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ALASKA VILLAGE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
Citation:
Reid, B. ALASKA VILLAGE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/3-80/039 (NTIS PB80190812), 1980.
Description:
Two demonstration projects were built as authorized by Section 113 of PL 92-500. Modular construction was used to provide central utility systems which included water supply, laundry, bathing, saunas, and wastewater treatment. Service to homes was by vehicular delivery. Fire destroyed the facility at Wainwright in 1973 and the project was subsequently rebuilt. Energy conservation measures were employed to minimize costs of operation. Equipment performed satisfactorily, but operator preparedness was lacking, thus, many breakdowns occurred. Overall cost of operation and maintenance of the facilities nearly exceed the financial capacity of the communities. Ownership of the facilities was transferred to the local government by the EPA. The AVDP was paralleled by projects built by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) at 11 locations. Small communities need outside support for operation and maintenance of utility systems. Time and training will be required to prepare local residents to assume managerial responsibilities for these projects.