Site Report: Bethel Radio Relay Station

Site Name:	Bethel Radio Relay Station
Address:	~5 miles W of, Bethel, Bethel, AK 99559
File Number:	2407.38.010
Hazard ID:	2831
Status:	Active
Staff:	Tim Sharp, 9074512131 tim.sharp@alaska.gov
Latitude:	60.778282
Longitude:	-161.885805
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.

Site Chronology
IC / Closure Details
Documents
Associated Sites

Problems/Comments

Vehicle maintenance facility (SS02) and equipment building (SS04) were razed and buried on site by 611 CES in 1990. Other drums were disposed of by 611 CES, but stained surface soils remain (LF07). Petroleum contaminated soil and shallow groundwater are present near the former fuel tank(s). 14-acre installation surrounded by wetlands. Formerly part of a much larger military withdrawl. Small fuel distribution facility on 100' x 100' gravel pad (SS01). Permafrost at 18-20' below ground surface. Groundwater at 9' to >25' below ground surface. Local residents use this area for hunting and berry picking.

Action Information

Action Date	Action	Description	DEC Staff
6/24/1989	Update or Other Action	Air Force provided ADEC a memorandum stating that a preliminary assessment was done at the Radio Relay Site (RRS) and that further work is necessary under the Installation Restoration Program.	John Halverson
7/13/1994	Update or Other Action	ADEC received a draft preliminary assessment report from the Air Force. It documents the presence of petroleum contaminated soil and groundwater (suprapermafrost), DDT in soil, and an on-site landfill that contains the fromer structures and debris from the site. The landfill was created in 1989 and 1990 when the Air Force tore down the site and buried the wastes beneath the gravel pad. Further investigation and/or cleanup were recommended.	John Halverson
9/6/1995	Update or Other Action	(Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). SI action added by Shannon and Wilson, Inc. on 02/11/1997, based on Air Force Relative Risk Evaluation Worksheet dated 9/6/95, which indicates SI is currently in phase. No other information available.	S&W-Miner
2/10/1997	Site Added to Database	Site added by Shannon and Wilson, Inc.	S&W-Miner
11/14/1997	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Final Management Action Plan submitted for the Bethel RRS. MAP includes: 1) restoration objectives; 2) identifies contaminated sites, condition of property; 3) IRP status summary; 4) installation-wide strategy; 5) master schedule of planned activities. Hard copy filed under 2407.38.008.	Sammi Castle
10/8/1999	Update or Other Action	Between 1996 and 1998, during the Air Force cleanup at the 27 acre BIA Adminstrative Site (former WACS and AWCS), approximately 9,000 cubic yards of petroleum contaminated soil were excavated and placed in a bioremediation cell located over the landfill at the RRS. Also, monitoring wells installed at the RRS during the PA were periodically sampled along with wells installed at the BIA site. Petroleum contaminated soil and shallow groundwater, the landfill and the biocell remain at this site and all still need to be addressed.	John Halverson
1/1/2001	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Year 2000 Biocell Performance Report dated January 2001. Activities conducted during the 2000 field season included: 1) turning the blower system on to route air through the injection lines 2) continue the treatment and discharge of precipitation water 3) collect performance samples 4) collect interim closure samples from the top three feet of soil in the biocell.	Sammi Castle
10/5/2001	Update or Other Action	Staff reviewed and responded to a letter from the Air Force proposing that ADEC determine groundwater beneath the site is not a potential future drinking water source and raising the soil cleanup levels to ten times the method two migration to groundwater cleanup levels. This would require an amendment to the record of decision. The ADEC letter describes the steps necessary to accomplish this.	John Halverson
2/6/2002	Update or Other Action	Staff discussed the biocell cleanup project status with the Air Force management. They plan to propose changing to landfarming, but not changing the soil cleanup levels. This would require an explanation of significant differences to the record of decision, but not formally changing the ROD.	John Halverson
7/23/2002	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Final Management Action Plan for Bethel Radio Relay Station dated July 2002.	Sammi Castle
10/29/2002	Update or Other Action	DEC and the Air Force signed an Explanation of Significant Difference, amending the Record of Decision of the Bethel BIA site. The remedy for soil placed in the biocell at the RRS was changed from treatment in a biocell to landfarming. Workplans still need to be reviewed and approved before the biocell is dismantled.	John Halverson
7/1/2003	Cleanup Plan Approved	DEC approved the landfarming plan that calls for dismantling the biocell containing soil from the BIA Administrative Site and landfarming the soil at the RRS. **Note, this is not a cleanup plan for the RRS, which still needs further characterization and cleanup work. Environmental Work and Quality Plans Part I - Project Activities Work Plan dated June 2003. Part II - Field Sampling Plan dated September 2002. Part III - Quality Assurance Program Plan dated September 2002.	Bob Glascott
12/19/2003	Update or Other Action	DEC recevied a Technical Memorandum of the Bethel Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Biocell Demolition and Landfarm Construction, Dec. 2003. The report describes closure of the biocell and construction of a fenced landfarming area.	John Halverson
2/8/2005	Update or Other Action	DEC received a final Technical Memorandum Bethel Bio-cell Soil Landfarming Remedial Action document, dated January 2005.	John Halverson
6/10/2005	Update or Other Action	DEC approved the landfarming technical memo and concurred no further soil treatment is required for the soil which was excavated from the BIA site, moved to a biocell at the RRS site and subsequently landfarmed in 2003-04. **Note, site characterization and cleanup work at the Bethel RRS site has not been completed and is planned for a later date.	John Halverson
7/26/2007	Update or Other Action	Staff sent the Air Force comment on the draft supplemental site investigation work plan	Debra Caillouet
9/19/2007	Update or Other Action	Staff sent comments on the draft RI work plan	Debra Caillouet
10/9/2007	Exposure Tracking Model Ranking		Debra Caillouet
11/6/2007	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan for Bethel RRS dated October 2007 and received by ADEC on this date. This document includes the work plan, sampling and analysis plan, health and safety plan, and data management plan.	Sammi Castle
7/31/2008	Update or Other Action	Comments were sent to the Air Force on the Draft Work Plan Addendum, Bethel Radio Relay Station, DDT and Septic Tank Outfall Area, Interim Removal Action. The plan had did not address the U listed DDT and staff requested the Air Force coordinate with EPA to determine the appropriate treatment, storage and disposal for the RCRA waste. The laboratory proposed for use is not a DEC approved lab.	Debra Caillouet
8/19/2008	Interim Removal Action Approved	The Work Plan Addendum, DDT and Septic Tank Outfall Area, Interim Removal Acion, Bethel Radio Relay Staion, Final August 2008 was approved.	Debra Caillouet
8/25/2008	Update or Other Action	Significant comment was sent to the Air Force on the Draft Remedail Investigation report for 2007 work.	Debra Caillouet
3/20/2009	Update or Other Action	Staff reviewed the draft IRA report and sent comment	Debra Caillouet
7/10/2009	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Staff reviewed and approved the supplemental IRA work plan.	Debra Caillouet
9/4/2009	Update or Other Action	Staff acknowledged receipt of the final Work Plan Addendum Supplement DDT and Septic Tank Outfall Area Interim Removal Action. The implementation of the work was approved based on the draft and there are no changes in the final.	Debra Caillouet
3/1/2010	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Final Report Remedial Investigation dated March 2010. The objectives of the RI were to characterize past hazardous waste disposal and spill areas, obtain characterization data to complete a baseline RA, and make recommendations for future remedial actions.	Sammi Castle
3/26/2010	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DDT and Septic Tank Outfall 2009 Interim Removal Action Report - Bethel Radio Relay Station Technical Memorandum dated March 26, 2010. The intent of the 2009 IRA was to excavate and dispose of any remaining in situ soil contamination of PCB in the former septic tank outfall and DDT in the DDT excavation. Conclusions from this report suggest that no further action is required with regard to the DDT excavation. The three final soil confirmation samples collected from the final excavation effort at the STO contained PCB just above the ADEC Cleanup levels, but are below ADEC's cumulative risk level for PCB. The remaining 60 to 70 cubic yards of stockpiled PCB-contaminated soil will require proper disposal in the future.	Sammi Castle
11/17/2010	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Final Supplemental Feasibility Study dated October 2010. The purpose of this report was to re-evaluate the disposal of PCB contaminated stockpiled soil with PCB concentrations of less than 10 mg/kg.	Sammi Castle
6/17/2011	CERCLA Proposed Plan	ADEC-CS staff reviewed and approved the final June, 2011 Proposed Plan	Curtis Dunkin
6/23/2011	CERCLA Proposed Plan	ADEC-CS staff participated in the public meeting for the June, 2011 Proposed Plan at the City Hall in Bethel, AK.	Curtis Dunkin
6/23/2011	Site Visit	While in Bethel to participate in the public meeting for the 2011 Proposed Plan, contaminated sites staff conducted a site visit of the Bethel RRS. One of the previous four radio relay towers remains standing and is planned for demolition disposal in the onsite landfill in 2011. Staff also inspected the POL Pad Site (SS001), the stockpile of PCB-contaminated soil that will be disposed offsite in 2011, the ground water monitoring wells associated with the POL Pad area, the Landfill/Pad Area (SS010), the DDT Area (SS006), and the STO Area (SS009). There is evidence of ongoing trespassing and vandalism, which is suspected to decrease significantly once the last remaining tower is demolished and buried in the landfill pad area.	Curtis Dunkin
8/8/2011	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Final Work Plan - PCB Contaminated Soil Stockpile Removal at ST001 Bethel RRS dated July, 2011. There is approximately 70 cubic yards (cy) of soil with PCB concentrations between 1.0 and 8.5 mg/Kg at the SS001 site. The soil with PCB concentrations between 1.0 and 8.5 mg/Kg will be containerized and shipped offsite to an approved landfill for disposal.	Sammi Castle
8/14/2011	Long Term Monitoring Established	As required by the final 2011 ROD, visual inspection and monitoring of the protective cap and exclusion fence will occur at least once every 5 years along with CERCLA 5-yr. reviews. The ROD also requires biennial sampling of groundwater to evaluate whether monitored natural attenuation of DRO-contaminated suprapermafrost groundwater at the site continues to progress at an acceptable rate.	Curtis Dunkin
8/14/2011	CERCLA ROD Approved	ADEC-CS staff reviewed the draft 2011 Bethel RRS Record of decision and submitted comments to the Air Force. After resolving comments and revision requests, ADEC reviewed and approved the final ROD, which was signed by John Halverson on August 09, 2011, and by the USAF on August 14, 2011. The selected remedies include removing and disposing of the PCB-contaminated soil off site, and implementing instutional controls; including maintaining current property records and land use controls in the Air Force's forthcoming Land Use Control Plan, visual inspection and monitoring of the protective cap and exclusion fence every 5 years, and biennial sampling of groundwater to evaluate whether monitored natural attenuation of DRO-contaminated suprapermafrost groundwater at the site continues to progress at an acceptable rate.	Curtis Dunkin
8/14/2011	Institutional Control Record Established	Institutional Controls established and entered into the database.	Curtis Dunkin
8/26/2011	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	ADEC-CS staff reviewed the draft 2011 Removal Action and Demolition Work Plan and submitted comments to the Air Force. After resolution of comments, ADEC approved the final work plan.	Curtis Dunkin
4/25/2012	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	ADEC-CS Staff reviewed the draft 2011 Removal Action and Demolition Report and submitted comments to the Air Force. After resolving comments, ADEC approved the final report. 2011 remedial efforts included removing and disposing of the 70 cu yard stockpile of PCB-contaminated soil offsite and the demolition and offsite disposal of the remaining radio relay tower.	Curtis Dunkin
8/17/2012	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	ADEC-CS staff reviewed the draft 2012 Site Inspection and Groundwater Monitoring Work Plan and submitted comments to the Air Force. After resolution of comments, ADEC approved the final work plan. Work is being conducted as required by the long-term monitoring controls outlined in the 2011 ROD.	Curtis Dunkin
3/7/2013	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	ADEC received the 2012 Site SS001 and PAD Area Annual Inspection and Biennial Groundwater Monitoring Letter Reports on this date. Damage to the northern gate, an exposed liner, surface water ponding, and erosion areas were observed.	Sammi Castle
6/11/2013	Exposure Tracking Model Ranking	A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 73807 Radar Station.	Curtis Dunkin
8/29/2014	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	ADEC contaminated sites staff reviewed the 2014 revised final long-term monitoring work plan for Site SS001 and submitted approval to the Air Force. Biennial monitoring is being conducted at site SS001 as required by the 2011 Record of Decision. Monitoring efforts planned for 2014 include the decommissioning of a previous groundwater monitoring well and the installation of a new monitoring well along with the collection of groundwater samples for analysis. Planned activities also include inspecting the landfill cap, perimeter exclusion fencing, and the installation of warning/no trespassing signs.	Curtis Dunkin
1/23/2015	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Final Technical Project Report - Biennial Groundwater Monitoring Site SS001 dated January 2015 and received by ADEC on this date. Field activities consisted of decommissioning damaged well MW-19RRS, installing replacement well MW-19RRS-R, monitoring site groundwater, performing visual inspection, photo documentation, and repair of existing fencing, signage, and Pad Area soil cap.	Sammi Castle
11/18/2015	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Final Project Activities Addendum to the 2014 LTM Work Plan Bethel Radio Relay Station Site SS001 dated November 2015 and received by ADEC on this date. This document summarizes the procedures for conducting site restoration by placement of 100cy of clean backfill for an erosion ditch, repair of fencing and gates, sampling of a groundwater monitor well and securing all wells with new locks.	Sammi Castle
6/16/2017	Institutional Control Periodic Reporting	DEC approved the 2016 Site SS001 First Five-Year Report. The report concludes that the remedy is protective of human health and the environment. To maintain long-term protectiveness, concerns raised by DEC regarding the remedy performance, including the efficacy of the exclusion measures and the integrity of the soil cap, will have to be addressed. Site inspections will be increased to 2 times per year for the first 2 years (once in the spring, and once in the fall) to ensure that the exclusion measures are maintained. Additionally, the USAF will conduct additional public outreach in Bethel to communicate the hazards associated with Site SS001.	Joy Whitsel
8/17/2017	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC approved the final work plan addendum to the 2014 Work Plan for Biennial Groundwater Monitoring Site SS001. The work plan addendum describes the environmental monitoring and site investigation activities that will be performed at the SS001 operating unit. The monitoring activities will consist of the collection groundwater depth measurements and the investigation for free product from both site monitoring wells and the collection of groundwater samples from monitoring well MW19RRS-R for analysis of DRO concentrations. In addition, the project field team will inspect the condition of the existing landfill cap and assess the effectiveness of the cap and the established land use controls (LUCs) in mitigating exposure to the residual site contaminants.	Joy Whitsel
2/28/2018	Update or Other Action	DEC Approval – Final Remedial Action-Operations / Long-Term Management Report, Bethel Radio Relay Station, Site SS001, February 2018 detailing the assessment of the land use controls including signage and fencing; the inspection of the landfill cap, and monitoring of groundwater. Most of the signage is undamaged and the integrity of the fencing is intact, however two gates have been damaged. The landfill cap is reported to be in good condition and free of erosion. Groundwater contamination was documented as elevated compared to previous sampling events with DRO detected at 6.54 mg/L, more than ten times higher than the concentration reported in 2016. DEC concurs that continued groundwater monitoring at Bethel Radio Relay Station and further outreach regarding the hazards of the site to the Bethel community are necessary.	Gretchen Caudill
3/18/2019	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC Comments - LTM WP DEC is concerned that the concentration of DRO in groundwater recorded in 2017 may indicate an unevaluated source area and/or presence of NAPL. Given the increasing concentrations of DRO recorded since 2014, DEC recommends a more robust, current evaluation of groundwater at the RRS site. • DEC recommends evaluating for additional contaminants in groundwater, particularly PCBs and pesticides, to ensure petroleum is not mobilizing other contamination remaining on site. • Additional site characterization may be warranted at the site. In reference to the PAD area the 2011 Record of Decision (ROD) states it is currently unknown if contaminants detected along the perimeter may be migrating offsite via seeps into the adjacent wetlands, due to the wide range and significant concentrations levels of analytes that were actually detected in groundwater and subsurface soil samples. Further, remaining DDT and PCB contamination outside of the PAD area exceeds current DEC migration to groundwater and human health cleanup levels, respectively.	Gretchen Caudill
7/2/2019	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC Approval - LTM WP.	Gretchen Caudill
1/9/2020	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC approved the Final 2019 SS001 Environmental Long Term Monitoring Report, Bethel Radio Relay Station, Bethel, AK, Dated December 2019. Monitoring activities included an institutional control (IC) inspection, visual inspection of the soil cap integrity, and groundwater sampling. The IC inspection found evidence of trespass, vandalism, and damaged signage in need of replacement. Weathered signage was replaced and the two access gates were secured with new chains and locks to prevent trespassing. The soil cap was found to be in good condition. Additionally, two groundwater samples taken at MW-19RRS found no exceedances of diesel range organics (DRO) cleanup levels. It is stated that groundwater monitoring activities will continue until at least three consecutive sampling events show no DRO exceedances, while IC inspections will continue to occur at least once every five years. It is also recommended that an annual attempt be made to secure the fencing, gates, and locks at the site due to persistent vandalism and trespass.	Kevin Fraley
9/3/2020	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC approved 2020 Supplemental Work Plan for RAO/LUC/IC Long Term Monitoring. MW-19RRS-R will be sampled to see if DRO concentrations are still below Table C. The landfill cap and signs, along with other ICs, will be inspected annually. Vandalism and trespassing have been common at the site, and the northwestern gate will be replaced. Details of the construction are unclear, but will be explained in the report.	Tim Sharp
3/1/2021	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC sent comments on the Draft RAO and IC/LUC for SS001. DRO was detected below Table C in the one monitoring well sampled. The report recommends further biennial groundwater sampling to ensure DRO concentrations are stable or decreasing. Vandalism remains a problem at the site, and the AF may install a more secure system in the future to prevent trespassing. Comments focused on the remaining concentrations of PCBs and DDT possibly present at the site, which will hopefully be addressed in the next FYR for the site. The RPD of the groundwater DRO sample and its duplicate were outside of reasonable acceptance levels, and so DRO levels were flagged as estimated. The LCS duplicate was also missing.	Tim Sharp
5/28/2021	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC Approved the Final 2020 LTM Report, all comments were incorporated and recommendations were addressed.	Tim Sharp
6/11/2021	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC sent comments for the Draft 2021 LTM RAO UFP-QAPP. Comments focused on incorporating recommendations and observations from the 2020 LTM Report into the new QAPP. The site work consists of sampling one well for DRO and conducting IC inspections. It is uncertain if or how necessary repairs will be implemented.	Tim Sharp
7/26/2021	Exposure Tracking Model Ranking	A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 73807 Radar Station.	Tim Sharp
8/18/2021	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC approved the Final LTM/RAO UFP-QAPP. Minor repairs of ICs will be addressed in the current contract, and DEC requested allocations for major repairs be included in the next contract or a modification of the current contract.	Tim Sharp
4/28/2022	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC sent comments on the Draft 2021 Long Term Monitoring and Institutional and Land Use Controls Report. The gate and fencing requires repairs as the area has been trespassed upon. Diesel range organics were detected just above the Table C value in the duplicate sample, while the primary sample fell below Table C but was estimated and biased low. Continued biennial sampling is recommended. Minor erosion and damage to an erosion control device were observed and should be addressed by future work at the site.	Tim Sharp
6/2/2022	Site Visit	DEC personnel conducted a site visit to this area. Gates to the region have been cut or unlocked via vandalism.	Tim Sharp
8/1/2022	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC Approved the Final 2021 Long Term Management Land Use and Institutional Controls Report for Site SS001.	Tim Sharp
12/12/2022	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	ADEC submitted comments for the Draft 2022 Five-Year Review for Site SS001 at Bethel Radio Relay Station (RRS). The Five-Year Review details the summary of the site history, contaminants, and land use or engineering controls at the Bethel Radio Relay Site (RRS). The site has a history of trespassing and vandalism of the fencing surrounding SS001. The Five-Year Review determines remedies at SS001 are protective of human health and the environment in the short term, but future protectiveness may be affected by issues at the site. ADEC comments consisted of requesting further information about recommendations for removal of fencing or improvements to prevent trespassing at the site.	Tim Sharp
2/14/2023	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC requested further information in the Five Year Review comment responses, including cap thickness, amount of additional material proposed to be added, reseeding information, etc. DEC also requests a Notice of Activity and Use Limitation be recorded, as the Notice of Environmental Contamination was recorded after the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act was promulgated, the NEC does not mention polychlorinated biphenyls, and identifies fencing as a land use control, which the FYR is proposing to be removed. USAF will also require post-Record of Decision documentation, such as an Explanation of Significant Differences, to capture the change in the remedy.	Tim Sharp
3/21/2023	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC approved the Final 2022 Five-Year Review (FYR) for Site SS001 at Bethel Radio Relay Site (RRS). The FYR determines remedies at SS001 are protective of human health and the environment in the short term, but future protectiveness may be affected by issues at the site. The FYR recommends removing the fence while ensuring protectiveness of the remedy, as well as curtailing erosion by applying native grass seed to the soil cap. The FYR also recommends a Notice of Activity and Use Limitation (NAUL) be prepared and recorded in accordance with the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act (UECA), which will identify polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination and the land use controls (LUCs) to be implemented. Community outreach is also recommended to raise awareness of site contaminants and soil cap integrity maintenance.	Tim Sharp
4/25/2023	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC reviewed and commented on the Draft 2022 Long Term Management (LTM), Land Use and Institutional Controls (IC) Report for the Bethel Radio Relay Station. The report summarized groundwater sampling and results, as well as IC inspections, including landfill cap inspections. The groundwater data analysis indicates concentrations of diesel range organics (DRO) are increasing at the site. The southern gate fencing has been vandalized to allow access to the site by vehicles, which was repaired by the field team. The report recommends continued annual groundwater monitoring and inspections of the ICs in place at the site.	Tim Sharp
6/8/2023	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC approved the Final 2022 Long Term Management, Land Use and Institutional Controls Report on this date.	Tim Sharp
9/18/2023	CERCLA PA	DEC completed a review of the Draft Preliminary Assessment (PA) Report for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Areas at the Bethel Radio Relay Station (RRS). The PA Report evaluates if a potential environmental release of AFFF occurred from historical storage or use at fire training areas (FTAs) or other areas through historical records review and interviews with individuals who were present at the site when AFFF may have been stored or used. The PA Report states that there were no potential AFFF storage, use, or release locations identified at the Bethel RRS and therefore the Bethel RRS is recommended for No Further Remedial Action Planned (NFRAP).	Tim Sharp
11/20/2023	CERCLA PA	DEC approved the Final Preliminary Assessment Report for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Areas at the Bethel Radio Relay Station on this date.	Tim Sharp
2/16/2024	Institutional Control Periodic Reporting	DEC submitted comments on the Draft 2023 Long Term Monitoring Report. Comments regarded future protectiveness and recommendations of reseeding eroded areas and additional sampling.	Tim Sharp
5/8/2024	Long Term Monitoring Workplan or Report Review	DEC Approved the 2023 LTM Report on this date.	Tim Sharp
12/11/2024	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC has completed a review of the Draft Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the Bethel Radio Relay Station, SS001. The ESD details a proposed change from the Record of Decision (ROD), signed by the Air Force (USAF) on August 14, 2011. USAF proposes to increase and maintain the thickness of the current cap on site to 24 inches and remove the exclusion fence, which has routinely been cut or otherwise vandalized to allow trespassing. DEC provided comments on the document on this date.	Tim Sharp
2/27/2025	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC has reviewed the 2024 Long Term Management (LTM), Land Use and Institutional Controls (ICs) Report, which details the 2024 LTM activities performed at the Bethel Radio Relay Station (RRS). The report summarized groundwater sampling and results, as well as IC inspections, including landfill cap inspections. The groundwater data analysis indicates concentrations of diesel range organics (DRO) are increasing at the site. The report recommends continued annual groundwater monitoring, decommissioning and replacement of monitoring well MW-19RRS-R, and continued inspections of the ICs in place at the site.	Tim Sharp

Action Date

Action

Description

DEC Staff

6/24/1989

Update or Other Action

Air Force provided ADEC a memorandum stating that a preliminary assessment was done at the Radio Relay Site (RRS) and that further work is necessary under the Installation Restoration Program.

John Halverson

7/13/1994

Update or Other Action

ADEC received a draft preliminary assessment report from the Air Force. It documents the presence of petroleum contaminated soil and groundwater (suprapermafrost), DDT in soil, and an on-site landfill that contains the fromer structures and debris from the site. The landfill was created in 1989 and 1990 when the Air Force tore down the site and buried the wastes beneath the gravel pad. Further investigation and/or cleanup were recommended.

John Halverson

9/6/1995

Update or Other Action

(Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). SI action added by Shannon and Wilson, Inc. on 02/11/1997, based on Air Force Relative Risk Evaluation Worksheet dated 9/6/95, which indicates SI is currently in phase. No other information available.

S&W-Miner

2/10/1997

Site Added to Database

Site added by Shannon and Wilson, Inc.

S&W-Miner

11/14/1997

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Final Management Action Plan submitted for the Bethel RRS. MAP includes: 1) restoration objectives; 2) identifies contaminated sites, condition of property; 3) IRP status summary; 4) installation-wide strategy; 5) master schedule of planned activities. Hard copy filed under 2407.38.008.

Sammi Castle

10/8/1999

Update or Other Action

Between 1996 and 1998, during the Air Force cleanup at the 27 acre BIA Adminstrative Site (former WACS and AWCS), approximately 9,000 cubic yards of petroleum contaminated soil were excavated and placed in a bioremediation cell located over the landfill at the RRS. Also, monitoring wells installed at the RRS during the PA were periodically sampled along with wells installed at the BIA site. Petroleum contaminated soil and shallow groundwater, the landfill and the biocell remain at this site and all still need to be addressed.

John Halverson

1/1/2001

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Year 2000 Biocell Performance Report dated January 2001. Activities conducted during the 2000 field season included: 1) turning the blower system on to route air through the injection lines 2) continue the treatment and discharge of precipitation water 3) collect performance samples 4) collect interim closure samples from the top three feet of soil in the biocell.

Sammi Castle

10/5/2001

Update or Other Action

Staff reviewed and responded to a letter from the Air Force proposing that ADEC determine groundwater beneath the site is not a potential future drinking water source and raising the soil cleanup levels to ten times the method two migration to groundwater cleanup levels. This would require an amendment to the record of decision. The ADEC letter describes the steps necessary to accomplish this.

John Halverson

2/6/2002

Update or Other Action

Staff discussed the biocell cleanup project status with the Air Force management. They plan to propose changing to landfarming, but not changing the soil cleanup levels. This would require an explanation of significant differences to the record of decision, but not formally changing the ROD.

John Halverson

7/23/2002

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Final Management Action Plan for Bethel Radio Relay Station dated July 2002.

Sammi Castle

10/29/2002

Update or Other Action

DEC and the Air Force signed an Explanation of Significant Difference, amending the Record of Decision of the Bethel BIA site. The remedy for soil placed in the biocell at the RRS was changed from treatment in a biocell to landfarming. Workplans still need to be reviewed and approved before the biocell is dismantled.

John Halverson

7/1/2003

Cleanup Plan Approved

DEC approved the landfarming plan that calls for dismantling the biocell containing soil from the BIA Administrative Site and landfarming the soil at the RRS. **Note, this is not a cleanup plan for the RRS, which still needs further characterization and cleanup work. Environmental Work and Quality Plans Part I - Project Activities Work Plan dated June 2003. Part II - Field Sampling Plan dated September 2002. Part III - Quality Assurance Program Plan dated September 2002.

Bob Glascott

12/19/2003

Update or Other Action

DEC recevied a Technical Memorandum of the Bethel Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Biocell Demolition and Landfarm Construction, Dec. 2003. The report describes closure of the biocell and construction of a fenced landfarming area.

John Halverson

2/8/2005

Update or Other Action

DEC received a final Technical Memorandum Bethel Bio-cell Soil Landfarming Remedial Action document, dated January 2005.

John Halverson

6/10/2005

Update or Other Action

DEC approved the landfarming technical memo and concurred no further soil treatment is required for the soil which was excavated from the BIA site, moved to a biocell at the RRS site and subsequently landfarmed in 2003-04. **Note, site characterization and cleanup work at the Bethel RRS site has not been completed and is planned for a later date.

John Halverson

7/26/2007

Update or Other Action

Staff sent the Air Force comment on the draft supplemental site investigation work plan

Debra Caillouet

9/19/2007

Update or Other Action

Staff sent comments on the draft RI work plan

Debra Caillouet

10/9/2007

Exposure Tracking Model Ranking

Debra Caillouet

11/6/2007

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan for Bethel RRS dated October 2007 and received by ADEC on this date. This document includes the work plan, sampling and analysis plan, health and safety plan, and data management plan.

Sammi Castle

7/31/2008

Update or Other Action

Comments were sent to the Air Force on the Draft Work Plan Addendum, Bethel Radio Relay Station, DDT and Septic Tank Outfall Area, Interim Removal Action. The plan had did not address the U listed DDT and staff requested the Air Force coordinate with EPA to determine the appropriate treatment, storage and disposal for the RCRA waste. The laboratory proposed for use is not a DEC approved lab.

Debra Caillouet

8/19/2008

Interim Removal Action Approved

The Work Plan Addendum, DDT and Septic Tank Outfall Area, Interim Removal Acion, Bethel Radio Relay Staion, Final August 2008 was approved.

Debra Caillouet

8/25/2008

Update or Other Action

Significant comment was sent to the Air Force on the Draft Remedail Investigation report for 2007 work.

Debra Caillouet

3/20/2009

Update or Other Action

Staff reviewed the draft IRA report and sent comment

Debra Caillouet

7/10/2009

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Staff reviewed and approved the supplemental IRA work plan.

Debra Caillouet

9/4/2009

Update or Other Action

Staff acknowledged receipt of the final Work Plan Addendum Supplement DDT and Septic Tank Outfall Area Interim Removal Action. The implementation of the work was approved based on the draft and there are no changes in the final.

Debra Caillouet

3/1/2010

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Final Report Remedial Investigation dated March 2010. The objectives of the RI were to characterize past hazardous waste disposal and spill areas, obtain characterization data to complete a baseline RA, and make recommendations for future remedial actions.

Sammi Castle

3/26/2010

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DDT and Septic Tank Outfall 2009 Interim Removal Action Report - Bethel Radio Relay Station Technical Memorandum dated March 26, 2010. The intent of the 2009 IRA was to excavate and dispose of any remaining in situ soil contamination of PCB in the former septic tank outfall and DDT in the DDT excavation. Conclusions from this report suggest that no further action is required with regard to the DDT excavation. The three final soil confirmation samples collected from the final excavation effort at the STO contained PCB just above the ADEC Cleanup levels, but are below ADEC's cumulative risk level for PCB. The remaining 60 to 70 cubic yards of stockpiled PCB-contaminated soil will require proper disposal in the future.

Sammi Castle

11/17/2010

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Final Supplemental Feasibility Study dated October 2010. The purpose of this report was to re-evaluate the disposal of PCB contaminated stockpiled soil with PCB concentrations of less than 10 mg/kg.

Sammi Castle

6/17/2011

CERCLA Proposed Plan

ADEC-CS staff reviewed and approved the final June, 2011 Proposed Plan

Curtis Dunkin

6/23/2011

CERCLA Proposed Plan

ADEC-CS staff participated in the public meeting for the June, 2011 Proposed Plan at the City Hall in Bethel, AK.

Curtis Dunkin

6/23/2011

Site Visit

While in Bethel to participate in the public meeting for the 2011 Proposed Plan, contaminated sites staff conducted a site visit of the Bethel RRS. One of the previous four radio relay towers remains standing and is planned for demolition disposal in the onsite landfill in 2011. Staff also inspected the POL Pad Site (SS001), the stockpile of PCB-contaminated soil that will be disposed offsite in 2011, the ground water monitoring wells associated with the POL Pad area, the Landfill/Pad Area (SS010), the DDT Area (SS006), and the STO Area (SS009). There is evidence of ongoing trespassing and vandalism, which is suspected to decrease significantly once the last remaining tower is demolished and buried in the landfill pad area.

Curtis Dunkin

8/8/2011

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Final Work Plan - PCB Contaminated Soil Stockpile Removal at ST001 Bethel RRS dated July, 2011. There is approximately 70 cubic yards (cy) of soil with PCB concentrations between 1.0 and 8.5 mg/Kg at the SS001 site. The soil with PCB concentrations between 1.0 and 8.5 mg/Kg will be containerized and shipped offsite to an approved landfill for disposal.

Sammi Castle

8/14/2011

Long Term Monitoring Established

As required by the final 2011 ROD, visual inspection and monitoring of the protective cap and exclusion fence will occur at least once every 5 years along with CERCLA 5-yr. reviews. The ROD also requires biennial sampling of groundwater to evaluate whether monitored natural attenuation of DRO-contaminated suprapermafrost groundwater at the site continues to progress at an acceptable rate.

Curtis Dunkin

8/14/2011

CERCLA ROD Approved

ADEC-CS staff reviewed the draft 2011 Bethel RRS Record of decision and submitted comments to the Air Force. After resolving comments and revision requests, ADEC reviewed and approved the final ROD, which was signed by John Halverson on August 09, 2011, and by the USAF on August 14, 2011. The selected remedies include removing and disposing of the PCB-contaminated soil off site, and implementing instutional controls; including maintaining current property records and land use controls in the Air Force's forthcoming Land Use Control Plan, visual inspection and monitoring of the protective cap and exclusion fence every 5 years, and biennial sampling of groundwater to evaluate whether monitored natural attenuation of DRO-contaminated suprapermafrost groundwater at the site continues to progress at an acceptable rate.

Curtis Dunkin

8/14/2011

Institutional Control Record Established

Institutional Controls established and entered into the database.

Curtis Dunkin

8/26/2011

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

ADEC-CS staff reviewed the draft 2011 Removal Action and Demolition Work Plan and submitted comments to the Air Force. After resolution of comments, ADEC approved the final work plan.

Curtis Dunkin

4/25/2012

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

ADEC-CS Staff reviewed the draft 2011 Removal Action and Demolition Report and submitted comments to the Air Force. After resolving comments, ADEC approved the final report. 2011 remedial efforts included removing and disposing of the 70 cu yard stockpile of PCB-contaminated soil offsite and the demolition and offsite disposal of the remaining radio relay tower.

Curtis Dunkin

8/17/2012

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

ADEC-CS staff reviewed the draft 2012 Site Inspection and Groundwater Monitoring Work Plan and submitted comments to the Air Force. After resolution of comments, ADEC approved the final work plan. Work is being conducted as required by the long-term monitoring controls outlined in the 2011 ROD.

Curtis Dunkin

3/7/2013

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

ADEC received the 2012 Site SS001 and PAD Area Annual Inspection and Biennial Groundwater Monitoring Letter Reports on this date. Damage to the northern gate, an exposed liner, surface water ponding, and erosion areas were observed.

Sammi Castle

6/11/2013

Exposure Tracking Model Ranking

A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 73807 Radar Station.

Curtis Dunkin

8/29/2014

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

ADEC contaminated sites staff reviewed the 2014 revised final long-term monitoring work plan for Site SS001 and submitted approval to the Air Force. Biennial monitoring is being conducted at site SS001 as required by the 2011 Record of Decision. Monitoring efforts planned for 2014 include the decommissioning of a previous groundwater monitoring well and the installation of a new monitoring well along with the collection of groundwater samples for analysis. Planned activities also include inspecting the landfill cap, perimeter exclusion fencing, and the installation of warning/no trespassing signs.

Curtis Dunkin

1/23/2015

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Final Technical Project Report - Biennial Groundwater Monitoring Site SS001 dated January 2015 and received by ADEC on this date. Field activities consisted of decommissioning damaged well MW-19RRS, installing replacement well MW-19RRS-R, monitoring site groundwater, performing visual inspection, photo documentation, and repair of existing fencing, signage, and Pad Area soil cap.

Sammi Castle

11/18/2015

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Final Project Activities Addendum to the 2014 LTM Work Plan Bethel Radio Relay Station Site SS001 dated November 2015 and received by ADEC on this date. This document summarizes the procedures for conducting site restoration by placement of 100cy of clean backfill for an erosion ditch, repair of fencing and gates, sampling of a groundwater monitor well and securing all wells with new locks.

Sammi Castle

6/16/2017

Institutional Control Periodic Reporting

DEC approved the 2016 Site SS001 First Five-Year Report. The report concludes that the remedy is protective of human health and the environment. To maintain long-term protectiveness, concerns raised by DEC regarding the remedy performance, including the efficacy of the exclusion measures and the integrity of the soil cap, will have to be addressed. Site inspections will be increased to 2 times per year for the first 2 years (once in the spring, and once in the fall) to ensure that the exclusion measures are maintained. Additionally, the USAF will conduct additional public outreach in Bethel to communicate the hazards associated with Site SS001.

Joy Whitsel

8/17/2017

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC approved the final work plan addendum to the 2014 Work Plan for Biennial Groundwater Monitoring Site SS001. The work plan addendum describes the environmental monitoring and site investigation activities that will be performed at the SS001 operating unit. The monitoring activities will consist of the collection groundwater depth measurements and the investigation for free product from both site monitoring wells and the collection of groundwater samples from monitoring well MW19RRS-R for analysis of DRO concentrations. In addition, the project field team will inspect the condition of the existing landfill cap and assess the effectiveness of the cap and the established land use controls (LUCs) in mitigating exposure to the residual site contaminants.

Joy Whitsel

2/28/2018

Update or Other Action

DEC Approval – Final Remedial Action-Operations / Long-Term Management Report, Bethel Radio Relay Station, Site SS001, February 2018 detailing the assessment of the land use controls including signage and fencing; the inspection of the landfill cap, and monitoring of groundwater. Most of the signage is undamaged and the integrity of the fencing is intact, however two gates have been damaged. The landfill cap is reported to be in good condition and free of erosion. Groundwater contamination was documented as elevated compared to previous sampling events with DRO detected at 6.54 mg/L, more than ten times higher than the concentration reported in 2016. DEC concurs that continued groundwater monitoring at Bethel Radio Relay Station and further outreach regarding the hazards of the site to the Bethel community are necessary.

Gretchen Caudill

3/18/2019

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC Comments - LTM WP DEC is concerned that the concentration of DRO in groundwater recorded in 2017 may indicate an unevaluated source area and/or presence of NAPL. Given the increasing concentrations of DRO recorded since 2014, DEC recommends a more robust, current evaluation of groundwater at the RRS site. • DEC recommends evaluating for additional contaminants in groundwater, particularly PCBs and pesticides, to ensure petroleum is not mobilizing other contamination remaining on site. • Additional site characterization may be warranted at the site. In reference to the PAD area the 2011 Record of Decision (ROD) states it is currently unknown if contaminants detected along the perimeter may be migrating offsite via seeps into the adjacent wetlands, due to the wide range and significant concentrations levels of analytes that were actually detected in groundwater and subsurface soil samples. Further, remaining DDT and PCB contamination outside of the PAD area exceeds current DEC migration to groundwater and human health cleanup levels, respectively.

Gretchen Caudill

7/2/2019

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC Approval - LTM WP.

Gretchen Caudill

1/9/2020

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC approved the Final 2019 SS001 Environmental Long Term Monitoring Report, Bethel Radio Relay Station, Bethel, AK, Dated December 2019. Monitoring activities included an institutional control (IC) inspection, visual inspection of the soil cap integrity, and groundwater sampling. The IC inspection found evidence of trespass, vandalism, and damaged signage in need of replacement. Weathered signage was replaced and the two access gates were secured with new chains and locks to prevent trespassing. The soil cap was found to be in good condition. Additionally, two groundwater samples taken at MW-19RRS found no exceedances of diesel range organics (DRO) cleanup levels. It is stated that groundwater monitoring activities will continue until at least three consecutive sampling events show no DRO exceedances, while IC inspections will continue to occur at least once every five years. It is also recommended that an annual attempt be made to secure the fencing, gates, and locks at the site due to persistent vandalism and trespass.

Kevin Fraley

9/3/2020

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC approved 2020 Supplemental Work Plan for RAO/LUC/IC Long Term Monitoring. MW-19RRS-R will be sampled to see if DRO concentrations are still below Table C. The landfill cap and signs, along with other ICs, will be inspected annually. Vandalism and trespassing have been common at the site, and the northwestern gate will be replaced. Details of the construction are unclear, but will be explained in the report.

Tim Sharp

3/1/2021

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC sent comments on the Draft RAO and IC/LUC for SS001. DRO was detected below Table C in the one monitoring well sampled. The report recommends further biennial groundwater sampling to ensure DRO concentrations are stable or decreasing. Vandalism remains a problem at the site, and the AF may install a more secure system in the future to prevent trespassing. Comments focused on the remaining concentrations of PCBs and DDT possibly present at the site, which will hopefully be addressed in the next FYR for the site. The RPD of the groundwater DRO sample and its duplicate were outside of reasonable acceptance levels, and so DRO levels were flagged as estimated. The LCS duplicate was also missing.

Tim Sharp

5/28/2021

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC Approved the Final 2020 LTM Report, all comments were incorporated and recommendations were addressed.

Tim Sharp

6/11/2021

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC sent comments for the Draft 2021 LTM RAO UFP-QAPP. Comments focused on incorporating recommendations and observations from the 2020 LTM Report into the new QAPP. The site work consists of sampling one well for DRO and conducting IC inspections. It is uncertain if or how necessary repairs will be implemented.

Tim Sharp

7/26/2021

Exposure Tracking Model Ranking

A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 73807 Radar Station.

Tim Sharp

8/18/2021

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC approved the Final LTM/RAO UFP-QAPP. Minor repairs of ICs will be addressed in the current contract, and DEC requested allocations for major repairs be included in the next contract or a modification of the current contract.

Tim Sharp

4/28/2022

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC sent comments on the Draft 2021 Long Term Monitoring and Institutional and Land Use Controls Report. The gate and fencing requires repairs as the area has been trespassed upon. Diesel range organics were detected just above the Table C value in the duplicate sample, while the primary sample fell below Table C but was estimated and biased low. Continued biennial sampling is recommended. Minor erosion and damage to an erosion control device were observed and should be addressed by future work at the site.

Tim Sharp

6/2/2022

Site Visit

DEC personnel conducted a site visit to this area. Gates to the region have been cut or unlocked via vandalism.

Tim Sharp

8/1/2022

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC Approved the Final 2021 Long Term Management Land Use and Institutional Controls Report for Site SS001.

Tim Sharp

12/12/2022

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

ADEC submitted comments for the Draft 2022 Five-Year Review for Site SS001 at Bethel Radio Relay Station (RRS). The Five-Year Review details the summary of the site history, contaminants, and land use or engineering controls at the Bethel Radio Relay Site (RRS). The site has a history of trespassing and vandalism of the fencing surrounding SS001. The Five-Year Review determines remedies at SS001 are protective of human health and the environment in the short term, but future protectiveness may be affected by issues at the site. ADEC comments consisted of requesting further information about recommendations for removal of fencing or improvements to prevent trespassing at the site.

Tim Sharp

2/14/2023

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC requested further information in the Five Year Review comment responses, including cap thickness, amount of additional material proposed to be added, reseeding information, etc. DEC also requests a Notice of Activity and Use Limitation be recorded, as the Notice of Environmental Contamination was recorded after the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act was promulgated, the NEC does not mention polychlorinated biphenyls, and identifies fencing as a land use control, which the FYR is proposing to be removed. USAF will also require post-Record of Decision documentation, such as an Explanation of Significant Differences, to capture the change in the remedy.

Tim Sharp

3/21/2023

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC approved the Final 2022 Five-Year Review (FYR) for Site SS001 at Bethel Radio Relay Site (RRS). The FYR determines remedies at SS001 are protective of human health and the environment in the short term, but future protectiveness may be affected by issues at the site. The FYR recommends removing the fence while ensuring protectiveness of the remedy, as well as curtailing erosion by applying native grass seed to the soil cap. The FYR also recommends a Notice of Activity and Use Limitation (NAUL) be prepared and recorded in accordance with the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act (UECA), which will identify polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination and the land use controls (LUCs) to be implemented. Community outreach is also recommended to raise awareness of site contaminants and soil cap integrity maintenance.

Tim Sharp

4/25/2023

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC reviewed and commented on the Draft 2022 Long Term Management (LTM), Land Use and Institutional Controls (IC) Report for the Bethel Radio Relay Station. The report summarized groundwater sampling and results, as well as IC inspections, including landfill cap inspections. The groundwater data analysis indicates concentrations of diesel range organics (DRO) are increasing at the site. The southern gate fencing has been vandalized to allow access to the site by vehicles, which was repaired by the field team. The report recommends continued annual groundwater monitoring and inspections of the ICs in place at the site.

Tim Sharp

6/8/2023

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC approved the Final 2022 Long Term Management, Land Use and Institutional Controls Report on this date.

Tim Sharp

9/18/2023

CERCLA PA

DEC completed a review of the Draft Preliminary Assessment (PA) Report for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Areas at the Bethel Radio Relay Station (RRS). The PA Report evaluates if a potential environmental release of AFFF occurred from historical storage or use at fire training areas (FTAs) or other areas through historical records review and interviews with individuals who were present at the site when AFFF may have been stored or used. The PA Report states that there were no potential AFFF storage, use, or release locations identified at the Bethel RRS and therefore the Bethel RRS is recommended for No Further Remedial Action Planned (NFRAP).

Tim Sharp

11/20/2023

CERCLA PA

DEC approved the Final Preliminary Assessment Report for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Areas at the Bethel Radio Relay Station on this date.

Tim Sharp

2/16/2024

Institutional Control Periodic Reporting

DEC submitted comments on the Draft 2023 Long Term Monitoring Report. Comments regarded future protectiveness and recommendations of reseeding eroded areas and additional sampling.

Tim Sharp

5/8/2024

Long Term Monitoring Workplan or Report Review

DEC Approved the 2023 LTM Report on this date.

Tim Sharp

12/11/2024

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC has completed a review of the Draft Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the Bethel Radio Relay Station, SS001. The ESD details a proposed change from the Record of Decision (ROD), signed by the Air Force (USAF) on August 14, 2011. USAF proposes to increase and maintain the thickness of the current cap on site to 24 inches and remove the exclusion fence, which has routinely been cut or otherwise vandalized to allow trespassing. DEC provided comments on the document on this date.

Tim Sharp

2/27/2025

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC has reviewed the 2024 Long Term Management (LTM), Land Use and Institutional Controls (ICs) Report, which details the 2024 LTM activities performed at the Bethel Radio Relay Station (RRS). The report summarized groundwater sampling and results, as well as IC inspections, including landfill cap inspections. The groundwater data analysis indicates concentrations of diesel range organics (DRO) are increasing at the site. The report recommends continued annual groundwater monitoring, decommissioning and replacement of monitoring well MW-19RRS-R, and continued inspections of the ICs in place at the site.

Tim Sharp

Contaminant Information

Name	Level Description	Media	Comments
DRO	Other	Groundwater
DRO	Other	Soil

Name

Level Description

Media

Comments

DRO

Other

Groundwater

DRO

Other

Soil

Control Type

Type	Details
Land Use Plan / Maps / Base Master Plan

Type

Details

Land Use Plan / Maps / Base Master Plan

Requirements

Description	Details
Groundwater Monitoring	Site inspections of the protective cap and exclusion fence surrounding the landfill every 5 years and biennial ground water monitoring to evaluate whether MNA continues at an acceptable rate

Description

Details

Groundwater Monitoring

Site inspections of the protective cap and exclusion fence surrounding the landfill every 5 years and biennial ground water monitoring to evaluate whether MNA continues at an acceptable rate

Final 2023 LTM Report

Final 2017 Five Year Review

Final 2022 Five Year Review

Final August 2011 Record of Decision for Bethel RRS

No associated sites were found.

Missing Location Data

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Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Site Report: Bethel Radio Relay Station

Site Chronology

IC / Closure Details

Documents

Associated Sites

Problems/Comments

Action Information

Contaminant Information

Control Type

Requirements

Final 2023 LTM Report

Final 2017 Five Year Review

Final 2022 Five Year Review

Final August 2011 Record of Decision for Bethel RRS

Missing Location Data

State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation