F10AK0298--_08.06_0500_a.pdf

OCTOBER 2015

F10AK0298--_08.06_0500_a 200-1e

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District, Defense Environmental Restoration Program

FORMERLY USED DEFENSE SITES

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PLAN

Fort Glenn

FORMERLY USED DEFENSE SITES

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Public Involvement Plan Fort Glenn, Alaska

Table of Contents

1. Overview

1.1. Purpose

1.2. Goals

1.3. Objectives

2. Site Description and History

2.1. Property History

2.2. Property Description/Location

2.3. Property Inspections and Cleanup Activities

3. Community Background

3.1. Community Profile

3.2. Stakeholders

3.3. History of Community Involvement

3.4. Key Community Concerns and Issues

3.5. Communication Needs

4. Public Involvement Program

4.1. CERCLA-Specific Approach and Strategies

4.2. Fort Glenn-Specific Schedule for Public Involvement

4.3. Point of Contact

4.4. Additional Recommendations

5. References

List of Tables

Table 1: Public Involvement Tools for CERCLA Phases Table 2: Fort Glenn Community Involvement Schedule—Implementation to Meet Objectives

List of Figures

Figure 1: Fort Glenn Vicinity Figure 2: CERCLA Cleanup Process i

Appendices

Appendix A: Stakeholder and Community Contact List Appendix B: Potential Meeting Locations Appendix C: Public Involvement Tools Glossary Appendix D: Informational Materials (last 5 years) Appendix E: Media List

Acronyms

ADCCED Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development ADEC Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation ADOT&PF Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CWM Chemical Warfare Materiel DD Decision Document DERP Defense Environmental Restoration Program DoD Department of Defense FUDS Formerly Used Defense Site/Sites HTRW Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste LEP Limited English Proficiency MEC Munitions and Explosives of Concern MRS Munitions Response Site OB/OD Open Burn/Open Detonation PIP Public Involvement Plan POL Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant RI Remedial Investigation TDX Tanadgusix Native Corporation USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service ii

1. Overview

The Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for environmental restoration (cleanup) of properties that were formerly owned by, leased to, or otherwise possessed by the United States and under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense—i.e., the Army, Navy, Air Force, or any other DoD agency. Such properties are known as Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for the FUDS program on behalf of the DoD.

The USACE employs a risk management approach in accomplishing the cleanups and is committed to addressing this contamination in a safe, timely, and responsive manner. Cleanup is a multi-step process that engages many community, tribal, state, and federal partners in identification, investigation, cleanup, and, in some cases, long-term management.

Federal law requires facilities conducting cleanup activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to provide public involvement opportunities at specific milestones in the cleanup process. In order to provide the surrounding community with factual and timely information regarding FUDS activities, USACE- Alaska District has implemented a proactive public involvement program, which includes the preparation of this Public Involvement Plan (PIP).

1.1. Purpose

Public participation is the process used to collect, understand, and, if possible, incorporate stakeholder input so that project decisions reflect both technical requirements and public concerns. The purpose of this PIP is to outline the goals of the USACE’s public involvement initiative, the strategy for informing and involving the public in the cleanup process, and how activities meet program objectives.

1.2. Goals

The goals of the FUDS PIP are to:

• Ensure that stakeholders understand that safety (personal, environmental, property) is the highest priority during cleanup actions.

• Keep local residents, officials, and other stakeholders informed in a timely manner about project progress and upcoming public involvement activities.

• Obtain input from local residents, officials, and other stakeholders on planned studies, proposed remedial or removal response alternatives, and decisions.

• Encourage and enable the public to get involved.

The Public

For purposes of this Public Involvement Plan, the public includes community residents;

groups; businesses; landowners;

advocates; political entities; local, state, or federal agencies; Tribes;

and others who have an interest— a stake—in the FUDS property or projects.

• Identify and deal responsively with public concerns.

• Foster and maintain a climate of understanding and trust between stakeholders and the

USACE.

The activities proposed in this PIP address public involvement requirements established by law or regulation for USACE projects. However, PIPs evolve over time. This document, an update to the 2011 Fort Glenn PIP, is a living document that will be updated as needed. Site conditions or project scope may change significantly over time, and the PIP must evolve to address existing conditions in order to ensure its success and effectiveness in meeting the established goals.

1.3. Objectives

The objectives of this PIP are to:

• Collect information about the concerns and interests of the community and other affected or interested parties.

• Supply accurate and timely project information.

• Provide meaningful opportunities for public involvement.

• Respond to comments in a timely manner.

Section 4 of this PIP outlines the strategies and activities USACE may implement to promote education, understanding, and involvement in the FUDS activities at Fort Glenn.

2. Site Description and History

In accordance with the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) for FUDS, Decision Documents (DDs) are pending 2 MMRP projects for the Fort Glenn FUDS property Remedial design and remedial action (RD/RA) will begin following approval of the DDs. Twelve additional projects are in the early investigation phase.

2.1. Property History

Fort Glenn is located on the northeast shore of the Umnak Island. In January 1942, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began construction on a runway at Otter Point on the northeastern end of Umnak Island. USACE assembled 3 million square feet of Marsden Matting—a perforated steel plating—to create a flat surface for aircraft to take off and land. The runway was 3,000 feet (910 meters) long with a

Cleanup Process

The FUDS Program uses a three-phased cleanup process:

Site Assessment, which determines if a property was used by the DoD and, if so, whether contamination resulted from DoD activities.

• Eligibility determination

• Preliminary assessment

• Site inspection

Investigation, which determines the nature and extent of contamination.

• Remedial investigation

• Feasibility study

• Proposed plan

• Decision document

Cleanup, to reduce risk to human health and the environment and to improve public safety.

• Remedial design/action

• Remedy-in-place

• Long-term management width of 100 feet (30 meters), sufficient for P-40 fighter aircraft to land. In June 1942, aircraft from Fort Glenn helped defend Dutch Harbor against a Japanese attack and later served as the initial forward base to launch bombing attacks on Japanese installations at Attu and Kiska (NPS No date).

Twelve camps, north and east of the runways, were part of the main base area. These camps were used by infantry, field artillery, coast artillery, medical corps, finance department, ordnance department, quartermaster corps, chemical corps, chaplain corps, and the U.S. Army Air Forces.

The main garrison area also included three volcanic cinder runways surrounded by hangars and hardstands to park planes. The hardstands were shielded from high winds by large horseshoe-shaped earthen berms or were constructed below the surrounding grade. Numerous support structures included Quonsets, revetments, metal sheds, hangars, reinforced concrete buildings, pump houses, and ammunition magazines. Warehouse storage, ammunition magazines, concrete bunkers, a Post Exchange (commissary), theater, hospital, and technical support facilities were also located within the main garrison area.

Fort Glenn was placed in caretaker status by late 1944 after the Japanese were driven from the Aleutian Islands. On September 18, 1948, Fort Glenn was officially redesignated as Cape Air Force Base. It was decommissioned in 1950 (NPS No Date). In March 1952, 58,712 acres were relinquished to the Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The remaining 43,350 acres were relinquished to BLM in November 1955. By Quitclaim Deed dated 15 April 1966 from the United States of America, 7,550 acres, including the main cantonment area and airstrip, were conveyed to the State of Alaska under provisions of the Alaska Statehood Omnibus Act. The remainder of the installation was made available for selection under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971. The former Fort Glenn is currently owned by the Aleut Corporation, St. George Tanaq Corporation, Tanadgusix Native Corporation (TDX), State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF), and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Fort Glenn is considered to be the last intact World War II base in Alaska. Many of the buildings are still present on the site. The land belonging to the State of Alaska has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

USACE FUDS work began at Fort Glenn in 1985.

2.2. Property Description/Location

The 102,062-acre former U.S. Army Airfield and defense garrison at Fort Glenn is located on the eastern end of Umnak Island in the Aleutian Island Chain of Alaska (Figure 1). Umnak Island lies approximately 50 miles southwest of Unalaska/Dutch Harbor and 850 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. Nikolski (population 15; ADCCED 2015), on the western side of Umnak

Island on Nikolski Bay, is the nearest community. Fort Glenn is approximately 50 miles northeast of Nikolski.

Land use is agricultural and recreational. Bering Pacific Ranches, Ltd., currently leases 1.5 million acres for cattle ranching on Umnak Island. The current, renewable lease runs through 2031. Tour operators offer hiking and camping opportunities on the island.

Figure 1: Fort Glenn Vicinity

2.3. Property Inspections and Cleanup Activities

Historical records indicate that chemical warfare materiel (CWM) was stored and U. S. Army Chemical Warfare Service units were stationed at Fort Glenn. The ordnance officer present at the Fort Glenn facility in 1942 recounted the burial of numerous chemical-filled munitions in a single pit located in the Ammunition Dump/Storage Area. Conventional munitions were also stored and disposed of at the Fort Glenn property, including projectiles, grenades, bombs, and blasting caps. Munitions may be corroded, partially buried, or covered with algae or mud, and difficult to recognize. All munitions should be considered dangerous, regardless of how long they have been in the environment.

The 14 individual projects at the Fort Glenn FUDS consist of 11 MMRP projects (including an Open Burn/Open Detonation [OB/OD] area); 1 Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) project; 1 Containerized Wastes/HTRW project; and 1 Building Demolition and Debris Removal project. The projects are in various stages of remediation.

Work at Fort Glenn under the FUDS program began in 1985. Eight site inspections were conducted between 1985 and 2008. A Remedial Investigation (RI)/Interim Removal Action conducted in 2001 documented petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL)-contaminated soil and groundwater in previous fuel storage areas. The site is also known to contain several thousand scattered POL drums and more than 40 aboveground storage tanks and underground storage tanks.

In July 2002, an explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed numerous Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC), but noted that more remained on the site. A geophysical survey was conducted in 2004 to evaluate the presence of unexploded ordinance. In 2008, a Site Inspection Report divided the property into 11 separate Military Munitions Response Program projects covering a total of 292,311 acres (land and water).

A site inspection in 2007 investigated the OB/OD area. An RI was completed at the OB/OD area in 2011 to determine the nature and extent of MEC contamination, and to assess the potential risks to human health and the environment. Based on the results of the 2011 RI, the OB/OD area was divided into two projects: Munitions Response Site (MRS)-04, covering 337 acres, and MRS-14, covering 1,739 acres.

A proposed plan for OB/OD areas MRS-04 and MRS-14 was released in 2014. Pending approval of the DD in 2015, MRS-04 upcoming work will include surface removal, focused subsurface removal, and land use controls. Surface removal would involve removal, inspection, and disposal of MEC from the entire 337-acre site, with focused subsurface removal at a smaller 30-acre focus area. No further action is planned for MRS-14. Site inspections will be conducted every 5 years to evaluate the continued effectiveness of the educational awareness and maintenance programs.

All other Fort Glenn projects are in the early stages of investigation.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) is the lead regulatory agency for this project.

3. Community Background

3.1. Community Profile

Nikolski is believed by some to be the oldest continuously occupied community in the world, with evidence dating back 8,500 years. Russians used the area for sea otter hunting. In the 1920s, the island was used for fox farming and sheep ranching. In 1942, residents were evacuated to the to the Ketchikan area; some returned to Nikolski in 1944 (ADCCED 2015).

Nikolski residents are primarily Alaska Native, many of whom speak Aleut. Residents rely heavily on subsistence activities.

Transportation to and from the island is via air or water and is weather dependent. Nikolski has a private, unlighted gravel runway, with passenger service provided by Grant Aviation. There is no harbor, so goods and passengers are delivered by barge from boats offshore. There are no schools on the island.

Employment is primarily through cattle and sheep ranching and some off-island fishing-related work. Subsistence gathering is very important in the community.

3.2. Stakeholders

The primary stakeholders for Fort Glenn include USACE, ADEC, USFWS, ADOT&PF, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Chaluka Corporation, Nikolski Native Corporation, Native Village of Nikolski, TDX, Aleut Corporation, Aleutians Pribilof Islands Association, leaseholders, and local residents (see Appendix A, Stakeholder List).

3.3. History of Community Involvement

A Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) is a group comprised of community and government representatives organized to provide USACE decision makers with advice about environmental cleanup activities. Under the USACE regulatory guidance for cleanup of former military sites, the formation of a RAB is required if there is "sufficient, sustained community interest" (USACE 1996). A reassessment was performed in 2014, and the Fort Glenn property was declared ineligible for a RAB due to its remote location with no community in the immediate vicinity.

Limited English Proficiency

Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) are people who do not speak English as their first language and may have limited ability to read, write, or speak English, especially as it relates to particular services or activities.

Executive Order 13166, issued by the President in August 2000, requires federal agencies to identify any need for services to those with LEP*. Agency plans must provide for meaningful access.

Unmak Island residents are known as Unangan, and many residents of Nikolski speak Aleut. LEP services such as translators or translated materials may be required.

*Federal Register 2002 http://www.lep.gov/13166/eolep.htm

Public meetings were held in 2001, 2004, and 2010 to discuss planned activities at Fort Glenn and to receive public input. Public meetings were also held in 2014 to invite comment on the proposed plan and preferred alternative for two OB/OD sites (MRS-04 and MRS-14).

A community survey, which was designed to identify how community members preferred to receive project information and to allow the public a chance to express concerns about the site, was conducted during the development of the 2006 PIP. A revised PIP was prepared in 2011.

3.4. Key Community Concerns and Issues

Community concerns identified during previous investigations and outreach efforts include:

• Potential historic use of CWM and potential health and safety risks related to CWM exposure

• Potential impacts to subsistence foods and water quality, including the island’s reindeer herd

• Impacts to land value due to presence of FUDS sites

• Potential impacts to cultural and archaeological sites

• Project(s) schedule and timing

3.5. Communication Needs

Travel to and from Nikolski is challenging and expensive. Given the geographic distribution of the project’s stakeholders, meetings should be held in various locations, such as Unalaska/Dutch Harbor and Anchorage, in addition to Nikolski. See Appendix B for information on potential meeting locations.

Stakeholders have requested regular communication about the FUDS property and various project activities. Mail and local media (newspaper, radio) announcements are an effective way to reach potential stakeholders. See Appendix E: Media List.

Electronic meeting announcements may also be posted, with permission, on various existing websites, including:

• Aleutian Pribilof Island Association - http://www.apiai.org/news/community-alerts/

• Aleut Corporation - http://www.aleutcorp.com/shareholders/news/

Flyers and meeting notices should also be posted at the Nikolski clinic, the U.S. Post Office, and the Unalaska City Library, as well as on bulletin boards at the Nikolski School (K-12).

http://www.apiai.org/news/community-alerts/ http://www.aleutcorp.com/shareholders/news/

4. Public Involvement Program

4.1. CERCLA-Specific Approach and Strategies

Federal law requires facilities conducting cleanup activities under CERCLA to provide public involvement opportunities at specific milestones in the cleanup process (see Figure 2). One of the main objectives of Fort Glenn’s PIP is not only to meet these requirements, but also to provide the public with timely and accurate information throughout the restoration process.

Public outreach and participation are generally linked to technical milestones or actions related to the restoration process and to decisions to be made on subsequent activities. The tools and activities must correspond to an outreach objective and must be appropriate to the level of involvement desired. The specific activities were identified to provide ongoing, basic information about the project and its status, as well as provide opportunities for meaningful involvement.

Table 1 is a strategic list of tools, specific to individual CERCLA phases, which the project team may pull from as needed during the environmental remediation process. See Appendix C for a list and definitions of public involvement tools.

Figure 2: CERCLA Cleanup Process

Table 1: Public Involvement Tools for CERCLA Phases Project Eligibility Determination

No Public Involvement

Site Inspection

• Advertisements (Public Notice)

• Community Interviews

• Online Questionnaire

• Public Meeting/Open House

• Public/Agency Comment Period

• Public Service Announcements

Remedial Investigation

• Agency Review

• Community Interviews

• Public Service Announcements

• Restoration Advisory Board*

• Small Group Presentations

Risk Assessment

• Focus Groups

• Public Meeting/Open House

• Public/Agency Comment Period

• Restoration Advisory Board*

• Online Questionnaire

Feasibility Study/Alternative Development

• E-Newsletters

• Existing Mechanisms

• Informational Materials

• Public Meeting/Open House

• Public/Agency Comment Period

• Restoration Advisory Board*

Proposed Plan

• Advertisements (Public Notice)

• E-Newsletters

• Existing Mechanisms

• Focus Groups

• Informational Materials

• Public Meeting/Open House

• Public/Agency Comment Period (30 days)

• Listening Posts

• Restoration Advisory Board*

• Online Questionnaire

• Small Group Presentations

Decision Document

• Advertisements (Public Notice)

• E-Newsletter

• Informational Materials

Remedial Action

• E-Newsletters

• Existing Mechanisms

• Informational Materials

• Public Meeting/Open House

• Public Service Announcements

Operation and Maintenance

• E-Newsletter

• Existing Mechanisms

• Informational Materials

• Small Group Presentations

Closeout

• E-Newsletter

• Informational Materials

Ongoing Tools (applicable in all phases)

• Administrative Record

• Elected Official Briefings

• Comment-Response Database

• Information Repository

• Mailing List

• Media Coordination and Monitoring

Tools to Advertise (e.g., meetings, publication of new information, opportunities for involvement)

• Advertisements

• E-Newsletters

• Existing Mechanisms

• Information Repository

• Mailing List

PI Tools and Strategies for CERCLA Phases

*If established.

Note: See Appendix D for samples of Informational Materials and Appendix E for a Media List.

4.2. Fort Glenn-Specific Schedule for Public Involvement

Activities can be ongoing—such as maintaining the Administrative Record or mailing list—or specific to certain decision points or activities within the project. A general schedule of recommended public involvement activities and their approximate timing are outlined in Table 2.

Implementation is funding-dependent, based on federal fiscal year allocations.

Prior to implementation, the FUDS manager or designee should contact the community to make sure there are no local conflicts for actual scheduled dates.

Table 2: Fort Glenn Community Involvement Schedule—Implementation to Meet Objectives

Tool/Strategy/Activity Fort Glenn Application Public Involvement Objective Meets Regulatory

Requirements Collect

Information Supply information Public participation Respond to comments

Administrative Record Ongoing

The Official Administrative Record is kept at the USACE Office at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

X X

Advertisements Prior to public meetings or major project changes/updates

X X X

Comment-Response Database

Ongoing X X

Community Interviews Not recommended for Fort Glenn X X Elected Official Briefings As requested, prior to public meetings or major project changes/updates X

E-Newsletters Prior to public meetings or major project changes/updates

X

Existing Mechanisms As appropriate, see Section 3.5 X

Focus Groups Not recommended for Fort Glenn X

Information Repository Ongoing

Information Repositories are located at the Unalaska City Library and at Alaska Resources Library and Information Services in Anchorage.

X X

Informational Materials Prior to public meetings or major project changes/updates

X X X

Listening Posts Not recommended for Fort Glenn X X Mailing List Ongoing X X X X X Media Coordination and Monitoring

Ongoing X

Online Questionnaire Not recommended for Fort Glenn X X

Tool/Strategy/Activity Fort Glenn Application Public Involvement Objective Meets

Regulatory Requirements

Collect Information

Supply information

Public participation

Respond to comments

Public Meeting/Open House

Annually X X X X X

Public Service Announcements

Prior to public meetings or major project changes/updates

X X

Small Group Presentations As requested X

4.3. Point of Contact

Valerie Palmer, FUDS Project Manager, is the central contact for public involvement activities for the Fort Glenn FUDS property. Ms. Palmer is responsible for keeping stakeholders, including interested local, state, and federal officials, updated as site activities progress. She can be reached at 907-753-2578 or Valerie.Y.Palmer@usace.army.mil. Information is also available from the USACE-Alaska District Public Affairs Office at public.affairs3@usace.army.mil or 907-753- 2721.

4.4. Additional Recommendations

Additional tools, while not currently implemented, may be established over time.

• Property Information Pages on USACE-Alaska District Website (http://www.poa.usace.army.mil/About/Offices/PublicAffairs.aspx) o Rationale: While a website does not replace the need for a physical Information Repository, an easily updatable property-specific web page could be housed on the USACE Public Affairs (or other) site to allow for better information access and to ensure that property materials are up to date. This page could have a direct URL that is easily identifiable to the stakeholders and could direct viewers to the internal page on the USACE site.

• Social Media o Rationale: The USACE-Alaska District currently has Facebook and YouTube accounts. Regular FUDS updates on these sites can promote access to new property information and advertise upcoming public events, such as open houses.

• Webinars/Video Conferences/Online Open Houses o Rationale: Given Fort Glenn’s remote location, transportation to and from project meetings may place an undue financial or time burden on project stakeholders.

When possible, USACE should consider providing alternative means to share information and seek input in addition to in-person meetings. For example, online open houses are a web-based tool to create an online forum that is accessible 24 hours per day during a prescribed comment period (several weeks). Online open houses have the same format as in-person open houses, and allow users to view presentations and make comments outside of the formal public meeting. Online open houses are available to all stakeholders with internet access, and allow for increased diversity of the project’s audience.

• Public Involvement Chronology o Rationale: A Public Involvement Chronology is an important piece of the

Administrative Record and provides a mechanism for tracking project outreach and communication. A Public Involvement Chronology can be as simple as an Excel spreadsheet that tracks the activity (e.g., meeting, media contact or advertisement, website update, project communication sent), date, the purpose of mailto:Valerie.Y.Palmer@usace.army.mil mailto:public.affairs3@usace.army.mil http://www.poa.usace.army.mil/About/Offices/PublicAffairs.aspx the activity, and team members participating, and provides links to documentation.

• Use of Infographic Materials o Rationale: It is important to present project information in a manner that stakeholders can quickly understand. People tend to absorb information in a variety of ways, including through reading, listening, and viewing pictures or diagrams. Well-designed informational graphics are simple, visually appealing, and engaging, and tell a story that can enhance outcomes and strengthen other communications. This type of communication tool can be especially effective in communities in which English is not a first language.

• Consistency of Communications o Rationale: Maintaining regular, meaningful communications with stakeholders is imperative. Regardless of the subject, communications should be clear and concise, and should be dispersed through regular channels. A consistent, reliable communications plan helps build relationships and strengthen stakeholder trust that the USACE has their concerns in mind. It can avoid confusion and lay the foundation for a successful project over the long term. At a minimum, biannual flyers or postcards should be sent to individuals on the project mailing list to keep them updated on project developments, status, milestones, website updates, or other information.

5. References ADCCED (Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development). 2015.

Nikolski Community Database, Community Details: History and Culture. Division of Community and Regional Affairs. Accessed May 21, 2015. Available at:

http://commerce.state.ak.us/cra/DCRAExternal/community/Details/06afc3d9-b26d-407e- 8c0a-791dee3d79eb

ADNR (Alaska Department of Natural Resources). 2013. Umnak Island ARLF Lease Memo Including Brief History. Memorandum from Amanda Swanson, ARLF Loan Officer, to Franci Havemeister, ADNR Director, August 28, 2013.

EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2011. Record of Decision. Accessed May 21, 2015. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/cleanup/rod.htm.

Federal Register. 2002. Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons.

Vol. 67, No. 117, Tuesday, June 8, 2002, 41455–41472.

http://commerce.state.ak.us/cra/DCRAExternal/community/Details/06afc3d9-b26d-407e-8c0a-791dee3d79eb http://commerce.state.ak.us/cra/DCRAExternal/community/Details/06afc3d9-b26d-407e-8c0a-791dee3d79eb http://www.epa.gov/superfund/cleanup/rod.htm

NPS (National Park Service). No date. Fort Glenn, Cape Field at… National Historic

Landmarks Program.

http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=2004&ResourceType=District

USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). 1996. Program Manual, Defense Environmental Restoration Program for Formerly Used Defense Sites (DERP-FUDS). Directorate of Military Programs, Division of Environmental Restoration, Washington, DC. July.

http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=2004&ResourceType=District

Appendix A: Stakeholder and Community Contact List

STAKEHOLDER LIST FOR FORT GLENN FUDS

Name Title Agency/ Organization Address Phone

Number

John Halverson Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation

John.Halverson@alaska.gov 907-269-7545

Judith Bittner State Historic Preservation Officer

Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources

550 W. 7th Ave, Ste. 1310 Anchorage, AK 99501-3565 Judy.bittner@alaska.gov

907-269-8715

Vinera Erickson Leasing Alaska Dept. of Transportation and Public Facilities

PO Box 196900 MS 2525 Anchorage, AK 99519-6900 Vinera.erickson@alaska.gov

907-269-0743

Sen. Lyman Hoffman Senate District S Alaska State

Legislature

State Capitol Room 11 Juneau, AK 99801 Senator.Lyman.Hoffman@akleg.go v

907-465-4453

Rep. Bryce Edgmon House District 37 Alaska State

Legislature

716 W. 4th Avenue, Ste 612 Anchorage, AK 99501 Representative.Bryce.Edgmon@akl eg.gov

907-269-0275

Thomas Mack President Aleut Corporation 4000 Old Seward Highway Ste. 300 Anchorage, AK 99503

907-561-4300

Matthew Fagnani CEO Aleut Corporation

4000 Old Seward Highway Ste. 300 Anchorage, AK 99503

907-561-4300

Dick Jacobsen Chair Aleut Corporation 4000 Old Seward Highway Ste. 300 Anchorage, AK 99503

907-561-4300

Dimitri Philemonof President/CEO Aleutian Pribilof Islands

Association

1131 E. International Airport Rd Anchorage, AK 99518 dimitrip@apiai.org

907-276-2700

Mark Snigaroff Chair Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association

1131 E. International Airport Rd Anchorage, AK 99518

Bruce Wright Senior Scientist, APIA NALEMP

Project Manager

Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association

1131 E. International Airport Rd Anchorage, AK 99518 brucew@apiai.org

907-279-4351

Karen Pletnikoff Environmental and Safety Program Manager

Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association

1131 E. International Airport Rd Anchorage, AK 99518 karenp@apiai.org

907-276-2700

Sue Unger Environmental Health Research Coordinator

Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association

1131 E. International Airport Rd Anchorage, AK 99518 sueu@apiai.org

907-276-2700

Tanya Kyle Tribal Administrator

Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association iko.tribe@hotmail.com

Aleutian Pribilof Islands Community Development Association

302 Gold Street, Ste. 202 Juneau, AK 99801

907-586-0161 mailto:Judy.bittner@alaska.gov mailto:Senator.Lyman.Hoffman@akleg.gov mailto:Senator.Lyman.Hoffman@akleg.gov mailto:Representative.Bryce.Edgmon@akleg.gov mailto:Representative.Bryce.Edgmon@akleg.gov mailto:dimitrip@apiai.org mailto:brucew@apiai.org

STAKEHOLDER LIST FOR FORT GLENN FUDS

Name Title Agency/ Organization Address Phone

Number

Joseph Beckford Superintendent Aleutian Region School

District PO Box 92230 Anchorage, AK 99509

907-277-2648

Josh Stamm Bering Pacific Ranches 8200 Petersburg St.

Anchorage, AK 99507 Bpr_fotglenn@hotmail.com

907-522-4999

Charlene Lestenkof President Chaluka Corporation

(village corporation) PO Box 104 Nikolski, AK 99638

907-576-2215

Chaluka Corporation c/o Longenbaugh Law Firm 624 Main Street Juneau, AK 99801

Janet Clemens Historian National Park Service 240 West 5th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 janet_clemens@nps.gov

907-644-3461

Native Village of Nikolski

PO Box 105 Nikolski, AK 99638 nvnikolski@hotmail.com

907-576-2225

Nikolski Clinic PO Box 100 Nikolski, AK 99638

907-576-2204

Nikolski Native Corporation Nikolski, AK 99638 907-576-2215

Nikolski Post Office 9998 Nikolski Rd Nikolski, AK 99638

Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference

3300 Arctic Blvd., Ste 203 Anchorage, AK 99503

907-562-7380

Kimberly Kashevarof St. George Tanaq

Corporation kkash@stgeorgetanaq.com

Nathan McCowan President St. George Tanaq

Corporation 4141 B Street, Ste 301 Anchorage, AK 99503

907-272-9886

Steve Sumida Tanadqusix Native Corporation (TDX)

615 E. 82nd Ave, Ste 200 Anchorage, AK 99518 info@tanadgusix.com

907-278-2312

Ron Philemonoff CEO Tanadqusix Native Corporation (TDX)

615 E. 82nd Ave, Ste 200 Anchorage, AK 99518 info@tanadgusix.com

907-278-2312

Jason Bourdukofsky President Tanadqusix Native

Corporation (TDX) PO Box 88 St. Paul Island, AK 99660

907-546-2312

Unalaska Public Library 64 Eleanor St.

Unalaska, AK 99685

US Fish and Wildlife Service, Aleutian Island Unit, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

USACE may also wish to send mailers to all postal customers and PO Box holders within the 99638 zip code in addition to those individuals, organizations, and agencies listed on the stakeholder list.

mailto:janet_clemens@nps.gov mailto:nvnikolski@hotmail.com mailto:info@tanadgusix.com mailto:info@tanadgusix.com

Appendix B: Potential Meeting Locations

POTENTIAL MEETING LOCATIONS FOR FORT GLENN FUDS

Unalaska City Hall 43 Raven Way Unalaska, Alaska 99685 Phone: (907) 581-1251

Unalaska City Library 64 Eleanor Drive Unalaska, Alaska, 99685 Phone: (907) 581-5060

City of Unalaska Community Center City of Unalaska P.O. Box 610 Unalaska, Alaska 99685 Phone: (907) 581-1251

Appendix C: Public Involvement Tools Glossary

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT TOOLS GLOSSARY

Administrative Record—The Administrative Record contains the documents that form the basis for selection of a response action as well as the judicial review of any issue regarding the adequacy of a response action. The Administrative Record includes information such as relevant work plans, reports, decision documents, copies of regulations, and copies of press releases and fact sheets. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires that the public have the opportunity to participate in developing the Administrative Record for any response action. Classified documents placed in the Record will be maintained in accordance with AR 380-5 and any local supplements. A procedure for establishing and maintaining Administrative Records consistent with CERCLA is provided in Engineer Pamphlet

(EP)-1110-3-8.

Advertisements—Advertisements may include print, radio, or on-line announcements designed to provide information about a project or plan’s status and direct people to additional sources of information such as upcoming public meetings or the Information Repository.

Comment-Response Database—Part of the Administrative Record, a comment-response database tracks comments received, by whom, when, using what medium (e-mail, letter, phone call, etc.), and the team’s response. In addition to documenting team response, the database supports strategic messaging, consistency across communication, and preparation of a Responsiveness Summary.

Community Interviews— Community interviews allow the team to gather valuable information about the community surrounding the site; they also help the team learn what information the community wants from the USACE. Interviewing community residents can yield information valuable to the site team and help establish a positive relationship with the community.

Community Interviews are to be conducted in accordance with procedures specified in

CERCLA.

Elected Official Briefings—Periodic updates should be sent to elected officials to provide them with information to share with their constituents.

E-Newsletters—Electronic newsletters, sent via e-mail, offer a regular correspondence opportunity on the project’s progress. Hardcopy versions of the newsletter can also be mailed upon request to individuals who do not have e-mail access. The E-newsletter can summarize recent outreach results, provide updates, announce upcoming outreach opportunities, and share information.

Existing Mechanisms—There are a variety of existing methods to dialogue with the public, such as clubs, civic groups, other publications, and other area projects. Community calendars and local listservs/websites are also tools that can be used to convey messages to the public. By utilizing these existing mechanisms, the project team can take advantage of ongoing outreach efforts to broaden the reach of information, interest, and input.

Focus Groups—Individuals participating in focus groups are asked specific questions about a project. This tool, similar to community interviews, allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to gather opinions and attitudes about specific topics within the Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) activity. Focus groups are generally comprised of 7-10 volunteers.

Information Repository—An Information Repository is a record storage area at or near a project site that contains all correspondence, reports, and related documents. The local community can research the site, learn how to participate in the response action process, and copy any information found at the repository. At least one repository must be established at or near the site.

Informational Materials (newsletters, fact sheets, FAQs, doorhangers, etc.) —Informational materials will be issued at key decision points and when new project information is available.

These materials provide an overview of the project, the sampling or field work results, and planned next steps. A newsletter or fact sheet should also be issued at the conclusion of the project to provide the results of the investigation.

Listening Posts—A listening post brings the project team to the people, in locations that they frequent as part of their daily life. This tool captures a broader audience who may not attend a public meeting, and often results in more diverse, positive feedback. Booths are set up at established events or locations throughout the community (such as a fair or grocery store), provide project informational materials, and take public comments.

Mailing List—The mailing list, which includes both physical and e-mail addresses, expands and changes over time. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and others can be added upon request.

Specific uses include open house invitations, newsletters, and e-mail alerts. At minimum, the contact list should include key contacts (i.e., community representatives, local officials, etc.).

Mailing lists must be updated regularly.

Media Coordination and Monitoring—The media are often the best tools to reach a large audience quickly. Media coordination activities include assisting the media in gathering information by regular briefings, press releases, and advertisements. Monitoring the press and other public sources will allow the team to gather information and interpret public concerns, including news articles, letters to the editor, and other sources, to be shared with the project team.

On-Line Questionnaire—On-line questionnaires are designed to get input from individuals who might not be interested in attending meetings. This tool can provide a larger cross-section of feedback from the broader community. Questions can be designed to gauge opinions on issues specific to the project or property, and participants can be asked to rank their opinions on various topics. An open-ended comment section should be included to gather other information that might reflect on the project.

Public Meeting/Open House—A public meeting is a forum open to the community and general public that is structured and formal in nature. The purpose of the meeting is to present information to the public and receive feedback. The goal of the meeting/open house is to facilitate communication between the USACE and stakeholders. Public open houses are held at key phases of project development, in locations convenient to the project area that are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Public notification should be sent out at least 2 weeks prior to any meeting. Letters of invitation should be sent to elected officials at least 2 weeks prior to the time the community is notified of the meeting. Public meetings are to be conducted in accordance with procedures specified in CERCLA, the National Contingency Plan, the Defense Environmental Restoration Program, FUDS Program Policy ER 200-3-1, and EP 1110-3-8 (including revisions).

Public Service Announcement (PSA)—PSAs are public interest messages distributed by the media without charge. PSAs, used to announce project activities or public meetings, are generally 30 seconds in length and are broadcast at the convenience of the media outlet.

Small Group Presentations—Representatives will make presentations to individual groups upon request. This allows the project team to have a focused exchange of information. In addition, the team can actively seek out opportunities to make presentations to established groups that represent related public interests.

Appendix D: Informational Materials (last 5 years)

Public Review Period Documentation - FINAL Proposed Plan, Former Fort Glenn, Umnak Island, Alaska

Decision Document A-1 Former Fort Glenn, Umnak Island, Alaska

F10AK029804

Date: June 13, 2014

To: Administrative Record

From: Craig Johnson, URS Project Manager

Subject: Public Review Period Documentation

Introduction

The purpose of this memorandum is to document the public review of the Proposed Plan (PP) for the Open Burn/Open Detonation (OB/OD) Area (Munitions Response Site [MRS]-04) and Remaining OB/OD Area (MRS-14).

Public Review Period

A public review period for the PP was conducted from May 1 to June 2, 2014. The PP and related documents (i.e., Remedial Investigation [RI] Report and Feasibility Study [FS] Report) were made available to the public at the following locations:

Alaska Resources Library & Information Services Library Building, Suite 111

3211 Providence Drive Anchorage, Alaska 99508

Unalaska Public Library

64 Eleanor Street Unalaska, Alaska 99685

The availability of these documents was published in the Anchorage Daily News and The Bristol Bay Times/Dutch Harbor Fisherman newspapers on April 27 and May 1, 2014, respectively (Attachment 1).

Public Meetings

Public meetings were held on May 6 and 7, 2014 to present the PP to a broader community audience than those that had already been involved at the site. At these meetings, the public was invited to pose questions and/or comments about the Proposed Plan to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), and URS Group, Inc. (URS). The public meetings were held from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at two separate locations:

Decision Document A-2 Former Fort Glenn, Umnak Island, Alaska

F10AK029804

Z.J. Loussac Public Library 3600 Denali Street

Anchorage, Alaska 99503 May 6, 2014

Unalaska Public Library

64 Eleanor Street Unalaska, Alaska 99685

May 7, 2014

Informational flyers announcing the details of the public meetings were produced and distributed, as appropriate, by the USACE, Alaska District (Attachment 2). A list of public meeting attendees is provided below. The sign-in sheet for each public meeting is provided in Attachment 3:

Public Meeting List of Attendees – May 6, 2014 Name Affiliation Email Chris Roe Anchorage Resident chlarge@gci.net Kimberly Kashevarof St. George Tanaq Corp kkash@stgeorgetanaq.com Vinera Erickson DOT Leasing vinera.erickson@alaska.gov Colette Foster DOT Av Leasing colette.foster@alaska.gov Deb Caillouet ADEC deb.caillouet@alaska.gov Steve Sumida TDX Not provided Lisa Geist USACE, Alaska Lisa.K.Geist@usace.army.mil Valerie Palmer USACE, Alaska Valerie.Y.Palmer@usace.army.mil Lindsey Miller USACE, Huntsville Lindsey.W.Miller@usace.army.mil Craig Johnson URS craig.johnson@urs.com Piama R. Oleyer Anchorage Resident piamapiama@yahoo.com

Public Meeting List of Attendees – May 7, 2014 Name Affiliation Email Josh Stamm Bearing Pacific Ranch bpr_fortglenn@hotmail.com Roger Deffendall Unalaska Resident r_deffendall@yahoo.com Billie Jo Gehring Unalaska Resident billiejogehring@gmail.com Lauren Rosenthal KUCB 89.7 FM rosenthal@kucb.org Lisa Geist USACE, Alaska Lisa.K.Geist@usace.army.mil

Valerie Palmer USACE, Alaska Valerie.Y.Palmer@usace.army.mil Lindsey Miller USACE, Huntsville Lindsey.W.Miller@usace.army.mil Craig Johnson URS craig.johnson@urs.com Deb Caillouet ADEC deb.caillouet@alaska.gov

Transcript of Public Meeting

The following is a record of the public meetings, with questions/responses organized in chronological order as they were discussed during the meeting.

mailto:Lisa.K.Geist@usace.army.mil

Decision Document A-3 Former Fort Glenn, Umnak Island, Alaska

F10AK029804

May 6, 2014 – Z.J. Loussac Public Library (Wilda Marston Theater) in Anchorage, Alaska The meeting started at 6:30 p.m. Copies of the presentation slides and the PP for the OB/OD Area were made available to interested attendees. Mr. Craig Johnson welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending. USACE representatives and meeting attendees introduced themselves. Ms. Valerie Palmer is the overall project manager for the Fort Glenn project. Ms.

Lindsey Miller is a project manager with the Huntsville District of USACE and provides oversight of the munitions contract with URS. Ms. Lisa Geist provides technical support for the Alaska District. Ms. Deb Caillouet is the regulatory project manager from ADEC and reviews all project documents for compliance with state regulations. Two representatives from the Alaska Department of Transportation, Aviation Leasing office, Ms. Vinera Erickson and Ms.

Colette Foster, were in attendance. Additional attendees included Ms. Kimberly Kashevarof, representing St. George Tanaq Corporation, and Mr. Steve Sumida, representing TDX Corporation, both landowners on Umnak Island. Two local Anchorage residents also attended, Ms. Piama Oleyer and Mr. Chris Roe.

Mr. Johnson provided instructions for submitting comments on the PP. He indicated that attendees may ask questions after or during the presentation, submit written comments using the comment forms within the document, or e-mail/call Ms. Valerie Palmer using the contact information in the presentation slides packet. Comments will be recorded and responses to significant comments will be included in the responsiveness summary section of the Decision Document (DD).

Mr. Johnson gave an overview of the project location. Fort Glenn is located on the eastern end of Umnak Island in the Aleutian Islands chain, approximately 850 miles southwest of Anchorage. Fort Glenn is a formerly used defense site (FUDS) which has undergone several previous investigations since the 1990s. The most recent investigations were an RI and FS, which were initiated in 2010. The OB/OD Area (2,076 acres) was investigated for potential munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) and munitions constituents (MC). MEC includes conventional munitions items which may pose an explosive hazard. MC are chemicals such as explosive filler (e.g., TNT) or metals that may impact surrounding media if the munitions item was damaged or leaked.

Fort Glenn was one of the last outposts to defend the United States during World War II.

Construction began in March 1942 of a 102,062 acres Army airfield and defense garrison to accommodate 100,000 troops. On June 3 and 4, 1942, fighter planes stationed at Fort Glenn defended Dutch Harbor from attack by the Japanese. In 1944, Fort Glenn was placed in caretaker status after the Japanese were driven from the Aleutian Islands. On September 18, 1948, Fort Glenn was officially redesignated as Cape Air Force Base in honor of Lt. John J.

Cape, who was killed in action over Umnak Island. From 1952 to 1955, Fort Glenn was transferred from Department of Defense ownership to public and private ownership.

The former Fort Glenn is currently owned by the Aleut Corporation, St. George Tanaq Corporation, State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF), and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The ADOT&PF owns the entire area covered

Decision Document A-4 Former Fort Glenn, Umnak Island, Alaska

F10AK029804

by the OB/OD Area. Land use is currently agricultural (free range cattle grazing) and recreational (seasonal hunting), with nearby residential. There was a volcanic eruption from Mount Okmok in 2008 that resulted in the deposition of lahar at the former Fort Glenn. Ms.

Kashevarof expressed concern that other landowners were not properly listed on the slide. Mr.

Sumida also stated that TDX Corporation owned land on Umnak and should be included. Ms.

Palmer explained that the listed landowners pertained to the OB/OD Area only, and not the larger Fort Glenn property. Ms. Palmer agreed the slides could be clarified. Ms. Palmer also explained that the land ownership was complicated by different surface and subsurface land estate rights.

Mr. Johnson continued to describe the types of conventional munitions stored at Fort Glenn, some of which were disposed of at the OB/OD Area including projectiles, fuzes, grenades, bombs, and blasting caps. An attendee asked about the chemical warfare munitions (CWM) project and expressed concern that project was not moving forward first. Ms. Palmer responded that decisions about CWM project funding were made at a much higher level in Headquarters and was beyond her control.

The site investigation has followed the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) regulatory process.