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Site Report: Gerstle River Test Site

Site Name: Gerstle River Test Site
Address: ~34 Mi. E. of Delta Jct., Delta Junction, AK 99737
File Number: 141.38.039
Hazard ID: 866
Status: Active
Staff: Juliana Smit, 9072693064 juliana.smit@alaska.gov
Latitude: 63.792949
Longitude: -145.035626
Horizontal Datum:

We make every effort to ensure the data presented here is accurate based on the best available information currently on file with DEC. It is therefore subject to change as new information becomes available. We recommend contacting the assigned project staff prior to making decisions based on this information.

Problems/Comments

The Gerstle River Test Site (GRTS) is located approximately 35 miles southeast of Delta Junction and approximately 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. The site was used by the Army for chemical munitions testing in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The GRTS was acquired by the U.S. Army in 1952. In 1954, Dugway Proving Ground (DPG) established operations at the GRTS for cold weather and surveillance testing of high explosive and chemical munitions and equipment. A chemical testing facility was constructed in the Administrative Area of the GRTS to support the various activities. Various types of chemical and conventional munitions and materials were tested at GRTS, including surveillance of rocket motors, surveillance and function tests of riot control munitions and agents, insecticides, land mines with V-series nerve agent VX, 115mm M55 rockets with G-series nerve agent Sarin (GB) and VX, flame munitions (incendiary bursters, flame throwers, etc.), smoke pots, smoke grenades, gas masks, chemical agent test kits, bulk fuel containers, and blasting kits. Cleanup and investigation activities were conducted following the conclusion of testing in 1967.

Action Information

Action Date Action Description DEC Staff
5/1/1969 Interim Removal Action Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = REM - Removal / Excavation). Cleanup of Blueberry Lake. One leaking container found. All containers "neutralized and decontaminated", and then "buried with neutralizing agents in a pit near the lake." Stated that tests showed no water contamination. Former Staff
8/1/1970 Interim Removal Action Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = REM - Removal / Excavation). Cleanup of 4 other test sites buried in 2 pits. Included HD (mustard gas) site. Former Staff
10/1/1974 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = FI - Field Inspection (General)). Department of Army Environmental Analysis Record F010042 following field exam. Described site, did not recommend an environmental statement. Former Staff
10/8/1974 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = FI - Field Inspection (General)). Field report by the Department of the Army. States that between 1959 and 1961, canisters of chemicals and gas were stored on ice of Blueberry Lake and fell in. Everything was taken from lake and buried in pit #1. Pit #2 reported empty. Former Staff
11/7/1975 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = FI - Field Inspection (General)). Department of the Army Field Report on pits 1 and 2. From 1953 to 1964, test site used for testing high explosive and chemical ordnance. Since 1964, low toxicity chemical testing. During 1950s and early 60s, GB and VX were tested. GB is a non-persistent nerve agent, VX is persistent. Nerve agent is chlorinesterase. Also possible testing of mustard gas. All toxic cylinders disposed of in 2 pits. Recommended site as unsuitable to return to public land. Former Staff
11/18/1975 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = FI - Field Inspection (General)). Department of the Army Field Report on 800 acre area in NE corner of withdrawal (USS 4077). Area of housing and office complex as well as storage areas. Drums of toxic chemicals were buried within 500 meters of "command post", although previous search failed to locate them. Recommended land unsuitable for return to public land. Former Staff
12/1/1976 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). U.S. Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency "Installation Assessment of Gerstle River Test Site, Report Number 105". Found that contamination migration not a problem, it may be possible that unexploded ordnance munitions are at the site, records indicate no radiological or biological contamination, two disposal pits at site with material decontaminated by burning prior to burial, biological testing was done at Delta Creek area. Concluded preliminary survey of test site not required. Former Staff
7/26/1982 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). U.S. Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency "Installation Assessment of the Headquarters, 172D Infantry Brigade, Fort Greely, Alaska, Report Number 328C." Report does not include detailed discussion of Gerstle River site. Former Staff
6/1/1987 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RAPR - Remedial Action Plan Review (CS)). Draft Sampling Plan for Gerstle River Test Site, Alaska prepared by Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc. Dated June 1987. Former Staff
6/16/1987 Site Characterization Report Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). Update of the Initial Installation Assessment of Gerstle River Test Site, Alaska, Final Report prepared by Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc. 4 surface water, 1 groundwater, and 16 soil samples obtained. Surface water samples showed nickel and arsenic above MCLs, but report states they could be naturally occurring. 2.36 ppb nitrobenzene and 3.93 ppb trinitrobenzene also detected. Soil analyses detected up to 6.51 ppb dinitrobenzene. No contaminants detected in groundwater. Concluded contaminants not a problem, but recommended 3 year annual sampling. Former Staff
12/21/1990 Site Ranked Using the AHRM Initial ranking. Former Staff
1/25/1994 Site Added to Database Chemical test equipment and munitions Former Staff
5/16/1994 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = RPL2 - Site Information Request Letter). Staff sent PRP-CS Database Notification Letter to Cristal Fosbrook requesting update/confirmation of information concerning the contaminated site. Jeff Peterson
9/12/1994 Meeting or Teleconference Held (Old R:Base Action Code = PUBP - Public Participation)). Public meeting held at Delta Community Center 7 PM. ADEC attendees Ron Short, Paul Bateman, Colonel Kraus new head of DPW and Colonel Peter Topp new head of ACOE Alaska District made statements and took questions about possible four dud nerve gas shells on GRTS Expansion Area now state land. Contractor will begin field invest. this week. Army will proceed with security clearances for State personnel and declassification of pertinent documents. Ronan Short
10/11/1994 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = PUBP - Public Participation)). Draft Report by Dames and Moore on GRTS Explosive Area. Includes interviews and history of activities at site. Report compiled after Public Meeting on September 12, 1994. ACOE Huntsville is Army authority for Army CWM. Ronan Short
10/27/1994 Site Characterization Report Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = LFI - Limited Field Investigation (CERCLIS)). Draft Report by Human Factors Applications Inc, EOD Division on GRTS Explosive Area. Includes Non-invasive site inspection and history of activities at site. Site visit completed after Public Meeting on September 12, 1994. Report states no immediate safety hazard exists, but suggests that magnetic anomalies exist at several impact areas. Ronan Short
2/8/1995 Meeting or Teleconference Held A public meeting was held at Delta Junction Community Center on February 8, 1995 to present Army's plans for site investigation in 1995. Approximately 35 attendees including state and federal officials. Ronan Short
5/24/1995 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). Draft SI for Non-Intrusive Work and Safety Plan received for (GREATS) = Gerstle River Expansion Area and Test Site. Ronan Short
7/6/1995 Site Characterization Workplan Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). FINAL SI for Non-Intrusive Work and Safety Plan received for (GREATS) = Gerstle River Expansion Area and Test Site. Ronan Short
9/21/1995 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = FI - Field Inspection (General)). Site visit with Robert Layne of DNR and Dames and Moore staff. Visited suspected burial sites at active site, also work is proceeding at FUDS part: Site 10 and 9 to confirm the absence of nerve gas shells. Sampled private well at Webb residence MP. Ronan Short
12/7/1995 Update or Other Action Draft Intrusive Work plan received this date for GREATS. Draft plan calls for intrusive excavation of ten anomalies. Several hundred found but most believed to be shell fragments (frag). Ronan Short
1/2/1996 Update or Other Action DRAFT/Fort Greely Gerstle River Expansion Area and test Site/Geophysical Target Analyses Report and test Grid location Maps received. Ronan Short
3/11/1996 Update or Other Action Received Planning document for proposed work at the Gerstle River Expansion Area. Ronan Short
3/29/1996 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). Draft Emergency destruction plan for VX and GB nerve gas. That may be found during invasive investigation at Sites 9, 9A and 10. Invasive investigation scheduled for summer 1996 but may be delayed due to Army plan approval timetable. Plan prepared by Steve Bird (PMNSCM). Ronan Short
4/4/1996 Meeting or Teleconference Held Teleconference between Bob Chivvis, Loran Baxter and ADEC staff. Staff requested clarification of Emergency Destruct Plan (EDP). Ronan Short
4/10/1996 Meeting or Teleconference Held Teleconference between Bob Chivvis and staff from Non-Stockpile Chemical Munitions, Sam Swearingen, and SAIC Corp. Staff requested a CLEAR explanation of alternatives that could be presented to the public. Proposed public meeting in late May/June 96. Ronan Short
5/24/1996 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). Draft 1996 Intrusive Work and Safety Submission. Site Investigation for OE and RCWM Gerstle River Expansion Area and Test Site, Alaska. Ronan Short
6/1/1996 Preliminary Assessment Approved (Old R:Base Action Code = SA2 - Phase II Site Assessment (General)). 1996 Intrusive Work and Safety Submission (Phase 2), Site Investigation for OE and RCWM, Gerstle River Expansion Area and Test Site, Alaska, received 6/28/1996. Ronan Short
6/1/1996 Update or Other Action (Old R:Base Action Code = SI - Site Investigation). 1996 Intrusive Work and Safety Submission (Phase 2), Site Investigation for OE and RCWM, Gerstle River Expansion Area and Test Site, Alaska. Response to Comments on the May, 1996 Version of the Draft 1996 Intrusive Work and Safety Submission with Dames and Moore's Responses and Annotations, received 7/15/1996. Ronan Short
6/3/1996 Update or Other Action Complete 1996 Intrusive Work and Safety Plan received. Briefing paper on this activity sent to Anchorage and Juneau on approximately July 1, 1996. Ronan Short
6/5/1996 Update or Other Action Review conference for Draft work plan for intrusive activities. Comments submitted. Document approximately 90% complete. Ronan Short
6/6/1996 Meeting or Teleconference Held (Old R:Base Action Code = PUBP - Public Participation)). Public meeting held at Delta Junction Community Center. Approximately 20 attendees. Concerns raised: hunting season, down wind hazard, safety precautions? Ronan Short
7/31/1996 Update or Other Action Inserts for the 1996 Intrusive Work and Safety Submission (Phase 2), Site Investigation for OE and RCWM. These inserts include: Interim Holding Facility Plan, Transportation Plan, Monitoring Plan, replacement pages C5-5 through C8-3, and replacement pages C9-1 through C9-16, received August 5, 1996. Ronan Short
3/27/1997 Update or Other Action Site updated by Shannon and Wilson, based on the Army Defense Site Environmental Restoration Tracking System Worksheets dated 11/8/96. S&W
11/12/1999 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attended RAB meeting. Rielle Markey
3/5/2001 Update or Other Action File number corrected from 170.38.025 to 141.38.039. Mitzi Read
11/7/2002 Update or Other Action Governor Knowles wrote Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld asking for disclosure of all documents relating to the use of chemical warfare material at the Gerstle River Test Site on Oct 16. Greg Light
6/3/2003 Site Number Identifier Changed Changed Workplan from X9 to X2. Greg Light
8/23/2006 Meeting or Teleconference Held Phone conversation with Kawaga at DOT. DOT is looking at regrading and expanding a road in the area of the Expansion and Test areas; however, we could not identify the exact location. Meeting to be held today to ID location - appears to be north of the Alaska Highway and not a site issue. Mike Jaynes
8/23/2006 Update or Other Action Update for site. Army has updated warning signs around site. Site is to be retained and managed by the military for the time being and not transferred back to the state. Although signs indicate no trespassing on the Test Site, Army maintains toll free phone numbers posted on warning signs for inquiries into site and contact in case unexploded ordinance is found at the site. Army intends to provide long-term management and monitoring of the site. Mike Jaynes
12/21/2006 Update or Other Action Installation Action Plan comments sent to Therese Deardorff at Army. Letter is on G Drive at G:\Spar\Cs\Contaminated Site Files (38)\141 Fort Greely\141.38.039 Gerstle River Test Site\2006 IAP Comments with corrections.doc Mike Jaynes
2/27/2007 Update or Other Action Recieved Draft Report for Gerstle River Test Site Burial Pit Geophysical Investigation, dated January 2007. Zachary Richter
2/27/2007 Update or Other Action Recieved Site Work Plan for Groundwater and Surface Water Sampling Gerstle River Test Site, Alaska dated November 9, 2006. One well sample and 10 surface water samples will be collected. Work is scheduled to begin April 15, 2007 Zachary Richter
4/30/2007 Update or Other Action Sent out review for Site Work Plan for Groundwater and Surface Water Sampling. Native villages have reported and local residents have reported that animals in the GRTS have been found with tumors and other afflictions. This sampling effort is in response to those reports and sampling locations were designated with input from the public. Ten surface water locations and one groundwater well will be sampled and analyzed for VOCs, PAHs, Pesticides, Metals, and Mercury. Field parameters will also be collected for Conductivity, Temp., pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Oxygen Reduction Potential, and Turbidity. Zachary Richter
5/2/2007 Update or Other Action The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) has completed its review of (Draft) Gerstle River Test Site (GRTS) Burial Pit Geophysical Investigation. Utilizing the results of previous studies, reports, and historic photographs six sites (A-F) were identified as potential locations of buried debris for this effort, and were investigated using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic induction (EMI). This report adequately meets the requirements set forth in 18AAC75.335 and once the comments are addressed the report can be approved. ADEC concurs with the report’s recommendation that additional investigation is necessary to determine the total number and extent of remaining burials at GRTS. As stated in the report, future work should include the following: expand the survey area at Area E and F to identify the full extent of burial pits in these areas, conduct a more thorough investigation of Area D, and investigate the bermed soil at Area G and H to rule out the burial of objects or disposal of contaminated soil within the soil piles. Zachary Richter
6/24/2008 Exposure Tracking Model On Hold Evonne Reese
3/30/2010 Exposure Tracking Model Ranking Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 71845 name: auto-generated pm edit Gerstle River Test Site Guy Warren
8/12/2014 Update or Other Action Submit Comments to Army on the Data Gap Analysis Report for the Gerstle River Test Site. The report evaluates the available site documentation to determine where additional characterization/investigation is required and where site data is sufficient to make management recommendations (NFA, management through IC’s, etc). The report identifies 48 Areas of Concern (AOC’s) and associated data gaps and makes recommendations for each. ADEC comments focused on recommendations for sites where UXO may be present and organizing the individual data gaps in to geographically distinct AOC’s. Guy Warren
10/15/2014 Update or Other Action Submit approval letter to US Army for the Final Data Gap Analysis Report for the Gerstle River Test Site (GRTS). 48 areas of concern (AOCs) were identified across the site and grouped type. Data gaps requiring further investigation/remediation were identified at 23 of the AOC's. These data gaps will be addressed in the upcoming Remedial Investigation for the GRTS. Guy Warren
4/27/2015 Meeting or Teleconference Held Attend Public meeting in Delta Junction to discuss plans for the GRTS with the community. The meeting was well attended and additional annual meetings are planned as the project moves forward. Guy Warren
5/22/2015 Update or Other Action Submit comments to US Army on the LTM plan for the GRTS. The plan identified LUC's required for UST #450 and Best Management Practices for the remainder of the property. Guy Warren
7/23/2015 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Submit approval letter for Final Long Term Management Plan for the Gerstle River Test Site. The document outlines the required institutional controls for interim management of the lingering CWM issues as well as to address petroleum contamination remaining at the former USTs. Guy Warren
6/7/2017 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Received the June 2017 Restoration Advisory Board Survey Report, Gerstle River Test Site, Alaska. This report summarizes the results of a survey that was conducted between October, 10 2016 and January 10, 2017, to evaluate community interest in formation of a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) for the Gerstle River Test Site (GRTS). Darren Mulkey
8/14/2017 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other Submit Sump Decommissioning and Administrative Area SI Work Plan, July 2017, response to comments and approval letter. Darren Mulkey
10/15/2018 Interim Removal Action Approved The Sump Decommissioning Report Revision 1 Gerstle River Test Site October 18, 2018 is approved. All underground features were excavated and removed including the sump and associated piping. Also as a result of this project EPA has closed the UIC Class V well. Darren Mulkey
6/11/2019 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other ADEC approved "2019 Final Long-Term Management Plan, Rev 2, Gerstle River Test Site, date June 2019". This plan was developed to describe implementation of Institutional Controls (IC) for the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Sites #450/451 in the Administrative Area (Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation [ADEC] file number 141.26.008), and present the Best Management Practices (BMP) for GRTS Areas of Concern (AOCs) identified in the data gap analysis (ADEC file numbers 141.26.001, 141.26.010, and 141.38.039). Darren Mulkey
10/13/2020 Institutional Control Periodic Reporting The purpose of this report is to update the Long Term Management (LTM) plan for 2019 by evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of Institutional Controls (ICs) associated with the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Sites #450/451 in the Administrative Area of the Gerstle River Test Site (GRTS), and ensure ICs comply with the State of Alaska Decision Letter associated with UST sites #000, #449, #450, and #451 (Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation [ADEC], 2014). Additionally, Best Management Practices (BMPs) are in place for the landfills in the Administrative Area and GRTS Areas of Concern (AOCs) identified in the data gap analysis. Site visits were conducted to each of the AOCs during 2019 and are documented in this report. Darren Mulkey
1/10/2022 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other "Final 2020 Land Use Controls Inspection Report, Gerstle River Test Site, November 2021". The purpose of this report is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of land use controls (LUCs) associated with the underground storage tank (UST) and landfill areas in the Administrative Area of the Gerstle River Test Site (GRTS), as well as other GRTS areas of concern (AOCs) identified in the data gap analysis. LUCs at this site consist of institutional controls (ICs) and engineering controls (ECs). The 2020 assessment documented that LUCs have been implemented and were effective at each of the AOCs. Corrective actions were taken as appropriate. It is recommended that more robust signs and posts be installed at the asbestos debris landfill in the Administrative Area. In addition, it is recommended that the signs are updated to identify the specific areas of concern and LUC restrictions more clearly. An Excavation Clearance Request (ECR) review was conducted; no ECRs were issued for the GRTS in 2020. The LUC assessment also included a review of the U.S. Army Garrison Alaska (USAG Alaska) geographic information system (GIS)-based database to determine if updates were required. Darren Mulkey
10/4/2023 Institutional Control Compliance Review DEC provided review comments for the "Draft 2022 Land Use Controls Inspection Report, Gerstle River Test Site, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska, dated August 2023" to the U.S. Army. The document describes an assessment of the institutional controls and discusses the results of a site inspection completed in 2022. Erica Blake
1/2/2024 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided responses to comments for the "Draft 2022 Land Use Controls Inspection Report, Gerstle River Test Site, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska" (dated August 2023) to the U.S. Army. The document describes land use control and institutional control inspections conducted in 2022. All responses to comments have been accepted pending a comment backcheck of the final document. Erica Blake
6/10/2024 Institutional Control Periodic Reporting DEC reviewed and supplied comments on the Draft 2023 Institutional Controls (IC) Report, which details the 2023 IC inspections conducted at Fort Wainwright, Alaska (FWA). The purpose of the annual IC inspection is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of ICs associated with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Record of Decision (ROD) source areas and Two-Party source areas on FWA. Tim Sharp
10/8/2024 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided comments for the "Draft 2023 Land Use Controls Inspection Report, Gerstle River Test Site, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska (dated September 2024) to the U.S. Army. The purpose of the land use control inspection was to evaluate the effectiveness of the land use controls in place. In 2023 there were no corrective actions needed, no Excavation Clearance Requests (ECRs) were issued. Report recommendations were for placing more robust, and informative signs about the potential contamination that could be present in the area. Erica Blake
11/13/2024 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided responses to comments for the "Draft 2023 Land Use Controls Inspection Report, Gerstle River Test Site, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska Dated September 2024" to the U.S. Army. All responses to comments were accepted, and DEC requested a clean, final document for comment backchecking, prior to providing approval. Erica Blake
11/22/2024 Long Term Monitoring Workplan or Report Review DEC provided approval for the Final 2023 Land Use Controls Inspection Report, Gerstle River Test Site, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska (dated November 2024) to the U.S. Army. The document describes the results from land use control inspections in 2023. Erica Blake
2/28/2025 Long Term Monitoring Workplan or Report Review DEC provided comments for the "Draft 2024 Land Use Controls Inspection Report, Gerstle River Test Site, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska (dated February 2025) to the U.S. Army. The purpose of the land use control inspection was to evaluate the effectiveness of the land use controls in place. In 2025 there were no corrective actions needed, no Excavation Clearance Requests (ECRs) were issued. Report recommendations were for placing more robust, and informative signs about the potential contamination that could be present in the area. Juliana Smit
3/17/2025 Long Term Monitoring Workplan or Report Review DEC provided responses to comments for the "Draft 2024 Land Use Controls Inspection Report, Gerstle River Test Site, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska Dated February 2025" to the U.S. Army. All responses to comments were accepted, and DEC requested a clean, final document for comment backchecking, prior to providing approval. Juliana Smit
3/19/2025 Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other DEC provided approval on the "Final 2024 Land Use Controls Inspection Report, Gerstle River Test Site, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska Dated March 2025" to the U.S. Army. Juliana Smit

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State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

P.O. Box 111800
Juneau, AK 99811-1800
Phone: 907-465-5066
Fax: 907-465-5245
TDD: 800-770-8973
Physical Location: 410 Willoughby