Site Report: MOA Merrill Field Tower OiI Spill
| Site Name: | MOA Merrill Field Tower OiI Spill |
|---|---|
| Address: | 800 Merril Field Drive, Anchorage, AK 99516 |
| File Number: | 2100.38.354 |
| Hazard ID: | 607 |
| Status: | Cleanup Complete |
| Staff: | No Longer Assigned, 9074655229 dec.icunit@alaska.gov |
| Latitude: | 61.214580 |
| Longitude: | -149.850919 |
| Horizontal Datum: |
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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
During excavation for a waterline on 9/15/89, diesel contaminated soils were encountered. Source of contamination, extent and human health impact unknown. The pipeline excavation was backfilled using the native soils tainted by diesel prior to field inspection by ADEC staff. In a letter dated 34/91 ADEC requested that MOA (Meril Field) investigate and remediate the site.
Action Information
| Action Date | Action | Description | DEC Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/29/1990 | Site Characterization Report Approved | (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). Soils investigation performed by AWWU showed water table elevations, total petroleum hydrocarbons in soil from borings were below 100 mg/l. However, CW-2A S-3 indicated 488 mg/l. (Diesel) Method EPA MOD. 8105. TPH in groundwater 0.80 in RW-2 to 1340 ppm in CW-2A. Groundwater flows west to NW in the direction of Campbell Creek. Depth to groundwater about 8 feet below the surface. Native soils encountered during pipeline excavation were gravels and clean sands. AWWU in a letter dated 5/29/90 stated the monitoring wells installed would be monitored quarterly. | Former Staff |
| 7/9/1991 | Site Ranked Using the AHRM | Initial ranking. | Former Staff |
| 1/1/1992 | Site Added to Database | Diesel contamination. | Former Staff |
| 2/5/2004 | Update or Other Action | File number changed from CS69.24 to 2100.38.354. | Sarah Cunningham |
| 4/25/2007 | Exposure Tracking Model Ranking | Initial ranking. | Todd Blessing |
| 5/1/2007 | Update or Other Action | On May 1, 2007, a letter was issued to David A. Lundeby, Manager of the Merrill Fileld Airport in order to request a site update in writing. On September 25 1990, Mr. Lundeby was notified by the Department that an oil spill was discovered during the extension of a waterline to Merrill Field Tower. The Department inspected the oil spill shortly thereafter and noted that the spill was approximately 75 feet southwest of the tower. During this time frame, Mr. Lundeby speculated to the Department that the oil spill originated from waste oil/solvent dumpings prior to 1960. On October 3, 1990, Rod Kenny informed the Department that an area of approximately 40 feet by 16 feet by 8 feet (in depth) of contaminated soil was excavated and temporarily stockpiled. Five soil samples were collected at the base of the excavation and analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), purgeable halocarbons, and volatile aromatics. Mr. Keeny noted further that contaminated soil was still present in the excavation pit and that the excavation was stopped so that the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) contractor could continue to install the waterline. The excavation trench was lined with plastic sheeting and backfilled with clean materials. On October 26, 1990, the Department met with Mr. Lundeby to discuss the soil testing results. The levels of TPH in the soil samples collected from the excavation pit ranged from nondetect to 14,000 mg/kg, which exceeded the Department's cleanup levels at the time of the sampling. Other than TPH, no other, contaminants of concern were detected at levels that were of concern. In a letter dated November 5, 1990, the Department requested a work plan to define means and methods to cleanup the oil spill and dispose of the contaminated soil stockpiled on-site. The Department also requested that the stockpiled soil be analyzed with the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) in order to determine if the stockpile would be classified as hazardous waste. On March 4, 1991, the Department issued a letter to Mr. Lundeby to comment on the soil stockpile TCLP results. Based on the analytical data, the stockpiled soil was not considered hazardous waste. However, due to the elevated levels of TPH measured in the stockpiled soil (i.e. 38,800 mg/kg), the Department stated at that time, that the stockpile could not be abandoned at its present location. In addition, the Department reiterated its request for a work plan to address the disposal of the contaminated soil stockpile and remediate the contaminated soil known to exist under the waterline. In July 1991, a work plan was received by the Department. The work plan appears to be constructed by MOA Merrill Field Airport staff. Within the work plan, MOA proposed to recycle the contaminated materials into cold asphalt during the summer/fall of 1991. MOA estimated that the petroleum contamination in the stockpiled soils is approximately 4 percent by weight which was the correct mixture required to obtain an acceptable homogenous product of the asphaltic pavement. The proposed cold asphaltic material would meet the strength requirements for load capacity. MOA proposed that the top finish to be used at the placement site will be a surface dust control treatment., which was effective for dust control and commonly used at Merrill Field Airport. The proposed location for applying the asphalitic material was Apron E-3. MOA also proposed, within the work plan, to conduct a risk assessment of the contaminated area. The means and methods to conduct the risk assessment were not defined. Presently, there is no evidence that the Department responded to the July 1991 proposed work plan. At this time, the Department requests that Mr. Lundeby identify how the above referenced soil stockpile was treated, if it ever was, and if MOA ever conducted a release investigation at the Merrill Field Tower Spill site. The deadline for Mr. Lundeby's response is May 31, 2007. | Todd Blessing |
| 5/8/2007 | Update or Other Action | Recieved a facsimile from MOA that had a Departmental letter attached. The letter is dated November 21, 1994, and indicates that No Futher Action is required for the remediation of the stockpiled soils. | Todd Blessing |
| 5/8/2007 | Cleanup Complete Determination Issued | This site is a duplicate of FAA Anchorage Merrill Tower site (Reckey 1990210126802; File Number 2100.38.353). This site was closed in 1994. | Todd Blessing |
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. |
No associated sites were found.