Skip to content Skip to content

Site Report: Galena AFS/Airport - SS014 UST 1551-1

Site Name: Galena AFS/Airport - SS014 UST 1551-1
Address: Former Birchwood Hangar, Galena, AK 99741
File Number: 860.26.002
Hazard ID: 22908
Status: Active
Staff: Tim Sharp, 9074512131 tim.sharp@alaska.gov
Latitude: 64.738700
Longitude: -156.953400
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

*** UST 1551-1 is tracked under open Site SS017 *** Underground storage tank (UST) 1551-1, was located on the north edge of former Building 1551 (Site SS014), and used to power a standby generator. On July 2, 2020, a cleanup complete determination was issued for Site SS014. Contamination associated with UST 1551-1 will be addressed under Site SS017 (Former Truck Fill Stands), tracked under File No. 860.38.066 and Hazard ID 26312. See also the SS014 Closure Letter, available for viewing under that Site (Hazard ID 3965).

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
11/22/2005 Site Added to Database Former Staff
11/22/2005 Leaking Underground Storage Tank Release Confirmed - Petroleum LUST Site created in CSP for source area ID 75853 1997 tank pull report documented benzene and DRO above Method 2 cleanup levels. Currently negotiating with AF Compliance about past UST removals to see which sites merit further investigation. Colin Craven
11/30/2005 Update or Other Action RECKEY has automatically been generated. Former Staff
9/1/2010 Site Visit Site visit, IRA excavation area Amanda Loomis
12/7/2010 Meeting or Teleconference Held TPT meeting, site discussed Fred Vreeman
1/11/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held Scoping call for SS014/17/21 Fred Vreeman
2/15/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held TPT meeting, site discussed Fred Vreeman
4/4/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other FSP for SS014/17/21/16 reviewed Fred Vreeman
4/19/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held TPT meeting, site discussed Fred Vreeman
5/11/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held IRA meeting/traffic control planning meeting. Fred Vreeman
5/23/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held TPT meeting, site discussed Fred Vreeman
6/10/2011 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Contingent approval for SC sampling locations Amanda Loomis
6/10/2011 Conceptual Site Model Submitted CSM submitted Fred Vreeman
7/1/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Response to comments on Interim Removal Action Work Plan received from USAF Fred Vreeman
7/8/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Interim Removal Action responses to comments accepted Fred Vreeman
7/12/2011 Site Visit Site visit, to IRA location Fred Vreeman
7/12/2011 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 75853 name: autogenerated pm edit - Galena Airport - UST 1551-1 Amanda Loomis
7/15/2011 Update or Other Action Draft Final Interim Removal Action Work Plan submitted by USAF Fred Vreeman
7/22/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Additional markups for interim removal action work plan received from USAF Fred Vreeman
7/26/2011 Interim Removal Action Approved Work Plan for Interim Removal Action approved Fred Vreeman
8/24/2011 Update or Other Action Draft Final FSP for SS014,SS017,SS021 submitted by USAF Fred Vreeman
9/2/2011 Update or Other Action Final Version of Interim Removal Work Plan Fred Vreeman
9/2/2011 Offsite Soil or Groundwater Disposal Approved Soil Transport to Stockpile at Campion approved Fred Vreeman
12/22/2011 Leaking Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Initiated - Petroleum Administrative action for grant reporting purposes. Evonne Reese
5/18/2012 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC received a Draft Site Characterization results report for Sites SS014, SS017, SS021. Dennis Shepard
10/16/2012 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC provided review comments for the Draft Site Characterization results report for Sites SS014, SS017, SS021. Data gaps in nature and extent of soil and groundwater contamination were noted for Site SS014. Dennis Shepard
6/14/2013 Interim Removal Action Approved DEC approved the Final Interim Removal Action Excavation Construction Report for Sites SS005, AST1569, SS014, and SS017 (IRA report). Dennis Shepard
10/25/2013 Site Characterization Report Approved DEC approved the Site Characterization (SC) results report for Birchwood Hangar (Site SS014), Truck Fill-Stands (Site SS017), and Old Fire Station (Site SS021). The SC report identifies sample results above the Method Two, Table B Human Health cleanup levels for Diesel Range Organic compounds (DRO), Gasoline Range Organic compounds (GRO), 2-methylnaphthalene, arsenic, and multiple Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in soil between 0 and 15 feet below ground surface (bgs). Soil was also found to be contaminated with DRO, GRO, arsenic, chromium, 1-methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and multiple VOCs at concentrations greater than Method Two migration to groundwater CULs to a depth of approximately 30 feet bgs. Groundwater has been impacted by DRO at concentrations up to 40.0 mg/L to a depth of up to 22 feet bgs. Concentrations of DRO, GRO, RRO, arsenic, 1-methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, benzene, cis-1,2- DCE, EDB, n-nitrosodipropylamine, naphthalene, and trichloroethylene(TCE)exceeding groundwater cleanup levels were detected in groundwater in the vicinity of UST 1551-1 Dennis Shepard
9/5/2014 Site Characterization Report Approved DEC approved a Supplemental Site Characterization (SC) Results Report, Birchwood Hangar (SS014), Truck Fill Stands (SS017), and Old Fire Station (SS021). One of the supplemental site characterization objectives was to collect sufficient data to gain closure approval for former UST 1551-1. The report notes that soil beneath and surrounding the former UST 1551-1 location was excavated to a depth of approximately 14 feet below ground surface as part of the Site SS014 IRA excavation conducted between July and November 2011. The Air Force recommended a clean up complete determination for UST 1551-1. However, Diesel Range Organic compounds (DRO), Gasoline Range Organic compounds (GRO), 1-methylnaphthalene, and 2-methylnaphthalene were detected at concentrations exceeding Method Two CULs for migration to groundwater in one or more samples (SS014_SWDS004 and SS014_GP013) collected beneath former UST 1551-1 and beneath the IRA excavation. Dennis Shepard
10/26/2016 Meeting or Teleconference Held A restoration Advisory board meeting was held in Galena Alaska to discuss the general and specific status of site investigations and cleanup at Galena. Dennis Shepard
11/2/2016 Cleanup Plan Approved DEC approved the Cleanup Plan for Site SS014, Birchwood Hanger and Site SS017, Truck Fill Stands, Former Galena Forward Operating Location, Alaska (October 2016). The plan included interim removal actions from which approximately 12,350 CY [3,950 CY and 8,400 CY of petroleum contaminated soil were excavated from SS014 and SS017, respectively. Bioventing for contaminants in unsaturated soil, including the vadose zone and in the variably saturated zone, and Sulfate-enhanced bioremediation for contaminants in saturated soil and groundwater. Air sparging/biosparging is also retained as an alternative to sulfate-enhanced bioremediation. Dennis Shepard
8/8/2018 Site Visit DEC conducted a site visit at the Former Forward Operating Location in Galena, AK on August 8-9, 2018. A photo log is available in DEC's electronic file. Jamie McKellar
10/29/2018 Site Visit On October 23, 2018, DEC participated in the Technical Project Team (TPT) meeting with representatives from USAF and ADOT&PF. A site visit with inspections of each site was conducted the following day (10/24/2018) in Galena, as well as a regional advisory board (RAB) meeting with members of the community and other interested parties. Jamie McKellar
4/5/2019 Site Visit On April 2, 2019, DEC staff participated in a Technical Project Team meeting with representatives from USAF, Parsons, CH2M, and ADOT. The TPT meeting was held at the Fairbanks DEC office. On April 3-4, 2019, DEC staff traveled to Galena to participate in meetings with the City Mayor & RAB chair to discuss community concerns about site cleanup; a Proposed Plan meeting for Site DP023, and a community regional advisory board (RAB) meeting to discuss fieldwork completed during the 2018 field season and upcoming 2019 fieldwork. Site visits were also conducted. Jamie McKellar
10/23/2019 Meeting or Teleconference Held On October 22, 2019, DEC participated in the Technical Project Team (TPT) meeting with representatives from USAF and ADOT&PF. A site visit was conducted the following day (10/23/2019) in Galena, as well as a regional advisory board (RAB) meeting with members of the community and other interested parties. Jamie McKellar
7/2/2020 Update or Other Action Underground storage tank (UST) 1551-1, was located on the north edge of former Building 1551 (Site SS014), and used to power a standby generator. On July 2, 2020, a cleanup complete determination was issued for Site SS014. Contamination associated with UST 1551-1 will be addressed under Site SS017 (Former Truck Fill Stands), tracked under File No. 860.38.066 and Hazard ID 26312. See also the SS014 Closure Letter, available for viewing under that Site (Hazard ID 3965). Jamie McKellar
8/23/2023 Update or Other Action Contamination associated with UST 1551-1 will be addressed under Site SS017 (Former Truck Fill Stands), tracked under File No. 860.38.066 and Hazard ID 26312. See also the SS014 Closure Letter, available for viewing under that Site (Hazard ID 3965). Jamie McKellar
11/15/2023 Site Visit DEC, DOT, USAF, and contractors met at the Fairbanks DEC office on May 2, 2023 for a Technical Project Team meeting. The following day a site visit and Regional Advisory Board (RAB) meeting were held in Galena. Meeting minutes for the TPT and RAB meetings were approved on November 15, 2023. Jamie McKellar
4/23/2024 Meeting or Teleconference Held CS staff participated in the biannual Technical Project Team (TPT) meeting with representatives from USAF BRAC, Parsons, Jacobs/CH2M Hill, and EA Engineering. The meeting was held at the EA Engineering office in Anchorage, AK. Jamie McKellar

Contaminant Information

Name Level Description Media Comments

Control Type

Type Details

Requirements

Description Details

There are no documents for this site report.

Hazard ID Site Name File Number
27830 Galena AFS BRAC Landfarm 860.38.076

Missing Location Data

Because the GIS location data for this site has not been entered, we cannot direct you to its position on the map. Click "Continue" to proceed to the Contaminated Sites Web Map or "Close" to return to the site report.
Continue     Close