On April 22, 2024, EPA received a National Response Center report regarding a tank truck roll-over that occurred on the Dalton Highway at MP 77.6, approximately 40 miles south of the Arctic Circle. The tanker suffered a catastrophic loss of approximately 9000 gallons of unleaded gasoline. A review of available information to include satellite imagery and USGS maps, it was determined that an on-site investigation was necessary to determine nexus to US Waters. The investigation found that there was not only a "substantial threat, but evidence of fuel, with visible sheening, impacting an un-named tributary to the Ray River which directly feeds into the Yukon River.
EPA will be providing oversite of the PRP in cleanup activities to include but not limited to, boom deployment, free product recovery, and contaminated soil excavation. EPA remains in close coordination with the "Department of Interior" regarding Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act, and Fish and Wildlife concerns. EPA is also coordinating with the Alaska Department of Transportation, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company as affected ownership entities.