On September 7, 2023, the CBJ Utility noted an aroma of diesel in the wastewater collections system in the Juneau downtown area and at the Juneau/Douglas waste treatment facility. At the same time, downtown businesses also reported the fuel smell directly to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC).
The CBJ Utility and ADEC immediately launched a joint field investigation to find and isolate/mitigate the source of the diesel entering the sewer system. While a potential source was quickly identified, subsequent and continuing reports of diesel aromas from downtown business owner/operators and the Utility suggest that there may still be an active leak occurring.
Diesel in the CBJ sewer system poses significant risks to human health and infrastructure, interferes with the waste treatment process, and jeopardizes our fisheries and environment.
If you are aware of any leaking fuel tanks or pipes, or know of any other possible sources of fuels that may be discharging to our drainage and sewer systems, please contact ADEC’s office of Spill Prevention and Recovery (SPAR) immediately:
- Report online at reportspills.alaska.gov
- Call the DEC response team office toll-free at 1-800-478-9300
For more information, please contact Chad Gubala at chad.gubala@juneau.gov or (907) 586-0393.