Temporary Camps

Operating a temporary camp? Get started with the information below.

Questions about temporary camps?
Contact the permit coordinator.
907-269-6289
dec.fsspermit@alaska.gov

About Temporary Camps

Temporary camps are occupied and operated on a temporary basis and are not places of residence. Examples of temporary camps include:

Establishments providing shelter and support for persons engaged in commercial recreation (guided hunting, rafting, wilderness fishing, etc.)
Establishments providing shelter and support for persons engaged in industrial activities (mining exploration, labor, construction, etc.)
Establishments that operate for a season of each year in the same location and have a structure (such as a hunting and trapping cabin or storage shed) that is used for temporary storage, food preparation. or emergency shelter

Temporary camps do not include lodges or commercial enterprises with the intent of selling bed space or meals, child or adult day camps, floating camps, or barges.

Temporary Camp Authorization

The Department of Environmental Conservation has regulatory oversight of drinking water, food service, solid waste, and wastewater activities at temporary camps. Requirements and authorizations of camps are determined by the size and duration of the camp's operation.

There are three categories of temporary camps for the purposes of the authorization process:

1. Small temporary camps

Located in a remote area for wastewater purposes: Require approval from the Department of Environmental Conservation; these camps will complete the temporary camp authorization process
Not located in a remote area for wastewater purposes: Require approval from the Department of Environmental Conservation; these camps will complete the temporary camp authorization process, but will additionally need to submit wastewater engineering plans for review and approval

2. Large temporary camps

Require approval from the Department of Environmental Conservation, but do not qualify for the temporary camp authorization due to their size; they must go through separate permitting, plan reviews, and authorizations

3. Other temporary camps

Do not require approval from the Department of Environmental Conservation; operators are advised to follow the best management practices for small temporary camps

Determining the Camp Type and Regulatory Requirements

Use the following questions to determine what type of camp is being operated and the regulatory requirements that apply to that type of camp.

Will the camp have fewer than 25 people and operate for 14 days or less?

If yes, this operation does not fall under the temporary camp authorization.

If there are 24 people or less and the camp is operating for 14 days or less, no approval is needed from the Department of Environmental Conservation. Operators are advised to follow the best management practices for small temporary camps.

If no, proceed to questions 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Will the camp be located in a national park or military reservation? 18 AAC 31.012(c)(10)

If yes, Alaska requirements for wastewater, drinking water, and solid waste apply to this camp, in addition to all required Federal regulations and permits.

The Alaska Food Code does not apply to this camp because food safety inspections and regulatory oversight are provided by the federal government in these locations. Federal food safety requirements must be met.

Proceed to question 3.

If no, proceed to question 3.

Will the camp be used for oil and gas activities within the boundaries of the North Slope Borough?

If yes, this camp is regulated under Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) general permit #AKG426000 for wastewater treatment and disposal.

For further assistance, contact the Division of Water in Fairbanks at 907-451-2101
The wastewater system is also subject to plan review and approval
Please contact Engineering Support and Plan Review section at 907-451-2177

Alaska requirements for food safety, drinking water, and solid waste apply to this camp.

The $30 wastewater fee does not apply.

Proceed to question 4.

If no, proceed to question 4.

Will the camp be located in a remote location? This definition of "remote" is necessary for wastewater regulations.

If yes, proceed to question 5.

If no, this operation will be required to submit wastewater engineering plans for review and approval. Visit the Engineered Wastewater Disposal Systems webpage for more information.

Proceed to question 5.

a. Will there be 25 or more people in the camp?

b. Will the camp operate for more than 14 days in any one location?

Yes to question 5a
and
Yes or No to question 5b

Go to Large Temporary Camps
Temporary camps with more than 24 people are considered large temporary camps

No to question 5a
and
Yes to question 5b

Go to Small Temporary Camps
Temporary camps with 24 people or less that operate for more than 14 days in one location are considered small temporary camp

No to question 5a
and
No to question 5b

No approval is needed from the Department of Environmental Conservation
Operators are advised to follow the best management practices for small temporary camps

Definitions

The definitions below apply only to the temporary camp authorization process.

Term	Definition
Caches	Structures left during the winter and used to store items for the operation of a seasonal permanent camp
Domestic wastewater	Human wastes (excrement and urine) and graywater
Federal facility	For purposes of food safety, a national park or military reservation where food service is overseen by the federal government; National forests are not considered federal facilities under these regulations and guidelines
Graywater	Wastewater from a sink, shower, bath, laundry, kitchen or other domestic source; Does not include human wastes
Human waste	Human excrement and urine
Inert waste	Solid waste that has a low potential to pollute air or water and does not normally attract wildlife; Inert waste includes scrap metal, incinerated toilet ash, burned waste ash, and non-hazardous construction and demolition waste
Potable water	Water suitable for human consumption (e.g., drinking, washing, cooking, bathing) Water that is free from disease-producing organisms, poisonous substances, and chemical, biological, and radioactive contaminants that would make it unfit for human consumption and other uses Traditionally known as drinking water
Public land manager	A local, state or federal agency who approves use of public land for a temporary camp, including Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Temporary camp	An establishment providing shelter and support for persons engaged in Commercial recreation (guided hunting, rafting, wilderness fishing, etc.); or Industrial activities (mining exploration, labor, construction, etc.) A camp that is occupied on a temporary basis and is not a place of "residence" A seasonal camp that Has a structure (such as a hunting and trapping cabin or storage shed) that is used for temporary storage, food preparation, or emergency shelter; and Operates for a season of each year in the same location Does not include lodges or commercial enterprises with the intent of selling bed space or meals, child or adult day camps, floating camps, or barges
Remote	An area with no year-round access to a major road system (a system of connected roads with a total length of 100 miles or more) and at least 25 road miles to the nearest community or paved highway

Regulatory References

18 AAC 31 Alaska Food Code
18 AAC 80 Drinking Water
18 AAC 60 Solid Waste Management
18 AAC 72 Wastewater Treatment and Disposal

Resources and Contacts

Resources

Small Temporary Camps: Information about operating a small temporary camp in Alaska
Large Temporary Camps: Information about operating a large temporary camp in Alaska
Living With Bears: Resources from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for safety when living and eating in areas where there are bears