Hot Topics in Alaska

Learn about some of EPA's priority work in Alaska.

Alaska hazardous waste program authorization

Alaska has applied for final authorization of its hazardous waste management program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA has reviewed Alaska’s application and made the tentative decision that it satisfies all requirements for final authorization.

EPA is accepting comments on its tentative determination  through July 2, 2026.

Aerial view of braided wetlands in Bristol Bay's Kvichak River watershed.
Braided wetlands in the Kvichak River watershed at Bristol Bay.

Bristol Bay

EPA's Final Determination limits the disposal of dredged and fill material associated with developing the Pebble deposit in certain waters that are important to sustaining the region’s salmon resources.

Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act lands

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 included the transfer of 44 million acres to Alaska Native regional and village corporations. Some of these lands became contaminated prior to the conveyance (transfer) from a variety of past activities such as fuel storage, power generation, waste handling practices, mining and other activities.

Fairbanks air quality

EPA is working with state and local officials to address deficiencies in Alaska's nonattainment plan to ensure the area reaches attainment of air quality standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Transboundary mining pollution

Eight organizations will receive $1,749,700 through EPA’s Transboundary Watershed Grant Program to monitor and reduce transboundary mining pollution in U.S.-British Columbia transboundary watersheds, including:

  • Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.
  • Ketchikan Indian Community.
  • Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Read EPA's grant awards announcement.

Arctic Council

The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is a high level international forum that promotes cooperation among Arctic nations on sustainable development and environmental protection.  As the Arctic environment changes, leading to increased shipping, economic, and other activities, it becomes increasingly important that the U.S. work closely with our Arctic allies.  

Superfund

Eielson Air Force Base

The U.S. Air Force is the lead agency for cleaning up contamination at the site from historical military operations – in coordination with EPA and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. The site is located about 24 miles southeast of Fairbanks. It was added to EPA's Superfund cleanup list in 1989.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

The U.S. Air Force is the lead agency for cleaning up contamination at the site from historical military operations – in coordination with EPA and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. The site is located in Anchorage. It was added to EPA's Superfund cleanup list in 1990. 

Salt Chuck Mine

The Salt Chuck Mine is an inactive former gold, silver, copper, and palladium mine on Prince of Wales Island in the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska. This site was added to EPA's Superfund cleanup list in 2010.

Find more Superfund sites in Alaska.

Tribal programs

EPA's Region 10 office serves 271 federally recognized Tribes, including 229 Tribes in Alaska.

EPA in Alaska

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Last updated on May 19, 2026