What studies have the Maritime Administration and ICRC taken to alleviate geotechnical concerns at the site?
One of the first roles undertaken by the Maritime Administration and ICRC was to review and understand the various alternatives under evaluation by the Port of Anchorage. The Maritime Administration, through their contractors, began to collect and analyze data, including geotechnical feasibility studies. There were many meetings with the contractors conducting the analysis, as well as the Municipality of Anchorage’s Geotechnical Advisory Committee (GAC). Information needed for these meetings were gathered from the substantial samplings and analysis. Subsequent to the samplings and approval of the GAC, an indepth environmental impact assessment was performed. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), its implementing regulations (Council on Environmental Quality [CEQ], 40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 1500 – 1508), the Port of Anchorage and the Maritime Administration identified a preferred alternative. In addition, the process included contracting for advance
