Middleton Island Remedial Action

Brice conducted a remedial action at two sites, Former Building 300/Shop and Former Building 600/Engine Generator, on Middleton Island. Our goal was to remove petroleum-contaminated soil that exceeded ADEC’s limits. The excavation volumes were 280 banked cy for Building 300/Shop and 50 banked cy for Building 600/Engine Generator. We guided the excavation through continuous screening with a photoionization detector (PID). Additionally, we removed 70 banked cy (approximately 88 cy excavated) as determined in the field.

After excavation, we performed confirmation sampling following ADEC guidelines, with a focus on extractable petroleum hydrocarbons (EPH) and volatile petroleum hydrocarbons (VPH). We placed waste soil in 3.5 cy IP1 supersacks to facilitate a steady production rate, reduce labor, minimize the activity footprint, and lower the risk of spills. We also collected waste characterization samples to confirm non-hazardous status. Our transportation and disposal plan involved barging to/from Seward, as it was the most cost-effective option. We favored thermal treatment, which met ADEC criteria and allowed for future construction use. We used two Pilatus PC-12 charters and two 8-hour days for personnel to facilitate barge loading. Additionally, we conducted background sampling for arsenic for comparison. Our hydrocarbon risk calculations assessed contamination risks using updated data.

Following the project, we carried out surveying, site restoration, and demobilization, ensuring that areas were restored, and equipment and materials were removed from the site.