| Action Date |
Action |
Description |
DEC Staff |
| 6/4/1993 |
Update or Other Action |
June 4, 1993 Air Force letter in response to ADEC letter of May 4, 1993.
The Air Force uses a priority ranking system to determine where to place limited environmental funding. Kotzebue LRRS was ranked at a lower priority for a variety of reasons. Eased on concerns expressed by the Department, we have reexamined the ranking of Kotzebue. As a result, Kotzebue was upgraded to a IA priority for funding. This means we will be able to allocate funds to cleanup Kotzebue beginning this summer. As soon as, the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence is able to obligate these funds against a contract, a site reconnaissance will be accomplished.
This site reconnaissance will be used as a basis for determining the scope of work for Kotzebue. During the fall and early winter, a detailed Work Plan will be developed and offered for your review, comment, and approval. Actual work at the site is scheduled to commence as soon as weather and logistics permit next spring.
It is anticipated funds available will allow an investigative effort which will fully characterize the contamination at Kotzebue LRRS. As soon as the information from this investigation is available, we hope to be able to commence remediation efforts. |
Laura Noland |
| 7/31/1993 |
Update or Other Action |
Two above-ground diesel fuel storage tanks, with an estimated capacity of 20,000 gallons each, are located on the east side of the access road adjacent to Building 205. The tanks are supported on concrete footings set in a gravel pad, and are contained within a bermed area. The tanks and surrounding area have not been previously assessed, some limited signs of soil staining directly beneath the outlet valves was observed during the 1993 site survey. This environmental baseline survey was conducted by Shannon & Wilson Inc. for the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Facility Planning and Project Services Department as a requirement for a USAF long term lease for this facility. The survey included collection of eight building material samples for asbestos and four hand augered soil samples for diesel range TPH analysis. Asbestos building materials were identified in siding panels on the exterior walls and floor, and in the interior wall wanscoting. Analytical results for diesel range TPH Sample #s: 577-10 East side of AST north of building-4,200 mg/kg, 577-11 East side of generator tank stand, south of building-700 mg/kg, 577-12 8 ft. east of AST 7 ft. north of building-180 mg/kg. Fuel was reportedly supplied to a generator and diesel furnace via above-grade steel pipelines connecting two small capacity ASTs. Spillage or overflow from the fuel delivery system reportedly resulted in soil contamination in the immediate vicinity of the tanks, and may be present at locations along the pipeline corridor. |
Louis Howard |
| 5/16/1994 |
Update or Other Action |
Staff reviewed and approved the Draft Final Work Plan and Draft Field Sampling Plan
Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study Kotzebue Long Range Radar Station, Alaska dated April 1994.
The Department of Environmental Conservation has received and reviewed the above named documents which describe Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS)
activities planned for the summer of 1994 at Kotzebue Long Range Radar Station. The RI/FS will address six known contaminated sites and investigate ten areas of concern which were identified during 1993 site reconnaissance.
Air Force personnel and their contractor have previously met with Department staff and explained their work plan. This type of presentation greatly facilitates Department review. The Department approves of the work plans as written and looks forward to working further with the Air Force as the RI/FS proceeds at Kotzebue LRRS.
NOTE: Six Sites include: 1) Site SS02-Waste Accumulation Area No.2/Landfill; 2) Site ST05-Beach Tanks; 3) Site SS07-Lake; 4) Site SS08-Barracks Pad; 5) Site SSll-Fuel Spill; and 6) Site SS12-Spills No. 2 and 3.
Areas of concern include: AOC-1 Landfarm Landfarm Seeps, AOC-2 POL Lines, AOC-3 East Tanks, AOC-4 Power Plant Garage, AOC-5 Small Day Tanks, AOC-6 Nav Aid Bldg., AOC-7 Steel Pilings, AOC-8 White Alice Garage, AOC-9 White Alice Tanks, AOC-10 Septic Holding Tank. |
Laura Noland |
| 1/25/1995 |
Update or Other Action |
Air Force letter to ADEC RE: Cleanup Levels for FY95 Interim Remedial Action (IRA) at Kotzebue Long Range Radar Station (LRRS).
An IRA at Kotzebue LRRS is planned for the summer of 1995. In order to properly plan and scope this project, negotiations on cleanup levels were undertaken between 611 CES/CEVR and Ms. Laura Noland of ADEC-NRO. This letter is to clarify understandings achieved and propose final cleanup levels for the remediation of Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant (POL) contaminated soils at Kotzebue LRRS.
It is the understanding of 611 CES/CEVR that only POL soils contaminated in excess of 1000 parts per million (ppm) will require excavation and remediation. The proposed remediation technology is Low Temperature Thermal Desorption (basically a steam stripper). This technology has been used extensively on the North Slope and has been approved by ADEC-NRO for remediation of POL contaminated soils.
The remediated soils are to be used to provide additional cover for the beach landfill, site SS02. Due to the proximity of the site Kotzebue Sound, it is felt that a cleanup level of 1000 ppm is inappropriate. The 611 CES/CEVR therefore proposes the cleanup level to be 300 ppm, and that no remediated soils are to be spread west of the roadway which runs between the landfill and the Sound.
It is further understood that all areas disturbed by excavation and the spreading of remediated soil will be revegetated. Revegetative efforts will include regrading and seeding with an appropriate mix of available plant species.
The 611 CES/CEVR feels the above cleanup levels, institutional controls and revegetation efforts will be adequate to protect human health and the environment for this remedial effort. Agreement on the above will allow the 611 CES/CEVR to proceed with scoping, contracting and development of work plans, health and safety plans etc., in preparation for the FY95 field season. |
Laura Noland |
| 2/1/1995 |
Update or Other Action |
USAF 611th Air Support Group/611th Civil Engineer Squadron Site Characterization Summary Informal Tech Information Report IRP RI/FS Volume I.
Area of Concern (AOC) 3-East Tanks: Two empty above ground diesel fuel storage tanks (estimated capacity of about 20,000 gallons each) are located on the East side of the access road adjacent to Building 205. The tanks and surrounding area had not been assessed previously and were included for characterization based on limited soil staining observed directly beneath tank outlet valves during the September 1993 site survey.
Diesel Range TPH (Method AK102): Three of seven shallow subsoil samples revealed TPH levels above ADEC soil criteria, with max concentration of 10,000 mg/kg in sample AOC3-SB7-2.0 Gasoline range TPH (Method AK101): GRO was detected in sample AOC3-SB5-2.0 at 740 mg/kg and at 4,700 mg/kg in sample AOC3-SB7-2.0. VOCs (Method SW8260): Total xylenes were detected in a single soil sample (AOC3-SB2-1.5) at 0.88 mg/kg. SVOCs (2-methylnaphthalene) were detected at 11 mg/kg in sample AOC3-SB2-1.5. |
Laura Noland |
| 2/16/1995 |
Update or Other Action |
Letter to AF re: cleanup levels for FY95 Interim Remedial Action at Kotzebue LRRS.
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) has received your letter
concerning the planned Interim Remedial Action (IRA) and cleanup levels for Kotzebue LRRS. The letter requests clarification regarding cleanup levels for the remediation of
petroleum-contaminated soils at Kotzebue LRRS.
The Department understands that, during the IRA, contaminated gravel with levels above 1000 ppm will be remediated using Low Temperature Thermal Desorption Technology. These gravel soils, once remediated, will be used as cover for the landfill site on the beach, which was excavated during the 1994 field season.
The Department has agreed to the interim cleanup standard of 1000 ppm Diesel Range
Organics (DRO) at Kotzebue LRRS based on the understanding that the sites will require soil and surface water monitoring, and the Air Force will be required to return and clean to a lower standard, if monitoring results indicate the need. However, the Department will require the gravel soils to be remediated to the Level B Matrix Level (Interim Guidance for Non-UST Contaminated Soil Cleanup Levels, dated July 17, 1991) before the gravel can be used at the Landfill Beach site, since this represents a special use. |
Laura Noland |
| 12/27/1995 |
Update or Other Action |
Statement of Work for Interim Remedial Action Project No. MLGD-95-7963. The Contractor shall be required to clean and remove three above ground diesel tanks (two gasoline tanks with an estimated capacities of 20,000 and 10,000 gallons; and one diesel tank with an estimated capacity of 20,000 gallons). The Contractor shall be required to excavate and remediate the POL contaminated soil beneath and adjacent to the tanks. Following soft remediation, the Contractor shall regrade and revegetate the site. Remediated soils will be used in the regrading process. Excess remediated soil should be stockpiled at the beach landfill (SS02). |
Louis Howard |
| 2/15/1996 |
Update or Other Action |
Air Force letter to ADEC RE: Disposition of Fines at the Kotzebue Long Range Radar Station (LRRS), Alaska.
Referring to our memorandum to you of 20 December 1995, this memorandum presents the results of our screening evaluation of alternatives for treating the fines at the Kotzebue LRRS. Enclosed for your information is a copy of the report, "Screening of Alternatives, Treatment of Soil Washing Fines." For your convenience, a copy of the Executive Summary has been attached to this memorandum.
After evaluating eight alternatives, the recommended solution for addressing fines is that the fines should be left onsite without further treatment. This alternative assumes that the fines may be left in place in the lined containment pits and covered with clean soil. Analytical data, including preliminary TCLP results, indicate that the fines do not contain toxic concentrations of hydrocarbon related constituents nor do they constituent leaching concentrations that would cause a risk to human health or to the environment. The data are included in Table 1 in the attachment.
Later this month, we would like to meet with you either in Fairbanks, Anchorage, or by telephone conference to discuss our strategy for treating the fines, including a review of the preliminary leachability assessment data and top treatment alternatives that are discussed in the enclosed report. It is important that we reach a preliminary agreement on how to proceed, so that we can complete a leachability assessment prior to the 1996 field season. I will be contacting you by telephone to arrange a meeting. |
Kalu Kalu |
| 2/15/1996 |
Update or Other Action |
Screening of alternatives treatment of soil washing fines received. The U.S. Air Force, 611th Civil Engineer Squadron/Civil Engineering Environmental Restoration (CES/CEVR), through the (AFCEE) Remedial Action Contract (AFCEE), Remedial Action Contract (RAC) completed an Interim Remedial Action (IRA) of petroleum contaminated soils by soil washing at the Kotzebue Long Range Radar Station (LRRS), Alaska during September 1995.
About 7425 cubic yards of the most heavily contaminated soil was excavated and processed through the soil washing system. All of the soil, with the exception of 400 cy. of residual fines or 5.4% of the volume excavated was successfully washed in accordance with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) cleanup acceptance criteria. The fines are contained in two bermed and lined containment pits and covered with HDPE liner for storage at the Kotzebue LRRS. The disposition of the fines will be determined from decisions that will result from recommendations that are contained in this report.
This report presents a screening of alternatives and cost estimates for each alternative. The primary objective of the study was to recommend a preferred method for disposition of the fines, comparing cost and technical features of several alternatives considered practical for the Kotzebue LRRS. A secondary objective was to recommend an alternative that would be beneficial for soil washing applications at other sites.
The treatment alternatives identified for evaluation are listed below:
1. No further treatment based on toxicity and inability to leach into environmental media -fines would be covered and left in-place.
2. Thermal treatment onsite - using the Air Force's Thermal Treatment Unit
3. Enhanced air stripping
4. Slurry biodegradation - leased bioreactor
5. Slurry biodegradation - bioreactor constructed onsite
6. Thermal treatment offsite
7. Chemical fixation
8. Solidification
After evaluating all the above alternatives, the preferred alternative is alternative No. 1. Preliminary data indicate that the fines do not contain toxic concentrations of hydrocarbon related constituents nor do constituents leach in concentrations that would cause a risk. To support the "No Further Treatment" alternative, the Air Force will complete a leaching assessment to confirm the preliminary results and establish alternative clean up levels for the fines.
Alternate cleanup levels may be established on the basis of a leaching assessment if it can be demonstrated that degradation, volatilization, or natural dilution will occur before groundwater is adversely impacted. The "No Further Treatment" alternative assumes that fines can be left in place in the lined containment pits and covered with clean soil. This alternative provides the protection of human health and the environment, and it is the lowest cost and technically feasible solution. Preliminary analytical data supports no leaching of toxic constituents.
Based on estimated cost and technical advantages versus disadvantages for each alternative, the more cost effective, technically feasible alternatives are recommended below:
1. Referring to the Decision Leachability Assessment alternative should be presented to ADEC for their review of preliminary data and a proposed leachability assessment protocol should be submitted for their input. This alternative assumes that fines can be left in-place in the lined containment pits and covered with clean soil. It provides the protection of human health and the environment, and it is the lowest cost, technically feasible solution. Preliminary analytical data supports no leaching of toxic constituents.
2. If the ADEC accepts the proposed protocol, the final protocol would be drafted. With ADEC input, the leachability assessment and testing/modeling would be done and a report of the results prepared for Air Force and ADEC review and approval. Acceptance would lead to mobilizing to the site in the summer of 1996 to permanently cover the fines and perform other tasks to close out the scope of work. If the results are not acceptable, go to step 4 below.
3. If the ADEC rejects the leachability assessment proposal, the advantages and disadvantages of Onsite Thermal Treatment Using the Air Force’s TTU Enhanced Air Stripping, and Bioreactors would be discussed. A decision on which alternative to pursue would be reached with the ADEC.
4. Bench scale testing, if necessary, cost estimating, preparation of Planning Document Addenda, and other tasks would lead to implementing the chosen alternative during I the summer of 1996. |
Kalu Kalu |
| 2/15/1996 |
Update or Other Action |
AF Letter to ADEC. RE: Disposition of fines at the LRRS.
1. Referring to our memorandum to you of 20 December 1995, this memorandum presents the results of our screening evaluation of alternatives for treating the fines at the Kotzebue LRRS.
2. Enclosed for your information is a copy of the report, "Screening of Alternatives, Treatment
of Soil Washing Fines." For your convenience, a copy of the Executive Summary has been
attached to this memorandum.
3. After evaluating eight alternatives, the recommended solution for addressing fines is that the fines should be left onsite without further treatment. This alternative assumes that the fines can be left in place in the lined containment pits and covered with clean soil. Analytical data, including preliminary TCLP results, indicate that the fines do not contain toxic concentrations of hydrocarbon related constituents nor do the constituents leaching concentrations that would cause a risk to human health or to the environment. The data are included in Table 1 in the attachment.
4. Later this month, we would like to meet with you either in Fairbanks, Anchorage, or by
telephone conference to discuss our strategy for treating the fines, including a review of the
preliminary leachability assessment data and top treatment alternatives that are discussed in
the enclosed report. It is important that we reach a preliminary agreement on how to proceed, so that we can complete a leachability assessment prior to the 1996 field season. I will be contacting you by telephone to arrange a meeting. |
Kalu Kalu |
| 5/31/1996 |
Update or Other Action |
Dept. of The Air Force HQ AFCEE Memorandum for HSC/PKV-AK Attention Michelle Wood from AFCEE/ERD-AK Robert Garland Contracting Officer's representative. SUBJECT:F41624-94-D-8046-0018-02, Modification of Treatability Study for Soils at Kotzebue LRRS
Request your support in modifying this delivery order An updated SOW is included with this letter. Text in paragraph 4.6.5 of the SOW has been added to explicitly include handling of soil washing residuals as a DO requirement
Also, the period of performance needs to be extended to 31 Dec 96 Our attempt to collect samples in April was unsuccessful, and the sampling has been rescheduled for July We will need some extra time to complete the project.
4.6.5 Evaluation of Remedial Systems and Environmental Equipment. The Contractor shall conduct an independent evaluation of remediation systems to determine their effectiveness as directed by the COR Contractor shall evaluate options for storing and conditionin,_ water, for storing and handling fines, and for miscellaneous pretreatment associated with the soil washing process at Kotzehne LRRS. This includes the collection of data needed to assess the ability of the
remediation system to remediate the site.
Before writing the treatability study Work Plan, the Contractor shall identify general response
actions and applicable technologies based on site and contaminant conditions, and combine
technologies to formulate distinct alternatives. The Contractor shall evaluate alternatives that
eliminate, control, and/or reduce risk to human health or the environment to acceptable levels.
Where a wide variety of promising alternatives exist, the Contractor shall screen the alternatives based on effectiveness, ease of implementation, regulatory agency and community acceptance, and cost
The Contractor shall prepare a technical memorandum reportmg on the alternatives and recommending which alternative(s) should be further evaluated by an on-site treatability study The technical memorandum shall include cost estimate(s) of the proposed alternative(s). Upon review of the technical memorandum the COR will direct the Contractor to proceed with a
treatability study(s). (A029)
Following completion of the treatability study the Contractor shall report on the effectiveness of the treatability study(s) The report shall include a presentation and discussion of
a) Site specific results, including an evaluation of treatment effectiveness and assessment of risks posed by contamination remaining at the site. Recommendations for further site specific actions should also be provided.
b) The final deposition of any wastes derived from the treatability study, including investigative derived waste.
c) The applicability of the treatment technology for remediation at other sites with similar
conditions, particularly remote sites in Alaska. The discussion should include a summary of
important technical factors, general specifications, equipment and operation, factors which reduce treatment effectiveness or significantly alter costs, and recommended actions for improving treatment effectiveness.
The report shoold include appendices which include data/results of laboratory or field studies,
sample calculation, derivations of equations, and photo documentation Reporting should not
duplicate information presented in previous reports for feasibility studies or interim remedial
actions at Kotzebue LRRS. If information has been reported previously, it should be reference
and briefly summarized. |
Kalu Kalu |
| 9/30/1996 |
Update or Other Action |
Interim Remedial Action (IRA) project activities workplan. The IRA field effort at the Kotzebue LRRS is comprised of three phases. The first phase involved sampling the fines containment cells for analysis of TCLP analytes to evaluate the leachability of the fines. This is complete and awaiting ADEC acceptance. The second phase involves conditioning and discharging up to approximately 15,000 gallons of contaminated wastewater remaining from the 1995 soil washing operations.
The final phase includes transferring fines from containment cell #2 to containment cell #1. The fines will be stored in containment cell #1 until final disposition is determined, which will depend, in part, on ADEC response to the leachability assessment. Field operations will be conducted in a manner that minimizes contact with the endangered plant Oxytropis arctica var. barnebyana, and protects them to the greatest extent possible.
The objective of this phase of the IRA was to sample the fines containment cells to
characterize the leachability of the remaining material. The results of the TCLP analytical testing verify the immobility of the petroleum constituents bonded to the fines. The analytical data will be used to support the decision closure documents. |
Louis Howard |
| 11/12/1996 |
Update or Other Action |
Conservation Agreement for Barneby’s Milkvetch, Oxytropis arctica barnebyana between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Air Force.
Barneby's Milkwetch, Oxytropis arctica barnebyana was discovered and described in 1968. It is only "known from western Alaska, specifically the Kotzebue area on Baldwin Peninsula, and the Squirrel River area. Total population size is estimated to be 8,391 plants. Populations occur on lands owned by the Alaska Department of Transportation, U.S. Air Force, Federal Aviation Administration, and the Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation. Nearly all populations in the vicinity of Kotzebue are under threat from dredging activity, development, or demolition/remediation of military installations. Conservation Agreements are being pursued with these agencies in order prevent additional population losses which could necessitate listing this species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
This Conservation Agreement has been initiated to conserve the species by reducing threats to the subject species, stabilizing the species' populations, and maintaining its ecosystem. This document's primary purpose is to conserve this species through interim conservation measures under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
Species Involved-Common: Barneby's Milkwetch (or Barneby's Oxytrope), Scientific Name: O. arctica barnebyana. |
Louis Howard |
| 11/13/1996 |
Update or Other Action |
Conservation Plan for Barneby's Millcvetch, Oxytropis arctica barnebyana under the Conservation Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Air Force
This Conservation Plan (CP) outlines actions to be taken to protect populations of Bameby's Milkwetch, Oxytropis arctica bamebyana (OAB) during Demolition/remediation (D/R) activities by the USAF at the Kotzebue Long Range Radar Site. It is possible, in some cases, during D/R activities, plants will have to be removed and transplanted or even extirpated. These actions will be considered as a last resort to protection efforts and all steps will be taken to avoid disturbing plants.
Thus, it is critical that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and U.S. Air Force (USAF) work closely during project planning. Actions may take place over a two-year period with D/R planning taking place in year one and the actual D/R activities taking place in year two. If projects extend over a two year period, actions that will be taken the first year have one asterisk. Actions that will be taken the second year have two asterisks and actions that will be taken both years have three. If the project does not extend over a two-year period, all actions will attempt to be completed but the priority areas will be to educate staff, map and flag populations, and mitigate impacts from the D/R activities.
This plan is broken into the following components with actions identified for each one:
1. Education/Notification (E/N) 2. Monitoring (Mr) 3. Mitigation (Mg) 4. Experimentation (Ex)
For each component, the action is outlined, responsibility is identified and a tentative schedule is included. Throughout this document, references will be to each section by identifying the component then action number, for example: Action 1 under Education wall be referred to as E/N-1.
The Service will work cooperatively with USAF staff, the State of Alaska Department of
Natural Resources, Alaska Plant Materials Center (PMC) and the U.S. Department of
Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM). At any time during implementation of this CP, the Service can designate a non-Service representative to implement or assist in
implementing these actions. |
Louis Howard |
| 12/19/1996 |
Update or Other Action |
Results of the 1996 Field Season for Oxytropis arctica barnebyana.
Objectives for the 1996 field season included mitigating losses of OAB from USAF demolition activities at the Kotzebue Long Range Radar site, specifically, the Old White Alice site. Populations were flagged and plants that could be extirpated were transplanted. All populations on USAF property were mapped and photographed. Population estimates were completed for all sites in 1995 and for OAB Site 3 in 1996. Seeds were collected by staff from Alaska Plant Materials Center (PMC) to be sown under greenhouse conditions at the PMC. Sown plants may be used to revegetate
demolition sites.
Plants subjected to repeated physical impacts, such as vehicles and human trampling, showed limited tolerance. In some cases, the response of an individual plant to having debris atop it was to grow "around it" and some vigorous individuals continued to flower and fruit. The extensive tap root and possibly some positive adaptation to disturbance enables OAB to survive impacts up to a certain threshold. However, OAB appears to reproduce through sexual reproduction only and plants subjected to vehicle impacts appeared to be in a maintenance state and were not flowering. This could lead to population declines. Additional study is needed to conclude this. Additional study is also needed regarding the response of the seed bank to soil disturbance. Limited soil disturbance could stimulate seed germination.
Efforts to locate additional populations on tributaries of the Squirrel River within the Baird Mountains of the Northwest Management Unit of the Bureau of Land Management were successful Verification of identification of collected specimens is pending. An estimated 15,782 plants were discovered on the No Name and North Fork drainages. OAB had a far wider habitat amplitude than expected which may be the result of high ploidy levels. Further research on this is also required. |
Laura Noland |
| 1/29/1997 |
Update or Other Action |
Final Remediation Report of 1995 & 1996 Field Activities dated January 1997 received. ST14 - East Tanks Site: 3 ASTs, cradles, piping, & debris were removed from this site. Two of the tanks were modified for use in the soil washing process & the third tank was used in conjunction with the decontamination area. Clean soil from the soil washing system was backfilled at source area excavations at ST14, ST04 , SS12, & SS13. The clean gravel 3/8-inch & larger was backfilled at SS02 (the Beach Landfill) to fill large holes remaining from previous remediation & landfill closure activities.
At Source Area ST14 (East Tanks) there were two 25,000 gallon tanks which stored diesel & gasoline & one 5,000 gallon tank which stored gasoline. There was a small amount of residual fuel in each tank that was drained into three 55 gallon drums. Each drum was field tested for PCBs & halogens & results were negative. These drums were taken to Bering Air in Kotzebue for use in their waste oil burner. This waste oil burner heats Bering Air's hangar at the Kotzebue Airport.
Each AST was rinsed using a heated pressure washer with water & detergent. Rinsate was collected & stored in the 5,000 gallon AST which was relocated from the ST14 site to the decontamination pad. Supports, piping, valves & other ancillary equipment & debris from the tanks were stored adjacent to each site. The two 25,000 gallon ASTs from site ST14 were modified & used as water holding tanks for the soil washing system.
After it was determined that the soil washing system was working efficiently, soil excavation resumed at ST14 &, subsequently, at SS12. Approximately 1,995 cy of contaminated soil was removed from ST14, & 3,430 cy of soil was removed from SS12. Because ST14 was adjacent to the soil washer, most of the soil was excavated with an end loader & placed directly into the grizzly at the front end of the soil washer. This procedure was practical only at ST14.
The Contractor toured the site with the BLM & USF&WS to determine where the plants existed & whether excavation activities had impacted the plants. These plants were found at ST04, ST14, SS12, & in the tank berms at the beach south of SS02. Some of the plants at ST04 & ST14 had been destroyed during excavation of contaminated soil. During the site tour, the Contractor flagged plant locations to avoid any further impact on this species. Further excavation could not be accomplished due to the presence of an endangered plant surrounding the perimeter of the excavation & the fact that tundra was encountered below.
GRO contamination at 5.4 mg/kg to 110 mg/kg was found in every sample collected from the soil stockpile. Only two samples exceeded 100 mg/kg GRO (110 mg/kg for each sample). Similarly, DRO contamination was detected in each stockpile sample. The contamination ranged from 140 mg/kg to 830 mg/kg. Since most of the GRO & DRO, samples were above the treatment goals (100 mg/kg for GRO & 200 mg/kg for DRO), the treated soil could not be deposited in the Beach Landfill. However, because the DRO in the soil was less than 1,000 mg/kg, it could be placed back into the excavations of origin in accordance with an agreement between the Air Force & ADEC. Therefore, all treated soil < 1,000 mg/kg DRO was deposited at source areas ST04, ST14, & SS12.
Approximately 100,000 gallons of process water remained from soil washing activities. However, because of freezing conditions, problems were encountered while attempting to discharge the water to the gravel pad at ST14.
Three ASTs were originally located at this site. Soil underlying the original locations of the tanks was removed, stockpiled & treated in the soil washing plant. Approximately 1,995 cy of soil was removed from this site.
Three confirmation samples were collected from the base of the excavation at ST14. Benzene was not detected in any of the three samples. However, two of the samples showed DRO higher than 1,000 mg/kg. These samples are K-ST14-105A & K-ST14-106A with 2,100 mg/kg & 3,200 mg/kg, respectively. Since the excavation was already to the. tundra/gravel interface, further excavation & removal of soil is not an option at this site. Treated soil was placed over this area as a form of cap over the contaminated soil remaining at the site.
Recommendations: This site has been excavated to tundra and excavation pit samples resulted in DRO greater than 1,000 mg/kg. Further excavation of the remaining soils cannot occur due to the presence of the endangered Oxytropis plant species. Under the circumstances, further coordination regarding site closure with the ADEC is recommended. |
Kevin Oates |
| 2/20/1997 |
Site Added to Database |
Site added by Shannon and Wilson. See also Reckey 198932X902515. |
S&W |
| 6/30/1997 |
Update or Other Action |
A syopsis and limited review of investigative and remedial activities at the Kotzebue LRRS, Alaska prepared by USDOI BIA contractor-Montauk Environmental Engineering June 1997. Site SS14 - East Tanks (AOC3) This is the location of two large (approximately 20000 gallons each), empty above-ground diesel fuel storage tanks, located on the east rode of the access road east of the Composite Facility. Petroleum hydrocarbons detected in soil (up to 10000 ppm) are the primary environmental concern Elevated petroleum hydrocarbons concentrations in gravel fill matenals provide a potential source of contaminant migration to
nearby native vegetation.
Onsite treatment of contaminated fill materials was recommended to reduce petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations to acceptable levels for onsite disposal of treated soil. Highly contaminated soil was remediated in 1996 by soil-washing, and it is anticipated that those nearby areas of undisturbed tundra which were affected by the soil will be monitored to gauge the effectiveness of natural attenuation. Contaminant migration from this site is not suspected
The following recommendations are in addition to those made by Tetra Tech Inc in their reports (and presented above), and are solely the opinions of Montauk Environmental Engineering.
Fencing and/or signs should be placed about contaminated sites to prevent or mitigate exposure of area inhabitants to remaining site contaminants.
The rationale for the ADEC’s PCBs cleanup level of 10 ppm in site soils (although such concentration is almost certainly conservative) should be presented, so that the appropriateness of that cleanup level can be determined.
It is understood that a report of site flora/fauna chemical analyses is scheduled for publications in the summer of 1997, and that the samplinge efforts presented in the report are meant to compliment the Baseline Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment. According to anecdotal information, preliminary chemical analyses results suggest very little in the way of detected target contaminants in plant and animal tissues It is recommended these findings be presented to local area representatives in a "face to face" setting, so that responses and answers to concerns and questions can be expedited.
3 2 Conclusions Given the multi-spill complexity of the site and the unusual challenges associated with the site’s physical setting, the USAF and its Contractors have demonstrated what appear to be effective approaches toward solving the LRRS’ environmental problems. By identifying and successfully remediating contaminant sources, it is anticipated that future monitoring efforts will record a decrease of contaminant concentrations in those areas where contaminant removal is not recommended or feasible. |
Louis Howard |
| 12/11/1997 |
Update or Other Action |
Management plan lists a zone approach to the facility. Zone 1 has been defined as the former main activity area of the installation. This area contained the housing and most of the operation facilities, including the Composite Facility. The following IRP sites and AOCs are identified within Zone 1: SS01 - Waste Accumulation Area No. 1 (closed), SS08- Barracks, SS15 - Garage/Power Plant (AOC 4),
SS06 - Spill No. 1 (closed), SS13 - Landfarm (AOC 1) (recommended for closure), SS14 - East Tanks (AOC 3), SS19 - PCB Spill South Fence (AOC 12), SS18 - Truck Fill Stand (AOC 11), SS20 - Septic Holding Tank (AOC 10), SS12 - Spill Nos. 2 and 3, AOC 5 - Day Tanks, AOC 7 - Steel Pilings (recommended for closure). |
Louis Howard |
| 12/18/1997 |
Update or Other Action |
Implementation of Multi-Partnership conservation Agreement for Oxytropis arctica barnebyana (Barneby's milkvetch) Kotzebue LRRS 1996/1997 Final Report for USAF Work Order Number 86059.
Barneby’s milkvetch, Oxytropis arctica barnebyana (OAB) is a rare plant in the Legume Family (Fabaceae). It is known only from northwestern Alaska. Populations of OAB occur on private, state and federal lands in the vicinity of Kotzebue, Alaska, and on tributaries of the Squirrel River in the foothills of the Baird Mountains. This report summarizes the 1996 and 1997 field seasons. Results of the 1996 field season are available in a separate report (Moran and Meyers 1996). As of 1997, the highest priority conservation measures were completed as outlined in the Conservation Plan which required the project. Three of the six major populations in the Kotzebue area occurred on the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Kotzebue Long Range Radar Site (LRRS). Remaining OAB populations are at sites off USAF property. Through work accomplished by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and funded by the USAF, one major USAF population was transplanted in 1997 to other area locations.
The other two populations on the USAF site are at the LRRS former White Alice Communication Station (WACS), and surrounding a former warehouse, Building 101 of the LRRS. Building 101 is currently leased to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF) for the Geophysical Institute’s Aurora Observation Program. The Air Force Clean Sweep Program is being conducted on formerly used military sites in Alaska, and includes remediatlon of contaminated soils and demolition of buildings no longer used by the USAF. All but a few active buildings and a portion of the soils of the LRRS qualify for Clean Sweep. During 1995, remediation and demolition activities were identified that could potentially extirpate the OAB.
In an effort to prevent extirpation of OAB populations, the Service and the 611th Air Support Group (611 ASG) at Elmendorf Air Force Base signed a Conservation Agreement and Plan April 16, 1996. The expertise to implement the Conservation Plan was out-sourced via a partnership between the Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Alaska Plant Materials Center (APMC) of the Alaska State Department of Natural Resources and the UAF Biology and Wildlife Department. The project was endorsed by the Coastal America Program. In preparation for building demolition at the former WACS portion of the LRRS, population boundaries were flagged and on-site meetings were held with representative of the demolition crew and the BLM. Priority mitigation measures included relocating 94 plants from the WACS in 1996. Priority mitigation measures also took place near the largest developed portion of the LRRS in 1997.
This included a total of 291 plants being relocated, some were from the area adjacent to Building 205 (the abandoned gymnasium), most were from the area between Building 104, the abandoned sewage waste treatment building, and the LRRS chain link fence. Population estimates and mapping were accomplished for all portions of the LRRS. Seed was collected and sown at the APMC. Seeds and seedlings are available for future planting at the LRRS. Leaves were collected from the Kotzebue area and Squirrel River tributary populations for DNA analysis by the UAF. |
Laura Noland |
| 12/26/1998 |
Update or Other Action |
1998 Operation Clean Sweep and Soil Washing Report. The asphalt tank pads, pipeline, bermed containment areas, and fuel pump house were removed in 1998, and the site was regraded. The 2,000,000-gallon water AST was also demolished and removed from the site. Oil or weathered diesel fuel was spread on the ground beneath the ASTs as a corrosion control measure. Soil samples from the stained area beneath the tank were analyzed for DRO, RRO, VOCs, SVOCs, pesticides, PCBs, and metals. DRO and RRO were detected at maximum concentrations of 10,100 mg/kg and 2,950 mg/kg, respectively. An estimated 375 cubic yards of contaminated soil were recommended for excavation and off-site treatment. |
Louis Howard |
| 12/31/1999 |
Update or Other Action |
Stockpiled soil from the 1998 soil-washing project was sampled in 1999 to compare the contaminant levels to current ADEC 18 AAC 75 Method 2 cleanup levels. Samples were analyzed for DRO, GRO, RRO, and BTEX. None of the samples from the stockpiles exceeded the regulatory criteria. The soil has since been used as daily cover at the Kotzebue Municipal Landfill. |
Louis Howard |
| 5/5/2000 |
Meeting or Teleconference Held |
Community Meeting- Public questioned the appropriateness of using a higher cleanup level than what was originally used for the soil washing project. The first proposed levels excavated soil greater than 1,000 mg/kg diesel range organics (DRO) for treatment, and identified 100 mg/kg as the post treatment contaminant level. Question was asked why the Air Force wasn’t planning to follow the original cleanup level. Air Force responded: There was no formal agreement between the Air Force, ADEC, and community of Kotzebue to clean the soil to 100 mg/kg DRO. This was a voluntary goal established by the Air Force. This goal proved unattainable with the soil washing technology used to treat the soil. In the time between the start of the soil washing project and the abandonment of the technology, ADEC published Final Regulations for DRO cleanup in soil. ADEC and the Air Force determined that 18 AAC 75 Method 2, Table B2 cleanup values were appropriate cleanup levels. The new level would be 12,500 mg/kg DRO. The soil at the facility is well below this level and requires no further remedial action. Further, the soil could be spread onsite, regraded and re-vegetated to ensure runoff and erosion control. |
Ann Farris |
| 8/29/2000 |
Cleanup Plan Approved |
Div. of Env. Health, SW Program Sent letter to Tim Rabern City of Kotzebue. RE: Approval for Use of Remediated Soils as Cover Material in Kotzebue Landfill, Permit #9632-BA003
The Department has reviewed your request to use remediated soils fxom the Kotzebue LRRS as
cover material at the Kotzebue Landfill/Balefill, and the documentation provided by Steve Eng.
a certified hydrologiwst with ASCG,Inc. The remediated soil exceeds ADEC's regulatory
standard for placement in a unlined landfill. The soils exceed the "over 40-inch migration
to groundwater" standard for diesel range organic (DRO). We have considered your request under
the provision of 18 AAC 60.025 and grant approval for the use of the remediated soil as cover
materiail in the Kotzebue Landfill. You must comply with the following conditions.
1. The remcdiated soil can only be used as a daily or intermediate cover. They cannot be used in the top two feet of the four foot final cover required by your permit.
2. The remediated soil shall be applied uniformly when used as cover material and must be applied and compacted at grade to prevent low spots that may result in water ponding.
3. Any accumulated surfac water in a cell where the remediated soil are used for cover material must be examined for visible sheen per 18 AAC 70.020, before the water can be discharged to the sewage lagoon (if water is in contact with waste) or to the tundra. If a visible sheen is present on the water surface, then the product causing the sheen must be sskimmed off with absorbents or the water pumped through an oil/water separator before discharging to the sewage lagoon. The skimmed or separate product must be dispose of according to applicable Federal and State statutes and regulations.
This approval is for the remediated soils stockpiled at the Kotzebue LRRS only, and does not
constitute permission to dispose or landfill any other polluted or contaminated soils. Any future proposals for disposal of polluted or contaminated soils at the Kotzebue Balefill/Landfill will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Signed Kent Monroe Environmental Specialist. |
Ann Farris |
| 5/17/2001 |
Meeting or Teleconference Held |
Staff attended RAB meeting - issues discussed were publishing reports in the newspaper, better explanation of ecological risk assessment, proposed plans pending, need to explain cleanup levels well, historical grave on the facility, program for the school, and need to present GW results. |
Ann Farris |
| 6/12/2001 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
ADEC letter to USAF re: review comments on the sampling and analysis plan for post thermally-treated soils from the Long Range Radar Site Location, Kotzebue, Alaska dated May 2001.
The sampling and analysis plan (SAP) describes details of the thermal treatment of contaminated soils to be completed at the Kotzebue Long Range Radar Station (LRRS) in the 2001 field season. The SAP includes the stockpile and sampling details for the pre- and post-treated soils. ADEC has the following comments on the plan:
1. Page 4, Section 4.6, 1st Sentence: The ADEC Cleanup Level A Standards apply as indicated unless site-specific cleanup levels have been approved by the ADEC and the treated soil will remain on the original site.
2. Page 5, Section 5.0 Table: The minimum lab samples are accurate, however, the minimum field screening is not. 18 AAC 78.605 refers to UST Procedures Manual for field screening. The manual indicates in Section 4.5.3 that one field screening sample must be collected every 10 cubic yards, unless otherwise approved by ADEC. Please correct the text to indicate this requirement. If on specific sites you wish to alter this requirement, you may submit a request to the appropriate ADEC Project Manager. For the Kotzebue Long Range Radar Site, this requirement is not waived.
3. Page 6, Section 5.2, 1st Sentence: The most recent version of the UST Procedures Manual is dated December 1, 1999. Please update the reference.
4. Page 6, Section 5.4: For the Kotzebue Long Range Radar Site specifically, the analyticals that will be required post-treatment will be dependent on the analysis collected prior to excavation. Residual range organics (RRO) and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may or may not be necessary.
Please note, ADEC review and concurrence on this workplan is to ensure that the work is done in accordance with State of Alaska environmental conservation laws and regulations. While ADEC may comment on other state and federal laws and regulations, our concurrence on the plan does not relieve responsible persons from the need to comply with other applicable laws and regulations. |
Ann Farris |
| 3/20/2003 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft Proposed Plan received for 9 sites of which SS14 is one of them. The East Tanks (SS14) is the former location of three above ground fuel storage tanks, one small tank (between 3,000 and 5,000 gallon) and two large tanks (approximately 20,000 gallons each). The tanks were located on the east side of the main access road, east of the Composite Facility, and south of the Landfarm at SS13. During a site survey, stained soil was observed beneath the tank outlet valves. High levels of fuels in the soil are the primary environmental concern at this site.
A 1993 site inspection noted stained soil directly beneath the outlet valves. No spills were reported. The site was recommended for further study.
Seven shallow soil samples were collected and analyzed for DRO;, three of the seven samples were also analyzed for GRO, VOCs, SVOCs, pesticides, and PCBs. Three of the seven samples contained DRO (up to 10,000 ppm) above interim cleanup levels of 1,000 ppm. The maximum GRO concentration was 4,700 ppm. Removal of the contaminated soil and on site treatment was recommended.
In 1995 the three above ground storage tanks, piping and cradles were removed from the site. The storage tanks were re-used in the on-site soil washing plant. About 2,000 cubic yards of contaminated gravel was excavated to the edge of the tundra. At that time, the endangered plant Barnaby’s milkvetch was encountered and further excavation was not possible. Three soil samples were collected from the tundra and tested for DRO, RRO, GRO, and BTEX. Two samples had DRO levels (3,200 ppm) above the 1,000-ppm interim cleanup level. The excavated material was processed through the on-site soil washing plant. To avoid damaging the tundra and Barnaby’s milkvetch, treated soil with DRO below 200 ppm was used to backfill the excavations and cap any remaining contamination.
The Air Force recommended further coordination with ADEC regarding site closure.
Once the soil washing plant was no longer in use, the tanks from the East Tanks site were cut up and placed either in the Kotzebue landfill or sent to the metals pad at the village of Kotzebue. The site was regraded to prevent surface water from ponding.
A 1994 Risk Assessment based on 1994 RI/FS results determined that no unacceptable ecological or human health risks existed at the East Tanks site (SS14).
Based on past studies, risk to human health and the environment, review of the possible alternatives, and the cleanup actions already done, Alternative 2 (access restrictions, confirmation sampling, and natural attenuation/monitoring) is the Air Force’s preferred cleanup method for the nine sites at Kotzebue LRRS. Alternative 2 is the most cost-effective and will meet cleanup levels in an acceptable amount of time.
Alternative 2 will meet the goals of the 1996 Conservation Agreement Plan for the protection of the rare plant, Barneby’s milkvetch. |
Ann Farris |
| 5/22/2003 |
Meeting or Teleconference Held |
Staff attended a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting in Kotzebue regarding the Kotzebue Long Range Radar Site. The meeting focused on whether or not the community wanted to continue the RAB as meetings have been sporadic and attendance low. The radar site was demolished and the majority of active cleanup has already occurred, however, Proposed Plans and Decision Documents still need to be prepared and signed. These documents are expected to be forthcoming in the next year. The community decided they wanted to attempt to continue with the RAB in order to actively participate in the proposed plan/decision document stage. The next meeting is scheduled for July 22-23. The local community members that were in attendance agreed to contact several organizations and other community members by the July meeting in an effort to revitalize the RAB. |
Ann Farris |
| 6/16/2003 |
Update or Other Action |
ADEC Comments on the Proposed Plan for Cleanup, Sites SS07, SS12, SS13, SS14, SS15, SS17, SS18, SS19, and SS20, Kotzebue Long Range Radar Station, Kotzebue, Alaska, dated April 2003.
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC or the Department) has completed a review of the above referenced Proposed Plan. The Plan describes the Air Force’s proposed cleanup levels and selected remedy for the following sites:
•Former Water Supply Lake (SS07)
•Spill No.2 and No.3 (SS12)
•Abandoned Landfarm (SS13)
•East Tanks (SS14)
•Former Power Plant/Garage (SS15)
•PCB Spill Building 102 (SS17)
•Truck Fill Stand (SS18)
•PCB Spill South Fence (SS19)
•Septic Holding Tank (SS20)
The Department has the following review comments:
1. Page 1, Side Note, “Alaska Department of Environmental Conversation:” The ADEC is responsible for protecting the human health and the environment, not “safety.” Please clarify the note.
2. Page 1, 4th Paragraph, 2nd Sentence: The “How You Can Participate Box” in the back of the proposed plan indicates the information repository is at the Kotzebue Hall, not the Alaska Indian Reorganization Act Office. Are they the same office? Please clarify this issue. Please also include a physical address for the City Hall. |
Ann Farris |
| 1/15/2004 |
Update or Other Action |
Remedial investigation/feasibility study conducted in 2003. The objective of the 2003 sampling program at SS14 was to assess the status of contamination in impacted tundra/fill and contaminant levels in sediment and surface water (if present) downgradient of the site. Six field screening soil samples were collected from the base of the 1995 and 1996 excavation area near the tundra/gravel interface, and screened for fuels. One confirmation soil sample, one surface water sample, and one sediment sample (Figure 5) were collected and analyzed for DRO, GRO, VOCs, SVOCs, and pesticides. None of the soil and sediment sample results were above ADEC Method Two cleanup levels for the arctic zone or SQuiRTs screening criteria.
One surface water sample slightly exceeded the pesticide heptachlor ADEC water quality cleanup level of 0.0038 ìg/L with a concentration of 0.027 ìg/L. This surface water sample also slightly exceeded the DDT cleanup level of 0.001 ìg/L with a concentration of 0.0026 ìg/L. Elevated concentrations of pesticides have not been documented in former investigations at SS014. The source of the pesticide contamination is unknown. The ubiquitous nature of pesticides at the Kotzebue LRRS indicates that SS014 is not a likely point source for pesticide compounds. |
Ann Farris |
| 4/23/2004 |
Risk Assessment Report Approved |
The 2004 risk assessment (RA) final version received. The human populations of concern at this site are workers in the immediate vicinity of the radar station who could be exposed to surface soil, future construction workers who could be exposed to soil and active zone/supra-permafrost water, and recreational/subsistence users of the sites outside of the radar dome area who could be exposed to chemicals in soil, groundwater (GW) (chemicals in groundwater volatilizing to outdoor air), sediment, surface water, and plants. GW exists only in a narrow band close to the ocean, and the salt content is too high for drinking.
Currently, only 1 worker visits the radar dome on a regular basis (half time) and this level of effort is anticipated to be maintained for the foreseeable future. The approximately 640 acres surrounding the radar station (only remaining structure on the site) is used intermittently for recreational/subsistence activities, primarily hiking and berry picking. Fuel-related chemicals primarily associated with diesel use at the facility had some exceedances above health-based screening levels and regulatory criteria (preliminary ARARs) in soil and GW. No chemicals are a concern in sediment or in the small lake (SS07). Only very limited areas of soil and supra-permafrost water might represent a health concern due to DRO if exposure to surface and subsurface soil occurred on a very frequent basis, this scenario is unlikely given what is understood about current and future land use in the area.
Concentrations of chemicals in GW, while they greatly exceed drinking water levels for some chemicals, are unlikely to be a health concern because the water cannot be use for drinking due to its high salt content. With one exception, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, preliminary ARARs were not exceeded in groundwater. Sampled areas were limited to relatively small areas still suspected of containing chemical impacts. The majority of the 640-acres were not sampled because there are no longer any sources of chemicals present. The areas used by recreational/subsistence populations are primarily located away from the sampled portions of the site and this population is unlikely to be affected by the low levels of chemicals remaining at the facility. The worker in the radar station scenario also is unlikely to be impacted by the residual levels of DRO in soil.
The results of the EcoRA for the facility indicate that, with the exception of DRO in soil, none of the chemicals detected in site media during the 2003 RI are expected to pose a risk to ecological receptors. DRO was identified as a COEC during the Tier 2 EcoRA with HQs of 5.52 and 4.69 calculated for the soil and plant ingestion pathways, respectively, for the Arctic ground squirrel. The individual components of DRO in soil (e.g., PAHs) were not found to present a risk in the Tier 2 analysis. Although there is much uncertainty surrounding the ecological risk analysis of petroleum mixtures in environmental media, and although no burrows were observed at the site in 2003, the DRO results may indicate a slight risk of future chemical exposure to the ground squirrel, as well as the potential for physical impacts from petroleum hydrocarbons.
A cleanup level based on an HQ of 1.0 in the more conservative of the two ground squirrel pathways (soil ingestion) would be 14,500 mg/kg for DRO in soil. The ARAR being considered for this contaminant, the ADEC soil cleanup level for the Arctic region of 12,500 mg/kg DRO (18AAC75), would also be protective of the identified ecological risk. Soil containing DRO above these concentrations is present at two locations on the site: the SS12 spills area and downslope of the SS18 truck stand. |
Ann Farris |
| 1/12/2005 |
Update or Other Action |
File number updated with subfile 410.38.002.07. |
Aggie Blandford |
| 6/1/2005 |
Proposed Plan |
Upon incorporating minor ADEC comments, the final version of the Proposed Plan was received. SS14 Risk Assessment Conclusions-
Based on the 1995 and 2004 human health and ecological risk assessments, it is unlikely that exposures to CERCLA hazardous substances will harm human health or the environment at SS14.
SS14 Proposed Action Under CERCLA-In accordance with CERCLA requirements, USAF concludes that no remedial action is necessary to ensure protection of human health and the environment at SS14. Following consideration of public comments received, USAF will prepare a Record of Decision (ROD) to document the final selected remedy for SS14. |
Louis Howard |
| 7/19/2005 |
Meeting or Teleconference Held |
A public meeting was held in the National Guard Armory on 19 July 2005. The meeting was open to the public and was advertised in the local newspaper and on the local radio station (KOTZ) but was sparsely attended. Because of the small number of people in attendance, an open discussion was encouraged as the Proposed Plan was presented. Most comments offered during the meetings were in the form of questions for clarification and did not reflect direct comment on the Proposed Plan.
No formal written comments were received during the open comment period. Neither were comments received by the toll-free phone line. |
Louis Howard |
| 1/30/2007 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft Record of Decision received from the Air Force for: SS007-Former Water Supply Lake; SS013-Landfarm; SS014-East Tanks; SS015-Former Power Plant/Garage; SS016- Buildings 101 and 102; SS017 PCB Spill At Building 102; SS019-PCB Spill South Fence; and SS020-Septic Holding Tank/Outfall Line all located at the Kotzebue Long Range Radar Site (LRRS). presents the final selected remedies for sites SS007, SS013, SS014, SS015, SS016, SS017, SS019, and SS020, at Kotzebue LRRS, Alaska. This is an integrated ROD documenting no action under CERCLA and remedies selected under State of Alaska laws and regulations.
There are no CERCLA hazardous substances, identified as contaminants of concern (COCs), that pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment at these sites. Because there are no CERCLA COCs, there is no CERCLA authority to take action, and a no action response is the appropriate and selected remedy for these sites under CERCLA.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been consulted consistent with the requirements of 10 United States Code (USC) 2705 and has provided no comments. The EPA has chosen to defer to the State of Alaska for regulatory oversight of the Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) at Kotzebue LRRS, Alaska.
Additionally there are no contaminants present at these sites above State of Alaska laws and regulations; Thus, these sites require no further action under those applicable laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, Title 46 of the Alaska Statutes and regulations promulgated thereunder.
The SS014 (East Tanks) area is located on the east side of the main access road, east of the former Composite Facility and south of the former Landfarm (SS013). SS014 is the former location of three diesel fuel above ground storage tanks (ASTs), which included one small tank (between 3,000 - 5,000 gallons) and two large tanks (approximately 25,000 gallons each). Stained soil was discovered directly beneath the outlet valves of the ASTs in 1993 during a site inspection. No spills had been reported, and it is suspected that incidental leaks of unknown quantities occurred during the years of fuel handling at this site. During the remedial action in 1995 and 1996, the tanks and piping were removed, and diesel range organics (DRO) contaminated was treated using soil washing technology. Confirmation samples collected as part of the 2003 RI/FS found no contaminants above cleanup levels except two pesticides; heptachlor and 4,4- dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (Figure 4). Pesticides are ubiquitous throughout the Kotzebue installation, and SS014 is not considered a source area. The 2004 human health and ecological risk assessments determined that no unacceptable risks remained at SS014.
The selected remedial action under CERCLA for SS007, SS013, SS014, SS015, SS016, SS017, SS019, and SS020 is no further action. There is no unacceptable risk to human health or the environment at these sites from CERCLA hazardous substances.
The selected remedial action under State of Alaska regulations is also no further action. There are no contaminants regulated under the State of Alaska that exceed cleanup levels under 18 Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) 75.341 Method 2 Table B1 and B2 for soil in the arctic zone, or pose unacceptable risks to human health or the environment. Because no further action is warranted, remedial action objectives (RAO) were not developed, and the selected remedy for these eight sites is site closure. No further soil, surface water, or sediment monitoring will be required. Site access will be unrestricted. Land use controls are not applicable because no contamination remains above cleanup levels.
The selected remedy will not result in hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants remaining on-site above levels that allow for unlimited continued current land use and unrestricted exposure for industrial, recreation, and subsistence uses. Therefore a statutory review will not be required for this remedy.
No significant changes have been made since Alternative 1 No Further Action was evaluated during the 2004 RI/FS (USAF, 2004) and the public review of the Proposed Plan occurred. The public was encouraged to participate in the decision making process for the proposed remedial actions for SS007, SS013, SS014, SS015, SS016, SS017, SS019, and SS020 during a public comment period between 19 July 2005 and 19 August 2005. Two Proposed Plans were released to the public. The EPA was also given the opportunity to provide comments on each Proposed Plan consistent with the requirements of 10 USC 2705 and provided no comments. An initial Proposed Plan for Sites SS008 and SS016 were released for public review on 2 April 2002. Since that time, additional sampling was conducted at SS016 during the 2003 RI/FS. For this reason, SS016 was included in this more current ROD. |
Louis Howard |
| 8/16/2007 |
GIS Position Updated |
66° 50' 34"N, 162° 35' 28"W (NAD83/WGS84) USGS Kotzebue D-2 |
Louis Howard |
| 11/1/2007 |
Record of Decision |
April 4, 2007 Final Record of Decision For No Further Action received for signature - SS007 (Former Water Supply Lake), SS013 (Landfarm), SS014 (East Tanks), SS015 (Former Power Plant/Garage), SS016 (Buildings 101 and 102), SS017 (PCB Spill at Building 102), SS019 (PCB Spill South Fence), SS020 (Spill Nos. 2 and 3), SS018 (Former Truck Fill Stand), SS002 (Waste Accumulation Area No. 2/Landfill) and ST005 (Former Beach Tanks). Signed by Brent A. Johnson, Colonel, USAF, Commander, 611th Air Support Group on October 23, 2007. John Halverson (ADEC) signed the ROD on November 1, 2007. No contaminants of concern found above Arctic zone cleanup levels.
The decision may be reviewed and modified in the future if new information becomes available that indicates the presence of undiscovered contaminants or exposures that may cause unacceptable risk to human health or the environment. If additional contaminants are discovered, the Air Force and ADEC will determine the compliance levels for cleanup actions. |
John Halverson |
| 11/5/2007 |
Cleanup Complete Determination Issued |
ADEC John Halverson sent the Air Force a cover letter to accompany the Final April 4, 2007 Final Record of Decision For No Further Action received for signature. The source areas covered by the document include - SS007 (Former Water Supply Lake), SS013 (Landfarm), SS014 (East Tanks), SS015 (Former Power Plant/Garage), SS016 (Buildings 101 and 102), SS017 (PCB Spill at Building 102), SS019 (PCB Spill South Fence), SS020 (Spill Nos. 2 and 3), SS018 (Former Truck Fill Stand), SS002 (Waste Accumulation Area No. 2/Landfill) and ST005 (Former Beach Tanks).
SS014 East Tanks- ADEC concurs no further remedial action is warranted at the site. Diesel range organic contamination is present at levels as high as 7,200 mg/kg, which does not exceed ADEC’s Arctic Zone cleanup level in 18 AAC 75.341 Table B2. Method Two – Petroleum Hydrocarbon Soil Cleanup Levels (as amended through December 30, 2006). Soil containing residual contamination may not be placed in surface water or other environmentally sensitive areas.
Please note, per 18 AAC 75.325(i), department approval is required prior to disposing of soil or water from a site that is, or has been, subject to the site cleanup rules. Furthermore, these decisions may be reviewed and modified in the future if new information becomes available that indicates contaminants at a site may cause unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.
|
John Halverson |
| 9/21/2012 |
Institutional Control Record Removed |
Institutional Controls have been removed. |
Louis Howard |
