Skip to content Skip to content

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

You are here: DEC / SPAR / CSP / SPAR Online Services / Contaminated Sites Search / Site Report

Site Report: Eielson AFB (OU-1) (ST048) Power Plant

Site Name: Eielson AFB (OU-1) (ST048) Power Plant
Address: Division & Industrial Sts, Eielson AFB, AK 99702
File Number: 107.38.070
Hazard ID: 352
Status: Active
Staff: Axl LeVan, 9074512156 axl.levan@alaska.gov
Latitude: 64.670858
Longitude: -147.076557
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

Contamination at the site is the result of leaking gasoline and diesel fuel lines and disposal of chlorinated solvents and possibly waste oil in drywells. During the late 1980s site investigations detected up to 18” of fuel floating on the water table. Free product was dispersed over and area approximately 100 feet in diameter and low levels of chlorinated solvents were detected in a nearby drinking water well. Records indicate that the well is 115 feet deep, but the length of the screen is not specified. In 1992, the Air Force made a brief attempt at product recovery, and conducted soil vapor extraction from 1992 – 2002 to remediate the fuel contamination. Groundwater was monitored fairly consistently until 2002, though subsequently most of the monitoring wells were removed. The existing data indicate that contaminant concentrations were decreasing. A conceptual site model update planed for 2012, is designed to delineate contaminant concentrations in both soil and groundwater. The results of the investigation will be evaluated to determine if further remediation is warranted. This site also includes EIE405, spill no. 18309920002; spill date = 7/19/18; substance = unknown; quantity = unknown; PPRP file no. 107.02.004; description: During utilidor construction, a black tar-like substance was observed in soil in an area of known historical contamination possibly from old petroleum lines. Diesel range organics, residual range organics, metals, naphthalene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were confirmed present above DEC cleanup levels. Proposed COCs (Soil): GRO DRO RRO Benzene Ethylbenzene 1,2,4-TMB 1,3,5-TMB Xylenes Benzo(a)anthracene Benzo(a)pyrene Benzo(b)fluoranthene Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 1-Methylnaphthalene 2-Methylnaphthalene Naphthalene Proposed COCs (Groundwater): GRO DRO Benzene 1,2-Dichloroethane Ethylbenzene Pentachlorophenol 1,2,4-TMB 1,3,5-TMB Toluene Xylenes 1-Methylnaphthalene 2-Methylnaphthalene Naphthalene Arsenic Iron

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
1/17/1992 Site Added to Database This site is included in the state EPA Eielson FFA 100.38.011. Former Staff
7/29/1992 Update or Other Action TPH extremely high (32,000 ug/kg), BTX, TDS, iron and manganese exceed MCLs. Free product was detected near where abandoned fuel lines cross beneath Industrial Drive and along NW side of Ash House. Former Staff
8/21/1992 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = DD - Decision Document (CERCLIS)). Met with Eielson (Sam Gibboney), regarding ARARS for OU1B. Record of Decision. Rielle Markey
9/2/1992 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = FI - Field Inspection (General)). Site visit. Made a visit to the treatability study at the site. There are a lot of details and indeed some major design flaws with this project. Former Staff
9/2/1992 Meeting or Teleconference Held Meeting. Former Staff
9/25/1992 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = DD - Decision Document (CERCLIS)). State signatures on ROD for removal of floating product as an interim action. Former Staff
11/12/1992 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). 2 hour call - 1st scoping of OU1 Draft RI to be continued 11-18. Rielle Markey
11/17/1992 Meeting or Teleconference Held 2 hour conference call resolving ROD alternatives workplan and remedial action workplan dates and issues. Rielle Markey
11/18/1992 Meeting or Teleconference Held 2 hour conference call resolving scoping issues for OU1 Management Plan due 1-15-93. Rielle Markey
11/20/1992 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). Letter sent initiating dispute on site 48 for dates of RD and R action Plan. Rielle Markey
12/7/1992 Meeting or Teleconference Held (Old R:Base Action Code = PUBP - Public Participation)). Public meeting at NP High School 7-9 PM. Former Staff
12/7/1992 Meeting or Teleconference Held (Old R:Base Action Code = PUBP - Public Participation)). Technical Review committee meeting. Former Staff
2/10/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RD - Remedial Design). Received 60% Design document for NAPL Recovery Project to satisfy interim action 1B. Rielle Markey
2/23/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RPL2 - Site Information Request Letter). Sent PRP-CS database Notification Letter to RP requesting update and more environmental information concerning contaminated site. Department of the Air Force responded with update of requested site information on 3-17-93. Jeff Peterson
3/19/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = DD - Decision Document (CERCLIS)). Sent review comments on 60% Design for OU-1B NAPL Recovery Project Decision Document. Rielle Markey
3/23/1993 Site Characterization Workplan Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = MP - Management Plan (CERCLIS)). Received Schedule for OU-1. Will discuss in a conference call on 3-24. Rielle Markey
10/18/1993 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Initial ranking. Former Staff
11/2/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). Letter sent to Air Force on results of review of Draft Final Remedial Design and Draft Final Remedial Action Workplan. Bob Couch
12/17/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). Letter sent in reference to project "Repair Utilidors" located within the limits of the contaminated site, requiring that construction activities be compatible with remediation plans for the unit. Bob Couch
9/30/1994 Institutional Control Record Established When the OU-1 ROD was signed, it established institutional controls for this site. These ICs include: a prohibition on the installation or use of drinking water wells, a requirement that all monitoring wells are secured with locks, any activity that may result in exposure to contam. g.w. or moving contam. g.w. requires approval of CES/CEV, any activity disturbing a remedial action requires approval of CES/CEV, any activity that may result in exposure to or removal of contam. soil requires approval of CES/CEV, if contam soil or g.w.. are removed from the source, they must be disposed of or treated in accordance with regulation, and a requirement to notify ADEC and EPA of any proposal to change the existing land use or land use controls at the site. Ann Farris
1/18/1996 Update or Other Action Received DRAFT Initial Report on Modeling Geometry and steady State Flow Model. Kalu Kalu
1/18/1996 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RI - Remedial Investigation). Received DRAFT Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study, Volumes 1 and 2 (2 copies of each). Kalu Kalu
9/24/1996 Record of Decision Final Site-Wide Record of Decision, September 1, 1996, Environmental Restoration Program (QTRLOG). Rielle Markey
3/24/1997 Update or Other Action Site updated by Shannon and Wilson, based on the Air Force Relative Risk Evaluation Worksheet dated 10/19/95. S&W
1/21/1998 Update or Other Action Staff name changed from Kalu to Short. Bioventing pilot study ongoing at two sites: ST20 and ST48. Ronan Short
12/3/2001 Cleanup Plan Approved Bioventing ongoing - system was operated for 348 days in 2000. Average biodegradation rate in 2000 was 1.13 mg/kg/day. NAPL recovery has stopped apparently because the product is no longer recoverable with the skimmers. Ann Farris
12/26/2001 GIS Position Updated Worked with Heather Goldman obtaining GIS latitude and longitude from 1:63,300 topographic map. Heather Goldman
8/27/2002 Update or Other Action Met with AF, EPA, and RPO team to discuss results of 2001 soil gas and soil sampling. These results indicate clean soil throughout the area. We agreed to shut down the system. Ann Farris
9/19/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Staff attended a meeting with Air Force and EPA personnel to resolve comments on the draft Eielson Five-Year Review. Issues with the document included event-driven groundwater sampling at several contaminated sites, which we denied pending further clarification of the process, and closing numerous sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), but keeping them open under the State until 18 AAC 75 diesel range organic cleanup levels are met. Ann Farris
1/28/2004 Long Term Monitoring Established This site is included in the Sitewide Monitoring Program. Emily Youcha
1/28/2004 Update or Other Action The 2003 Five-Year Review was completed and all three parties (Air Force, EPA, and ADEC) have approved it. At ST-48, we agreed to shut off the bioventing system because it appears it has effectively treated the soil within its area of influence (south of Division Street). The groundwater in this area appears to be stable. The groundwater north of Division Street has an increasing trend that must be monitored. The groundwater monitoring will continue under the site-wide monitoring program. Institutional controls remain in place. Ann Farris
7/19/2004 Update or Other Action Staff reviewed the site-wide monitoring program. The ST-48 groundwater sampling was not included The Air Force indicated they would program money to complete the sampling in 2005. Ann Farris
6/24/2005 Update or Other Action Staff reviewed the sitewide monitoring program workplan. Sampling the ground water at site ST48 was not included for this year, but is scheduled for monitoring in 2007. Staff has requested in the comment letter additional sampling for this year. Emily Youcha
7/28/2005 Meeting or Teleconference Held Staff participated in a meeting with Eielson AFB regarding this site. Eielson believes the increase in concentration at the well is due to influences from nearby pumping wells. Eielson referred staff to a report written by CRREL, researching the ground-water flow, fate, and transport at this site. Emily Youcha
9/14/2005 Update or Other Action Staff requested the Air Force take a measurment this summer at the well with increasing BTEX concentrations and a comprehensive evaluation in 2007 of the plume. At this time, Eielson does not concur with the ADEC recommendation. Further meetings with the Air Force and EPA will be scheduled in October. Emily Youcha
11/22/2005 Meeting or Teleconference Held Staff attended a meeting with the EPA and Eielson AFB regarding this site. ADEC is concerned about increasing concentration over the past 10 years in well 48M08 (1994: 100 ug/L to 2002: 880 ug/L). Data in the Sitewide monitoring reports do not clearly define the extent of this area of contamination so staff requested clarification. Eielson provided additional data from site ST18, collected in 2002, showing the downgradient extent of the benzene plume, which is at the most, 120 ft in length by about 40 ft wide. The wells used to characterize the downgradient extent are actually upgradient wells for another nearby site, ST18. Shallow soil contamination is no longer an issue at ST48, the benzene contamination is probably mostly in the smear zone and in the ground water. It is likely that free product still exists at the site. EPA’s main concern was whether the plume was spreading and the need to continue monitoring downgradient, rather than figure out what is happening within the plume. However, EPA did recommend an additional sampling of the well with increasing concentrations It was agreed to continue monitoring on a 5-year frequency. The next measurement is in 2007 and a data point will be collected with a new well at 48M08 because the old well was discontinued. A second data point will be collected downgradient to make sure there is no off-site migration. Care should be taken to ensure the location is truly downgradient of the plume due to the flow directions being not clearly known. It was agreed that the nested wells near the water-supply well will not be decommissioned. Emily Youcha
3/1/2006 Update or Other Action Staff had a telephone call with Eielson AFB to discuss their long-term monitoring program optimization. Eielson would like to apply "event-driven monitoring" to many benzene-contaminated sites, where monitoring would occur when the concentration reached the MCL at a predicted time. They are using MAKSENS to do the statistical regressions and come up with a slope indicating benzene degradation rates. This slope would predict when the concentrations would reach the MCL and monitoring would occur at that time only. They would like to apply this slope to other "similar sites" to predict when the concentrations would reach the MCL. Eielson submitted the concept to AFCEE for review, but apparently AFCEE requested more data, which Eielson did not have. At this point, DEC has not reviewed any data on this concept and requested Eielson submit a report showing the data and justification of their assumptions. Emily Youcha
10/20/2006 Update or Other Action Staff received notice from the Air Force that they might conduct utilidor repairs by hydrotrenching. this would entail spraying water at high pressures to remove the soil and then sucking up the slurry (soil and water) with a vacuum. The contents would need to be sampled, treated, and disposed of. the process should be controlled so that contaminated soil and water would not be spraying everywhere. Emily Youcha
10/9/2007 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Preliminary ranking completed. Deborah Williams
7/14/2008 Meeting or Teleconference Held ADEC participated in Eielson's 5 year ROD Review with EPA and Eielson. The sites covered in the ROD Review were the following: ST20, ST48, SS50-52, ST10/SS14, ST13/DP26, DP44, WP45/SS57, ST56, SS61, DP25, ST58, LF03/FT09, WP38 and SS67. Bioventing systems for ST10/SS14 and ST13/DP26 will cease operation during the summer of 2008. ADEC is concerned about LTM issues with SS35 and SS37 because of the potential for spills to be released from buried containerized wastes which are present at both of these sites. The vapor intrusion pathway will be evaluated at many of the sites where there are volatile compounds as a COC at the site and where there are potential receptors. All of these sites will be incorporated into Eielson's Land Use Control plan for the Base. Deborah Williams
4/19/2012 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Staff approved a site investigation workplan designed to delineate current contaminant concentrations in both soil and groundwater. The results of the investigation will be used to determine if further remediation is warranted. Kim DeRuyter
2/11/2014 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other 2012-Final installation-wide monitoring program (IWMP) report received June, 24 2013. Remedial actions have taken place at Source Area ST48 since 1992 and remedies have included: NAPL removal through passive skimming; bioventing and soil vapor extraction to remediate soil contamination; and groundwater monitoring. During the 2012 season, six monitoring wells were installed, five replacing previous wells, and one in a new location. Groundwater samples were analyzed and one COCs (Contaminant of concern) Benzene exceeded the Final remediation goal. Two COPC (Contaminant of potential concern), GRO and DRO (Gasoline/ Diesel-range organics) were detected in levels that exceeded current MCL (Maximum contaminant level) or ADEC groundwater levels. Pesticides and PCBs have the potential to impact groundwater at this source area, but were not included in the 2012 monitoring event. Based on the comparison between the 2012 and historical concentrations and plume extents, groundwater contaminant of concerns have decreased, indicating a decline in plume mass. Anna Iverson
3/19/2014 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other The AF submitted Conceptual Site Model Update (Draft) for site ST48. Received 3/12/14. Anna Iverson
5/1/2014 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other 2013-Draft installation-wide monitoring program (IWMP) report received March, 26 2014. There are 10 monitoring wells located across the source area, with all 10 being sampled in the spring and fall of 2013. Groundwater samples were analyze and in both the spring and fall sampling events, Benzene (2 wells) exceeded the ROD FRGs. COPC (Contaminant of potential concern) exceeded current MCL (Maximum contaminant level) or ADEC groundwater levels for GRO (1 well) and DRO (2 wells) for both spring and fall sampling events. Benzene, Ethylbenzene, and Toluene have all been previously detected above FRG, all show a decreasing trends, with Ethylbenzene, and Toluene now reporting values under FRGs. DRO and GRO concentrations in one exceeded ADEC Cleanup Levels in both Spring and Fall 2013, with the exceedances being co-located with benzene exceedances. Additional groundwater monitoring is need to verify these trends. Anna Iverson
3/27/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Final Field Investigation and Conceptual Site Model (CSM) Update received March 12, 2015. The field investigation was used to evaluate current concentrations of contaminants in soil and groundwater to determine if revisions to the monitoring network and remedy were necessary. Groundwater, soil, and air were identified as potential exposure media. Note the air pathway should be updated upon approval of the vapor intrusion assessment. Overall, the results of the field investigation largely confirmed the accuracy of the CSM used in the ROD. The monitoring well network at ST48 was expanded under the 2012 Installation Wide Monitoring Program and additional wells were added as part of the CSM Update. Anna Iverson
5/17/2016 Site Visit Brunner & Breitenberger conducted a site visit to observe the implementation of a site-specific sampling and analysis plan during a sewer reroute at ST048. Melinda Brunner
7/22/2016 Institutional Control Compliance Review DEC and EPA Approved the Final 2016 Installation-Wide Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan Addendum No. 5. The IWMP QAPP Add. 5 updates the 2012 IWMP QAPP for the 2016 field season. Changes and additions to the existing network of monitoring wells were described. Monte Garroutte
4/25/2017 Update or Other Action DEC reviewed and provided comments on the Draft Programmatic Quality Assurance Project Plan, Addendum No. 2, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (March, 2017). John O'Brien
6/9/2017 Update or Other Action DEC Approved the 2017 Field Sampling Plan, Eielson Performance-Based Remediation, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. John O'Brien
7/18/2017 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC reviewed and provided comments on the Installation-Wide Monitoring Program, 2016 Groundwater Monitoring Report, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (June, 2017). John O'Brien
8/6/2018 CERCLA ROD Periodic Review DEC evaluated "Fifth Five-Year Review Report for Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska" draft dated April 2018 and issued comments. Bri Clark
8/9/2018 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC reviewed and provided a second round of comments on Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) to the Records of Decisions for Eielson Air Force Base Operable Units, OU1, OU2, OU3,4,5, and OU6, dated November 2017. Bri Clark
8/10/2018 Institutional Control Periodic Reporting DEC and EPA reviewed the "Installation-Wide Monitoring Program 2017 Groundwater Monitoring Program" for Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska dated March 2018 and issued comments. Bri Clark
12/19/2018 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC reviewed and provided comments on the "Draft Installation-Wide Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan, Addendum No. 8, Eielson Performance-Based Remediation, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska," dated November 2018. Bri Clark
1/4/2019 Spill Transferred from Prevention Preparedness and Response Program Spill transferred by PPRP staff Jill Stockbridge. Spill no. 18309920002; spill date = 7/19/18; substance = unknown; quantity = unknown; PPRP file no. 107.02.004; description: (EIE405) During utilidor construction, a black tar-like substance was observed in soil in an area of known historical contamination possibly from old petroleum lines. Diesel range organics, residual range organics, metals, naphthalene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were confirmed present above DEC cleanup levels. Mitzi Read
2/13/2019 Institutional Control Periodic Reporting DEC and EPA approved the Installation-Wide Monitoring Program 2017 Groundwater Monitoring Report, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, dated January 2019. Bri Clark
3/4/2019 Institutional Control Periodic Reporting DEC issued comments on the Draft Installation-Wide Monitoring Program 2018 Groundwater Monitoring Report, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, dated January 2019. This report describes the groundwater monitoring activities conducted installation-wide in 2018. Bri Clark
9/30/2019 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC issued comments on the "Draft Installation-Wide Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan, Addendum No. 9 Eielson Performance-Based Remediation, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska", dated August 2019. This program addendum updates the monitoring program originally designed in 2012. Sara Marshall
2/16/2021 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking A new updated ranking with ETM has been completed for source area 71331 Multi-fuel pipelines and a drywell. Axl LeVan
5/17/2022 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided comments for the Draft Work Plan, 2022 Installation-Wide Monitoring Program, Eielson AFB, Alaska, Revision 02, April 2022 Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The work plan identifies annual sampling requirements for 15 monitoring wells at site ST048. Dennis Shepard
11/1/2022 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided review comments for the Draft Supplemental Remedial Investigation (RI) Work Plan (WP) Addendum, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, September 2022. The Supplemental RI Work Plan Addendum is prepared with the intention of providing a detailed approach to support the objectives of characterizing contamination in general accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and applicable state laws at 29 source areas within Operable Unit (OU) 1, OU2, OU4, and OU6 at Eielson AFB. This supplemental work plan addendum complements the primary planning documents Final Supplemental Remedial Investigation Work Plan Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (September 2022) (Gaps 1 Work Plan) and the Risk Assessment Work Plan (USAF 2016). Dennis Shepard
5/1/2023 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) completed a review of the "Draft Field Sampling Report Repair Blackstart Generator Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, February 2023" and provide initial comments. The report summarizes the field screening, analytical sampling, excavation characterization, and stockpile characterization conducted for the ‘FTQ 12-1012 Repair Blackstart Generator’ project. Axl LeVan
5/17/2023 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) completed a review of the "Draft Field Sampling Report Repair Blackstart Generator Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, February 2023" and provide initial comments. The report summarizes the field screening, analytical sampling, excavation characterization, and stockpile characterization conducted for the ‘FTQ 12-1012 Repair Blackstart Generator’ project. Axl LeVan

Contaminant Information

Name Level Description Media Comments
Benzene > Table C Groundwater

Control Type

Type Details
Interagency MOU OU1 Record of Decision

Requirements

Description Details
Groundwater Monitoring Long-term monitoring through the Sitewide Monitoring Program Annual Sitewide Monitoring Report (monitoring frequency for site varies)
Groundwater Use Restrictions Base backup water-supply wells are located within 1/4 mile from the site. The wells are deeper than the ground-water contamination and 3 sentinal piezometers located adjacent to the water supply well are monitored. Water-supply wells are tested in accordance with State regulations. Prohibition on the installation of additional water-supply wells. Annual IC Report
Excavation / Soil Movement Restrictions Any activity disturbing a remedial action requires approval of CES/CEV, any activity that may result in exposure to or removal of contaminated soil requires approval of CES/CEV, if contam soil or groundwater are removed from the source, they must be disposed of or treated in accordance with regulations. Annual IC Report
Restricted to Industrial / Commercial Land Use Requirement to notify ADEC and EPA of any proposal to change the existing land use or land use controls at the site.

No associated sites were found.

Missing Location Data

Because the GIS location data for this site has not been entered, we cannot direct you to its position on the map. Click "Continue" to proceed to the Contaminated Sites Web Map or "Close" to return to the site report.
Continue     Close

Public Notices  •  Regulations  •  Statutes
Press Releases  •  Contact

 

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