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Site Report: USCG Point Higgins Firing Range

Site Name: USCG Point Higgins Firing Range
Address: 14700 North Tongass Hwy, Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan, AK 99901
File Number: 1516.38.002
Hazard ID: 3297
Status: Cleanup Complete
Staff: No Longer Assigned, 9074655229 dec.icunit@alaska.gov
Latitude: 55.458850
Longitude: -131.818866
Horizontal Datum:WGS84

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

Problems/Comments

A Small Arms Firing range was constructed in 1943 and abandoned in the mid-1970s. The approximate 200 feet long by 30-40 feet wide range likely had lanes for 6 people and was used for weapons qualification and recreations purposes for the discharge of 9mm weapons, 12-gauge shotguns and small hand guns. Site Investigations performed between 1997 and 1999 detected lead above the cleanup level of 400 mg/kg in 19 samples with the highest concentration detected at 70,001 mg/kg. The highest concentrations were found in the middle of the backstop area, at depths between 2 and 15 inches below ground surface. In 2013, approximately 275 cubic yards of lead-contaminated soil was removed and transported to Subtitle C and D landfills near Arlington, Oregon for disposal. Niton field screening results and analytical confirmation samples indicated that lead contamination greater than the ADEC Method Two human health cleanup level was removed. Twenty-nine confirmation samples were collected. 12 Miles NW of Ketchikan.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
11/17/1999 Update or Other Action EPA Site Discovery. CERCLIS ID# AKSFN1002183. Bruce Wanstall
6/26/2000 Site Added to Database Copper, Zinc, Cadmium and Lead detected. Bruce Wanstall
6/26/2000 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Initial ranking. Bruce Wanstall
6/27/2000 Update or Other Action DEC received draft Site Characterization Work Plan Wendy Hansen
8/3/2000 Site Characterization Report Approved Draft Site Characterization Workplan approved with the proviso that specified issues be addressed in the final version. Larry Johnson
8/4/2000 Update or Other Action DEC received Site Characterization Work Plan, dated July 2000. The objective of the site characterization was to fill any data gaps and provide sufficient data to support a feasibility study of remedial alternatives. The collection of soil, sediment and surface water samples was planned. Wendy Hansen
9/26/2000 Update or Other Action DEC received Draft Site Characterization Report, dated September 2000 Wendy Hansen
11/22/2000 Update or Other Action Comments were submitted to the USCG regarding the draft Site Characterization Report. The major request was for additional investigation of two hot spots within the limits of the firing range. Larry Johnson
3/16/2001 Update or Other Action DEC received a Site Characterization Report, dated January 2001. The report presents a summary of background information and describes nature and extent of contamination. Based on statistical analyses performed for soil data, soil at the site does not exceed regulatory cleanup levels. Lead concentrations above ecological risk-based screening levels were reported for surface water and sediment samples collected from a small pool of standing water. Removal of this hot spot was recommended. A general site cleanup to include removal of remaining sections of decaying wooden boardwalks, general nonhazardous waste, and visible bullet fragments on the ground surface were also recommended. Wendy Hansen
5/11/2001 Site Characterization Report Approved Letter approval for Final Site Characterization Report dated January 2001 sent to USCG. Larry Johnson
12/16/2002 Update or Other Action Discussed with USCG PM possible use of site for soil disposal and future actions at site. Larry Johnson
8/4/2003 Update or Other Action NAD 83 correction on lat long data; address corrected Bruce Wanstall
9/8/2004 Update or Other Action Files sent to Juneau. Larry Johnson
12/6/2006 Update or Other Action File reviewed to include site in letter outlining actions needed on multiple USCG sites. No action seems to have been taken at this site since 2001 Site Characterization Report. High levels of metals are present in the soil and need to be addressed. Anne Marie Palmieri
1/19/2007 Update or Other Action DEC letter to USCG regarding status of various sites. The letter noted non-concurrence with the proposed cleanup levels and statistical approach presented in 2001 Site Characterization Report. Wendy Hansen
4/7/2008 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed. Anne Marie Palmieri
5/10/2013 Update or Other Action Received Draft 2013 Point Higgins SI/RA Work Plan, dated May 2013. Wendy Hansen
8/1/2013 Update or Other Action Provided comments to Draft 2013 Point Higgins SI/RA Work Plan, dated May 2013. Wendy Hansen
8/5/2013 Update or Other Action Received Responses to Comments on Draft 2013 Point Higgins SI/RA Work Plan, dated May 2013 and participated in comment resolution meeting. Wendy Hansen
8/7/2013 Update or Other Action DEC approved 2013 revised draft final Point Higgins SI/RA Work Plan, and remediation work (with agreed upon changes to be implemented in the field). Wendy Hansen
1/3/2014 Update or Other Action 2013 Point Higgins SI/RA Work Plan approved. The goal of the 2013 efforts is to remove lead-contaminated soil above 400 mg/kg. A 10-foot by 10-foot grid will be laid over the site; soil samples collected from each cell and analyzed in the field using a Niton XRF. Field-screening samples that yield readings over 200 mg/kg will inform decisions regarding whether to expand the investigation laterally or vertically. Cells above 200 mg/kg will be excavated until screening data indicated lead-contaminated soil has been removed. Confirmation samples will be collected at a frequency of two samples for the first 250 square feet and one sample for each additional 250 square feet. Surface water and sediment samples may be needed, due to the saturated nature of soils in the area. Wendy Hansen
4/4/2014 Update or Other Action DEC received Final copy of Site Investigation and Removal Action Work Plan, dated August 2013 Wendy Hansen
3/16/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Provided comments to Draft 2014 Point Higgins SI/RA Report, dated March 2014 and received by DEC on April 4, 2014. Wendy Hansen
3/17/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Approved Final Point Higgins LORAN Station SI/RA Work Plan dated August 2013 and received by ADEC on April 4, 2014. This was a follow up approval. Wendy Hansen
2/22/2016 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Staff provided letter approving of responses to comments and revised figures for Draft 2014 Point Higgins SI/RA report received on January 13, 2016. The letter stated that the report can be finalized. A final approval letter is pending receipt of the revised document. Wendy Hansen
5/13/2016 Update or Other Action Final Site Investigation and Removal Action Report dated May 2016 received by DEC Staff. Approximately 275 cubic yards of lead-contaminated soil was removed and transported to Subtitle C and D landfills near Arlington, Oregon for disposal. Niton field screening results and analytical confirmation samples indicated that lead contamination greater than the ADEC Method Two human health cleanup level was removed. Twenty-nine confirmation samples were collected. Wendy Hansen
3/28/2019 Cleanup Complete Determination Issued The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Contaminated Sites Program (ADEC) has completed a review of the environmental records associated with USCG (United States Coast Guard) Point Higgins Firing Range located 12 miles northwest of Ketchikan. Based on the information provided to date, it has been determined that the contaminant concentrations remaining on site do not pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment and no further remedial action will be required unless new information becomes available that indicates residual contaminants may pose an unacceptable risk. Grant Lidren

Contaminant Information

Name Level Description Media Comments
Lead - Total < 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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State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

P.O. Box 111800
Juneau, AK 99811-1800
Phone: 907-465-5066
Fax: 907-465-5245
TDD: 800-770-8973
Physical Location: 410 Willoughby