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Site Report: Former West Nome Tank Farm

Site Name: Former West Nome Tank Farm
Address: Near Snake River &, Norton Sound, Nome, AK 99762
File Number: 400.38.002
Hazard ID: 575
Status: Active
Staff: Shonda Oderkirk, 9074512881 shonda.oderkirk@alaska.gov
Latitude: 64.503277
Longitude: -165.430256
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

The former West Nome Tank (WNTF) was built by the US Air Force (USAF) to support the WWII Lend/Lease Program. The property is owned by the USAF and has been operated by the USAF, Chevron (Standard Oil) and Crowley Maritime. Pipelines carried fuel from the East Nome Dock across the Snake River to the WNTF. The section of pipeline crossing the river was removed in 1994. Chevron performed characterization of soil contamination along the property boundary during the City of Nome’s utility upgrade along Port Road in 2004/2005. Soil and groundwater on the site property are contaminated with petroleum due to historical spills and refueling operations. Groundwater contamination has migrated offsite to six down gradient lots on the Snake River. Surface water quality violations have not been observed. In 2015, a large portion of the site property was capped with a liner and backfill, and a fence erected around the whole property. There is no ROD/DD for this site, however, Land Use Controls were established in a 2015 Work Plan and approved by DEC. The LUCs apply to the WNTF property and the six downgradient lots. The USAF has been conducting routine annual long term groundwater monitoring on the tank farm site and some of the downgradient lots since 2015. 2023/2024 Status: - In April 2021, DEC, the USAF, and the City of Nome started working on documents to transfer the tank farm property from the USAF to the City of Nome and is nearly completed. A NAUL will be filed prior to the filing of the quit claim deed. -Right of way easements for access to monitor GW on the downgradient lots have expired. USAF is currently working on getting the access rights re-established. -Delineation of contamination on the downgradient lots is not complete. The USAF is working on getting funding allocated.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
9/1/1983 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = MS - Monitoring/Sampling). 30 monitoring wells installed at site as noted in 7/10/86 Shannon and Wilson report commissioned by Chevron, USA. Former Staff
7/2/1986 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = MS - Monitoring/Sampling). Groundwater monitoring wells sampled by Shannon and Wilson per 7/10/86 report to Chevron, USA. Measurable thickness of hydrocarbons noted in well #11 (0.45 feet) and #24 (0.5 feet). Product in #11 attributed to release from tank #18 in 1985 due to gunshot and a barrel of waste oil spilled near MW #24. Odor noted in some of the other wells. 3 successive readings not less than 25 days apart were made on all intact wells at site. Former Staff
7/1/1988 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). Woodward-Clyde Consultants conducted a Field Investigation for the West Nome Tank Farm in Nome for the Air Force. 20 surface soil samples, 21 samples from 1 foot below grade, and 4 samples from monitoring wells were sampled. Sampling included TPH, VOCs, and Organochlorine Pesticides for groundwater. TPH values as high as 16,000 ppm were found in soils and 14 ppm TPH found in groundwater. Report characterized by uncertain analytical results including detection limits greater than MCLs for Arachlor 1254 and Lindane and poor presentation of data. Former Staff
1/1/1990 Site Added to Database DRO and GRO. Low level PCBs. Former Staff
3/18/1992 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Ranked site based on petroleum hydrocarbon groundwater contamination. Laura Noland
5/19/1992 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = TECH - Technical Assistance). Assisted Air Force with plans to decommission pipeline associated with Nome Tank Farm. Laura Noland
3/8/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = PUBP - Public Participation)). ADEC received community relations pamphlet from the 11th CEOS which outlines several alternatives for managing Nome Pipeline. Air Force favors removing the pipeline. Product is presently not being transferred through pipe based on ADEC recommendation that the pipeline is not safe. Former Staff
11/15/1993 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Reranked. Former Staff
5/27/1994 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RPL2 - Site Information Request Letter). Sent PRP-CS Database Notification Letter to RP requesting update and more environmental information concerning contaminated site. Jeff Peterson
3/24/1997 Update or Other Action Site updated by Shannon and Wilson, based on the Air Force Relative Risk Evaluation Worksheet dated 9/4/95. The tank farm and pipeline were not assigned separate Reckey numbers due to the limited amount of investigation conducted to date. S&W
9/4/2001 Update or Other Action PRP Letter sent to USAF, Chevron, and Crowley Marine Services. Action added by Sarah Riddle. Greg Light
8/27/2002 Site Characterization Workplan Approved PRP negotiations resulted in Chevron Texaco to fund a site investigation. Workplan approved 8/27/02. Greg Light
4/18/2003 Update or Other Action Approved additional groundwater sampling to be completed April 21-25, 2003. Greg Light
9/5/2003 Update or Other Action Received draft preliminary results of groundwater sampling and analysis conducted in summer 2003. Results suggest that free product is migrating to river (13.6 mg/L 20 feet away from river bank); contamination migrating off-site onto Alaska Gold property. Contamination has caused 2-year delay of Nome's sewer/water line upgrade Sharon Richmond
10/31/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Teleconference with USAF, ChevronTexaco, Crowley Maritime, and all RPs and their lawyers, Attorney General's office, City of Nome, Nome Joint Utilities, and other interested parties. Topic of discussion was the apparent migration of free product into the Snake River (13.6 mg/L 20 feet from river bank; data in Sept. 05, 2003 Preliminary Report). ADEC presented its position: some type of remedial action to mitigate offsite migration and allow Nome Joint Utilities to start work on utility upgrades is required. ADEC is pursuing a Consent Order by Compliance (COBC) and presented a draft timeline for actions. Sharon Richmond
11/2/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Teleconference with ADEC, ChevronTexaco and their consultant to discuss draft sediment sampling plan. ChevronTexaco has agreed to take the lead on sampling Snake River sediment. Sharon Richmond
11/25/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Teleconference with all RPs, interested parties, lawyers and consultants. Topic of discussion: sediment sampling. Purpose of sediment sampling is to justify limiting treatment to Air Force property instead of performing off-site treatment near river. Final sampling and analysis plan expected week of Dec 8, 2003; sampling planned for week of Dec. 15, 2003. Sharon Richmond
12/8/2003 GIS Position Updated Used site map and georeferenced aerial photo. Torsten Ernst
12/12/2003 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Approved sediment sampling and analysis plan. Requested that analyses also include total aromatic hydrocarbons (TAH) and total aqueous hydrocarbons (TAqH). Sharon Richmond
12/15/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Public meeting in Nome. Topics addressed include: Compliance Order by Consent being drafted that would provide an enforceable timeline for remedial action; sediment sampling taking place December 2003; Chevron's consultant will provide sediment data in January 2004. Sharon Richmond
12/16/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Meet with Nome Joint Utilities and PM for adjacent Alaska Gold property to discuss issues related to construction of Nome's utility upgrade, which is planned to run through an area of free product on tank farm property and product that migrated to Alaska Gold property. NJUS engineer concerned that water line will become contaminated and pipe insulation will be degraded from fuel. Sharon Richmond
12/18/2003 Update or Other Action PM contacted by Nome Nugget newspaper; asked to review article before printing to ensure accuracy. Article addressed issues discussed at public meeting. Sharon Richmond
2/13/2004 Site Characterization Report Approved Received final sediment sampling report. Fuel components detected in all samples but low concentrations justify limiting cleanup to source area. Benzene 9.8 ppb in one porewater sample; TAH 14.3 ppb in same sample. Sharon Richmond
2/15/2004 Update or Other Action Draft COBC rejected by all RPs; ChevronTexaco indicated that it is willing to enter into another type of agreement (memorandum of understanding; MOU) with an enforceable timeline so long as all RPs will sign it. ChevronTexaco will draft the MOU. Sharon Richmond
3/10/2004 Meeting or Teleconference Held Meeting in Anchorage attended by all RPs, their attorneys and DEC project manager and management. Discussed points of MOU and fate of contaminated soil to be removed during utility/remedial action construction, right of way for Nome, entry permit for ChevronTexaco to stockpile soils. Estimated 12,500 cubic yards of contaminated soil may require temporary stockpiling. A large volume of water accumulated during sustained dewatering will also need to be managed. Sharon Richmond
4/23/2004 Meeting or Teleconference Held CS met with Water program manager and NJUS consultant to discuss requirements for discharging wateraccumulated during construction into NJUS sanitary sewer. Sharon Richmond
6/8/2004 Update or Other Action Request to discharge water to NJUS sanitary sewer approved. Sharon Richmond
7/7/2004 Update or Other Action Comprehensive Interim Action Plan under review. Solid Waste has approved disposal of some contaminated soil in Nome's landfill. ChevrnTexaco's consultant was at site in late June performing pre-construction site characterization and calibrating Petroflag field kits. All RPs have agreed to sign the MOU. Construction was expected to begin July 15 but will be delayed because the barge carrying construction materials and equipment is delayed. Meeting scheduled for July 16 to finalize comments to draft Interim Corrective Plan before field work begins. Work will be coordinated with the city of Nome's utility upgrade. Some soil will be returned to trench, some taken to landfill, and some stockpiled for treatment. Chevron's consultant will remain in the field performing field tests to segregate soil during construction and to collect water samples before discharging to city sewer. Chosen remedial strategy is a combination source removal and installation of an interceptor trench to collect free product. French drain will be installed in same trench as utilidor. Soil treatment strategy will be decided upon after determining how much soil will require treatment. Sharon Richmond
8/26/2004 Cleanup Level(s) Approved Method 3 ACLs approved: DRO 5,000; GRO 1,400; RRO 22,000; benzene 0.0882 mg/kg. Sharon Richmond
8/26/2004 Interim Removal Action Approved The Final Comprehenisive Interim Action Plan was reviewed and approved. ChevronTexaco's consultant will direct segregation of soil based upon field and analytical screening results. Some will go to landfill, some will require treatment and soil meeting ACLs will be returned to the utility trench. A French drain will be installed in the utility trench to collect free product. Field activities and construction are currently in progress. Sharon Richmond
9/3/2004 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC met with the Air Force, ChevronTexaco management, and ChevronTexaco's consultant (SECOR) in Nome to observe construction. The trench excavation is far behind schedule but progress is being made. So far, no samples have exceeded the wastewater discharge permit or the landfill permit. Sharon Richmond
9/10/2004 Meeting or Teleconference Held Conducted site inspection August 31-Sept 2, 2004. Met with Air Force, ChevronTexaco, and SECOR. Construction of interceptor trench being carried out in conjunction with Nome's utility upgrade. SECOR is on-site and is responsible for segregating excavated soil and directing it to the landfill, back into the excavation or stockpiled for treatment. One truckload of soil was mistakenly sent to the landfill. It had a preliminary field screening of 32,000 ppm DRO. The lab data showed that the concentration of DRO was actually only 12,000 ppm, which is within permit limits but above the target range of 5,000 to 7,000 ppm. SECOR met with the City of Nome to resolve this error and to finalize a sampling and communications plan to prevent this from happening again in this future. All samples from the oil/water separator have been with limts of the discharge permit. Sharon Richmond
10/5/2004 Update or Other Action Contaminated groundwater accumulated during dewatering has exceeded permit limits for the wastewater treatment facility on several occasions during construction of the interceptor trench and Nome's utility because the oil/water separator has silted in. Construction was halted and the equipment cleaned. Concentrations of DRO have dropped and construction has proceeded beyond areas of free product. However, in the event that problems persist, groundwater will be temporarily stored in catchment basins present on the tank farm property to allow silt to settle before water is pumped through the oil/water separator. The basins are located upgradient of the interceptor trench. Due to numerous delays associated with construction, ADEC approved CHevron's request for an extension to submit the Interim Corrective Action Report. The report will be submitted within 90 days after construction is complete. Sharon Richmond
11/23/2004 Update or Other Action The Nome Joint Utility District and CE2 Engineers completed their field season for 2004 on November 4, 2004. The 2004 Interim Action Report will be due 90 days from the end of the field season as stated in the request for extension dated October 1, 2004. The due date for this report is calculated to be February 4, 2005. Construction will resume in May 2005 and a subsequent report will be completed documenting the 2005 field season. SECOR will again be responsible for managing contaminated soil and groundwater accumulated during construction of Nome's utility upgrade. Sharon Richmond
2/10/2005 Update or Other Action Staff approved a request for an extension for submitting the Draft Interim Action Report. The report will be submitted Feb. 18, 2005 Sharon Richmond
4/13/2005 Update or Other Action ChevronTexaco submitted a draft Comprehensive Interim Action Report on 2/23/05. Staff provided comments 3/1/05. DEC agreed that the analytical methods and procedures used for managing contaminated soil and groundwater during the 2004 construction season are appropriate for the 2005 season. SECOR will perform these tasks while Nome finishes construction of their utilities. Use of the 10X rule for off-site groundwater contamination was not approved. DEC usggested that ChevronTexacobegin the permitting process for discharging contaminated groundwater to Nome's wastewater treatment system and disposing of soil at the landfill ASAP. The curernt landfill permit will expire on July 15, 2005. Sharon Richmond
7/28/2005 Meeting or Teleconference Held Contaminated Sites staff met with representatives from ChevronTexaco, their consultant SECOR, the US Air Force, and Crowley Maritime for a site visit at the Former West Nome Tank Farm. Nome Joint Utilities (NJU) is installing a water line in an area at the tank farm with up to a foot of free product. SECOR is managing contaminated soil and groundwater during construction. SECOR will carry out perfomance testing of the free-product collection system that was installed last year and will conduct another round of groundwater monitoring after NJU finishes construction. Chevron will submit a workplan for treating an estimated 10,000+ cubic yards of contaminated soil this fall and expects to begin treatment next summer. Sharon Richmond
3/22/2006 Meeting or Teleconference Held Contaminated Sites staff and the Assistant Attorney General attended a meeting regarding the West Nome Tank Farm in Denver, Colorado. Technical and legal representatives for the US Air Force, ChevronTexaco, and Crowley Maritime Services met to discuss future work and cost allocation. Negotiations are in progress. Sharon Richmond
7/10/2006 Update or Other Action Contaminated Sites staff sent a letter to the Air Force, Chevron, and Crowley Maritime requesting the following: 1. results of the interceptor trench collection and treatment system 2. startup of the system if it was proven to be effective 3. continued groundwater monitoring 4. a work plan for treating stockpiled soil Sharon Richmond
7/10/2006 Potentially Responsible Party/State Interest Letter A letter was sent to USAF, Chevron, and Crowley with the following: a request for results of the performance monitoring report for the interceptor trench--if the interceptor trench did not work, another option should be evaluated and implemented; a statement that groundwtaer monitoring should continue; a request for a groundwater monitoring work plan and replacement of wells destroyed during construction; and a work plan for treatment of stockpiled soil. Sharon Richmond
8/17/2006 Update or Other Action ADEC has not received a response to the request to startup the treatment system, conduct groundwater monitoring and treat stockpiled soil. The request was mailed July 10, 2006 and response was requested within 30 days. Sharon Richmond
8/17/2006 Update or Other Action Report on Results of Interceptor Trench Test received 8/14/06. An interceptor trench and collection sump was installed as an interim action in 2004. In 2005, the operation parameters of the system were tested. A total of 169,173 gallons of contaminated groundwater was treated and discharged to the Nome POTW wastewater ponds. Sustained treatment has not begun. Sharon Richmond
8/30/2007 Meeting or Teleconference Held Site visit with AG Office and meeting with Nome Joint Utilities. Sharon Richmond
11/14/2007 Meeting or Teleconference Held CS staff and AG attended a meeting with USAF, Chevron, and Crowley project managers and attorneys to discuss the current situation. Site cleanup and monitoring has stalled due to difficulty reaching an agreement on allocation of costs. The State reiterated steps necessary to reach a site closure and requested that the remediation system be started and that groundwater monitoring resume. THe State also requested that PRPs submit a work plan for site characterization and investigation. Sharon Richmond
3/6/2008 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed. Sharon Richmond
3/18/2008 Meeting or Teleconference Held CS project manager met with Crowley, their attorney, and Nome Joint Utilities. Crowley expressed interest in performing some site characterization this summer (2008). Crowley was able to locate information regarding location, ownership and operation of multiple pipelines associated with this former tank farm. Sharon Richmond
3/27/2008 Update or Other Action Chevron submitted a work plan for additional site investigation including groundwater monitoring, soil sampling, sampling the existing stockpile to assess treatment options, a geophysical survey to locate/identify buried pipelines, conduct an interceptor trench pump test, and a civil survey. The work plan was prepared and submitted without input from Crowley or the US Air Force. Chevron stated that no work will be performed until a financial agreement with the Department of Justice can be reached. Sharon Richmond
4/28/2008 Update or Other Action Crowley submitted a letter in response to the work plan submitted by Chevron. Crowley stated that they were not involved in the development of the work plan, nor were they given the opportunity to review it before submittal. Crowley agreed with many of the primary scopes of work but stated that some of the tasks proposed were either unnecessary, premature, or had already been completed. Sharon Richmond
6/17/2008 Update or Other Action Proposed 2008 Site Investigation Work Plan submitted by Crowley Maritime. Sharon Richmond
6/24/2008 Meeting or Teleconference Held Crowley submitted a proposed work plan on June 17, 2008. DEC met in Nome with project managers and/or consultants from the USAF, Crowley, and Chevron to discuss the proposed plans and DEC's comments to the plans. Proposed plans included stockpile sampling, soil sampling both on and offsite, groundwater sampling both on and offsite, installation of additional monitoring wells, delineation of soil and groundwater contamination, assess product recovery. USAF indicated their intent to compile a summary report of all existing site information and survey existing pipelines. Meeting attendees conducted a site visit. Crowley identified wells that were missing or had been destroyed and measured free product thickness. The stockpile appears to be in good shape; the cover has only a few small holes is well-secured, and the chain link fence is intact. Sharon Richmond
7/14/2008 Update or Other Action Crowley Maritime submitted a letter summarizing existing information about the stockpile (~4,000 to 4,800 cubic yards of petroleum-contaminated soil). This stockpile was built in 2004/2005 during construction of Nome's utility project. The stockpile was intended to temporarily store material that exceeded the solid waste permit limits of 5,000 and 12,000 mg/kg diesel-range organics (DRO), not to exceed an average of 7,000 mg/kg, and with benzene concentrations below the site-specific alternative cleanup level (ACL). Soil meeting these criteria was disposed of at the City's landfill until capacity was reached, after which time, it was added to the stockpile. Consequently, the stockpile is expected to have a range of contaminant concentrations that exceed the site-specific ACLs for benzene (0.088 mg/kg) and DRO (5,000 mg/kg) and could affect treatment and/or disposal options. Following completion of the stockpile, Chevron's consultant (SECOR) collected 15 composite samples to better characterize the contaminant distribution. This was done without DEC approval; compositing samples is not a DEC-approved method and 15 samples is not a sufficient number of samples. Statistical analysis of the data produced a 95% upper confidence limit (UCL) of 3,775 mg/kg DRO with a standard deviation of 975 mg/kg DRO. The statistical analysis did not address other contaminants, such as benzene. Crowley's letter recommends deferring additional characterization of the stockpile until site remediation begins. The stockpile has been in place for 2 years longer than regulations allow(2 years maximum storage time before treatment). Sharon Richmond
3/4/2009 Meeting or Teleconference Held Meeting attended by all PRP and DEC technical project managers and consultants. ACTION ITEMS Identified for 2009 (copied from agreed upon meeting notes): A.“Large” scale testing of air sparging down gradient of pump house B.Fill in contamination data gaps for unsaturated/smear zone in area around pump house – for remedial design criteria (treatment and or excavation)-- a.UVOST feasibility, if not, then b.Hollow stem auger; C.Installation of wells for passive free product recovery D.LNAPL mobility determination E.Determine feasibility of “bioslurping/bioventing” as per AFCEE protocols F.Remove top 2.5’ of stockpile and place on site G.Characterize remainder of stockpile a.Determine treatment/disposal options for remainder H.Seasonal fluctuations of ground water a.Data logger study b.Thermistor study I.Sediment evaluation a.Tie in tidal data (low tide) J.Groundwater sampling and analyses a.“indicator” wells K.Evaluate vapor intrusion potential Sharon Richmond
4/17/2009 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Completed review and submitted comments to Crowley's 2008 Field Characterization Report. Sharon Richmond
7/16/2009 Update or Other Action DEC approved the 2009 site characterization and cleanup alternative evaluation workplan dated July 2009. Louis Howard
9/16/2009 Update or Other Action DEC approved transport of soil (demonstrated to contain < 12,500 mg/kg DRO) from the petroleum contaminated soil stockpile to the Beam Road landfill for use as daily cover. Sharon Richmond
4/22/2010 Update or Other Action DEC reviewed and commented on the draft 2009 Cleanup (site characterization) and Treatability Studies Report, prepared by Jacobs. The report delineates most of the LNAPL and disolved phase petroleum contamination on-site and some of the off-site impacts. Bioventing, air sparging and bioslurping testing did not support these as primary cleanup alternatives. The report recommends in-situ chemical oxidation bench-scale and pilot testing and removal of the most heavily impacted LNAPL contaminated material. DEC requested additional delineation of off-site LNAPL and the dissolved phase plume and on-going ground water monitoring along with the bench and pilot scale testing, followed by full scale site cleanup. John Halverson
3/3/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC staff attended a meeting held at the Jacobs office along with Chevron, the Air Force, Crowley, Jacobs, and Arcadis. Jacobs presented a plan for the In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) remediation work to begin in the summer of 2011. Arcadis presented the results from the lab testing that was done in preparation for ISCO. Meghan Dooley
3/23/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC submitted comments to the Air Force for the 2010 draft Site Characterization Report and a technical memorandum regarding the annual groundwater monitoring program. The vertical and lateral extent of Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL)was investigated in order to characterize the contamination at the site before the remedy pilot test. The Air Force plans on using In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) to remediate the petroleum contamination and stop the migration of contamination to the Snake River. DEC commented that further characterization of previously inaccessible properties is necessary as well as further investigation of an LNAPL body near a pipeline across Port Road. The ISCO pilot test to determine the potential effectiveness of the remedy is set to begin in the summer of 2011. Meghan Dooley
5/9/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held CS staff met with West Nome Tank Farm project managers at the Jacobs office to discuss response to comments regarding the Site Characterization Report. ADEC is concerned about the data gaps existing with delineation of the Light Non Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) body to the north east of the site. Jacobs will research historical documents and produce a technical memorandum based on what they find. The source of this LNAPL body may be from a pipeline, however it is not clear. Meghan Dooley
6/21/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC received the response to comments for the In-Situ Chemical Oxidation Injection Test Work Plan Addendum. The responses adequately addressed DEC comments. The Department sent an approval letter for the work plan addendum on this date. Meghan Dooley
7/28/2011 Site Visit ADEC CS staff conducted a site visit to the Former West Nome Tank Farm to observe the initial In Situ Chemical Oxidation pilot injection test. The test is being conducted concurrently with the long term groundwater monitoring event. The test was originally scheduled for June, however a colder spring led to late thawing of the groundwater and frozen wells forced postponement of the test. The initial injection will span several days, and monitoring of the groundwater for contaminants will commence 1 week following the injection. The purpose of the test is to see if this is a feasible treatment option for contaminated groundwater. Meghan Dooley
4/25/2012 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC and ADOL staff met with the responsible parties (USAF, Chevron, Crowley) to discuss the recent field activities as well as a path forward for the site. The parties will submit a remedial work plan to ADEC by October 1 for implementation in the 2013 field season. Meghan Dooley
5/4/2012 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC sent comments on the draft In Situ Chemical Oxidation Pilot Test Report. The report discussed a treatability study in which sodium persulfate was injected into the groundwater in one location for two events in June and October 2011 in order to determine if ISCO was an effective remedy to address the free product and volatile chemicals in the groundwater. Meghan Dooley
5/7/2012 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC sent comments on the draft 2011 FIeld Activities Summary Report. Sampling was conducted at the tank farm site for the semi-annual groundwater monitoring event as well as to be applied for use in the Hydrocarbon Risk Calculator. Groundwater is in exceedence of surface water criteria at one location adjacent to the Snake River. The report also is requesting a 350 determination which if granted would determine the groundwater to not be a current or potential source of drinking water. Meghan Dooley
10/31/2012 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC and ADOL met with responsible parties to discuss the path forward for the site and the alternative analysis submitted October 15. Meghan Dooley
11/21/2012 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC sent comments on the draft Focused Alternative Evaluation. The document evaluated excavation with on or off site treatment and capping with institutional controls. Major comments included how the offsite contamination will be managed, and what institutional controls will be implemented. Additionally, groundwater monitoring will need to continue. Meghan Dooley
2/11/2013 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC received the draft Groundwater Monitoring Report on January 8 and sent comments on February 11. Thirteen of the sixteen wells planned were sampled in each spring and fall sampling event. Concentrations of TAH and TAqH were below surface water critera at P-5. All wells sampled exceeded cleanup levels for DRO ranging from 2,100 ug/L to 87,000 ug/L. Benzene exceeded cleanup levels at W-7R with 9 ug/L. Recommendations are to continue groundwater monitoring as is and to replace any damaged wells. Meghan Dooley
2/19/2013 Update or Other Action ADEC approved a 350 groundwater use determination on this date. The determination was based on three factors: 1. Groundwater is non-potable due to brackish conditions and the likelihood of saltwater intrusion. 2. Nome city ordinances require property owners to subscribe to city water surface and prohibit installation of wells. 3. The aquifer is shallow and because of the lack of a confining layer, it is likley highly influenced by surface water infiltration. The determination applies to the groundwater at the West Nome Tank Farm site as well as properties immediately downgradient (Lots 1-6). Meghan Dooley
5/7/2013 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC and ADOL staff met with representatives from Chevron, the USAF, Crowley, their consultants, and counsel. Discussion included the possibility of drafting a Decision Document for the site as well as the schedule and path forward for remediation. Meghan Dooley
12/4/2013 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC recived the Draft West Nome Tank Farm Groundwater Monitoring Report; no comments were made and the report was approved to be reissued as final. Meredith Savage
12/20/2013 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Recieved Final 2013 West Nome Tank Farm Groundwater Monitoring Report. Meredith Savage
4/18/2014 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other 4/18/2014: Received Draft West Nome Tank Farm Supplemental Work Plan: 2014 Environmental Long Term Management and Remdial Action-Operation at Multiple CES Locations, Alaska. Meredith Savage
4/18/2014 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other 4/18/2014: Received Draft West Nome Tank Farm Supplemental Work Plan: 2014 Environmental Long Term Management and Remedial Action-Operation at Multiple CES Locations, Alaska. This work plan supplements the June 2013 West Nome Tank Farm Ground Water Monitoring Work Plan and proposes to repair well W-7R and replace rusted or missing well lid bolts for all ST001 wells as needed. The Supplemental Work Plan also provides an updated "Quality Assurance Manual and ELAP Certification and Laboratory State of Alaska Certification" and an updated "ADEC Qualified Personnel Forms and Resumes." Meredith Savage
5/21/2014 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Review completed and comments letter sent out on Draft West Nome Tank Farm Supplemental Work Plan: 2014 Environmental Long Term Management and Remdial Action-Operation at Multiple CES Locations, Alaska. The letter notes that other than the repair of well W-7R, the work plan contains none of the items discussed in a December 13, 2013 meeting between ADEC (J. Halverson, M. Savage) and USAF (C. Peyton). Items to be addressed include: addition of soil pore water sampling; addition of groundwater monitoring wellsnearer to the Snake River; characterization of Lot 6; installation of a perimeter fence around the site. Meredith Savage
7/17/2014 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other On June 2, 2014, ADEC received the Final West Nome Tank Farm Supplemental Work Plan; ADEC accepted the WP as final on June 12, 2014. On July 16, 2014 ADEC received an updated Work Plan- the change was for Attachment C in which a copy of an ADEC comment letter for a different USAF site was replaced with the ADEC comment letter for the current site. Meredith Savage
7/18/2014 Update or Other Action Letter sent to RPs advising them of a January 30, 2015, deadline to submit a draft Cleanup Plan. Meredith Savage
11/4/2014 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Received draft West Nome Tank Farm Groundwater Monitoring Report; the report covers sampling efforts conducted during the 2014 field season. Meredith Savage
3/11/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) received a report titled Final West Nome Tank Farm Groundwater Monitoring Report on January 27, 2015. The report provides the results of the 2014 semi-annual ground water monitoring events conducted at the West Nome Tank Farm project site. Twelve wells were sampled for diesel range organics (DRO) and benzene in July and 16 wells were sampled in August 2014. There were no exceedances of ADEC Groundwater Cleanup Levels Table C for benzene in either sampling event, but DRO concentrations exceeded cleanup levels in eight of the 12 wells during the first monitoring event and 12 of the 16 wells sampled during the second monitoring event. The report has been approved as final. Meredith Savage
4/14/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) received a report titled Remedial Design Work Plan, West Nome Tank Farm on April 10, 2015. The report details the cap design and construction activities for remedial action anticipated for the 2015 field season. Petroleum contamination, (diesel range organics and benzene), remains at the site in subsurface soil and shallow groundwater at concentrations greater than ADEC cleanup levels. Concentrations of DRO remain at the site that exceed 12,500 mg/kg in soil and 1.5 mg/L in groundwater, and concentrations of benzene remain in groundwater that exceed cleanup levels of 0.005 mg/L. The remedial alternative selected restricts access to the contaminant layer by capping the contaminated areas with two feet of soil (including a six inch top layer of aggregate) over a geotextile fabric liner. Land use controls in addition to the cap will be in place on the WNTF property and the six adjacent down gradient properties immediately east of Port Road. These include restrictions on the use of groundwater for potable water, controls on the excavation, disposition, and use of soils, restrictions on types of development that can occur, and ongoing monitoring of groundwater and maintenance of the cap. The report has been approved as final. Meredith Savage
4/29/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) received a report titled West Nome Tank Farm Supplemental Groundwater Monitoring Work Plan on April 23, 2015. The report provides supplemental information to update the approved 2014 West Nome Tank Farm Groundwater Monitoring Work Plan which covers long term management activities at the site. Updated were the qualified personnel form and resumes, laboratory accreditation and certification, and anticipated dates of field work. Work plan approval was issued on April 29. Meredith Savage
12/4/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided comments for the Draft 2015 West Nome Tank Farm Groundwater Monitoring Report. Dennis Shepard
1/26/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC approved the 2015 Groundwater Monitoring Report, Environmental Long Term Management at West Nome Tank Farm – Site ST001 (December 2015). Dennis Shepard
3/4/2016 Update or Other Action Shipped 5 boxes via Lynden to Fairbanks on 3/8/2016 Susan Carberry
3/24/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC approved the West Nome Tank Farm, Well Decommissioning, Well Installation, and Sample Collection Work Plan (January 2016). Dennis Shepard
1/12/2017 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC approved the West Nome Tank Farm Project Summary Report (December 2016). This report details the remedial design activities conducted at the former West Nome Tank Farm (WNTF) site in Nome, Alaska, in 2015 and 2016. Dennis Shepard
6/13/2017 Site Visit A site visit was conducted by contaminated sites program staff to inspect institutional controls on site. The fence around the cap was intact and in good repair, and the integrity of the cap was good. Proper signage was observed, with two warning signs on each long side and a single side on each short side. An additional warning sign was on the cap inside the fence. Two monitoring wells were observed outside the fence on the eastern side of the cap, in apparent good condition. Dennis Shepard
8/14/2017 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC approved the West Nome Tank Farm Site ST001 Draft Supplemental Work Plan, 2017–2018 Remedial Action Objectives, Land Use/Institutional Control, August 2017. Dennis Shepard
12/11/2017 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 71554 tank farm. Dennis Shepard
7/5/2018 Update or Other Action DEC Response to Air Force Request for Close Out of Compliance Advisory Letters (April 24, 2008 and July 18, 2014): Based on a review of the approved work plans and reporting for the WNTF provided to date, all actions requested in the referenced 2008 and 2014 compliance letters have been successfully addressed. The cleanup plan has been implemented. Approved institutional controls have been developed, implemented and are being maintained in accordance with 18 AAC 75.375 including a tank farm cap with a permeable geotextile membrane and 28 inches of soil cap, as well as complete perimeter fence and signage identifying the land use control boundaries and referencing digging restrictions. At this time all requested actions have been completed and the WNTF site is in compliance with the applicable site cleanup rules at 18 AAC 75.325 – 18 AAC 75.390. DEC confirms that the objectives of the compliance advisory letters have been met with this letter. Dennis Shepard
9/17/2018 Site Visit Site visit to Former West Nome Tank Farm. No problems noted. Lisa Griswold
9/24/2019 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC approved the Final Technical Project Report, 2017/2018 Environmental Long Term Management Activities, West Nome Tank Farm, Site ST001, Nome, AK, Dated September 2019. Monitoring activities included taking two series of groundwater samples at Site ST001, an institutional control (IC) inspection, and photographic documentation. For samples taken during the September 2017 sampling event, diesel range organics (DRO) exceeded DEC cleanup levels in seven monitoring wells. TAqH also exceeded cleanup levels in one well. Samples taken in July 2018 showed DRO exceedances in ten wells, as well as exceedances for 1,12-trichloroethane, benzene, naphthalene, and vinyl chloride. The report states that DRO trends are increasing in several wells. IC inspection results indicate that most ICs are functioning and are protective of human health and the environment. However, multiple monitoring wells are damaged and will need to be repaired, and two warning signs were knocked over and need to be repaired. Kevin Fraley
7/29/2020 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other On 6/4/2019, DEC (John O'Brien) approved the Supplemental Work Plan - West Nome Tank Farm Site ST001, 2018–2019 Remedial Action Operations, Land Use/Institutional Control. The work plan outlines the details for the Long Term Management (LTM) of the West Nome Tank Farm (Site ST001), and includes visual inspection, groundwater sampling set to occur through August of 2019. 7/29/20 DEC approved the Final Technical Project Report 2018/2019 Environmental Long Term Management Activities West Nome Tank Farm Site ST001, Nome, Alaska. Dated June 2020. Shonda Oderkirk
8/27/2020 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other August 4, 2020 received Draft Supplemental WP, 2020 Remedial Action Operations, Land Use/Institutional Control, West Nome Tank Farm, Alaska, Dated July 2020. Plan is using the May 2019 Final Work Plan as a template for sampling. No significant deviations reported. Reviewed 2020 report and comment matrix sent August 26, 2020. Sampling to occur September 2020. Final WP submitted and approved September 2020. Shonda Oderkirk
9/17/2020 Meeting or Teleconference Held Robert Burgess and Shonda Oderkirk met with Kenneth Morton (NJUS), Travis Peterson, Joy Baker (harbormaster) and Carl (CRW Engineering). NJUS wanted to discuss the possible uses of the WNTF after conveyance from the USAF is complete. Possible uses include: tank farm operations, boat storage, laydown area and general port operations. They will provide a WP when they get to that point. Shonda Oderkirk
3/31/2021 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other 03/31/2021 Draft WP received. 04/26/2021 Comments submitted. Shonda Oderkirk
4/16/2021 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Draft WP received. 06/24/2021: Final WP accepted. 06/29/2021: Email from USAF, W-35 will not be sampled as it is on Lot 7. DEC had agreed in the past that wells on Lot 7 do not need to be sampled, the contamination from in those wells is likely from a different source. They will include a WP deviation. Shonda Oderkirk
5/3/2021 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Draft RAO Report received. Comments sent 05/18/2021. 7/7/2021: RTC received. 7/14/2021: Our comments to RTC sent back, requested final report.9/1/2021: revised report received and accepted. Shonda Oderkirk
8/20/2021 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Letter/WP received from Travis Peterson on behalf of NJUS for soil geotechnical sampling for a new tank farm that NJUS wants to build at the WNTF. The transfer of property has not occurred as far as we know. The drilling will be outside the lined capped area. Requested they put the soil cuttings back into the bore holes, instead of spreading on the ground. And that they let DEC know of any contamination that is observed. Sent email with comments to contractor on 8/30/2021. Shonda Oderkirk
11/1/2021 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Received draft of first non-CERCLA periodic review. 11/29/2021 Comments sent. 5/2/2022 comments sent. 5/1/2023 Final copy received. All comments addressed. Approval letter sent. Shonda Oderkirk
4/5/2022 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Draft report covering Spring 2021 received. 4/15/2022 Comments sent. 6/27/2022 RTC Received. 6/29/2022 Approval for final report sent. Shonda Oderkirk
7/27/2022 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Received draft LTM Fall 2021 report for review. 9/12/2022 Comments sent. 9/20/2022: RTC received. Requested final copy of report. 10/24/2022: Final report copy received. 11/1/2022: final approval sent. Shonda Oderkirk
5/9/2023 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Draft August/September 2022 report received. 5/12/2023 comments sent.5/18/2023 Approval for final report sent. Shonda Oderkirk
6/12/2023 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Draft Fall LTM received. 7/6/2023: Comments sent. 9/25/2023: Final report approved. Shonda Oderkirk

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