Overview
Eielson Air Force Base operates a landfill in Eielson AFB, Alaska, serving the military installation. The facility manages solid waste under US EPA RCRA Subtitle D regulations.
Eielson Air Force Base is an operational landfill located at 2310 Central Ave, Suite 100, Eielson AFB, Alaska 99702, within Fairbanks North Star Borough. As a military installation landfill, it handles solid waste generated on base, supporting the operational needs of the facility. The landfill is part of the broader solid waste management infrastructure in Alaska, a state with unique logistical and environmental challenges due to its remote location and cold climate. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency, specifically RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste landfills, and Clean Air Act landfill gas rules. The landfill's scale is likely small to medium, serving the base population. The site is subject to Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation oversight, ensuring compliance with state and federal standards for landfill operation, including leachate management and groundwater monitoring. Eielson Air Force Base landfill plays a critical role in managing waste from the military installation, reducing the need for off-site disposal and associated transportation impacts. Its location in interior Alaska presents specific environmental considerations, such as permafrost and seasonal temperature extremes, which influence landfill design and operation. The facility contributes to the base's self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.
Environmental context
The landfill at Eielson Air Force Base is situated in interior Alaska, a region characterized by permafrost and extreme seasonal temperature variations. These conditions require careful management of leachate and landfill gas to prevent groundwater contamination and methane emissions. The facility's proximity to the Tanana River watershed underscores the importance of robust environmental controls to protect local water resources. Community proximity is limited due to the base's location, reducing traffic and odor concerns.
Frequently asked questions
The landfill is located at 2310 Central Ave, Suite 100, Eielson AFB, Alaska 99702, within Fairbanks North Star Borough.
As a military installation landfill, it accepts solid waste generated on base, including municipal solid waste and non-hazardous industrial waste.
The landfill is regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency under RCRA Subtitle D and the Clean Air Act, with oversight from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
Key concerns include permafrost stability, leachate management in cold climates, methane emissions, and protection of groundwater and surface water in sensitive ecosystems.
Leachate management typically involves collection systems and treatment or disposal in compliance with state and federal regulations, though specific methods at this facility are not publicly detailed.
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