Environmental Justice: Challenges of Contaminated Site Cleanup in Rural AK

Environmental Justice: Challenges of Contaminated Site Cleanup in Rural AK

Williams, Paula; Cravez, Pamela

Date: 2018-07-16

Source: Alaska Justice Forum

Publisher: Justice Center, University of Alaska Anchorage

Subject: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) ; Alaska Natives ; bush justice ; Elim, Alaska ; environment ; environmental justice ; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ; military ; rural justice ; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

Type: Article

Table of Contents: Superfund and FUDS / Multiple projects and parties / FUDS closure but site still open / DEC closed sites vs. open sites / Assessing risk / [Sidebar:] Cleanup in rural Alaska is expensive and complicated / Liability and costs of cleanup / Financing assessment and remediation / Federal funds / References

Abstract:

Efforts to clean up contaminated sites from military installations and other sources have been ongoing in Alaska since the 1980s, and new sites continue to be identified. Most Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) properties are in remote locations, placing a disproportionate impact on Alaska Native communities that depend upon environmental resources for their livelihood. Cleanup projects that are begun may take many years to complete due to the complicated nature of each site. Since 1990, over 5,300 sites have been cleanup up; more than 2,200 sites remain open, including military installations (both abandoned and active), bulk fuel storage and gas stations, airports and airfields, maintenance facilities, and oil exploration, transport, and refining facilities.