Water Pollution In Alaska: Is It A Concern?

Water pollution in Alaska is a pressing issue, with contaminants found in both surface water and groundwater sources. The presence of toxic substances, such as PFAS, arsenic, and radon, poses risks to human health and the environment. While Alaska's water quality standards aim to protect communities, concerns have been raised about their effectiveness, leading to calls for updated standards that reflect accurate fish consumption rates and the latest scientific data. The discovery of high levels of PFAS, a group of chemicals used in various consumer and industrial products, in popular bodies of water around Anchorage and Fairbanks, has prompted groups like Alaska Community Action on Toxics to advocate for legislative action. The state's unique soil types and proximity to landfills also contribute to water contamination, underscoring the need for careful planning and stewardship to safeguard water resources for future generations.

PFAS contamination in Anchorage and Fairbanks

Alaska's water resources face contamination from various sources, including natural and man-made pollutants. One of the significant concerns is the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals," which have been detected in the state's water bodies. PFAS contamination in Anchorage and Fairbanks, two of Alaska's largest cities, has particularly raised alarms among residents and environmental advocates.

In Anchorage, independent water quality testing conducted by Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT) in 2022 revealed PFAS contamination in several lakes and Ship Creek. Lake Spenard and Lake Hood showed the highest PFAS levels, approximately 10 times the health-advisory threshold for drinking water set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These levels were about 952.2 and 698.7 parts per trillion, respectively. Other Anchorage lakes with PFAS contamination include Little Campbell Lake, a popular gathering site for swimmers, boaters, and fishers, and Sundi Lake, with lower PFAS levels of 10.2 parts per trillion.

Fairbanks, another major Alaskan city, also faces PFAS contamination issues. Airport Lake, located in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, had PFAS levels of 179.4 parts per trillion, while Ballaine Lake showed levels of 2.8 parts per trillion. The city has taken proactive measures to address PFAS contamination since 2015, including capping groundwater wells, installing monitoring wells, and connecting affected properties to city water systems. Despite these efforts, Fairbanks residents like Patrice Lee have expressed concerns about the loss of fishing activities due to PFAS-contaminated water bodies.

The sources of PFAS contamination in Anchorage and Fairbanks are attributed primarily to the use of fire-suppressing foams, as highlighted in ACAT's studies. These foams, commonly used by firefighting agencies and the military, have led to the dispersive use of PFAS in the environment. Additionally, PFAS chemicals are found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, clothing, and even shampoos, contributing to the widespread presence of these persistent compounds.

The detection of PFAS in Anchorage and Fairbanks waterways has prompted calls for urgent action to protect public health and the environment. ACAT's executive director, Pamela Miller, has emphasized the need for legislation to address PFAS contamination and protect residents' health. Alaska Sen. Jesse Kiehl introduced Senate Bill 67, aiming to enforce a statewide ban on the use of fire-suppressing foam containing PFAS. These efforts underscore the recognition of PFAS as toxic chemicals linked to adverse health outcomes, including liver and kidney damage, reproductive issues, immune system impairment, and certain cancers.

Arsenic in groundwater

Arsenic is a naturally occurring toxic element commonly found in groundwater in Alaska. It is used for a variety of purposes within industry and agriculture, such as wood preservatives and insecticides, and is a byproduct of copper smelting, mining, and coal burning. Inorganic arsenic occurs naturally in the Earth's crust, most commonly as the mineral arsenopyrite. When arsenopyrite oxidizes into its elemental components and enters the groundwater system, the resulting arsenic is toxic to humans.

Soils in some parts of Alaska have high concentrations of inorganic arsenic, which can leach into groundwater and render private well water unsafe for consumption. Arsenic in surface water tends to bind with iron oxide and organic material, making it less likely to reach drinking water sources. However, arsenic also accumulates in food crops grown in arsenic-rich soil or watered with contaminated groundwater. It can be changed into a less toxic organic form by microbes, which can then accumulate in seafood.

Arsenic has been found in groundwater wells in the Fairbanks area, Seward and Kenai Peninsulas, Mat-Su Valley, and Anchorage. Other locations in Alaska are also likely to have arsenic concentrations greater than the EPA limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb) for drinking water. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) recommends testing private wells annually for arsenic and other contaminants, especially if it is known that there is arsenic in the water from wells in the same watershed.

Arsenic can cause multiple health problems, including gastrointestinal irritation and decreased blood cell production in high-quantity, short-term exposure. Low-quantity, long-term exposure can lead to circulatory, nerve, and skin problems, as well as an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Radon in water

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Alaska, with various contaminants affecting both surface water and groundwater. While Alaska's water sources are relatively free of radon, other pollutants, such as arsenic, PFAS, and leachate from dumps and landfills, pose significant risks to the state's water quality and the health of its residents.

Radon is a colourless, odourless gas that can be harmful when inhaled or ingested. It is derived from the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in rocks and dirt. While radon is typically associated with air quality, it can also be present in water, particularly groundwater. Inhalation of radon released from water used for household activities like showering can pose health risks.

Although Alaska's water sources have minimal detectable radon, it is important to address this issue to ensure the safety of its residents. Radon in water can increase the risk of lung cancer, as the gas and its radioactive particles can get trapped in the lungs and further decay, causing damage over time. The Alaska Division of Public Health recognises radon as an under-recognised health risk in the state, with many homes exceeding the EPA's safe limit of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).

To mitigate the health risks associated with radon in water, testing is crucial. Residents are encouraged to test their homes for radon levels, especially during National Radon Action Month in January when free testing kits are provided. If high radon levels are detected, there are recommended actions to reduce indoor radon concentrations, such as sealing cracks and filling slabs to prevent air from the ground from entering the house.

While radon in water may not be a significant issue in Alaska compared to other contaminants, it is still essential to address this under-recognised health hazard. By raising awareness, promoting testing, and implementing mitigation measures, Alaska can protect its residents from the harmful effects of radon exposure through water sources.

Leachate from dumps and landfills

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Alaska, and one of the sources of this pollution is leachate from dumps and landfills. Leachate is a contaminated liquid produced when water from rain and snowmelt filters down through decomposing materials, releasing soluble materials. This liquid can then seep into groundwater or leak into surface water, contaminating water sources.

Dumps and landfills are a significant source of leachate, and areas near these sites are particularly vulnerable to groundwater contamination. In Alaska, the problem is exacerbated by the state's unstable and corrosive soils, which allow leachate to move through the soil, leaving a residue of pollutants between the soil particles. Underground storage tanks that corrode or leak can also contaminate groundwater.

To address this issue, proper waste management practices are essential. While burning waste can be a method of reducing leachate production, it must be done carefully to avoid creating more problems, such as wildfires and air pollution. The ADEC provides guidelines for burning waste in Class III landfills, emphasizing the importance of wind direction, separating non-burnable waste, and having fire suppression equipment on hand.

However, burning is not the only solution to leachate reduction. Proper waste disposal, such as scooping and flushing pet waste, can also help prevent water contamination. Additionally, the EPA and Alaskan tribal communities have collaborated to identify and address potential drinking water sources affected by leachate from tribal landfills and dump sites. Their efforts include water quality sampling, analysis, and information gathering to improve the management of open tribal dump sites throughout Alaska.

Soil type and contamination

Alaska's soil tends to be higher in organic matter, meaning it contains more nutrients, but the vegetation must be able to withstand the poor drainage that is typical of the state's soil. The soil in Alaska is made up of silt, sand, and gravel, and the most common type is Tanana earth, which is poorly drained and contains permafrost less than 5 feet below the surface. Permafrost is present in almost 80% of the state, and it is nearly ubiquitous north of the Brooks Range, thinning out towards the south. In some parts of Alaska, the thawing of permafrost has caused the soil to shift and sink, resulting in the phenomenon of "drunken trees," where trees grow at unusual angles to compensate for their changing footing.

The Aleutian Islands, a volcanic island chain, feature prevalent Andisols, soils formed from basaltic lava and ash deposits. The state's frigid temperatures influence soil regimes, particularly in the interior and on the Arctic coast, and cold temperatures slow the rate of chemical reactions while ice increases erosion.

The Contaminated Sites (CS) Program in Alaska works to protect human health and the environment by managing the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater. The program also works to prevent future contamination by providing technical and regulatory assistance to owners of regulated underground storage tanks and by educating the people of Alaska about common contaminants. The primary contaminants found in Alaska are those commonly found elsewhere in the United States, such as petroleum, which is the most common type of contaminant in the state.

Soil type plays a crucial role in determining the movement of contaminants. Clay soils, for example, slow or block the downward movement of water due to their tiny particles, while sandy soils, with their large particles, allow water to seep through easily without filtering out pollutants. This understanding of soil type and its impact on contamination is essential for maintaining water quality and protecting water resources, as fixing contamination problems can be expensive and challenging.

Frequently asked questions