Site Report: Eareckson Air Station OT29 - 0.50 Caliber Beach

Site Name:	Eareckson Air Station OT29 - 0.50 Caliber Beach
Address:	OT29 .50 Caliber Beach, Amchitka, AK 99546
File Number:	2649.38.001, 2649.38.035
Hazard ID:	2896
Status:	Active
Staff:	Erica Blake, 9074512182 erica.blake@alaska.gov
Latitude:	52.710319
Longitude:	174.153398
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

0.50 Cal Beach is an approximately 1.5 acre area on the southeastern tip of Shemya Island. The site is located at the end of a gravel road and consists of a turnaround area, a steep slope from the road to the beach, and the beach area. It appears that the site is the locations where a large quantity of small arms ammunition was dumped in the ocean following WWII. The small arms ammunition may have been burned in the turnaround area prior to disposal. Empty 0.50 caliber and 0.30 caliber cases and projectiles are present in a small area on the beach and in the water. Eareckson AS is situated on Shemya Island, approximately 1,500 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska at the westernmost tip of the Aleutian Islands. Shemya Island is part of the Near Islands group of the Aleutian Archipelago. Shemya Island is owned by the U.S. Government and is under the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Army first developed facilities on Shemya Island in 1943 to support operations against the Japanese occupation forces on the nearby islands of Attu, Agattu, and Kiska. In 1954, the site was deactivated, and was turned over to the Civil Aeronautics Authority in 1955. In 1958, the Air Force returned to Shemya Island to support various Air Force and Army strategic intelligence gathering activities. It has remained active in this capacity to the present. In 1995, the station was downsized and reverted to caretaker status and a private operation and maintenance contractor took control of the facility under contract to the Air Force. RCRA EPA ID#s AK9570028705 Hazardous waste activity: generator 2, storer and burns hazardous waste fuel in burner. AK7570000151 Cleanup. Hazardous waste activity: generator 1 and transporter. Also Huffman Construction Co. of Alaska RCRA EPA ID#AKD982654238 Hazardous Waste Activity: generator 2 at Shemya Air Force Base.

Action Information

Action Date	Action	Description	DEC Staff
1/1/1964	Update or Other Action	Alaskan Air Command Master Plan base map with update notes of January 1, 1966 and January 1, 1970, and hand-drawn edits reportedly from 1971.	Former Staff
1/1/1969	Update or Other Action	Corps of Engineers Boring Logs, Shemya AFB, Alaska, AP 526 - AP884, January 1969 - December 82.	Former Staff
1/1/1976	Update or Other Action	Corps of Engineers Boring Logs, Shemya AFB, Alaska, DH 885 - DH 1105, January 1976 - May 85.	Former Staff
11/1/1982	Update or Other Action	Recoverable, Reclaimable, and Waste Petroleum Product Management Plan 19-14.	Former Staff
6/15/1984	Update or Other Action	(Undated) Shemya ACE Projects, 1984 to date. Internal Report. Prepared by 5099th CEOS.	Former Staff
9/1/1984	Preliminary Assessment Approved	Installation Restoration Program, Phase I Records Search, 5073rd Air Base Group, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska (dated September 1984) prepared by JRB Associates	Former Staff
2/15/1985	Update or Other Action	Management Action Plan, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (formerly Shemya AFB, Alaska). Prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group.	Former Staff
5/1/1985	Update or Other Action	Corps of Engineers Boring Logs, Shemya AFB, Alaska, AP 1105 - AP 1463, May 1985 - November 1987.	Former Staff
11/22/1985	Update or Other Action	CH2M Hill trip report dated 1985.	Former Staff
12/30/1985	Interim Removal Action Approved	(Undated) Alaska Cleanup Effort, Shemya History 1975 - 1985. Internal Report. Prepared by 5099th CEOS.	Former Staff
6/1/1986	Update or Other Action	Phase II - Task I Presurvey Report, Shemya Air Force Base and King Salmon Air Force Station.	Former Staff
12/2/1986	Notice of Violation	Notice of Violation letter submitted to Air Force by EPA (Charles Findley, Director of Hazardous Waste Division). A shipment of "salvage materials" violated hazardous waste laws and regulations promulgated under RCRA.	Former Staff
9/25/1987	Update or Other Action	Shemya Field Trip Notes, September 15-19, 1987. Prepared by CH2M Hill.	Former Staff
7/29/1988	Update or Other Action	Installation Restoration Program, Stage I Workplan, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska. Prepared by CH2M Hill.	Former Staff
8/15/1988	Update or Other Action	Environmental Sampling Data Sheet.	Former Staff
8/29/1988	Update or Other Action	Comprehensive Plan, Shemya Air Force Base. Prepared by TRA/FARR and Dowl Engineers.	Former Staff
9/2/1988	Update or Other Action	Pollution Incident Report.	Former Staff
9/9/1988	Update or Other Action	Installation Restoration Program, Stage I Quality Assurance Project Plan, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska.	Former Staff
10/1/1988	Update or Other Action	Evaluation of Lake at Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska. Technical memorandum prepared by Robert Binovi summarizing an evaluation of water samples collected from lakes at Shemya Island.	Former Staff
10/1/1988	Update or Other Action	Corps of Engineers Boring Logs, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska, AP1464 - AP1765, October 1988 - April 1991.	Former Staff
10/5/1988	Update or Other Action	(Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). CH2M Hill submits final work plans, QA plans and health and safety plans for Stage I IRP	Former Staff
10/17/1988	Update or Other Action	Trip Report, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska. Memorandum by Clare Jaeger (COE) summarizing the contamination discovered during soil and water sampling on October 6, 1988.	Former Staff
2/8/1989	Update or Other Action	Water System, Phase 1B, Surface Water Quality of Several Lakes, Shemya AFB, Alaska Technical memorandum prepared by Thomas Delwyn summarizing a surface water quality investigation conducted at Shemya in October 1988.	Former Staff
6/15/1989	Update or Other Action	1988 U.S. Army COE discovery of additional POL Contamination.	Former Staff
7/6/1989	Update or Other Action	POL Contamination Investigations at Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska, 25 April through 3 June 1989. Memorandum by Thomas Delwyn (COE).	Former Staff
7/20/1989	Update or Other Action	ADAL Aircraft Equipment Shop, POL Contamination Investigations at Shemya AFB, AK.	Former Staff
8/28/1989	Update or Other Action	Communication Facility, POL Contamination Investigations at Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska. Memorandum by Thomas Delwyn (COE) summarizing an investigation conducted in May 1989 to obtain data on the extent of POL contamination at the site of the new communication facility and to obtain design information for Worker Safety and Dewatering during construction.	Former Staff
9/15/1989	Update or Other Action	Preliminary Assessment / Site Investigation report completed.	Former Staff
10/5/1989	Update or Other Action	Notice of Noncompliance letter to Air Force Shemya Contractors by EPA (Gil Haselberger, Chief of Toxic Substances Section) regarding a June 1989 inspection and violations with TSCA.	Former Staff
6/12/1990	Update or Other Action	Federal Facility Compliance Agreement between the Air Force (signed by Charles Crabb, Jr., 5073d ABG/CC) and EPA (signed by Charles Findley, Director of Hazardous Waste Division) on March 15, 1991 regarding noncompliance with RCRA. RCRA Docket Number 1090-04-02-3008.	Former Staff
6/13/1990	Update or Other Action	Notice of Noncompliance letter to 5073 ABG/CC Air Force by EPA (Charles Findley, Director of Hazardous Waste Division) regarding RCRA violations; RCRA Docket Number 1090-04-02-3008. The attachment included a Federal Facilities Compliance Agreement with a Notice of Noncompliance, a Compliance Schedule, and a Notice of Necessity for Conference. The Air Force response letter (signed by Colonel Charles Crabb, Jr., Commander) is dated April 1991, and includes attachments.	Former Staff
10/26/1990	Update or Other Action	Memorandum from Environmental Contaminants Coordinator, USFSW, to Supervisor, Fisheries Management Services regarding fish from Shemya Lakes.	Former Staff
11/1/1990	Update or Other Action	Volume III, Concept Approved Draft of the Coastal Management Plan.	Former Staff
6/25/1991	Update or Other Action	Site Summaries for Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska Installation Restoration Program.	Dan Hartung
7/26/1991	Update or Other Action	Notice of Violation / Request for Corrective Action letter to 5099th CEOS Air Force (Captain Kenneth Brown, Chief of Environmental Contract and Planning Section) from ADEC (Ron Klein, Manager of Regional Contaminated Sites) regarding numerous sites and the status of site assessments and remedial actions. The Air Force response letter is dated August 29, 1991. ADEC letter dated September 23, 1991 serves as a formal notification that the terms of the NOV were satisfied.	Dan Hartung
8/27/1991	Update or Other Action	Shemya Soils and Groundwater Database.	Dan Hartung
10/4/1991	Update or Other Action	Installation Restoration Program (IRP) Field Investigation Plan, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska (2 volumes).	Dan Hartung
6/23/1992	Update or Other Action	(Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). EPA has reviewed the Field Investigation Plan submitted for Shemya Air Force Base.	Ray Burger
6/23/1992	Update or Other Action	EPA has reviewed a preliminary assessment submitted for Shemya Air Force Base.	Ray Burger
1/1/1993	Update or Other Action	Trip Report: Winter Wildlife and Oil Contamination Surveys, Shemya I., Alaska, 4-8 January 1993.	Ray Burger
1/13/1993	Update or Other Action	Chemical Data Report, Shemya Seawall/Erosion Protection, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska. Memorandum prepared by Thomas Delwyn documenting a sampling effort to investigate potential soil contamination in areas to be excavated at Eareckson AS.	Ray Burger
3/29/1993	Update or Other Action	Chemical Data Report, Hazardous Waste Management Facility and Hazardous Material Storage Facility, Shemya AFB, AK.	Ray Burger
5/20/1993	Update or Other Action	Status of Shemya Air Force Base in Relation to Proposal for the National Priorities List.	Ray Burger
6/1/1993	Update or Other Action	Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska General Stockpiling Plan for Contaminated Soil.	Ray Burger
12/1/1993	Update or Other Action	Eareckson Air Force Station (formerly Shemya AFB, Alaska) 1993 Installation Restoration Program Basewide and Limited Source Investigation Workplan. Prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group.	Ray Burger
2/1/1994	Update or Other Action	Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska 1992 Installation Restoration Program Field Investigation Report, prepared by CH2M Hill; report finalized in February 1993	Ray Burger
4/15/1994	Update or Other Action	Draft Informal Technical Information Report, Site Characterization Summary Report, 1993 Field Program, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (formerly Shemya AFB, Alaska). Prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group	Ray Burger
9/30/1994	Notice of Violation	Notice of Violation letter to 673rd ABG Air Force (Colonel Johnny Jarnigan, Commanding Officer) from ADEC (Janice Adair, Regional Administrator) regarding the April 1994 RCRA Compliance Evaluation Inspection.	Ray Burger
12/15/1994	Update or Other Action	Final Remedial Investigation, Workplan and Sampling and Analysis Addendum, 1994 Field Season, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (formerly Shemya AFB, Alaska). Prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group.	Ray Burger
1/1/1995	Update or Other Action	Natural Resource Plan, Eareckson AS, Shemya Island, Alaska, draft.	Ray Burger
1/31/1995	Update or Other Action	Memorandum from 611 CES/CEOR to 611 CES/CEVR regarding Asphaltic Tar Soil Samples, Eareckson AS, Alaska.	Ray Burger
2/1/1995	Update or Other Action	Community Relations Photo Notebook; Remedial Investigations, Feasibility Studies and Remedial Actions.	Ray Burger
4/15/1995	Update or Other Action	Revised 1994 Well Abandonment Summary Report. Prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group.	Ray Burger
8/1/1995	Update or Other Action	Eareckson AS, Shemya Island, Alaska Fact Sheet Numbe 2 "Public Involvement in the Decision Making Process".	Ray Burger
10/23/1995	Update or Other Action	Notice of Violation letter to USAF (Colonel Samuel Johnson III) from ADEC (Michael Conway, Industrial Operations Section Chief) regarding the June 1995 hazardous waste inspection.	Ray Burger
12/1/1995	Update or Other Action	Management Action Plan, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (formerly Shemya AFB, Alaska).	Ray Burger
1/15/1996	Update or Other Action	Final Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study Report, Volume III, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (Formerly Shemya Air Force Base Alaska).	Ray Burger
2/20/1996	Update or Other Action	Memorandum for the record: Possible Mercury Site at Eareckson AS.	Ray Burger
3/15/1996	Site Characterization Report Approved	Final Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study Report, Volume IV, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (Formerly Shemya Air Force Base Alaska).	Ray Burger
6/15/1996	Update or Other Action	Removal of ammunition at OT29; memorandum dated September 5 and 12, 1996.	Ray Burger
2/12/1997	Site Added to Database	Site added by Shannon and Wilson, Inc.	S&W-Miner
2/12/1997	Update or Other Action	(Old R:Base Action Code = RI - Remedial Investigation). RI action added 02/12/1997 by Shannon and Wilson, Inc., based on Air Force Relative Risk Evaluation Worksheet dated 9/18/95. No other information available.	S&W-Miner
10/30/1998	Meeting or Teleconference Held	Meeting with Air Force on response to comments for Decision Documents Volumes 3 and 4. Two main issues - (1) documents lacking detail necessary to describe remedial investigation, risk assessment, remedial, and no-further-action decisions, and (2) Air Force determination that no analyses will be performed for DRO, GRO, and RRO based on a 1994 Department approval of specific petroleum constituents for risk assessment studies. No resolution reached on these 2 main issues - outcome resulted in potential for dispute resolution process.	Gretchen Pikul
11/23/1998	Meeting or Teleconference Held	Meetings with Air Force on Decision Documents Volumes 3 and 4. Two main issues - (1) level of detail needed in documents, and (2) no DRO, GRO, and RRO analyses in long-term monitoring. No resolution reached on these 2 main issues - outcome resulted in potential for dispute resolution process.	Gretchen Pikul
12/11/1998	Update or Other Action	ADEC sent out letter outlining the remaining unresolved issues from the 3 Decision Document comment resolution meetings.	Gretchen Pikul
12/17/1998	Update or Other Action	Final Management Action Plan (updated December 1998).	Gretchen Pikul
12/30/1998	Meeting or Teleconference Held	Meeting with Air Force on Decision Documents Volumes 3 and 4. Two main issues - (1) level of detail needed in documents, and (2) no DRO, GRO, and RRO analyses in long-term monitoring. Avoided formal dispute resolution process - began working on document detail needed, and necessary analyses for long-term monitoring.	Gretchen Pikul
1/20/1999	Meeting or Teleconference Held	Meeting with Air Force to discuss appropriate sites to be included within the Decision Documents Volumes 3 and 4, and the appropriate site status (transfer to Compliance, RCRA, Remedial Actions, and No-Further-Remedial-Action-Planned).	Gretchen Pikul
1/20/1999	Update or Other Action	Final Basewide Monitoring Program Workplan - note DRO, GRO, and RRO were not included as requested by ADEC.	Gretchen Pikul
2/5/1999	Update or Other Action	Remedial Investigation Basewide Groundwater Monitoring Report, August - September 1998, Basewide Monitoring Activities and Findings (dated January 1999).	Gretchen Pikul
6/22/1999	Meeting or Teleconference Held	ADEC participated in a facility-wide site visit from June 22 - 25. The 24 site inspections and discussions were designed to aid in the development and review of upcoming Decision Documents.	Gretchen Pikul
8/16/1999	Update or Other Action	Remedial Investigation Baseline Groundwater Monitoring Report, August - September 1998, Basewide Monitoring Activities and Findings - Final dated June 18, 1999.	Gretchen Pikul
11/1/1999	Update or Other Action	Closure Confirmation Sampling Workplan for Landspread Soils.	Gretchen Pikul
11/30/1999	Update or Other Action	Decision Documents (review draft dated November 1999, received November 30, 1999, meeting on January 4, 2000).	Gretchen Pikul
1/4/2000	Meeting or Teleconference Held	ADEC participated in a Decision Document meeting with Air Force and USFWS; ADEC reviewed, commented and participated in internal briefing meetings during January and February.	Gretchen Pikul
3/10/2000	Update or Other Action	Comprehensive Basewide Monitoring Report, June 1999 Basewide Monitoring Activities and Findings (draft dated October 1999); ADEC comment letter dated January 7, 2000; final dated 1-31-00, received by Air Force on 3-1-00, and ADEC on 3-10-00).	Gretchen Pikul
1/16/2001	Meeting or Teleconference Held	Decision Document and general status meeting with new Air Force project manager, Larry Opperman, and staff.	Gretchen Pikul
5/24/2001	Update or Other Action	Year 2000 Basewide Monitoring Program Report (draft final dated April 9, 2001, ADEC comment letter dated May 24, 2001).	Gretchen Pikul
7/3/2001	Update or Other Action	Technical Memorandum - Risk Assessment Assumptions for Decision Documents (draft final dated January 8, 2001, ADEC comment letter dated March 19, 2001, comment resolution meeting on May 18, 2001, final received June 11, 2001, ADEC e-mail comments after reviewing final document dated July 3, 2001).	Gretchen Pikul
12/10/2001	Update or Other Action	Decision Document Report Volumes III and IV (draft dated March 1996; draft final dated April 1997 and received May 1997; ADEC comment letter dated October 1, 1997 with extensive comments; related meetings in 1998 on October 30, November 23, November 24, and December 30; related meetings in 1999 on January 20 and 26, February 2 and 25, June 22-25 during site visit, August 24 during FY00 project scoping meeting, and October 1; received Review Draft Decision Documents on November 30, 1999 ADEC comment letters in February 2000; related meetings in 2000 on January 4; related meetings in 2001 on January 4 and 16; ADEC comment letter on Draft Final Technical Memorandum - Risk Assessment Assumptions for Decision Documents (dated March 19) with comment resolution meeting on May 18, final memorandum dated June 2001; draft Proposed Plan for 6 sites received August 24, ADEC comment letter dated September 19, 'response to comments' received December 10, 2001).	Gretchen Pikul
12/4/2003	Site Number Identifier Changed	Changed Workplan from X8 (DoD Other) to X2 (DoD UXO).	Gretchen Pikul
10/26/2005	Update or Other Action	ADEC received Air Force memorandum dated October 24, 2005 requesting adminstrative closure of Site OT29 as an IRP site so that it may be addressed more appropriately under the Military Munitions Response Program; ADEC approval letter dated October 26.	Jeff Norberg
2/23/2007	Update or Other Action	The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program reviewed and commented on the 2006 Draft Final Report, Air Force Military Munitions Response Program, Comprehensive Site Evaluations Phase I at Various Alaska Installations, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska. The investigation included a review of historical records, interviews with current site workers, and a visual survey of the site. During the site visit, empty 0.50 caliber and 0.30 caliber cases and projectiles were found on the beach and in the water.	Jeff Norberg
4/4/2007	Update or Other Action	The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program sent a letter to the Air Force requesting a meeting to discuss the Air Force MMRP’s approach to Phase I Comprehensive Site Evaluation Reports for seven installations, including Eareckson Air Station. ADEC’s primary concern with the reports was the lack of a holistic review of potential Munitions Response Areas (MRA) at the installations. The investigations focused primarily on known MRAs. The ADEC stated that a thorough evaluation of potential MRAs on the entire installation should be conducted to verify that all potential MRAs would be discovered and evaluated.	Jeff Norberg
11/16/2007	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 discuss the plan moving forward for Records of Decision and remedial alternatives.	Jonathan Schick
3/20/2008	Update or Other Action	The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program reviewed and commented on the Draft Final Work Plan MMRP CSE Phase II Eareckson Air Station. The ADEC stated that the State would suspend reviewing the work plan pending the submission of the Supplemental CSE Phase I investigation results. ADEC stated that the Supplemental Phase I Report should be used to guide further investigations at the facility. The ADEC recommended that a project team meeting be held after the State reviewed the Supplemental Phase I Report.	Guy Warren
5/23/2008	Meeting or Teleconference Held	The ADEC participated in a meeting regarding the Air Force MMRP Supplemental CSE Phase I / CSE Phase II for multiple installations, including Eareckson Air Station.	Jonathan Schick
6/3/2008	Update or Other Action	The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program reviewed the Final Work Plan CSE Phase II Eareckson Air Station, Alaska. ADEC stated that there were some issues that were not resolved during the meeting on May 23, 2008, but approved the proposed work to be implemented in the field.	Jonathan Schick
6/25/2008	Update or Other Action	The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program received the Final Supplemental Comprehensive Site Evaluation (CSE) Phase I Findings Report. Based on the historical records review, three new potential MRAs were identified. The Air Force stated that if visual evidence of the MRAs was found, they would be formally designated as MRAs and investigated further during the CSE Phase II efforts.	Jonathan Schick
2/2/2010	Meeting or Teleconference Held	A meeting was held to discuss the MMRP CSE Phase II results and recommendations for Eareckson Air Station. Lead was detected above screening levels in one sediment sample and two surface soil samples at the site. The project team agreed to the following recommendations for the site: 1) characterize the extend of lead contamination in soil and sediment and conduct a visual survey of the intertidal zone; 2) remove the deposit of bullets and casings from the beach and monitor for re-deposition; and 3) conduct investigation to determine if a burial pit was present.	Jonathan Schick
3/7/2010	Update or Other Action	The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program received the Final Comprehensive Site Evaluation (CSE) Phase II Report. Small arms ammunition debris was observed within the previously identified site boundaries. Lead was detected above screening levels in one sediment sample and two surface soil samples at the site. Further investigation was recommended for this site.	Jonathan Schick
6/23/2011	Update or Other Action	Contaminated Sites Staff recieved the Draft work plan for MMRP Remedial Investigation at Eareckson Air Station. The work plan addresses the Munitions Response Sites DA002, DA002A, OD001, OT029, and MRA 693, and the Possible Munitions Storage Area.	Jonathan Schick
9/1/2011	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Contaminated Sites Staff submitted comments to the US Air Force on the Draft Final Work Plans for MMRP Remedial Investigation work planned at Eareckson. There were several comments included with the letter regarding the organization of the plan and its accordance with the MMRP guidance.	Jonathan Schick
3/21/2012	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Contaminated Sites Staff received the revised Remedial Investigation Work Plan and responses to our previously submitted comments via email.	Jonathan Schick
3/30/2012	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	Contaminated Sites Staff submitted a letter with outstanding comments on the Draft Final Remedial Investigation work plan for MMRP work at OT029 and other MMRP sites at Eareckson Air Station. With the documetation of our concerns about the Data Quality the plan was approved to be implemented in the field. Staff expressed concern with the vegetation clearance and that the thick tundra could impede the data quality and blind seed recovery thus calling the DQOs into question.	Jonathan Schick
6/6/2012	Update or Other Action	Contaminated Sites Staff recieved a Field Change Request from the Air Force's contractor as they were not able to complete some of the clearance work proposed in the work plan and need to amend the scope of work to a more achievable scope for this field effort.	Jonathan Schick
6/7/2012	Update or Other Action	Contaminated Sites Staff submitted a letter to the Air Force Project Manager expressing our concern with the work being performed at the MMRP sites and the improper detonation/disposal of explosives. The field change request was not specific to OT029.	Jonathan Schick
6/25/2012	Update or Other Action	Site work is ending at .50 Calibur beach and other Munitions sites at Eareckson Air Station. The remedial investigation included the removal of the munitions debris located at .50 Cal beach.	Jonathan Schick
6/19/2014	CERCLA RI Report Approved	The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program approved the Final Remedial Investigation Report. The report concluded that MEC items were found on the beach and off shore. Concentrations of antimony, copper, lead, zinc, and 2,4-DNT in soil exceeded human health screening criteria. Concentrations of antimony, zinc, copper, 2,4-DNT, lead in soil were found to exceed ecological screening criteria. Concentrations of lead in sediment exceed the ecological screening criteria. A feasiblity study was recommended to determine appropriate remedial responses, based on the current and future land use.	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
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
11/27/2017	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
7/9/2021	Cleanup Plan Approved	Data Gap Investigation (DGI) for Munition Response Sites: Open Burn/Open Detonation (OB/OD) Range (OD001) and .50 Cal Beach (DU029) and Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant (POL) Sites: TU559, OT617, and TU568-619-1. After review of the MRSs, AFCEC determined the Open Burn/Open Detonation (OB/OD) (OD001) MRS and .50 Cal Beach (DU029) MRS require additional data to perform a risk assessment and accurately assess what current and future actions should be taken to make the sites safe for short and long-term human and ecological occupation. This UFP-QAPP and associated appendices serve as the work plan to complete the Data Gap Investigation (DGI) and characterization for the OB/OD (OD001) MRS and the .50 Cal Beach (DU029) MRS. The overall goal of the DGI is to collect sufficient data to address all contaminants of concern, including any MEC, and provide recommendations on future land use. Three POL sites were determined to need additional surface and groundwater investigation in order to perform a risk assessment for the sites. The three POL sites are TU559, POL site OT617, and POL site TU568-619-1.	Darren Mulkey
4/27/2022	Update or Other Action	On 4/27/2022 ADEC approved the Eareckson Air Station, Alaska, REMEDIAL PROCESS OPTIMIZATION REPORT dated April 2022. This Remedial Process Optimization (RPO) Report presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of current selected site remedies and makes recommendations for optimization of the IWM Program, as appropriate to establish a more integrated groundwater monitoring program at Eareckson AS. RPO is a systematic approach for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of site remediation without increasing site risk. This RPO Report presents a site-by-site evaluation of effectiveness of the sites selected remedy and provides recommendations to: • Streamline groundwater monitoring. • Develop a holistic approach to site management. • Maintain the remedial action objectives (RAOs) set forth in established Record of Decisions (RODs) and Decision Documents (DDs).	Daniela Fawcett
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
2/27/2024	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC provided review comments for the "Draft Final Data Gap Investigation Report MRS DU029 and MRS OD001, Eareckson Air Station – Base Wide Shemya, Alaska (dated December 2023)" to the U.S. Air Force. The report was to provide additional details to fill data gaps for two sites (Open Burn/Open Detonation Range OD001 and .50 Caliber Beach). Results from the investigation indicate data gaps remain. DEC recommended additional investigation work be conducted prior to establishing remedies for the sites.	Erica Blake
5/24/2024	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC provided responses to comments for the "Draft Final Data Gap Investigation Report MRS DU029 and MRS OD001, Eareckson Air Station – Base Wide Shemya, Alaska (dated December 2023)" to the U.S. Air Force. All responses were noted or accepted with comments. DEC recommended DU029 and OD001 include a remedial alternative that is a removal action in the Feasibility Study.	Erica Blake
9/19/2024	CERCLA FS	DEC provided comments for the "Draft Final Feasibility Study Report .50 Caliber (Cal) Beach (MRS DU029) and Open Burn/Open Detonation (MRS OD001), Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (dated June 2024)" to the U.S. Air Force. The document described remedial alternatives for munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) and munitions constituents (MC) for .50 Caliber (Cal) Beach (MRS DU029) and Open Burn/Open Detonation (MRS OD001) sites.	Erica Blake
9/19/2024	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC provided approval for the "Final Data Gap Investigation Report MRS DU029 and MRS OD001, Eareckson Air Station – Base Wide Shemya, Alaska (dated June 2024)" to the U.S. Air Force. The investigation was conducted to collect additional data that would support development of a Feasibility Study, Proposed Plan and Record of Decision for the .50 Caliber (Cal) Beach (DU029) and Open Burn/Open Detonation (OB/OD) Range (OD001) sites at Eareckson Air Station. The data gaps report was approved with the expectation that DEC's unresolved comments will be addressed during development and review of the Feasibility Study.	Erica Blake
8/4/2025	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC provided comments for the "Draft-Final 2023 Long Term Management, Land Use and Institutional Controls Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya, Alaska for Sites CS566, DA002/DA002A, DA003, FT001, FT002, FT003, LF015, LF018, LF024, LF026, ML001, MU001, OD001, OT048, OT617, PL560, PL575, SS005, SS007, SS010, SS012, SS023, SS025, ST009, ST035, ST039, ST044, ST046, ST050, ST051, TA555, TA556, TA616, TU553, TU554, TU558, TU559, TU567, TU568, XU912, ZZ001" to the U.S. Air Force. Forty-two sites were inspected, and analytical samples were collected from twelve of those forty-two sites. The work described in the document was completed in 2023.	Erica Blake
10/24/2025	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC provided responses to comments for the "Draft-Final 2023 Long Term Management, Land Use and Institutional Controls Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Alaska (dated October 2025)" to the U.S. Air Force. Most comments were addressed with the exception of one comment requiring additional revisions to the report text.	Erica Blake
10/28/2025	Long Term Monitoring Workplan or Report Review	DEC provided approval for the "Final 2023 Long Term Management, Land Use and Institutional Controls Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Alaska (dated October 2025) to the U.S, Air Force. Groundwater, surface water and sediment sampling and institutional control inspections were completed at 42 sites. Analytical samples were collected from 12 sites. Results from this 2023 investigation indicate continued monitoring is necessary to continue long-term cleanup efforts at Eareckson Air Station.	Erica Blake
3/4/2026	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC provided comments for the "Draft Final 2025 Long Term Management and Remedial Action Operation Activities Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Alaska (dated February 2026)" to the U.S. Air Force. Groundwater, surface water and sediment samples were collected from 12 sites, and land use control/institutional control inspections were completed for 42 sites. Recommendations in the report are to continue inspecting and sampling every 2 years (next sampling event would be 2027) until remedial action objectives are met.	Erica Blake
3/6/2026	Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other	DEC reviewed and provided responses to comments for the redline version of "Draft Final 2025 Long Term Management and Remedial Action Operation Activities Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Alaska (dated February 2026)" to the U.S. Air Force. All responses to comments were accepted and appropriate changes to the document text were made.	Erica Blake
3/11/2026	Long Term Monitoring Workplan or Report Review	DEC provided approval for the "Final 2025 Long Term Management and Remedial Action Operation Activities Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Alaska (dated March 2026)" to the U.S. Air Force. Analytical samples for groundwater, surface water and sediment were collected from 12 sites, while land use control/institutional control inspections were completed at 42 sites. The sites investigated were a mix of CERCLA sites, petroleum and Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) sites. The next long-term monitoring event is planned for 2027.	Erica Blake

Action Date

Action

Description

DEC Staff

1/1/1964

Update or Other Action

Alaskan Air Command Master Plan base map with update notes of January 1, 1966 and January 1, 1970, and hand-drawn edits reportedly from 1971.

Former Staff

1/1/1969

Update or Other Action

Corps of Engineers Boring Logs, Shemya AFB, Alaska, AP 526 - AP884, January 1969 - December 82.

Former Staff

1/1/1976

Update or Other Action

Corps of Engineers Boring Logs, Shemya AFB, Alaska, DH 885 - DH 1105, January 1976 - May 85.

Former Staff

11/1/1982

Update or Other Action

Recoverable, Reclaimable, and Waste Petroleum Product Management Plan 19-14.

Former Staff

6/15/1984

Update or Other Action

(Undated) Shemya ACE Projects, 1984 to date. Internal Report. Prepared by 5099th CEOS.

Former Staff

9/1/1984

Preliminary Assessment Approved

Installation Restoration Program, Phase I Records Search, 5073rd Air Base Group, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska (dated September 1984) prepared by JRB Associates

Former Staff

2/15/1985

Update or Other Action

Management Action Plan, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (formerly Shemya AFB, Alaska). Prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group.

Former Staff

5/1/1985

Update or Other Action

Corps of Engineers Boring Logs, Shemya AFB, Alaska, AP 1105 - AP 1463, May 1985 - November 1987.

Former Staff

11/22/1985

Update or Other Action

CH2M Hill trip report dated 1985.

Former Staff

12/30/1985

Interim Removal Action Approved

(Undated) Alaska Cleanup Effort, Shemya History 1975 - 1985. Internal Report. Prepared by 5099th CEOS.

Former Staff

6/1/1986

Update or Other Action

Phase II - Task I Presurvey Report, Shemya Air Force Base and King Salmon Air Force Station.

Former Staff

12/2/1986

Notice of Violation

Notice of Violation letter submitted to Air Force by EPA (Charles Findley, Director of Hazardous Waste Division). A shipment of "salvage materials" violated hazardous waste laws and regulations promulgated under RCRA.

Former Staff

9/25/1987

Update or Other Action

Shemya Field Trip Notes, September 15-19, 1987. Prepared by CH2M Hill.

Former Staff

7/29/1988

Update or Other Action

Installation Restoration Program, Stage I Workplan, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska. Prepared by CH2M Hill.

Former Staff

8/15/1988

Update or Other Action

Environmental Sampling Data Sheet.

Former Staff

8/29/1988

Update or Other Action

Comprehensive Plan, Shemya Air Force Base. Prepared by TRA/FARR and Dowl Engineers.

Former Staff

9/2/1988

Update or Other Action

Pollution Incident Report.

Former Staff

9/9/1988

Update or Other Action

Installation Restoration Program, Stage I Quality Assurance Project Plan, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska.

Former Staff

10/1/1988

Update or Other Action

Evaluation of Lake at Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska. Technical memorandum prepared by Robert Binovi summarizing an evaluation of water samples collected from lakes at Shemya Island.

Former Staff

10/1/1988

Update or Other Action

Corps of Engineers Boring Logs, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska, AP1464 - AP1765, October 1988 - April 1991.

Former Staff

10/5/1988

Update or Other Action

(Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). CH2M Hill submits final work plans, QA plans and health and safety plans for Stage I IRP

Former Staff

10/17/1988

Update or Other Action

Trip Report, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska. Memorandum by Clare Jaeger (COE) summarizing the contamination discovered during soil and water sampling on October 6, 1988.

Former Staff

2/8/1989

Update or Other Action

Water System, Phase 1B, Surface Water Quality of Several Lakes, Shemya AFB, Alaska Technical memorandum prepared by Thomas Delwyn summarizing a surface water quality investigation conducted at Shemya in October 1988.

Former Staff

6/15/1989

Update or Other Action

1988 U.S. Army COE discovery of additional POL Contamination.

Former Staff

7/6/1989

Update or Other Action

POL Contamination Investigations at Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska, 25 April through 3 June 1989. Memorandum by Thomas Delwyn (COE).

Former Staff

7/20/1989

Update or Other Action

ADAL Aircraft Equipment Shop, POL Contamination Investigations at Shemya AFB, AK.

Former Staff

8/28/1989

Update or Other Action

Communication Facility, POL Contamination Investigations at Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska. Memorandum by Thomas Delwyn (COE) summarizing an investigation conducted in May 1989 to obtain data on the extent of POL contamination at the site of the new communication facility and to obtain design information for Worker Safety and Dewatering during construction.

Former Staff

9/15/1989

Update or Other Action

Preliminary Assessment / Site Investigation report completed.

Former Staff

10/5/1989

Update or Other Action

Notice of Noncompliance letter to Air Force Shemya Contractors by EPA (Gil Haselberger, Chief of Toxic Substances Section) regarding a June 1989 inspection and violations with TSCA.

Former Staff

6/12/1990

Update or Other Action

Federal Facility Compliance Agreement between the Air Force (signed by Charles Crabb, Jr., 5073d ABG/CC) and EPA (signed by Charles Findley, Director of Hazardous Waste Division) on March 15, 1991 regarding noncompliance with RCRA. RCRA Docket Number 1090-04-02-3008.

Former Staff

6/13/1990

Update or Other Action

Notice of Noncompliance letter to 5073 ABG/CC Air Force by EPA (Charles Findley, Director of Hazardous Waste Division) regarding RCRA violations; RCRA Docket Number 1090-04-02-3008. The attachment included a Federal Facilities Compliance Agreement with a Notice of Noncompliance, a Compliance Schedule, and a Notice of Necessity for Conference. The Air Force response letter (signed by Colonel Charles Crabb, Jr., Commander) is dated April 1991, and includes attachments.

Former Staff

10/26/1990

Update or Other Action

Memorandum from Environmental Contaminants Coordinator, USFSW, to Supervisor, Fisheries Management Services regarding fish from Shemya Lakes.

Former Staff

11/1/1990

Update or Other Action

Volume III, Concept Approved Draft of the Coastal Management Plan.

Former Staff

6/25/1991

Update or Other Action

Site Summaries for Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska Installation Restoration Program.

Dan Hartung

7/26/1991

Update or Other Action

Notice of Violation / Request for Corrective Action letter to 5099th CEOS Air Force (Captain Kenneth Brown, Chief of Environmental Contract and Planning Section) from ADEC (Ron Klein, Manager of Regional Contaminated Sites) regarding numerous sites and the status of site assessments and remedial actions. The Air Force response letter is dated August 29, 1991. ADEC letter dated September 23, 1991 serves as a formal notification that the terms of the NOV were satisfied.

Dan Hartung

8/27/1991

Update or Other Action

Shemya Soils and Groundwater Database.

Dan Hartung

10/4/1991

Update or Other Action

Installation Restoration Program (IRP) Field Investigation Plan, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska (2 volumes).

Dan Hartung

6/23/1992

Update or Other Action

(Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). EPA has reviewed the Field Investigation Plan submitted for Shemya Air Force Base.

Ray Burger

6/23/1992

Update or Other Action

EPA has reviewed a preliminary assessment submitted for Shemya Air Force Base.

Ray Burger

1/1/1993

Update or Other Action

Trip Report: Winter Wildlife and Oil Contamination Surveys, Shemya I., Alaska, 4-8 January 1993.

Ray Burger

1/13/1993

Update or Other Action

Chemical Data Report, Shemya Seawall/Erosion Protection, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska. Memorandum prepared by Thomas Delwyn documenting a sampling effort to investigate potential soil contamination in areas to be excavated at Eareckson AS.

Ray Burger

3/29/1993

Update or Other Action

Chemical Data Report, Hazardous Waste Management Facility and Hazardous Material Storage Facility, Shemya AFB, AK.

Ray Burger

5/20/1993

Update or Other Action

Status of Shemya Air Force Base in Relation to Proposal for the National Priorities List.

Ray Burger

6/1/1993

Update or Other Action

Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska General Stockpiling Plan for Contaminated Soil.

Ray Burger

12/1/1993

Update or Other Action

Eareckson Air Force Station (formerly Shemya AFB, Alaska) 1993 Installation Restoration Program Basewide and Limited Source Investigation Workplan. Prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group.

Ray Burger

2/1/1994

Update or Other Action

Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska 1992 Installation Restoration Program Field Investigation Report, prepared by CH2M Hill; report finalized in February 1993

Ray Burger

4/15/1994

Update or Other Action

Draft Informal Technical Information Report, Site Characterization Summary Report, 1993 Field Program, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (formerly Shemya AFB, Alaska). Prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group

Ray Burger

9/30/1994

Notice of Violation

Notice of Violation letter to 673rd ABG Air Force (Colonel Johnny Jarnigan, Commanding Officer) from ADEC (Janice Adair, Regional Administrator) regarding the April 1994 RCRA Compliance Evaluation Inspection.

Ray Burger

12/15/1994

Update or Other Action

Final Remedial Investigation, Workplan and Sampling and Analysis Addendum, 1994 Field Season, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (formerly Shemya AFB, Alaska). Prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group.

Ray Burger

1/1/1995

Update or Other Action

Natural Resource Plan, Eareckson AS, Shemya Island, Alaska, draft.

Ray Burger

1/31/1995

Update or Other Action

Memorandum from 611 CES/CEOR to 611 CES/CEVR regarding Asphaltic Tar Soil Samples, Eareckson AS, Alaska.

Ray Burger

2/1/1995

Update or Other Action

Community Relations Photo Notebook; Remedial Investigations, Feasibility Studies and Remedial Actions.

Ray Burger

4/15/1995

Update or Other Action

Revised 1994 Well Abandonment Summary Report. Prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group.

Ray Burger

8/1/1995

Update or Other Action

Eareckson AS, Shemya Island, Alaska Fact Sheet Numbe 2 "Public Involvement in the Decision Making Process".

Ray Burger

10/23/1995

Update or Other Action

Notice of Violation letter to USAF (Colonel Samuel Johnson III) from ADEC (Michael Conway, Industrial Operations Section Chief) regarding the June 1995 hazardous waste inspection.

Ray Burger

12/1/1995

Update or Other Action

Management Action Plan, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (formerly Shemya AFB, Alaska).

Ray Burger

1/15/1996

Update or Other Action

Final Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study Report, Volume III, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (Formerly Shemya Air Force Base Alaska).

Ray Burger

2/20/1996

Update or Other Action

Memorandum for the record: Possible Mercury Site at Eareckson AS.

Ray Burger

3/15/1996

Site Characterization Report Approved

Final Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study Report, Volume IV, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (Formerly Shemya Air Force Base Alaska).

Ray Burger

6/15/1996

Update or Other Action

Removal of ammunition at OT29; memorandum dated September 5 and 12, 1996.

Ray Burger

2/12/1997

Site Added to Database

Site added by Shannon and Wilson, Inc.

S&W-Miner

2/12/1997

Update or Other Action

(Old R:Base Action Code = RI - Remedial Investigation). RI action added 02/12/1997 by Shannon and Wilson, Inc., based on Air Force Relative Risk Evaluation Worksheet dated 9/18/95. No other information available.

S&W-Miner

10/30/1998

Meeting or Teleconference Held

Meeting with Air Force on response to comments for Decision Documents Volumes 3 and 4. Two main issues - (1) documents lacking detail necessary to describe remedial investigation, risk assessment, remedial, and no-further-action decisions, and (2) Air Force determination that no analyses will be performed for DRO, GRO, and RRO based on a 1994 Department approval of specific petroleum constituents for risk assessment studies. No resolution reached on these 2 main issues - outcome resulted in potential for dispute resolution process.

Gretchen Pikul

11/23/1998

Meeting or Teleconference Held

Meetings with Air Force on Decision Documents Volumes 3 and 4. Two main issues - (1) level of detail needed in documents, and (2) no DRO, GRO, and RRO analyses in long-term monitoring. No resolution reached on these 2 main issues - outcome resulted in potential for dispute resolution process.

Gretchen Pikul

12/11/1998

Update or Other Action

ADEC sent out letter outlining the remaining unresolved issues from the 3 Decision Document comment resolution meetings.

Gretchen Pikul

12/17/1998

Update or Other Action

Final Management Action Plan (updated December 1998).

Gretchen Pikul

12/30/1998

Meeting or Teleconference Held

Meeting with Air Force on Decision Documents Volumes 3 and 4. Two main issues - (1) level of detail needed in documents, and (2) no DRO, GRO, and RRO analyses in long-term monitoring. Avoided formal dispute resolution process - began working on document detail needed, and necessary analyses for long-term monitoring.

Gretchen Pikul

1/20/1999

Meeting or Teleconference Held

Meeting with Air Force to discuss appropriate sites to be included within the Decision Documents Volumes 3 and 4, and the appropriate site status (transfer to Compliance, RCRA, Remedial Actions, and No-Further-Remedial-Action-Planned).

Gretchen Pikul

1/20/1999

Update or Other Action

Final Basewide Monitoring Program Workplan - note DRO, GRO, and RRO were not included as requested by ADEC.

Gretchen Pikul

2/5/1999

Update or Other Action

Remedial Investigation Basewide Groundwater Monitoring Report, August - September 1998, Basewide Monitoring Activities and Findings (dated January 1999).

Gretchen Pikul

6/22/1999

Meeting or Teleconference Held

ADEC participated in a facility-wide site visit from June 22 - 25. The 24 site inspections and discussions were designed to aid in the development and review of upcoming Decision Documents.

Gretchen Pikul

8/16/1999

Update or Other Action

Remedial Investigation Baseline Groundwater Monitoring Report, August - September 1998, Basewide Monitoring Activities and Findings - Final dated June 18, 1999.

Gretchen Pikul

11/1/1999

Update or Other Action

Closure Confirmation Sampling Workplan for Landspread Soils.

Gretchen Pikul

11/30/1999

Update or Other Action

Decision Documents (review draft dated November 1999, received November 30, 1999, meeting on January 4, 2000).

Gretchen Pikul

1/4/2000

Meeting or Teleconference Held

ADEC participated in a Decision Document meeting with Air Force and USFWS; ADEC reviewed, commented and participated in internal briefing meetings during January and February.

Gretchen Pikul

3/10/2000

Update or Other Action

Comprehensive Basewide Monitoring Report, June 1999 Basewide Monitoring Activities and Findings (draft dated October 1999); ADEC comment letter dated January 7, 2000; final dated 1-31-00, received by Air Force on 3-1-00, and ADEC on 3-10-00).

Gretchen Pikul

1/16/2001

Meeting or Teleconference Held

Decision Document and general status meeting with new Air Force project manager, Larry Opperman, and staff.

Gretchen Pikul

5/24/2001

Update or Other Action

Year 2000 Basewide Monitoring Program Report (draft final dated April 9, 2001, ADEC comment letter dated May 24, 2001).

Gretchen Pikul

7/3/2001

Update or Other Action

Technical Memorandum - Risk Assessment Assumptions for Decision Documents (draft final dated January 8, 2001, ADEC comment letter dated March 19, 2001, comment resolution meeting on May 18, 2001, final received June 11, 2001, ADEC e-mail comments after reviewing final document dated July 3, 2001).

Gretchen Pikul

12/10/2001

Update or Other Action

Decision Document Report Volumes III and IV (draft dated March 1996; draft final dated April 1997 and received May 1997; ADEC comment letter dated October 1, 1997 with extensive comments; related meetings in 1998 on October 30, November 23, November 24, and December 30; related meetings in 1999 on January 20 and 26, February 2 and 25, June 22-25 during site visit, August 24 during FY00 project scoping meeting, and October 1; received Review Draft Decision Documents on November 30, 1999 ADEC comment letters in February 2000; related meetings in 2000 on January 4; related meetings in 2001 on January 4 and 16; ADEC comment letter on Draft Final Technical Memorandum - Risk Assessment Assumptions for Decision Documents (dated March 19) with comment resolution meeting on May 18, final memorandum dated June 2001; draft Proposed Plan for 6 sites received August 24, ADEC comment letter dated September 19, 'response to comments' received December 10, 2001).

Gretchen Pikul

12/4/2003

Site Number Identifier Changed

Changed Workplan from X8 (DoD Other) to X2 (DoD UXO).

Gretchen Pikul

10/26/2005

Update or Other Action

ADEC received Air Force memorandum dated October 24, 2005 requesting adminstrative closure of Site OT29 as an IRP site so that it may be addressed more appropriately under the Military Munitions Response Program; ADEC approval letter dated October 26.

Jeff Norberg

2/23/2007

Update or Other Action

The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program reviewed and commented on the 2006 Draft Final Report, Air Force Military Munitions Response Program, Comprehensive Site Evaluations Phase I at Various Alaska Installations, Eareckson Air Station, Alaska. The investigation included a review of historical records, interviews with current site workers, and a visual survey of the site. During the site visit, empty 0.50 caliber and 0.30 caliber cases and projectiles were found on the beach and in the water.

Jeff Norberg

4/4/2007

Update or Other Action

The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program sent a letter to the Air Force requesting a meeting to discuss the Air Force MMRP’s approach to Phase I Comprehensive Site Evaluation Reports for seven installations, including Eareckson Air Station. ADEC’s primary concern with the reports was the lack of a holistic review of potential Munitions Response Areas (MRA) at the installations. The investigations focused primarily on known MRAs. The ADEC stated that a thorough evaluation of potential MRAs on the entire installation should be conducted to verify that all potential MRAs would be discovered and evaluated.

Jeff Norberg

11/16/2007

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 discuss the plan moving forward for Records of Decision and remedial alternatives.

Jonathan Schick

3/20/2008

Update or Other Action

The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program reviewed and commented on the Draft Final Work Plan MMRP CSE Phase II Eareckson Air Station. The ADEC stated that the State would suspend reviewing the work plan pending the submission of the Supplemental CSE Phase I investigation results. ADEC stated that the Supplemental Phase I Report should be used to guide further investigations at the facility. The ADEC recommended that a project team meeting be held after the State reviewed the Supplemental Phase I Report.

Guy Warren

5/23/2008

Meeting or Teleconference Held

The ADEC participated in a meeting regarding the Air Force MMRP Supplemental CSE Phase I / CSE Phase II for multiple installations, including Eareckson Air Station.

Jonathan Schick

6/3/2008

Update or Other Action

The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program reviewed the Final Work Plan CSE Phase II Eareckson Air Station, Alaska. ADEC stated that there were some issues that were not resolved during the meeting on May 23, 2008, but approved the proposed work to be implemented in the field.

Jonathan Schick

6/25/2008

Update or Other Action

The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program received the Final Supplemental Comprehensive Site Evaluation (CSE) Phase I Findings Report. Based on the historical records review, three new potential MRAs were identified. The Air Force stated that if visual evidence of the MRAs was found, they would be formally designated as MRAs and investigated further during the CSE Phase II efforts.

Jonathan Schick

2/2/2010

Meeting or Teleconference Held

A meeting was held to discuss the MMRP CSE Phase II results and recommendations for Eareckson Air Station. Lead was detected above screening levels in one sediment sample and two surface soil samples at the site. The project team agreed to the following recommendations for the site: 1) characterize the extend of lead contamination in soil and sediment and conduct a visual survey of the intertidal zone; 2) remove the deposit of bullets and casings from the beach and monitor for re-deposition; and 3) conduct investigation to determine if a burial pit was present.

Jonathan Schick

3/7/2010

Update or Other Action

The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program received the Final Comprehensive Site Evaluation (CSE) Phase II Report. Small arms ammunition debris was observed within the previously identified site boundaries. Lead was detected above screening levels in one sediment sample and two surface soil samples at the site. Further investigation was recommended for this site.

Jonathan Schick

6/23/2011

Update or Other Action

Contaminated Sites Staff recieved the Draft work plan for MMRP Remedial Investigation at Eareckson Air Station. The work plan addresses the Munitions Response Sites DA002, DA002A, OD001, OT029, and MRA 693, and the Possible Munitions Storage Area.

Jonathan Schick

9/1/2011

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Contaminated Sites Staff submitted comments to the US Air Force on the Draft Final Work Plans for MMRP Remedial Investigation work planned at Eareckson. There were several comments included with the letter regarding the organization of the plan and its accordance with the MMRP guidance.

Jonathan Schick

3/21/2012

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Contaminated Sites Staff received the revised Remedial Investigation Work Plan and responses to our previously submitted comments via email.

Jonathan Schick

3/30/2012

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

Contaminated Sites Staff submitted a letter with outstanding comments on the Draft Final Remedial Investigation work plan for MMRP work at OT029 and other MMRP sites at Eareckson Air Station. With the documetation of our concerns about the Data Quality the plan was approved to be implemented in the field. Staff expressed concern with the vegetation clearance and that the thick tundra could impede the data quality and blind seed recovery thus calling the DQOs into question.

Jonathan Schick

6/6/2012

Update or Other Action

Contaminated Sites Staff recieved a Field Change Request from the Air Force's contractor as they were not able to complete some of the clearance work proposed in the work plan and need to amend the scope of work to a more achievable scope for this field effort.

Jonathan Schick

6/7/2012

Update or Other Action

Contaminated Sites Staff submitted a letter to the Air Force Project Manager expressing our concern with the work being performed at the MMRP sites and the improper detonation/disposal of explosives. The field change request was not specific to OT029.

Jonathan Schick

6/25/2012

Update or Other Action

Site work is ending at .50 Calibur beach and other Munitions sites at Eareckson Air Station. The remedial investigation included the removal of the munitions debris located at .50 Cal beach.

Jonathan Schick

6/19/2014

CERCLA RI Report Approved

The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program approved the Final Remedial Investigation Report. The report concluded that MEC items were found on the beach and off shore. Concentrations of antimony, copper, lead, zinc, and 2,4-DNT in soil exceeded human health screening criteria. Concentrations of antimony, zinc, copper, 2,4-DNT, lead in soil were found to exceed ecological screening criteria. Concentrations of lead in sediment exceed the ecological screening criteria. A feasiblity study was recommended to determine appropriate remedial responses, based on the current and future land use.

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

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

11/27/2017

Site Visit

Jessica Morris

7/9/2021

Cleanup Plan Approved

Data Gap Investigation (DGI) for Munition Response Sites: Open Burn/Open Detonation (OB/OD) Range (OD001) and .50 Cal Beach (DU029) and Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant (POL) Sites: TU559, OT617, and TU568-619-1. After review of the MRSs, AFCEC determined the Open Burn/Open Detonation (OB/OD) (OD001) MRS and .50 Cal Beach (DU029) MRS require additional data to perform a risk assessment and accurately assess what current and future actions should be taken to make the sites safe for short and long-term human and ecological occupation. This UFP-QAPP and associated appendices serve as the work plan to complete the Data Gap Investigation (DGI) and characterization for the OB/OD (OD001) MRS and the .50 Cal Beach (DU029) MRS. The overall goal of the DGI is to collect sufficient data to address all contaminants of concern, including any MEC, and provide recommendations on future land use. Three POL sites were determined to need additional surface and groundwater investigation in order to perform a risk assessment for the sites. The three POL sites are TU559, POL site OT617, and POL site TU568-619-1.

Darren Mulkey

4/27/2022

Update or Other Action

On 4/27/2022 ADEC approved the Eareckson Air Station, Alaska, REMEDIAL PROCESS OPTIMIZATION REPORT dated April 2022. This Remedial Process Optimization (RPO) Report presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of current selected site remedies and makes recommendations for optimization of the IWM Program, as appropriate to establish a more integrated groundwater monitoring program at Eareckson AS. RPO is a systematic approach for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of site remediation without increasing site risk. This RPO Report presents a site-by-site evaluation of effectiveness of the sites selected remedy and provides recommendations to: • Streamline groundwater monitoring. • Develop a holistic approach to site management. • Maintain the remedial action objectives (RAOs) set forth in established Record of Decisions (RODs) and Decision Documents (DDs).

Daniela Fawcett

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

2/27/2024

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC provided review comments for the "Draft Final Data Gap Investigation Report MRS DU029 and MRS OD001, Eareckson Air Station – Base Wide Shemya, Alaska (dated December 2023)" to the U.S. Air Force. The report was to provide additional details to fill data gaps for two sites (Open Burn/Open Detonation Range OD001 and .50 Caliber Beach). Results from the investigation indicate data gaps remain. DEC recommended additional investigation work be conducted prior to establishing remedies for the sites.

Erica Blake

5/24/2024

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC provided responses to comments for the "Draft Final Data Gap Investigation Report MRS DU029 and MRS OD001, Eareckson Air Station – Base Wide Shemya, Alaska (dated December 2023)" to the U.S. Air Force. All responses were noted or accepted with comments. DEC recommended DU029 and OD001 include a remedial alternative that is a removal action in the Feasibility Study.

Erica Blake

9/19/2024

CERCLA FS

DEC provided comments for the "Draft Final Feasibility Study Report .50 Caliber (Cal) Beach (MRS DU029) and Open Burn/Open Detonation (MRS OD001), Eareckson Air Station, Alaska (dated June 2024)" to the U.S. Air Force. The document described remedial alternatives for munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) and munitions constituents (MC) for .50 Caliber (Cal) Beach (MRS DU029) and Open Burn/Open Detonation (MRS OD001) sites.

Erica Blake

9/19/2024

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC provided approval for the "Final Data Gap Investigation Report MRS DU029 and MRS OD001, Eareckson Air Station – Base Wide Shemya, Alaska (dated June 2024)" to the U.S. Air Force. The investigation was conducted to collect additional data that would support development of a Feasibility Study, Proposed Plan and Record of Decision for the .50 Caliber (Cal) Beach (DU029) and Open Burn/Open Detonation (OB/OD) Range (OD001) sites at Eareckson Air Station. The data gaps report was approved with the expectation that DEC's unresolved comments will be addressed during development and review of the Feasibility Study.

Erica Blake

8/4/2025

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC provided comments for the "Draft-Final 2023 Long Term Management, Land Use and Institutional Controls Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya, Alaska for Sites CS566, DA002/DA002A, DA003, FT001, FT002, FT003, LF015, LF018, LF024, LF026, ML001, MU001, OD001, OT048, OT617, PL560, PL575, SS005, SS007, SS010, SS012, SS023, SS025, ST009, ST035, ST039, ST044, ST046, ST050, ST051, TA555, TA556, TA616, TU553, TU554, TU558, TU559, TU567, TU568, XU912, ZZ001" to the U.S. Air Force. Forty-two sites were inspected, and analytical samples were collected from twelve of those forty-two sites. The work described in the document was completed in 2023.

Erica Blake

10/24/2025

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC provided responses to comments for the "Draft-Final 2023 Long Term Management, Land Use and Institutional Controls Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Alaska (dated October 2025)" to the U.S. Air Force. Most comments were addressed with the exception of one comment requiring additional revisions to the report text.

Erica Blake

10/28/2025

Long Term Monitoring Workplan or Report Review

DEC provided approval for the "Final 2023 Long Term Management, Land Use and Institutional Controls Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Alaska (dated October 2025) to the U.S, Air Force. Groundwater, surface water and sediment sampling and institutional control inspections were completed at 42 sites. Analytical samples were collected from 12 sites. Results from this 2023 investigation indicate continued monitoring is necessary to continue long-term cleanup efforts at Eareckson Air Station.

Erica Blake

3/4/2026

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC provided comments for the "Draft Final 2025 Long Term Management and Remedial Action Operation Activities Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Alaska (dated February 2026)" to the U.S. Air Force. Groundwater, surface water and sediment samples were collected from 12 sites, and land use control/institutional control inspections were completed for 42 sites. Recommendations in the report are to continue inspecting and sampling every 2 years (next sampling event would be 2027) until remedial action objectives are met.

Erica Blake

3/6/2026

Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other

DEC reviewed and provided responses to comments for the redline version of "Draft Final 2025 Long Term Management and Remedial Action Operation Activities Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Alaska (dated February 2026)" to the U.S. Air Force. All responses to comments were accepted and appropriate changes to the document text were made.

Erica Blake

3/11/2026

Long Term Monitoring Workplan or Report Review

DEC provided approval for the "Final 2025 Long Term Management and Remedial Action Operation Activities Report, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Alaska (dated March 2026)" to the U.S. Air Force. Analytical samples for groundwater, surface water and sediment were collected from 12 sites, while land use control/institutional control inspections were completed at 42 sites. The sites investigated were a mix of CERCLA sites, petroleum and Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) sites. The next long-term monitoring event is planned for 2027.

Erica Blake

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Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Site Report: Eareckson Air Station OT29 - 0.50 Caliber Beach

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State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation