Skip to content Skip to content

Site Report: Nome Mini Convention Center

Site Name: Nome Mini Convention Center
Address: 409 River Street, Nome, AK 99762
File Number: 400.38.043
Hazard ID: 25447
Status: Active
Staff: Rebekah Reams, 9074512144 rebekah.reams@alaska.gov
Latitude: 64.498290
Longitude: -165.413547
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

On September 24, 2009 a ~550-gallon diesel release was discovered by a city employee at the Mini Convention Center (MCC) at 409 River Street in Nome. It was determined that a fuel line that supplied fuel from the 2,000-gallon aboveground heating oil tank (HOT) had been vandalized. Approximately 15 cubic yards of contaminated soil were excavated from under the release site and excavation ceased when it became apparent that it may compromise the integrity of the building. Analytical samples from the bottom of the excavation showed remaining concentrations up to 9,840 parts per million (ppm) diesel range organics (DRO), 4,410 parts per billion (ppb) ethylbenzene, and 35,300 ppb xylenes. The sample results indicate that fuel remains in the soil and may have migrated under the structure. Against ADEC instructions, the site was backfilled due to public safety concerns and no future excavations are scheduled. The 15 cubic yards of contaminated soil were moved to a new biocell that was constructed at the monofill. Photo Ionization Detector (PID) readings were taken periodically, fertilizer was added to enhance degradation, and in 2012 the stockpiled soil was approved to go to the landfill as cover material. In 2013 DEC staff visited the site and observed staining on the concrete slab of the building and discussed the need for vapor intrusion assessment, soil sampling, and an updated conceptual site model to evaluate the site status.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
8/18/2009 Spill Transferred from Prevention Preparedness and Response Program Spill transferred by PERP staff Wesley Ghormley. Spill no. 08389926801; spill date = 9/24/08; substance = diesel; quantity = ~550 gallons; PERP file no. 400.02.051. Mitzi Read
8/25/2009 Site Added to Database A new site has been added to the database Mitzi Read
9/1/2009 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 78811 name: 550-Gallon Diesel Release from HOT Mitzi Read
9/30/2011 Update or Other Action Staff from the Spill Prevention and Response Program (PERP) visited Nome during the summer of 2010 and 2011 and screened the soils in the biocell. PID readings were still very high. Staff added more fertilizer to the biocell and required that the City complete additional tilling. The soil is in a secure, locked site at the monofill. PERP staff will continue to field screen screen the soil during summer visits to Nome. Tamara Cardona-Marek
9/30/2011 Update or Other Action DEC evaluated the site file for this contaminated site. DRO concentrations are below health based levels but above migration to groundwater. BTEX concentrations are below migration to groundwater. Contamination may remain under the building and DRO may have migrated to groundwater, however, there are currently no receptors for potential groundwater contamination. DEC will not require additional cleanup action at this time. Stockpiled (biocell) soil must continue to be monitored and treated until cleanup levels are achieved. No wells should be installed on site or nearby properties. Tamara Cardona-Marek
9/11/2013 Site Visit DEC visited the mini convention center to view the spill area. Some staining is still noticable on the building's slab foundation where it is exposed. Explained to city manager that additional assessment including a vapor intrusion assessment, soil sampling, and a CSM may be needed. Robert Burgess
8/26/2014 Potentially Responsible Party/State Interest Letter Pontentially Responsible Party letter sent to City of Nome Robert Burgess
9/14/2015 Meeting or Teleconference Held DEC project manager met with new City Manager for City of Nome and explained ongoing issues and need for vapor intrusion assessment. Guidance materials were provided for reference. Robert Burgess
10/13/2017 Update or Other Action DEC sent a letter requesting an update on the status of petroleum contamination on site and within the biocell. Robert Burgess
10/24/2018 Update or Other Action DEC received the Soil Gas Sampling Report that describes a soil gas sampling event that occurred in May 2018. Megan Roberts
11/21/2018 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 78811 550-Gallon Diesel Release from HOT. Megan Roberts
1/25/2023 Update or Other Action DEC sent correspondence requesting an update on plans to complete site characterization and advance the site towards closure, as well as any updates available on the status of the site following recent flooding events. Rebekah Reams

Contaminant Information

Name Level Description Media Comments

Control Type

Type Details

Requirements

Description Details

There are no documents for this site report.

No associated sites were found.

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