What's New?
Stay updated on current events at the Division of Spill Prevention and Response.
Jump to Hot Topics in...
Division of Spill Prevention and Response
20 Years after the Exxon Valdez
A comparison of spill prevention and response in Prince William Sound in March 1989 to March 2009. Look for more information soon on the 20 years after the March 24th, 1989 grounding of the T/V Exxon Valdez.
Contaminated Sites Program
Mapped view of all contaminated sites - (10/2/09)
The contaminated sites web map shows all the contaminated sites in our database on a map. The application can filter by site status, search for sites in multiple ways, and provide basic information for each site, with a link to its cleanup chronology report. We cannot guarantee that searching the map alone will provide an exhaustive search for all sites in a given area, but the new map will be a very useful tool for those interested in buying property, interested in nearby contamination, and working in site remediation. It is a big step ahead for giving Alaskans easier access to the details of conditions or restrictions (institutional controls) placed upon site closure.
New Site Closure Memorandum - (7/30/09)
A new Site Closure Memorandum concerning contaminated site remediation identifies how the Contaminated Sites Program will make closure determinations for sites regulated under Title 18 Alaska Administrative Code 78, Articles 2 and 6, and 18 AAC 75, Article 3, including the use of institutional controls. Addressed to DEC’s Contaminated Sites Program staff, the memorandum is primarily an internal document, but we are making it available to anyone interested in site closure decision-making.
Recently Updated Guidance
- Site Characterization Work Plan and Reporting - (9/28/09)
We have developed this guidance to help project managers as well as consultants and responsible parties draft complete and thorough workplans and site characterization reports. The guidance is based on DEC requirements, Contaminated Sites Program policy, and ASTM criteria. By providing this guidance document, we hope to improve the quality of work plans and site characterization reports and reduce the review and turnaround time. - Site Closure Memorandum - (7/29/09)
DEC decides when sites may be closed under 18 AAC 75.380 and 18 AAC 78.276, including the use of institutional controls. Although this memorandum is basically an internal document which identifies how DEC staff will make closure determinations, we are making it available to anyone who may have an interest in site closure decision-making. This memorandum replaces the "Site Closure Policy and Procedures, Draft Final" previously posted on the Contaminated Sites Program's guidance page. -
Vapor Intrusion guidance - (7/6/09)
The recently completed Draft Vapor Intrusion Guidance is for use where vapor intrusion has been identified as a way that people could be exposed to contamination. It includes a 12-step process for evaluating and responding to a vapor intrusion concern and provides guidance on soil gas and indoor air sampling methodology. Also see our vapor intrusion page.
Industry Preparedness Program
New Oil Pollution Prevention Regulations
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is engaged in a multi-year, multi-phase project to comprehensively review and update the oil discharge prevention and contingency plan regulations in 18 AAC 75.
Prevention and Emergency Response Program
Aleutian Islands Risk Assessment Project
The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Coast Guard and State of Alaska (ADEC) are working on a multi-phase risk assessment of maritime transportation in the Bering Sea and the Aleutian Archipelago.