Sitka Tribe of Alaska
Resource Protection Department
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Traditional Territories Project
Indian General Assistance Program (GAP)
Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP)
DoD Lands Investigations
Causeway underwater survey
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Old Truck Tire |
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Engine |
Track Wheel |
During World War II, there was a huge effort by the United States Department of Defense to fortify the Sitka Area against possible invasion. Part of this effort included connecting the string of islands which run southward from Japonski Island using rock fill to form a road. This road is locally known as the “causeway”. At the end of the war there was a large amount of equipment and miscellaneous material, “debris”, which was disposed of in the waters along the causeway. The intent of this survey was to locate the debris left in the water, shoot a video of it and present a written report which includes latitudes and longitudes and above and under water photos of the debris.
This report presents information gained during diving operations made in March of 2003. The work was performed by Kruzof Diving of Sitka, Alaska. The divers were Dennis Lanham, video operator and Brian Omann, report writer. The entire causeway was searched with the search area extending approximately 150 feet horizontally from mean low tide or to a maximum depth of 60 feet. Visibility in the water was typically about 45 feet. Debris concentrations were found in 5 specific areas: Reshimosti Island north and south, Nevski Island north, Whiting Harbor east and the submerged tank by the Sitka Airport runway. Reports for each of these areas follow. Most of the debris is composed of iron: vehicle frames, cylindrical tanks, beams and assorted unidentifiable items. There is a limited amount of aluminum – two airplane wings, and some stainless steel pans and trays. Much of the debris was encrusted with coralline algae and had kelp growing on it. Various small fish and invertebrate species were observed on and around the debris. With the exception of the heavy gearboxes and other thick iron pieces, much of the debris could be broken either by hand or by pounding on it with a rock. It is possible that some of the material found was from sources other than the military. Removal of the debris would be very difficult due to the advanced state of corrosion – the material would break into small fragments if an attempt as made to lift it with a cable or chain. No sign of petroleum or other pollutants was observed.
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Truck Frames, Steel Girders |
Copper Pipe |
Steel Tanks |
If you know of more debris or, have witnessed environmental impacts please contact the Dod Lands Investigator at (907) 747-7500 Ext 13
Dod Lands Investigator spjohnson@sitkatribe.org
Lead Cable FACTS: The Health risks and tribal concerns.
Native American Lands Environment Mitigation Program (NALEMP) Web Site
Mount Edgecumbe High School's World War II Site
Matt Hunters World War II Site