Public Notice: Emergency Hazardous Waste Permit for U.S. Air Force at Yakutat, Alaska

Summary

EPA is requesting public comments on its recent approval of a Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act emergency permit for the U.S. Air Force to conduct emergency hazardous waste treatment at Yakutat, Alaska.

The emergency permit was effective June 10, 2026, and expired the same day. The request was authorized because EPA determined there was an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment if the hazardous waste was not disposed of promptly.

Black powder residue from an MK4 signal flare was deemed unsafe for routine shipment and disposal due to its reactivity and was disposed of by emergency detonation.

Administrative record

Copies of the emergency permit and EPA's approval letter are available below:

• Emergency Permit (pdf)(4 pp, 215K)
• EPA's Approval Letter (pdf)(2 pp, 176K)

Applicant

Department of the Air Force
Pacific Air Forces
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
EPA ID #AK8570028649