HomeMy WebLinkAboutPort Lions Hydroelectric Report 1980r--Port Lions Hydroelectric Project
Alaska Power Authority
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ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
Kodiak Electric Association Inc.
Kodiak, Alaska
Beak Consultants Incorporated
Portland, Oregon
September, 1980
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FOREWORD
This report has been prepared for Kodiak Electric Association by Beak
Consultants Incorporated as Project D2672. Administration, data collection,
analysis and presentation were the responsibilities of the following
personnel:
Edward L. Mulvihill
Robert H. Ellis, Ph.D.
Paul H. Whitney, Ph.D.
Steve Langdon, Ph.D.
Kathryn Menard
Project Director
Project Manager/Fisheries Biologist
Wildlife Biologist
Anthropologist, University of
Alaska, Anchorage
Graphic Artist
c~~-~~rt H. Ellis
Project t~anager
Project 026 72
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1.0 Project Description
2.0 Environmental Setting
2.1 Climate
Table of Contents
2.2 Water Quality and Quantity
2.2. 1 Water Quality
2.2.2 Water Quantity
2.2.2. 1 Port Lions River
2.2.2.2 Crescent Lake
2.3 Air Quality
2.4 Fish
2.4.1 Pink Salmon
2.4.2 Dolly Varden Char
2.4.3 Coho Salmon
2.4.4 Other Fishes
2.4.5 Marine Orqanisms
2.5 Vegetation
2.5. 1 Crescent Lake
2.5.2 Port Lions River
2.5.3 Forebay Dam/Penstock Area
2.5.4 Mouth
2.6 Wildlife
2.7 Threatened and Endangered Species
2.7. 1 Aquatic Species
2.7.2 Vegetation
2. 7.3 Wildlife
2.8 Land Use
2.9 Recreation
2.10 Community Profile
2.10.1 Population
2.10.2 Economy
2. 10.3 Subsistence
2.10.4 Housing
2. 10.5 Transportation
2. 10.6 Education
2.10. 7 Health
2. 10.8 Government
2. 10.9 Other Services
2.10.10 Native Organizations
2.10.11 Cost of Living
2.11 Archeological Profile
2.11.1 Kodiak Island Prehistory: Overview
2. 11.2 Archeological Profile of Kodiak Archipelago Sites
2. 11.3 Local Sites
2.12 Historical Profile
3.0 Impacts
3.1 Climate
3.2 Water Quality and Quantity
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3.2.1 Water Quality
3.2. 1.1 Construction
3.2. 1.2 Operation
3.3.2 Water Quantity
3.2.2.1 Construction
3.2.2.2 Operation
3.3 Air Quality
3.4 Fish
3.4.1 Construction
3.4.2 Operation
3.5 Vegetation
3.5. 1 Crescent Lake
3.5.2 Port Lions Creek
3.5.3 Forebay Dam Area
3.5.4 Mouth/Lagoon Area
3.6 Wildlife
3.7 Threatened and Endangered Species
3.8 Land Use
3.9 Recreation
3.10 Socioeconomic
3.11 Archeological
3.12 Historical
4.0 Mitigation
4.1 Climate
4.2 Water Quality and Quantity
4.2. 1 Water Quality
4.2.2 Water Quantity
4.3 Air Quality
4.4 Fish
4.5 Vegetation
4.6 Wildlife
4.7 Threatened and Endangered Species
4.8 Land Use
4.9 Recreation
4.10 Socioeconomic
4.10.1 Employment
4.10.2 Fuel Oil and Cost of Living
4.11 Archeological
4.12 Historical
5.0 Community Response
6.0 Alternatives
6.1 Run-of-river Hydroelectric Supplemented With Diesel
6.2 Hydroelectric Power From the Terror Lake Project
6.3 No Action Alternative
6.4 Electrical Generation By Natural Gas
7.0 Agency Contacts
8.0 References
9.0 Personal Communications
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List of Tables
Page
Table 2.2-1. Benthic macroinvertebrates taken at the forebay
dam site July 2, 1980. 9
Table 2.2-2. Flow data for Port Lions River collected by
U.S.G.S. and City of Port Lions in 1979. 16
Table 2.2-3. Flow data for Port Lions River collected by
KEA in 1980. 1 7
Table 2.2-4. Mean monthly discharge estimates to the Port
Lions River at the forebay dam site. Data based
on averages at specified drainages (prepared fro~
data supplied by Roland Jones, Consulting
Engineer for KEA). 19
Table 2.4-1. Species list of marine organisms likely to occur
in Settler's Cove, Port Lions, Alaska (from U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Planning Aid Letter to Alaska
Power Authority, 3 April 1980). 28
Table 2.4-1. Continued. 29
Table 3.2-1. Projected monthly mean discharge in the Port Lions
River, flow requirements for the City of Port
Lions and KEA and the projected monthly shortage
or surplus of water (compiled from data provided
by Roland Jones, Consulting Engineer to KEA). 66
Tab 1 e 6. 3-1 . Comparison of cost per kilowatt hour for diesel and
hydrogeneration alternatives. 93
Table 7.0-1. List of agencies contacted regarding the Port Lions
Hydro. 96
Table 7.0-1. Continued. 97
Table 7.0-1. Continued. 98
List of Figures
Page
Figure 2.0-1. Study area map. 4
Figure 2.2-1. Major ions and specific conductance for all Kodiak
Island streams sampled by Jones et al. 1978. 7
Figure 2.2-2. Temperature profi 1 es for two Kodiak Lakes. Karluk
Lake {a) profile represents a stratified condition
and was measured in September, 1974. The profile
for Akulura Lake {b) is indicative of a weakly
stratified lake and was measured July, 1975 {from
Jones et al. 1978). 12
Figure 2.2-3. Flood magnitude and frequency curve for Myrtle Creek
near Kodiak {from Jones et al. 1978). 15
Figure 2.4-1. Potential pink salmon spawning habitat in the Port
Lions River.
Figure 2.4-2. Typical gravel from the area of lower Port Lions
River deemed suitable for pink salmon spawning. 24
Figure 2.5-1. North shore of Crescent Lake. Riparian vegetation
is not well developed. 32
Figure 2.5-2. Upper Port Lions River. 34
Figure 2.5-3. Port Lions River in area of proposed forebay reservoir. 35
Figure 2.5-4. Mouth of Port Lions River. Note grassy vegetation
on right bank. 37
Figure 2.10-1. History of Port Lions fuel oil expense. Numhers in
parentheses indicate total dollars paid per year. 54
Figure 2.11-1. Archeological sites in the vicinity of Port Lions. 56
PORT LIONS HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A dam for storage and flow regulation would be constructed across the
natural outlet of Crescent Lake in the headwaters of the Port Lions H1ver.
The dam would raise the water surface elevation from its present level of
about 90.8 m (298 feet) Mean Sea Level (M.S.L) to a maximum of about 95.1 m
(312 ft) M.S.L. The surface area of the lake d be increased from its
present 59 hectares (146 acres) to 113 hectares (280 acres) at full pool ele-
vation. A forebay dam 6.1 m (20ft) high, 97.6 m (320 ft) long with a crest
elevation of 27.4 m (90ft) M.S.L. would be constructed across the Port Lions
River approximately 396 m (1 ,300 ft) upstream from the mouth. The resulting
impoundment would have a surface area of 3.2 hectares (8 acres) when filled
to spillway elevation. Power flows would be conducted from the forebay dam
a a 0.76 m (30 inch) diameter smooth pipe or a 0.91 m (36 inch) diameter cor-
rugated pipe. The penstock would be 390m (1,280 ft) in length and would be
buried along the north side of the river. The powerhouse would consist of an
insulated wood frame or metal ilding near the mouth of the Port Lions River
on the north shore. The powerhouse would contain either two 90 or two 1
turbine generator units. The tailrace from the powerhouse would be excavated
to the lagoon at the river mouth. A switchyard would be constructed adJacent
to the powerplant and the switchyard and powerplant would be enclosed within
a chain link fence. An access road would be constructed along the penstock
right of way from the highway to the powerplant and a small parking lot would
be developed. Approximately 1,858 square meters (20,000 square feet) of ground
would be required for the access road, parking lot, powerplant and switchyard.
- 1 -
Transmission lines from the switchyard to the existing underground distri
tion system would be 45.2 m (150 ft) long and underground.
- 2 -
2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The Port Lions hydroelectric project study area is shown in Figure 2.0-1.
The following description of the environmental setting of this area was de-
rived partially from general information sources for the Kodiak Island region
and partially from site-specific information obtained through a site recon-
naissance survey conducted by BEAK biologists and a socioanthropologist 2-3
July, 1980. The site reconnaissance included examination of the inlet tribu-
taries to Crescent Lake, the Crescent Lake shoreline, the length of the Port
Lions River and the lagoon near the river mouth. Special attention was placed
on those areas that are proposed to be disturbed by dam construction, power-
house construction and inundated by reservoirs. General observations on the
water quality, aquatic biota, wildlife and historical-archeological aspects of
the area were taken. Socioeconomic data were obtained during the site recon-
naissance through interviews with the Mayor, businessmen and other citizens of
Port Lions. A public meeting was held during the site visit to obtain input
on concerns of the residents relative to the proposed project. Additional
site-specific information was obtained through interviews with agency personnel
familiar with the area and agency publications. Data developed for the nearby
Terror Lake Hydroelectric Project by the Arctic Environmental Information and
Data Center, University of Alaska, were very helpful in providing general back-
ground information for the area.
2.1 Climate
The proposed Port Lions hydroelectric project is located in the coastal
uplands of Kodiak at the northern end of the Island. The climate in the
coastal uplands of Kodiak is marine, and is therefore characterized by mild
winters and cool summers. Daily temperature variations are generally small.
- 3 -
---------------
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Figure 2.0-1. Study area map.
Maximum average summer temperatures (12-l40C) generally occur in July or August
while average minimum temperatures (-5 to -7°C) usually occur in December.
Extremes of 30°C and -24°C have been recorded at Kodiak.
Precipitation is abundant throughout the year. Maximums normally occur
in September and October with March. April and June the driest months. An-
nual precipitation shows clear "rain shadow" effects with the eastern end of
the Island receiving substantially more precipitation than the western end.
Most of the storm systems move from the south and east and deposit their mois-
ture on the eastern and south-eastern slopes of the mountain ranges. Snowfall
averages more than 2 m annually in some areas. but the amount varies consider-
ably as do the levels and the length of time that snow remains on the ground.
No site-specific precipitation data are available for the Port Lions area.
Winds in the Kodiak area average 16 kilometers (10 miles) per hour but
are highly variable from location to location due to the protective influence
of mountainous terrain. The prevailing wind direction is northwesterly from
August through April and easterly in May. June and July. Both wind direction
and speed are highly variable due to frequent passage of storm systems to the
south and east. Two types of strong winds occur: (a) winds which are gen-
erally perpendicular to the coast with strong but narrow bands of wind. and
are associated with strong land/sea pressure gradients. and channeling by narrow
river valleys, and (b) winds which are broader in coverage but more persistent
(Calhoun et al. 1976). Charts presented by Thorn (1968) show a recurrence in
the Kodiak region of 100-knot winds once every 25 years and 80-knot winds once
every two years. Stationary winter storms that produce persistent strong winds
of stable heading create substantial wave action that could affect coastal in-
stallations.
- 5 -
The Kodiak region experiences more fog than most other coastal areas
in the Gulf of Alaska. Fog is most persistent and obstructive to visibility
from June through September, when the air contains the most moisture and
is warmer than the ocean. Ground level temperature inversions occur
frequently during the winter (55-60 percent of the time in December and
January) thus in areas of low wind speed, there is a potential for pollution
build up (Calhoun et al. 1976).
2.2 Water Quality and Quantity
2.2.1 Water Quality
Comparative studies of the water quality of streams and lakes of the
Kodiak region have been conducted by Jones et al. (1978). Relationships
between specific conductance and major ions developed by Jones et al. (ibid)
(Figures 2.2-la, b, and c) were used to estimate major ions in the Port
Lions River. Specific conductance of the Port Lions River on 2 July 1980,
was 42 ~mhos at 20°C. This value falls within the lower range of conductivity
values reported by Jones et al. (ibid) for Kodiak streams. From the relation-
ship shown in Figure 2.2-la, b, and c, it was estimated that the Port Lions
River had a hardness value of approximately 10 mg/liter as calcium carbonate.
a dissolved solids concentration of about 25 mg/liter and a bicarbonate con-
centration of approximately 8 mg/liter. Streams having these characteristics
are referred to as 11 SOft water 11 streams and characteristically have a low
buffering capacity (resistance to change in pH).
Nutrient influx to Crescent Lake and the Port Lions River appears to be
minimal. Most of the water originates from snowmelt or rainfall on the
- 6 -
a b c
<-> 220 220 <-> . 'in It')
"' N -. . .
200 200 -c c
a:: a:: ..... ... -180 180 -... ... • ~ ---z 160 160 z ... ... <..> <->
a:: a:: .... uo r-140 ..... .... . . . a..
"' . . "' 0 Q ::r:: :X: =-120 120 =-0 0
"" . a:
<-> . . <-> .· . . , , . ii -....! ::IE 100 . . . 100
z . . • z . . . -. . . . . . 80 . .. .. 60 . ... ... =~·· . .... ~ 4·.-:::-...
(.) •': .. (.) z ,.:;!. ~· ••• -:!i •• z c --&.,'.""'-': c -. . .. . . . .... ......... ....
60 . ;,;:." a;.,: .... .. ,. 60 (.) .. ~:'• (.)
::::> ••"'!! ., . ::::>
0 ···! ·~. • '1. c z -~ .. .•. . : ..-; z
0 .. -tr'· C>
(.) 40 ::.r~ ,., ... 40 <-> ... .. ..... .... -::: -. <..> ? .. (.) -: . ;:;::: .... ; -20 20 -(.) (.) ... ... a.. a..
"' I 0 "' 0 0 0 20 40 60 0 ., 20 40 60 ao 100 20 40 60 80 100 120 80 100
HARDNESS AS CALCIUM CARBONATE, DISSOLVED-SOLIDS CONCENTRATION HCD3, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER
IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER (SUM OF MINERAL CONSTITUENTS)
IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER
Figure 2.2-1. Major ions and specific conductance for all
Kodiak Island streams sampled by Jones et al. 1978.
surrounding high mountain peaks. Runoff from these areas is typically lmv in
dissolved minerals (Jones et al. 1978). The low conductivity values
obtained for the Port Lions River supports this conclusion.
Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of the Port Lions River was
measured in the lagoon at the river mouth at low tide and in the area of
the proposed forebay dam. The respective values were 11.5 and 10.0 mg/liter.
Water temperatures at the time the measurements were taken were 11 .2oc at
the lagoon and 10°C at the forebay dam site. Both DO measurements were
near saturation for the respective water temperatures. Dissolved oxygen
would be expected to be near saturation throughout the year in the Port
Lions River since there is no evidence of oxygen depleting wastes or in-
cursion of low DO groundwater.
Benthic invertebrate samples were taken at the lagoon and the proposed
forebay dam site as an index of water quality. Samples were collected with
a Portable Invertebrate Box Sampler (Merritt and Cummins 1978). The lagoon
sample was dominated by gammaridean amphipods (at least 2 species). A few
isopods were the only other organisms collected. The low diversity of
benthic fauna reflects the variable salinity conditions that prevail in the
lagoon, ranging from fresh water at low tide to slightly diluted sea water
at high tide. Relatively few organisms can tolerate such a wide range of
salinity. Density of amphipods in the lagoon was relatively high.
Results of the benthic sample collected near the forebay dam site are
shown in Table 2.2-1. The higher diversity of organisms (number of different
taxa) and the presence of pollution sensitive organisms such as stoneflies
- 8 -
Table 2.2-1. Benthic macroinvertebrates taken at the
forebay dam site July 2, 1980.
TAXON
Plecoptera (stoneflies)
Chloroperlidae
Ephemeropta (mayflies)
Heptageni idae
Cinygmula spp.
Diptera (Trueflies)
Heleidae
Chironomidae
Culicidae
identified Diptera
Trichoptera (caddisflies)
anariidae
Annelidae (segmented worms)
- 9 -
is indicative of good water quality conditions. Density of benthic
organisms was relatively low.
Water temperature measurements were taken 1 July 1980 at the inlet
stream to Crescent Lake, in Crescent Lake, at the outlet and at several
points downstream on the Port Lions River. The purpose of the measurements
was to get an indication of the warming of the water that takes place from
Crescent Lake downstream. The results are as follows:
Location
Inlet Stream
Crescent Lake Surface
Crescent Lake Outlet
Port Lions River just below Island Lake
Port Lions River below confluence
of Branchwater Creek
Water Temperature
15°C
15°C
15°C
l7oC
16°C
Water temperatures increased 2°C as the water flowed from Crescent Lake
through Island Lake. The stream gradient throughout this area is low and
there is little overhanging vegetation to provide shade. On sunny days
substantial warming of the Port Lions River water is likely to occur. Pre-
liminary studies conducted by Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)
relative to use of the Port Lions River water for a small fish hatchery in-
dicated that summer water temperatures periodically were above preferred
rearing temperatures (Blackett, pers. comm. June 21, 1980). Slight cooling
was noted below the confluence of Branchwater Creek due to the mixing of
colder Branchwater Creek water.
No site-specific information is available regarding the thermal
characteristics of Crescent Lake. However, it is reasonable to assume that
it has thermal characteristics similar to other lakes of the region that have
-10 -
been studied. In general lakes in the Kodiak region exhibit essentially
form temperature distribution at or slightly above 4°C sometime during
early spring after ice out. As the weather becomes warmer, the water warms,
primarily through solar radiation. Evaporation inhibits the warming process
and sets up convection currents which are enhanced bv back radiation and
loss of sensible heat, especially at night. Additional mixing is produced
waves and currents which result from wind stress on the water surface.
is mixing leads to the downward transport of heat, and the resulting
vertical temperature distribution of the water body can be described as
either 11 Stratified" or "well-mixed.11 The former term implies that the upper
layers of water are significantly warmer than deeper layers, l'ihile the latter
term denotes a water mass of nearly uniform temperature
bottom.
surface to
Studies of lakes in the region (Jones al. 1978, and AEIDC 1979)
indicate that some lakes become thermally stratified throughout much of the
summer while others show only weak and/or temporary thermal stratification.
Stratified lakes with well developed epilimnion, r:1etalimnion and hypolimnion
generally occur in wind protected areas at lower elevations (Figure 2.2-2a).
Weakly stratified lakes, which show a gradual temperature decline with depth
(Figure 2.2-2b), are usually in wind exposed areas and are subject to nearly
continual wind mixing. Crescent Lake lies in an exposed basin near the top
of a broad ridge. It seems reasonable to assume that in such a wind exposed
location, wind mixing would be sufficient to maintain a mixed or weakly
stratified condition throughout most of the summer. Temporary stratification
develop during periods of low wind conditions.
-11 -
a b
0 D
.... ... .... ... ... .... ...
~ ....
100 ~ ..; . u ... c u ... c a: .... = • "' = • 200 M ... • .... ... c .... • c • • 0 • _,
0 ... 300 _, .. ...
::z: -.... ::c ... .... ... .. 0 ...
Cl
•co 80
0 5 10 1 5 5
lATER TEMPERATURE, lATER TEMPERATURE, IN DEGREES CELSIUS IN DEGREES CELSIUS
Figure 2.2-2. Temperature profiles for two Kodiak Lakes.
Karluk Lake (a) profile represents a strati-
fied condition and was measured in September,
1974. The profile for Akulura Lake (b) is
indicative of a weakly stratified lake and
was measured July, 1975 (from Jones et al. 1978).
-12 -
In the fall, the temperature of lakes in the region gradually cools.
Those that were thermally stratified during the summer gradually be~ome
unithermal and then freely circulate. Those lakes that were weakly
stratified circulate earlier since there is less thermal resistance to
mixing. As winter approaches, the water cools to approximately 4°C.
Freezing temperatures bring on development of ice cover and the lakes freeze
over. Ice cover on Kodiak lakes ranges from about 46 em {18 inches) to
76 em (30 inches) (Jones et al. 1978).
Dissolved oxygen concentration under the ice at Crescent Lake can be
expected to vary somewhat with depth. In most lakes studied by Jones et
. (1978) dissolved oxygen was near saturation at the water surface and
declined gradually with depth. Values as low as 0.0 mg/liter DO have
been recorded at the bottom of some lakes. Since water will be drawn off
of Crescent Lake at a depth no lower than its present surface elevation it
is doubtful that low dissolved oxygen conditions will be encountered during
either the winter or summer months.
2.2.2 Water Quantity
2.2.2.1 Port Lions River. The drainage area of the Port Lions River
above the forebay dam site is 28.5 square kilometers (11 square miles)
(Retherford Associates 1979). Runoff is rapid in the lower part of the
drainage basin due to occurrence of solid rock at shallow depths. e upper
watershed is relatively flat, contains several lakes and ponds and has peat
accumulations in low lying areas all of which tend to slow runoff.
-13 -
Fluctuations in streamflow of Kodiak streams are caused by variations
in precipitation and temperature. The highest streamflow results from
snowmelt in spring and early summer and from rainfall during late summer
and fall. Lowest streamflows generally occur in winte~ during and after
extreme cold periods. Low flows have also occurred during extended dry
periods of low precipitation in July and August in streams that receive
little ground-water inflow.
Flooding in the Port Lions River can be expected during spring snowmelt or
summer and fall rainstorms. Rain or snowmelt in the winter, when channels are
ice covered, also causes flooding, and flood stage th~n may be higher than flow
during open water periods. Since there is little historic flow data for the Port
Lions River, flood magnitude and frequency for Myrtle Creek near Kodiak are pre-
sented (Figure 2.2-3) to give the reader a general picture of the importance of
flooding in a stream of similar size. Myrtle Creek has a drainage basin of only
12.2 square kilometers (4.71 mi 2) but receives approximately twice the precipita-
tion due to its location on the south side of the island.
Discharge measurements for the Port Lions River were taken periodically
during the summer of 1979 by the U.S.G.S. and the City of Port Lions
(Table 2.2-2) and daily since April 23, 1980 by KEA (Table 2.2-3). The low
values recorded in July and August during both years reflect unusually low
precipitation during those months. The lowest flow recorded to date was 2.0
cubic feet per second (cfs) August 7, 1979. The lowest measured discharge
from streams on Kodiak Island range from no flow to 0.91 cfs per square mile
of watershed (Jones et al. 1978). A fiow of 2.0 cfs in the Port Lions River
is equivalent to 0.18 cfs per square mile of watershed and probably represents
an approximate summer minimum flow condition.
-14 -
I ... ... ... -...
&.
~ ... ... ... ... -~ ...
• .
= • c
E ... ...
D -c
~
-I c
:0
I c
1.000
100_
1.01
PaDIAIILI1l. IN PtaCtNT
cun •n•
1.1 2 3 4 5 10
ttcuaaENCE 1NttavaL. '" ttaas
50
-10
25 50
-I ... ... ...
• ...
&. .. • ... ... ... • ... -:0 ...
K
. ... .. • -a: ... ...
D -c ...
&.
-I -~
I -
Figure 2.2-3. Flood magnitude and frequency curve for
Myrtle Creek near Kodiak (from Jones et al.
1978).
-15 -
Table 2.2-2. Flow data for Port Lions River collected by
U.S.G.S. and City of Port Lions in 1979.
Date Stream ~ow {cfs)
June 25 4.0
July 2 12.5
9 11.5
16 13.0
23 12.5
30 6.2
August 6 3.5
7 2.0
17 6.0
September 14 100.0*
21 40.0
28 29.0
October 5 75.0
12 50.0
19 47.5
26 36.5
* estimated
-16 -
Table 2.2-3. Flow data for Port Lions River collected by KEA in 1980.
Stream Flow (cfs)
~ Apri 1 t~ay June ~ A-ugust Se_PJE:mbe r
1 -111.8 59.4 37.3 7.4 7.4
2 -99.9 -34.7 7.4 6.1
3 -105.8 -32.2 7.4 6. 1
4 -94.0 59.4 27.0 6. 1 8.8
5 -82. 1 54.0 27.0 6. 1 7.4
6 -105.8 48.5 27.0 6. 1 7.4
7 -105.8 48.5 24.3 6. 1 16.3
8 -153.9 48.5 24.3 7.4 51.2
9 -117.7 42.9 24.3 7.4
10 -94.0 37.3 27.0 8.8
11 -88.1 37.3 27.0 10.7
12 -82. 1 48.5 27.0 10.7
13 -76. 1 48.5 27.0 8.8
14 -70.2 42.9 27.0 10.7
15 -70.2 37.3 24.3 8.8
16 -147. 9 37.3 21.7 8.8
17 -117.7 37.3 19.0 7.4
18 -117.7 32.2 19.0 8.8
19 -105.8 32.2 16.3 7.4
20 -94.0 37.3 16.3 7.4
21 -82. 1 48.5 16.3 6. 1
22 -70.2 48.5 14.4 6. 1
23 94.0 76. 1 42.9 12.6 6. 1
24 94.0 82.1 37.3 10.7 4.7
25 94.0 70.2 70.2 10.7 3.3
26 94.0 70.2 70.2 10.7 3.3
27 105.8 70.2 48.5 10.7 4.7
28 105.8 70.2 48.5 10.7 4.7
29 117.7 64.8 33.3 10.7 8.3
30 117.7 59.4 37.3 8.8 3.3
31 -59.4 -8.8 14.4
-17 -
The discharge readings to date are insufficient to use as more than a
guide in estimati flow in the Port Lions River for hydroelectric purposes.
The readinqs do reflect the very dry summers experienced on Kodiak Island in
1979 and 1980. Estimates of the streamflow !Jased on precipitation and run-
off data from nearby \vatersheds and verified by many years of visual observa-
tions of streamflow at Port Lions have been reviewed, analyzed and adjusted
for establishing discharges for hydroelectric purposes.
Alaska Power Authority correlation studies were made with a U.S.G.S.
reading on Myrtle Creek situated on the northwesterly side of Cape Chiniak
approximately 13 miles sou of the city of Kodiak where rainfall may be
expected to be heavier than at Port Lions. The average annual flow for the
13 years of record was 44.9 cfs a 12.2 square kilometer drainage area.
Using the ratio of the two drainage areas and assuming runoff per square mile
to be one half for the Port lions River, a value of 52.4 cfs was obtained.
This was considered to be extremely high.
Additional correlation studies were made by K.E.A. with U.S.G.S. readings
on Uganik River and Terror River. These rivers are closer to the project area
and are also on the same side of the Island ich would directly relate to the
rainfall amounts. Terror River and k River are both in mountainous terrain
and it is believed that snmvmelt would be greater than at Port Lions and would
affect the gage readings in June, July and August. The average annual O\v for
the 4 years of record on Terror River was 260 cfs from a 119 square kilometer
(46 mi 2) drainage area. The average annual flow for the 26 years of record on
Uganik River was 671 cfs from a 319 square kilometer (123 mi 2 ) drainage area.
Using the ratio of the above drainage areas to the Project drainage area and
-18 -
assuming runoff per square mile to be 2/3 for Port Lions River, a value
of 44.1 cfs relative to Terror River and 42.6 cfs relative to nik River
was obtained for the average annual flow of the Port Lions River at the
Fore bay site.
Estimates of mean monthly discharge for the Port Lions River are shown
in Table 2.2-4. These estimates were computed in the same manner as the
estimates of average annual flow. Four years of gage data for Monashka Creek
were included in addition to the data previously discussed for Myrtle Creek,
Terror River and Uganik River. Monashka Creek is located near the city of
Kodiak and receives heavier rainfall than the Port Lions River drainage.
Monashka Creek has a drainage area of 13.2 square kilometers (5. 1 mi 2). It
was assumed that runoff per unit drainage area for the Port Lions River was
2/3 that of Monashka Creek.
Note that values less than 40 cfs occur only during the months of January,
February, March, November and December. During average precipitation years
these are expected to be the months when supplemental water will be required
from Crescent Lake. In years of low precipitation such as 1979 and 1980 flows
much less than 40 cfs are also likely to occur in July and August.
2.2.2.2 Crescent Lake. Crescent Lake has a surface area of 59 hectares
(146 acres). No bathymetric map of the lake has been made therefore no esti-
mate of the lake volume can be given. From visual observations. the lake ap-
peared to gradually increase in depth from the west end toward the eastern
end. Substrate is coarse sand, probably Katmi volcanic ash which has washed
in from the surrounding basin. Two small tributary streams drain into the lake.
The largest enters from the western end; the smaller from the southern side.
-19 -
Table 2.2-4. Mean monthly discharge estimates to the Port Lions River at
the forebay dam site. Data based on averages at specified
drainages (prepared from data supplied by Roland Jones, Con-
sulting Engineer for KEA). ·
Terror
Uga ni k Monashka Myrtle River Port Lions River Estimated Flow
Month River Creek Creek cfs cfs Acre-Ft ---
January 22.9 42.8 24.7 15. 1 19.0 1170
February 16.5 20.9 49.5 15.9 16.2 900
March 14.9 23.0 47.0 19.7 21.3 131 0
April 22.3 51. 1 66.8 27.4 59.0 3510
May 84.8 215.7 183.0 96. 1 90.5 5565
June 173.3 192.8 197.8 183. 1 50.0 2975
July 145.8 106.5 74.2 122.3 43.0 2640
August 89.3 72.9 79. 1 79.2 52.2 3210
September 83.3 122.8 148.4 122. 1 102.7 6110
October 66.7 87.3 106.3 70.2 68.5 4210
November 49.7 76.3 84.1 29.2 29.2 1740
December 25.5 38.9 54.4 19.3 20.0 1230
-20 -
2.3 Air Quality
Pristine air quality conditions exist around the Port Lions area
~re reduced somewhat by smoke from woodburning space heaters, oil stoves
and the KEA diesel electric generators. During most of the year air pol-
lutants are rapidly disbursed by strong onshore sea breezes and winds
associated with passing storms. However, during December and January,
temperature inversions are common and there is a potential for build up of
pollutants, especially wood smoke. The diesel electric generating plant is
located across Settlers Cove from the City of Port Lions and is far enough
away to have relatively little impact on air quality in the city.
2. 4 Fish
Thorough surveys of the fish fauna of the Port Lions River/Crescent
Lake drainage area have not been conducted. However, observations made
during the July site reconnaissance and information derived from discussion
with ADF&G personnel and Port Lions residents indicate that the following
species are present: pink salmon {Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), coho salmon
(Q. kisutch), Dolly Varden char {Salvelinus malma), coast range sculpin
{Cottus aleuticus), and stickleback {probably Gasterosteus aculeatus).
Starry flounder (Platyichthys stellatus) were observed in the small lagoon
at the mouth of the river during the site reconnaissance.
Other fish species may occur in the drainage basin but have not yet
been observed. Mr. Van Hulle, sport fisheries biologist for ADF&G, feels that
there is a reasonably good chance that rainbow trout {Salmo_gairdneri) may
-21 -
occur in Crescent Lake. He plans to conduct a gill net survey of the lake
in August or September, 1980 to better define the fishery resources of the
lake. The results of that study will be attached to this report when it
becomes available (pers. comm. 21 July, 1980).
2.4.1 Pink Salmon
Pink salmon are the only commercial fishery resource known to use the
Port Lions River for spawning or rearing purposes. Pink salmon spawn in
the lagoon at the mouth of the river and upstream to the first impassable
falls, a distance of approximately 160m (525 ft). According to Manthey
(pers. comm. 21 July, 1980) the run ranges in size from 0-200 ftsh with a
few more in some years. In 1977, 124 pink salmon were counted at the mouth
of the river by ADF&G personnel. Residents of the Port Lions area feel that
the run is occasionally much larger than the 124 reported in 1977 (Lukin,
pers. comm. 17 July, 1980); however, no specific numbers were provided.
Mr. ~anthey pointed out that accurate counts of pink salmon escapement to
the Port Lions River was difficult due to the dense growth of vegetation
along the streambanks which prevents clear observations by aerial surveyors.
Beven (1961) examined variability in aerial counts of spawning salmon and
found that an aerial observer can only detect differences in population size
of plus or minus 50 percent. The inherent variability in aerial counts and
the particular problems associated with aerial observation of the Port Lions
River probably account for the apparent difference in estimates between
ADF&G and Port Lions residents. In any case, it appears that even in the
best years the escapement is probably less than 1,000 fish.
-22 -
During the July site reconnaissance, pink salmon spawning habitat up
to the first impassable falls was mapped (Figure 2.4-1 ). Suitable spawning
gravel (size range 1-8 em diameter) occurs in the lagoon and between the
highway culvert and the falls (Figure 2.4-2). The stretch of stream between
the lagoon and the highway culvert has very little suitable spawning habitat
with only a few pockets of gravel interspersed between bedrock outcrops and
large rock. Pink salmon have been observed to spawn both in the lagoon,
which has a variable salinity regime due to tidal exchanges, and in the
area above the highway culvert. In both areas suitable habitat is limited.
Pink salmon spawn in the Port Lions River in August (ADF&G 1977). Females
usually produce between 1,500 and 2,000 eggs (ADF&G 1975) each of which
averages 6 mm in diameter. Mortality in the redd is usually high, on the
order of 75 percent or more. Superimposition of one redd on another,
predation, disease and smoothering by siltation are important contributors
to the mortality.
Pink salmon eggs normally hatch from December through February in
Kodiak streams. The exact timing is temperature dependent and is not known
for the Port Lions River population. Alevins remain in the gravel for
several weeks before emerging in April or May as swim-up fry. Upon emergence
from the gravel the fry migrate downstream, usually at night, to salt water
estuaries where they form schools. Pink salmon fry probably remain near shore
throughout the first summer. By September, they have attained lengths of
15 to 25 em and begin moving into deeper water. They remain in deep water
until the following summer, when they begin their spawning migration back to
their natal streams.
-23 -
N ...,.
,..
N
Wakefield Cannery Road
~ ~Suitable spawning gravel
Sea .. :
I I I I
0 li 10 20melers -Unsuitable gravel for spawning
Figure 2.4-1. Potential pink salmon spawning habitat in the Port Lions River.
Figure 2.4-2. Typical gravel from the area of lower Port Lions River
deemed suitable for pink salr.~on spawning (16 em pocket
thermometer is located in center of picture for size
reference).
Co
-25-
The short life cycle (14 to 16 months to onset of maturity) results in
segregation of one year's spawners from the next. This has resulted in two
genetically distinct groups commonly designated as "odd" or "even" year rur.s.
Wide variation in the strengths of the two runs is common but causative agents
are not fully understood.
Although the Port Lions River pink salmon contribute little to the total
commercial pink salmon catch for the Kizhayak Bay area (i.e., probably less
than 0.005 percent), some Port Lions residents feel that its continuation is
important because it provides a valuable educational experience for their
children. In 1979, the 9th grade class at Port Lions collected eggs from a
mature female pink salmon and fertilized the eggs with milt from two males.
They observed development of the embryos in aquaria and reared the young to the
fry stage. Comments by school children during the site reconnaissance in-
dicated that they felt preservation of the salmon run was an important part of
their heritage.
2.4.2 Dolly Varden Char
Dolly Varden occur as both anadromous and resident forms within the Kodiak
area and are the regions most widely distributed freshwater fish. Most resi-
dent fish inhabit land locked lakes or reaches of flowing waters above bar-
riers to anadromous stocks, such as the falls on the Port Lions River.
Several resident Dolly Varden were captured from the proposed forebay dam
area of the river during the site reconnaissance. The water was low and clear
and it was possible to see fish from the bank. All of the fish observed and
caught were small; the largest caught was approximately 15 em (6 in) in
length. Although a survey of the entire river was not conducted it is
-26 -
reasonable to assume that similar small Dolly Varden are distributed
throughout the remainder of the system.
During the reconnaissance survey of Crescent Lake numerous small fish
were observed feeding on insects on the lake surface. These fish were
probably Dolly Varden but could also have been rainbow trout. The survey
to be conducted by Mr. Van Hulle later this summer should clarify this point.
Below the falls on the lower river, two larger Dolly Varden were
observed. These were probably anadromous fish which had moved into the
river from the ocean. Dolly Varden often congregate in streams during the
salmon spawning runs to feed on dislodged eggs and decaying fish flesh
(Delacy 1941 ). An increase in the number of anadromous Dolly Varden in the
lower Port Lions River may therefore be expected during the pink salmon run.
2.4.3 Coho Salmon
A few coho salmon have been observed by residents of Port Lions during
the fall spawning migration. However, it is not clear whether these fish
represent a successfully spawning population or merely represent strays from
a larger run on one of the other Kizhuyak Bay tributaries. Since there is
little habitat for instream rearing of juvenile coho salmon, it seems likely
that the adult coho are strays.
2.4.4 Other Fishes
Sticklebacks were observed during the site reconnaissance in the inlet
to Crescent Lake but none were captured for positive species identification.
Stickleback bones and bony plates were found to comprise a large percentage
-27 -
of otter scat found around the periphery of Crescent Lake, indicating that
they may be relatively abundant in the lake. When abundant, stickleback
make an excellent prey source for predatory fishes such as Dolly Varden.
Coast range sculpins were found in the lagoon at the mouth of the
river and in the vicinity of the proposed forebay dam. They were collected
incidental to collection of benthic macroinvertebrates. Four sculpfns were
captured in a 0.1 m2 sample in the lagoon area while only one per 0.1 m2
sample was found in the forebay area. The coast range sculpin has a hi
salinity tolerance and is commonly found in the flowing water areas of
brackish water estuaries.
2.4.5 Marine Organisms
The Port Lions River empties into Settlers Cove approximately 2.0
kilometers (l .3 miles) from the mouth of the cove. Settlers Cove is ap-
proximately 2.5 kilometers (1.7 miles) long and 0.6 kilometers (0.4 miles)
wide. The upper l/3 of the cove is exposed at low tide. Channel areas in
the tide flats support dense growths of eel grass (Zostera marina). Various
forms of marine algae such as Ulva, Fucus, and Laminaria occur on the ex-
posed rocks. Large beds of mussels Mytilus spp. were observed scattered
over the tide flat area during the y site reconnaissance. rous
dungeness crab (Cancer magister) were observed from the causeway leading
from Port Lions to the docking facilities on Kizhuyak Bay. A list of the
marine organisms likely to occur in Settler•s Cove is presented in Table
2. 4-1 .
-28 -
Table 2.4-l.Species list of marine organisms likely to occur in
Settler's Cove, Port Lions, Alaska (from U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Planning Aid Letter to Alaska Power
Authority, 3 April 1980).
Marine Invertebrates
Common Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38 •.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
Jellyfish
Thimble Jellyfish
Sun Anemone
Comb Jelly
Tube llorm
Pile-worm
Plume Worm
Staghorn Bryozoan
Purple Starfish
Starfish
Twenty-rayed Starfish
Blood Starfish
Morning Sun Starfish
Green Sea Urchin
Sand Dollar
Black Katy Chiton
Lined Chiton
False Pacific Jingle
Blue Mussel
Californian Mussel
Horse Mussel
Nuttall's Cockle
Pacific Littleneck Clam
Smooth Washington Clam
Pacific Razor Clam
White Sand Macoma
Bent-nose Macoma
Alaska Astarte
Boreal Astarte
Balthic Macoma
Surf Clam
Soft-shell Clam
Horse Clam
Great Alaska Tellin
Broad Yoldia
Muller's Nut Clam
Opalescent Nudibranch
Sitka Periwinkle
Puppet Margarite
Moon Snail
N.U. Neptune
Oregon Triton
Atlantic Plate Limpet
Shield Limpet
White-cap Limpet
~cientific Name
Haliclystus ~
Sarsia mirabilis
Metridium senile
Pleurobrachia ~
Serpula vermicularis
Nereis procera
Eudistilia polymorpha
Bu~ula murrayana
Pisaster orhraceus
Pisaster ~
Pycnopodia helianthoides
Henricia leviuscula
Solaster dawsoni
Strongylocentrotus drobachiensis
Dendraster excentricus
Kathrina tunicata
Tonicella lineata
Pododesmus macroschisma
Mytilus edulis
Nytilus californianus
Volsella modiolus
Clinocardium nuttalli
Protothaca staminea
Saxidomus ~iganteus
Siliqua patula
Nacoma secta
Macoma nasuta
Astarte alaskensis
Astarte bore~lis
Macoma hal thica
Spisula alaskana
Mxa trunata
Schizothaerus nuttalli
Tellina lutea
Yoldia thraciaeformis
Nuculana pernula
Hermissenda crassicornis
Littorina sitkana
Margarites pupillus
Natica clausa
-29 -
Neptunea lyrata
Fusitriton oregonensis
Acmaea testudinalis
Acmaea pelta
Acmaea mitra
Table 2.4-1. (conti
l,6. Octopus
47. Acorn Barnacle
48. Rock Barnacle
49. Sand Flea
50. Alaska Shrimp
51. Hermit Crab
52. Hermit Crab
53. Lyre Crab (decorated)
54. Dungeness Crab
55. Horse Crab
56. Shrimp
57. Sea Lice
58. Dungeness Crab
59. King Crab
1. Candlefish
2. Pacific Cod
3. Black Blenny
4. Whitespotted Greenling
5. Buffalo Sculpin
6. Red Irish Lord
7. Bigmouth Sculpin
8. Great Sculpin
9. Sailfish Sculpin
10. Yellowfin Sole
FISH
Paroctopus sp.
Balnub p,1nnMa
Balnus cariosus
Orchestia traskiana
Crago alaskensis
Pagurus tenuimanus
Pagurus sp.
Hyas lyratus
Cancer magister
Telmessus cheiragonus
Pandalus
Cancer magister
Paralithodes camtschatica
Thaleichthys pacilucus
Gadus macrocephalus
Epigeichthys atropurpureus
Hexagrammus stclleri
Enophrys bison
Hernilepidotus hemilepidotus
Hemilepidotus jordani
Myoxocephalus polyacanthocephalus
Nautichthys oculofasciatus
Limanda aspera
ALGAE & MARINE PLANTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Sea Lettuce
Color Changer
Color Changer
Brown Sieve
Laminaria
Triple Rib
Bull Kelp
Fucus
Bladder Leaf
Turkish Towel
Red Algae
Eelgrass
Ulva 1actuca
Desmarestia aculeata
Desrnarestia intermedia
Puntaria latifolia
Laminaria !!E.=..
Cyamathere triplicata
Nereocystis luetkeana
Fucus furcatus
CEJstophyllum geminatum
Gigartina exasperata
Zostera marina
-30 -
Prior to the earthquake and tidal wave of 1964, the upper 1/3 of
Settlers Cove was covered with salt marsh vegetation. The Port Lions River
followed a winding course through the marsh and entered the cove consideraory
further toward the mouth of the cove than it does at present. Settling of
the land during the earthquake and the scouring effects of the tidal wave
resulted in removal of the marsh habitat. Since the earthquak~ a con-
siderable amount of bank erosion has taken place to widen the upper end of
the cove.
Food species such as crabs, clams and fish in Settlers Cove are not
presently utilized by residents of Port Lions. The city 1 s sewage outfall
is located approximately l/4 mile north of the Port Lions River mouth and
residents are afraid that marine organisms in the area may be contaminated
(Lukin, pers. comm. 1 July, 1980). The sewage has no treatment other than
a primary settling tank, whi
to capacity.
2. 5 Vegetation
according to residents is presently filled
The vegetation of Kodiak Island is predominately high brush and alo1ne
tundra. Lower elevations around the perimeter of the island, where the
project is proposed, are often poorly drained areas of wet muskeg. Port
Lions and the project area are on the northern perimeter of Kodiak Island
and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), low-growing willows (Salix spp.),
sitka alder (Alnus crispa), dwarf birch (Betula nana), Labrador tea
(Ledum groenlandicum), ueberry (Vaccinium ulignosum), and low bush cranberry
(Vaccinium spp.) are the most common plant species. Grasses, sedges,
horsetails, mosses, ferns and lichens are common in the understory. More
-31 -
specific notes on the vegetation observed during a reconnaissance of the
proposed facilities are presented below.
2. 5 .1 Crescent Lake
Emergent vegetation was uncommon in Crescent Lake at the time of the
field reconnaissance in mid-June, 1980. Some emergent growth was as-
sociated with a beaver dam and pond which was set back from the south shore
of the lake. There was not a well developed riparian habitat along the
shoreline, because there was little or no successional vegetation gradient
a\'iay from the edge of the 1 ake (Figure 2. 5-l ) .
The north shore of Crescent Lake was relatively steep and open.
Several grasses, including blue joint (Calamagrostis canadensis), and herbs,
including fireweed (Epilobium augustifolium); iris (Iris sp.); lupine
(Lupinus nootkatensis); and Indian paintbrush (Castilleja unalaschcensis)
were growing on the open slope. Clumps of shrubs (including Sitka alder and
willow) and trees (including Sitka spruce) were interspersed on the slope.
Cottonwood (Populus balsamifera) trees were growing on top of the slope above
the proposed inundation level. An estimate of relative cover along the lake
shore at the north west end of the lake at the time of the reconnaissance
was:
Grasses -Herbs 40%
Alder 30%
Willow 20%
Sedge 10%
Trees <1%
These estimates of cover appeared to be typical of most of the north shore
vegetation.
-32 -
VI ......
s:: <'lo
0 ......
~
"' ..,
QJ
Cl
QJ
>
s::
10 ...... s..
"' 0. ......
0::::
QJ
~
"' ....J
~ s::
QJ
u
VI .
QJ"'' S..QJ I u 0. ('I")
0 ('I")
~ ..-I
OQJ
> QJQJ
S.."'' 0 ..s:: ..-
VIr-
QJ
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s....,
00 ::::s::
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I
LO
N
QJ s..
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Cl ......
u.
The south shore of Crescent Lake was gently sloping and covered by
mixed-shrub (including Sitka alder, willow and dwarf birch) interspersed
with stands of Sitka spruce (up to 40 em DBH), and open areas of grasses
and herbs. Several stands of Sitka spruce were adjacent to the lake's edge
and were in the proposed inundation area.
2.5.2 Port Lions River
Vegetation along upper Port Lions River, from the outlet of Crescent
Lake to the confluence of Branchwater Creek, was similar to that found
along Crescent Lake. There was a higher proportion of wetlands (e.g.,
sedges) along the upper portions of the river and a higher proportion of
Sitka spruce at the lower elevations near Branchwater Creek. Similar to
Crescent Lake, there was not a band of riparian vegetation along the stream.
The stream appears as a cut through a structurally uniform and poorly
drained tundra/shrub mat (Figure 2.5-2).
2.5.3 Forebay Dam/Penstock Area
Sitka spruce dominated the vegetation below Branchwater Creek and above
the Wakefield Cannery Road. Sitka spruce in the area proposed for the forebay
reservoir appeared to be slightly larger (up to 50 em DBH) than those along
Crescent Lake. Willow and alder grow along the Port Lions River (Figure 2.5-3)
and small spruce trees were growing among them. Devilsclub (Echinopanax
horridum), and a variety of currant and berry bushes were also present in the
understory next to the river.
-34 -
. s..
QJ > .,....
0::
Vl c
0
•r-
.....J
+J s..
0
0...
s...
QJ c. c.
::::l .
N
I
LO
•r-u..
I
LO
M
I
. s.. .,_.
0 > s..
(I)
II)
(I) s..
>.
ItS
..0
(I) s..
0
1+-
"0
(I)
II)
0 a.
0 s.. a.
1+-
0
ItS
(I) s..
ItS
s:: .,_.
s..
(I)
> .,_.
a::
II) s::
0 ·.-
....J ...,
s..
0
0..
• M
I
J.t) .
N
(I) s..
::I
C'l •.-
LJ..
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1.0
M
I
2.5.4 Mouth
Sitka spruce was the dominant tree downstream of the Wakefield Cannery
Road. Much of the forest on the north side of the stream has been cleared
for houses, parking lots and access to the mouth of the Port Lions River.
The south side of the mouth area was a relatively undisturbed spruce forest.
Grassy areas along the steep north bank of the river helped stabilize areas
which are heavily used for recreation as well as mooring skiffs (Figure
2.5-4).
2. 6 Wil dl i fe
Waterfowl breeding habitat on Kodiak Island is limited but the area is
used extensively during migratory periods (Calhoun et al. 1976). During the
BEAK field reconnaissance in early July, 1980, no waterfowl were observed
on Crescent Lake. All suitable habitat and observations of waterfowl oc-
curred on and adjacent to the smaller lakes north of Crescent Lake.
Emergent vegetation was more common in these lakes, providing typical marshy
areas suitable for waterfowl nesting and feeding. Pintails {Anas acuta),
greater scaup {Arthra marila), arctic loon {Gavia arctica), and unidentified
ducks were observed on these lakes during the field trip. A variety of adult
shorebirds, recently fledged sandpipers, common snipe {Gallina~ gallinago),
and gulls {including glaucu9Winged gulls, Larus glaucescens) were also
observed in this area. The importance of these areas during migration or as
wintering habitat for waterfowl is not known. Waterfowl were not observed in
either the proposed forebay or the mouth sections of Port Lions River.
-37 -
Figure 2.5-4. Mouth of Port Lions River. Mote grassy vegetation on
right bank.
;>
-38-
A variety {15 species, AEIDC 1979) of raptors are known to inhabit
Kodiak Island. One bald eagle {Halietus leucocephalus) was observed in the
Crescent Lake area during the BEAK site visit. The bald eagle was first
observed soaring and then perched in a Sitka spruce along the north shore of
Crescent Lake. No bald eagle nest sites were observed in the area. The
likelihood of a bald eagle nest being observed this far away from salt water
is unlikely for no eagle nests were observed out of sight of salt water in
the Terror Lake area {\~ilson and Underwood 1979). Since the bald eagle
observed at Crescent Lake was probably not nesting, it is likely that the
rd was using the spruce tree as a diurnal perch site. The importance of
Crescent Lake area for perch sites or as a food source is not known. In
relation to feeding habitat on Kodiak Island, the Crescent Lake area is
probably a relatively low use site for bald eagles. No other raptors, raptor
nest sites or perch sites were observed during the June field trip. Other
species of birds observed on the north end of Kodiak Island near Terror Lake
are listed in Wilson and Underwood (1979) and include ptarmagin, crows,
warblers, owls and swallows, all of whi
project.
could be affected by the proposed
Mammal species on Kodiak Island are relatively limited, considering the
variability and diversity of habitat. Mammals native to Kodiak Island are
brown bear (Ursus arctos), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), river otter (Lutra
canadensis), arctic ground squirrel {Spermophilus parryi), ermine (Mustela
erminea), tundra vole (~icrotus beconomus), and little brown bat (Myotis
lucifugus). Other mammals were transplanted on the island after the 1920's.
Successfully transplanted species that occur or are likely to occur near
-39 -
Port Lions are blacktail deer (Odocoileus hemionus), beaver (Castor canadensis),
snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), mink (Mustela vison), red squirrel
(Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), and marten (Martes americana).
The follo1~ing mammal related information was gathered during the field
reconnaissance of the proposed hydro site. Deer tracks and browse were
common at all sites from Crescent Lake to the mouth/lagoon area below the
proposed powerhouse. The only deer observed were on the Port Lions air-
strip. Brown bear tracks were observed in the Crescent Lake area; r1cn~ were
found near the town. Bear have been reported in the town of Port Lions but
are more common near the town dump northeast of the townsite. The towns-
people reported that brown bear did not utilize the salmon run at the mouth
of the Port Lions River. This was not surprising considering the close
proximity of the townsite and use of the river as a recreation area during
the salmon run. Brown bear can be expected to occasionally use the upstream
portions of the project area for feeding and resting from July to October.
At other times of the year, brown bear are most likely to be found in alpine
and subalpine zones where mating and denning occur. Since the project site
is at a low elevation (0 to 100m) it is unlikely that the area is critical
for mating and denning. Brown bear dens were not observed during the on-site
reconnaissance.
River otter sign was most common in the spruce forest adjacent to Crescent
Lake. No den sites were located in the area but the likelihood is high that
at least one family of river otter feed on fish in Crescent Lake and the
Port Lions River (Rodger Smith, pers. comm. 3 July 1980). Otter are known
to require from three to ten miles of stream per family (Banfield 1974).
-40 -
Otter sign was not common downstream of Crescent Lake and no sign was
observed in the lower sections of the river or the mouth area. Beaver ap-
peared to be common on Crescent Lake and on all the lakes in the adjacent
area. At least one dam or lodge was noted per lake. Two lodges were noted
in the Crescent Lake area. One of these was a bank lodge on the north shore
of the lake. Five beaver were observed swimminq in the vicinity of the lodge.
Another lodge and dam was located on a small unnamed tributary stream flowi
from the south into the lake. The dam was overgrown with shrubs and appeared
to be in existence for some time. Tundra vole sign was also observed in the
Crescent Lake area. Tunnels, winter nests, feces and clippings were most
abundant along the south shore of the lake.
2.7 Threatened and Endangered Species
2.7.1 Aquatic Species
There are no endangered aquatic species known to live on
(Federal Register 1979).
2.7.2 Vegetation
iak Isla
None of Alaska's plants are listed as Federally threatened or en-
dangered (Steve Talbot pers. comm. 27 June 1980). Plant species that may be
included on Federal lists in the future are discussed by Murray (1980). None
of these species are known to occur on Kodiak Island.
2.7.3 Hildlife
A subspecies of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) is the
only endangered bird that has been observed on Kodiak Island. These birds
-41 -
typically nest on open cliff faces with an open view of the surrounding
territory. No suitable cliff faces occur within the project area. Another
subspecies of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus peali) which is not con-
sidered threatened or endangered is known to nest near seabird colonies on
Kodiak Island. Sightings of peregrine falcons have been reported on Kodiak
Island but little other information is available on their distribution
(Strohm 1974). The USFvJS falcon recovery team does not report any peregrine
falcon nests (either subspecies) near the proposed hydro project (Donald
Frickie pers. comm. 5 August 1980). Seabirds (other than gulls and ducks)
were not common in the project area during the site reconnaissance and are
not known to concentrate in the area. As a consequence it appears unlikely
that the Port Lions River and Crescent Lake are critical for peregrine
feeding.
2.8 Land Use
Existing land use in the Port Lions area is limited. There are no
agriculture activities other than family gardens adjacent to houses in the
town. Trees are harvested for local use in wood-burning stoves. Areas of
tree harvest observed during the site reconnaissance include the proposed
subdivision area north of the town and along the road to the Wakefield
Cannery dock.
2.9 Recreation
Outdoor activities provide the major source of recreation for the
residents of Port Lions. In addition to the recreational aspects of
subsistence production (e.g .• berry picking along the Port Lions River).
-42 -
boating and snow machine travel are the other principal forms of outdoor
recreation (Galliett and Silides 1975).
Outdoor recreation for school-age children in the spring and summer
focuses on the beaches and the Port Lions River drainage. A swimming hole
"below the falls behind Annie Boskofsky's house" is highly prized as is
watching and catching the limited numbers of pink salmon which return to
the stream to spawn annually in July and August.
The recent completion of the school gym and the addition of the village
recreational coordinator is regarded as a major boon to winter activities
for all age groups. Wrestling and basketball appear to be the most popular
sports in high school.
Cable television has been available for a number of years and is a
major source of winter recreation. Port Lions also has a small library.
2.10 Community Profile
2.10.1 Population
Port Lions is a small, predominately Alaskan Native village whose in-
habitants are primarily residents relocated from the village of Afognak on
Afognak Island following an earthquake and tsunami which partially destroyed
the village on March 27, 1964. Based on immediate pre-earthquake estimates
of Afognak, the approximate population of Port Lions in 1966 was 180
(Davis 1979). Port Lions grew significantly following the relocation of the
Wakefield Cannery from Raspberry Point to a site on the south side of the
peninsula opposite Port Lions. In 1970 the population of Port L1ons
-43 -
recorded by the U.S. census was 218 which had risen to approximately 250
by 1975 (Galliett and Silides 1975}. However, since the fire destroyed
the Wakefield Cannery in March of 1975, the population has declined. The
aska Department of Community and Regional Affairs found 232 residents in
1978 and the Corps of Engineers enumerated 227 in 1979. Although the U.S.
Census Bureau would not release their figures for 1980, they did indicate
that their census figure was less than the 227 found by the Corps of
Engineers, but was being appealed by the Kodiak Island borough. The present
population is approximately 225.
The village is predominantly Aleut; 78% were of Aleut heritage as of
the 1970 census. The Caucasian population increased significantly following
the building of the cannery but also declined following its destruction.
Several additional white families have established permanent residences
in the village since 1970 so that the 1980 census will more than likely show
a somewhat higher percentage of Caucasians than the 1970 census.
Similar to most Alaskan villages, there is a marked bias toward males
in the Port Lions population. In 1970 there were 121 males and 97 females
for a 56% to 44% ratio.
Population projections for Port Lions over the next thirty years will
likely follow one of four trajectories -dramatic decline should the salmon
and crab resource base on which the community depends be harmed, gradual
decline should present conditions continue, gradual increase should the value
of fisheries product increase, and substantial growth if a major processing
or oil transport facility is located near the community.
-44 -
The Kodiak Electric Association and Alaska Power Authority are pro-
jecting a modest 1% growth rate per annum through 198~ occurring primarily
as the result of 35 new HUD houses to the community which are expected in
1981 (APA 1980). KEA, KANA (Kodiak Area Native Association) Housing
Authority, and local sources all feel that the new houses will not result
in significant immigration to the community as the present population will
more than likely expand into the new housing as younger people set up
households away from their parents.
The draft EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) for the lower Cook
Inlet/Shelikof Strait OCS Gas and Oil Lease Sale (No. 60) uses a 4% base
in projection of population growth through 2000 without oil development
(USDI 1980). Given present economic conditions, such a figure seems
only remotely possible. With oil development and a terminal located in the
vicinity of Port Lions, an annual growth rate of 7.2% during the period
1980-2000 is forecast resulting in a population of 648 at the end of the
century (USDI 1980).
2.1 0.2 Economy
The present economy of Port Lions depends primarily on the fishing
industry, especially the harvesting of crab and salmon with halibut of lesser
importance. The local 12-vessel fleet provides employment for 50-60 people
for varying periods from three to nine months a year. The floater-processor
operated by Port Lions Native Corporation, the ANCSA (Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act) corporation of the native residents of Port Lions, in
1978-79 has been sold and removed from the community thus eliminating local
-45 -
employment in the processing sector. Between 20-25 women in the community
work at the Columbia Wards salmon cannery in nearby Port Bailey during the
short 3-4 week canning season. The remaining workforce is employed
primarily in government, education, and private support services for the
community.
Characteristics of Port Lions Labor Force
No. of Months Employed
Categories No. of Individuals In Year
Fishermen 50-60 3-9
Cannery 20-25 3
City Maintenance 10 12
Teachers/Aides 11 9
Store 2 12
Health Aides 2 12
Office Workers 2 12
Lodge 3 12
El ectri ci ans 1 12
Telephone 1 12
Post Office 2 12
Janitors 1 9
Recreation Coordinator 1 9
Cafe 2 3
The community's brochure on economic development possibilities in the
Port Lions area claims 20-25 "reliable, experienced laborers 11 as well as a
number of persons 11 experi enced in supervision, maintenance, and heavy equip-
ment ope rat ions."
-46 -
Unemployment and underemployment are substantial and, since the closing
of th~ floater-processor, Port Lions' approximately 50% unemployment rate
approaches the 70% unemployment figure (1978) for Kodiak's five other rural
villages (KANA 1980).
Although KANA did not survey Port Lions residents for income in 1979,
KANA Housing Authority call ected family size and income figures for the
35 families who will be purchasing the HUD units. These figures are presented
below and represent roughly 50% of the Port Lions' families.
Earnings of Port Lions' Families
Purchasing HUD Units
Earnings
$ 0 -5,000
$ 6 -10,000
$11-15,000
$16 -20,000
$21 -25,000
$26 -30 ,000
+$30,000
Average
t1edi an
$12,200
12,000
Number
2
15
13
2
2
0
Source: KANA Housing Authority
Size of Port Lions' Families
Purchasing HUD Units
Number/Family r~umber of Family
2 7
3 10
4 11
5 5
6-9 0
10
11
Average 3.8
Stockholders in Afognak Natives, Incorporated, are likely to receive
additional cash income from the sale of their corporation's timber
resources in the near future.
-47 -
2.10.3 Subsistence
One of the continuing characteristics of Alaska's rural villages is
the importance of local fish, game, and other resources to the survival of
the population, and Port Lions is no exception to this generalization. A
KANA survey taken in February of 1979 revealed that 72% of all meals taken
by 22 families in one week included some local food (Davis 1979). There are
many reasons for the continuing importance of subsistence resources including
limited commercial alternatives, taste preferences, nutritional quality,
independence and maintenance of local residences. However, of most
importance is the fact that subsistence resources continue to be highly
moderative in economic terms (Wolfe 1979). The total dollar value of
subsistence production for Port Lions was estimated in 1979 to be $162,320
(Davis 1979). The highly productive marine zone around Port Lions provides
the majority of the subsistence products. The most important of these re-
sources are salmon, especially red and silver salmon. King and dungeness
crab as well as shrimp are taken in pots near the village as well as brought
by fishermen during the commercial season.
other fish are also important in the diet.
used and can be found near the community.
Halibut, red snapper, cod, and
Butter clams and razor clams are
Seals and sea lions are still
taken by a number of families; seals are rendered for oil.
Of the land resources on Kodiak Island, only the black-tail deer is of
major significance in the diet of the local population, although occasionally
elk from nearby Afognak Island are also taken. Although hares do not
presently appear to be numerous in the vicinity of Port Lions, they can be
supplementary resource in times of abundance. Berries of various kinds,
-48 -
including several types of cranberries, are picked in late summer and
early fall. Other local plants are used in the diet as well.
Prior to the earthquake, the head of Settlers Cove was a lush,
grassy zone noted for its waterfowl. The earthquake, however, lowered the
area causing the destruction of these flats. Nevertheless, local and
migratory waterfowl, especially ducks, continue to be taken. Occasionally
bird eggs are also taken.
2.10.4 Housing
Because of the recent construction of the community, using quality
in Port Lions is good. Houses are of standard frame construction with
standard plumbing and heating (Galliett and Silides 1975). As the price of
fuel and electricity has increased over the past years, more and more
families have returned to wood as a source of heat so that now over 50% of
Port Lions' houses are equipped for at least supplementary wood heat.
Although housing quality is good, the supply is not. New homes with
two bedrooms and the bare necessities are well beyond the average means of
Port Lions' residents. The few new homes that have been built in the 1970's
are, for the most part, owned by whites with skills and access to substantial
capital. One married resident living with her inlaws said she and her
husband had been trying to obtain a new house for seven years.
KANA Housing Authority expects 35 new units to be constructed and ready
for occupancy by March of 1981. Clearing for these new houses has already
begun. The total available units of housing will be approximately 100 when
the HUD project is completed.
-49 -
2. 10.5 Transportation
Travel to Port Lions is possible only by sea and air. A State-mvned
city-operated 2,600 foot gravel airstrip is located approximately one mile
northeast of Port Lions. The community is serviced daily (weather permit-
ting) by scheduled flights out of Kodiak as well as by wheeled and float
plane charters also from Kodiak. The community is served by the Alaska
Marine Highway System with a twice weekly visit from a ferry (once on its
way south to Kodiak from the Kenai Peninsula and again on its northward re-
turn) in the summer and once weekly for most of the winter.
There are approximately seven miles of local gravel roads in Port Lions
four miles from the city dock to the airport and an additional three miles
of city streets. Although the number of local vehicles has increased
dramatically in the past ten years, traffic is still light with few accidents
and little or no congestion.
Port facilities turned over to the community by the Wakefield Cannery
are very good for a community of this size. The dock has approximately
1486 m2 (16,000 ft 2 ) of usable area plus freezer storage, live tanks with
seawater pumps for crabs, and fuel, and water. An attached float has 244m
(800 feet) of moorage space and a small boat harbor in Settlers Cove has been
planned by the Corps of Engineers to be completed by 1983.
2. 10.6 Education
The school in Port Lions is operated by the Kodiak Island Borough for
grades K-12. There is also a preschool program administered by KANA with
-50 -
Johnson-O'Malley program funds. The recently completed (January 1979)
high school and gym hosted the community's first graduation in 1979. The
school presently supports a combined staff of nine teachers and aides plus
an additional recreational coordinator funded by KANA's Johnson-O'Malley
program.
PORT LIONS SCHOOL
ENROLLMENT 1970-71/79-80
. Year
1970-71
1971-72
1972-73
1973-74
1974-75
1975-76*
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
1979-80
No. of Students
58
55
49
51
49
70
56
60
59
55
*Beginning of High School
Program
Source: Kodiak Island
Borough School District
2 . 1 0 . 7 He a 1 t h
PORT LIONS SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
BY GRADE, 1979-80
Grade
K
lst
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
1Oth
llth
12th
No. of Students
6
5
0
6
4
3
6
3
3
5
7
3
4
Source: Port Lions School
Port Lions is fortunate to have a resident physician, a local health
aide, an alternate aide, a community health educator, and an "efficient,
-51 -
well-equipped'' clinic (KANA 1980). The Public Health Service provides
funding for the latter three personnel and some for the clinic. The State
Public Health nurse also visits the community every three months. In ad-
dition, the Coast Guard provides evacuation services in cases of emergency.
2. 10.8 Government
Port Lions is a second-class city with a mayor and council situated
within the Kodiak Island Borough and provides a number of services to the
community, including water and sewer facilities, fire protection, road
maintenance, airport maintenance, public safety, and administrative services.
The borough provides schools, planning, and parks and recreations services.
In conjunction with the HUD housing project, the city has obtained ad-
ditional funds to expand the water and sewer services to the Peregrebni
Point area. A 20.3 em (8-inch) water line will replace the present, in-
adequate 7.6 em (3-inch) line.
2. 10.9 Other Services
Electricity is provided to the community by Kodiak Electric Association
which presently maintains a 1100 kw capacity (2-350s, and 2-200s) plant.
Fuel oil is received by the Port Lions Oil Company in bulk twice a year and
delivered by tank truck to homes. It is also available at the dock for
vessels. A telephone service with direct dialing, long distance capability
serves 82 customers (Davis 1979).
-52 -
2.10.10 Native Organizations
As a result of the Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of
1971, a regional corporation (Koniag, Inc.) as well as two local corpora-
tions (Port Lions and Afognak) were created for persons of at least 1/4
Alaskan native parentage born prior to 1972. In addition to a small cash
settlement to each shareholder and a larger one to each corporation, these
corporations were deeded additional assets in the form of land and sub-
surface mineral rights. The two village corporations were merged in 1978
to become Afognak Natives, Inc. which now has a total of 512 individual
shareholders (Davis 1979). The corporation will eventually own much of
the land surrounding Port Lions as well as important stands of timber on
Afognak Island.
In addition to the local corporation, Port Lions also has recently
formed an IRA or "tribal" council organized to represent the native residents•
interests to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and act as a subcontractor for
certain programs and services provided by the BIA.
The Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) is a nonprofit corporation
emphasizing the delivery of various human services programs to the villagers
of the Kodiak region. Port Lions has a representative on the Board of
Directors of this organization as well as on its Overall Economic Develop-
ment subcommittee.
2.10.11 Cost of Living
The cost of living in Port Lions is substantially above that of nearby
Kodiak which in turn is substantially above that of Seattle. As of
-53 -
April, 1980, a food basket including bread, five pounds of flour, three
pounds of coffee, meat, eggs, canned vegetables, and five pounds of sugar
cost $19.07 in Kodiak compared to $28.43 in Port Lions (KANA 1980). If
the Kodiak costs were set as a base of 100, Port Ltons 1 comparable base
would be 149.
Another component of cost of living assessments is the price of a
basic set of services such as oil (heating), electricity, water, and
sewer. Davis (1979) indicates that an average household of four in Port
Lions paid $1,200 for electricity in 1978. The KANA OEDP document in-
dicates that in 1979 the cost of these four basic services averaged $2,908
in five of the six Kodiak Island rural villages (KANA 1980).
The cost of electricity has risen dramatically in the past two years
(see Figure 2.10-1) as has the cost of fuel for heating. The response of
the residents of Port Lions to this inflationary spiral has been to reduce
the amount of electricity they use and to use wood for heat. One resident
remarked that it has become, for many of Port Lions 1 citizens, a competive
11 battle with the Joneses 11 to see who can consume the least amount of power.
According to this source, people regularly brag about purchasing new
appliances which consume less electricity, and how little they use the
lights during the day.
2.11 Archeological Profile
2.11.1 Kodiak Island Prehistory: Overview
Archeological work in the Kodiak archipelago conducted over the past
40 years most notably by Hrdlicka (1944), Heizer (1956), Clark (1966, 1974)
-54 -
-I I
..._ -
I I -
-+---
--
I -
~ -
-
L.-
I
I lO I
'<t I
I
'<t
f2 I ... -I
--7 -7 ---
1--I -
L....-I -_Lf_
c;
I
1'-~ I C') --c.O
C') ~II ..,
~-
1/) / C\1
C\1
0 g
1'-/ <0
... ::;;;. I -I~ I
1-J I I I_
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
Year
I
1'-
0
lO --co r-
~ ... ,ltiL 1-
I I
I
I
I
I
-
-
-
I
I
-I-
1980
-,
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
I[)
0 v
0
!'(')
0
N
Q -
0
0
0
CTl
0 a:>
0
1'-
0
<0
0
4'1
0
<;!"
0
!'(')
1981
Figure 2.10-l. History of Port Lions fuel oil expense to KEA. Numbers in
parentheses indicate total dollars paid per year.
--
-·-0
Q,)
:::l --0
c g
ca
0)
'-
Q,)
0.
rn -c
Q,)
(.)
Q,)
0) ca
'-Q,)
>
<C
and Workman (1979) has produced a partial outline of the human occupancy
and use patterns of the area. Dumond (1977) has summarized the various
findings of Kodiak archeology into three major traditions: Ocean Bay,
Kodiak and Koniag. The Ocean Bay tradition is presently seen as the earliest
occupancy of the islands and sites and artifacts associated with this tradi-
tion are dated between 3900 and 3500 B.C. Peoples of this tradition used
primarily percussion-flaked stone tools and seem to have been oriented
toward the taking of sea mammals -sea otter, seal, sea lion. porpoise,
and larger whales. There is also an Ocean Bay site at the mouth of the
Afognak River assumed to be a seasonal site to harvest salmon in the summer.
Jumond's next tradition, the Kodiak, might well be controversial as
it merges a number of distinct periods and distinguishable subtraditions on
the basis of their ground-slate tool technology, the extensive use of bone
for tools, and the use of oil lamps (Clark 1966; Dumond 1977). Al-
though the hunting of sea mammals continued to be the primary subsistence
focus, there appears to have been a significant increase in the importance
of salmon in the diet (Dumond 1978). This tradition. with its sub-
periods, is dated from 2500 B.C. to 1000 A.D.
The Koniag tradition existed from 1 ,000 A.D. to the period of contact
with the Russians in 1700. The Koniag tradition appears to have been the
result of cultural modifications made by Kodiak Island populations to
influences from Bering Sea peoples (changes in tool assemblage, house form,
pottery, and the possible addition of the men's or ceremonial house) as
well as possible influences from peoples south and east along the Pacific
fringe {grooved stone-splitting adze, vapor sweat bath). Koniag sea
-56 -
mammal hunters were distinctive for their use of aconite-poisoned darts
for whale hunting. Another distinctive attribute of Koniag culture was
the two-holed kayak or bidarka which was used well into the Russian period.
It is estimated that there were roughly 8,000 Koniag inhabiting the Kodiak
Island archipelago at the time of contact with the Russians.
2.11.2 Archeological Profile of Kodiak Archipelago Sites
Preferred areas for occupation and use by prehistoric inhabitants of
Kodiak Island are related to a number of factors. By far the most critical
factor is the availability of food resources especially along the coast
where marine resources are concentrated. Many sites are found along fres
water streams th abundant salmon resources or near headlands where sea
mammals either immigrate or concentrate. Other factors in settlement and
use patterns include the availability of clams, access to a freshwater
source, protection from prevailing weather, and good beaches for landing
vessels.
2.11.3 Local Sites
Several recent surveys by archeologists have been conducted in the
Port Lions area including Michael Nowak in 1977 for the Corps of Engineers,
Linda Finn-Yorborough in 1975 for EDA, and most recently Wayne Weirsum of
PHS for HUD in 1978. An earlier survey by Donald Clark in 1964 identified
three sites on the Port Lions-Settlers Cove area; near Polar Bench Mark on
the south shore of Port Wakefield (site 1 on Figure 2.11-1 ), on the north
shore of the same cove (site 2), and the small cove located at Peregrebni
Point (site 3), (Finn-Yarborough 1976}. Nowak also reported several sites
-57 -
lNIOd
IN83t:l83!:Eid
.\."J".·.,: .. } • ..r· ...... ,,. .. ~! ,, •• ,_ •• ·": ·'·"'-·~, •• ~;~~;:~~~:~:z~~::.;.~:;;~:~:.:;:;·~~:.;ri.~.:, :t, ...... ;-.-.•· ··~·.J ·~·· ·.·. -~· :.j:.A .... ••• . "(": ,.;.,.\· . -.•, ·:J· ,, ..... ,., ••..
0 ,. :'~ ••• ,"'!:.'::.. .'·-~~,~--·;r-·.;·.:-:~·· -~,., ............ , ~-. '> ·'• .... ,.),, ~~~~ ~-:~·~:}-<\:~r~~~~-g~:;.~}~.;-~{i~t ...
:1r·,:::,;• .;:-.,·;,:\·-.;;:·~~·$J;'i~::.~·;. ~~~l· I ·"{:~-~: ~:) ;·:~--;~~:::·~-~;;;_~~-{:;:~.~~ .. ~ -:::~;:·· ,_,
;, :· ... -:,\·:·~:.1'.). , ..... ~ .... :/ ·11":'· ~::-.·~ .: -: s . ,. ~ i_t/;i:~:~~~:!~;~i~.:;~\\~:t1~~~~~~f~:-~:< .· ...•. ;-., ... ·.·.. . ... co:· ···. ,.,;r,.,,_.•.l:.,~ ',.4·~{;-·-;.;~ (_~·~. ~;··=: -~ .<:·>:,~:.~:J::~·::·t~·::;::·: r?'~,·· : . .:?: .:~ :· ........ '-.Y,.·.• '"";~•'t."j''·•:::!•' ~ .... ·'· ~ .. 0 •• ,.,...., • , .• "······Ill!··
.. ;.'t!~,DJ0:W~~~~/5Lk}~f~~~"·,· SNOil J.HOd
.·.~·:··,·("''"•·)'0 ·,.·· .. ""/•··· .... ·.'"': .. ~,~
.· ... : .
. . . · ·: .. · .. . .. :.··
co
LD
I I
I
I
I
I
I
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I
I
I
in the Peregrebni Point area (Reger pers. comrn. 7 July 1980), and both Weirsum
(1978) and Finn-Yarborough (1976) report sites in the lagoon over at the head
of Settlers Cove (Site 4). Finn-Yarborough (1976) reports a possible midden in
the vicinity of the Settlers Cove lodge just north of the Port Lions River and
a possible housepit on the high ground immediately adjacent to the Port Lions
River (Finn-Yarborough 1976). This area is labeled site 5 on Figure 2.11-1. In
his survey for HUD in 1978, Weirsurn (see Appendix A for report) traversed
the Port Lions River from well above the area to be inundated by the forebay
lake to the shore on the north side and down to Spruce Drive on the south.
He found no indications of archeological sites in either of these areas.
For purposes of this study, the entire southern and half of the
northern shore of Crescent Lake and the snowmobile trail down to the village
were traversed in addition to both sides of the Port Lions River which will
be flooded by the forebay darn. Although the author is not a formally
trained archeologist, he is familiar with appearance of housepits and
altered vegetational patterns which are indicative of archeological sites.
No evidence of archeological resources were discovered during this foot
survey.
The archeological potential of the areas to be inundated by the Port
Lions hydroelectric project are low. The primary reasons for this are the
extremely poor salmon runs known historically in the Port Lions River and
the orientation of Koniag and other early residents of the area toward
marine rather than terrestrial resources. The only likely use of the Port
Lions drainage above the falls which halt salmon migration would be foraging
for berries. Archeological survey and sixteen geological test trenches in
-59 -
1978 and 1979 along the shores of Terror Lake, similar (if somewhat more
biologically impoverished due to its higher altitude) to Crescent Lake,
have revealed no evidence of prehistoric human occupation or use (Righter
1979).
The only area of possible i on a site is in area the
powerplant and switchyard are to be located. On-site discussions with KEA
engineers indicated that these structures would be located between 25 and 30
yards west (upstream) of the spit at the mouth of the Port Lions River
(Kozak pers. comm. 1 July 1980).
2.12 Historical Profile
Due to the lack of significant archeological research data on the sites
located in the Port Lions area, no statement can be made about the periods
and types of settlements and uses which characterized the prehistoric
period. However, evidence of extensive and continuous use of the Afognak
River site (Workman and Clark 1979) and the presence of unexcavated sites
in the Port Lions vicinity, it seems reasonable to assume that the area was
used off and on for activities such as clamming, waterfowl hunting, and
perhaps as a sea mammal hunting campsite. One elderly female source indicated
that the only use for the area that she could recall during her lifetime by
residents of Afognak was for huntinq ducks at the head of Settlers Cove.
re information is available, however, on the period beginni
the turn of the century. Local historian Hank Eaton indicates that an
Estonian named tlick Larionof with his wife established a 110-acre homestead
near the present city dock sometime between 1906 and 1910. Eaton recalled
-60 -
that Larionof had huge. prolific gardens which were likely the result of
being established on soil enriched by earlier human occupations.
Just prior to World War I. Eaton's father built a small. water-powered
sawmill on the Port Lions River which operated until about 1920. The Pelton
wheel and penstock from that operation are still visible in the area; the
Pelton wheel is located on the beach between Settlers Cove Lodge and the
Port Lions River while portions of the penstock can still be seen along the
south side of the river. The building with the mill itself was located
right above the spit at the mouth of the Port Lions River. a short distance
south of the present day lodge. When he was last there in 1962. Eaton re-
counts that the carriage for the mill and some rotten lumber was all that
remained. These final traces were removed when Port Lions was built in
1965-66.
In the 1930's a family named Winfield settled in the lagoon area and
tried to raise cattle. Unfortunately the bears got the best of them as they
ate the cattle.
During the 1940's and 1950's the Pestrikoff brothers trapped fox. land
otter. and beaver around Kizhuyak Bay; Eaton thought they might have had a
trapping cabin in the Settlers Cove vicinity or on Port Lions River at one
time.
Port Lions itself was built with the assistance of the International
Lions Club (after which the village is named). a group of Mennonites. and the
Federal Government in 1965-66. The Wakefield Cannery was built in 1966-67
and opened in 1968. It burned down in 1975.
-61 -
3.0 IMPACTS
3.1 Climate
The environmental alterations that will result from the hydroelectric
project were deemed too small to have a significant impact on either local
or regional climate.
3.2 Water Quality and Quantit~
3.2.1 Water Qualit~
3.2.1 .1 Construction. The primary impact of construction activities on
water auality will be an increase in suspended sediments in Crescent Lake
the Port Lions River. Increased suspended sediment loading will occur in
Crescent Lake during construction of the dam. Increases will be greatest
along the shoreline where the construction is taking place. However. wind
mixing will probably result in movement of the lighter sediments throughout
the lake. The increase in suspended sediments is not expected to be large
since there will be relatively small amounts of fine sediment bearing soil
exposed to the water. The increases that do occur should not persist after
construction activities have been completed.
Most of the suspended sediments added to the river water during construc-
tion of the Crescent Lake dam will be transported only a short distance down-
stream. The low gradient of the river and the presence of several ponds and
a small lake, which will act as settling basins. will result in rapid settling
out of the heavier suspended sediments. The total amount of suspended sedi-
ment added to the river from Crescent Lake dam construction should be small
if precautions regarding construction timing and methods discussed in section
4.2.1 are followed.
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Construction of the forebay dam will also result in increased suspended
sediments in the Port Lions River. Both dam construction and clearing of the
reservoir basin are potential sources of sediment. Stream gradient in the
forebay dam area is steep and sediments introduced will be rapidly transported
downstream. Much of the sediment will be deposited in the lagoon at the
river's mouth and in Settlers Cove. Soil in t:1e foreoay dan area is shallm1
with solid rock underneath. Therefore, the potential for generation of large
amounts of suspended sediments is relatively low. Introduction of suspended
sediments will be kept to a minimum during construction activities through
methods discussed in Section 4.2.1.
Construction of the tailrace for the powerplant will increase suspended
sediment loading to the lagoon at the mouth of the river. Construction will
be short term and should produce only a small amount of suspendable solids
since most of the construction will be done in rock.
The potential for spillage of fuel oil or other toxic substances into
the river or lake will be minimized by proper handling and storage precautions.
3.2.1 .2 Oeeration. Operation of the hydroelectric project will require
supplemental discharge of water from Crescent Lake during periods of insuf-
ficient flow in the Port Lions River. This process will result in changes in
the water quality of both the lake and the river.
With the Crescent Lake dam in place, existing ground cover in the inun-
dation zone will be lost. Without ground cover, there will be increased
opportunity for bank erosion. Erosion will occur during periods of filling
and lowering of the lak~ primarily through wave action. Some of the eroded
material will enter the lake as suspended sediment. Therefore, there will be
an increase in suspended sediments in the lake until bank erosion stabilizes.
-63 -
Although it is impossible to predict the exact quantities of suspended sedi-
ment that will be added through this process, it is estimated t~at the quan-
tities will not be large due to the relatively large percentage of coarse
components in the soil and the presence of bedrock near the surface.
During the first few years of operation, there will be an increase in
the quantity of dissolved material in Crescent Lake water due to leaching
of minerals and organic substances from the newly covered land. Plant nutri-
ents leached out of the soil and decomposing vegetation will probably stimu-
late phytoplankton production in the lake. This effect will probably last
only a few years until the leaching process is essentially complete.
Water temperature in the Port Lions River will be altered during periods
of supplemental flow from Crescent Lake. The largest change in water temp-
erature will occur if supplemental water is added during the summer months.
Presently, low gradient conditions in the upper watershed coupled with low
summer flows result in substantial warming of the river downstream of
Crescent Lake. The addition of supplemental flows during this period will
result in cooler river temperatures. It is not possible to predict the amount
of cooling that will occur without an indepth study of Crescent Lake summer
temperatures and present warming of the Port Lions River. We noted a 2oc
increase in temperatur~ between Crescent Lake outlet and the river just
downstream of Island Lake in July when flow, measured near the river mouth,
was about 34 cfs. The temperature differential between the lake and lower
reaches of the river would be expected to increase at lower flows on warm,
sunny days.
Water temperature in the river during winter may be increased slightly
by the addition of supplemental water from Crescent Lake. Water leaving the
-64 -
lake should be approximately 4°C. During the coldest weather, water in the
river could be near 0°C. The distance downstream that warming by the 4°C
water would be detectable, would depend on the amount of supplemental flow
added and the ambient air and stream temperature.
3.3.2 Water Quantity
3.2.2. 1 Construction. Temporary reduction in flow in the Port Lions
River could occur during dam construction. No other impacts on flow are
anticipated during the construction phase.
3.2.2.2 Operation. Existing flow conditions on the Port Lions River
will be altered both by operation of Crescent Lake dam and the forebay dam.
The dam at Crescent Lake will store water during periods of surplus flow and
release water to supplement insufficient flows in the river. The net effect
on the Port Lions River will be an evening-out of discharge with a reduction
in maximum flows and an increase in minimum flows.
Based on the synthetic flow records compiled for the Port Lions River
and the flow measurements obtained from the river to date, it appears that
filling of Crescent Lake storage will occur during the spring snowmelt in
April and May (Table 3.2-1). During periods of storage, flow will be main-
tained in the upper Port Lions River by a minimum discharge of water from
the lake. Observations made in July during the site reconnaissance, in-
dicate that a minimum discharge of between 5 and 10 cfs is needed. This
level of discharge will result in bank full coverage of the substrate in the
upper reaches of the stream. Existing minimum flow conditions at the lake
outlet are considerably less than 5 cfs as indicated by the low readings in
July and August, 1979 and 1980 at the forebay dam site.
-65 -
Table 3.2-1. Projected monthly mean discharge in the Port Lions River, flow requirements for the city of Port Lions
and KEA and the projected monthly shortage or surplus of water (Compiled from data provided by Roland
Jones, Consulting Engineer to KEA).
Balance of Port Lions
Crescent Lake Drainage Area River Total Crescent Lake Storage
Estimated Estimated Estimated Port Lions KEA Requirement KEA Requirement Shortage or Surplus
Discharge Discharge Discharge Water Reserve at 40 cfs at 30 cfs (acre-ft)
Month {acre-ft} {acre-ft} (acre-ft) {acre-ft) (acre-ft) (acre-ft) 40 c1s 30 cfs
January 333.4 836.6 1170 184.5 2459.5 1844.7 -159.2° +1118.0*
February 256.5 643.5 900 166.6 2221.5 1666. 1 -1488.1° + 185.3*
March 373.3 936.7 1310 184.5 2459.5 1844.7 -1334.0° -533.9°
April 1000.3 2509.7 3510 178.5 2380.2 1785.1 + 951. 3. + 1000.3.
May 1585.9 3979. 1 5565 184.5 2459.5 1844.7 +2537.2. +2585.9.
June 847.8 2127.2 2975 178.5 2380.2 1785. 1 +3000.0v +3000.0
c;, July 752.3 1887.7 2640 184.5 2459.5 1844.7 +3000.0 +3000.0
0>
August 914.8 2295.2 3210 184.5 2459.5 1844.7 +3000.0 +3000.0
September 1741.2 4368.8 6110 178.5 2380.2 1785.1 +3000.0 +3000.0
October 1199.8 3010.2 4210 184.5 2459. 5 1844.7 +3000.0 +3000.0
November 495.9 1244.1 1740 178.5 2380.2 1785. 1 +2181. 3* +2776.4*
December 350.5 879.5 1230 184.5 2459.5 1844.7 + 767. 3* +1977. 2*
Construction assumed completed for September filling and use started first of October with full storage, 3000 Acre-Feet.
* Positive numbers under 3000 during November, December, January and February indicate drawdown from Crescent Lake to sup-
plement natural stream flow. ~Negative numbers indicate a shortage of water. Hydro power will have to be supplemented by the use of diesel generation.
Positive numbers in April and May reflect the filling of the Crescent Lake Storage.
v Indicates full storage has been achieved and 3000 acre-feet of water is available for drawdown.
Supplemental water will be discharged to the Port Lions River when flow
at the forebay dam drops below 30 or 40 cfs. Present estimates of Crescent
Lake storage capacity indicate that during most years storage capacity will
not be adequate to meet total generation needs during approximately 3 months
of the year. This shortage will require supplemental use of the existing
diesel generation system presently supplying electricity to the city. Flows
less than 40 cfs are predicted to occur in January, February, and March. The
projected shortage during these months is shown in Table 3.2-1. Note that
although surpluses are shown in Table 3.2-1 in July and August for average
conditions, shortages could occur during these months in years of low precipita-
tion.
When natural flow in the river drops below 30 or 40 cfs, all of the water
coming into the forebay dam will be passed through the penstock to the power-
plant. During these periods, the stretch of river between the forebay dam and
the tailrace of the powerplant will dry up. During periods of surplus flow,
water will be passed through this area. However, 30 to 40 cfs of the flow will
be removed for power generation and flow conditions will never reach the
levels that presently occur in this stretch of the river.
Flow conditions in the lagoon at the river mouth will be more uniform
than they are at present since 30 to 40 cfs of discharge will be maintained
through the tailrace most of the time.
With the plant in operation, discharge from the Port Lions River will be
considerably greater during periods of cold weather in the winter. This will
result in an increase in the amount of fresh water entering Settlers Cove.
No icing problems are anticipated in the cove due to the large tidal exchanges
which occur in the cove.
-67 -
3.3 Air Quality
Fugitive dust may be generated during the construction activities. Those
activities that will occur near the City of Port Lions such as forebay dam
construction, trenching for the penstock and clearing of the powerplant site
and access road may generate dust that would be an irritation to local resi-
dents.
Replacement of the diesel generating facilities with the hydroelectric
facilities should result in improvement in the air quality due to removal of
air pollutants generated by the burning of diesel fuel. It is doubtful that
improvement will be noticed by Port Lions residents due to the substantial
distance between the diesel generators and the city.
3. 4 Fish
3.4.1 Construction
The only significant impact to fishery resources that could occur during
construction would be siltation of pink salmon spawning gravel near the river
mouth. Construction of the forebay dam is expected to result in increased sedi-
mentation in the lagoon. If the sediment was deposited after the pink salmon
had spawned, there is a possibility that the s~othering effect of silt could
reduce hatching success. If construction is scheduled for early in the summer.
much of the sediment should be washed out of the lagoon by August when the pink
salmon return to spawn.
3.4.2 Operation
The primary concern relative to fish populations in the Port Lions River
is the loss of pink salmon spawning habitat due to diversion of water through
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the penstock. As discussed previously, pink salmon presently spawn up to the
first impassable falls {Figure 2.4-1 ). During operation, freshwater flow will
be maintained to the lagoon at the river mouth but the spawning habitat above
the lagoon will be lost. Pink salmon spawning is expected to continue in the
lagoon. There is reason to believe that spawning conditions in the lagoon may
improve due to operation of the plant. With operation, more uniform flow con-
ditions will be maintained in the lagoon. Flow during August will probably be
supplemented in most years, thus resulting in coverage of a larger percentage
of the available spawning gravel with fresh water. Whether the gains in the
lagoon will offset the losses upstream is difficult to predict. However, it
appears that the hydroelectric plant will leave adequate spawning habitat for
maintenance of the existing pink salmon run.
Loss of fish habitat between the first impassable falls and the forebay
dam will be insignificant. This area consists of a series of falls and fast
water chutes. The substrate is almost all bedrock and there is very little
suitable habitat for resident fishes.
Development of the forebay dam reservoir will increase habitat for resi-
dent Dolly Varden char. Growth rate of the Dclly Varden may be higher in the
reservoir, thus providing fish that would be more attractive to sport fisher-
men of the area.
The operation of the Crescent Lake as a storage and flow regulation re-
servoir will have several potential effects on fishes in the lake. First.
raising the level of the lake will result in inundation of approximately
0.40 kilometers {0.25 miles) of the inlet stream at the west end of the lake.
This stream has gravel, and flow marginally suitable for trout or char spawn-
ing. At full lake level, the inlet stream will provide only about 50 percent
-69 -
of the potential spawning habitat now available. It should be noted that the
inlet stream did not appear to be utilized as a rearing area for juvenile
trout or char.
Second, fluctuation in lake level may impact forage species, such as
stickleback. If fluctuations in water level occur during stickleback nest
building or egg incubation, it is possible that spawning success will be re-
duced. On the other hand, if the lake is full and remains stable during the
spawning period, the greater area of shallow water may prove beneficial to
their reproductive success.
Finally, productivity of the lake is expected to increase temporarily
due to plant nutrient inputs from recently inundated soil and vegetation.
This may stimulate fish growth. However, the effect will probably be ap-
parent for only a few years.
3. 5 Vegetation
There are no known areas of unique vegetation in the project area (Steve
Talbot, pers. comm. 27 June 1980). As a consequence all vegetation that will
be influenced or lost as a result of the proposed project is typical of the
surrounding low land vegetation on Kodiak Island.
3.5. 1 Crescent Lake
Little emergent vegetation will be inundated in the Crescent Lake area.
Some emergent growth will be lost in the area of the beaver pond on the south
tributary of Crescent Lake. Approximately 54 hectares (133 acres) of vegeta-
tion will be inundated when Crescent Lake is dammed. Sitka spruce trees along
the south shore of Crescent Lake should be cleared, limbed, and stockpiled
before the lake is inundated. All other shrubs and slash in the proposed
-70 -
inundation area will be burned. Areas for the stockpiling have not been lo-
cated but storing logs might result in additional loss of vegetation.
3.5.2 Port Lions Creek
The upper portion of Port Lions Creek will be disturbed when the dam is
constructed at the mouth of Crescent Lake. Approximately 0.4 hectares (1.0
acres) of vegetation adjacent to the creek will be required for construction,
borrow material and staging. This area is poorly drained and the vegetation
adjacent to the creek is similar to the vegetation of the surrounding areas
and does not appear to be limited or unique.
An unimproved access road to the dam site will result in clearing and
crushing shrub/herb vegetation along the upper portion of the creek and will
also require clearing Sitka spruce along the lower portions near Branchwater
Creek. The road will be approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long and 4 m
wide requiring approximately 1.5 hectares (3.9 acres). The road will follow
the route of an existing winter trail to Crescent Lake.
3.5.3 Forebay Dam Area
Approximately 3.3 hectares (8.2 acres) of Sitka spruce will be inundated
in the forebay dam area. These trees will be cleared and stockpiled along the
11 Subdivision road.11 Some vegetation will be disturbed in the log stockpile
area. All other vegetation including shrubs and deciduous trees in the fore-
bay area will also be cleared and burned in the area proposed for inundation.
Vegetation will also be disturbed or lost in the construction and staging
areas for the forebay dam and for the penstock right of way. The size of the
area required for these facilities should be less than 0.1 hectares (0.3
acres).
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3.5.4 Mouth/Lagoon Area
The powerhouse and parking facilities will require less than 0.1 hectare
(0.3 acres). Some of this area is already graveled and little vegetation will
be removed. Some small spruce trees adjacent to the river will be cut and
stockpiled for local use. Understory vegetation in this area is sparse due to
heavy recreational and vehicle use of the area. As a consequence, loss of the
ten to twenty spruce trees (up to 10 em DBH) will be the major vegetation im-
pact in this area.
3.6 Wildlife
Many of the wildlife species in the project area are wide ranging and
their daily travels could include all or most of the proposed facility sites.
To avoid repetition, impacts for each facility will be discussed for the
various groups of animals mentioned in Section 2.6. Attention will be given
to facility sites only if there is some probability of a conflict. Potential
conflicts will be discussed as appropriate for construction and operation
phases of the Port Lions Project.
Waterfowl residing on Island Lake and other lakes ad~acent to Crescent
Lake might be disturbed by construction activity near the proposed dam site
at the headwaters of the Port Lions River (outflow of Crescent Lake). Water-
fowl are particularly sensitive during late spring and summer breeding peri-
ods. Operation (Crescent Lake draw down) of the hydroelectric project should
have minimal impact on waterfowl due to the low (or nonexistent) breeding
population levels on Crescent Lake. If augmented flow in the Port Lions River
helps to maintain the levels of water in downstream lakes, the project might
produce a positive impact by encouraging the growth of emergent vegetation.
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A similar situation (increased marsh habitat) might occur at the edges of the
forebay impoundment area resulting in a positive impact.
No raptor nest sites were observed near any of the facility sites where
construction is planned, consequently impact on breeding raptors should be
low. Removal of Sitka spruce trees along Crescent Lake and in the forebay
area could reduce perch sites and nesting habitat for owls. Owls and raptors
would be displaced to adjacent habitats and productivity of these areas would
be reduced. However there does not seem to be a lack of suitable nesting and
perch sites for raptors {including bald eagles) in the project area and the
influence of the project on local population levels should be low. There
have been no reports of winter concentrations of raptors in the Port Lions
area and any winter construction activity should have little impact on these
birds. Operation phases of the project should have minimal influence on
raptors.
Impact of project construction on terrestrially oriented game birds and
small birds will primarily be loss of habitat. The mosaic of vegetation
types around Crescent Lake provides breeding as well as wintering habitat for
a variety of birds. For example, warblers, sparrows, thrushes, snipe and
shorebirds observed in the area were probably breeding. Nestling thrush
and recently fledged shorebirds were observed during the site reconnaissance.
Habitat loss due to inundation, clearing, road construction and stockpile/
staging areas will reduce productivity of terrestrial birds. For example
ptarmigan are likely to winter in the low land areas of the proposed project
and loss of this habitat might result in the displacement of a few dozen birds.
Lowland winter habitat is somewhat limited on Kodiak Island and loss of winter
habitat could reduce productivity of birds from a larger adjacent summer
range. Nevertheless the absolute amount of terrestrial wildlife habitat that
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11 be lost in relation to the vastness of the surrounding habitat is
minimal and such an ct should not have a significant influence on the
population of ptarmigan on Kodiak Island. The same is true for other game
birds and small birds that depend on terrestrial habitat. None of these
species have been reported as threatened or endangered on the island and the
impact on their respective populations should be minimal.
Most of the large medium mammals on Kodiak Island are likely to
range over the entire project area. For example a family of river otter re-
ire three to ten miles of stream per family (Banfield 1974). Radiotracking
studies by the Fish and Wildlife Service indicate that brown bear activity
areas average 14 square kilometers (5.4 square miles) (Calhoun et al. 1976)
and tagged grizzly bear have been reported to move 104 kilometers (65 miles)
during the course of a summer (Layser 1978). The proposed project area (0.60
square kilometers) comprises a small portion of the area required for many of
these animals and no portion of the project area is known to be critical for
survival for any populations or significant portion of any populations of these
species.
1 species most likely to be influenced by the proposed project are
the 1 ess mobile 1 mammals twill either be destroyed or displaced dur-
ing construction (e.g., tundra voles or red squirrels with a relatively small
home range or animals that spend much of their life in close proximity to cer-
tain sites i.e., within 150m of their lodges (Banfield 1974). For example,
beaver living in the Crescent Lake area will be flooded out as the lake rises
and they will probably not rebuild on the lake since beaver are relatively
intolerant of water level fluctuation. Beaver will probably be disolaced to
adjacent areas where they might attempt to build a new pond and lodge on the
south tary of Crescent Lake.
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The impacts on birds and mammals of the Port Lions area are important
and deserve attention while planning protection measures. However, relatively
little wildlife habitat will be lost in relation to the large amounts
wildlife habitat surrounding the project site. Any disturbance during the
brief construction period should be short term. The only long-term impacts
will be loss of habitat as a result of facility site development and in-
undation. The total area required for this project is 59.5 hectares (147 acres).
3.7 Threatened and Endangered Species
The proposed project is not expected to have an impact on peregrine
cons. There are no other threatened or endangered species of wildlife
known to occur on Kodiak Island.
3.8 Land Use
Long-term impacts of the tree harvest in the forebay area 11 be some-
what negative because the inundated area will be lost for purposes of tree
production for the duration of the project. The loss of this area for tree
production is small in relation to the tree resources near the townsite.
3. 9 Recreation
Recreation is one of the most controversial aspects of the proposed hydro-
electric project. Existing recreation along the Port Lions River includes
a favorite swimming hole for the school-age population. The proposed project
would require all of the water in the Port Lions River during low flow periods
and there would be no flow through the swi ng hole at these times. According
to Mike Mullen, a local student, the ng hole is less desirable during
natural low flow periods and during such periods "make-shift" dams have been
-75 -
set up on the river to raise the water level of the pool. The idea that
flow would be curtailed during the summer was not considered desirable, for
the pool would be too small and the enjoyment of the incoming falls would be
lost.
Other recreational uses of the river that might be i uenced by the
project include potential loss of a limited salmon run at the mouth of the
Port Lions River. Additionally, trails along both sides of the river in the
area to be flooded are indicative of significant use by children and several
small forts were found in the inundation area. Another recreational t
will be the loss the use Crescent Lake for snowmobile racing ra 11 i es .
fall of the water level in the winter may make it unsafe to use the lake
in the way it is presently being used.
3.10 Socioeconomic
Socioeconom~c impacts must be divided into construction and operational
phases. ng the construction phase, which will last approximately one con-
struction season from March until October, the following cts might be ex-
pected. KEA engineers estimate that a 10-12 person construction crew would be
required for the completion of this project. In addition, a crew of approxi··
mately eight men would be required for about one month to complete timber fall-
ing and clearing in the area to be inundated t forebay dam lake.
work force required for actual construction with present rates (Ju 1980) of
base pay ( exc 1 ng benefits) are presented below:
Possible Workforce for Proposed Port Lions Hydroelectric Project
Type of Ski 11
Foreman
Operating Engineer
Laborer
Truckdriver
Mechanic
Number of Positions
1
2
4
4
1
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Rate of Pay
$19.04/hr
17.00/hr
14.42/hr
15.67/hr
17.00/hr
Local hire on projects of this variety is extremely important to rural Alaskan
communities given the combination of high unemployment and high cost ~f living.
If 1 oca 1 re is not worked out, there could be antagonism and hard feelings
between villagers and construction workers. KEA has indicated a willingness
to let out a separate contract to persons in Port Lions to be completed prior
to the beginning of actual construction on the dam. If four to six local men
were employed on the construction crew, another six to eight men would have to
be brought in. KEA indicates that Settlers Cove lodge could handle this many
men. Alternatively, if the 35 new HUD units are completed, there may be
houses available for rent. If the contractor elects to bring in mobile units,
some place to locate them for hookup to water and sewer would be required. This
may be a problem.
The noise and congestion associated with heavy equipment will be an impact
of the clearing and construction phase. This will be limited due to the rela-
tively low number of pieces of equipment required for this project.
During the operational phase the following impacts might be expected:
1. Population. The population of Port Lions should not increase due
to the hydroelectric project since it is only designed for domestic
needs. Any industry which would locate in Port Lions would require
diesel supplement.
2o Employment. KEA anticipates that one person will be able to take
care of the operation and so no further employment is anticipated for
the operational phase.
3. Subsistence. The possible reduction in the pink salmon run native
to the Port Lions River should have virtually no impact on subsistence
activities in the area since residents make greatest use of red and
silver salmon from other streams for subsistence purposes.
4. Transportation. One of the possible impacts raised by the Mayor of
Port Lions to Retherford and Assocaites was the loss of skiff moorage
in the intertidal area at the mouth of the Port Lions River. As
presently conceived, the outfall from the powerplant would be placed
high enough to retain nearly all of the intertidal skiff mooring area.
-77 -
5. Aesthetics. Several residents commented on the loss of the scenic
value of the river between the forebay dam and the powerhouse.
Flows over existing falls will cease during periods of low flow
and the scenic quality presently enjoyed will be lost during these
periods. Most hit will be those who live on the south end of town
in close proximity to the river.
6. Water. The auxiliary water system for Port Lions will be relocated
to the forebay dam. This will probably be a benefit to the com-
munity making for a greater auxiliary supply than presently exists.
The present dam apparently does not provide a sufficient supply for
demand in winter when a seafood processor is operating as substantial
quantities of sand are sucked up by the intake pump. This problem
should be alleviated with the ne\v dam.
7. Fuel Oil. Shifting from diesel generators to hydroelectric power
could potentially affect the availability and cost of fuel oil to
Port Lions residents. Presently the Port Lions Fuel Oil Company
supplies diesel to KEA for the diesel generators at Port Lions.
This demand plus the city's fuel oil demand are enough to allow a
large tanker to come in for a 50,000 gal delivery twice a year.
The bulk deliveries help to keep costs down and insure that there
is adequate fuel oil for those residents that depend on fuel oil for
home heating. To receive bulk deliveries, a substantial amount of
operating capital is necessary. In the past KEA has advanced the
Port Lions Fuel Oil Company enough money to cover the 50,000 gal
minimum purchase. With hydroelectric generation, the need for diesel
generation will be greatly reduced and it will no longer be feasible
for KEA to advance the money to the fuel company. The Port Lions
Fuel Oil Company is presently up for sale. If the company is pur-
chased by someone with sufficient operating capital, bulk delivery
could be continued with perhaps one delivery per year. This would
allow continuation of adequate fuel.
8. Cost of Living. Development of hydroelectric power will reduce the
cost of living for most residents of Port Lions by providing cheaper
power than could be produced through diesel generation. Some of the
savings in electricity may be lost if the fuel oil company cannot
purchase fuel oil in bulk quantities. This would be felt most by
those elderly residents who are dependent on fuel oil for their home
heating needs. Those families which have shifted partially or en-
tirely to wood heat will likely benefit from either a decreased cost
of living or an increased electric consumption, whichever they choose.
3.11 Archeological
Based on earlier surveys in this area and surveys done in comparable
areas, there should be no archeological impact from the Crescent Lake portion
of the project to the forebay dam portion. Since the penstock is to be buried
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along the same route used earlier for electrical transmission, there should be
no additional archeological impacts from this activity. The only sensitive
area might be the high ground immediately above the spit at the mouth of the
Port Lions River and this depends on where the powerhouse and switchyard
are located.
During the construction phase, care must be taken so that the location
of possible mobile home units for construction workers, sites for equipment
and material storage, and sites for obtaining fill for the forebay dam do not
harm the archeological resources of the area. These sensitive areas are
marked on Figure 2.11-1.
3.12 Historical
The potential impact on historical resources of the area is the penstock
for the old sawmill located on the south side of the Port Lions River. All
of the remaining sections of penstock are located below the proposed forebay
dam and so will not be inundated. In addition, since the new penstock is to
be buried on the north side of the river, there should be no impact on the old
penstock.
There should be no reason to move the Pelton wheel presently located on
the beach fringe between the lodqe and the river mouth.
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4.0 MITIGATION
4.1 Climate
The hydroelectric project is not expected to impact climate therefore
no mitigation is required.
4.2 Water Quality and Quantity
4.2. 1 Water Quality
Mitigation measures to reduce input of suspended sediments into Crescent
Lake and the Port Lions River during construction activities will include
the following:
1. Construction will be done during a single summer. This will reduce
the opportunity for erosion of exposed soil.
2. Work in the Port Lions River will be scheduled during low flow
periods to reduce the amount of streambed disturbance.
3. Bridges and culverts will be used at all tributary stream crossings
of the access road to avoid introduction of suspended solids by road
traffic.
4. A vegetated buffer zone will be left between all access roads and
the s treamba nk.
5. Excavated areas around the forebay dam and Crescent Lake Dam will be
revegetated according to U.S. Forest Service recommendations to
prevent soil erosion.
6. Existing grass on the banks of the lagoon at the river mouth will not
be disturbed during construction of the powerplant or tailrace.
7. Construction work will be planned so that heavy equipment will not
have to cross back and forth across the river. If continual crossing
is necessary such as hauling of gravel from a borrow pit to the
Crescent Lake Dam, a temporary bridge will be constructed.
8. No excavation for borrow areas will be done below high water line
in the Port Lions River.
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Fuel oil and any other potentially toxic liquids used on site will be
stored in an area surrounded by a berm. The berm will be high enough to
prevent leakage should a spill occur. Fuel oil will be purchased in Port
Lions and deliveries to the Crescent Lake area will be by i 1 e ta n k true k
thus minimizi the need for on-site storage.
4.2.2 vJater Quantity
Loss of flow between the forebay and the powerhouse may be partially
mitigated by the regulation of flow conditions on the remainder of river.
Regulation of discharge into the lagoon may improve that area as spawning
habitat for pink salmon. Regulation of the river between the forebay dam
and Crescent Lake should improve conditions for the resident Dolly Varden
population.
4.3 Air Quality
Mitigation for fugitive dust will involve the use of a sprinkler truck
to keep roads and staging areas moist and dust free.
Switching over to hydropower from diesel generation will reduce air
pollution from the burning of diesel fuel and reduce the demand for non-
renev-Jab 1 e fue 1 resources.
4.4 Fish
Loss of salmon spawni habitat above the lagoon 11 be partially miti-
gated by locating the tailrace from the powerhouse as far upstream in the
lagoon as possible. It should be possible to provide freshwater throughout
~ost of the lagoon. The tailrace will be constructed so that water leaving
the plant will not cause erosion of the gravel substrate in the lagoon.
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The maintenance of more uniform flows in the lagoon should improve salmon
spawning conditions and partially offset losses of upstream habitat.
4.5 Vegetation
The most effective way of avoiding and reducing impact on vegetation is
to confine all activities to the areas and rights of way established during
the final design. For example, at Crescent Lake all slash should be burned
in the proposed draw down area rather than in areas that would not otherwise
be influenced by the project. This requires that the draw down area be
surveyed and clearly marked before clearing and burning activities commence.
The same procedure should be followed during clearing activities along the
access road, in the fnrebay area, along the penstock route and at the power-
house site.
ber removed from the inundation areas along Crescent Lake and the fore-
bay site should be limbed and stockpiled for public use. The size of the stock-
pile 3reas should cover as small an area as possible with regard for safety
factors such as pile stability. Timber along Crescent Lake should be left
along the lake edge and timber in the forebay area should be stockpiled at a
centralized site (e.g., along the "subdivision road") and be made available for
blic use. Once the Port Lions townspeople have removed the timber from the
stockpile site at the forebay area, the stockpile site should be graded and
revegetated for use as a recreation area.
The access road should (1) follow the existing winter trail, (2) skirt
timbered areas wherever possible, (3) be set b,:ck at least 20 m (65 ft) from
the Port Lions River. The access road should cross as few tributary streams as
possible. Streams should be crossed with small log bridges or culverts, which-
ever would provide the best protection to streamside vegetation. Use of low
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pressure, over-sized, rubber-tired or wide-track vehicles will keep dis-
turbance of vegetation to a minimum. If the unimproved road can be de-
signed with minimum use of gravel and not expose large areas of soil to
erosion, impact on vegetation will be greatly minimized. Construction of
the dam at Crescent Lake should be planned at a time (e.g., summer periods
of low rainfall) when travel over the access road will cause minimal impact.
Clearing activities near the powerhouse site and along the penstock
route should be as far away from the Port Lions River as possiole.
All areas disturbed ng construction activities should be stabilized
to reduce erosion. Some road cut areas may require mechanical features s
as rip-rap or bin-walls and all disturbed areas should be re-seeded with the
seed mixture recommended by the U.S. Forest Service.
4. 6 Wildlife
The proposed project is on such a small scale that most impacts such as
disturbance of wildlife during construction will be minor and short term.
Since there do not appear to be any unique, threatened or endangered species
of wildlife, there is little need to schedule construction activities for
periods to avoid disturbance. Instead construction should be scheduled for
those periods when impact on vegetation or wildlife habitat would be minimal
(e.g., July). Since removal of habitat is the only long-term impact pro-
jected for this project, efforts to reduce this impact will have the most
benefit to wildlife.
As mentioned in Section 2.10.3 of this report, natural foods of the area
are an important part of the diet for local people in Port Lions. If the
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situation is to continue, it is important that the hydroelectric project
not encourage additional hunting by 11 0utsiders." This is a potential problem
durinq construction as well as operation. To mitigate this situation,
ntinq in the area of Port Lions will not be permitted by the contractor or
construction workers during construction. Hunting by "outsiders" during
the operation phase should not increase if the access road to Crescent Lake
is restricted to entry by a locked gate. The prediction of increased use
of the access road by hunters is based on the current use of the Port Lions
airport road by "outsider" hunters who ferry their campers to the Port Lions
area.
Construction of the access road and other facilities during the drier
summer months increases the probability of man-bear encounters along the up-
per portions of the Port Lions River and in the Crescent Lake area. The
potential for such encounters can be greatly reduced by taking care to clean
up construction sites after lunch breaks and not to litter the area with food
scraps, cans or wrappers. In addition, the following policies are recommended:
1. Do not feed any wild animals at construction sites.
2. Do not purposely harass wildlife (especially brown bears),
3. Store lunches and food in vehicles,
4. If bear problems arise, consult local Alaska Fish and Game Officials
in Kodiak.
In order for these policies to be effective, they must be distributed to
the on-site work crews as well as the project manager and superintendents.
4.7 Threatened and Endangered Species
Due to the low probability of impact on peregrine falcons there are no
mitigation measures proposed for this species.
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4.8 Land Use
The negative impact of the loss of tree production will be partially
mitigated by making the trees in the proposed inundation area available to
local residents. Due to limited land use and rninir1al impact on existing
land uses, no other land use mitigation measures have been proposed.
4.9 Recreation
There are several possibilities for mitigating the potential loss of
pink salmon spawning beds (see Fish 4.4) and maintaining swimming in the
Port Lions River. A small dam could be built at the outlet which drains the
hole. This would assure a desirable pool for swimming if the water level
could be maintained. If the water level could not be maintained, additional
water from Crescent Lake could be released during low flow period (i.e., May,
ne, and July). At present levels of electric consumption, water may be
available during these months in excess of the community's power needs.
Another possibility is to have swimming in the forebay reservoir. How-
ever, this possibility appears to be considerably less attractive to the local
school children than the present swimming hole. The State Department of
Environmental Quality has given its approval for use of the area as a swimmi
area as long as swimming would not be permitted during periods when the im-
poundment is used as a public water supply (see letter from Mr. Kyle Cherry,
Region Environmental Supervisor, Appendix C). The forebay reservoir might of-
fer additional new recreational opportunities such as sailing and rowboating
in the summer.
-85 -
A small recreation area (see Vegetation 4.5) adjacent to the forebay
reservoir will increase the recreational value of the site (Figure 2~0-1).
Picnic tables, a shelter with a cooking fireplace and a restroom will en-
courage use of the area during the summer. A restroom is recommended for the
area if it can be hooked up to the city sewerline. If this is not possible,
a restroo~ adjacent to a source of drinking water is not recommended.
4.10 Socioeconomic
4.10.1 Employment
Provisions for local hire on the construction phase as well as a local
contract for clearing with local distribution and use of wood will make a
sizeable contribution to the local economy.
4. 10.2 Fuel Oil and Cost of Living
Mitigating measures for the escalation of heating oil costs need more
investigation than this report is able to provide. One possibility is to
form a local oil purchasing cooperative of as many consumers as possible in-
cluding the school and KEA.
4.11 Archeological
The location of the powerplant and switchyard should be as far up the
river from the mouth as possible. Ms. Linda Finn-Yarborough should be con-
tacted about the exact location of the housepit and midden she describes. If
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the powerplant and switchyard construction could impact the site, then ad-
ditional testing and perhaps excavation might be required.
4.12 Historical
No mitigating measures appear to be required to preserve the penstock
and Pelton wheel.
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5.0 COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Residents of Port Lions have been receiving information about and consid-
ering various aspects of the proposed hydroelectric project for over a year
now. They have reviewed these proposals and have forwarded a thoughful list of
considerations to Retherford Associates, the engineering firm that did pre-
liminary feasibility work on the project. Several meetings have been held
various sized groups of Port Lions residents by KEA representatives. The best
attended of these was a presentation made to the shareholders of Afognak Natives
Incorporated at their annual meeting in April. 1980. Two recent meetings in
association with the preparation of this report were held by BEAK personnel,
one on Kodiak and one in Port Lions.
During the initial phase of feasibility investigations, the community was
noncommittal towards the project. Initial project designs which they received
were for a smaller project with a significantly longer penstock and considerably
lower potential. The community did not feel it was worthwhile to dam the river
for such a small amount of power. The subsequent larger design was more favor-
ably received. However a number of other perceived problems includino loss
moorage for skiffs, loss of salmon, loss of swimming hole, anticipation of the
entire river being dried up, and aesthetic impacts coalesced to produce a
moderately negative evaluation of the project during the early part of 1980.
These feelings were and continue to be especially strong among the school-age
population. A student survey conducted in April. 1980 revealed unanimous opposi-
tion among students to the project. The Port Lions Times, the student newspaper,
reported in its May.1980 issue that students "don 1 t want to see a river with this
much life dried up most of the year just so the city of Port Lions could have
cheaper electrical rates. The students want to see this river stay the way it
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is, to see the salmon come back every summer and go swimming in the river
instead of walk where it used to be. We want the river to stay the way it
is and has for years. 11
Following the presentation at the annual meeting of Afognak Natives,
Incorporated, the City of Port Lions circulated a survey to households in
the community (see Appendix B). According to the Assistant City Clerk, they
were quite pleased with the number of questionnaires which were returned.
The tally of that vote was 64 in favor and 29 opposed to the project. uur1ng
interviews and conversations in Port Lions on July 1 and 2, 1980 only two
adults indicated they did not want the hydroelectric project. A number of
gh-school age individuals expressed opposition to the project. Of the
individuals involved in business, only the owner of the Port Lions General
Store and Port Lions Oil Company is opposed to the project.
One important consideration for Port Lions residents is reducing
their electricity rate enough to attract a new seafood processing plant to
the community. ~~ith this in mind, the fact that the proposed project \vill
provide only enough for domestic use lessens its local attractiveness. A
of community residents have inquired about the possibility of a trans-
ssion line from the Terror Lake project. Consideration of
taken up in the next section.
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t issue is
6.0 ALTERNATIVES
This section describes alternative means ofobtaining the same amount
of power provided by the proposed project.
6.1 Run-of-river Hydroelectric Supplemented With Diesel Generation
This alternative would require essentially the same construction activi-
ties as the proposed action with the exception of the Crescent Lake Dam.
Hydroelectric generation would be based on existing river flow conditions
without supplementation during low flow periods. Projected flow data
indicate that insufficient flow for domestic needs would occur during the
months of January, February, March, November and December. In addition, it is
estimated from existing Port Lions River flow data that insufficient flow may
also be expected during July and August. Diesel generation would have to be
used during these periods to supplement hydroelectric generation.
The primary benefit of this alternative would be the savings of money
for construction of Crescent Lake Dam, deletion of minor environmental impacts
of the storage reservoir on wildlife discussed elsewhere, and the deletion of
the Crescent Lake access road and its potential environmental effects.
The most significant negative aspect of the alternative is the continued
gh level of dependence on diesel generation and its associated high cost.
There would also bG loss of streamflow regulation wi this alternative
which miqht increase the impact of the project on the pink salmon spawning
habitat in the lagoon. With loss of flow regulation, the diversion impoundment
would fluctuate more and be less desirable for recreationa1 use.
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6.2 Hydroelectric Power from the Terror Lake Project
s alternative would require construction of a tra ssion line
the Terror Lake powerpl~nt at the head of Kizhuyak Bay to Port Lions,
a distance of about 19 kilometers (12 miles}. proposed Terror Lake
powerplant has a 20 megawatt generating capacity and is being developed to
supply the rapidly growing energy needs of the City of Kodiak. Based on
ected demands for the City of Kodiak all of the ou t from the Terror
Lake plant 11 be used within one year after it goes in operation (Kozak,
pers. comm. 2 July 1980}. Therefore, there is no excess power expected to
be available from the Terror Lake project for use at Port Lions.
If for some unforeseen reason sufficient power was made available from
the Terror Lake plant, the following positive and negative impacts could be
expected:
Positive Impacts
1. The projected cost per KWH would be lower to Port Lions users.
the proposed Port Lions project, electricity will cost approximately
26.0 cents per KWH at projected use rates. If Terror Lake power is
provided the cost would be approximately 10.6 cents per ~JH.
estimate of 10.6 cents per K~JH assumes that electricity is provided
both for do~estic and individual use.
2. Environmental impacts associated with the Port Lions hydroelectric
project would not occur.
3. There would be a reduction in diesel generation for domestic use
at Port Lions.
Negative Impacts
1. The transmission line route would pass near potentially sensitive
wildlife habitat (i.e., cliffs which may provide nesting and fledgi
habitat for birds of prey. Construction activities could result in
nest abandonment.
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2. Construction activities could impact salmon in Kizhuyak Creek since
the line would have to cross the lo\~er end of the creek. The creek
is heavily used by pink salmon for spawning. Construction activities
could potentially increase sedi~ent loading and consequently smother
eggs in the gravel.
3. Some clearing of trees would be necessary in the Port Lions area
for the transmission line right-of-way.
4. The visual aesthetics of the powerline transmission route would be
degraded from its presently pristine condition.
5. Essentially the same amount of land would have to be cleared in the
town of Port Lions to construct a switchyard as would be reauired
for the hydroelectric plant switchyard.
6. The fuel oil problems discussed relative to the Port Lions project
would still occur if the Terror Lake power was brought in.
6.3 No Action Alterna ve
The existing diesel powered generators at Port Lions have more than
enough generating capacity to meet the future needs of the community. How-
ever, the cost of diesel generation is skyrocketi and many people in Port
Lions have already been forced to curtail their use of electrical power.
Table 6.3-1 shows the cost per kilowatt hour for diesel generation compared
with the various alternative hydroelectric use structures. The estimated
cost for diesel generation in Table 6.3-1 is based on the assumption of an
increase of 10% per year in the price of diesel fuel.
6.4 Electrical Generation by Natural Gas
Oil and natural gas exploration is being conducted in the Shelikof Strait
area near Port Lions. The probability of finding commercial quantities of oil
is estimated at about 5%. If a field was located and sold by 1982 full pro-
duction would be possible by 1986. A 120-acre terminal site has been proposed
for Point Talnik, 2 miles north of the Port Lions airport in the event that an
oil field was developed. The possibility therefore exists for t Lions to
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Table 6.3-1. Comparison of cost per kilowatt hour for diesel and hydro-
generation alternatives.
In 1982*
Cost of KWH to consumer with diesel generation
Cost of KWH to consumer with hydro at projected
total rate of use
Cost of KWH for consumer if diesel supplement re-
quired for industrial user in addition to all
hydro
In 1985* (when Terror Lake projected to be ready)
Cost of KWH to consumer with diesel generation
Cost of KWH to consumer with projected growth
and Port Lions hydro power
Cost of KWH to consumer if diesel supplement
required for industrial user in addition to
all Port Lions hydro power
Cost of KWH to consumer with Terror Lake hydro
power, Port Lions hydro power and an industrial
user
32.0¢
23.3¢
10.9¢
36.0¢
26.0¢
13 .1¢
10.6¢**
* These figures are based on an estimated Port Lions hydro cost of $1,034,440
**This figure based on an estimated Terror Lake hydro cost of $111,000,000
-93 -
have a relatively cheap supply of natural gas for power generation. However,
this possibility seems highly remote at the present time.
If natural gas was used for power generation there would be a slight
improvement in air quality since natural gas burns cleaner than diesel. Gen-
erating facilities could be located at any of several environmentally acceptable
locations to minimize construction and operation impacts. flatural gas could
also be used for home heating which would reduce the amount of wood burning
and therefore reduce the cutting of timber reserves in the area and pollution
fro~ wood smoke.
-94 -
beak
7.0 AGENCY CONTACTS
Attempts were made in preparation of this report to contact all federal,
state and local agencies with jurisdiction or interest in the Port Lions
hydroelectric project.
An information packet containing the project description, study area
maps, available environmental data, preliminary study outline, milestone
chart for report preparation, environmental checklist and list of agencies
contacted was sent to all concerned agencies and interest groups. Each
agency and interest group was then notified by letter that a scoping meeting
for the environmental study would be held June 30, 1980 at KEA headquarters
in Kodiak. Follow-up phone calls were made to each agency to be sure that
the information packets had been received and to obtain preliminary comments
or concerns that they had regarding the proposed environmental study. All
comments and concerns obtained were recorded and used to help design the
scope of the environmental study. Each agency was urged to send their
comments and concerns to KEA and BEAK in writing.
The scoping meeting at KEA June 30, 1980 was attended by local rep-
resentatives of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the City of Port
Lions and the Kodiak Island Borough. All comments, concerns and recommenda-
tions were recorded.
A list of all agency and interest groups contacted during the study are
presented in Table 7.0-1. Written comments and concerns received from
agencies during the seeping phase of the study are presented in Appendix C.
Agency reviews of this report are presented in Appendix D.
-95 -
Ta~le 7.0-1. List of agencies contacted regarding the Port Lions Hydro.
1) Afognak Native Corporation
Box 14
Kodiak, Alaska 99615
(Mr. t·1arvin Frost, President)
Telephone Number ~ (907) 486-4200
2) Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
338 Denali Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(t~s. Gail Green)
Telephone Number -(907) 274-5527
3) Alaska Power Administration
Post Office Box 50
Juneau, Alaska 99802
(Mr. Don Shira, Chief of Planning)
Telephone Number-(907) 586-7405
4) Alaska Power Authority
333 West 4th Avenue, Suite 31
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(Mr. Eric P. Yould, Executive Director)
Telephone Number-(907) 277-7641
5) Alaska Public Utilities Commission
1100 MacKay Building
338 Denali Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Telephone Number -(907) 276-6222
6) Bureau of Land Management
District Office
4700 East 72nd Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(Mr. Mike Kasterin)
Telephone Number -(907) 344-9661
7) City of Port Lions
Box 278
Port Lions, Alaska 99550
(Patricia Lukin, Acting 1·1ayor)
Telephone Number -(907) 454-2332
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Table 7.0-1. Continued.
8} Mr. Donald P. Dubois
Regional Administrator, Region X
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
Telephone Number -(206) 442-1200
9) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
825 North Capital, NE
Washington, D.C. 20426
(tk. Paul Carrier)
Telephone Number-(202} 357-8040
10) t1r. Paul D. Gates
Regional Environmental Officer
Department of the Interior
Post Office Box 120
Anchorage, Alaska 99510
Telephone Number-(907) 271-5074
11) ~k. ~Jilliam S. Hanable
Chief of Hi story and Archeology
Division of Parks
Department of Natural Resources
619 Warehouse Avenue, Suite 210
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Telephone Number -(907) 274-4676
12) KANA Housing and Electric Authority
Box 197
Kodiak, Alaska 99615
(Mr. Horace Simmons, Executive Director)
Telephone Number-{907) 486-5721
13) Kodiak Island Borough
Post Office Box 1246
Kodiak, Alaska 99615
{Mr. Dave Crowe, Borough Engineer)
Telephone Number -{907) 486-5736
14) Regional Director
Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service
540 West Fifth Avenue, Room 201
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Telephone Number-(907) 277-1666
-CJ7 -
Table 7.0-1. Continued.
15) Regional Director
Region 1
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
lloyd Building, Suite 1692
500 NE Multnomah Street
Portland, Oregon 97232
Telephone Number -(503) 231-6828
16) Harry l. Rietze
Director, Alaska Region
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA
Post Office Box 1668
Juneau, Alaska 99802
Telephone Number -(907) 586-7221
17) State of Alaska
Department of Fish and Game
Subpart Building
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Telephone Number-(907} 465-4100
18) State of Alaska
Department of Natural Resources
Division of Parks
Pouch M
Juneau, Alaska 99811
Telephone Number-(907) 465-2421
19) The District Engineer
U.S. Army Engineer District
Post Office Box 7002
Anchorage, Alaska 99510
Telephone Number -(907) 752-4942
20) State of Alaska
Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forest, land and Water Management
323 4th Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska
-98 -
8.0 REFERENCES
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An Alaskan Community Profile. Juneau: State of Alaska.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 1975. A fish and wildlife resource
inventory of the northeast Gulf of Alaska, Vol. 2. Anchorage,
756 pp.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 1977. Kodiak management area
finfish annual report. Div. of Commercial Fisheries, Kodiak, AK. 179 pp~
Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center. 1979. An assessment
of the environmental effects of construction of the Terror Lake hydro-
electric facility, Kodiak Island, Alaska. Report prepared for Kodiak
Electric Association. 334 pp.
Banfield, A. W. F. 1974. The mammals of Canada. iversity of Toronto
Press, Toronto, 438 p.
Beven, 0. E. 1961. Variability in aerial counts of spawning salmon. J.
Fish Res. Bd. Canada. 18:337-348.
Bureau of Land Management (USDI). 1980. Draft Environmental Impact
Statement Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale Lower
Cook Inlet/Shelikof Strait (#60). Manuscript, Anchorage.
Calhoun, R. C., J. C. Garcia, J. T. Graham, D. V. Lamb, C. E. Moon, C. F.
Peters, and K. D. Richter. 1976. The environment of Alaska: An analysis
of physical and biological determinants. Prepared for: Joint-Federal
State land use olanning commission for Alaska. G-7.
ark, 0. 1966. Perspectives in the prehistory of Kodiak Island, Alaska.
American Antiquity 31(3):358371.
Clark. D. 1974. Contributions to the later prehistory of Kodiak Islanc,
Alaska. Archeological Survey of Canada paper No. 20, Ottawa: National
Museum of Canada.
Davis, N. 1979. Western Gulf of Alaska Petroleum Development Services-
Kodiak Native Sociocultural Impacts. Technical Report No. 41, Alaska
OCS Socioeconomic Studies Program. Anchorage: Bureau of Land Management,
Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Office.
Delacy, A. C. 1941. Contribution. to the life history of two Alaskan
chars Salvelinas malma walbaum and Salvelinas alpinus linnaeus. Ph.D.
Thesis. Univ. of Wash., Seattle, WA. 114 pp.
Dumond, D. 1977. The Eskimos and Aleuts. London: Thames and Hudson.
Galliett, H., and G. Silides. 1975. Port Lions Comprehensive Development
P 1 an . 2 Vo 1 s • An c ho ra ge .
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Heizer, R. 1956. Archeology of the Uyak Site, Kodiak Island, Alaska,
University of California Anthropological Records 17(1 ).
Hrdlicka, A. 1944. The Anthropology of Kodiak Island, Alaska. Wistar,
Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia.
Jones, Stanley H., Robert J. Madison, and Chester Zenome. 1978. Water
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Geological Survey. Hydrologic Investigations Atlas HA-612. 2 maps.
Kodiak Area Native Association. 1980. Overall Economic Development Program
Report. Kodiak: KANA.
Layser, E. F. 1978. Grizzly bears fn the southern Selkirk Mountains.
Northwest Science 52:77-91.
Merritt, R. W., and K. W. Cummins. 1978. An fntroductton to the aquatic
insects of North America. Kendall Hart Publishing Co. Dubuque, ID.
441 pp.
Murray, D. F. 1980. Threatened and Endangered Plants of Alaska. Published
cooperatively by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 59 p.
Port Lions. City of.
1975. Port Lions:
1977.
City.
Port Lions Comprehensive Plan, Update-~1arch,
Righter, E. 1979. Report on a Preliminary Archeological Pedestrian and
Aerial Reconnaissance of the Proposed Terror Lake Hydroelectric Plant
Site, Kodiak Island, Alaska. Berwyn, PA: Wapori, Inc.
Retherford and Associates. 1979. Port Lions hydroelectric power potential.
Report prepared to U.S. Dept. of Energy, Alaska Power Administration.
Retherford, R. W. and Associates. 1979. Preliminary Feasibility Designs
and Cost Estimates for a Hydroelectric Project on the Port Lions River,
Port Lions, Alaska. Juneau: Alaska Power Administration, U.S. Department
of Energy.
Strohm, H. 1974. U.S. Forest Service's Final EIS. Perenosa Timber Sale,
U.S. Forest Service, National Wildlife Refuge System.
Thorn. H. C. S. 1968. New distributions of extreme winds in the United
States. Journal Structural Div. Proc. Amer. Soc. Civil Eng. 94(ST7):
1787-1801 .
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1980. Planning aid letter for the Port
Lions and Larsen Bay hydroelectric projects. Prepared for Alaska Power
Authority 3 April 1980. 7 pp.
Viereck, L.A., and E. L. Little, 1972. Alaska trees and shrubs. U.S.
Forest Service, Washington, D.C. 265 pp.
-luo -
Weirsum, W. 1978. Port Lions Archeological Report, Permit 78 AK-086.
Anchorage: Public Health Service.
Workman, W., and D. Clark. 1979. Prehistory and Contact History of
Afognak Bay. In D. Clark, Ocean Bay: An early North Pacific Maritime
Culture. p~. 243-325. Archeological Survey of Canada Paper No. 86.
Ottawa.
Wolfe, R. 1979. Food Production in a Western Eskimo Population. Ann
Arbor: University Microfilms International.
Yarborough, Linda F. 1976. Prelininary Archeological Survey of the
Port Lions Water Improvements, EDA Title 10 Project #07-31-005.
-101 -
9.0 PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Blackett, Roger; Fisheries Biologist, Fisheries Rehabilitation, Enhancement,
and Development Division, Alaska Department of Fish and Game; Kodiak,
Alaska.
Kozak, Edwin; Staff Engineer, Kodiak Electric Association, Kodiak, Alaska.
Lukin, Patricia; Acting Mayor, City of Port Lions, Port Lions, Alaska.
Manthey, Ken; Fisheries Biologist, Commercial Fisheries Division, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game, Kodiak, Alaska.
r1oney, Dennis; Falcon Recovery Team, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Anchorage, Alaska.
Roger, Douglas; Alternate State Historic Preservation Officer, Department
of Natural Resources, State of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska.
Smith, Roger; Wildlife Biologist, Game Division, Alaska Department of Fish
and Game, Kodiak, Alaska.
Talbot, Steven; Ecologist, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Anchorage,
Alaska.
VanHulle, Frank; Fisheries Biologist, Sport Fish Division, Alaska Department
of Fish and Game, Kodiak, Alaska.
-102 -
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Po:·t Lion~ At·chaeological Report
r;oveir.ber 13-14' 1978
1\rchaeo 1 og i ca ·i Survey Permit 781\K-086
Wayne E. Wiersum, Archaeologist ·
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HUD/KANA proposes .to construct betvJeen 25 and 30 housing units in
Port Lions, Kodiak Island. The Indian Health Service {IHS) will
eventually service these new units with a water and sewage system
and rejuvenate the existing water intake system.
The area where the houses will be built is undecided. However, a
number of alternatives are being considered dependent upon cost
factors and the village choice. There are four possibl~ areas {de-
signated A-0) which were surveyed with Mr. Miller Lutton (HUD), Mr.
Ho;~ace Simmons (KANA), f4r. Mike Dworski {PHS), and St.eve Gerlek (PHS).
Area A comprises seven surveyed lots and additional l~nds to the north
of Bayview Dive. This section, densely covered with spruce, is approx-
in~tely 1500 feet from the shoreline. The general area was transversed
by foot severa 1 times \"'ith HUD and PHS engineers. No historic or archae-
ological resources were found. Several local residents were consulted
concerning archaeological but none \':ere known withir. the survey areas.
Area B is situated west of the Port Lions River, Spruce Drive to the
nol~th. The l'iver \'las sui~vryed along both ba:1!:s for possible sites. The
cntir8 section \·:a:. tl~ansv<'!rsed by foot b.~t no··ir1dications of arch:teolog-
ic()l sit~~ \·ws encount!'::red.
Jll~.t <lcross thr road from AreiJ H 1 ie<:. f1rca C. This se.-·t io:-1 is bound to
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the east by the Port Lions River and the shoreline to the south. The
banks of the river and shoreline were surveyed but no archaeological
resources were found.
The last possible develo~nent area D lies across the Settlers Cove
near the old settlement of Port lions. There are several recorded
archaeological sites on the east shore of the peninsula including a
petroglyph site. The area was surveyed by Clark (1965) and three
sites are listed in the Alaska Heritage Resource Survey (KOD-049),
KO_D-050~ KOD-051 ). Mike Nm>Jak also located a number of sites near
Peregrebni Point during his 1977 survey for the Cm·ps of Engineers.
None of the recorded sites are near the alternative housing zone. The
target area was surveyed on foot. No additional sites \'rere encountered.
T~=~~ ~~p~ar~ tube no conflict between the housing locations and archae-
ological resources at Port Lions.· It is recomm2nded that the designated
survey areas be given archaeological clearance.
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P.O. BOX 278
PORT LIONS, ALASKA 99550
Community Survey
The Kodiak Electric Association is considering construction of a small hydroelectric power
system in the Port Lions River.
The system would have a dam at Crescent Lake, and another dam in the Port Lions River
down-river from the City water pump. This dam in the H.iver would create an R-acre
pond (that's about 500ft. x 700ft.) The lfflter from this poud would flow down a
30-inch diameter tube huriecl alongside the River to the power plant at the lagoon hy
the Lodge. The project would cost about $1.3 million. The most recent pro.iect desip;n
shows that the pro.1eet wqu]d prrlVirle ~00 lew of power year ronnel. This is enoul!h for
domestic use nll1.v. During lo"' water periods or if industry developed here, we would
supplement the hydro power with dieael po·,.rer. Only during periods of heavy water flow
would there Le any water flowing in the Hiver helow the lower clam.
We would like to point out some advantages and disadvantages of the Project.
ADV;\1\;T.AGES: Hydro power Renerating costs are low. Elertric rates may not go clown bnt
they would stabilize.
The hydro syAtem doeR not have the capacity to provide industrial power,
l1ut industrial power rates "'ould benefit fror' the •tabilized baee power rate.
The possitd li ty of getting power from the Terror Lake Project may be several
years in the future. The Port Lions Project could be finished in two years.
The Port Lions Project would use local lahor.
The A-acre pond coulcl probably he used for swimming & recreation.
The design of the Project would permit operation of a small salmon hatchery
in the lagoon.
DlSADVAN"'l'AGES: The River would be dry most of the year.
Th,. salmon spawn abovE~ the lagoon would be destroyed.
Fur nc'irly the same cost, a Terror Lake power line W> u ld provide us with
more power for homes and industry.
Our power rates wouB still be m1Ich higher than Kodiak.
Before KEA proceeds with this Project, we need to know how you feel about it. Each adult
i 11 yonr houselw ld may voi.P hy choosinr: the statement hPlow which hest cxpresFP8 yo11r
feelings:
A.NY Cm!!-IENTS :
D
D
I believe that better electric rates are more important
than the Hiver. I think the mini-project is a ~ood icleR.
I believe that the River is more important than electric
rates. I do not think the project is a good idea.
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Mr. Rolland Jones
Consulting Engineer
P.O. Box 375
Kodiak, Alaska 99615
Dear Mr. Jones:
.\/,U !H. I , . .'I,',< I I!! (,'/1 f,v,·,: Ill lirE
July 10, 1980
338 Denali Street :>tx MacKay Bldg .. Room 1206
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 274-5527
P.O. Box 1207
[J Soldotna. Aldska 99669
(907) 262·5210
P.O. Box 1064
l J Was111a. Alaska 99687
(907) 376·5038
This department would have no objection to the use of a
supplemental water supply impoundment being used as a
swimming area in Port Lions. This assumes that no swimming
would be allowed during periods that the water from the
impoundment is used as a public water supply. Also, pro-
per procedures must be established to insure proper disin-
fection during any switchover. The primary water supply
should not be used as a swimming place.
Si11cerely,
7-Gf ~(k
Kyle J. Cherry ~
Regional Envionmental Supervisor
imc
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOL"RCES
July 1, 1980
Re: 1130-13
Dr. R. H. Ell is, Project Manager
Port Lions Hydro Project
Beak Consultants, Inc.
8th Floor Loyalty Bldg
317 S. W. Alder
Portland, Oregon 97204
DIVISION OF PARKS
Subject: Port Lions Hydro Project
DearDr. Ellis:
JAYS. HAMMOND, GOVERNOR
619 Warehouse Dr., Suite 210
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
274-4676
We have reviewed the subject proposal and would like to offer the following
comments:
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER
Our review indicates that
by the proposed project.
Port Lions project area.
cultural resources survey
STATE PARK PLANNING
one or more archaeological sites may be impacted
Specifically, a site has been reported in the
Therefore, per 36 CFR 800, a preconstruction
is recommended.
~
r,
Preservation Officer
No probable or significant impact on existing, proposed or potential state
park or other public recreation values.
LWCF
No cOITillent.
Sincerely,
CD:mb
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U. S. E N V I R 0 N M E N T A L P R 0 T E C Tl 0 N A G E N C Y
REGION X
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IEPlY TO
ATtN OF: M/S 443
3 JUL. 1980
David S. Nease, Jr.
1200 SIXTH AVENUE
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101
Kodiak Electric Association
Box 787
Kodiak, Alaska 99615
Dear Mr. Nease:
We have completed our review of the information concerning the Port
lions Hydroelectric Project (PLHP). We hope the following comments will
provide you with the background information you need to compile for the
preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement {DEIS).
In general, our concerns with a project such as the PLHP will be with
the impacts to the environment resulting from construction related
activities and subsequent impac$after construction is completed and
the project is operational.
Our main concern is the potential degradation to the water quality,
fishery resources, wildlife, unique and sensitive environmental areas,
air quality, and noise. Below is an outline summary that identifies
those issues which appear to be germane to the PLHP and should be
discussed in the Environmental Report {ER).
Water Qua 1 i ty
-Pre-construction, construction, and post-construction impacts.
-State water quality standards as they may apply to the PLHP.
-Stream channel modification.
-Water level fluctuations {flow regime alterations).
-Runoff
-Access road construction or relocation.
-Dredge disposal sites {if applicable).
-Ground water quality.
-Drinking water quality.
2
Fishery Resources
-Construction and post-construction impa1~ts.
Sedimentation (disrupting migration and smothering spawning beds).
-Stranding from flow regime alterations.
-Duration of expected impacts.
-Habitat loss.
Wildlife
-Construction and post-construction impacts.
-Disruption, displacement, as well as elimination of indigenous fauna.
-Loss of habitat.
Unique and Sensitive Environmental Areas
-Construction and post-construction impacts associated with the following:
Wetlands
Agricultural lands
Coastal zone habitats identified in Alaska•s Coastal Zone Management
Program
Endangered Species
Wild and scenic rivers
Historical and archeological sites
Air Quality and Noise
-Construction related and post-construction related impacts (these two
issues might be short-term and insignificant compared to other impacts
that maybe associated with the PLHP but should be addressed in the ER).
Along with the above summary, two other issues that will be of concern to
us are alternatives and mitigation of impacts. The ER should analyze the
reasonable alternatives that would achieve the proposal~ objectives. Along
with this, the proposed actionls) should include all practicable measures
to minimize the extent .of the potential impacts.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the PLHP in the early stages of
development. If you have any questions regarding our concerns, please feel
free to contact either myself or Bub Loiselle of my staff at (206) 442-1285
of FTS 399-1285.
Sincerely,
C . I /i ~4(._\.&-t_~ C~Ll't)'--
Elizabeth Corbyn, Chief
Environmental Evaluation Branch
cc: Beak Consultants
IH 11111:1>1.. T IIII:P'Itll TO
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Anchorage District Office
4700 East 72nd Avenue
AK-016-0108
2920 (016)
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
2,6 J~ ~Q
Dr. Robert Ellis
Beak Consultants Incorporated
317 Southwest Alder
Eighth Floor Loyalty Building
Portland, Oregon 97204
Dear Dr. Ellis:
The Bureau of Land Management will not be represented at the proposed
June 30, 1980, Port Lions Hydroelectric Project meeting in Kodiak.
However, the following considerations are recommended for inclusion in
the analysis to be prepared by Beak Consultants for the proposed project:
1. Identification of the physical limits and acreage to be effected or
lost due to inundation at Crescent Lake, as well as above the
forebay dam near Port Lions.
2. Effects, if any, of the loss of terrestrial habitat due to in-
undation.
3. Inventory of endangered or threatened plant and animal species and
their habitat affected by the proposed project.
4. The effect of new road access on local species, as well as its
benefit to recreation.
5. The possible effect of seismic or tsunami related disturbances on
the proposed structures and system.
6. An inventory or survey of archeological, cultural, and historic
values within the entire project area.
7. The magnitude and effect of streamflow changes; including outflow
characteristics below the forebay dam, and potential changes in
streambed geology.
B. The effect upon and/or potential for enhancement of anadromous
fisheries in the Port Lions River.
9. The effect, if any, upon local water supplies, wells, ground water
and waste disposal.
10. Solicitation of Public imput, including local residents, businesses,
and landowners.
11. A synopsis of known potential or proposed energy consuming developments
which would be served by the project, and a discussion of future
electrical capacity requirements at Port Lions.
12. The impact of the project upon local business, including the present
fuel supplier and related impacts to the Kodiak, Alaska area.
13. Other requirements of the project, including necessary changes in
related facilities in Port Lions, new housing, etc.
14. The source of funding for the project, the total cost, and the cost
to the consumer (and savings).
15. Population projections for the Port Lions area.
16. A full, in-depth, professional analysis of potential alternatives
to the proposed project. These should include proposals offering
alternative energy sources or generation methods, as well as alternative
facilities locations. Alternative facilities locations may include
both geographic locations and alternative facilites locations
within the proposed project area. Modification of the forebay dam
location may have beneficial effects upon anadromous fisheries or
operational safety with respect to weather or seismic conditions,
for example.
17. The scheduling of proposed study, licensing, construction activities.
18. Maintenance requirements and the expected life span of the project.
19. An analysis of the project and facilities upon existing aesthetics,
visual resources, land use and recreation.
Please feel free to contact this office for technical assistance or
information related to the project area.
Sincerely yours,
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/ JAY S. HAMMOND, SOYERNOR
I
/
DEPARTJUENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
1C).J18LH
J23 £4TH AVENUE
DIVISION OF FOREST, LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT , ANCHORAGE. ALASKA 119501
July 8, 1980
Robert H. Ellis
Beak Consultants, Inc.
Eighth Floor Loyalty Bldg.
317 W. Alder
Portland, OR 97204
Dear Mr. Ellis:
279-5577
This is to confirm your conversation with Mary Lu Harle of my staff on
June 26, 1980, regarding the Port Lyons' hydroelectric project. The
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forest, Land and Water
Management is responsible for managing the state's water resources
pursuant to the Water Use Act, AS 46.15. A copy of this act and Water
Management regulations are enclosed for your reference. Pursuant to
this statute and regulation, the Department has two areas of responsi-
bilities with which you should be concerned. These are water rights
and dam safety. As you requested, I have enclosed several copies of
our water rights application and application to construct or modify ar
dam. Specific questions regarding these applications and submittal of
completed applications and fees may be addressed to Mr. L. A. Dutton,
District Manager of our Southcentral District Office, 941 E. Dowling
Road, Anchorage, Alaska, telephone (907)349-4524.
You should also be advised that it has come to our attention that
there may be conflicts with federal reserved water rights associated
with the Terror Lake hydroelectric project. It is uncertain at this
time if this problem will affect your project, however you may want to
address this situation in the early stages of your project planning.
Regarding environmental consequences that may result from this project,
the department should be consulted should any instream flow studies be
performed to access impacts on fish and wildlife, recreation, navigation
or other instream water uses. I recommend that the involved state and
federal agencies be contacted regarding these concerns and the need
for any instream flow studies. Also, please be advised that my office,
the Water Management Section, and the Southcentral District Office has
information regarding water quantity and water use in the area of your
project which may be useful to you in your study plan.
Robert H. Ellis 2 July 8~ 1980
Finally, we request that my office and the Southcentral District
Office be placed on your mailing list and be kept up to date on this
project. If we can provide further assistance, please contact us.
Si;;rel~, &
~ rx f9if);1 --
Brent N. Petrie, Chief
Water Management Section
cc: L. A. Dutton, SCDO
Mary Lu Harle, WMS
Robert H. Ellis Page 2
We will have additional comments as more environmental and design
information becomes available. If you have questions regarding our
comments, contact Mr. Don McKay of our staff at (907) 271-4575.
Sincerely,
~~~1r:::::!r1
cc: AOES, WAES
ADF&G, NMFS, EPA, Anchorage
USFWS/OEC, FERC, Washington, D.C.
Kodiak Electric Association, Inc., Kodiak, Alaska
IN REPLY REFER TO:
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
lOll E. TUDOR RD.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99503
(907) 276-3800
8 JUL 1980
Robert H. Ellis, Ph.D
Beak Consultants Inc.
317 SW Alder St.
Portland, Oregon 97204
Dear Dr. Ellis:
Re: Port Lions Hydroelectric
Project
The u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service has reviewed the background informa-
tion compiled by your firm for Kodiak Electrical Association relative to
the Port Lions Hydroelectric Project. As you are probably aware, we
review and comment on the environmental documents associated with hydro-
electrical projects licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC).
We understand that you plan to conduct reconnaissance level surveys of
fish and wildlife resources in the project area. These data will be for
preparation of an environmental report required by the FERC licensing
process. We believe that your environmental surveys and subsequent
report should assess the following parameters as influenced by project
features:
1. areas of wetlands involved,
2. populations of fish and wildlife,
3. areas of terrestrial and aquatic habitats altered,
4. ambient water quality and that anticipated under project flows,
5. projected project flows in the Port Lions River,
6. volume, timing, and method of discharge of water into Settler
Cove,
7. features of the project required to accomodate continued
migration and spawning of populations of anadromous fishes,
8. flows required in Port Lions River and Branchwater Creek to
support salmonid spawning and rearing under project operation,
9. methods of erosion control and measures to prohibit siltation
of waters in the project area during construction, and
10. plans for revegetating surfaces disturbed during project
construction.
~ -
-
ettt, o1 POJd .fi4«4
P.O. BOX 278
PORT LIONS, ALASKA 99550
KEA.1 Inc. &:
Beak Consultants, Inc.
RE: Port Lions Hydroelectric Project
"Background Information"
Beak Consultants
Gentlemen:
July 17 • 1980
The City of Port Lions would like to respond to the "Background Information"
publication prepared by Beak Consultants for KEA, concerning the Port Lions
Hydroelectric project. We have structured our comments to your Environmental
Checklist Form.
Environmental Impacts
"(1.) Forth d ••• modification of any unique geologic features." We feel
that the waterfall is a unique geolo~ic feature, and the diversion of
water flow for the falls represents a significant modification.
"(4.) florD" All trees, shrubs, and debris removed from the reservoir site
above the forebay dam must be entirely disposed of so as not to create an
eyesore. If timber is ~ade available for local use, the Project must still
be responsible for the ultimate clean-up.
"(5.) Fauna d. Deterioration to existing filth ••• habitat." We recognize that
the aalmon •pawning habitat above the culvert will be destroyed. The size of
this spawn is far in excess of the 1977 figures quoted. However, we caution
that silt caused by construction of tm forebay dam, pond, or penstock could
also destroy the salmon •pawning habitat in the lower lagoon area as well. We
would like to have this possibility addressed.
11 (13). TransportationLCirculation (d) Alterations to present patterns of
circulation ••• " Your most recent map shows the penstock and power facilities
lyini in a developed road easement, ? St. which the City does not
intend to vacate. We believe the map is in error and should be corrected to
ehow that the penstock and powerhouse will not interfere with the City streets.
KEA, Inc. & Beak Consultants
July 17, 19RO
Page 2
"(14.) Public Services (d.) Parks or other recreational facilities."
The Port Lione Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan identifies the lagoon and
River as having significant recreation~! use and development potential for
boat moorage, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and scenic enjoyment. The
project will adversely affect this present use and potential development. For
this reason, the village will insist on a full assessment of recreational
alternatives provided by the project. The pond may provide acceptabl~
alternatives given assurances that such activities as s~imming, floating,
and fishing in the pond will not compromise the City's water quality. If
such activities must be restricted, the pond will likely represent an
unavoidable temptation to youngPters and should possibly be fenced in, Also,
alternative recreational facilities should be planned.
"(15.) Energy." The dramatic decrease in fuel comsumption by KEA as the major
fuel consumer will have a significatn impact on the viability of the fuel
hnsiness in Port Lions. The possibility of resulting cost increases or
termination of service must be addressed in detail.
"(16,) (c) Water." The development of the reservoir ~ith placement of the City
water supply intake at the forebay dam will likely result in silty water for
several years after eonstruction if not indefinitely. This problem is
compounded by the fact that the flow of water from the River will be treated,
but due to the capacity of flow, will have to bypass the filtration system
P,H,S. has designed for the proposed treatment facility. In the past, debris
in the water during pump use has been significantly greater, even with river
waters undisturbed, With clearing of the reAervoir site, we can expect
serious problems. Incapacitation of our industrial water supply system would
destroy our ability to serve the industry we so badly need. We feel that
the project should provide a water filtration systero at the pump site or at
the treatment shack to correct this problem, Plans should be coordinated
with the Plffi design and construction staff.
"(18.) Aesthetics." The clearing of the penstock route along the River, near
elimination of River flow, and construction of Pover facilities at the lagoon
will result in the creation of awsthetically offensive sites open to pu~lic
view. The degradation of the River is t~ sin~le greatest objection to the
Project as exprepsed in our public hearings, community attitude surveys, sturlent
surveys, and interviews regarding this project.
''(19.) Recreation.'' We reiterate that the project does have a significant impact
on the quantity and quality of existing recreational opportunities. Roughly 1/3
of the respondents to our community attitude survey objected to the Pr~ject,
Also 100% (58} of the students surveyed objected to the project because of their
recreational use of the river and water falls. We feel that this significant
minority must have their concerns addresses before the City can wholeheartedly
endorse the Hydroelectric project. With your cooperation we hope that final
Project design and implementation will benefit everyone.
PL:vw
cc: FERC
Si~~er::y, " X ' . /tcJ1.{.bu'._, (/ ., c./,:._-
~t.ricia Lukin
Acting Hayor
~~&~[ @~ ~~~~~~ JAYS. HAMMOND
GOVERNOR
OFFICE OF THE GO\~ER:XOR
DIVISION OF I"'LICY DEVELOPMENT AND I'I.ANNING I"'UCJI AD-JUNEAU f9811
PHON£ 465-3571
Mr. Bob Ellis
Beak Consultants Incorporated
Corporate Headquarters
317 S.W. Alder
Portland, Oregon 97204
July 14, 1980
Subject: PORT LIONS HYDROELECTRIC RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT.
Review: A C M P Consistency Determination and A-95 Review
Dear Mr. Ellis:
The State Clearinghouse has received the subject project submitted
for review. Your project is located in and affects the coastal zone,
and also requires review under the U S Office of Management and
Budget's Circular A-95. The State Clearinghouse will be conducting
two simultaneous reviews; the Alaska Coastal Management Program
Consistency Determination and 0 M B A-95 review.
The A C M P review will be based upon standards specified in the
federally approved A C M P. The review decision will determine the
project's consistency with the standards.
The A-95 review will allow for comment on the proposed project by
affected agencies.
Dependent on the appropriate review criteria and the specific com-
ments received, two conclusions will result at the close of the
review.
The reviews are scheduled to close on 08-13-80 and you should be
receiving review results soon after that date.
The State Clearinghouse has assigned State I D No. P7Q16-80071404FP
to the project. Please use this number in all future correspondence
concerning the project.
If you have any questions, please contact the Clearinghouse at
465-3577.
cc: David Nease, KEA
Paul Carrier, FERC ~ .. ·cerely, ,( . \~~~
' ---Michael Whitehead
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ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
333 WEST 4th AVENUE-SUITE 31 -ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501
Mr. Robert H. Ellis, Ph.D.
Project Manager
Beck Consultants, Inc.
317 S. W. Alder
Portland, Oregon 97204
RE: Beck Project D2672
Dear Dr. Ellis:
October 10, 1980
Phone: (907) 277-7641
(907) 276-2715
We have completed our review of your Environmental Report for the proposed Port
Lions hydroelectric project at Port Lions, Alaska. we•d like to commend you and your
staff on an exceptionally well written and beautifully illustrated document.
The position of the Alaska Power Authority relative to the project continues to
be favorable; provided the construction of the project will result in lower consumer
power costs than would otherwise result from continued dependence on diesel powered
generators. However, we note, with some concern, that reduced fuel requirements for
the generation of electrical power may cause a significant increase in the cost of
heating oil. The obvious result is that some of the savings in electrical costs will
be lost to higher heating costs. Since this issue may adversely affect the cost of
living in Port Lions, we agree with your statement (p. 86) that mitigating measures
for the escalation of heating oil costs need more investigation. Also, while reducing
the operation of diesel generators is the net objective, we do not think it wise to
totally replace (remove) diesel generators as you imply in Section 3.3 (p. 68). Some
equipment should remain as a backup for or to supplement the hydroelectric facilities.
cc: David Nease, Jr. Kodiak Electric Ass•n.
Sincerely,
)_ -\VU.jj_
Eric P. Yould "'\
Executive Director
(
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ALASKA DISTRICT. CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P.O. BOX 7002
REPLY TO
ATTENTION Of;
NPAEN-PL-EN
Or. Robert H. Ellis
Project Manager
Beak Consultants, Inc.
317 S.W. Alder
Portland, OR 97204
Dear Dr. E 11 is:
ANCHORAGE. ALASKA !illil!510
2 2 OCT 1980
The Alaska District, Corps of Engineers has reviewed the "Port Lions
Hydroelectric Project, Environmental Report" and we have the following
comments:
GENERAL
The Department of the Army has statutory responsibility under Sec-
tion 404 of the Clean Water Act for the discharge of dredged or fill
material in the waters of the United States, including wetlands.
Several of the proposed activities would be within Corps jurisdiction
and would require permits. From the project description it is diffi-
cult to state exact actions which would require a permit with the
exception of the two dams which are definitely under Corps juris-
diction. Other areas which may require permits could include the
powerhouse, penstock route, and access roads if the placement of fill
material in wetlands is required. For clarity, wetlands are defined
as those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground
water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that
under normal circumstances do support, a prevalance of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands
generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, muskegs, and similar areas.
The Alaska District would like to adopt the final environmental
document for its regulatory permit process. If the environmental
NPAEN-PL-EN
Dr. Robert Ellis
document does not adequately address the area of Corps responsi-
bility, a supplement to the document would be required and permit
issuance would be delayed.
SPECIFIC
Page 1, Project Description. The Description of the proposed action
is difficult to follow. Possibly the inclusion of quantities and
plans would clarify the proposed action.
Page 31, Vegetation. In several areas of the vegetation discussion
some areas are described as "wetlands" or "poorly drained". These
areas may be under Corps jurisdiction, and a better description and
impact assessment of these areas would aid in the permit process.
Page 65, First Parag. Although operation of the plant will produce
uniform flows, there are some aspects of hydroelectric power pro-
duction which could have adverse impacts on the spawning area and
22 [;21 1~20
on the life histories of the salmon. With uniform flows, natural
flushing of the spawning gravels does not occur. Water temperatures
will tend to be colder during the spawning season and warmer when egg
incubation is occurring. Although temperature changes may be slight,
this could change the time of emergence and the fry may enter the
marine habitat when sufficient food sources are not available.
Page 70, Vegetation. If any areas classified as wetlands are going
to be impacted by construction, regardless of whether or not it is
unique or limited, Corps permitting may be required. A description
of impacts on these wetlands would be appreciated by the Alaska Dis-
trict.
Page 80, Water Quality, Number 3. Minor stream crossings and
temporary stream crossings can be permitted under the nationwide
permit system if they are culverted for the expected high flows.
Pages 91 and 92, Negative Impacts. The negative impacts stated
for a transmission line from the Terror Lake Project appear to be
excessive. The transmission line could be routed around possible
raptor nesting habitat. Although the transmission corridor for the
alternative is not included in this report, additional crossings of
Kizhuyak Creek does not appear warranted. The proposed powerhouse
2
(
(
NPAEN-PL-EN
Dr. Robert Ellis
for the Terror Lake Project is located on the west side of Kizhuyak
Creek. The proposed corridor to Kodiak would cross the creek where
an intertie to Port Lions could occur. The Terror Lake intertie
appears to be a viable alternative and possibly should be expanded
in the final environmental document.
The Alaska District appreciates the opportunity to comment on the
Environmental Report and hope our comments are useful. If you have
any questions, please feel free to contact John Burns of the
Environmental Section, at (907) 752-2572.
Sincerely,
~)~1~
Chief, Engineering Division
3
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