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Site Report: Umiat Former Air Force Station

Site Name: Umiat Former Air Force Station
Address: North Bank Colville River, 67 Miles SSW of Nuiqsut, Nuiqsut, AK 99789
File Number: 335.38.001
Hazard ID: 773
Status: Active
Staff: Kelly Walker, 9074512166 kelly.walker@alaska.gov
Latitude: 69.366940
Longitude: -152.144190
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

Stockpiles of miscellaneous drums date from Navy ownership in 1970s. Reports that landfilled material is eroding due to proximity of drainage. Site includes abandoned airstrip, tank farms and drum compounds, landfills, gas wellheads and well houses, buildings, vehicles, and waste piles including transformers. Gravel pads, landfill, slough down gradient of landfill, and all test well sites were characterized through several investigations throughout 1990's. Contaminants include petroleum products (including crude oil), PCBs, dioxins, lead, and antimony. Umiat consists of 8,000 acres adjacent to the Colville River. 115 acres are developed with a gravel pad and airstrip, and a 15-acre landfill 0.5 miles from the main gravel pad. 11 Navy oil exploration wells are in the vicinity. The developed portion and Test Well No. 7 are owned by ADOT&PF. The rest is on BLM land. Umiat, formerly part of the 23-million acre Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4, was developed and operated in 1944-1953 by the Navy and used to support resource exploration. Site was operated by the Air Force 1953-1955, returned to the Navy in 1955, transferred to BLM in 1960. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is doing investigation and cleanup under the Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) program. Investigation of pads and landfill completed in 1996; risk assessment completed in 1997. During 1997-200 the test well sites were investigated and a risk assessment completed for Wells 1, 7 and 9. Removal actions for containerized waste, PCB-contaminated soil, and lead contaminated soil have been conducted at main pads. Removal action for 20,000 yard of petroleum-contaminated soil and plugging and abandoning of the wells at a pad shared by Wells 2 and 5 was done in 2002; the well site was beginning to erode into the Colville River. Remaining contamination includes petroleum and PCBs at the pads, PCBs in a slough down gradient of the landfill, petroleum at all well sites, barium at Well 1, PCBs at Well 9. Three rounds of fish studies have been completed to determine impacts of the slough on fish and on Colville River. (Comments updated by Tamar Stephens 1/10/03)

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
1/1/1990 Site Added to Database Added prior to 5/1/90. POL, transformers, containerized PCBs, and soils contaminated with POL, PCBs and pesticides. Former Staff
9/6/1991 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = FI - Field Inspection (General)). Staff visited site and noted approximately 500 full drums, about 10% leaking, open leaking transformers with possible PCB contamination, dozens of surface spills with staining, and large amounts of miscellaneous solid waste and barrel dumps contents unknown. Cindy Thomas
2/26/1992 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). Staff sent letter to Corps of Engineers requesting an emergency removal action at the Umiat Staging Area during the summer of 1992 due to confirmed presence of leaking transformers. Planned 1992 action has been delayed until 1996. Laura Noland
4/14/1992 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Initial ranking. Former Staff
6/24/1992 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RPL2 - Site Information Request Letter). ADEC staff sent PRP-CS Database Notification Letter to PRP requesting update and additional environmental information concerning the contaminated site. RP responded on 8-24-92 with update and stated COE will award contract to perform site investigation this year and would forward updated information at its completion. Jeff Peterson
7/31/1992 Notice of Violation Issued an NOV to Corps on 7/21/92. Corps responded on 8/18/92, stating no funding available for removal. ADEC hired Northwest EnvironService, Inc. for emergency cleanup and packing of transformers, beginning 10/21/92. Final report (dated) ADEC. 1992 of October cleanup in file. Ed Armstrong
5/27/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). ADEC staff sent letter to Trans-Arctic Ltd. in Seattle on Umiat emergency containment and overpacking of leaking transformers. State hired contractor, since COE had no funding. George Matz requested information concerning situation in October 1992. COE proposed cleanup FY94. Marcus Ortelee
6/9/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). ADEC staff received and reviewed plan for removal /disposal of PCB liquid, POL soil and debris. Requested sampling for soil/water where POL drums located and empty drum areas. Marcus Ortelee
6/9/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). ADEC staff sent letter concerning COE's removal/action at site with questions on map and Colville River at site. Requested sampling of soil/water after drum dump removal(3 discrete samples with one from center of dump area). Marcus Ortelee
6/23/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). ADEC staff's 2nd response to Mr. Matz of Trans-Arctic on Umiat cleanup, via fax from Jim Pound 6-21-93. Matz lost maintenance at Umiat to DoD. Marcus Ortelee
7/19/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). COE letter indicates limited field sampling to be done in 1994. Bob Couch
12/27/1993 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). COE gave plans and specs and announced contract had been awarded to Hart Crowser Inc. Clay Romain, Senior Engineer, fax # (206)328-5581 Bob Couch
1/24/1994 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Reranked. Former Staff
2/7/1994 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RI - Remedial Investigation). Received Work Plan Remedial Investigation Umiat Air Force Station, Umiat, Alaska and Site Safety and Health Plan Umiat Air Force Station Umiat, Alaska. Bob Couch
4/7/1994 Meeting or Teleconference Held Corps of Engineers District Office in Anchorage met with Corps people and Contractor for final design conference. Bob Couch
12/15/1994 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RDRA - Remedial Design / Remedial Action). Included removal and disposal of PPCB liquids (350 gallons), transformers, and PCB soils (8 cubic yards), removal and disposal of POL liquids (21,145 gallons) and POL containers (900 drums), and removal of three transformers, 53 gallons of PCB liquid, and 1.2 cubic yards of PCB-contaminated soil. Former Staff
9/14/1995 Update or Other Action Draft Risk Assessment Work Plan received. Tamar Stephens
10/19/1995 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = MP - Management Plan (CERCLIS)). Draft Community Action Plan received Tamar Stephens
11/20/1995 Proposed Plan Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis received; addresses treatment/removal options for PCB contaminated soil. Tamar Stephens
11/28/1995 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = CORR - Correspondence (General)). Staff sent letter of comment after reviewing Risk Assessment Work Plan: risk assessment will need to add groundwater testing, and will need to address risks of elevated lead levels. Tamar Stephens
1/22/1996 Update or Other Action Received Risk Assessment Work Plan for Umiat Air Force Station. Tamar Stephens
2/1/1996 Update or Other Action Community Relations/Public Involvement and Response Plan, Former Umiat Air Force Station, Umiat, Alaska, Contract Number DACA85-93-D-0009, Delivery Order Number 0030, received June 21, 1996. Tamar Stephens
5/31/1996 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RI - Remedial Investigation). Draft Remedial Investigation Work Plan, Phase II. Tamar Stephens
7/1/1996 Site Characterization Workplan Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = RI - Remedial Investigation). Phase II Remedial Investigation Work Plans, former Umiat Air Force Station, Umiat, Alaska, Contract Number DACA85-93-D-0009, Delivery Order Number 40, received 8/5/1996. Tamar Stephens
11/26/1997 Update or Other Action Approved technical memorandum reporting results of dioxin testing. Tamar Stephens
1/2/1998 Update or Other Action Received work plan for interim removal action for PCBs at main gravel pad. Tamar Stephens
1/30/1998 Update or Other Action Received final Feasibility Study. Tamar Stephens
2/13/1998 Update or Other Action Approved Risk Assessment addendum for fish tissue sampling from seasonal slough and Colville River Tamar Stephens
3/20/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended public meeting in Anaktuvuk Pass. Tamar Stephens
4/15/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended Barrow RAB meeting. A public meeting in Nuiqsut was also held on this date; ADEC staff unable to attend due to being at Barrow RAB. Tamar Stephens
5/12/1998 Update or Other Action Received technical memorandum update to Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment regarding fish tissue sampling. Tamar Stephens
5/13/1998 Update or Other Action Received Phase 3 Remedial Investigation: slough sediment sampling, initial sampling at Navy test wells. Tamar Stephens
5/26/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Review conference with Corps of Engineers regarding risk assessment technical memorandum and Phase 3 RI. Tamar Stephens
5/26/1998 Site Characterization Report Approved Approved Phase 3 Remedial Investigation. Tamar Stephens
5/26/1998 Update or Other Action Approved Risk assessment technical memo. Tamar Stephens
7/16/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
8/1/1998 Update or Other Action Site visit. Accompanied Corps of Engineers and their contractor. Toured airstrip, main gravel pad, landfill, and accessed Navy test wells 2 and 5 and seasonal slough by boat. Tamar Stephens
8/18/1998 Meeting or Teleconference Held Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
1/12/1999 Update or Other Action Sent review comments on draft risk assessment work plan addendum regarding fish tissue sampling. Tamar Stephens
1/14/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/24/1999 Update or Other Action Received final Remedial Action Report on interim action to remove PCB contaminated soil at main gravel pad. Removal was completed in summer of 98. Tamar Stephens
4/8/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
5/18/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended review conference with Corps of Engineers on 1998 Field Investigation Work Plan. Tamar Stephens
5/18/1999 Update or Other Action 1998 Field Investigation report approved upon satisfactory resolution of ADEC comments during review conference. Report addresses sampling at Navy test wells, sediment and surface water sampling at seasonal slough, and fish tissue sampling. Tamar Stephens
6/10/1999 Update or Other Action Reviewed conceptual design technical memorandum for treatment of POL soil at Airstrip and Main Gravel pad. Tamar Stephens
7/5/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
8/23/1999 Update or Other Action Reviewed and approved addendum to 1998 field investigation work plan, to fill data gaps. Tamar Stephens
10/15/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Site project meeting with Corps of Engineers and BLM at Elmendorf AFB regarding upcoming removal project at Wells 2 and 5. Tamar Stephens
11/4/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Barrow RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
12/1/1999 Update or Other Action Sent letter to James Baker (COE) regarding how to request a waiver or modification of stockpiling requirements. Large volume of soil from Test Wells 2 and 5 may not fit on gravel pad if 100 foot limit from surface water is required. Tamar Stephens
1/10/2000 Update or Other Action Draft EE/CA for removal action at Test Wells 2 and 5: reviewed and sent comments on draft EE/CA. Tamar Stephens
1/11/2000 Meeting or Teleconference Held Participated in review conference for draft EE/CA and draft risk assessment work plan addendum (re fish tissue sampling). Tamar Stephens
1/12/2000 Update or Other Action Sent comments on draft risk assessment work plan addendum to use recent fish data for updating risk assessment. Tamar Stephens
1/28/2000 Update or Other Action Reviewed Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for removal action at NPR-4 Test Wells Numbers 2 and 5. Sent letter of concurrence with EA/FONSI conclusions. Tamar Stephens
2/9/2000 Update or Other Action Reviewed Health Consultation Interim Report. Prepared by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Office of Epidemiology. Evaluates data for PCBs and pesticides in fish. Tamar Stephens
3/28/2000 Update or Other Action Received 1999 Field Investigation Technical Memorandum. Tamar Stephens
8/3/2000 Update or Other Action Received Geophysical Survey and Engineering Analysis - NPR-4 Pad Wells Numbers 2 and 5. Report provides support information for proposed removal action at this location. This report does not require ADEC review. Tamar Stephens
9/18/2000 Update or Other Action Received draft Umiat Well Remediation Work Plan, for Wells 2 and 5 removal action. Tamar Stephens
9/27/2000 Update or Other Action Completed review and sent comments on draft Umiat Well Remediation Work Plan, Wells 2 and 5. Additional details on several items requested. Tamar Stephens
10/13/2000 Meeting or Teleconference Held Interagency meeting called by DEC, with ADOT&PF, ADF&G, DNR, and BLM, to work on resolving agency issues to facilitate removal action at Wells 2 and 5. Unresolved issue at end of meeting was water source for ice road. Tamar Stephens
12/13/2000 Risk Assessment Report Approved Completed review of draft Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment Work Plan for NPR-4 Test Wells Numbers 1, 7 and 8. Sent comments to Corps of Engineers. Tamar Stephens
3/20/2001 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended public meeting in Nuiqsut re ATSDR's fish consultation on whether fish near Umiat have harmful levels of PCBs from exposure to slough. Tamar Stephens
5/3/2001 Update or Other Action Provisional approval of work plan: Technical Memorandum, 2001 Phase I Field Activities, Umiat, Alaska. Work Plan describes plans for construction of soil stockpiles to hold soil planned for excavation from Test Wells 2 and 5 pad. Tamar Stephens
5/3/2001 Update or Other Action Waiver of Separation Distance between Stockpile Site and Surface Water, Umiat Main Gravel Pad. Approved by Section Manager Jennifer Roberts; approval letter sent by Tamar Stephens. Insufficient room on pad to site stockpiles without the waiver. Tamar Stephens
6/6/2001 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Nuiqsut RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
7/17/2001 Update or Other Action Review of draft Colville River Sampling and Analysis Work Plan for the Former Umiat Air Force Station, Umiat, Alaska. Plan is to use passive samplers to detect PCB cogeners and DDTs in river, and sample fish, for seven reaches from upstream of Umiat, in slough, and downstream to Nuiqsut. Tamar Stephens
7/27/2001 Update or Other Action Approval of work plan, Final Technical Memorandum, 2001 Phase I Field Activities, Umiat, Alaska, and approval of Amendment 1 to June 2001 Final Technical Memorandum. Amendment changes size and layout of stockpile pads. Tamar Stephens
8/5/2001 Update or Other Action Approval of Work Plan: Colville River Sampling and Analysis Work Plan for the Former Umiat Air Force Station, Umiat, Alaska. Action added by Sarah Riddle. Tamar Stephens
8/9/2001 Update or Other Action DEC received notification letter regarding PCB item found at Umiat landfill; Approval of Remedial Action Plan. Item was an electrical device found on July 2, 2001 site visit; found leaking PCB oil. Removal is for item, associated soil, and for several batteries, battery parts, and associated soil from surface of landfill. Tamar Stephens
9/25/2001 Update or Other Action Reviewed and commented on draft report: Technical Memorandum – Unit C Landfill Debris Removal, Umiat, Alaska, Draft, September 2001. Report describes removal of PCB item, batteries, and associated soils. Tamar Stephens
10/17/2001 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Nuiqsut RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
12/19/2001 Update or Other Action Review of draft Work Plan - 2002 Phase II Field Activities, Umiat, Alaska, November 2001. Comments made and review letter sent. Phase II is for construction of ice road, plugging and abandoning Wells 2 and 5, excavating contaminated soil from the well pad, and transporting to stockpile area at Umiat main gravel pad. Tamar Stephens
12/21/2001 Update or Other Action Approved report: Technical Memorandum – Hazardous Waste Removal from Umiat. Unit C Landfill, Umiat, Alaska. Report described removal of PCB item, batteries, and associated PCB and lead contaminated soil. Reviewed report: Phase I Report – Installation of Contaminated Soil Stockpiles, Excavation of Lead-Contaminated Soil, and Delineation of Well Pads 2 and 5, Umiat, Alaska. Requested more information on removals of lead contaminated soil, and managing different soil types in stockpiles. Tamar Stephens
1/10/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Nuiqsut RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
3/18/2002 Cleanup Plan Approved Approval of final Work Plan – Phase II Field Activities, Umiat, Alaska. Phase II is for plugging and abandoning Wells 2 and 5, excavating contaminated soil at Wells 2 and 5 pad, and transporting to stockpile facility at main gravel pad. Tamar Stephens
4/2/2002 Update or Other Action Umiat Phase II Work Plan – Approval of additional stockpile at Main Gravel Pad. Action added by Sarah Riddle. Tamar Stephens
4/11/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Nuiqsut RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
6/4/2002 Update or Other Action Review of Operations Plan – Thermal Treatment of Contaminated Soil at NPR-4 Well Nos. 2 and 5, Umiat, Alaska. Approved with some restrictions. Tamar Stephens
6/5/2002 Update or Other Action Review of draft Work Plan Addendum – 2002 Phase III Field Activities, Umiat, Alaska. Submitted detailed comments on additional requirements. Tamar Stephens
6/11/2002 Update or Other Action Review of “Umiat Phase III Proposal to Manage Brine Contamination of Well Pad Gravels and Soils,” and “Sample Collection and Screening Procedure for Sodium Chloride Impacted Soils at Umiat,” received by fax on May 17, 2002. Reviewed by Tamar Stephens. Submitted comments and identified additional information needed in order to approve. Tamar Stephens
6/12/2002 Update or Other Action Review of “Conceptual Plan for Managing Drill Mud/Cuttings at Umiat, Alaska.” Action added by Sarah Riddle. Tamar Stephens
6/26/2002 Update or Other Action Approval to use Wastewater General Permit No. 0240-DB001 at Umiat. Tamar Stephens
6/27/2002 Notice of Violation Compliance Advisory: Discharge of non-domestic wastewater without a permit. Letter sent by Jennifer Roberts to document violations and to request specific corrective actions within 30 days. Jennifer Roberts
7/9/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens participated in Nuiqsut RAB meeting by teleconference (unable to travel due to illness). Tamar Stephens
8/2/2002 Update or Other Action Review and Approval of Work Plan – 2002 Phase III Activities, Umiat, Alaska, Interim Final, July 2002. Tamar Stephens
9/3/2002 Update or Other Action Approval of Sample Collection and Screening Procedure for Sodium Chloride in Petroleum Impacted Soils at Umiat. Tamar Stephens
9/4/2002 Update or Other Action Approval of Request for Modification of Wastewater General Permit No. 9640-DB001, Umiat, Alaska. Tamar Stephens
9/5/2002 Update or Other Action Review of draft Evaluation of PCBs and DDTs in the Colville River, Former Umiat Air Force Station. Tamar Stephens
9/13/2002 Cleanup Level(s) Approved Correction to BTEX cleanup levels for thermally treated soil in Work Plan – Phase III Field Activities, Umiat, Alaska. The soil is being treated to “Level A” cleanup levels. Tamar Stephens
10/5/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Nuiqsut RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
10/14/2002 Update or Other Action Approved PCB Soil Sampling Procedure. Approval sent in e-mail. Sampling plan is for screening stockpiled soil for presence of PCBs following discovery of PCBs in crude removed from Well 5, and concern that previous characterization of soil for PCBs was not adequate. About 100 samples taken in grids and lifts throughout stockpiles. Tamar Stephens
11/1/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens participated in review conference in Anchorage for report: "Draft Evaluation of PCBs and DDTs in the Colville River". Tamar Stephens
11/13/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens met with Corps of Engineers staff to scope out key elements for development of Proposed Plan. Tamar Stephens
12/3/2002 Meeting or Teleconference Held Nuiqsut RAB meeting - Stephens participated via teleconference (Unable to travel due to knee injury.). This was a special meeting to work with the RAB on development of the Proposed Plan. Tamar Stephens
1/9/2003 Update or Other Action Since formation of Nuiqsut RAB, Barrow RAB does not officially provide comment on Umiat. However, Umiat is a regular topic of discussion at the Barrow RAB meetings. DEC regularly attends Barrow RAB meetings, provides information and answers questions on Umiat at every meeting. Since formation of Nuiqsut RAB, Stephens attended Barrow RAB meetings on: 2/24/00, 5/4/00, 1/18/01, 4/13/01, 11/18/01, 2/21/02, 9/19/02, 11/7/02. Tamar Stephens
1/14/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held RAB meeting in Nuiqsut. Stephens participated by teleconference. Umiat topics were upcoming work, and progress on developing a proposed plan. Corps confirmed they have funding to treat the remainder of the soil at Umiat, plus 1000 yards of soil from the pads, this coming summer. Expect to finish sometime in September. Proposed plan pre-draft should be ready in 2-3 weeks, and Corps will want to arrange a special meeting with RAB for the purpose of going through the PP for RAB input before preparing one for public comment. Tamar Stephens
2/4/2003 Update or Other Action Approved Long-term Soil Stockpile Plan, which provides for weekly monitoring and necessary maintenance on soil stockpiles for soil from Wells 2 and 5 until treatment is completed on the soil. Tamar Stephens
2/7/2003 Site Number Identifier Changed Changed the Region from 36 to 31 and Sequence Number from 25 to 11. Former Staff
4/8/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Nuiqsut RAB meeting. Tamar Stephens
7/15/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended RAB meeting in Nuiqsut. Tamar Stephens
7/16/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended Public Meeting in Nuiqsut to present proposed plan for several Umiat sites. Tamar Stephens
10/28/2003 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended RAB meeting in Nuiqsut. Tamar Stephens
6/22/2004 Cleanup Plan Approved Approved draft work plan for summer 2004 to treat remaining soil from Test Wells 2 and 5 using Hot Air Vapor Extraction. Stockpiles also contain petroleum contaminated soil from the main gravel pad and airstrip apron that were used as base material, and that were excavated as hot spots. Tamar Stephens
10/13/2004 Meeting or Teleconference Held Stephens attended RAB meeting in Nuiqsut. Tamar Stephens
1/26/2005 Update or Other Action Stephens reviewed, sent letter with comments, 2003 Phase III Remedial Action Report. This report describes work performed at Umiat during summer of 2003, including treatment of 20,006 tons of petroleum-contaminated soil by low temperature thermal desorption, excavation of 435 tons of soil from the Umiat gravel pads, and site restoration activities. Tamar Stephens
9/10/2007 Update or Other Action Tamar Stephen (DEC) conducted a site visit by helicopter along with Corps of Engineers project manager Mary Jemin and project engineer Bob Haviland. Tamar Stephens
6/16/2008 Exposure Tracking Model On Hold This is a facility-wide record. Eash individual site identified within the facility has a separate entry on the data base and is separately ranked on the ETM. Tamar Stephens
7/28/2011 Site Visit John Halverson (DEC), Lisa Giest, Craig Scola, Dee Ginter and Aaron Shewman (Corps of Engineers) and Chris Darrah (Shannon and Wilson) conducted a site inspection at the Umiat FUDS. At the landfill area scattered drums, a few lead acid battery plates, metal debris were exposed on the ground surface above the known disposal areas. The spring flooding in 2011 was significant and the sand/cobble cover in the slough and along the shoreline had shifted from last year. Corps staff conducted survey transects along the slough and landfill area documenting site conditions and looking for hazardous materials. No obvious hazardous materials were found other than the battery plates and potential material in drums (drums that were breached appeared to contain soil) but not all could be inspected. Inspection at Test Well #9 revealed some ponded water in the lowest areas excavated adjacent to the surface water drainage. Excavated and exposed soils up-slope were dry, contained small to large cracks, and showed some sign of surface erosion. The site was evaluated for further site characterization and cleanup options. Inspection photos and summary are in the project file. John Halverson
8/20/2013 Meeting or Teleconference Held Melody Debenham attended RAB meeting in Nuiqsut. Melody Debenham
9/3/2015 Update or Other Action General Umiat folder - site specific activities tracked on individual projects. Umiat Test Well sites, Main Gravel Pad, Umiat Lake, Umiat Landfill and Seasonal Slough. John Carnahan
12/1/2016 Meeting or Teleconference Held CS managers participate in the annual FUDS site management action plan meeting. The purpose of the is to collaborate with FUDS management on site progress and prioritization for all of the formerly used defense sites. FUDS prioritization is based on risk, congressional interest, state input and proximity to other sites on the prioritization list. FUDS has increased environmental restoration funding in Alaska for the 2017 and 2018 field seasons to meet National goals for site progress. Darren Mulkey
5/11/2017 Meeting or Teleconference Held Umiat LF meeting held at DNR offices. Agenda located in file and meeting minutes forthcoming. Discussed elements of successful LF project, including cleanup criteria. New location for LF proposed. John Carnahan
6/19/2017 Site Visit Site visit to inspect multiple locations with USCOE representatives. Hike to site locations and inspect current status and recovery. John Carnahan
4/17/2019 Update or Other Action Restoration advisory board (RAB) meeting held in Utqiagvik. Update provided on Umiat and others. John Carnahan
11/13/2019 Meeting or Teleconference Held DEC staff participated in the Restoration Advisory Board meeting in Nuiqsut, where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discussed planned activities for Umiat FUDS sites. Melinda Brunner
11/25/2020 Meeting or Teleconference Held DEC staff met with FUDS staff to discuss the Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) for the Test Well 7 Feasibility Study (FS), with a specific focus on the applicability of UECA as an ARAR. Jamie McKellar
12/30/2020 CERCLA FS DOCUMENT RECEIVED: Final 2020 Umiat Test Well #7 Feasibility Study, Formerly Used Defense Site, Umiat Alaska (USACE, December 2020). DEC and FUDS will schedule a meeting in late January/early February for further discussion of ARARs. Jamie McKellar
7/21/2023 Meeting or Teleconference Held Meeting held with USACE, ADEC, BLM, and Paragon-Central Joint Venture Team to discuss the initial remedial design phase of the landfill relocation project for the former Umiat Air Force Station. Items discussed included contract requirements, remedial design framework, and the upcoming site visit and landfill inspection. Kelly Walker
8/15/2023 Site Visit DEC, BLM, USACE, and contracting staff conducted the annual landfill inspection at Umiat AFS August 15-16. Staff walked the footprint of the former landfill area to inspect condition of cap and to note uncovered debris and status of former monitoring wells. Additionally, the proposed borrow area was inspected and evaluated for possible backfill useage during restoration phase of the project. Staff also walked/hiked to the proposed monofill locations for the inert debris excavated from the former landfill. Kelly Walker
11/15/2023 Meeting or Teleconference Held The November 2023 Regional Advisory Board meeting was held to discuss the remedial design phase of the Umiat Landfill Removal FUDS Project. In attendance were members of the public, BLM, DEC, DNR, DOT, USACE, ASRC, Kuukpik Corporation, and North Slope Borough. The overall status of the project was discussed in addition to upcoming RAB meeting dates were discussed. Meeting minutes will be compiled and posted publicly upon completion. Kelly Walker
2/27/2024 Meeting or Teleconference Held DEC, USACE, and Paragon-Jacobs JV traveled to Nuiqsut, AK on February 27 for the Spring 2024 Umiat Regional Advisory Board meeting. This meeting discussed the progress of the remedial design phase of the landfill removal and site investigation at the location of the former Umiat AFS. Field work is expected to start Fall of 2024. In attendance were members of the public, BLM, DEC, DNR, DOT, USACE, ASRC, Kuukpik Corporation, and North Slope Borough. Kelly Walker
8/21/2024 Meeting or Teleconference Held DEC staff attended the Umiat Landfill Partnering Meeting in Fairbanks on August 21-22. Also in attendance were representatives from FUDS, Paragon Central JV, BLM, DOT&PF, DEC Solid Waste Program, ASRC, Kuukpik Corporation, North Slope Borough, Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (ICAS), and a community representative from Utqiagvik. The intent of this meeting was to develop a strong partnership among the many stakeholders of the Umiat Landfill Removal Project and to ensure communication pathways are well laid out. Kelly Walker
8/27/2024 Site Characterization Workplan Approved DEC reviewed and approved with comments the "Remedial Design Investigation Work Plan" for the Umiat Landfill at the former Umiat AFS. The work plan details collection of soil samples from test pits and borehole pits within the known dump area, Colville River channel, and areas surrounding the known landfill area to further characterize the nature and extent of contamination and waste within the landfill; sampling of material handling and borrow areas for the presence of hazardous substances; evaluation of current conditions in areas proposed for the inert waste monofill; and evaluation of treatment options for both contaminated soil and water. The work plan also details additional activities intended to inform future mobilizations, monofill design and infrastructure needs. Kelly Walker

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