State seeks public comment on Juneau fuel terminal replacement project

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting public comments through May 8 on a proposed replacement of the Petro Marine Services fuel terminal at Juneau's Rock Dump location.

Petro Marine wants to tear down its existing wooden dock and fuel float in Gastineau Channel and build a new steel pile-supported dock with improved fuel lines and loading facilities. The project would also replace a timber retaining wall with an armor rock slope using 2,200 cubic yards of quarry stone.

The company says the improvements are needed because the existing embankment fill is undersized and prone to coastal erosion from waves and boat wakes. Construction would take place throughout 2027, with work performed primarily from a crane barge.

The project requires federal permits because it involves placing fill material in waters of the United States. Under the Clean Water Act, the state must certify that such projects meet Alaska water quality standards.

The public can submit comments online at dec.alaska.gov/commish/public-notices/ or email [email protected] with subject line "POA-1937-00008 v1.0." The full project details and drawings are available at dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/.

After the comment period closes, the Department of Environmental Conservation will review all submissions and decide whether to issue the water quality certification needed for federal permits to proceed.