimer
1/2/2014 Update or Other Action Confirmed with RP's consultant that groundwater sampling for MW2, MW3, MW7 and MW8 (BTEX and GRO), and MW4 (BTEX, GRO, and DRO). No work plan is requested. Will need complete copies of field notes included in the report, and the notes need to document that the intake for the low flow sampling is a close as possible (with in the top foot) to the surface of the groundwater in each monitoring well. Robert Weimer
1/27/2014 Update or Other Action The Department approves requests that the next annual groundwater sampling event results be submitted by July 1, 2014. This will allow time to repair the damaged monitoring wells prior to sampling. Robert Weimer
11/12/2014 Update or Other Action ADEC sent a request for a copy of the report for the groundwater monitoring conducted on May 2014. The consultant plans to conduct the next groundwater monitoring event in November 2014. Robert Weimer
12/11/2014 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other May 22, 2014 groundwater monitoring event. The four monitoring wells were repaired and resurveyed on May 21, 2014. Up to non detect (<0.05 mg/l) GRO, 0.594 mg/l DRO, and 0.72 ug/l benzene in the groundwater. Depth to groundwater was 8.15 to 8.71 feet below ground surface. The groundwater flow direction was to the northwest during this monitoring event. The benzene contamination concentrations decreased in the 4 monitoring wells sampled. The monitoring wells were purged prior to sampling with a low-flow in-well pump intake about 1 foot below the soil/water interface in each well. The consultant recommends the next monitoring event to be conducted in the fall of 2014. The results of the volatile sampling of monitoring wells MW-3 and MW-4 may be biased low because compressed air was used one day prior to sampling to remove sediment that had accumulated in those monitoring wells. Robert Weimer
5/21/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other November 12-13, 2014 groundwater monitoring event. Up to non detect (<0.05 mg/l) GRO, non detect (<0.3 mg/l) DRO, and 0.25 ug/l benzene in the groundwater. Depth to groundwater was 8.23 to 8.80 feet below ground surface. The groundwater flow direction was to the northwest during this monitoring event. The benzene contamination concentrations increased in 1 of the 5 monitoring wells sampled. The monitoring wells were purged prior to sampling with a low-flow in-well pump. The results of the sampling is considered biased low because the intake for the low-flow pump was not at the soil/water interface as required, it was 1.06 to 2.24 feet below the soil/water interface and arrived over temperature (6.6 degrees C) at the lab 19 to 47 hours after sampling. Robert Weimer
6/10/2016 Update or Other Action Letter sent to RP requesting annual groundwater monitoring to be completed and results submitted by August 9, 2016. Lisa Griswold
8/8/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Proposal for 2016 Groundwater Monitoring, 3737 Arctic Boulevard, Anchorage, Alaska; ADEC File No. 2100.26.216 approved on this date. The Report is to be submitted by October 3, 2016. Lisa Griswold
10/5/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Groundwater Monitoring, 3737 Arctic Boulevard, Anchorage, Alaska approved on this date. Water samples from MW2, MW3, MW4, MW7 and MW8 were tested for Gasoline Range Organics (GRO) by AK101, BTEX and Napthalene by EPA 8260B and one sample from MW4 was also tested for Diesel Range Organics. Benzene was the only contaminant detected at 0.000530 mg/L, below ADEC cleanup levels. ADEC will review the site for closure, and has requested a well decommissioning plan. Lisa Griswold
10/28/2016 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 77977 1989 UST release. Lisa Griswold
11/15/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Revised Work Plan for Decommissioning Groundwater Monitoring Wells approved on this date. The revised work plan includes details pertaining to the search for vapor extraction wells V-1, V-2, and V-3, as well as groundwater monitoring wells MW1, MW5, MW6 and MW9, as no documentation could be located showing that the wells have been previously removed. MW2, MW4, MW8 will be removed and filled with bentonite clay pellets to approximately 7.5 feet bgs, then re-hydrated bentonite chips to approximately 2.5 feet bgs, and pea gravel will be tamped in to approximately 0.35 feet bgs, and asphalt cold patch will be compacted to the level of the surrounding pavement. The altered depths are due to the areas susceptive nature to frost. MW7 will be removed to between 15 and 12 feet bgs to allow aquifer material to collapse. Space not filled by aquifer material will be filled with #10-#20 silica sand to approximately 13 feet bgs, then coated bentonite pellets to roughly 7.5 feet bgs, then bentonite chips to 2.5 feet bgs, and pea gravel will be tamped in to approximately 0.35 feet bgs, and asphalt cold patch will be compacted to the level of the surrounding pavement. MW3 will be decommissioned in place as it is located within a storage unit and cannot be removed without damaging the structure. The casing for MW3 will be filled to approximately 13 feet bgs with #10-#20 silica sand, then coated bentonite pellets to 7 feet bgs, then bentonite clay chips to within 1 foot of the top of casing (TOC), and the remainder will be filled with Portland cement concrete. Lisa Griswold
2/1/2017 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Decommissioning of Groundwater Monitoring wells was reviewed on this date. The letter report describes the activities done in December 2016 to both locate old vapor extraction and groundwater monitoring wells; and decommission the currently known wells, and the wells that are located during the search. Two of the seven missing wells were located: MW5 and MW9. All wells were decommissioned according to the previously approved work plan. Lisa Griswold
2/17/2017 Cleanup Complete Determination Issued Lisa Griswold

Contaminant Information

Name Level Description Media Comments
Benzene Between Method 2 Migration to Groundwater and Human Health/Ingestion/Inhalation Soil
DRO Between Method 2 Migration to Groundwater and Human Health/Ingestion/Inhalation Soil
GRO Between Method 2 Migration to Groundwater and Human Health/Ingestion/Inhalation Soil

Control Type

Type Details
No ICs Required

Requirements

Description Details
Advance approval required to transport soil or groundwater off-site.
Movement or use of contaminated material (including on site) in a manner that results in a violation of the water quality standards is prohibited (18 AAC 70)

No associated sites were found.

Missing Location Data

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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
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Physical Location: 410 Willoughby