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Site Report: DESC MP 23.58 Eielson Pipeline Release - Manchu Road

Site Name: DESC MP 23.58 Eielson Pipeline Release - Manchu Road
Address: MP 23.58 Eielson Pipeline at Manchu Road, Eielson AFB, AK 99702
File Number: 107.38.104
Hazard ID: 4358
Status: Active
Staff: Axl LeVan, 9074512156 axl.levan@alaska.gov
Latitude: 64.689139
Longitude: -147.083306
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

Historic soil and groundwater contamination was discovered in June 2005 during a fiber optics cable installation project. The affected area is located between ponds and a utilidor and French Creek Drive on Manchu Road. The area is approximately 600 feet along Manchu Road by 300 feet along the pipeline, covering approximately 4 acres. A variety of fuels (arctic grade diesel, aircraft turbine JP-4, automotive combat gasoline, Avgas grade 115/145, JP-4, JP-8 and leaded and unleaded Mogas) were transported in the Eielson pipeline at various times since the 1950s. Contaminants of potential concern include BTEX, GRO, DRO, RRO, PAHs, EDB and lead. Groundwater contamination includes GRO, DRO and benzene concentrations above cleanup levels. Four groundwater samples were analyzed for EDB in 2009 and all results were non-detections. Soil contamination includes DRO and benzene concentrations above cleanup levels. Surface water samples from Ponds A and B did not exceed cleanup levels for TAH and TAqH. Several residences are approximately 130 feet from the source area. A soil gas survey conducted in 2011 found concentrations of volatile organic compounds to be less than DEC target levels. The vapor intrusion pathway will be re-assessed as further site characterization work is completed. A Method Three Cumulative Risk Assessment will be prepared after collection of site-specific soil and aquifer properties in 2012.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
2/27/2007 Spill Transferred from Prevention Preparedness and Response Program Site transferred by PERP staff Amanda Stark. Spill No. 05309917804; Spill Date = 6/27/05; PERP File No. 107.02.012; Substance = GRO/DRO/BTEX; Quantity = Unknown. Mitzi Read
3/5/2007 Site Added to Database Site added to the database. Mitzi Read
3/6/2007 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking completed. Mitzi Read
7/18/2007 Update or Other Action An Initial Site Characterization Report prepared by Michael L. Foster & Associates, Inc. was recieved by ADEC on DEC 18, 2006. This report delineates the nature and extent of contamination discovered during a fiber optics cable installation project in June 2005. The affected area is located between two ponds and the Utilidor/French Creek Drive on Manchue Road. The GRO, DRO, and benzene concentrations indicated in the soil and groundwater samples collected on both sides of the MAPCO pipeline exceed the ADEC soil cleanup levels. Soil samples collected exceed ADEC cleanup levels for DRO and benzene with the highest concentrations located 100ft east and 100ft west of the pipeline alone Manchu Road. Groundwater samples collected exceed ADEC cleanup levels for GRO, DRO, benzene, and lead withe the highest concentrations located 100ft west of the pipeline along Manchu Road. Zachary Richter
5/2/2008 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended a meeting with Jack Appolloni and Michael L. Foster to discuss future plans for the site. ADEC requested that a conceptual site model be completed for the site to determine if all the exposure pathways have been evaluated and to help determine what future remediation and/or monitoring is required for the site. Deborah Williams
11/18/2008 Update or Other Action ADEC received the 2008 Surface Water Analytical results for the Manchu Road site. Two surface water samples were collected from Pond A and Pond B nearest the former release from the Eielson Pipeline Manchu Road site. The water samples were analyzed for Total Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Total Aqueous Hydrocarbons. All of the results met ADEC Water Quality Standards. Deborah Williams
8/20/2009 Update or Other Action Received Monitoring Well Installation Work Plan for placement and construction of 3 wells. Follow up email and phone call sent. Further discussion is required prior to formal approval of plan. Fred Vreeman
12/20/2010 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Reviewed and commented on the draft Work Plan for Vapor Intrusion Pathway Assessment. Several residences are located approximately 130 feet from the source area and thus the vapor intrusion pathway is considered incomplete according to the ADEC Draft Vapor Intrusion Guidance for Contaminated Sites; however, the work plan noted that additional investigation is warranted due to an incomplete site characterization and possible preferential pathways (utilidors). Shallow soil gas sampling will be used to determine if the vapor intrusion pathway requires further characterization. Kathleen Beutel
1/7/2011 Update or Other Action 2010 Site Summary Report, prepared by OASIS on behalf of DESC. This report summarizes all site characterization work and is designed to provide a comprehensive basis for planning future efforts that result in final remedial decisions, a long-term monitoring plan and a schedule for closure. 2009 groundwater sampling identified GRO, DRO and benzene concentrations above cleanup levels. 2006 soil sampling identified DRO and benzene concentrations above cleanup levels. Kathleen Beutel
1/20/2011 Site Characterization Workplan Approved ADEC received the 2011 Work Plan for Soil Gas Survey - Revision 1 prepared by Oasis Environmental for DLA - Energy. This is the final copy of what was formerly known as the Work Plan for Vapor Intrusion (VI) Pathway Assessment. Due to the fact that a full VI assessment will not be conducted, ADEC recommended changing the name to avoid confusion. Soil gas will be assessed at five sampling points between the suspected source area and the nearest residences to determine the need for additional vapor intrusion assessment. Kathleen Beutel
7/7/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held Contaminated Sites staff attended a comment resolution meeting/teleconference to discuss comments on the Fiscal Year 2011 work plan. Kathleen Beutel
7/7/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held Contaminated Sites staff attended a comment resolution meeting/teleconference to discuss comments on the Fiscal Year 2011 work plan. Fred Vreeman
7/13/2011 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Contaminated Sites staff received the Fiscal Year 2011 work plan on June 06, provided comments on July 06, received a response to comments on July 08 and approved the work plan on July 13. Further site characterization will be conducted in July. Four new monitoring wells will be installed – a sentinel well upgradient of the source area, two on the downgradient and cross-gradient edges of the dissolved-phase plume and one at the groundwater-surface water interface near Pond A. Pressure transducers will be installed to gather additional information about groundwater fluctuation and flow direction. Kathleen Beutel
7/18/2011 Site Visit Contaminated Sites staff participated in a site visit. Locations for new monitoring wells, including one at the surface water - groundwater interface, were discussed. Kathleen Beutel
7/18/2011 Site Visit Contaminated Sites staff participated in a site visit. Locations for new monitoring wells, including one at the surface water - groundwater interface, were discussed. Kim DeRuyter
7/19/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held Contaminated Sites (CS) and DLA staff participated in a meeting to discuss three sites: Moose Creek, Manchu Road and the Eielson Take-Off Pad. CS and DLA staff discussed funding, plans for 2012 and the need to move these sites toward closure. No groundwater monitoring will be conducted at the Take-Off Pad in 2011; instead, a more comprehensive plan that will include replacement of frost-jacked wells, sampling for additional contaminants of potential concern and an effort to bound the dissolved-phase plume will be submitted in early 2012. All parties agreed that signed decision documents (DDs) will provide a clear path forward and possibly ease challenges in obtaining funding. It is anticipated that DDs for Manchu Road and the Take-Off Pad will be prepared within the next year and a DD for Moose Creek will be prepared within the next two years. Kathleen Beutel
7/19/2011 Meeting or Teleconference Held Contaminated Sites (CS) and DLA staff participated in a meeting to discuss three sites: Moose Creek, Manchu Road and the Eielson Take-Off Pad. CS and DLA staff discussed funding, plans for 2012 and the need to move these sites toward closure. No groundwater monitoring will be conducted at the Take-Off Pad in 2011; instead, a more comprehensive plan that will include replacement of frost-jacked wells, sampling for additional contaminants of potential concern and an effort to bound the dissolved-phase plume will be submitted in early 2012. All parties agreed that signed decision documents (DDs) will provide a clear path forward and possibly ease challenges in obtaining funding. It is anticipated that DDs for Manchu Road and the Take-Off Pad will be prepared within the next year and a DD for Moose Creek will be prepared within the next two years. Kim DeRuyter
7/29/2011 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Contaminated Sites staff received an interim report regarding the installation and sampling of five soil gas points in May 2011. A comprehensive report will be written after an additional sampling event in October. All five samples had 17-20% oxygen, which supports the potential for biodegredation of fuel contaminants. Benzene (34 ug/m^3) exceeded the DEC target level (31 ug/m^3) at one sampling point (SG-3), which is located between two driveways. Naphthalene and 1,2-dibromoethane were reported as non-detect at all locations but the reporting limits exceeded the target levels at three locations due to "the presence of high-level non-target species" that raised the reporting limits. Kathleen Beutel
4/12/2012 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Contaminated Sites staff approved the Fiscal Year 2012 Work Plan for additional site characterization. The plan includes installation of a southern sentinel well, continued groudnwater monitoring, analytical soil sampling and preparation of a Method Three Cumulative Risk Assessment using site-specific soil and aquifer properties. Work will be conducted in summer 2012. Kathleen Beutel
6/7/2012 Site Characterization Report Approved Contaminated Sites staff approved the Soil Gas Survey - Comprehensive Report. Soil gas sampling was conducted in May and October 2011. Samples were analyzed for 1,2-dibromoethane (EDB) and several volatile organic compounds. During the May sampling event, one point had a benzene concentration that slightly exceeded the DEC target level. Naphthalene and EDB had elevated detection limits that exceeded the DEC target levels in three samples. During the October sampling event, one EDB sample had an elevated detection limit that exceed its target level. All other results were non-detect or below target levels. Based on these results, as well as on additional soil and groundwater data summarized in the Fiscal Year 2011 Report, further soil gas sampling in 2012 is not necessary. The need for additional study of the vapor intrusion pathway will be re-assessed as additional site characterization work is completed. Kathleen Beutel
6/7/2012 Site Characterization Report Approved Contaminated Sites staff approved the Fiscal Year 2011 Report, which summarizes site characterization work conducted in 2011. Gasoline range organics (GRO) was the only contaminant detected at or above cleanup levels in groundwater. GRO at Monitoring Well 2 was at 2.1 mg/L and 2.2 mg/L in July and September, respectively. The cleanup level is 2.2 mg/L. A comparison of plume maps from 2006 and 2011 indicates that the GRO and diesel range organics groundwater plumes have shrunk significantly. Soil sampling in 2011 did not identify any compounds above cleanup levels; however, the project quantitation limit exceeded the cleanup level for benzene; 1,2-dibromoethane; and 1,2-dichloroethane. Kathleen Beutel
5/20/2013 Site Characterization Report Approved Fiscal Year 2012 Site Characterization Report, Manchu Road The 2012 Manchu Road Report describes the installation of one additional monitoring well in 2012, and discusses the results of groundwater monitoring at all seven currently active wells at the site. In addition, soil samples were collected to support calculation of DEC Method Three alternative cleanup levels. Results indicate that gasoline-range organics (GRO) are still present in groundwater at a single monitoring well (MW -2), at levels that seasonally fluctuate around Method Two cleanup levels by a small amount. The applicable DEC cleanup level for GRO is 2.2 mg/L (18 AAC 75.345, Table C). Results from MW -2 indicated GRO levels of 2.1, 2.56, and 2.82 mg/L in April, August, and October, respectively. Eric Breitenberger
8/6/2013 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Approval of Manchu Road, Eielson AFB, FY13 Groundwater Monitoring Work Plan Work plan covers one groundwater monitoring event for the existing monitoring wells at the site. The work plan was initially approved by DEC by email on 8/6/2013. Formal approval letter on 1/9/2014. Eric Breitenberger
4/15/2014 Site Characterization Report Approved Fiscal Year 2013 Manchu Road Groundwater Monitoring Report The FY13 Manchu Report describes a single groundwater monitoring event for the existing monitoring wells at the site. No compounds were found to exceed applicable cleanup levels. During the previous monitoring in 2012, gasoline-range organics were detected in MW-2 at 2.82 mg/L, and this was the only exceedance. In 2013, GRO in MW-2 declined to 1.94 mg/L. Results indicate that the Manchu petroleum plume is probably stable or decreasing. Section 5 of the report discusses potential remedial alternatives. The most viable alternative appears to be institutional controls with long-term monitoring, particularly if the site can be included in Eielson Air Force Base’s institutional controls program. DEC concurs, in general terms, with the recommendations provided in Section 6 of the report. These include foregoing a formal feasibility study, and preparation of a decision document implementing institutional controls and long-term monitoring. Eric Breitenberger
10/1/2014 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Approval of Manchu Road, Eielson AFB, FY14 Groundwater Monitoring Work Plan Work plan provides for one groundwater monitoring event for the seven existing monitoring wells at the site. Eric Breitenberger
2/27/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Final 2014 Manchu Road Groundwater Monitoring Report received February 18, 2015. Results from the analytical sampling showed that, for the second consecutive year, none of the monitoring wells had contaminants exceeding cleanup levels. It should be noted that 2014 had unusually high groundwater levels, more than two feet higher than normal. Anna Iverson
3/13/2015 Site Characterization Report Approved Approval of Fiscal Year 2014 Manchu Road Groundwater Monitoring Report. Results from the analytical sampling showed that, for the second consecutive year, none of the monitoring wells had contaminants exceeding cleanup levels. It should be noted that 2014 had unusually high groundwater levels, more than two feet higher than normal. Eric Breitenberger
7/21/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Received letter from DLA detailing recommendations for continued monitoring and institutional controls at the site. Pending the submission of a decision document, DEC concurs in general terms with the recommendations in the letter, which include: a) including the Manchu site in the Eielson land use control program, b) forgoing a formal feasibility study for the site due to the minimal risk and adequate characterization, c) reducing the number of wells to be sampled, d) modifying analytical suites, and e) reducing monitoring frequency to every three years following the planned 2016 event. Eric Breitenberger
7/11/2016 Update or Other Action Decision Document completed. Selected remedy calls for inclusion of the Manchu Road site in the Eielson IC/LUC plan (already accomplished in 2015). Remedy also calls for continued monitoring in 2016 and beyond. Eric Breitenberger
10/5/2016 Site Characterization Workplan Approved Final Manchu Road, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska Monitoring Well Decommissioning and Groundwater Monitoring Work Plan was received September 2016. The work plan was for decommissioning monitoring wells: MW-4, MW-5, MW-6 and MW-7, and completing one groundwater monitoring event for three existing monitoring wells (MW-1, MW-2 and MW-3). Eric Breitenberger
3/19/2017 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Final Manchu Road Monitoring Well Decommissioning and Groundwater Monitoring Report was received on March 19, 2017. Monitoring wells; MW-4, MW-5, MW-6 and MW-7 were decommissioned and monitoring wells; MW-1, MW-2 and MW-3 were sampled for contaminants-of-concern (BTEX, GRO, DRO, RRO and lead). MW-2 was also sampled for PAHs. The only results above ADEC cleanup levels were naphthalene and 1-methylnaphthalene at MW-2. In accordance with the Decision Document dated January 19, 2016, a monitoring frequency of every 3 years will be established until all COC levels are below cleanup levels for two consecutive events. The next groundwater sampling event is scheduled for 2019. Erica Blake
5/22/2018 Update or Other Action DEC received a 2017 site inspection report for the Eielson Pipeline Release - Manchu Rd site from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). DLA inspected the site on August 7, 2017. Upon entering the site, DLA staff observed several personnel recreating; one family appeared to be berry picking and the others were hiking. No structures were observed, no apparent change of land use, and there was on going utility work in the area, but the on going work had not impacted the site. The monitoring wells were inspected for signs of frost jacking, damage, or any other changes that could influence the groundwater. At the time of the 2017 site inspection, no maintenance was required. The next site visit will be conducted in 2018. During this site visit the monitoring wells will be unlocked and opened to see if any well repairs will be required prior to the 2019 groundwater sampling event. Erica Blake
7/9/2018 Site Visit DEC and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) staff conducted a site visit. The three monitoring wells at the site were observed to be in good condition. Erica Blake
1/15/2019 Update or Other Action DEC received a 2018 site inspection report for the Eielson Pipeline Release - Manchu Rd site from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). DLA inspected the site on June 25, 2018. No structures were observed and no apparent change of land use. The monitoring wells were inspected for signs of frost jacking, damage, or any other changes that could influence the groundwater. At the time of the 2018 site inspection, no maintenance was required. The next site inspection will be conducted in 2020 and groundwater monitoring will take place in 2019. Bri Clark
6/24/2019 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided comments for the Draft - Manchu Road, Eielson Air Force Base, 2019 Groundwater Monitoring Work Plan, June 2019 Dennis Shepard
6/24/2019 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC approved the 2018 Site Inspection Report,Manchu Road, Eielson Air Force Base, June 2019. The report concludes that all site monitoring wells were intact, no trespass activity is occurring in the pipeline right-of-way or immediately adjacent to the site, and no maintenance appears to be required at the site. Dennis Shepard
4/1/2020 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided comment on the 2019 Groundwater Monitoring Report for the Manchu Road release site. Sara Marshall
4/28/2020 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC received the final 2019 Groundwater Monitoring Report for the Manchu Road release site. The Groundwater Monitoring Report presents the results of the groundwater monitoring and sampling activities conducted at the Manchu Road Site on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Three monitoring wells were sampled and the results were compared against the state regulatory criteria and previous sampling events. Sara Marshall
4/23/2021 Meeting or Teleconference Held DEC and Defense Logistic Agency PM had a meeting to discuss the current status of DLA sites. Current and expected documents regarding the sites were discussed. The status of clean-up efforts and monitoring at sites was also discussed. Axl LeVan
7/23/2021 Site Visit DEC and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) staff conducted a site visit. The three monitoring wells at the site were observed to be in good condition. Axl LeVan
9/6/2022 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has completed a review of the "Draft Manchu Road 2022 Groundwater Monitoring Work Plan, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, September 2022" document submitted by Defense Logistics Agency - Energy on September 2, 2022. DEC submitted comments on the work plan on September 6, 2022. The work plan outlines the collection of groundwater samples to be conducted during the fall of 2022. Three monitoring wells will be sampled for laboratory analysis, and the results will be compared against the state regulatory criteria and previous sampling events. Axl LeVan
9/28/2022 Risk Assessment Report Approved The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has completed a review and approved the "Final Manchu Road 2022 Groundwater Monitoring Work Plan, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, September 2022" submitted by Defense Logistics Agency - Energy on September 28, 2022. The work plan outlines the collection of groundwater samples to be conducted during the fall of 2022. Three monitoring wells will be sampled for laboratory analysis, and the results will be compared against the state regulatory criteria and previous sampling events. Axl LeVan
4/2/2024 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC reviewed and provided comments on the "Draft Manchu Road, 2022 Groundwater Monitoring Report, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, February 2024." The report presents the observations and results of groundwater monitoring and sampling activities at the Manchu Road site on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Axl LeVan

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