Shishmaref Former Tannery
August 27, 2025 |Brownfields Site
History:
The Shishmaref Former Tannery was operating under the Shishmaref Native Corporation for many years. As the building began to dilapidate, they were forced to close the tannery. The structure has remained unused due to the fear of lead paint and other contaminants. Now the old tannery building is threatened and vulnerable to shoreline erosion. With the increase of storm surges in the last few years, the shoreline has been eaten away to the base of the tannery building. Since the lead paint and asbestos as well as other contaminant status is unknown, the community is worried that it will fall apart and contaminate the area. This shoreline is where tribal members conduct their subsistence fishing, harvesting of walrus and seal and where their fish drying racks are placed. On a visit to the tannery in July of 2024, the shoreline had been reduced by 50 feet.
Concerns:
The community uses this area to subsist traditional foods such as fish, walrus, and seals. They also have fish drying racks on this site. With the suspected lead paint, asbestos and other unknown contaminants, locals are concerned with their subsistence foods becoming contaminated.
Actions:
7/2023 Kawerak conducted site visit
7/2024 Kawerak conducted a site visit
11/2024 Eligibility Worksheet approved by EPA
8/2025 Phase I was conducted
9/2025 Contract for demolition secured with Native Village of Shishmaref
Upcoming:
9/2025 Demolition of Former Tannery
