Air Force seeks public comment on oil spill plan for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting public comments through May 14 on an oil discharge prevention and contingency plan for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

The plan covers the base's fuel storage operations, which hold 13.6 million gallons of JP-8 jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline. The Air Force must demonstrate it has adequate resources to prevent and respond to a realistic maximum discharge from the facility, which sits adjacent to Anchorage in the Cook Inlet region.

The state requires the plan under Alaska Statute 46.04.030. A potential risk exists of oil spills entering state lands or waters from the base's operations.

The public comment period runs from April 15 through 11:59 p.m. on May 14. Comments can be submitted online at dec.alaska.gov/comment or in writing to Cynthia Kirkham, Department of Environmental Conservation, 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. Email submissions are also accepted at [email protected].

The full application package is available for review at dec.alaska.gov/Applications/SPAR/PublicMVC/IPP/CPlansUnderReview.

Residents in the affected area or the governing body of an affected municipality may request a public hearing by writing to the department before April 30. The state will hold a hearing if it determines good cause exists.

The plan is identified as State Contingency Plan Number 26-CP-2058.