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Site Report: FAA Biorka Island Station (VORTAC)

Site Name: FAA Biorka Island Station (VORTAC)
Address: Biorka Island, 15 Miles SW of Sitka, Sitka, AK 99835
File Number: 1542.38.001
Hazard ID: 1761
Status: Cleanup Complete
Staff: No Longer Assigned, 9074655229 dec.icunit@alaska.gov
Latitude: 56.853520
Longitude: -135.534744
Horizontal Datum:NAD83

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

Facilities at Biorka Island were initially developed in 1942 as part of a US Navy installation. The VORTAC and VHF facilities were built by FAA on USCG land btween 1957 and 1960. USCG holdings were transferred to FAA in 1985. Fuel releases from three pipelines, three tank farms and other fuel storage tanks; additional contamination from drums, transformers and miscellaneous debris. Environmental Compliance Investigation Report submitted by Ecology and Environment Consultants to FAA in April 1992 documenting possible contamination at the facility. The ECIR listed 15 ASTs and 7 USTs at the facility. Site ranked #2 on FAA's priority list of sites being funded. 1993 Phase I and II Hazardous Waste Assessments investigated the former VHF site, the VORTAC site and the Dock site. The 1994 Site Cleanup and Investigation Report documented tank and pipeline decommissioning at the following sites: VORTAC, LORAN, SBRA, NDB/VHF, Radar and Cross Island Pipeline. The 1997 Final Remedial Action Report documented tank and pipeline decommissioning at the VORTAC and the RCAG. The 2001 Draft Release Investigation Report documented investigations at the Quarters/Dock site and the Former USCG LORAN site. December 2010 -- Sites determined to NOT be an area of concern: --Small vehicle leak (Stain #2) --Transformer #141870 (transformer in use and managed) --Potential Disposal Areas (from 1959 as-built diagrams) --Former Transformer Pad (at the intersection of VORTAC and LORAN access roads) February 9, 2012 ADEC Decision Document- Cleanup Complete determinations granted for 3.5 Inch Fuel Pipeline and 3/4 inch Supply and Return Pipeline. January 4, 2017 ADEC Decision Document- Cleanup Complete determinations granted for Diesel AST Near Building 402 and Storage Shed & Drum Storage Area. All areas of concern at this site have been determined to be Cleanup Complete. This site will be closed in the CS Database.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
4/1/1992 Preliminary Assessment Approved Environmental compliance investigation report submitted by E&E, an update/revision of a previous PA submitted by another contractor. Sampling was done as part of PA. Specific recommendations for a number of site areas, general recommendations are to address all USTs and friable ACM under corresponding FAA program. Randy Rice
2/25/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = NOR - Notice of Release Letter (LUST)). Fuel leak from pipeline at a rate of 32oz./hr. discovered by FAA. Pipeline owned and operated by Coast Guard, but traverses FAA land. Some dispute occurred as to who was/is responsible. See file letter from USCG dated March 1, 1993. FAA is the responsible party. Randy Rice
5/7/1993 Site Added to Database Fuel from drums and transformers. Randy Rice
5/25/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = FI - Field Inspection (General)). Draft expanded site investigation workplan comments sent. Randy Rice
7/1/1993 Site Characterization Workplan Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). Final draft of Expanded Site Investigation Work Plan. FAA anticipates implementing work plan in September of October 1993. Randy Rice
7/16/1993 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Initial ranking. Randy Rice
2/11/1994 Update or Other Action Phase I and II Hazardous Waste Assessment Report accepted as spill reports. Randy Rice
3/8/1994 Proposed Plan Workplan - NEXRAD Site approved with the recommendation that FAA follow federal guidance for the asbestos and lead contamination. Cleanup levels suggested are 1000 ppm for lead in soil and Level B matrix for petroleum in soil. Randy Rice
4/28/1994 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RECN - Site Reconnaissance (CS)). Randy Rice
4/28/1994 Update or Other Action Site visit. Randy Rice
5/2/1994 Update or Other Action Letter documenting direction provide during site visit of April 28, 1994. Jim Clare
12/13/1994 Update or Other Action Landfarm Maintenance and Sampling report submitted. Randy Rice
1/11/1995 Update or Other Action December 1994 Biorka Island Site Cleanup and Investigation Report submitted. The report documented tank and pipeline decommissioning at the following sites: VORTAC, LORAN, SBRA, NDB/VHF, Radar and Cross Island Pipeline. Randy Rice
3/1/1995 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RARR - Remedial Action Report Review (CS)). Remediation action report signoff. Randy Rice
8/16/1995 Update or Other Action Landfarm Maintenance and Sampling report submitted. Kent Patrick-Riley
8/24/1995 Update or Other Action Review of Landfarm Maintenance and Sampling report dated 8/16/95. Report not approved based on the inappropriate use of composite samples, lack of sample locations and diagrams, lack of field screening and use of an unknown lab for analysis for HC bacteria. The Department requested additional information including a QAPP. Containment and sampling of leachate that may result from observed standing pools of water on top of the soil needs to be addressed. Kent Patrick-Riley
2/21/1996 Proposed Plan Memorandum for Record, proposing an alternative method for removing pipeline, was approved. Dick Farnell
8/12/1996 Update or Other Action Waiver From Requirement to Use AK 101, AK 102, or AK 103 Analytical Procedures for Hydrocarbon Analyses approved. Dick Farnell
8/15/1996 Update or Other Action Proposed Wastewater Disposal Method approved. Dick Farnell
8/26/1996 Update or Other Action Work Plan Fuel Storage Tank Management Program submitted. Eileen Olson
10/19/1999 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Changed Toxicity Value from unknown (2.1) to 3. Was previously unranked because of too many unknowns. Eileen Olson
12/18/2000 Update or Other Action Approved FAA's request for transport and thermal remediation of 1/4 cubic yard of heating oil contaminated soil. Eileen Olson
6/14/2001 Update or Other Action FAA submitted spill report for a 60 gallon gasoline release on 6/6/01 at the SEARHC Fuel Storage Area. Eileen Olson
12/13/2001 Update or Other Action Re-ranked site based on current information. Changed Groundwater Usage Value to 0.4 from 1. Drinking water for the island is provided by an intake in Lower Lake. Updated Actions and Problem/Comments based on a file review completed 12-13-01. Elizabeth Stergiou
12/13/2001 Update or Other Action Letter documenting review of newly received documents. Jim Clare
12/14/2001 Site Number Identifier Changed Based on the fact that lead and asbestos were contaminants of concern above cleanup levels at one time, the Workplan part of the Reckey was changed from 01 to 09. Bill Petrik
12/18/2001 Update or Other Action FAA Biorka Island file review including the December, 2001 “Draft Release Investigation Report, Fuel Storage Tank Management Program and Expanded Site Investigation/Interim Cleanup, Biorka Island, Alaska”. Contaminated sites issues at the facility include the VORTAC area, Former LORAN area, Radar Site area, VHF area, Dock / Quarters area, Cross Island Pipeline area and the Landfarm area. Site closure was approved for the RCAG area. Elizabeth Stergiou
12/19/2001 Meeting or Teleconference Held In attendance were: Scott Pexton (ADEC), Elizabeth Stergiou (ADEC), Jim Swalling (FAA), Sam Swearingen (FAA), Bob Trebble and Charlie Wilson from CH2-OH. FAA proposed that the LORAN area was the USCG's responsibility and is in the process of researching it and drafting a letter to the CG. FAA was advised that the Department was concerned since the LORAN area is the most contaminated area on the island and needs interim action. FAA is not funding any actions at the LORAN at this time. FAA is looking at proposing ACLs for the Living Quarters area based on TOC values. The result of the meeting was a timeline for the living quarters area and is as follows. Around 2/1/02 meet with FAA to discuss ACLs and possible cleanup actions. 2/15/02 Feasibility Study from CH2-OH. After CS receives the FS, CS issues a ROD. 3/15/01 FAA submits a work plan which will focus on the Living Quarters Area with the intent for site closure as the work is completed. The workplan may include additional characterization of other sites at the facility depending on funding. Work begins upon approval. 5/15/02 work in the areas used by SEARHC complete. Work elsewhere on the island may continue. Elizabeth Stergiou
2/11/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held In attendance were Eileen Olson and Elizabeth Stergiou (ADEC), Jim Swalling and Sam Swearingon (FAA) and Bob Trebble and Charlie Wilson from CH2-OH. FAA presented the latest TOC samples taken in January 2002 at the Quarters Tank Farm Area and Building 600 and 301 area. Out of 5 samples, one per each area are acceptable at this time. FAA Proposed Method 1 Level C cleanup levels for the Living Quarters Area Builidngs 100, 101, and 102. FAA is planning to propose alternative cleanup level based on TOC sampling. Elizabeth Stergiou
3/7/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Site visit. ADEC staff accompanied FAA representatives to the site to meet with SEARHC and collect samples for TOC analysis at the Living Quarters Area. FAA was unable to collect samples during this site visit due to frozen ground. The result of the meeting with SEARHC was the development of cooperation between FAA and SEARHC. Logistics and timing with FAA's site cleanup plan and SEARHC's utility installation were worked out and agreed upon. FAA plans to complete cleanup in the areas that effect SEARHC by mid May. Elizabeth Stergiou
3/28/2002 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Approval of “Draft Site Characterization Sampling, submitted on March 27, 2002 and March 28, 2002. The plan proposes sampling sites located at the Living Quarters Area of FAA Biorka Island Station. The following comments were offered. The approved analytical method for GRO is AK101, DRO is AK102, RRO is AK103, BTEX is EPA 8021 or EPA 8260. Soil samples should be collected at low tide to ensure the vertical extent of contamination is assessed. Samples to be analyzed for TOC should also be collected at low tide. Monitoring wells 17 and 39 should be included in this groundwater-sampling event to provide a complete data set. At least one soil sample should be collected from the site of the removed 500-gallon heating oil AST located just east of Building 302. Samples in the area west of Building 302 should be collected from the depth of the dry well and lower. Elizabeth Stergiou
5/23/2002 Update or Other Action Comments on the April 2002 Draft Pre-Field Planning Document received on April 25, 2002. Comments were provided and a revised workplan was requested. The document proposes alternative cleanup levels based on TOC data for the Living Quarters Tank Farm and Building 300 and 601 area, excavation of contaminated soil at the Living Quarters former Buildings 100, 101 and 102, located and removed 2 pipelines and associated contaminated soil in the Living Quarters area and stockpiling of the soil to be thermally treated in 2003. The plan also proposes sampling at the VHF facility, the Radar site, the transformer site near the former water tank, the pipeline extending from the former VORTAC fuel tanks to Building 402, the 1,900 cross island pipeline, and Living Quarters Building 302. The Living Quarters Tank Farm and Building 300 and 601 area is being addressed in a separate record of decision. Elizabeth Stergiou
6/12/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Met with CH2MHILL and FAA regarding the workplan and the priorities. The Living Quarters Buildings 100-102 contamination will be excavated first, then the pipeline from those buildings to the tank farm will be excavated. The Tank Farm and Buildings 300 and 601area will be excavated next. We agreed that some contamination will be left in place along utility lines and buildings. The soil left in place will be well characterized. The other areas adressed in the workplan will occur dependent on allocated funding during this cleanup operation. It is not known when FAA will be able to remediate the soils that will be placed into the stockpile at the Living Quarters area. We agreed on placing 5 groundwater monitoring wells in the Tank Farm and Building 300 and 601 area. Elizabeth Stergiou
6/27/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Site Visit June 24-27, 2002. Observed excavations at Buildngs 100-102 and associated pipeline removals. Also observed excavation at the Tank Farm area. Total estimated soil removal volume is 1500 cubic yards. The soil stockpile is now located approximately 500 feet up the cross island road. Elizabeth Stergiou
9/18/2002 Update or Other Action Sent letter requesting groundwater monitoring for the existing wells in the Living Quarters Area. A schedule for monitoring is to be submitted by 3/31/03 and the montoring is to be complete by 6/30/03 Elizabeth Stergiou
9/19/2002 Update or Other Action Sent letter requesting the clean up report for work completed in 2002 be submitted by 1/15/03. Elizabeth Stergiou
8/19/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Site visit and meeting with FAA and FAA contractor to discuss site history and future work. It was agreed that additional characterization in the former tank farm area is necessary and that soil around Buildings 601 and 200 would be excavated and additional monitoring wells installed in both areas. Sharon Richmond
8/25/2003 Update or Other Action Provided comments to 2003 Site Closure Report. Request for closure denied because contamination still remains and stockpiled soil not yet treated. There has been discussion regarding splitting this site into smaller units, some of which are close to meeting closure requirements. Sharon Richmond
10/21/2005 Meeting or Teleconference Held Meeting with FAA PM to discuss draft 2005 report and possible closure of various AOCs. It was decided that braking apart the Biorka Island LQ into 3 distinct sites in the database would be best. The actual LQ area could then be closed, the Tank Farm could get a NFRAP with long-term monitoring, and the building 601/300 area could be NFRAP with condition to investigate/remediate contamination remaining under building 300 when it is demolished in the future. Another meeting is scheduled for 10/27-28 to finish scoping work for FY2006 and reviewing draft 2005 report. Sharon Richmond
1/9/2006 Update or Other Action Received Corrective Action Final Report. Approximately 2,300 CY of stockpiled soil was shipped out of state and disposed of in a licensed landfill. Concentrations of DRO, GRO, RRO, and BTEX in confirmation samples collected from the stockpile footprint did not exceed Method Two, Table 2 cleanup standards. Sharon Richmond
1/10/2006 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC and FAA met via teleconference on 1/9/06 and 1/10/06 to determine which areas of concern reported after investigations in the 1990's still required additional characterization. Many of these AOCs weresmall, such as small leaks/spills near stored drums or under vehicles and will require no additional investigation or remediation. ADEC will send a letter to FAA to this effect. Several other AOCs will require additional characterization and will be addressed in summer 2006. Sharon Richmond
1/26/2006 Update or Other Action All work performed for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires completion and approval of a Project Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Worksheet (EOSH Worksheet). The EOSH Worksheet is a tool that allows project managers to identify potential hazards and contamination, take appropriate measures to avoid hazards and manage contamination appropriately, to minimize environmental impacts, determine whether environmental assessment is required prior to beginning work, and to minimize fines and/or penalties associated with non-compliance with federal and state regulations. It also acts a mechanism to identify when outside agency permits are necessary. Specific portions of the EOSH Worksheet address: the presence/absence of endangered species, activities conducted in wetlands or anadromous streams, whether work will occur on a contaminated site or involve activities associated with fuel tanks, fuel distribution lines, oil-containing transformers, groundwater monitoring wells, floor drains, and generation and handling of hazardous waste. To ensure all issues are appropriately considered, the worksheet is to be reviewed after each phase of project development and implemenation. This form is to be kept with project progress documents throughout the project. Sharon Richmond
1/26/2006 Update or Other Action All work performed for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires completion and approval of a Project Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Worksheet (EOSH Worksheet). The EOSH Worksheet is a tool that allows project managers to identify potential hazards and contamination, take appropriate measures to avoid hazards and manage contamination appropriately, to minimize environmental impacts, determine whether environmental assessment is required prior to beginning work, and to minimize fines and/or penalties associated with non-compliance with federal and state regulations. It also acts a mechanism to identify when outside agency permits are necessary. Specific portions of the EOSH Worksheet address: the presence/absence of endangered species, activities conducted in wetlands or anadromous streams, whether work will occur on a contaminated site or involve activities associated with fuel tanks, fuel distribution lines, oil-containing transformers, groundwater monitoring wells, floor drains, and generation and handling of hazardous waste. To ensure all issues are appropriately considered, the worksheet is to be reviewed after each phase of project development and implemenation. This form is to be kept with project progress documents throughout the project. Sharon Richmond
3/30/2006 Site Characterization Report Approved FAA submitted a 1997 Remedial Action Report for UST and Pipeline Closure, FAA COmmunications Facilities, BIorka Island, Alaska dated April30, 1997. Sharon Richmond
4/23/2008 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed. Sharon Richmond
9/16/2008 Site Visit Site visit from 09/16-18/2008. Sharon Richmond
11/19/2008 Update or Other Action Received tech memo titled "Remove Contaminate Soil at the VORTAC Facility Groundwater Sampling and Environmental Investigation, FAA Biorka Island Station, Alaska", which documents removal of contaminated soil and confirmation sampling conducted at the former diesel AST and recommends removal of an additional 5 cubic yards of contaminated material and further soil investigation west of the Storage Bldg to establish if there is an additional source of soil contamination. Sharon Richmond
10/22/2010 Update or Other Action EPA issued a "Permanent Closure of Three Injection Wells, under Administrative Order on Consent (AOC)(SDWA-10-2010-0071). FAA closure documentation included evidence that instead of three wells, there were three floor drains that discharged to a single injection well at Bldg 302. The EPA letter therefore addresses the closure of one injection well and updates the EPA inventory records indicating "inventory error" in the UIC program file. The status of the three motor vehicle waste disposal wells will also be updated in the UIC records associated with the AOC. The three floor drains were originally connected to a drywell lcoated south of the building, and investigated as a potential CERCLA source. The injection well was permanently closed by filling the floor drains with concrete and excavating the drywell. Confirmation samples indicate that potential constituents of concern were below ADEC cleanup levels. Melanie Forbes
12/3/2010 Meeting or Teleconference Held Tele-conf w/ FAA (S. Berglund) to discuss upcoming FAA work on-site and current status of VOR site specific issues. FAA will send additional information on closed landfill sites. Melanie Forbes
12/3/2010 Update or Other Action Received Biorka Island FAA Station Landfill Closure Documentation, prepared by CH2-OH January 1998. This report discusses the Landfill Evaluation Procedure and the landfill location submitted for land records. Landfill cap consists of roughly 2 ft thickness (0.9 ft, 1.7 ft, and 2 ft, from 3 test hole pits). Location delineation appears to be from 2 GPS station locationing, visual inspection, as well as facility records, historical photographs, and a 1994 geophysical survey. Melanie Forbes
12/21/2010 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 78370 1,000 gallon diesel AST(VORTAC). Melanie Forbes
12/21/2010 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 78993 name: Storage shed & drum storage area Melanie Forbes
12/21/2010 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 78371 3/4" supply/return pipeline (VORTAC). Melanie Forbes
12/21/2010 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 78372 3 1/2" fuel pipeline (VORTAC). Melanie Forbes
1/4/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held Phone call w/ FAA (S. Berglund) to discuss closed landfill site survey information. Melanie Forbes
8/1/2011 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 79107 name: Vehicle Leak Small Soil Stain (VORTAC) James Ward
2/9/2012 Update or Other Action On this date, Staff issued a letter [Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Biorka Island Station VORTAC Summary of Evaluations and Determinations]. Staff reviewed site history and avaliable data to determine the site status for each area of concern associated with Biorka Island VORTAC. Two source areas managed under this database entry recieved a Cleanup Complete Determination: 3.5 Inch Fuel Pipeline, and 3/4 inch Supply and Return Pipeline. The Former Transformer Pad, Transformer #141870, and Small Vehicle Leak (Stain #2) were determined not to be Areas of Concern. James Ward
2/27/2015 Site Characterization Report Approved ADEC Approval of the Draft Remedial Action and Investigation Report, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), FAA Station Biorka Island, Alaska. This report describes the results of the 2013 investigation and remediation activities at the FAA Station at Biorka Island. Seven Areas of Concern (AOCs) were addressed in this report, from the FAA Biorka Island Station LQ (Hazard ID: 901); FAA Biorka Island Station VORTAC (Hazard ID: 1761); and FAA Biorka Island Station VORTAC Unpermitted Landfill (Hazard ID: 25751) sites. Recommendations for the seven AOCs included in this report will be addressed in the Biorka Island Record of Decision (2015). Monte Garroutte
4/26/2016 Update or Other Action Project manager assigned to evaluate cleanup progress. Fred Vreeman
4/26/2016 Update or Other Action Site reassigned for follow up by project manager Fred Vreeman
11/18/2016 Site Characterization Report Approved DEC Approved the Final Report, 2015 Site Investigation. This Report details the 2015 Site Investigation (SI) activities performed at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Station Biorka Island, Alaska. The SI objective was the collection of site information to fill data gaps at multiple areas of concern (AOCs) to determine if additional remedial actions are necessary or to support site closure. This included delineating the remaining petroleum contamination at four areas of concern (AOCs) using UVOST, sampling and delineating two suspected areas of PAH contamination, installing one groundwater monitoring well at the Tank Farm Fill Valve AOC, sampling two existing monitoring wells at the Building 201 AOC, sampling potential leachate from a demolition debris monofill, and sampling porewater/surface water near three AOCs. Monte Garroutte
12/2/2016 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 78370 Diesel AST near Building 402. Monte Garroutte
12/5/2016 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 78993 Storage Shed & Drum Storage Area. Monte Garroutte
1/4/2017 Update or Other Action ADEC Decision Document dated January 4, 2017. Cleanup Complete determinations were granted for the Diesel AST Near Building 402 and Storage Shed and Drum Storage Area. Monte Garroutte
1/4/2017 Cleanup Complete Determination Issued It has been determined that the source areas at this site do not pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment. For this reason, all source areas have been grated Cleanup Complete determinations. The 3.5 Inch Fuel Pipeline and 3/4 inch Supply and Return Pipeline received Cleanup Complete decisions in an ADEC decision document dated February 9, 2012. A second ADEC decision document letter, dated January 4, 2017, provided Cleanup Complete decisions for the remaining two source areas: Diesel AST Near Building 402, Storage Shed and Drum Storage Area. Monte Garroutte

Contaminant Information

Name Level Description Media Comments
DRO < Method 2 Most Stringent Soil
BTEX < Method 2 Most Stringent Soil
GRO < Method 2 Most Stringent Soil
Aroclor 1254 < Method 2 Most Stringent Soil

Control Type

Type Details
No ICs Required

Requirements

Description Details
Advance approval required to transport soil or groundwater off-site.
Movement or use of contaminated material (including on site) in a manner that results in a violation of the water quality standards is prohibited (18 AAC 70)
Hazard ID Site Name File Number
25426 USCG Biorka Island LORAN 1542.38.003

Missing Location Data

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