The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has authorized emergency marine snow disposal in Gastineau Channel to address the ongoing snow emergency in Juneau and protect public safety.
The authorization allows the City and Borough of Juneau and the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities to dispose of snow in marine waters under emergency conditions after land-based disposal sites reached or exceeded capacity.
Earlier in the day, CBJ and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska issued a joint emergency disaster declaration citing record snowfall and prolonged extreme weather.
With major snow hauling underway, officials said marine disposal is necessary to clear blocked streets, intersections, and sidewalks; protect pedestrians and students returning to school; maintain emergency routes; and support the safe removal of snow from public building roofs.
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According to DEC, the authorization was issued Dec. 31, 2025. Only clean snow may be disposed of in marine waters, and the practice is permitted only when land-based sites are at capacity. DEC said it will continue regulatory oversight to ensure disposal follows state guidance and environmental protections.
