Solid Waste Solutions in Rural Alaska::
Additional Success Stories from Rural Alaska:

Selawik IRA Council

Contacts:
   Raven Sheldon
   raven.sheldon@akuligaq.org

   Lorraine Ticket
   907/484-2005
   lorraine.ticket@akuligaq.org

A 24-acre open tundra dump serves as the Selawik's solid waste disposal site. All wastes generated in the town, including hazardous wastes, construction wastes, and honeybucket wastes from non-hooked homes, end up at this dump, or a much smaller river bank dump, a mile out of town. The main dump edge is encroaching on town, and dump fires occur several times each summer, causing toxic smoke to permeate the Village. Access is poor and treacherous so that residents often store their garbage in town, or worse, use home burn barrels to avoid visiting the dump.

The Selawik Environmental Program has been leading an effort for 5 years now to close the dump and to construct a new landfill located further from town. Successes include: 1) a State approved landfill permit and SWM plan, 2) Grants that purchased a waste collection system, a dozer, an equipment shed, gravel for a turnaround at the existing dump, and a hazardous waste plan and equipment 3) Funding to train residents, prepare for the construction projects, and identify potential community impacts 4) DOT funding to build a landfill road, 5) Selection as a National Federal Environmental Justice Project, and 6) Galvanizing the community through carrying out petitions, surveys, school education, Community Organization meetings, and 7) Organizing a Community Environmental Committee and an Environmental Youth Group. Through conferences and workshops, Selawik has been active in sharing their experiences with other Native Villages throughout the state.

Selawik's current efforts include the following: They recently fenced their landfill with 900 feet of fencing funded through their open dump grant. Their landfill road will be constructed next year with DOT funding. They currently store e-wastes and batteries for shipping out of the village for recycling. They installed a used oil burner in their equipment shed and collect oil from the public. Selawik has worked cooperatively and successfully with the Tribal and City Government. Selawik completed a community comprehensive plan by meeting with the IRA, City, and planning committee and used information gathered in several public meetings. They trained 28 people in HAZWOPER in their Village. They hired 18 HAZWOPER certified people to cleanup their dump.

Selawik used part of its YR 2001 and 2003 open dump grant monies to build an equipment garage for their new (used) dozer. The shop was finished in September 2003. It houses their new dozer and new Bobcat, and provides a place to maintain them during the winter. The garage will also be used as a central location for recycling wastes. Kids from the Alternative School will run the Recycling Program. It will provide a place for them to "hang out", fix elders' snowmachines and keep out of trouble. There is no other place in town for kids to do this. The community will benefit as a result and be supportive of the Solid Waste Program.