Site Report: Dutch Hbr-Unalaska Lake
| Site Name: | Dutch Hbr-Unalaska Lake |
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| Address: | Unalaska Lake, Unalaska, AK 99685 |
| File Number: | 2542.38.023 |
| Hazard ID: | 25723 |
| Status: | Active |
| Staff: | Kathleen Iler-Galau, 9074512153 kathleen.iler-galau@alaska.gov |
| Latitude: | 53.867660 |
| Longitude: | -166.525780 |
| 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
Community concern and anecdotal reports of Unalaska Lake indicate the possibility for drums being dumped on ice in the winter so that they would fall to the bottom of the lake during the spring thaw. In 2000, two sediment and two water samples were collected from Unalaska Lake. While performing the sampling activities, the bottom of the lake was visually inspected in an attempt to locate any drums or other WWII related debris. No evidence of drums or debris was noted. One PAH parameter (benzo(b)fluoranthene) was detected in the north sediment location above the conservative U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Secondary Chronic Value regulatory criteria, but below ADEC CULs. DRO (which has no regulatory criteria in sediment) was detected at a maximum concentration of 483 mg/kg in the south location and appeared to be partially attributed to biogenic interference. No further action was recommended following the 2000 investigation.
Action Information
| Action Date | Action | Description | DEC Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/1/2000 | CERCLA RI Report Approved | The Comprehensive Remedial Investigation Report was received. This document discusses the field activities and results from 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999. Activities included site investigations (SI), Interim Removal actions (IRA) and Remedial Investigations (RI). These various activities were performed at 56 sites throughout the entire Amaknak/Unalaska FUDS. Sampling was conducted to determine both site-specific as well as background levels of contaminants of concern. 93 USTs, 1 AST, associated piping, and 230 drums, contaminated liquid, sludge, and soil were removed during the IRA. Soil borings were drilled, monitoring wells installed and samples were taken to determine type and extent of contamination. Where appropriate a Method Three ACL was calculated. 31 sites are recommended for no further action (NFA) and 25 sites were recommended for further remedial action. The report recommends that surface water and sediment samples be collected from the creek flowing from Unalaska Lake in order to determine any impact from potential drums thought to have been dumped in the lake. | Meghan Dooley |
| 9/16/2011 | 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: 79161 name: Dutch Hbr-Unalaska Lake | Meghan Dooley |
| 4/4/2022 | Exposure Tracking Model Ranking | A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 79161 Dutch Hbr-Unalaska Lake. | Cascade Galasso-Irish |
| 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 |
| 6/26/2025 | Update or Other Action | DEC received a report and ROV videos of drums in Unalaska Lake. The GPS location is visible in the videos onscreen and matches the lake. The drums are very degraded. The information was forwarded to USACE on 6/17/2025 to investigate. | Kathleen Iler-Galau |
Contaminant Information
| Name | Level Description | Media | Comments |
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Control Type
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Requirements
| Description | Details |
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No associated sites were found.