USACE Alaska, Site Characterization, JBER SS014

Brice conducted a site characterization at site SS014 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska. The site has supported military operations since the 1940s and previously hosted 33 Quonset huts of various sizes and at least three permanent buildings, including a mess hall, latrine, and motor shed. The purpose of the site characterization was to determine the nature and extent of contamination identified during a geotechnical investigation conducted in 2007 and evaluate potential human health and ecological risk associated with that contamination.

Brice performed field screening and analytical soil sampling during two mobilizations to achieve project objectives. During the first mobilization, we used a UVOST to identify the extent of contamination at two areas of concern (AOC). Subsequent confirmation soil samples were collected from within the contamination and around the boundary to determine contaminant nature and extent. In addition, surface soil samples were collected at another AOC to confirm the nature and extent of potential pesticide contamination. During the second mobilization, we performed additional subsurface soil sampling to the west and southwest to complete the contaminant boundary delineation.

All contaminants detected were compared to the 18 AAC 75, Tables B1 and B2, Method Two Migration to Groundwater cleanup levels to ensure delineation was complete and evaluate contaminant fate and transport. Boundary borings with contaminant concentrations below these levels verified the horizontal extent of contamination, and samples collected beneath the contamination confirmed the vertical extent. We evaluated cumulative risk by comparing the site characterization results to one-tenth of the ADEC human health cleanup levels. All analytes detected had concentrations below the ADEC Method Two, Table B1 human health and Table B2 ingestion and inhalation cleanup levels and groundwater was not impacted; therefore, SS014 meets site closure requirements and no further action is recommended.

In accordance with the Contaminated Sites Program Site Closure Memorandum, Brice recommended a cleanup complete (without institutional controls) determination.

Performance Highlights

• Received an Exceptional rating for Quality, and Very Good ratings for Schedule Control and Management in an final CPAR dated 12/7/2020
• Completed the project on time and on budget