Contaminated Site Scoping for Construction, Permitting, or Other Land Use Activities
In Alaska, projects, including construction, infrastructure development and maintenance, resource development, and beneficial water use may encounter contamination. Knowing where contaminated media is present and the requirements for managing it can make project planning more effective and less costly.
The person or organization conducting the project and the agency permitting the activity should evaluate the project activities and determine if they could be affected by nearby contaminated media.
Requirements for Managing Contamination
State law [18 AAC 75.325(i), 18 AAC 75.370(b), and 18 AAC 78.274(b)] requires DEC approval prior to moving or disposing of contaminated soil or water from a contaminated site.
Contaminated soil and groundwater must be treated or disposed of at an approved facility. Transport from a spill site or a contaminated site requires prior approval from the DEC Project Manager overseeing the site. Approval can be requested by submitting the Contaminated Media Transport and Treatment or Disposal Approval Form.
Resources for Locating Contamination
The Contaminated Sites database hosts information on property where contamination has been identified in soil, sediment, groundwater, or surface water. The database and associated map can be used to identify sites that could affect the project. The Map Tools’ measurement function can be used to assess the distance from a contaminated site or groundwater plume to the project.
Some points to remember include:
- There may be contamination present that has not been identified and reported to DEC.
- On the map, known contaminated sites are identified by a specific point rather than by a polygon depicting the extent of contamination. When evaluating whether a site may impact a project, be sure to consider the entire area of contamination rather than relying on the site marker.
- The extent of contamination in all media (soil, sediment, groundwater, and surface water) should be considered. Some sites are not fully delineated, in which case, DEC recommends consulting with a qualified environmental professional to determine the potential extent of impacts.
- Not all groundwater plumes are included on the map at this time. Plumes shown on the map depict groundwater contamination that is known to exist but may not show the full extent of contamination.
- Sites that have been closed (both with and without institutional controls) should be considered as they may have soil present at concentrations which require management.
- Recent spills or releases to soil and water are managed by the DEC Prevention Preparedness and Response Program (PPRP) and are not captured in the Contaminated Sites database or map. Information about spills can be found in the PPRP Spills database.
The specific activities that will be conducted in the area near the contaminated sites determine whether additional measures need to be taken. For example, excavation of contaminated soil may require sampling and proper disposal, or dewatering may cause a drawdown of the water table and pull contaminated groundwater towards a well. Typically, shallow disturbances, such as road resurfacing or sidewalk construction, are unlikely to encounter significant quantities of contaminated soil.
Once the contaminated sites in the project area have been identified, the site report information on the database and the attached documents can be used to evaluate the potential for whether the project could be impacted. Additional information may be available on request. Contact the DEC staff assigned by phone or email using the contact information provided on the site report.
When contacting DEC staff, the following information should be provided to assist with DEC's review:
- A list of contaminated sites (including site name and Hazard ID) that could impact the project;
- A brief description of the project and the specific project activities that could be impacted by contamination;
- A map or figure identifying locations where soil may be graded or excavated and/or groundwater may be accessed; and
- A summary of research conducted and specific questions focused on the project activities.
Please be aware that no response, or a delayed response, from DEC does not relieve the project proponent(s) of the responsibility to properly manage contaminated soil and water as described in State law.
In addition, actions, orders, and requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) or Toxic Substances and Control Act (TSCA) may also apply to contaminated lands within a project area. Please consider applicable federal regulations and visit the DEC Hazardous Waste program website for more information.
If the project will be impacted by soil or groundwater contamination, DEC suggests consulting with a qualified environmental professional.
Reporting Spills and Contamination
If during the project, a previously unknown area of contamination is discovered or a spill occurs, Alaska state law requires all oil and hazardous substance releases to be reported to the Department of Environmental Conservation. More information about reporting releases and contamination can be found on PPRP's reporting page.
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