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Site Report: Yakutat Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station

Site Name: Yakutat Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station
Address: Ocean Cape -Yakutat 5 Mi., End of Pt. Carrew Road, Yakutat, AK 99689
File Number: 1530.38.010
Hazard ID: 1985
Status: Active
Staff: Tim Sharp, 9074512131 tim.sharp@alaska.gov
Latitude: 59.541344
Longitude: -139.860617
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 Ocean Cape Radio Relay Site (OCRRS) is located on the Phipps Peninsula at the end of Point Carrew Road, approximately five miles from the town of Yakutat. The OCRRS facility served as a tropospheric communication station as part of the Air Force Ballistic Missile Early Warning System under the White Alice Communication System (WACS). The site consisted of eight industrial buildings; 17 miscellaneous support facilities, including fueling and maintenance structures; and disposal areas. The structures were removed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe. Part of the former Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station is used by the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe as a Culture Camp to teach youth subsistence practices. Petroleum constituents, PCBs, TCE, PCE, and metals concentrations have been detected in soil at the site at concentrations above ADEC cleanup levels. Petroleum constituents, TCE, and metals concentrations have been detected in groundwater at concentrations above ADEC cleanup level. Various petroleum, solvent, PCB, and metal analytes were detected above the most conservative ecological risk-based screening values. Dioxin concentrations have been detected in soil and fish tissue samples above the most conservative ecological risk-based screening levels. Evaluation of the exceedances of ecological screening levels may be necessary due to the high subsistence use of this site. While not listed on the NPL, investigation at former Ocean Cape RRS must follow CERCLA process per E.O. 12580 [e.g. CERCLA Sections 104(a), (b), and (c)(4), 113(k), 117(a), and (c), 119, and 121) with respect to releases or threatened releases where either the release is on or the sole source of the release is from any facility or vessel under the jurisdiction, custody, or control of their departments. These functions must be exercised consistent with CERCLA Section 120 Federal Facilities. State laws. -- State laws concerning removal and remedial action, including State laws regarding enforcement, shall apply to removal and remedial action at facilities owned or operated by a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States when such facilities are not included on the National Priorities List. The preceding sentence shall not apply to the extent a State law would apply any standard or requirement to such facilities which is more stringent than the standards and requirements applicable to facilities which are not owned or operated by any such department, agency, or instrumentality.]. The Alaska Division of Public Health Environmental Public Health Program and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) performed a Study of Dioxin Levels in Soil and Subsistence Food in the Ankau Saltchucks Area in 2015. The agencies concluded that dioxin concentrations in soil do not present an appreciable risk for public health. In an abundance of caution, the agencies also suggested limitations to consumption of clams in the immediate vicinity of the culture camp, due to the uncertainties in the dioxin data. However, the evaluation emphasized that stopping consumption of healthy foods out of fear of contamination may be more harmful than worst case predictions of cancer risks attributed from dioxins. Further site characterization and risk evaluation is required to determine the nature and extent of contamination at the OCRRS.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
9/6/2001 Update or Other Action The culture camp area was investigated during 2000. All groundwater results were below cleanup levels. Soil testing showed chromium and arsenic above Method II levels, but consistent with background. Debra Caillouet
5/10/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Staff attended a comment resolution meeting on the draft final 2000 RI report. Dioxins were found above screening levels at the site. Debra Caillouet
5/30/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Staff attended a RAB meeting. The Corp presented information from the ATSDR fact sheet on dioxins and showed the levels and locations of the dioxins found. Debra Caillouet
8/20/2002 Update or Other Action Staff submitted comments to the Central Council Tligit and Haida on tissue sampling for dioxins at Ocean Cape that is being done with NALEMP funds. Debra Caillouet
9/17/2002 Update or Other Action Staff submitted comments on the RI report for 2001 field work Debra Caillouet
4/28/2003 Update or Other Action A suspected drum dump approximately 2500 feet north of the relay station had about 500 drums and cable spools removed during the 1984-85 USACE cleanup effort. The 2001 RI found two empty rusted drums at this location along with abundant driftwood. Two surface soil samples were taken. No contaminants were detected above background. Debra Caillouet
9/30/2003 Update or Other Action YTT provided DEC with a copy of their draft report of tissue and soil sampling for dioxins at the Ocean Cape, Culture Camp area. TEQs range up to 2.1 ppt in clams, EPA risk based level for unlimited consumption is .019 ppt. Debra Caillouet
4/5/2004 Update or Other Action A draft feasibility study was reviewed. There is insufficient site characterization data available to select appropriate remedies or to effectively evaluate them against CERCLA criteria. Based on the information provided, the Feasibility Study is premature. Work should occur to identify the data gaps and resolve them before any additional actions are taken. Debra Caillouet
6/3/2004 Update or Other Action A draft work plan for a focused remedial investigation was reviewed. Comments were sent to the Corp. Debra Caillouet
8/19/2004 Meeting or Teleconference Held Staff attended the RAB meeting in Yakutat Debra Caillouet
11/23/2004 Update or Other Action Response to comments on the draft feasibility study were received and reviewed. While the responses will add clarification to the document, DEC believes there is insufficient site characterization data. The Feasibility Study is premature. Work should occur to identify the data gaps and resolve them before any additional actions are taken. Debra Caillouet
1/13/2005 Meeting or Teleconference Held Staff attended the RAB meeting in Yakutat Debra Caillouet
9/12/2005 Update or Other Action Staff sent a comment letter regarding the geophysical survey and lake sampling on the Phipps Peninsula that may have been impacted by dumping. The 2005 Focused RI was approved by ADEC. Debra Caillouet
5/11/2006 Site Characterization Report Approved The Final Report, Focused Remedial Investigation, Former Yakutat AFB for the 2004 FRI was reviewed and approved. The report presents the results of soil sampling and anaylsis for dioxins at the Culture Camp, Concern H2. Debra Caillouet
1/16/2008 Update or Other Action ADEC staff attended a Restoration Advisory Board meeting in Yakutat to discuss the status of various contaminated sites associated with the Yakutat AFB. Discussions at the RAB meeting included the the work to be conducted at the Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station in the NALEMP program. Jonathan Schick
1/17/2008 Site Visit ADEC Staff pariticipated in a site visit to various sites around the Yakutat area. Snow inhibited access to many of the sites but the purpose of the trip was to get an understanding of the distribution of sites and to attend a Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Jonathan Schick
8/13/2008 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC staff attended a Restoration Advisory Board meeting in the community of Yakutat. Various topics were discussed concerning the status of the on-going environmental restoration work that is going on in the area. The upcoming NALEMP work at the Ocean Cape RRS Site was discussed. Jonathan Schick
8/14/2008 Site Visit ADEC Staff pariticipated in a site visit to various sites in and around the Yakutat AFB area. We visited the Ocean Cape RRS NALEMP project site. The other purpose of the site visit was to attend a Restoration Advisory Board Meeting. Jonathan Schick
2/23/2010 Update or Other Action ADEC staff reviewed a draft version of the Removal Action and Site Investigation Work Plan and provided comments to the NALEMP coordinator for Yakutat. Jonathan Schick
6/21/2010 Update or Other Action ADEC staff recieved response to comments on the Draft Work Plan for the Ocean Cape Radio Relay Site. The responses are acceptable and the work plan is approved to be implemented in the field. Jonathan Schick
12/7/2010 Update or Other Action Contaminated Sites Staff recieved a Draft copy of the NALEMP Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station Removal Action Completion and Site Inspection Report. The report details the removal of an AST and associated piping as well as further investigation of the PCB contamination that has been observed in the floor drain of the garage site. Jonathan Schick
6/3/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Contaminated Sites Staff submitted a letter to the US Army Corps of Engineers approving the Final Version of the Feasibility Study Report. Concern H1, a disposal area at Ocean Cape for burnable and non-burnable materials, was investigated. Contaminants were not detected above the applicable cleanup levels in soil or groundwater. Analytical sampling for dioxins has not be conducted at this site, and may be desired to address the effect of burning activities that took place at the site. On drum is still present at Concern H1. Jonathan Schick
5/9/2013 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other The ADEC Contaminated Site Program approved Removal Action Work Plan for Ocean Cape CON/HTRW FUDS, Yakutat, Alaska Jessica Morris
1/8/2014 Interim Removal Action Approved The ADEC Contaminated Site Program approved the Final Removal Action Report for Ocean Cape CON/HTRW FUDS, Yakutat, Alaska Jessica Morris
1/22/2014 Update or Other Action The ADEC Contaminated Site Program received the November 2013 Final Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Removal Action and Site Investigation Report for Field Season 2012 conducted under the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program. The report was accepted as a final report documenting cleanup activities; however it was not formally approved by ADEC. Jessica Morris
8/27/2014 Update or Other Action The ADEC Contaminated Site Program received the March 2014 Final Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Interim Removal Action Report for Field Season 2013 conducted under the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program. The report was accepted as a final report documenting cleanup activities; however it was not formally approved by ADEC. Jessica Morris
9/29/2014 Site Visit The ADEC contaminated Sites staff participated in a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting, a tribal meeting, and site inspections in Yakutat with the Army Corps of Engineers to share information on the status of Formerly Used Defense Site investigation and cleanup activities around Yakutat. Jessica Morris
4/20/2015 Site Characterization Workplan Approved The ADEC Contaminated Site Program approved the Removal Action Confirmation Work Plan for the Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station prepared for the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe under the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program. Jessica Morris
10/15/2015 Site Visit The ADEC contaminated Sites staff participated in a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting and site inspections in Yakutat with the Army Corps of Engineers to share information on the status of Formerly Used Defense Site investigation and cleanup activities around Yakutat. Jessica Morris
2/16/2016 Update or Other Action The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program accepted the NALEMP Removal Action Confirmation Report for the Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station for Field Season 2015. The report was accepted as the final documentation of the 2015 field activities that have been conducted under NALEMP. However, the report was not formally approved by ADEC, due to the data quality discrepancies noted in the final document and comment response forms. Jessica Morris
2/17/2016 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 72963 Culture Camp. Jessica Morris
6/22/2016 Site Characterization Workplan Approved The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program approved the 2016 Ocean Cape Remedial Investigation Work Plan for implementation in the field. However, the scope of work for this investigation will not be sufficient to fully characterize the whole Yakutat Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station, and follow on investigations will be required. Jessica Morris
10/11/2016 Site Visit The ADEC contaminated Sites staff participated in a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting and site inspections in Yakutat with the Army Corps of Engineers to share information on the status of Formerly Used Defense Site investigation and cleanup activities around Yakutat. Jessica Morris
12/1/2016 Meeting or Teleconference Held CS managers participate in the annual FUDS site management action plan meeting. The purpose of the is to collaborate with FUDS management on site progress and prioritization for all of the formerly used defense sites. FUDS prioritization is based on risk, congressional interest, state input and proximity to other sites on the prioritization list. FUDS has increased environmental restoration funding in Alaska for the 2017 and 2018 field seasons to meet National goals for site progress. Darren Mulkey
5/2/2017 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC Contaminated Site Program reviewed and provided comments on the NALEMP OCRRS SI Work Plan. Jessica Morris
8/23/2017 Update or Other Action The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program submitted comments on the Draft Remedial Investigation Report for the Ocean Cape Radio Relay Site prepared by the USACE FUDS program. Jessica Morris
1/19/2018 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 79887 name: Radio Relay Station Jessica Morris
1/19/2018 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 80190 name: Disposal Site 5 Jessica Morris
1/22/2018 Site Characterization Report Approved The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program approved the Final Remedial Investigation Report for Ocean Cape Radio Relay Site and Runway Safety Area 20, Yakutat Alaska. The investigation was not sufficient to fully characterize the Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station, and additional investigation and risk evaluations are necessary. Jessica Morris
2/6/2018 Site Characterization Workplan Approved The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program approved the January 2018 Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station Site Investigation Work Plan for implementation in the field. The proposed work included soil characterization at the former diesel AST area. Jessica Morris
3/23/2018 Potentially Responsible Party/State Interest Letter The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program sent letters notifying potentially responsible parties (PRP) of hazardous substance liability at the Former Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station. PRP letters were sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program, AT&T, Exelis Arctic Services, Inc., Lockhead Martin, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Yak-Tat Kwaan, Inc. Jessica Morris
6/20/2018 Site Visit ADEC conducted a field inspection of site characterization work being conducted at the former Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station AST area. Jessica Morris
6/25/2018 Meeting or Teleconference Held A meeting/teleconference was held at the ADEC building in Anchorage to discuss the site history and cleanup requirements at the Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station. Participants included representatives and council of potentially responsible parties: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program, AT&T, Exelis Arctic Services, Inc., Lockhead Martin, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Yak-Tat Kwaan, Inc. Jessica Morris
7/25/2018 Meeting or Teleconference Held Regular monthly meetings were held between 7/25/18 to 11/25/18 with the potentially responsible parties and council to discuss site history and cleanup progress. Jessica Morris
12/12/2018 Meeting or Teleconference Held The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program participated in a meeting with the potentially responsible parties and council. The purpose of the meeting was the deposition of the former Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station worker, Paul Yoshimi. Jessica Morris
1/7/2019 Site Characterization Report Approved The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program approved the November 2, 2018 NALEMP Final Site Investigation Report for the Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station. The site investigation included sampling and analysis at the former 130,000-gallon diesel AST. DRO concentrations were detected in a few soil samples above migration to groundwater cleanup levels. Soil contaminant concentrations were below the cleanup levels for ingestion and inhalation. Contaminant impacts to groundwater at the former AST area are unknown. Jessica Morris
6/19/2019 Update or Other Action Site location was updated on this date. Coordinates for this site are used to determine the presence and position of the site on BLM’s ANCSA Conveyed Land web map. Rebekah Reams
1/28/2020 Update or Other Action On January 28, 2020 the Department received a revised inventory project report. A potential responsible project has been added to address remaining contaminates in soil and groundwater at the site. Rachael Petraeus
3/18/2020 Update or Other Action The Department received “Declaration of Project Closeout Decision for Formerly Used Defense Site HTRW Project Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station F10AK0747-03 Yakutat, Alaska” on January 28, 2020. The Department agrees that this project closure is consistent with state investigation and cleanup requirements listed in 18 AAC 75. This decision may be reviewed and modified in the future if information becomes available that indicates and unacceptable risk to human health or the environment associated with the project. Please note that this is a project closure decision and not a site closure decision. Remaining contaminant sources and contaminate releases to the environment will need to be addressed in future projects at Ocean Cape Radio Relay Station. Rachael Petraeus
3/6/2024 Meeting or Teleconference Held Monthly meetings with potentially responsible parties resumed with ADEC Contaminated Sites staff and Department of Law in attendance. Alyssa Wood

Contaminant Information

Name Level Description Media Comments

Control Type

Type Details

Requirements

Description Details

No associated sites were found.

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State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

P.O. Box 111800
Juneau, AK 99811-1800
Phone: 907-465-5066
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