Bank erosion exposing old landfill contents

Observation by Jeffrey Luther: A fisherman was coming home from fishing last night and noticed (what he thoughts was) a coffin sticking out of the old gravesite above one of the markers I used to measure erosion with last summer. Trying to figure out who to contact for any sort of assistance if available to financially fund the removal, and relocating of the coffin(s) if more are found.

Update: The grave digging committee sent someone out to inspect to make sure it was a grave. I don't know the exact location of it. Upon investigation of the site, the object turned out to not be a coffin, but rather an old air duct or metal meat trailer. 05-12-22

LEO Network Editors Comments: This is an ongoing problem in Noatak with the combination of permafrost and erosion from thawing and the river bank causing infrastructure and historical sites to be exposed and (in some cases) lost to the river. Noatak residents have been proactive in relocation of landfills and burial sites in years past. If lost to the river, large objects (especially metal) can become a navigation hazard for travel up the river. We are very glad to hear that this is not coffin, as management of human remains is complicated, handling remains with care and sensitivity to religious and cultural practices, from a legal standpoint, and also for health and safety reasons. Here is some background on the topic based on burial sites in Noatak and the region, as well as some guidance documents in case this issue occurs in the future.

On the topic of burial sites: >There are many burial sites in Alaska located along eroding coastlines or riverbanks. Every year there are reports of new sites that have been exposed and the remains must be cared for before they are lost. In LEO Network, there have been over a dozen posts about eroding burial sites since 2014. Most of these from the Norton Sound Region or Northwest Alaska. The Center for Climate and Health at ANTHC also has records of eroding sites in Buckland, Deering, Selawik and Noatak. One of the LEO Network posts (attached) is from Noatak, posted in 2019 by Paul Walton. At the time, he described the situation as follows: " Our gravesite was moved to the north side of town. It was relocated due to river erosion. But now the permafrost is thawing at the new location causing the crosses and graves to sink. No problem with exposure of remains at this time."

Historically there has been problems with spring flood and related erosion causing the need for grave site relocation. The 1993 spring breakup caused 30 feet of erosion adjacent to the cemetery, near where the airstrip is today. Flooding during the fall of 1994 further threatened the site, so residents mobilized and relocated 200 graves to the north side of town. In 2007, the Tribal Administrator reported that the main factor causing erosion was melting permafrost. Bank loss was reported at a rate of about 10 feet per year. In 2021 the erosion rate was again 30" plus feet. Thawing is also contributing to general sinking of the land, and a gradual slipping of buildings towards the river. Some homes are regularly in need of leveling, utility poles are leaning, and the airstrip and the road that connects the village with the boat landing are vulnerable to erosion.

It may be difficult to stop subsidence at the new graveyard. Covering any low areas with a layer of fine silt or sod may help to prevent ponding and discourage thaw. Trimming back shrubs can help to prevent snow capture and insulation of the ground. Note: the less snow, the more seasonal ground freeze can occur, which can help preserve permafrost. If markers are beginning to lean or fall, basic maintenance of individual gravesites can help preserve the record.

In regard to caring for the remains that are exposed, it is important to coordinate activities with local government along with the State of Alaska and regional authorities like tribal health organizations and boroughs. Each state has laws affecting what happens to a body after death. For example, most states have unique rules about embalming, burial or cremation, scattering ashes, and how to get a death certificate. Most bodies are buried in established cemeteries, but there are no state laws in Alaska that prohibit burial on private property. This doesn’t mean there are no regulations at all. Many local governments have rules governing burial. To learn more, see the publication, "Burial Plots on Private Property", published by the Alaska Division of Environmental Conservation (attached). If the coffin needs to be replaced, you should check with the cemetery as they may have requirements on the type of container. Before burying a body on private land or establishing a family cemetery, you should check municipal and borough zoning rules.

The Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics has a form that must be submitted if you are intending on "disinterment" or digging up human remains. This form is attached. Also attached is the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services fact sheet entitled, "Handling Human Remains from Burial Sites and Cemeteries Fact Sheet." This provides guidance on how to handle remains safely and reduce the risk of infectious disease. We have also copied the Maniilaq Office of Environmental Health as they can provide assistance and guidance on any related environmental health concerns. For guidance on how to address religious and cultural concerns, we recommend reaching out to local religious officials for their assistance and guidance. Mike Brubaker