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Site Report: Clam Island Harbor Defense Site

Site Name: Clam Island Harbor Defense Site
Address: Clam Island, ~4.3 Miles WNW of Sitka, Sitka, AK 99835
File Number: 1525.38.035
Hazard ID: 3130
Status: Cleanup Complete
Staff: No Longer Assigned, 9074655229 dec.icunit@alaska.gov
Latitude: 57.070639
Longitude: -135.433361
Horizontal Datum:

We make every effort to ensure the data presented here is accurate based on the best available information currently on file with DEC. It is therefore subject to change as new information becomes available. We recommend contacting the assigned project staff prior to making decisions based on this information.

Problems/Comments

Clam Island, which lies directly adjacent to Abalone Island and west, housed two searchlights, a two-tiered 6" gun appurtenance, utilities, and housing for a small detachment of infantry troops. Remnants of this facility include all improvements with the exception of Quonset huts used for housing-which were likely removed at the time the facility was abandoned in 1944. Analytical data obtained from soil samples at Clam Island indicate that both diesel fuel and other oils have been spilled. Both diesel range organic and residual range organic detections exceed ADEC action limits for soils. NALEMP Site Assessment, May 8, 2000 for Clam Island and Abalone Island. FUDS # F10AK1038. DRO at 280 mg/kg, RRO at 2800 mg/kg from sample of seep (moisture content was 81.7% and results reported in dry weight).

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
10/14/2002 Site Added to Database DRO and RRO. Debra Caillouet
10/15/2002 Update or Other Action START Trip report dated November 6, 1998 for Kasiana Islands Base End Station includes Clam Island. EPA concluded no further action is required under CERCLA. Debra Caillouet
8/23/2004 Update or Other Action File number issued 1525.38.035 Aggie Blandford
2/28/2008 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed. Anne Marie Palmieri
9/23/2014 Update or Other Action DEC received a Site Visit Report for Clam Island Radar Facility near Sitka, prepared by Chilkat environmental and dated Sept. 22, 2010, from the Corps of Engineers. It documents a site inspection conducted on July 1, 2010 under the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP). The objectives were to locate and sample a previously identified seep area and determine the size and source for any stained soil, determine if flowing seep water could be sampled, and determine whether lead-based paint or asbestos were present in building debris. The seep, which had been sampled previously (in 2000) and found to contain low level DRO and RRO (280 mg/kg and 2,800 mg/kg respectively). The drainage was located but no seep was active; no stained soil or stressed vegetation were observed; two test holes were augured - the soil was dry and there was no indication of contamination. No lead-based paint or asbestos concerns were identified. John Halverson
9/23/2014 Update or Other Action DEC received from the Corps of Engineers a "Site Remediation Report - Clam and Abalone Island Remediation", prepared by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, dated March 2014. The report was prepared under the NALEMP and documents building demolition and debris cleanup done by the Tribe between 2011 and 2013, under a cooperative agreement with the Corps of Engineers. The report does not identify any release or cleanup of oil or other hazardous substances. Collapsed building materials and lead-shielded communications cable were collected, removed and disposed off-site. John Halverson
9/23/2014 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 74105 former facility. John Halverson
11/24/2014 Cleanup Complete Determination Issued DEC signed the Kasiana Island Base End Station declaration of project closure decision closing the containerized waste (CON/HTRW) and building demolition and debris removal (BD/DR) projects under the Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) program. The projects covered World War II Sitka Harbor defense facilities contructed on Clam and Abalone Islands. Based on the 2014 Site Remediation report, cleanup of the facilities is considered complete. No known or suspected waste/contamination remains at the site. John Halverson

Contaminant Information

Name Level Description Media Comments
DRO < Method 2 Most Stringent Soil

Control Type

Type Details
No ICs Required

Requirements

Description Details
Advance approval required to transport soil or groundwater off-site.
Movement or use of contaminated material (including on site) in a manner that results in a violation of the water quality standards is prohibited (18 AAC 70)

No associated sites were found.

Missing Location Data

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