This episode of Sounding Board has already passed, but if you missed it you can listen to it here.
Thanks to our guest, interviews and callers that made this show possible.
Pam Miller from Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT) joined us over the phone during the show to talk about the clean-up process of FUDS and the contaminants left behind. She mentioned a community based research process and other studies that have uncovered toxics that the Army Corps of Engineers weren’t testing for. She also spoke about how the community can get their voices hear in the clean up process.
Curtis Dunkin from the Department of Environmental Conservation Contaminated Sites Program participated in a pre-recorded interview. He described the federally mandated CERCLA clean-up process, how a site earns a “clean-up complete” status, the opportunity to reopen and conduct a further investigation if more toxics are found as well as some accessibility and seasonal challenges the Army Corps faces with clean up.
Carol & Morris from Elim called to voice their concern about a nearby site, stating that only the surface area was cleaned and wells still exist. They said they’d like to see the site revisited.
Delbert from Savoonga called expressing the extent of the sacrifice that those on St. Lawrence Island made in the name of national security. He mentioned past agreements between the military and tribal governments that were broken, high cancer rates and frustrations with the CERCLA process.
Roger from White Mountain called to comment on uncleaned dump sites, and questioned whether it was now safer to clean the sites or leave them untouched.
Branson in Gambell called to speak about his experience in Gambell and dissatisfaction with the clean up of the site.
From WWII onward, the military constructed over 300 active defense sites in the state of Alaska. Now known as Formerly Used Defense Sites, or FUDS, the Department of Defense has been responsible for cleanup efforts for decades.
Whether it’s Northeast Cape, Gambell, Port Clarence, or Cape Nome, on this week’s Sounding Board, we want to hear how you and your community have been affected by these sites.
- What environmental or health affects have you experienced?
- Have you witnessed cleanup efforts of sites in your community?
- How has your community been involved and included in the military’s cleanup process?
- What still needs to be done?
Join us this Thursday morning at 10 to share your feedback on Sounding Board — or submit your comment below.
