MMRP: Site Investigations

Pacific Air Force Sites (PACAF), AK

$3.5M, 2009-present

Environmental Remediation Case Study - PACAF, AK

Bay West performed Supplemental CSE Phase I and Phase II Investigations at eight PACAF facilities in Alaska (total of 1,813 acres within 47 Munitions Response Areas [MRAs]).

Work included: preparing work plans, investigation reports, and MRSPP scoring tables; and, performing historical records review, visual surveys, and MC sampling. In addition, Bay West/Weston supported PACAF community relations through preparation of project fact sheets and assisted the USACE in obtaining 29 right-of-entry agreements for several remote installations.

The field teams completed 843 miles of visual survey transects to characterize and document site conditions. Small arms ranges were characterized through the collection/analyses of 442 soil samples using a field portable XRF analyzer to provide real time evaluation of soil lead concentrations. The XRF data were correlated with fixed-base laboratory analysis to provide definitive data (as defined by EPA method 6200). Additionally, >200 samples were collected for MC analysis to evaluate potential impacts from explosives and metals to environmental media where evidence of MEC was observed or where MC may have migrated or accumulated. Prior to collecting samples the Bay West Team reviewed the visual survey data and proposed sample locations for stakeholder concurrence. This provided real-time stakeholder input to the CSE process.

The presence and types of MEC, DMM, and MD as well as cultural debris and other site features were recorded and surveyed using a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit for import to GIS. As a result of our evaluation to date, 72% of the MMRP acreage has been recommended for NFA. This will reduce USAF liability and allow its resources to be focused on sites that actually pose a potential risk.