March 11, 2009: Sonja Benson and Missy Corrigan, Brownfield Revitalization Planned for Noyes Slough, Fairbanks Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation

Brownfield Revitalization Planned for Noyes Slough, Fairbanks Alaska

Sonja Benson and Missy Corrigan
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Noyes Slough is a five-mile stretch of slow-moving water, meandering through the northern parts of the City of Fairbanks. Before 1945, the Tanana and Chena Rivers contributed water to Noyes Slough during times of high flow. Flood control measures since 1945 have reduced flow to the slough so that the primary source of water in the slough is now groundwater and runoff from storm drains, with almost no flushing occurring at high river stages.

The Tanana Valley Watershed Association is spearheading an effort to revitalize Noyes Slough. The long-term goals of the revitalization are to increase the number of days of free-flowing water in the slough each year, to improve the waterway for better fish and wildlife habitat, and to enhance year-round community recreational use. DEC worked closely with the Tanana Valley Watershed Association on their successful application for a Targeted Brownfield Assessment from the EPA for a comprehensive study of the potential for revitalization of the slough as a community asset and recreational resource.