Site Report: Unalakleet Air. Warning - Drum Dump
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
The Drum Dump was an unpermitted landfill used by the Air Force for disposal of drums and other debris. Removal of debris and contaminated soil was completed in the summer of 2005, although some may still remain underneath the beach road that allows access to the site and other allotments. The Corps and DEC agreed to no further excavation to avoid compromising the access road. Soil contamination was primarily weathered petroleum in the diesel and residual ranges. Isolated detections of DRO and benzene above Method 2 cleanup levels were found in confirmation samples. A surface water sample documented traces of PAHs in the nearby slough, but still met Alaska Water Quality Standards for petroleum compounds. For more background on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites in Unalakleet, see the “Unalakleet Air. Warning - Main Radar Site” database entry.
2012 Update:
On June 20, 2012, a public meeting was held in Unalakleet to discuss the remedial actions and remaining concerns for contaminated sites at the Unalakleet FUDS Aircraft Warning Site. Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Project Manager, Dennis Shepard attended the meeting and then conducted a site visit on June 21, 2012.
There is a listed Eroding landfill at Unalakleet (previously Unalakleet FUDS site 14, Drum Dump). ADEC’s project manager met and conducted a site visual inspection of the eroding landfill with Sissy Kotongan, Environmental Specialist for the village of Unalakleet.
The inspection of the site was conducted to determine if there is a contaminated site issue and whether the contaminated sites program should reopen the landfill site under the FUDS program. A small amount of metal debris was observed rusting on the beach. More recent debris from the barge loading area was also observed. No odors or staining were observed. No sheen or indication of contamination of surface water observed at site. Not much evidence of erosion. Erosion occurs during storm surges according to Ms. Kotongan. Shepard took numerous photos to document site.
Based on the visual inspection and previous surface water and soil sample results at the site, as well as the statement from Sissy Kotongan that she did not have concerns for the site; Shepard concluded that the site does not pose an immediate concern for Human Health and Safety or the Environment. Shepard recommended that the site should not be reopened under the contaminated sites program at this time. Remedial actions that do not allow unlimited use and unrestricted exposure must be reviewed at least every 5 years after the start of the remedial action. 5 year reviews should be conducted for this site in MAY 2014, 2019, 2024, etc. The 5 year reviews should include site observations to verify that erosion is not mobilizing any residual contamination.
2015 Update:
On October 30, 2015, ADEC Project Manager, Joy Whitsel conducted a site visit. The beach road from the barge landing to the airport fence was observed for signs of contaminated soil. No odors or soil staining was observed. No significant erosion was observed.
Action Information
Contaminant Information
| Name |
Level Description |
Media |
Comments |
| DRO |
Between Method 2 Migration to Groundwater and Human Health/Ingestion/Inhalation |
Soil |
In one sample collected from the western sidewall, DRO was detected at a concentration of 360 mg/kg, well below the Method Two Ingestion Cleanup Level, Under 40-inch Zone |
| Benzene |
Between Method 2 Migration to Groundwater and Human Health/Ingestion/Inhalation |
Soil |
The maximum concentration of benzene detected in post-excavation soil samples was 0.239 mg/kg, well below the Method Two Ingestion Cleanup Level, Under 40-inch Zone, of 11 mg/kg |
| RRO |
Between Method 2 Migration to Groundwater and Human Health/Ingestion/Inhalation |
Soil |
RRO was not detected above the Method 2, Ingestion, Under 40-Inch Zone cleanup level of 10,000 mg/kg. |
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.
