Steel Shoreline Barrier Proposed For Waste Burning Area

The cleanup site known as Site 1 on Alameda Point’s northwest tip is where industrial waste was dumped into pits during the early years of the Naval Air Station. 

The Navy also burned waste material along several acres of the shoreline at Site 1. 

The ashes and burned remains were then bulldozed into the Bay. The plan to dig up and haul away the remains of the toxic burn material was brought to a halt when the cleanup contractor discovered that the burn material extended wider and deeper than expected and under the slope of the shore.

Because of the location under the shoreline slope, the cost of digging it up and hauling it away would balloon from $5 million to $40 million.

A new plan is being proposed that will cost $13 million. The Navy’s new proposed plan is to leave the burn debris in place and construct a steel bulkhead barrier along the shoreline to permanently prevent toxic chemicals from entering the Bay. 

Public Meeting - The Navy’s project manager and a representative of the cleanup contractor will be present at a special meeting next Tuesday, April 9 at the Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, to answer questions and take comments.  The meeting is from 6:30 pm to 8 pm.

Read more about the cleanup effort for the Burn Area on the Alameda Point Environmental Report.