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Site Report: Eareckson Air Station Possible Munitions Storage Area East

Site Name: Eareckson Air Station Possible Munitions Storage Area East
Address: 0.5 Miles Along Northeast Coast of Shemya Island; Between the Bluff and the Bering Sea, Amchitka, AK 99546
File Number: 2649.38.041, 2649.38.046
Hazard ID: 26132
Status: Active
Staff: Erica Blake, 9074512182 erica.blake@alaska.gov
Latitude: 52.729075
Longitude: 174.115531
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 Possible Munitions Storage Area East includes an area approximately one half mile long on the northeast coast of Shemya Island between the base of the bluff and the Bering Sea. The site is flat to rolling with grass, shrubs, and heavy vegetation in parts. Several areas located along the northern and eastern coast of Shemya Island were identified as munitions storage areas in historical records. A significant amount of munitions debris was observed at the site. A possible burn pad was also observed at the site.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
10/11/2013 Site Added to Database A new site has been added to the database Mitzi Read
6/19/2014 CERCLA RI Report Approved The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program approved the Final Remedial Investigation Report. The report concluded that 90 MEC items were found at the Possible Munitions Storage Area East, the calculated density for the 5.35 acre site was 90.7 UXO/acre. MEC is present in the top of the mineral soil. Concentrations of antimony, lead, manganese, 2,4-DNT, and 2,6-DNT exceeded human health screening criteria. Concentrations of antimony, manganese, total chromium, lead, zinc, copper, and 2,4-DNT exceeded ecological screening criteria. A feasiblity study was recommended to determine appropriate remedial responses, based on the current and future land use. Jessica Morris
6/19/2014 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 79524 name: Possible Munitions Storage Area East Jessica Morris
11/14/2016 Site Visit ADEC staff travelled to Eareckson Air Station for 4 days to conduct site visits and become familiar with the ecology and topography of the island. Site visits were conducted to all pertinent sites and meetings were held to with ADEC and USAF to discuss a path forward for the sites. Jessica Morris
1/12/2017 CERCLA FS The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program reviewed and submitted comments on the Draft Feasibility Study Report for Eight Munitions Response Sites. Jessica Morris
11/27/2017 Site Visit ADEC staff travelled to Eareckson Air Station for 3 days to conduct site visits and institutional control inspections. Site visits were conducted to all pertinent sites and meetings were held to with ADEC and USAF to discuss a path forward for the sites. The interim institutional controls for the MMRP sites need to be updated: the safety briefing upon arrival at Shemya does not include UXO awareness, the MMRP sites are not all shown on informational maps, and signs are missing from several sites. Jessica Morris
11/28/2022 CERCLA FS on 11/28/2022 DEC approved the Final Feasibility Study Report, Alcan Harbor Ordnance Beach (MRS DA002), Alcan Harbor Ordnance Underwater (MRS DA002a), Tail Fuze Site (MRS ZZ001), Possible Munitions Storage Area – East (MRS XU912), .50 Cal Beach – Beach and Marine Area (MRS DU029a), Former Munitions Storage Area (MRS MU001), November 2022. This report presents the results of the feasibility study (FS) performed for Munitions Response Sites (MRSs) at Eareckson Air Station (AS) in Alaska. Munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) items and/or elevated levels of munitions constituents (MCs) were confirmed to be present at these MRSs and require evaluation in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. Daniela Fawcett
11/28/2022 Update or Other Action Copy of the Approval of the Final Feasibility Study Report, Alcan Harbor Ordnance Beach (MRS DA002), Alcan Harbor Ordnance Underwater (MRS DA002a), Tail Fuze Site (MRS ZZ001), Possible Munitions Storage Area – East (MRS XU912), .50 Cal Beach – Beach and Marine Area (MRS DU029a), Former Munitions Storage Area (MRS MU001), Eareckson Air Station, Alaska, Dated November 2022 can be located under attachments for Eareckson site Alcan Harbor Ordnance Beach - MRS DA002 Daniela Fawcett
8/2/2023 CERCLA Proposed Plan DEC provided review comments for the "Proposed Plan for Six Military Munitions Response Sites, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska, Dated May 2023" to the U.S. Air Force. The Proposed Plan discussed remedial alternatives for six Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) sites which are: Alcan Harbor Ordnance Beach (MRS DA002), Alcan Harbor Ordnance Underwater (MRS DA002a), Tail Fuze Site (MRS ZZ001), Possible Munitions Storage Area – East (MRS XU912), .50 Cal Beach and Marine Area (MRS DU029a) and the Former Munitions Storage Area (MRS MU001). There were some discrepancies identified between the Feasibility Study and the Proposed Plan. Erica Blake
9/22/2023 CERCLA Proposed Plan DEC provided responses to comments for the "Proposed Plan for Six Military Munitions Response Sites, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska, Dated May 2023" to the U.S. Air Force. The proposed plan describes remedial alternatives and cleanup at 6 munitions response sites (MRS): Alcan Harbor Ordnance Beach (MRS DA002), Alcan Harbor Ordnance Underwater (MRS DA002a), Tail Fuze Site (MRS ZZ001), Possible Munitions Storage Area – East (MRS XU912), .50 Cal Beach and Marine Area (MRS DU029a) and the Former Munitions Storage Area (MRS MU001). Additional responses requesting clarification and response is needed before the document can be approved. Erica Blake
11/7/2023 CERCLA Proposed Plan DEC provided approval for the "Proposed Plan for Six Military Munitions Response Sites, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska, dated October 2023" to the U.S. Air Force. The Proposed Plan describes remedial alternatives for 6 munitions response sites (MRS): Alcan Harbor Ordnance Beach (MRS DA002), Alcan Harbor Ordnance Underwater (MRS DA002a), Tail Fuze Site (MRS ZZ001), Possible Munitions Storage Area – East (MRS XU912), .50 Cal Beach and Marine Area (MRS DU029a) and the Former Munitions Storage Area (MRS MU001). Erica Blake

Contaminant Information

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Control Type

Type Details

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Description Details

There are no documents for this site report.

No associated sites were found.

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State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

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Juneau, AK 99811-1800
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