DEC Helps Juneau Community in Flooding Aftermath

For immediate release: August 10, 2024
Contact: Kelly Rawalt, Public Information Officer, 907-465-5009

Spill response staff member walking with oil absorbent pads.

Juneau, AK — The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has opened the Response Account of the Oil and Hazardous Substance Release Prevention and Response Fund to provide ample supplies and free cleanup services to community members faced with the impacts of flood related spills. Spill response and solid waste staff are on the ground through the weekend to provide hands-on assistance to those in need.

“I am proud of the willingness of our staff to work overtime throughout the weekend to support the community,” said Emma Pokon, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. “Our top priority is for residents to get the help they need and to make cleanup as expeditious as possible.”

Solid waste staff member assisting Alaska National Guard with waste screening.

DEC is working closely with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the City and Borough of Juneau, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF), and others.

DOT&PF trucks continue to pick up loads of curbside debris and waste throughout the impacted area. DEC staff have been working with the Alaska National Guard to help separate hazardous waste for disposal.

Remember to report all spills of oil or hazardous substances online at ReportSpills.alaska.gov or over the phone at 1-800-478-9300. Additionally, please keep the following in mind before consuming food impacted by the flood:

Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.
Discard any food and beverage that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water.
If you have a freezer, either a chest or upright, which was covered with floodwaters, chances are the food inside has been damaged through seepage. All of this food should be thrown away.
Discard any food in damaged cans.
Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, utensils, and countertops with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse and then sanitize them by boiling in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented household (5.25% concentration) liquid bleach per gallon of water.
Undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans and "retort pouches" (like flexible, shelf-stable juice or seafood pouches) can be saved if thoroughly washed and sanitized. Visit our website to find more resources related to flood preparation and response including food safety here: https://dec.alaska.gov/commish/disaster-recovery/flood-preparation-and-response/

Find the most up-to-date information on response and volunteer efforts here: https://juneau.org/manager/flood-response.