2009 Permit (Seward)

Request for Permit to Integrate Chemical Weed Control

In July 2009, the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) submitted an application to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) to use AquaMaster, a glyphosate-based herbicide, to manage out-of-control vegetation on the 90-mile stretch of track between Seward and Indian as part of an annual integrated vegetation management program.

The ADEC solicited public input throughout a 60-day comment period and three public hearings in mid-August. Hearings were held in Whittier (August 10, 2009), Seward (August 11), and Anchorage (August 12). Comments were accepted until September 15, 2009.

The ADEC approved a two-year permit in April 2010. In late July 2010, a licensed herbicide contractor applied AquaMaster within the Seward Rail Yard and along about 30 miles of track between Seward and Indian. ADEC observed the application to ensure it met with permit stipulations.

2009 Seward Permit Application

 2009 Permit Application Form

 2009 Permit Application Attachment 3-1 - Locations

 2009 Permit Application Attachment 3-1 - Overview Map

 2009 Permit Application Attachment 3-2-a - Land Ownership

2009 Seward Permit Maps

These maps illustrate water bodies near the Alaska Railroad Right of Way along the railbelt from Seward to Anchorage.

 Overview Map of Proposed Application area  

 Map 2 Seward to Portage

Map 2 Portage to Eklutna

Display Boards Available at the  August 2009 Public Hearings:

 Board 1: The Number One Reason = Safety

 Board 2: Additional Compelling Reasons

 Board 3: Current Methods of Control

 Board 4: An Integrated Approach

 Board 5: Chemical Weed Control Application

 Board 6: 2009 and 2006 Permit Application Comparison

 Board 7: University-led Herbicide Research Project

 Board 8: About AquaMaster® and AgriDex®