Brownfields

Preventing pollution and ensuring remediation

Our observance of Yáa at Wooné includes a vision for clean air, land, and waters, and advocating for remediation of environmental damage when it occurs.

Sitka Tribe of Alaska monitors known contaminated sites in its traditional territory and advocates for cleanup. The Tribe’s brownfields program prioritizes cleanup of sites with the potential to expose Tribal citizens and other residents to contaminants through wild foods, air, and sediments.

Search the State’s database of contaminated sites near Sitka here.

STA Interactive Contaminated Sites Map

Click the map to explore contaminated sites in Sheet’ká Ḵwáan (Sitka area).

View the Map Legend by clicking the >> in the upper left.

View Larger Map

Report a new contaminated site near Sitka

Alaska state law requires all oil and hazardous substance releases to be reported to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Please contact ADEC at (907) 465-5340 and the National Response Center at  1-800-424-8802. For more information, visit the State’s Report A Spill page.

Chichagof Mine Cleanup

STA convened and participated in an interagency working group that addresses contamination at the site of the historic Chichagof Mine, located in Klag Bay approximately 50 miles north of Sitka. The gold and silver mine operated from 1906 through 1942. Mine tailings and fuel tanks have discharged contaminants to the uplands and the intertidal zone, causing the bay to become an impaired water body. Klag Bay is a traditional subsistence use area for Sheet’ká Ḵwáan, and the area is a popular destination for recreational boaters. Cleanup is a priority for the Tribe to enable Tribal citizens and others to harvest safe and healthy natural resources. For more information, please contact the Tribe.

Monitoring Oil Spills

STA works with state and federal agencies to monitor and respond to oil spills within its traditional territory.  This work includes establishing geographic response strategies to address potential oil spills and post-spill environmental assessments.