Today, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint against both the city and the State of Alaska on the EPA’s behalf, charging that the city repeatedly violated the Clean Water Act between 2004 and 2010.
The complaint lists over 4,800 violations. The DOJ alleges that the city frequently exceeded its discharge permit and released pollutants, including partially treated sewage, into Unalaska Bay. According to the complaint, the city could be held liable for over a hundred million dollars -- up to $37,500 per violation per day.
A pair of suicide prevention counselors is in Unalaska offering training workshops to adults and teenagers. The specialists from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium have been holding sessions this week with about 18 community members of different ages participating. They are discussing ways to recognize warning signs and find ways to engage peers who might be at-risk.
Hillary Strayer is an injury prevention specialist with ANTHC. She’s traveled to about a half-dozen communities to discuss suicide prevention and says that in recent days she’s heard many concerns.
Unalaska’s fire chief has been removed from his position after less than three months on the job, and city hall isn’t saying why.
Fire Chief Andrew Palmeri was hired in April to oversee the fire department’s two paid drivers and volunteers. But on Monday, a message went out informing volunteers he was no longer chief and that his day-to-day responsibilities are being handled by Fire Capt. Gary Gray.
Unalaska, AK – An Australian cruise ship on its inaugural voyage stopped over in Unalaska Wednesday on its way to Russia and Japan. KUCB's Jacob Resneck reports.
Unalaska, AK – With less than two weeks into the season, the salmon run at Cape Wislow had nearly met its minimum escapement goal. As of yesterday 9,331 sockeye salmon have been counted at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service weir at McLees Lake. Counting began June 10 and the minimum goal is 10,000 fish.
The subsistence sockeye fishery at Reese Bay is off to an early start with escapement numbers nearly nine times higher than this time last year. The state escapement target is between 10,000 and 60,000 fish. Last year's escapement was about 32,000 sockeye an improvement over the previous two years which did not break the 10,000 mark triggering closures. Historic highs have ranged around 100,000 fish in the past decade.
Unalaska, AK – This week, the Coast Guard presented the crew of the Tor Viking II with a Meritorious Public Service award for their rescue of the disabled cargo ship Golden Seas.
The 738-foot vessel went adrift in near Adak in December when it lost propulsion. It was carrying nearly half a million gallons of oil and fuel, and was in danger of grounding in Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge land. The icebreaker Tor Viking assisted the Coast Guard by traveling out from Unalaska to tow the Golden Seas to safety.
Unalaska, AK – The City of Unalaska has released its annual report on water quality, and the conclusion is that the community's water remains clean and safe to drink.
Contaminants were only found in trace amounts. The city of Unalaska suffered on minor state violation for turning in a water sample late. However, Public Utilities Director Dan Winters says that water sample still was not found to contain any harmful contaminants.
Captains Bay, AK – For years, scientist have tried figuring out why the western stock of Steller sea lions have continued to decline. Now, a team of university researchers, commercial fishermen, and military contractors are testing a new way to monitor the endangered animals. KUCB's Alexandra Gutierrez has more.
