I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
This is the eleventh annual contract report prepared by researchers from
CRREL and other Federal agencies for U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska,
and U.S. Army Alaska, Public Works, describing the results of research,
monitoring, and remediation efforts addressing the white phosphorus con-
tamination in Eagle River Flats, an 865-ha estuarine salt marsh on Fort
Richardson, Alaska. Fort Richardson is on the National Priority List, and
Eagle River Flats is designated Operable Unit C (OU-C) under the Compre-
hensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
This year marks the second of a planned five-year remediation effort in
Eagle River Flats. Pond pumping, using six remote-controlled pumps to
temporarily drain contaminated ponds within several areas of Eagle River
Flats, was conducted again this year. The pumps kept the ponds drained
for an extended period during the summer, allowing the pond bottom sedi-
ments to dry and the white phosphorus to sublime and oxidize. The logis-
tics continued to be fine-tuned, leading to a more effective and efficient
operation this year.
The combination of a warm, dry period during the first half of the sum-
mer and the successful use of flood gates to prevent flooding tides resulted
in a long and effective drying season. Sampling showed that levels of con-
tamination continued to decline, although localized areas of contamination
still exist.