Client: USACE Alaska and the Bureau of Land Management
Location: Multiple Sites in Alaska
Scope of Work:
- Survey
- Inventory
- Complex logistics including life support
Brice performed a systematic inventory, several remedial investigations of abandoned mining claims in Alaska to identify any remnant features that may constitute environmental or physical safety hazards, followed by a complex remedial action. Brice conducted the work via 11 mobilizations to 257 remote sites/claims spread over 9,100 acres in some of the most remote areas of Alaska.
To prepare for the fieldwork, Brice performed analysis of historic mining records and aerial imagery. In the field, we captured imagery and conducted visual inspections and sampling. We documented any prominent site features, including structures, equipment, staining, stressed vegetation, or landfills/burial sites. We took field notes and photographs and collected survey data. We used a 3G enabled fixed wing UAV with photogrammetric and survey grade GPS, to produce high resolution orthomosaic imagery of approximately 5,370 acres of land with minimal to no ground control. If signs of contamination were noted, we collected soil samples which were analyzed for GRO, DRO, RRO, BTEX and PAH.
The project required complex logistics including establishing life support camps to perform remedial investigations, and the use of ATVs, UTVs, electric bikes, and helicopters to access the mining claims sites. Brice also communicated with residents and councils of the various small villages to inform them of the fieldwork at nearby sites and to negotiate site access and areas for gear staging.
Based on remedial investigation results, Brice negotiated a modification to perform remedial actions at six sites along Hoosier Creek involving RCRA waste, POL-contaminated soil, construction debris, and historical mining site infrastructure and outbuildings requiring complex planning and logistics. We developed a best value approach to access the site outside spawning fish season to eliminate permitting requirements and perform the remedial action during the Alaska winter season. This approach required the construction of 7 to 9 miles of ice access roads 6 feet deep (to allow for the transport of old equipment weighing as much as 200,000 lbs), a snow trail, and ice ramps over creek crossings; working in temps as low as -54℉ using Brice equipment; mechanics with mobile workshop and supplies; and intricate overland cat-train logistics.
Brice mobilized in the summer/fall via barge to Rampart, Alaska to stage equipment and begin site preparation until the winter freeze. From Rampart, the sites along the Hoosier Creek were accessible only via helicopter. We cleared brush and manually removed surface debris and placed it into supersacks and consolidated containerized fuels and liquids/drums into 275-gallon totes. During the winter remedial action work, we completed the removal of 500 tons of mining equipment (e.g., shaker tables, tools, outbuildings), buildings, infrastructure, and various equipment spread over two square miles. Waste streams were segregated and consolidated for transport and disposal in accordance with State of Alaska, CERCLA, and RCRA.
Project Highlights
- Completed the project on time with no safety incidents despite complex logistics and below freezing temperatures
- Received an across the board “Exceptional” CPAR
- The removal action at Hoosier Creek opened the pathway of divesting this property back to the Native village
