Natural asbestos mapped

The Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys has released maps depicting the likelihood of naturally occurring asbestos in bedrock in Alaska. Areas of potential and known occurrences are shown on 21 maps that cover the state, with a color-coded scale that ranges from high-to-known through zero-to-low potential. The maps were funded by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, which authorizes site-specific plans to provide immunity to landowners and contractors using gravel or aggregate material containing naturally occurring asbestos.

The new maps are meant to be a guide. However, determining the presence and amount of asbestos requires careful examination of the local geology and the collection and testing of samples.

The maps and accompanying report are available for download at http://dx.doi.org/10.14509/29447 and are available on request as printed maps from the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys for $13 per map sheet. The materials also will be available for inspection at the Anchorage DNR Public Information Center and at the Geologic Materials Center in Anchorage.

More in Neighbors

David Corenswet is Superman in "Superman." (Promotional image courtesy DC Studios)
On the Screen: ‘Superman’ a bold vision of hope, kindness

The film dares to say that kindness is “punk rock.”

Photo by Charles Whittlesey
Tatiana McWethy demonstrates her restoration technique on the icon of St. Nicholas.
Living and Growing: Historic Russian-American icons receive 1st restoration in 130 years

When that rare Juneau sunlight hit the canvas, St. Nicholas came to life, and swam in it

Photos by Bill Glude
About 50 people attended a rally promoting Canada-United States friendship on the international border near Skagway on July 5.
About 50 people from the Yukon and Skagway attend border rally

Aim of rally in the White Pass was the promotion of Canada-United States friendship and good relations

The old Forest Service administration bunkhouse building pictured here was built during the boom of the logging industry and has sat empty for decades. Now, it may be repurposed as a cultural healing center in Kake, Alaska. Photo by Tyler Bell.
Salmon State: A healing center for Kake

The center will be open to attendees from all Southeast Alaska communities, especially rural ones.

Toasted nuts top this shortbread cookie bar.
Cooking for Pleasure: Three layers of sweetness

These bar cookies combine layers or shortbread, chocolate and toasted nuts

Jensen-Olson Arboretum is seen in this undated photo. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Free art lessons for children to be hosted at arboretum July 26

Registration opens July 16 at noon and is limited to 20 students.

Photo courtesy Scott Burton
The first Resilience Circles cohort gathers in Juneau for a cohort retreat.
Woven Peoples and Place: Bridging knowledge systems

Across Southeast Alaska, partners are advancing the co-production of knowledge

Dave Ringle, special projects coordinator at St. Vincent de Paul, is photographed Thursday, June 19, 2025. (Natalie Buttner / Juneau Empire)
Living and Growing: Speaking our values with action

Service changes when there is a relationship involved

Shrimp pasta salad à la New Orleans limits the vegetables to celery and green onions and is mixed with a mayonnaise-based sauce. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking for Pleasure: Making local shrimp the star

Shrimp pasta à la New Orleans focuses on the seafood

Most Read