Community Hears Phase II Findings on Former Tazlina Laundromat Site

Residents gathered on February 24 to hear the results of a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment of the former Tazlina Laundromat property, a long-vacant building just south of the Native Village of Tazlina. The meeting offered a detailed look at environmental conditions on the site and outlined possible next steps for cleanup and future use.

The presentation was led by Josh Solomon and Dan Wilson of ChemTrack, the environmental firm contracted to conduct the assessment. The project is being coordinated locally by Sarah Daszkiewicz of the Copper River Native Association (CRNA), through funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Tribal Response Program and oversight from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC).

The former laundromat operated from the early 1980s through the mid-1990s and has remained unused for decades. Because of its past use including fuel tanks, floor drains, and a sanitary system, the property was identified for further environmental review.

Phase II moves beyond historical research and involves hands-on testing. Over the fall, ChemTrack crews conducted ground penetrating radar to locate underground piping, collected soil samples beneath floor drains and fuel lines, tested groundwater from the on-site well, and evaluated building materials for asbestos, lead, and PCBs. Crews also inventoried and consolidated containers found inside the deteriorating structure to prevent future spills.

The findings were largely reassuring.

Groundwater samples did not exceed state cleanup standards. No asbestos was detected in building materials, and no PCBs were found. One paint sample contained trace lead, but at levels below regulatory concern.

However, a few localized areas showed contamination. Soil beneath certain interior drains and within the sanitary system contained elevated diesel-range hydrocarbons and trace metals. Another interior location associated with a former fuel drain also showed higher contamination levels.

Importantly, presenters emphasized that contamination appears confined to specific “hot spots” rather than spread across the entire 2.9-acre property.

During the discussion, community members asked about previous uses of the site, including RV wastewater dumping. Investigators confirmed that wastewater had been directed into the sanitary system and that contamination appears to be contained within that system rather than spreading into surrounding soils.

Questions were also raised about potential cleanup methods. Three potential paths forward were outlined: taking no further action, pursuing partial demolition with limited cleanup, or completing full site remediation and redevelopment. These options are planning tools and not final decisions.Tazlina Board members and Ahtna will review the findings and determine next steps in coordination with regulatory agencies.

The evening’s meeting reflected strong community interest in the future of the property. Attendees shared questions, local knowledge, and perspectives on redevelopment possibilities.

Dinner for the gathering was catered by Cast Iron Cafe, prepared by Sarah Nelson, helping create a welcoming atmosphere for conversation and engagement.

While environmental remediation can be a lengthy process, the Phase II assessment provides clearer direction. With contamination appearing limited and manageable, the community now has a stronger foundation for deciding how best to move forward with the former laundromat site.

Disclosures: Lakota McRoberts works for a separate department of CRNA.