Unalaska, AK – A representative from Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation visited Unalaska this week to discuss the water quality of Dutch Harbor and Iliuliuk Harbor.

These two harbors are currently listed as impaired according to Alaska's Clean Water Act -- the sediment of both water bodies contains more than the allowable amount of petroleum hydrocarbons. In response, the DEC is drafting a "Total Maximum Daily Load" document.

"Basically, it's a document designed to restore the health of the water bodies," says Laura Eldred, a DEC environmental program specialist. "It's a pollution budget."

Both Dutch Harbor and Iliuliuk Harbor were first listed as impaired water bodies in 1990, when large rainbow-colored sheens were visible on the surface of the water. There are a variety of causes for the hydrocarbon pollution, but most of the contamination comes from historic activities.

"There was the World War II bombing, and there were at least a million gallons of hydrocarbons spilled at that time," says Eldred. "And then there's the bulk petroleum storage and pipelines for transferring all that."

The DEC has found that hydrocarbon-levels have not gone above state-water quality standards at any of the area sample sites. Additionally, no large surface water sheens have been spotted recently. Even though the water column appears to be in good shape, DEC is concerned that the sediment in Dutch Harbor and Iliuliuk Harbor is still impaired.

At a Wednesday meeting at City Hall, Eldred responded to questions from the community. Residents were worried about the safety of the water and the effect the hydrocarbons might have on the marine life. Early research suggests the marine life is likely healthy.

"We did just some very preliminary screening at the impact on aquatic life. We looked at three different types of marine invertebrates. They grow those invertebrates in the sediments in a lab," says Eldred. "And even though we were finding very high levels of hydrocarbons in the screening data, it did not have such a negative effect on the aquatic life."

Eldred warns though that the data is inconclusive and study that specifically addresses the health of the marine life is necessary to be certain about its condition.

Looking forward, Eldred says that DEC's plan is to allow natural recovery of the sediment and to prevent future hydrocarbon pollution.

The public comment period began May 28. All public comments must be received by June 28 at 4:30pm.