The Ungalik Airstrip Drum Spill Site is at an abandoned/unusable landing strip on a saddle between unnamed hilltops north of the Ungalik River, about 4 miles inland from the east end of Norton Sound. 

 

The presence of about 150 drums at the south end of the airstrip was first reported to the BLM in 1993. The airstrip is very remote and has no permitted user associated; ownership of the drums was unknown. The land is BLM-managed and is selected for conveyance to an Alaska Native corporation.

 

After unsuccessful attempts to locate the owner of the drums, BLM Northern Field Office Hazardous Materials Coordinators removed the drums during 2003 and 2004. During removal it was noted that some of the drums had leaked diesel-type fuel. Management of the land shifted to the BLM Anchorage Field Office in late 2004. During 2006 the BLM inspected the former drum areas at the airstrip and determined that investigation of two areas where drums had apparently leaked was warranted.

 

A BLM Hazardous Materials Response Program contractor conducted a Site Characterization during 2007.  A third former "Drum Area" showing evidence of spilled fuel was identified and investigated along with the two areas previously identified.  Diesel-type fuel contamination which exceeds action level was found at all three areas from soil surface to depths over 6 feet.  A copy of the site characterization report may be downloaded here:  2007 Ungalik Airstrip Drum Spill Site Limited Site Characterization Report.

 

The BLM plans to coordinate further response actions with affected Alaska Native corporations and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation so the land can be conveyed.