Fact Sheet: PFAS in Kimberly Lake Fish

September 29, 2020

PFAS Present in Fish in Kimberly Lake

Kimberly Lake is located to the northwest of the former North Pole Refinery. DEC investigated and discovered PFAS contamination in groundwater off the former refinery in 2018. During an expanded investigation, PFAS were also identified in Kimberly Lake at elevated levels. This discovery led to the sampling of Kimberly Lake fish. Both PFOS and PFNA were measured at levels of concern in all three fish from Kimberly Lake. Results show PFNA ranging from 16 – 22 parts per billion (ppb), and PFOS concentrations ranging from 47 – 68 ppb. The interim state advice is to not consume surface water or fish from Kimberly Lake. Kimberly Lake has been closed to fishing since April 2019 by the Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game (ADF&G) because of PFAS levels found in fish. ADF&G re-issued an emergency order closing Kimberly Lake to sport fishing in April 2020, until further notice.

• Kimberly Lake PFAS surface water results. For a full laboratory report of sample results, contact DEC at 907-451-2117.
• Additional DEC PFAS information.
• For PFAS related health questions or information, please see the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services PFAS webpage. Also see their fact sheet Perfluoroalkyl Substances Found in Kimberly Lake. (PDF)
• ADF&G's Emergency Order No. 3-R-U-02-20, Kimberly Lake remains closed to sport fishing. (PDF) (April 11, 2020)

Data on  PFAS in Surface WAter and Fish in Kimberly Lake

↑