|
|
 |
Site 5: Radar Dome AreaSite History and Background
During the 1940s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) constructed an access road from Neah Bay to the top of Bahokus Peak (elevation approximately 1,380 feet above msl). In 1945, the U.S. Army Air Forces operated an aircraft radio relay warning station at the Radar Dome Area. The station transferred communications between a main control center, early warning radar station, and a Very High Frequency (VHF) direction-finding station (Tecumseh, 2000b). The site became known as "Bahokus Peak VHF Site 2 MI."
A North American Air Defense Command early warning radar station was active on the peak until 1988, when the Makah AFS was closed and radar operations were transferred to the FAA for civilian use. The FAA continues to maintain radar operations on Bahokus Peak (Tecumseh, 2000b; Ridolfi, 2004a). The facility formerly consisted of five buildings and one radar dome (URS, 1996; Radian, 1987). The FAA constructed the current radar dome on the westernmost part of the former AFS installation in 1995 (URS, 1996). The inflated plastic dome, about 50 feet in diameter, on top of the tower is reported to be a landmark visible above low, dense fog to vessels coming from the south (NOAA, 2004c). Older building foundations remain at the site (Tecumseh, 2000a), and three fuel underground storage tanks are depicted on the plot plan in the 1987 hazard evaluation report (Radian, 1987). Contamination associated with petroleum products stored in the underground storage tanks and an 1,100-gallon septic tank may have impacted subsurface soil at the site. Contamination may also include PCBs associated with transformers. Gravel access roads, parking areas, and structures prevent vegetation from growing. The facility is listed as FUDS property #F10WA0585 (USACE, 2002). Activities to DateThe Makah Environmental Restoration Team performed site inspections in October 2000 and in March and April 2004. Sampling has not been conducted. No evidence of the underground storage tanks, such as vent and fill pipes, was observed during the site inspections. Planned ActivitiesThe Tribe considers this site a lower priority (Priority C). The following activities are planned for 2006 to 2010:
Underground Storage Tank Investigation and Removal: Underground storage tanks and associated contaminated soil will be located and removed. Test pits will be excavated to locate the tanks. If tanks are found, the removal will include identifying tank contents, emptying the tanks, disconnecting pipelines, excavating and removing the tanks and associated pipelines, and properly disposing of debris and tank contents. The soil around the tanks will be sampled and analyzed after tank removal to determine the nature and extent of possible contamination. Should contamination be found, the soil will be excavated to meet the local cleanup standard and properly disposed of. Holes and pits left by the excavation will be backfilled with clean materials and compacted to the desired density to match the surrounding surface. Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Investigation: In preparation for building deconstruction and removal, inspections will be conducted to identify possible asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint, and sampling will be conducted. The objective is to develop an inventory of asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint at the site, including the identification of functional spaces, material characteristics, condition, degree of damage, quantity, accessibility, and potential for disturbance. Building Deconstruction and Removal: The abandoned buildings will be deconstructed and removed. If lead-based paint has been identified for a given abandoned structure, deconstruction and removal will be conducted by a contractor certified to remove and handle lead-based paint. Prior to the deconstruction of abandoned buildings that contain asbestos, all asbestos-containing materials will be removed from the structures by a certified asbestos abatement contractor. Proper deconstruction methods and material handling techniques will be employed. The deconstruction may involve building structures, foundations, walkways, and underground and aboveground plumbing and electrical lines. The construction debris will be shipped off site for proper disposal. Additional Information:
|
|||||
|
COPYRIGHT: |
||||||
