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Site Report: Dutch Hbr-Mt. Ballyhoo Fort Schwatka Transformer Vaults NALEMP

Site Name: Dutch Hbr-Mt. Ballyhoo Fort Schwatka Transformer Vaults NALEMP
Address: Multiple Locations on Ulakta Drive Leading to Ulakta Head; Mount Ballyhoo; Amaknak Island, Unalaska, AK 99685
File Number: 2542.38.035
Hazard ID: 27025
Status: Active
Staff: Kathleen Iler-Galau, 9074512153 kathleen.iler-galau@alaska.gov
Latitude: 53.920624
Longitude: -166.511407
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

In 1998 four electrical transformer bodies were identified in three below ground concrete vaults associated with Buildings A, B, and C at in the Mt. Ballyhoo Fort Schwatka area of Amaknak Island. The transformers were removed and disposed offsite in 2000. Soil from within the vaults was sampled for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), diesel range organics (DRO), and residual range organics (RRO). All three vaults contained PCBs above cleanup levels. DRO was detected in vaults near Building A (380-2,320 mg/kg) and Building B (66,300 mg/kg DRO), and RRO was detected at Building B at a concentration of 89,400 mg/kg. Soil was removed from all vaults in 2001, however soil remained in Vault C because of a drain/sump that opened to the ground below the vault. Samples were taken in the Vault C drain and downgradient of all vaults, and analyzed for PCBs (4 samples downgradient from Building B were also analyzed for DRO). PCBs were detected below cleanup levels in the Vault C sump, and analytes were not detected in any other samples. DRO was below action levels for all samples. Grates were installed on the top of each vault to prevent entry. The site was recommended for no further action as all samples were either non detect or below the Method 2 cleanup levels. The information regarding the work conducted by the Department of Defense is documented under associated Hazard ID 25714, File no. 2542.38.014, "Dutch Hbr-Mt. Ballyhoo Transformer Vaults." In February 2019 a work plan was submitted for additional characterization to be conducted on behalf of the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska under the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP). That work will be tracked under this record: hazard ID 27025, File No. 2542.38.035, "Dutch Hbr-Mt. Ballyhoo Fort Schwatka Transformer Vaults NALEMP." PCBs were the only COC investigated in this characterization report and were detected but below the HH CULs (1.0 mg/kg). Not all of the former transformers were evaluated, and future field efforts are recommended.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
3/12/2019 Site Added to Database A new site has been added to the database Mitzi Read
3/13/2019 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other On March 3, 2019 ADEC received "Fort Schwatka (Site 4) Draft Transformer Vault Characterization Work Plan". Rachael Petraeus
8/1/2019 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other On August 1, 2019 ADEC received a final version of Fort Schwatka (Site 4) Draft Transformer Vault Characterization Work Plan. ADEC had received a previous document submitted on March 6, 2019 and provided an approval letter on June 20, 2019. The document above is a revision of the approved work plan. Rachael Petraeus
11/5/2019 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other On November 05, 2019 ADEC received a draft "Fort Schwatka (Site 4) Draft Transformer Vault Characterization Report Unalaska, Alaska" report. Rachael Petraeus
12/5/2019 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other On December 05, 2019 ADEC has reviewed the draft "Fort Schwatka (Site 4) Draft Transformer Vault Characterization Report Unalaska, Alaska" report and provided comments. The report summarizes the characterization activities completed, included surveying and documenting the remaining equipment in the transformer vaults, sampling concrete surfaces and vault debris within the transformer vaults, and sampling surface soils outside of the transformer vaults. Rachael Petraeus
4/2/2020 Meeting or Teleconference Held On April 02, 2020 ADEC participated in a discussion meeting for comments regarding the "Fort Schwatka (Site 4) Draft Transformer Vault Characterization Report Unalaska, Alaska" dated December 2019. Rachael Petraeus
10/7/2022 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 80396 name: Transformer Vaults Cascade Galasso-Irish
6/30/2023 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC has received and reviewed two work plans for the 2023 season: Mt. Ballyhoo Battery and Stand-Alone Transformer Site Investigation Work Plan, and a Work Plan for Mt. Ballyhoo Recreation and Postal Exchange (Rec-PX) Transformer Vault Characterization and Removal Action. Field activities at the Rec-PX transformer will include removal of remaining electrical components and equipment, transformer oil sampling (if necessary), lead-based paint chip sampling, surface wipe sampling, sediment sampling and removal, concrete sampling, and surface soil sampling. The Technical Memorandum is an amendment to the primary Mt. Ballyhoo Transformer Vault Characterization and Removal Action Work Plan. This memorandum describes the methods that will be used during sampling activities at the Mt Ballyhoo Battery and Stand-Alone Transformer site, located on the southwest side of Fort Schwatka. Soil samples will be collected to identify any remaining contamination associated with the former batteries and transformer. Both work plans were approved by DEC on June 30, 2023. Cascade Galasso-Irish
3/12/2024 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC reviewed the Draft Final Mt. Ballyhoo Recreation and Postal Exchange (Rec-px) Transformer Vault Removal Action and Characterization / Battery And Stand-alone Transformer Site Investigation Report Unalaska, Alaska, dated February 2024. The report describes the investigation activities conducted during the spring of 2023 at the Recreation and Postal Exchange (Rec-PX) Transformer Vault at Mt. Ballyhoo in Unalaska, Alaska. Surface soil samples were collected and analyzed for diesel range organics (DRO), lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Lead was the only contaminant exceeding DEC’s most stringent cleanup levels. The report recommended the removal of existing lead contamination and further characterization of the subsurface near the transformer vault. DEC recommends that an additional analytical sample be collected, directly north of the existing lead exceedance, concurrent with the planned removal action, to ensure adequate delineation of lead in all cardinal directions. Ginna Quesada
9/4/2024 Meeting or Teleconference Held August 27, 2024 Qawalangin Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting USACE sites Several DEC staff attended the Qawalangin RAB meeting on October 27, 2024. Sites include Amaknak, Chernofski, Cape Wislow, Fort Learnard, and Ugadaga Bay FUDS. The meeting was both in person and virtual, and held at the Unalaska Public Library. In attendance was the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), ADEC, representatives of the Ounalashka Corporation, the RAB members, and several members of the public. The meeting focused on public comments regarding specific sites of concern and how sites are selected for upcoming seasonal work by the USACE. There is public concern regarding a site with contamination that could impact areas that have been cleaned, and questions regarding health issues of community members. The USACE listened to the public comments and answered questions. USACE will be working with the RAB to receive more public input, and they also agreed to meet with the Ounalashka Corporation. 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
1/21/2025 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC approved the Final Mt. Ballyhoo Recreation and Postal Exchange (Rec-px) Transformer Vault Removal Action and Characterization / Battery And Stand-alone Transformer Site Investigation Report Unalaska, Alaska, dated January 2025. The report describes the investigation activities conducted during the spring of 2023 at the Recreation and Postal Exchange (Rec-PX) Transformer Vault at Mt. Ballyhoo in Unalaska, Alaska. Surface soil samples were collected and analyzed for diesel range organics (DRO), lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Lead was the only contaminant exceeding DEC’s most stringent cleanup levels. The report recommended the removal of existing lead contamination and further characterization of the subsurface near the transformer vault. DEC recommends that an additional analytical sample be collected, directly north of the existing lead exceedance, concurrent with the planned removal action, to ensure adequate delineation of lead in all cardinal directions. Ginna Quesada

Contaminant Information

Name Level Description Media Comments

Control Type

Type Details

Requirements

Description Details
Hazard ID Site Name File Number
25714 Dutch Hbr-Mt. Ballyhoo Transformer Vaults 2542.38.014

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