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Site Report: NARL - Powerhouse Fuel Spill

Site Name: NARL - Powerhouse Fuel Spill
Address: 5.5 Miiles NE of Barrow, Barrow, AK 99723
File Number: 310.38.013
Hazard ID: 556
Status: Active
Staff: Sarah Bernhardt, 9072697527 sarah.bernhardt@alaska.gov
Latitude: 71.327565
Longitude: -156.670721
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

Soil contaminated with diesel and TPH. Active zone water has diesel, TPH, and 1030 ug/l BTEX. Reportedly a 10,000 gallon JP-5 fuel spill occurred at the site in 1958. Cross reference file 310.38.008. The site is assigned a HIGH site rank on the Navy Relative Risk Evaluation Worksheet dated 11/7/95. Last staff assigned was Kalu.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
1/27/1994 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RI - Remedial Investigation). Staff submitted comments to navy regarding Draft Site Characterization report which describes results of limited remedial investigation at the Airstrip Fuel Spill Area and the Bulk Tank Farm. Active zone contamination at airstrip area has BTEX (8,440 ug/l), DRO (110,000 ug/l), GRO (28,000 ug/L), lead (1010 ug/L) and VOCs (naphthalene 400 ug/L). Sediments and surface waters of nearby Imikpuk Lake, North Salt Lagoon and meltwater ponds have sediment and surface water contamination, primarily DRO. Volatiles not found in surface waters at lagoon and ponds. Laura Noland
3/18/1994 Site Added to Database File# 310.38.013 Former Staff
5/5/1994 Meeting or Teleconference Held Noland and Rielle met with Navy and contractors to discuss the following issues: Containment berm construction at Airstrip, Risk Assessment, Treatability Studies, EPA Sampling, Ownership of NARL. Navy and ADEC agreed to explore use of Letter of Agreement to outline actions needed at facility. Laura Noland
9/9/1996 Update or Other Action Operations and Maintenance Manual 96-719, Petroleum Hydrocarbon Treatment Plant, Environmental Remediation, NARL, Barrow, Alaska. Kalu Kalu
3/24/1997 Update or Other Action Site updated by Shannon and Wilson, based on the Navy Relative Risk Evaluation Worksheet dated 11/7/95. S&W
4/10/1998 Update or Other Action Received phone call from a Mr. Owens, attorney for UIC, regarding sampling done by a contractor for UIC. Sampling was done between Powerhouse site and Imikpuk Lake. Called Navy RPM, who said Navy will plan to extend investigation to cover this area. Tamar Stephens
4/15/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC staff Stephens and Schmidt met with Navy and UIC regarding sampling data from UIC contractor and how this information would be incorporated into site characterization and investigation at Powerhouse site. Tamar Stephens
4/15/1998 Update or Other Action ADEC staff Stephens and Schmidt did site visit with Navy representatives. Tamar Stephens
5/7/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens met with Navy, Navy contractor, UIC, UIC contractor regarding Sampling and Analysis Plan. UIC is concerned about potential migration of benzene to Imikpuk Lake. Tamar Stephens
6/8/1998 Update or Other Action Comments sent on sampling plan. Tamar Stephens
6/25/1998 Update or Other Action Comments sent on conceptual site model. Major comment is need to incorporate uptake of contaminants from sediments by subsistence plants and animals. Tamar Stephens
7/15/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens met with Navy, UIC, and Navy and UIC contractors to finalize SAP, and discuss how new regulations and risk assessment would be used in determining cleanup levels. Tamar Stephens
7/15/1998 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Verbal approval given. Tamar Stephens
7/16/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
10/8/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
10/8/1998 Update or Other Action Accompanied Navy, UIC, and Navy contractor on floor drain inspection of buildings at UIC-owned portion of NARL to locate old floor drains that may be past source of contamination. Tamar Stephens
1/14/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
1/22/1999 Update or Other Action Received draft Risk Assessment Work Plan; sent copy out for term contractor review. Tamar Stephens
4/8/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
5/19/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Risk Assessment Work Plan comment resolution teleconference with Navy. All comments satisfactorily resolved. Tamar Stephens
7/6/1999 Update or Other Action Approved Risk Assessment Work Plan. Tamar Stephens
7/15/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
7/21/1999 Update or Other Action Approval of Final Risk Assessment Work Plan for Barrow NARL Powerhouse Site. Action added by Sarah Riddle. Tamar Stephens
9/21/1999 Update or Other Action Risk Assessment Workplan Approved. Tamar Stephens
11/4/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board meeting. Tamar Stephens
12/3/1999 Update or Other Action Reviewed monitoring data for wells at powerhouse site, near Imikpuk Lake, and surface water from lake. DRO exceeds cleanup levels in 3 wells near lake; benzene exceeds cleanup levels in one well near lake. No exceedences in lake. Tamar Stephens
12/27/1999 Update or Other Action Received draft risk assessment. Sent out for term contractor review. Tamar Stephens
1/12/2000 Update or Other Action Conference call with Navy (Langston Walker, Steve Plante, Mike Allen) and UIC (Scott Danner). Tamar Stephens
2/24/2000 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/22/2000 Update or Other Action Review of NARL Powerhouse draft Baseline Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments. Action added by Sarah Riddle. Tamar Stephens
5/4/2000 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board meeting. Tamar Stephens
7/26/2000 Site Number Identifier Changed Changed the Region from 36 to 31. Former Staff
7/31/2000 Update or Other Action Review of Memorandum – Supporting Information for Interim Removal of Petroleum-Contaminated Soils, Powerhouse and Airstrip Sites, Former NARL, Point Barrow, Alaska, July 7, 2000. Memorandum identified locations for hot spot soil removals at Powerhouse site for DRO, RRO: tank stand area, from a section of the former pipeline, and from a surface stained area in front of Building 137. This is not a work plan - just a concept document. Tamar Stephens
9/6/2000 Interim Removal Action Approved Approved of Final Project Plans for Hot Spot Removal. Project is an interim soil removal project to remove petroleum-contaminated soil, perform confirmation sampling following excavation, to construct soil stockpile containment cells in the hangar at the Airstrip Site to hold the excavated soil therein, and to backfill the excavations with clean soil. Soil removal would occur at four locations: tank stand area, from a section of the former pipeline, and from a surface stained area in front of Building 137. Principal contaminants are diesel and residual range organics. Tamar Stephens
11/16/2000 Update or Other Action Reviewed, provided comment on Draft Management Plan, Powerhouse Site, Former NARL, Point Barrow. Tamar Stephens
12/18/2000 Update or Other Action Review of Draft Management Plan - provided additional review comments. Action added by Sarah Riddle. Tamar Stephens
1/18/2001 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/23/2001 Risk Assessment Report Approved Barrow NARL Powerhouse Site – Risk Assessment Approval letter sent. Tamar Stephens
4/12/2001 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board meeting. Tamar Stephens
4/24/2001 Update or Other Action Review and approval of Final Remedial Action Report for Hot Spot Removal. Former Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, Barrow, Alaska, January 2001. Tamar Stephens
6/4/2001 Update or Other Action Review of Management Plan, Powerhouse Site, Former NARL, Point Barrow, Alaska. Tamar Stephens
7/5/2001 Update or Other Action Review of draft Groundwater, Surface Water, and Sediment Monitoring Work Plan – Powerhouse, Airstrip, Dry Cleaning Facility, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites. Former NARL, Point Barrow, Alaska. Comments made and review letter sent. Tamar Stephens
7/20/2001 Proposed Plan Approved Proposed Plan for Cleanup of the Powerhouse Site, Former Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, Barrow, Alaska. Approved by Jennifer Roberts; letter sent by Tamar Stephens. Tamar Stephens
7/30/2001 Update or Other Action Approval of Final Water and Sediment Monitoring Work Plan, four Sites, Former NARL. Tamar Stephens
11/8/2001 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board meeting. Tamar Stephens
11/20/2001 Update or Other Action Review of Draft Groundwater, Surface Water, and Sediment Data Management and Evaluation Plan – Powerhouse, Airstrip, Dry Cleaning Facility, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites, Former NARL, Point Barrow, Alaska. Comments made and review letter sent. Tamar Stephens
1/24/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Project Team meeting in Anchorage - Navy, DEC, UIC. Tamar Stephens
2/21/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/7/2002 Cleanup Plan Approved Approved Final Groundwater, Surface Water, and Sediment Data Management and Evaluation Plan – Powerhouse, Airstrip, Dry Cleaning Facility, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites, Former NARL, Point Barrow, Alaska. Reviewed Draft 2001 Annual Report for Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring – Powerhouse, Airstrip, Dry Cleaning Facility, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites, Former NARL, Point Barrow, Alaska. Tamar Stephens
8/20/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Project Team meeting (Navy, UIC, DEC) in Barrow, Aug. 20-21; site visit. Tamar Stephens
9/19/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board meeting. Tamar Stephens
10/29/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Project Team meeting in Anchorage to resolve comments on draft decision documents - Navy, DEC, UIC. Tamar Stephens
11/7/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board meeting. Tamar Stephens
12/11/2002 Record of Decision DEC signed Decision Document. John Halverson signed as acting Section Manager. Anthony Edwardsen, president of UIC, signed as land owner representative. Navy project manager will carry documents to Washington, D.C. to obtain authorized Navy signature. Remedy for this site includes excavation of petroleum contaminated soil and treatment by Hot Air Vapor Extraction; excavation and off-site disposal of small area of PCB contaminated soil; monitored natural attenuation for active zone groundwater. Tamar Stephens
3/13/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. Tamar Stephens
6/19/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. Tamar Stephens
9/18/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. Tamar Stephens
12/11/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. Tamar Stephens
3/11/2004 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. Tamar Stephens
3/25/2004 Update or Other Action Reviewed and sent comments on draft monitoring plan for 2004. Tamar Stephens
6/22/2004 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent approval letter for draft FY2004 Monitoring Project Plans - Former Naval Arctic Research Laboratory Sites 5, 12, & 13, Barrow, Alaska for groundwater, surface water and sediment monitoring activities scheduled for summer of 2004 at the Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. (Letter sent to Gerry Rieger, USN remedial project manager.) Tamar Stephens
9/23/2004 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. Tamar Stephens
12/9/2004 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. Tamar Stephens
3/10/2005 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. Tamar Stephens
5/13/2005 Update or Other Action Stephens reviewed and sent approval letter for draft monitoring plans for 2005. Tamar Stephens
5/24/2005 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens met with Navy and their consultant over various NARL topics. Discussed the need for a plume map in upcoming monitoring reports to show that there are multiple sources at the Powerhouse site. Tamar Stephens
7/11/2005 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Received FY2005 Monitoring Project Plans – Sites 5 (Airstrip), 12 (Powerhouse), and 13 (Bulk Fuel Tank Farm), Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, Barrow, Alaska. Letter sent to Mark Wicklein, USN remedial project manager, acknowledging receipt of final plans on 7/25/2005. Tamar Stephens
3/7/2006 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent approval letter for draft 2005 Annual Monitoring Report for the NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites. This monitoring report describes visual site inspections, well installations and reinstallations, sampling activities, and presents the results of active zone ground water, surface water sampling conducted during July and September, 2005, for the Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites, and sediment sampling in the North Salt Lagoon adjacent to the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Site during September, 2005. This is the third year of monitoring following soil cleanup activities at the Airstrip site and the second year for the Powerhouse and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. Tamar Stephens
3/9/2006 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/28/2006 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Received final 2005 Annual Monitoring Report for the NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites, dated March 17, 2006. Tamar Stephens
4/20/2006 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent approval letter for Plan for FY2006 Sampling at the Former Naval Arctic Research Laboratory Airstrip, Powerhouse, BFTF and Antenna Field, Barrow Alaska. This work plan describes the following sampling activities planned for summer of 2006 at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL). (1) Samples will be collected as for the long-term monitoring program at the Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. As needed, any unusable monitoring wells will be replaced. Samples will include active zone groundwater samples at all three sites, surface water samples from Imikpuk Lake adjacent to the Powerhouse and Airstrip Sites, and surface water and sediment samples in the North Salt Lagoon adjacent to the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm site. (2) Samples will be collected to fill data gaps in site characterization at the Antenna Field Site (which encompasses the area known as the Old Waste Disposal Site) for DRO, GRO, RRO, VOCs, and SVOCs along the shoreline of the Middle Salt Lagoon; for petroleum and to evaluate for possible presence of a buried transformer at the abandoned communications station Quonset hut; for GRO, DRO, RRO in high anomaly areas indicating high concentrations of buried waste; and a surface debris survey will be conducted to identify and map surface debris that may post a physical hazard to people using the site. (3) Confirmation samples will be collected from land-farmed soil at the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm to fill data gaps that resulted from insufficient confirmation sampling at the conclusion of soil treatment operations. Tamar Stephens
9/14/2006 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
12/7/2006 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/2/2007 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent approval letter for draft 2006 Annual Monitoring Report for the NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites. This monitoring report describes visual site inspections, well installations and reinstallations, sampling activities, and presents the results of active zone ground water, surface water sampling conducted during July and September, 2005, for the Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites, and sediment sampling in the North Salt Lagoon adjacent to the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Site during September, 2005. This is the fourth year of monitoring following soil cleanup activities at the Airstrip site and the third year for the Powerhouse and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. This report shows that at this point in time, contaminant concentrations at most of the wells at each of the sites do not show clear trends. A few wells show decreasing or probably decreasing levels of one or more petroleum constituent. Data analysis shows an increasing trend in concentrations of diesel range organics in one well at the Airstrip site. No exceedance of drinking water standards was detected in Imikpuk Lake samples. (Letter addressed to Amanda Nodolf, USN remedial project manager) Tamar Stephens
3/8/2007 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
7/16/2007 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent comments on draft Project Plans for FY 2007 Long-Term Monitoring and Confirmation Sampling – At the NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm, dated June 8, 2007. This is a work plan for long-term monitoring at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) Powerhouse, Airstrip, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites, and for confirmation sampling at an in situ land farm location at the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm site. (Letter was sent to Amanda Nodolf, USN remedial project manager.) Tamar Stephens
10/5/2007 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/14/2008 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed. Tamar Stephens
5/6/2008 CERCLA ROD Periodic Review Reviewed and sent comments on First Five Year Review – Airstrip (Site 5), Powerhouse (Site 12), and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm (Site 13). This report reviews information on past cleanup actions and long-term monitoring at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites, evaluates the effectiveness of the past cleanup actions, and makes recommendations for the future. The report concludes that overall the actions implemented at these three sites remain protective of human health and the environment. The report recommends continuing a monitoring program similar to the past five years, but makes a few specific recommendations for modifications to the monitoring program. The report recommends an engineering inspection of the cap at the Airstrip south depression. The report makes several recommendations for the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm site, including adding lead as a contaminant of concern, assessing the feasibility of removing additional soil from the south bank area and the historical sampling location “90,” and collecting additional samples to evaluate the land farm soil. The report also recommends meeting with the Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to resolve concerns regarding the Powerhouse site. (Letter was sent to Grady May, USN Remedial Project Manager.) Tamar Stephens
5/15/2008 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Approval letter sent for final 2007 Annual Monitoring Report, NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm. This report presents sampling results for 2007 monitoring of active zone water, surface water, and sediment at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farms sites, conducted in July and September of 2007. Field activities were cut short during the September sampling event when the field personnel conducting sampling at the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm were accosted by an individual with a gun and instructed to leave. ADEC was informed of the situation when it occurred, and concurred with the Navy decision to withdraw the sampling crew from the field. As a result of the incident, some of the monitoring samples scheduled for September were not collected, and the confirmation samples at the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm former landfarm location also were not collected. However, since these sites will have ongoing monitoring, future data will be available for evaluating trends and assuring protection of human health and the environment. ADEC sent review comments on the draft report on March 4, 2008. Letters for draft and final reports were sent to Grady May, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
6/6/2008 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent approval letter for draft Project Plans for FY2008 Long-Term Monitoring and Confirmation Sampling – At the NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm. This document is a work plan for long-term monitoring at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) Powerhouse, Airstrip, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites, and for confirmation sampling at an in situ land farm location at the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm site. Field work is planned for July and September 2008. Letter was sent to Grady May, USN Remedial Project Manager. Tamar Stephens
7/10/2008 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
10/13/2008 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/10/2009 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent approval letter for draft Project Plans for FY2008 Long-Term Monitoring and Confirmation Sampling – At the NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm. This document is a work plan for long-term monitoring at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) Powerhouse, Airstrip, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites, and for confirmation sampling at an in situ land farm location at the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm site. Field work is planned for July and September 2008. Letter was sent to Grady May, USN Remedial Project Manager. Tamar Stephens
3/10/2009 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent comments on draft 2008 Monitoring Report, NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites (January 20, 2009) This report presents the results of long term monitoring (LTM) sampling conducted in July and September, 2008, at these three sites at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory. Mann-Kendall statistics were used to evaluate for trends in sampling data. This report compares LTM sample results to the cleanup levels established in the Decision Documents for each site and discusses the results of the trend analysis. Letter was sent to Grady May, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
3/12/2009 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
4/15/2009 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent comments on a short report titled “Optimization Review – Sites 5, 12, and 13 at Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, Barrow Alaska” (February 2, 2009). DEC received this report on March 17, 2009. This report evaluates the long-term monitoring programs for three sites at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL): Powerhouse Site, Airstrip Site, and the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Site. It identifies three broad issues related to frequency of sampling, monitoring wells and monitoring parameters, and natural attenuation and makes several recommendations for reducing or eliminating specific elements of the monitoring program and using the cost savings to do additional investigation to support better management of contaminant plumes or to do residual source removal. (1) The report recommends reducing the sampling frequency to one time each year instead of two times and states that a single August or September sampling event would provide a fair representation of the groundwater. DEC concurred that at present one annual sampling event would provide adequate monitoring information on these sites. Once the monitoring results indicate that a site is at or near the target cleanup levels, the sampling frequency may need to be restored to twice a year to confirm that seasonal variations in contaminant concentrations do not exceed cleanup levels. (2) The report recommends eliminating specific sampling locations from the active zone groundwater monitoring program. At the Airstrip site, WP-21 has been monitored to provide background parameters; the report concludes that it may have served its purpose in providing a benchmark for evaluating trends at the site. At the Bulk Fuel Tank Farm, the report concludes that four monitoring wells could be dropped from the program: WP-07 is too far cross-gradient from signs of currently elevated contaminants of concern; and WP-04, WP-05 and WP-06 are sited to detect plume movement toward the melt water pond, but the groundwater gradient shows that groundwater moves the opposite direction. DEC concurred. (3) The report recommends consideration of doing additional source investigation for residual sources of petroleum contamination containing free-phase petroleum, using a drill rig equipped with a membrane interface probe. DEC concurred. (4) The Optimization Review Report recommends a more focused investigation into monitored natural attenuation to provide information that might support more active plume control or source management activities. DEC concurred. Letter was sent to Grady May, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
6/16/2009 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent approval letter for draft Project Plans for Long-Term Monitoring – NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm. Field work is scheduled for July and September, 2009. Letter was sent to Grady May, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
7/20/2009 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Sent approval letter for Final 2008 Annual Monitoring Report, NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites, June 18, 2009. This report presents the results of long term monitoring (LTM) sampling and analysis conducted in July and September, 2008. Letter sent to Grady May, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
8/19/2009 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Sent approval letter for final Project Plans for Long-Term Monitoring – NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm The draft work plan specified two sampling events for this summer, one in July and one in September. The final work plan reduces the sampling to one sampling event in September as recommended in a report: “Optimization Review – Sites 5, 12, and 13 at Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, Barrow Alaska” (February 2, 2009). DEC reviewed the Optimization Review report and concurred with the recommendation that one annual sampling event would provide adequate monitoring information on these sites at the present time (letter from Tamar Stephens to Grady May, April 15, 2009). Approval letter was sent to Grady May, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
9/17/2009 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
12/3/2009 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/4/2010 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent approval letter for draft 2009 Annual Monitoring Report, NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites. This report describes long term monitoring sampling activities performed during September, 2009. Final report was received on March 19, 2010. Letter addressed to Kendra Colyar, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
3/18/2010 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
6/17/2010 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
7/16/2010 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Review and sent comments on draft Project Work, Sampling & Analysis, and Quality Control Plans – 2010 Long-Term Monitoring, NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm, Former Naval Arctic Research Laboratory. This work plan describes sampling and analysis of active zone water, surface water, and sediment for the long-term monitoring programs at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) Powerhouse, Airstrip, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. In addition, the work plan includes soil sampling, consisting of samples from two depths from each of five soil borings at the Powerhouse Site, and from each of five soil borings at the Airstrip Site, to obtain data to determine the magnitude and location of petroleum compounds that may be contributing to increasing trends and exceedances in active zone water at these two sites. Field work is scheduled for summer 2010. Letter sent to Kendra Colyar, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
8/6/2010 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Sent approval letter for final Project Work, Sampling and Analysis, and Quality Control Plans, 2010 Long-Term Monitoring, NARL Airstrip, Former Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm. This work plan describes sampling and analysis of active zone water, surface water, and sediment for the long-term monitoring programs at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) Powerhouse, Airstrip, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. In addition, the work plan includes soil sampling, consisting of samples from two depths from each of five soil borings at the Powerhouse Site, and from each of five soil borings at the Airstrip Site, to obtain data to determine the magnitude and location of petroleum compounds that may be contributing to increasing trends and exceedances in active zone water at these two sites. Letter sent to Kendra Colyar, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
10/13/2010 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/14/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent comments on a draft report titled 2010 Annual Monitoring Report, NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites. DEC received this report on February 8, 2011. This report describes sampling and analysis results for monitoring of active zone water, surface water, and sediment conducted during August and September 2010 for the long-term monitoring programs at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) Powerhouse, Airstrip, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. Soil sampling was performed in addition to the usual monitoring activities, consisting of samples from two depths from each of five soil borings at the Powerhouse Site, and from each of five soil borings at the Airstrip Site, to obtain data to determine the magnitude and location of petroleum compounds that may be contributing to increasing trends and exceedances in active zone water at these two sites. Tamar Stephens
3/17/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
5/25/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Approval letter sent for final 2010 Annual Monitoring Report – NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites (April 7, 2011). This report describes sampling and analysis results for monitoring of active zone water, surface water, and sediment conducted during August and September 2010 for the long-term monitoring programs at the Barrow NARL Powerhouse, Airstrip, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. Letter was sent to Kendra Colyar, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
7/5/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent approval letter for draft Project Work, Sampling and Analysis, and Quality Control Plans: 2011 Long-Term Monitoring, NARL Airstrip, Former Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm. This work plan describes sampling and analysis of active zone water, surface water, and sediment for the long-term monitoring programs at the Barrow Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) Powerhouse, Airstrip, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. Field work is scheduled during August 14-31, 2011. Letter sent to Kendra Colyar, USN remedial project manager. Letter was sent to Kendra Colyar, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
8/8/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC received the Final Project Work, Sampling and Analysis, and Quality Control Plans: 2011 Long-Term Monitoring for the Barrow NARL Airstrip, Former Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm on August 3, 2011. DEC previously reviewed and approved the draft plans in a letter dated July 5, 2011. Since DEC has already approved these plans at the draft stage, no further review is needed. This work plan describes plans for sampling and analysis of active zone water, surface water, and sediment for the long-term monitoring programs at the Barrow NARL Powerhouse, Airstrip, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. Field work is scheduled during August 14-31, 2011. Letter was sent to Kendra Colyar, USN remedial project manager. Tamar Stephens
10/13/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tamar Stephens attended Barrow Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Tamar Stephens
6/5/2013 Site Visit DEC Staff conduted a Site visit to observe current conditions at the site. ADEC has concerns for the potential contaminant contributions to site soils and active zone water from the many unlabeled drums and containers onsite. ADEC also has concerns for the access to sampling locations, the Site monitoring wells and the potential for destruction of the wells due to equipment use and material handing at the site. ADEC has recommended that the Navy and Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) work toward removal and/or re-organizing the stored drums, materials and equipment surrounding the old powerhouse that may be impacting the long term monitoring of the Site. Dennis Shepard
7/3/2014 Meeting or Teleconference Held DEC staff attended the Barrow Remediation Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow Alaska on June 19, 2014. The Naval Arctic Reserch Laboratory (NARL) contaminated sites were discussed and recent sampling and reporting was described in detail by the Navy RPM. A major issue for the NARL sites (including the Powerhouse site)is the continued exceedance of contaminants above decision document specified cleanup levels and migration of contamination to surface water shoreline compliance wells. DEC staff completed site visits to NARL facility sites on June 17 and 18. Dennis Shepard
9/11/2014 Meeting or Teleconference Held Carnahan and Debenham attended Barrow Restoration and Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. John Carnahan
10/3/2014 Update or Other Action Project oversight changed from Shephard to Carnahan. John Carnahan
11/4/2014 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 71535 NARL Powerhouse Site. John Carnahan
2/26/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and sent approval letter for Draft 2014 Annual Monitoring Report, NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites. This report describes long term monitoring sampling activities performed during August 2014. Final report was received Jan 29, 2015. Letter addressed to Kendra Leibman, USN Remedial Project Manager. John Carnahan
4/7/2015 Meeting or Teleconference Held Carnahan and Debenham attended Barrow Restoration and Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. John Carnahan
5/6/2015 Site Characterization Report Approved Reviewed and sent approval letter for FINAL 2014 Annual Monitoring Report, NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites. This report describes long term monitoring sampling activities performed during August 2014. Final report was received 30 March 2015. Letter addressed to Kendra Leibman, USN Remedial Project Manager. John Carnahan
6/25/2015 Update or Other Action Debenham attended Barrow Restoration and Advisory Board Meeting in Barrow. John Carnahan
7/23/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Completed review and response to 'Response to Comments' received for the May 1, 2015 Technical Memorandum: Conceptual Site Model Review and Cleanup Level Evaluation for the Airstrip (Site 5) and Powerhouse (Site 12) Sites, Former Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, Barrow, Alaska. Previous comments provided to Navy on 5/20/2015. John Carnahan
7/27/2015 Conceptual Site Model Submitted Provided final DEC review and comments to the 'response to comments' for the May 1, 2015 Technical Memorandum: Conceptual Site Model Review and Cleanup Level Evaluation for the Airstrip (Site 5) and Powerhouse (Site 12) Sites, Former NARL, Barrow Alaska. John Carnahan
8/17/2015 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Approved final workplan edits for Tier II UFP SAP for 2015 Soil Investigation and Remediation, Bench Scale Study, NARL Airstrip and Powerhouse. John Carnahan
8/20/2015 Site Visit Site visit with Navy representative. Walk site and inspect wells and observed cleaned areas prior to investigation. John Carnahan
9/4/2015 Conceptual Site Model Submitted Final Revised CSM and CLE report approved. John Carnahan
10/7/2015 Meeting or Teleconference Held Review CA14-16 and CA16-18 JEPs. Complete State Performance Reporting. John Carnahan
11/4/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Review and provide comment on 2015 NARL Airstrip and Powerhouse Sites Permafrost Study, Barrow, AK - October 2015. John Carnahan
12/14/2015 Site Characterization Report Approved Reviewed and commented on CRREL's UVOST Site Assessment results specific to Airstrip, Power Plant and Bulk Fuel facilities. John Carnahan
1/22/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Provide comments on DRAFT Hydrological Study for Airfield and Power House sites. John Carnahan
2/11/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Review and provide comment on 2015 DRAFT-FINAL NARL Airstrip and Powerhouse Sites Permafrost Study, Barrow, AK - October 2015. John Carnahan
4/13/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Review and Comments for Draft 2015 Annual Long Term Monitoring Report for the Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Sites, Former Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, Barrow, Alaska, Feb 2016. John Carnahan
4/18/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC Approval of 2015 NARL Airstrip and Powerhouse Sites Hydrological Study, Barrow Alaska (March 2016). The purpose of the study was to further assess the groundwater interactions relative to petroleum impacts at two sites located within the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NAR) facility. John Carnahan
6/3/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Approval of FINAL 2015 LTM for multiple sites. John Carnahan
6/7/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Provide DEC comments for 2016 LTM for NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm; Plans for TO 32 Barrow LTM and Supplemental GW Sampling Including: Tier II UFP and SAP, and QA and EPP. John Carnahan
8/12/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC approval for 2016 Plans for 2016 LTM and Supplemental Groundwater Sampling for NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Including: Tier II UFP SAP, and QA and EPP. John Carnahan
9/29/2016 Meeting or Teleconference Held Barrow RAB Meeting held. Debenham in attendance. John Carnahan
6/16/2017 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Provide approval on Draft LTM Annual Monitoring report for Airstrip, Powerhouse and BFTF. John Carnahan
6/28/2017 Conceptual Site Model Submitted Reviewed and approved 2nd Revised CSM for Airstrip Site and Powerhouse Fuel Spill. John Carnahan
4/17/2019 Update or Other Action Restoration advisory board (RAB) meeting held in Utqiagvik. Update provided on Umiat and others. John Carnahan
12/2/2019 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC reviewed the 2018 Continuation of Bioremediation Pilot Study of Soils at the Former Naval Arctic Research Laboratory Airstrip and Powerhouse Sites in Utqiagvik, Alaska, dated April 30, 2019.This pilot study was designed to evaluate if petroleum contamination in the soil at the Barrow NARL Airstrip and Powerhouse spill sites could be remediated in situ through use of nutrient additions and plantings in tilled soil.For this study, treatment plots were constructed in 2016, in two zones at the Power House and three zones at the Airstrip sites. Three study blocks were installed at each zone, and four plots within each block were established (one for each treatment). Treatments included tilling with no additions (control), nutrient additions (N), plantings (P), and nutrient additions and plantings (N+P). The plots were evaluated initially in 2016 and later in 2018, after three growing seasons.Results from the study indicated that, qualitatively, the treatments were marginally effective in remediating petroleum contamination after three growing seasons. In the case of some contaminants at some zones (i.e., toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, gasoline range organics, and diesel range organics at Airstrip Zone 2), the control treatment showed equal results to the nutrient additions and plantings, indicative of the relatively inconsistent effectiveness of bioremediation at the site. It is the view of DEC that due to the heterogeneous nature of the study results, a full scale-up of this bioremediation treatment at the Barrow NARL may not be the most effective remedy to clean up the contamination at the site. DEC recommends that the avenues of remediation under the ROD for the sites be pursued to achieve site cleanup. Kevin Fraley
8/19/2021 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Completed review of the 2020 Annual Monitoring Report, Long-Term Monitoring, Operations, and Maintenance at the Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm. This report detailed the long-term monitoring activities conducted during the 2020 field season. This work was conducted to assess whether geochemical indicators in the active zone water are indicative of hydrocarbon biodegradation, to evaluate contaminant levels in sediments at the BFTF site, and to evaluate progress toward achieving active zone water cleanup levels (CULs) through trend analysis and comparison with CULs. Geochemical parameters indicate that natural attenuation is occurring at varying degrees across the sites but no established degradation rates have been determined at this time. Contaminant concentrations in Imikpuk Lake surface water samples obtained from the Powerhouse and Airstrip sites reaming below CULs. One shoreline monitoring well at the Powerhouse site shows an increasing trend for DRO. Results for active zone water at the Airstrip site exceeded DRO CULs at three shoreline wells. Currently, it is unclear when the active zone water at the Airstrip site will achieve CULs via natural attenuation. At the Powerhouse site, with the exception of one well, monitoring wells had at least one contaminant above CUL. At the BFTF site, the number of monitoring wells with CUL exceedances were four. Both DRO and lead were detected in the North Salt Lagoon sediments. Kelly Walker
8/19/2021 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Review completed for the 2021 Tier II Sampling and Analysis Plan Addendum, Long-Term Monitoring, Operations, and Maintenance at the Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former BFTF sites. This work plan is for the active zone water, surface water, and soil sampling to be conducted during the 2021 field season. Active zone water and surface water samples will be collected at the Airstrip and Powerhouse sites to evaluate current contaminant levels and to determine the status of natural attenuation of contaminants through collection of geochemical indicators. Active zone water and sediment will be collected at the BFTF to evaluate contaminant levels. Kelly Walker
8/19/2021 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Review completed for the Tier I Sampling and Analysis Plan 2021 Diesel Range Organics Fractionation and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Sampling for the Airstrip and Powerhouse sites. The objectives of this sampling effort are to: -Determine if PFAS are present in the soil at or near Imikpuk Lake at the Airstrip and Powerhouse sites, and if present, use this information to inform costing estimates for offsite disposal requirements for the future petroleum removal action -Determine if PFAS are present in the active zone water near Imikpuk Lake at the Powerhouse sites, and if present, evaluate whether there is a potentially unacceptable risk to human health -Determine if DRO aliphatic concentrations in the inland wells at the Airstrip and Powerhouse sites exceed the Airstrip and Powerhouse cleanup level This work plan was approved on 8/19/2021. Kelly Walker
9/21/2021 Meeting or Teleconference Held Meeting held with Barrow NARL stakeholders to discuss the continuation of PFAS investigations at the Airstrip and UIC-NARL sites (Powerhouse location). NAVFAC, UIC, NSB, CH2M and ADEC were present. Work is planned for 2022. At the Powerhouse/UIC-NARL site, a PFAS Site Inspection will be conducted to determine presence/absence of PFAS at past storage and training locations identified by the previous sitewide PFAS PA. New active zone monitoring wells will be installed and sampled at the Powerhouse site. Existing wells will also be used for sample collection. Soil samples will also be collected. At the Airstrip site, a PFAS Remedial Investigation will be conducted to determine levels of PFAS substances in soils and active zone water. Active zone water flow direction and gradient will be analyzed. Surface water and sediment samples will be collected at Imikpuk Lake locations and at North Salt Lagoon locations. Kelly Walker
12/1/2021 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 71535 NARL Powerhouse Site. Kelly Walker
9/28/2022 Update or Other Action Bulk action update - ADEC approved the Final Sampling and Analysis Plan - PFAS SI/RI and the SIRI WMP on this date. The SI will be conducted at five potential release areas identified on transferred property formerly owned by the Navy (including the Powerhouse site), and the RI will be conducted at the Airstrip site. Risk assessment activities and PFAS reporting will be tracked under the NARL - Sitewide PFAS Site, File No. 310.38.037. Cascade Galasso-Irish
12/5/2022 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Bulk action entry - on this date, ADEC approved the Final 2021 Data Summary Report, Diesel Range Organic Fractionation and Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances sampling at the Airstrip and Powerhouse Sites, Narl, Utqiagvik, dated August, 2022. ADEC agreed with the recommendation for sampling of PFAS at the Powerhouse site. Additional pre and post silica gel data is required to assess the DRO aliphatic concentrations in inland wells at the Airstrip and Powerhouse sites. Site-specific active zone groundwater cleanup levels, as established in the two sites respective Decision Documents, may need to be re-evaluated during the 2023 Five Year Review. Cascade Galasso-Irish
12/5/2022 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC approved the Final 2021 Annual Monitoring Report, Long-Term Monitoring, Operations, and Maintenance at the Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Former Bulk Fuel Tank Farm, Former Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, Utqiagvik, Alaska. Cleanup levels for active zone water have not yet been achieves and LTM activities will continue. Cleanup levels may need to be reviewed during the 4th Five Year Review. Additionally, ADEC approved discontinuation of sediment analysis for GRO at the BFTF, and biennial monitoring of GRO in surface water at the Powerhouse site. Cascade Galasso-Irish
8/24/2023 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC has reviewed and approved the Tier II Sampling and Analysis Plan, Long Term Monitoring, Operations, and Maintenance at the Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm Site for the 2023 field season. The Utqiagvik NARL Fourth Five-Year Review is not yet finalized and therefore issues and recommendations will not be incorporated into the 2023 LTM work plan. Further resolution will occur during the finalization of the Five-Year Review, to occur in 2023. Cascade Galasso-Irish
11/2/2023 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Bulk action comment for periodic review reporting - On this date, DEC received and approved the 4th Five Year Review for the Utqiagvik NARL Airstrip, Powerhouse, and Bulk Fuel Tank Farm sites. The Airstrip and Powerhouse sites are slated for a RI in the next reporting period, and the BFTF site is slated for additional Remedial Action and investigation. All three sites were determined to be are short-term protective. Cascade Galasso-Irish
12/14/2023 CERCLA SI On this date, DEC received and approved the Final Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Site Inspection Report, Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation – Naval Arctic Research Laboratory. The report detailed SI activities conducted at five separate PFAS source areas; the Former FTA, Building 554, Building 142, the Drum Yard, and the Powerhouse Drum Yard. All sites were recommended for further investigation in the RI phase. This investigation is currently on a separate timeline than the RI planned at the Airstrip site. Cascade Galasso-Irish
3/4/2024 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided comments regarding the Draft Phase 1 Remedial Investigation for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances at the Airstrip Site Former Naval Arctic Research Laboratory Barrow Utqiagvik, Alaska, dated January 2024. The report describes the 2022 remedial investigation activities (RI) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) – Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL). Surface water, sediment, groundwater, and soil samples were collected and analyzed for PFAS compounds to define the nature and extent of contamination at the site. The report recommended further investigations to characterize and assess the risk that PFAS poses to human health and the environment. Ginna Quesada

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