Site Report: Dutch Hbr-Drum Dump and WW2 Debris Pile along Captains Bay Road
| Site Name: | Dutch Hbr-Drum Dump and WW2 Debris Pile along Captains Bay Road |
|---|---|
| Address: | Captains Bay Road; Unalaska Island, Unalaska, AK 99685 |
| File Number: | 2542.38.017 |
| Hazard ID: | 25719 |
| Status: | Cleanup Complete |
| Staff: | Kathleen Iler-Galau, 9074512153 kathleen.iler-galau@alaska.gov |
| Latitude: | 53.849000 |
| Longitude: | -166.574105 |
| Horizontal Datum: | WGS84 |
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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
Site investigation in 2001 revealed the presence of 62 drums; 57 of the drums were empty and five contained unknown liquid contents. The empty drums were removed from the site by hand and use of a backhoe; these drums were cleaned, crushed, and transported to a local landfill for disposal. The five partial drums that had unknown contents (ranging from 1 to 20 gallons) were transported to the contaminated stockpile yard and placed in overpacks. Five samples (four soil, one sediment) were collected at depths of 0.5 ft bgs from areas beneath the drums and areas with signs of stressed vegetation or staining. The samples were analyzed for GRO, DRO, RRO, PAHs, PCBs, VOCs, SVOCs, and eight RCRA metals. Arsenic was detected above human health cleanup levels in two samples, 10.4 mg/kg and 8.5 mg/kg, but within accepted background levels for the site of 10 mg/kg. Trivalent chromium is also at the site above background levels but below Table B cleanup level of 124,000 mg/kg. DRO remains in the subsurface, the highest concentration is 360 mg/kg, below the approved Method Three cleanup level but above DEC’s Method Two migration to groundwater levels. The remaining DRO contamination is unlikely to migrate based on the concentration at de minimis amount.
Action Information
| Action Date | Action | Description | DEC Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/13/2003 | CERCLA SI | The 2001/2002 Islandwide SI/RI/IRA Report was received. The report documents the work completed during the 2001 and 2002 field seasons at various sites throughout Amaknak and Unalaska. Site reconnaissance in 2001 revealed 62 drums, 57 of which were empty and five of which contained material. Empty drums were transported to a local landfill for disposal. The remaining five drums were transported to the contaminated soil stockpile and placed in overpacks. Samples were collected from the site from areas beneath the drums and where there were signs of stressed vegetation or soil staining. Chromium, arsenic, and DRO were detected above cleanup levels. The site is recommended for no further action becuase an alternative cleanup level for DRo was calculated for the DRO exceedance and the metals exceedances are likley natually ocurring. | Meghan Dooley |
| 9/15/2011 | Site Added to Database | A new site has been added to the database | Mitzi Read |
| 9/23/2011 | Exposure Tracking Model Ranking | Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 79159 name: Dutch Hbr-Drum Dump and WW2 Debris Pile along Captains Bay Road | Meghan Dooley |
| 1/31/2024 | Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other | Per the review of the Draft Restoration Summary Report, Containerized Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste. Amaknak Formerly Used Defense Sites F10AK0841-13, -14, -15, -16, -18, -20, Unalaska Valley, Pyramid Valley-Port Levashef, Summer Bay-Humpy Cove, Margaret Bay-Airport, Mount Ballyhoo, and Little South America (2023), this site is anticipated for FY2024 contract. | Cascade Galasso-Irish |
| 11/6/2024 | Site Visit | DEC Staff conducted a site visit on November 6, 2024. The drums are removed however debris remains visible along the beach and in the ocean. Several large metal objects can be seen in the surf. According to residents, the Army dumped the metal and barrels on this site during the Dutch Harbor cleanup in the 1990s. | Kathleen Iler-Galau |
| 11/6/2024 | Meeting or Teleconference Held | The Qawalangin FUDS Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting was held at the Unalaska Public Library. This regional RAB incorporates five FUDS in the Qawalangin region: Amaknak FUDS, Chernofski FUDS, Cape Wislow FUDS, Fort Learnard FUDS, and Ugadaga Bay FUDS. RAB Board Members, USACE-FUDS, DEC, and members of the public were in attendance in-person, with additional stakeholders participating virtually. FUDS PMs provided updates on the status of FUDS sites. The RAB membership also updated their charter and added new members. | Kathleen Iler-Galau |
| 4/14/2025 | Exposure Tracking Model Ranking | A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 79159 Dutch Hbr-Drum Dump and WW2 Debris Pile along Captains Bay Road. | Juliana Smit |
| 6/18/2025 | Cleanup Complete Determination Issued | Site investigation in 2001 revealed the presence of 62 drums; 57 of the drums were empty and five contained unknown liquid contents. The empty drums were removed from the site by hand and use of a backhoe; these drums were cleaned, crushed, and transported to a local landfill for disposal. The five partial drums that had unknown contents (ranging from 1 to 20 gallons) were transported to the contaminated stockpile yard and placed in overpacks. Five samples (four soil, one sediment) were collected at depths of 0.5 ft bgs from areas beneath the drums and areas with signs of stressed vegetation or staining. The samples were analyzed for GRO, DRO, RRO, PAHs, PCBs, VOCs, SVOCs, and eight RCRA metals. Arsenic was detected above human health cleanup levels in two samples, 10.4 mg/kg and 8.5 mg/kg, but within accepted background levels for the site of 10 mg/kg. Trivalent chromium is also at the site above background levels but below Table B cleanup level of 124,000 mg/kg. DRO remains in the subsurface, the highest concentration is 360 mg/kg, below the approved Method Three cleanup level but above DEC’s Method Two migration to groundwater levels. The remaining DRO contamination is unlikely to migrate based on the concentration at de minimis amount. | Kathleen Iler-Galau |
Contaminant Information
| Name | Level Description | Media | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium - Total | < Method 2 Most Stringent | Soil | Chromium is below HH Table 2. |
| DRO | > Site Specific Sediment Criteria | Sediment - Freshwater | DRO above MTG at 360 mg/kg. |
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) |
No associated sites were found.