Old Golovin Dumpsite

Site Narrative

• Requested by the Chinik Eskimo Community Combined with Alakanuk

The Old Golovin dumpsite is located on the north shore of Norton Sound, near the confluence of Chinik Creek and Golovin Bay. The dump was actively used from the early 1960s until the summer of 1996, when it was closed and covered with gravel from the excavation created during construction of a new city landfill on higher ground. The west edge of the gravel pad cover has eroded steadily since 2003, following more frequent and severe fall storms. Household wastes in the dump include batteries, used oil, household chemicals, and old appliances. The dump reportedly also contains the old Freon system from a former cannery and junk vehicles.

The community is concerned that the eroding dumpsite affects the Chinik Creek watershed and may be impacting subsistence foods. Storm surges push suspected contaminated water up the creek and past the intakes for their fresh water supply.

DEC made a site visit to Golovin to conduct an environmental audit and interviews with members of the community. The work associated with this project included a review of previous rural dumpsite characterizations, and an evaluation of options for managing abandoned dumpsites in remote settings.