Airport Road Dumpsite

NORTECH partnered with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Brownfield Assessment and Cleanup Program to evaluate a historic dumpsite on University of Alaska property near Copper Center. Our team combined aerial drone surveys with on-the-ground field assessments to document conditions across a three-acre area of waste debris.

The investigation identified scattered household waste, scrap metal, vehicles, and industrial equipment concentrated along steep slopes and a bluff drainage channel. By pairing more than 300 overlapping aerial photos with LiDAR imagery, we provided a clear picture of site conditions and hazards.

NORTECH’s recommendations focused on improving site management and safety, including signage, access controls, and targeted cleanup to reduce risks to visitors, wildlife, and the surrounding environment. This project highlights our ability to integrate modern survey technology with practical fieldwork to support community safety and responsible land stewardship in rural Alaska.