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Home My WebLink AboutS. Intertie Phase 1 6-14-1996 envriomental#) 3 PROJECT NO: 120293-01 OR DOWER 3% DAMES & MOORE ISSUED TO: PMC _ COPY NOW)\a— CHUGACH ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC. CONTRACT NO. 95-208 SOUTHERN INTERTIE ROUTE SELECTION STUDY PHASE 1 JUNE 14, 1996 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL SECTION REPORT FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: = Tim R. Tetherow, ASLA ™ Randy Pollock, P.E. = Niklas O. Ranta »> Tim Ostermeier, P.E. POWER ENGINEERS, INC. @ P.O. BOX 1066 ® HAILEY, IDAHO 83333 (208) 788-3456 @ FAX (208) 788-2082 DAMES & MOORE @ 5600 B STREET @ ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99518 - 1641 (907) 562-3366 @ FAX (907) 562-1297 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1.0 - Introduction and Report Summary Project Background 1-2 Purpose and Need for the Project 1-2 Feasibility Study .... 1-3 Project Location. 1-5 Project Description 1-5 Other Alternatives Considered 1-9 New Generation Facilities 1-9 Other Technology ..........:ce00 1-9 Alternative Transmission Systems . 1-9 Underground Transmission Line 1-9 SGidy ADDIOsC nee ee ee er ee eee es 1-10 Technical Approach Overview wo dell Siting: Criteria ccccicscccstssccctecdsecdcscsetiscstesctasestetsdbechevssstecactedsaedscetescoccelsstecdtesteseeesebveteeds 1-11 Public Involvement and Agency Contact Program .........cssessessesesessstseseseseseseseseeeeeeee 1-12 Chapter 2.0 - Route Selection (Alternative Route LOCAtONS cic) escce es etete cocetersorseeste: eossstet ede sesctotereter ees setaes essere, 2-1 Alternative Route Facilities . 2-2 Tesoro Route Facilities.. 2-2 Enstar Route Facilities... 2-2 Quartz Creek: Route Ear tie ee eerie lst lanaaesersteuedessesesealaselseauceseseeeetetetenesetes 2-5 Alternative Route Aa ysis eee eee aededtd eee dendet sl uadldsbeabeovasc tel dsteebesdislatbeansol 2-7 Terrestrial Mammals .. Anadromous Fish Species . Marine Mammals Geologic Hazards and Features Introduction «0.0... Inventory Results a Frost Heave and Frost Jacking......... ee 3-20 A ValanChes Serre cecesccccatecsee tet ecec ses strcese aocee asses 3-21 Seismic Activity and Faults 0.0... .eeseseeeeeee 3-21 Earthquake-induced Hazards . . 3-22 pide) GTS Taf) Coe eee EO ee 3-23 chugach\chu2.toc Table of Contents (continued) Hy GOO eee ee eee ULAHIWUsust siustshassdees Genteteadeseyseycnodscrdsosneassutnerssaxdazrsscesssleasasas 3-23 Lakes, Rivers, and Streams. 3-23 Marine Environment 3-23 Introduction 3-23 Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. 3-24 i 3-24 3-25 3-25 3-26 Land Use Resources... 3-26 Introduction a «. 3-26 Inventory Results ..........cscsssessesesesesesesesseesseseneseseees eal | Se, Land Jurisdiction and Ownership. 3-27 Cee se eee eee dhaecLustautane MCU aenaeaUtcuageLsuaUa teen ULM LANs UaaadaNeuaealasesenseutualed 3-28 TEPANSDOMtALION tieteetssnsesssvcsevecrsesescessuesersussssaser osupssursesesessensuetevensnsecssatsasesusueneaevasecets 3-30 Utilities Recreation Management Areas and Facilities ............cssssssesesssssesssesescssseseeeeesesesseeseeeeneaes 3-31 MMEPOGUCHION est sceetaees cu ccasclentosecttietstaatuastassuenoestedasuraucusecbutusteeseuutuessbausususeatesaesestsuseanesd 3-31 Inventory Results............... set || See Chugach National Forest....... 3-32 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge... «3-33 State Parks and Refuges........ ese ||| 3-39 Municipal Parks.... 3-35 Dispersed Recreation... eee ||| Sa oo NO CO ECO a CS eee eee ees uituttsbdtassuuarulcatulaet uss aueddsesetesusnesastsaseconsseeasesen .. 3-36 Pertinent Characteristics and Background Data 3-36 Demographic Characteristics............:ceeee Economic Base and Employment... Lifestyle and Quality of Life Considerations Visual Resources. NO CHO eee Ll uisslulesaronuuaenuneudeneenetssuesueueeneteanvasubeaneueustseusateusursaetsenesnensereaeesssucad Landscape Character Anchorage Bowl.. Chugach State Park .... Chugach Mountains . Chugach National Forest .........c.ccccssesesessssssssesescseseseseeseeeees Puma gain Ari otic 0 otc cssesssecsnssusssusesnesssecusnesazsasn Central Kenai Mountains .. tos Marit Re eee cseesesesseeterasuecutecesaaueseuseousuatasueadusseniesusuacusucesesuaesuertMansue Renal Peninsula satel aut usted udusseseueubnadetacaneneutousceed Visual Resource Management. Chugach National Forest... Chugach State Park ........... Seward Highway Scenic Corridor............sssssssssssessssseesssssessessesessscssesesesssseseeeseeses chugach\chu2.toc Table of Contents (continued) Kenai Peninsula Borough.......... aveastcnststerseuenscscsstes : ie we 3-45 Coastal Management Program ae RenaivArea, Planter recresssrscsssessasescsessssserarsscstensscrenestureenssnresstensessesctsencaetseerseets PUUIEMA MUM LATIN Hes ceccerecsereretcreceesecctonsecnoccsaraccserecsavesacesestecersserorecsssnsvensssesrosseaersroeara Visual Influence of Recreation Areas Visually Sensitive Residential and Urban Areas...........csssseseseseseesseseeseststststeteeeseenne 3247 Cultural Resources Introduction ...... Inventory Results. Prehistory.......... Chapter 4.0 - List of Agencies and Individuals Consulted Federal Agenciesitts.ccsccsnsssecssacsesssssssecoesensstaesssensrsaneressereredssavusencossvessreasarecresvestveacacaseseenses 4-1 State APENCies ss sscscscessncsecsecrasenssesesness Sones ssesaetss susasesastasncsnaceusesesstsecacetusetescecasactoeseats 4-1 Local Agencies ... 4-2 Native Corporations ..........scsseseseseseeees 4-2 Environmental and Special Interest Groups 4-2 Appendices A - Illustrations of 138kV and 230kV Preliminary Designs for Single Pole and Guyed X-frame Structures B - Examples of Newsletters and Comment Forms, News Release, Billing Statement Insert and Paid Advertisements C - Comments Received to Date D - Locations of the Primary Alternative Routes and Local Alternatives E - Environmental Supporting Data for Each Route chugach\chu2.toc 1-1 1-2 1-3 1-4 2-2 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-5A 2-6 2-6A 3-1 3-2 3-4 3-5 3-6 3-7 3-8 3-9 3-10 3-11 3-12 3-13 3-14 3-15 3-16 3-17 3-18 3-19 3-20 LIST OF FIGURES Vicinity Map......seesecsseseesesseeseesseseesesseescsncssssessussessessesnssecsecsnecsessessessessusseeseenssesseeaeeneenes 1-4 Typical 138kV Structure Types « 1-7 Typical 230kV Structure Types........ccccccesssssssssesssseseeseseensssssneseensseenssnsssensnsseeneneeneneanens 1-8 Environmental Study Approach ........c.sccccsesessesssssssssesssesesessnesesescsencasseseseenenseseseneaenes 1-10 Alternative Corridors (end) ...... «2-13 Tesoro Route - Landscapes... we 2-3 Enstar Route - Landscapes ............ssssssssssssssesesesesescessecsessseseecsesesssesssesesssesesaenesenseseases 2-4 Quartz Creek Route - Landscapes .........ccccsescsessssesesesesessessssssesssesessesenesesesesesseesneseneseaes 2-6 Seward Highway Simulation - Existing Conditions w 2-9 Seward Highway Simulation - Simulated Conditions............cccsssesesesesesessesessseseeeeeees 2-9 Bird Point Simulation - Existing Conditions 0 Bird Point Simulation - Simulated Conditions Vegetation Map (end) Wetland Concentrations (end)..........sssessesseeseeeeeees Black and Brown Bear Habitat (end) ............ cesses Moose and Mountain Goat Habitat (end).. Caribou and Dall Sheep Habitat (end) Anadromous Fish Streams (end) Eagle Nest Sites and Beluga Whale Habitat (end).. Duck and Goose Concentrations (end) Comprehensive Swan Data (end) Avalanche Hazards (end).......... Jurisdiction/ownership (end) Jurisdiction Within Anchorage (end) . Land Use (end) ou... cceeeeeeeseeeeeeeee Anchorage Area Map (end).. Recreation Facilities (end)........... Recreation Management Areas (end) Visual Management Areas (end) Visual Influence Recreation Facilities (end)........... -_ Visually Sensitive Residential and Urban Areas (end) ..........ssceseseseseseeseseseeeeseeeseseeees 3-71 Visual Influences Recreation Facilities (Anchorage) (nd) ..........sssesseseeseeeeseseseeeeees 3-72 chugach\chu2.toc LIST OF TABLES i=1')) (Design| Characteristics of 138kVt0/230KV ccrccssccesscssneressceatsasceseccotesseccucecuseassoscescecseses 1-6 N-2 i oiting: Criteria fOrROUte SCleCtlOM peccerseserecrcesereccessesestescacesectscssectssereetecestucztestesrerescscer 1-13 1-3 a eRublic/A gencysssuesiand| Concerns scserssccrcscee-cosetesrecesuscscesesenserseeseecatscoeseesesesesesceveces 1-18 2-1 Alternative Base Route Analysis (€nd) ........:scsssssssssssssssssssesssesessssesesssesseessesesesenenesenes 2-11 2-2 Bird Point-Quartz Creek Alternative Analysis (end) ............sssssssssesssseseseseseeeeeseseees 2-12 3-1 — Associated Vegetation and Wildlife Species.............ccsssssessssesssssessesssseseseseseseseeeseees 3-12 3-2. Communities in the Vicinity of Alternative Corridors...........cssssseseseeseesseseeeseseeeseees 3-37 3-3. Kenai Borough Population . 3-38 5 -APANCHOrage) POpulationyceccrerercccrscccnsssnsccesscscssesascceccserecasectcassestecetesetecrsesucurecscaceccersacesers 3-38 chugach\chu2.toc ADF&G ADNR AEC AGS CEA cm FAA HEA IPG kV KNWR NEPA NHPA SMA USFS USFWS VORTAC VQO chugach\chu2.toc LIST OF ACRONYMS Alaska Department of Fish & Game Alaska Division of Natural Resources Alaska Engineering Corporation Alaska Geological Service Chugach Electric Association centimeters Federal Aviation Association Homer Electric Association Intertie Participants Group kilovolt Kenai National Wildlife Refuge National Environmental Policy Act National Historic Preservation Act Special Management Area U.S. Forest Service US. Fish and Wildlife Service Visual Omni Radar Tactical visual quality objectives CHAPTER 1.0 - INTRODUCTION AND REPORT SUMMARY The Draft Environmental Section Report presents the results of the route selection studies for the Southern Intertie Project. This report incorporates the relevant findings of the Draft System Studies Section Report, Design Section Report, Lands/Regulatory Section Report, and Economic Section Report previously prepared by POWER Engineers and Dames & Moore. This work was performed under Chugach Contract #95-208 for Chugach Electric Association, Manager of the Southern Intertie Project for the Intertie Participants Group (IPG). The objective of the report is to document the: = Study approach developed for the route selection study = Issues identified through the public and agency contact program = Environmental inventory and siting criteria = Identification of alternative overhead, underground, and submarine electric transmission line routes = Analysis of alternative routes Copies of the newsletters and public announcements issued during the Public and Agency Contact Program, and copies of public and agency comments received as of March 29, 1996, are also provided in this report. This chapter includes discussions of the Southern Intertie Project background, purpose and need, feasibility study, project location, project description, other alternatives considered, and study approach. The results of the route selection are provided in Chapter 2 and a study area inventory is provided in Chapter 3. Agencies and individuals consulted are listed in Chapter 4. chugach\chu2.ch1 1-1 PROJECT BACKGROUND Electrical generation and distribution within the Alaska Railbelt is currently provided by seven utility companies which comprise the IPG, also referred to as the Railbelt Utilities. Members of the IPG include Fairbanks Municipal Utility System, Golden Valley Electric Association, Matanuska Electric Association, Chugach Electric Association (CEA), Anchorage Municipal Light and Power, Homer Electric Association, and Seward Electric Association. The IPG was created to improve the electrical distribution network throughout the Alaska Railbelt and to provide better service to customers through cooperative energy projects. The Railbelt system is a power grid that electrically connects the area from Homer to Fairbanks. There are three distinct regions—interior area, centered around Fairbanks; the Anchorage Matanuska Valley area; and the Kenai Peninsula. One of the weak links in the Railbelt electric system occurs between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage. The existing 115 kilovolt (kV) Quartz Creek transmission line between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula was built in 1960 to connect CEA's Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project to Anchorage. The Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project near Homer was completed in 1990 and did not include additional transmission facilities to Anchorage. The existing transmission line does not have the capacity to carry all of the power currently generated on the Kenai Peninsula. As a result, the IPG is proposing the Southern Intertie Project to improve the reliability and transfer of energy between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROJECT The Kenai Peninsula and the Anchorage Bow] are connected by the existing 115kV University to Quartz Creek transmission line owned and operated by CEA. The existing line is prone to outage, reducing power availability to customers in Anchorage and on the Kenai, and is limited in its capacity to transfer available generation between the Kenai and Anchorage. During periods when it is desirable to transfer power over the existing 115kV line to economically use existing generation, customers on the Kenai Peninsula and in Anchorage are subject to power outages should the existing 115kV line experience an interruption. chugach\chu2.ch1 1 -2 The proposed project will solve the existing problems by providing a second line to increase: = Electrical transfer capability of the transmission system between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage to more economically use existing generation resources, reduce electrical system instability, and reduce system load shedding requirements in case of system disturbances = Reliability of the power supply to customers on the Kenai Peninsula and in Anchorage by providing a second path for the power during an interruption of the existing Quartz Creek line In addition, the proposed project would provide better access to renewable energy resources (hydroelectric power at Bradley Lake) on the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage. The Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project, completed in 1990, currently has excess power generation capacity which cannot be fully utilized with only the existing 115kV Quartz Creek Line between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage. The proposed Souther Intertie Project will provide more efficient distribution and transmission of electricity between the Kenai Peninsula and the rest of the Alaska Railbelt allowing Bradley Lake generation capacity to be utilized throughout the Alaska Railbelt without restrictions. FEASIBILITY STUDY The first step in the Southern Intertie Project was to conduct a transmission line feasibility analysis. The study was completed in 1987 and included a preliminary evaluation of the electrical system, reliability, transmission line design and substation design requirements, and potential route locations and environmental issues. An economic feasibility study was completed in 1993. Four alternative corridors were identified—the existing Quartz Creek Transmission Line, the Enstar Pipeline, the Tesoro Pipeline, and a submarine line across the Cook Inlet to the Beluga Power Plant. Federal and state environmental permitting constraints were identified for each of the alternatives. These studies formed the basis for the initial study area and provided an initial identification of issues (Figure 1-1). chugach\chu2.ch1 1-3 University Substation 7 Lf. Turnegsin Arm \ \ international \ Substation Ie be A ?, Bernice Lake S{. ¢ Substation ' aS a Southern Intertie Project VICINITY MAP i FIGURE 1-1 PROJECT LOCATION The Southern Intertie Project study area, located in south-central Alaska, initially included the alternatives identified in the preliminary feasibility study conducted in 1987. The initial study area encompassed the Anchorage Bowl, the northern third of the Kenai Peninsula, and the western side of Cook Inlet as shown in Figure 1-1. The area was defined to include existing routing opportunities between the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, and the Beluga Power Plant. Due to the length of the Cook Inlet crossing (16 to 18 miles) and the hostile marine conditions, the construction of the line to Beluga was determined to be infeasible. The study area was modified to focus on alternative routes between the Soldotna and Bernice Lake substations on the Kenai Peninsula, and the Point Wornzof, International, and University substations in Anchorage. The study area is generally defined by the Cook Inlet on the west, the Sterling Highway to the south, and the Seward Highway on the east and north sides. The area encompasses the Municipality of Anchorage, portions of the Chugach State Park, Turnagain Arm, and northern portions of the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR). PROJECT DESCRIPTION The IPG is proposing to construct a new transmission line from either the Soldotna or Bernice Lake substations on the Kenai Peninsula to a substation in the Anchorage area (see Figure 1-1). A submarine cable system would be required to cross Turnagain Arm. Modifications may be required at existing substations to accommodate termination facilities for the proposed line. Alternative voltages for the project include 138kV and 230kV transmission systems. The alternative 230kV overhead transmission line structures would typically be less than 90 feet in height, except for localized areas where additional ground clearance is required (i.e., steep topography). The proposed right-of-way for new routes is 150 feet wide. Where the alternative routes parallel the existing transmission line or pipelines, the right-of-way width would vary. Table 1-1 provides a description of the design characteristics for both the 138kV and 230kV configuration utilizing either single poles, wood H-frame structures, and guyed X-frame structures (Figures 1-2 and 1-3 contain illustrations of these structure types). Appendix A contains detailed illustrations of the 138kV and 230kV preliminary designs for single pole and guyed X-frame structures. chugach\chu2.ch] 1 -5 TABLE 1-1 DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS OF 138kV TO 230kV 138kV 230kV Single Single Pole Pole 65' to 70° 65' 80' to Kenai Flats 70 70 85' to Fire Island 90' to Mountain Terrain 350' to 450 700 to 1,000} 350't0 450 "75 10150 "75't0 150 Reinforced Direct Reinforced Direct Concrete Embedded Driven Pile Concrete Embedded Right-of-way width for single-pole structures would vary, particularly in urban street edge locations in Anchorage, or along existing transmission lines north of Soldoma. Additional right-of-way requirements for H-Frame structures parallel to existing H-Frame structures along the Quartz Creek line would be 75 feet. 85' to Kenai Flats 90' to Fire Island 90' to Mountain ~ Terrain Approximate Structure Height Right-of-Way Average Number of Structures per Mile Foundations Drive Pile chugach\cha2.ch1 1 -6 Typical 138kV Single Pole FIGURE 1-2 Typical 230kV Single Pole Ly YN FIGURE 1-3 OTHER ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED Rew ion Faciliti Another alternative to building a new transmission line would be to build new electric generation facilities. This alternative would only meet a portion of the purpose and need for the Southern Intertie Project because it does not address the need for energy transfer between the two areas. In addition, this alternative does not provide a reliable improvement for the existing Quartz Creek transmission line, which would remain as the only electrical connection between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage. As a result, the only way to meet the purpose and need is to build a second transmission line connecting the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage areas. Other Technology Local reliability could be increased through the installation of Battery Energy Storage Systems or Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage units in Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. Although this would increase reliability by providing an electrical source during transmission system or generation disturbances, it would not increase energy transfer capability between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. As a result, the only way to meet the purpose and need is to build a second transmission line between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. lternative Transmission S This section investigated the possibility of finding new and alternative ways to upgrade the existing transmission systems instead of constructing the Southern Intertie Project. Measures have been taken to improve the reliability of the Quartz Creek line against avalanche hazards. Although the structural reliability of the line has improved, the ability to increase electric capacity is not economically feasible when considering alternatives. Therefore, the only alternative to meet the purpose and need is to build a new transmission line between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage. Und iT ission Li The possibility of constructing the entire transmission line underground was also considered. Due to technical limitations and prohibitive costs, this alternative could not be constructed. As a result, the only way to meet the purpose and need is to build a second overhead transmission line from the chugach\chu2.ch1 1 -9 Kenai Peninsula to Anchorage. However, short portions of the overhead line could be placed underground if warranted. STUDY APPROACH This study was designed to establish a foundation for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the potential preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the proposed Southern Intertie Project. Figure 1-4 provides an illustration of the study approach and incorporates the anticipated NEPA study process required prior to the permitting and construction of the proposed project. A preferred alternative will not be identified until the NEPA study has been completed and a decision has been issued by the lead federal agency. Study Arca PMTs Pa al ls Leslie ey bers itl lol g A ia.) ri uc pm Purl itty rane Lad olor) esha ei} Pia Public Invotvement OS ee a eo a ae a ee ee ere Public Figure 1-4 Environmental Study Approach The route selection studies followed a series of seven tasks: = Start-up = Route alternatives = Study area inventory = Corridor analysis = Siting criteria = Environmental report = Alternative corridors chugach\chu2.ch! 1-10 Technical h Overvi Ground and aerial reconnaissance of the study area was initiated in early December 1995. Subsequently, existing data most pertinent to the identification of alternative corridors were compiled, mapped, and entered into a Geographic Information System. The mapped data were then analyzed to determine the sensitivity of the resources within the study area. Sensitivity is defined as a measure of probable adverse response of each resource to anticipated direct and indirect impacts associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. Criteria used in the sensitivity analysis include the value of the resource, protective status, and present and future use. Both opportunities and constraints were determined within the study area, and the results were used to identify alternative corridors feasible for further consideration and to indicate areas of potential environmental concern. Siting Criteri This section describes the environmental criteria established for route selection. Siting criteria include consideration of the following: = Resource Value—A measure of rarity, high intrinsic worth, singularity or diversity of a resource within the area. = Protective Status—A measure of the formal concern expressed for a resource either through legal protection or by assignment of special status designation. = Present and Future Use—A measure of the level of conflict based in land management policies and/or use. With consideration of the above criteria, the data gathered in the inventory were evaluated and given a relative sensitivity level associated with the introduction of a 138kV or 230kV transmission line. Four levels were used for this analysis: = Exclusion—Areas determined to be unsuitable because of unique, highly valued, complex or legally protected resources; potentially significant conflict with current or planned use; areas posing substantial hazards to construction and operation of the line. Only designated wilderness areas were identified for exclusion. chugach\chu2.ch1 1 -1 1 = Major—Areas determined to be less suitable because of unique, valued, or legally protected resources and some potential conflict with use; or areas posing some hazards to construction and operation of the transmission line. = Moderate—Areas which could potentially conflict with the transmission line because of sensitive resource values; resources proposed or have potential for special status designation. = Low—Areas where resource conflicts identified through the regional environmental study are minimal or would have no measurable environmental impact. Table 1-2 provides the results of the siting criteria analysis for route selection. Public Involvement and Agency Contact Program A public and agency scoping program was initiated to inform the general public and management agencies about the project and to solicit comments. A list of agencies and individuals consulted is provided in Chapter 4. Comments received during the public involvement phase of the project aided in the identification of issues and concerns related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. The issues and concerns were utilized to identify and evaluate siting criteria for the identification of alternative corridors. Table 1-3 provides a list of the issues and concerns identified relative to the proposed project. The public was informed of the project through the direct mailing of newsletters and media announcements and public open houses. Included on the mailing list were federal, state, and local agency representatives; local political interests; special interest groups and associations; libraries and community centers; and all customers of CEA. In addition, copies of the newsletters and comment forms were provided to other IPG members for distribution within their service areas. Paid advertisements were placed in local newspapers notifying the public of the meeting location, date, and time. Newsletters and news releases were also distributed to local radio and television stations in the Anchorage and Kenai areas providing general information on the project and announcing the two public meetings which were held in Anchorage and Soldotna on January 31, 1996, and February 1, 1996, respectively. Appendix B contains an example of the newsletter and comment form, news release, billing statement insert, and paid advertisements issued during the study. Copies of the comments received to date are included in Appendix C. chugach\chu2.cbl 1-12 TABLE 1-2 SITING CRITERIA FOR ROUTE SELECTION Land Use Feature Sensitivity Level Residential School/Educational facilities major Institutional major Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognized airports/airstrips major Communication facilities moderate Agricultural areas with rural residential moderate Commercial moderate Public/Quasi-public moderate Planned land use * moderate Proposed land use * low Industrial/extraction Utility facilities low Vacant/undeveloped Primary roads Secondary roads Railroads Existing utility corridors - pipeline, transmission line State Park State Game Refuge National Wildlife Refuge major National Forest moderate Bureau of Land Management moderate State Land moderate Native Corporations, Municipalities and other private land moderate *site and use specific chugach\ebu2.ch! 1-13 TABLE 1-2 (continued) SITING CRITERIA FOR ROUTE SELECTION Recreation Designated Wilderness National Scenic/Recreation Trail National Landmarks/Historic Sites Agency Special Management Areas: National Wildlife Refuge - Minimal Management Area Moderate Management Area Intensive Management Area Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area State Park - Chugach State Park - Natural and Wilderness Zones Kenai River Special Management Area Captain Cook State Recreation Area City park Campground Trail/trrail head Overlook/scenic viewpoint Recreation lakes and rivers Interpretive sites Historic/Scenic trails National Scenic Byway Proposed facilities* Snowmobile area Cross country ski area Dog mushing area Boat ramps/ launches Alpine ski area Rifle Range Picnic Area Rest Area * Site and use specific chugach\chu2.ch1 1-14 Sensitivity Level Exclusion major major major major moderate major major major major moderate moderate moderate moderate moderate moderate moderate moderate moderate/low low low low low low TABLE 1-2 (continued) SITING CRITERIA FOR ROUTE SELECTION Visual Resources U.S. Forest Service Visual Quality Objectives Preservation Partial retention Recreation foreground views (1% mile) Recreation near middlegorund views (‘4-1 mile) Residential foreground views Residential near middleground views Biological Resources Vegetation Threatened or endangered plant species Old-growth spruce forest, riparian tall shrub Upland, lowland forest Wetlands Salt marsh habitat Wetland complexes and emergent wetlands Shrub bogs, forested wetlands and muskegs Terrestrial Mammals Moose calving concentration areas Caribou calving areas Brown/grizzly bear concentration areas Black bear concentration areas Moose winter range Caribou winter range and migration corridors Dall sheep, mountain goat winter habitat chugach\ehu2.ch1 Dall sheep, mountain goat lambing areas, mineral links 1-15 Sensitivity Level exclusion major moderate major moderate major moderate Sensitivity Level moderate major moderate major major major major major moderate moderate moderate TABLE 1-2 (continued) SITING CRITERIA FOR ROUTE SELECTION Biological Resources (continued) Sensitivity Level Brown/grizzly bear denning areas, seasonal movement moderate corridors Black bear high density use areas moderate Dall sheep, mountain goat summer range Brown/grizzly bear, areas of existing human use, closed conifer forest major moderate maior baeerreerrrrerrtetrrrtrretetr reenter eet i ieee eet majo moderate Trumpeter swan traditional nesting and brood rearing habitat, less than 1 mile either side of the corridor Duck and goose spring and fall staging and nesting areas major Trumpeter swan seasonal concentration areas, nesting moderate concentrations 1-2 miles either side of the corridor Duck and goose migration corridors, lakes and emergent moderate wetlands Trumpeter swan seasonal use areas greater than 2 miles either side of the corridor Duck and goose low density nesting areas chugach\chu2.ch1 1-16 TABLE 1-2 (continued) SITING CRITERIA FOR ROUTE SELECTION Sensitivity Levels maie Sensitivity Levels modeatehmair exclusion moderate moderate Sensitivity Levels Strong tidal current, heavy ice scour and bottom scour * Site and use specific chugach\chu2.ch1 1-17 Issue Geologic Hazards Marine Environment Land Use/Jurisdiction Recreation Management Areas and Facilities Socioeconomics chugach\chu2.ch! TABLE 1-3 PUBLIC/AGENCY ISSUES AND CONCERNS Comment/Concern = brown bear habitat ™ moose rutting winter range = = spruce bark beetle infestations ™ anadromous and fresh water fish ™ preservation wetlands = known or suspected raptor nesting, roosting, staging, or feeding sites = Chickaloon Flats migration area = caribou calving and wintering grounds = incompatible with Kenai National Wildlife Refuge purpose = avalanche danger = anadromous and marine fish habitat = coastal wetlands ®™ consistency with existing corridors/easements = right-of-way expansion within existing corridors = residential areas = existing right-of-way within Anchorage, particularly in residential areas = aviation safety, private airstrips = utility corridor at west edge of refuge = focus on existing infrastructure = Potter state wildlife refuge = decrease in property values = use of existing right-of-way = limit public access to transmission line route ™ recreation and visual resource management in Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest = wilderness management and visual resources in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge = Captain Cook State Recreation Area resources = recreational tourism resources along Seward Highway = recreational tourism resources in Hope/Sunrise ™ recreational tourism resources in Tumagain Arm = park and open space in Anchorage area = visual resource management of scenery on public lands @ recreation views = highway views = residential views = tourism/recreation = project justification = local firms to provide engineering, construction, and project support = cost to rate payers in railbelt = costs for each installation type = installation cost of overhead line versus submarine 1-18 A formal presentation was conducted at each meeting by representatives of CEA, POWER Engineers and Dames & Moore. Representatives from HEA were present at the Soldotna meeting. The presentation included a statement of the purpose and need, project description, and an overview of the environmental study approach. The meetings concluded with a question and answer session. Displays at the meetings included biological, land use, jurisdiction/ownership, recreation, geological, and visual resource inventory maps. Examples of transmission line appearance and configuration, estimated electric and magnetic fields for the proposed transmission line, and the study approach were also presented. In addition, representatives of CEA, POWER Engineers, and Dames & Moore were available to answer questions and explain some of the graphic displays. Approximately 32 individuals attended the Anchorage public meeting at the Loussac Library. Approximately 14 individuals attended the Soldotna public meeting at the Kenai Borough Chambers. chugach\chu2.ch! 1-19 CHAPTER 2.0 - ROUTE SELECTION This chapter describes the location of alternative routes, a description of route facilities, and the environmental analysis of the alternatives. ALTERNATIVE ROUTE LOCATIONS Three primary alternative corridors were identified for the Southern Intertie Project—the Tesoro, Enstar, and Quartz Creek corridors, as shown on Figure 2-1, located at end of this chapter. These corridors generally follow existing linear features on the Kenai Peninsula. Specific routing opportunities within the Anchorage Bowl and Soldotna areas primarily utilize existing and proposed utility corridors and road rights-of-way. Submarine crossings of Tumagain Arm would occur along the Tesoro and Enstar alternatives. Transmission line routing opportunities within these corridors were identified as follows: = = The Tesoro Route generally parallels the Tesoro Pipeline from the town of Nikiski on the Kenai Peninsula to Point Possession. Submarine crossing would occur between Point Possession and Fire Island, and between Fire Island and Point Woronzof. = The Enstar Route generally parallels the Enstar Pipeline from Soldotna to Anchorage, including a submarine crossing between Burnt Island and Potter. = The Quartz Creek Route generally parallels the existing Quartz Creek transmission line from Soldotna to Anchorage without a submarine crossing. In addition to the primary Tesoro, Enstar, and Quartz Creek routes, several local routing opportunities have been identified within the larger corridor areas at selective locations. These local alternatives were developed to provide a variety of transmission line placement options within or near sensitive areas (urban and rural areas, areas sensitive to visual intrusion, and recreation sites). Local alternatives were identified within the Anchorage Bowl (Local Anchorage Area Alternatives) and Soldotna (Local Alternatives to the Enstar and Quartz Creek Routes), the area surrounding Captain Cook State Recreation Area (Local Alternatives to the Tesoro Route), and the Turnagain Arm crossing near Bird Point (Local Alternatives to the Quartz Creek Route). In addition, local alternative submarine crossings were identified at the points where the Tesoro and Enstar pipelines cross Turnagain Arm, and are included as local alternatives to the respective routes. chugactienv-rpt.ch2 2-1 ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FACILITIES The overhead transmission line structures would typically be less than 90 feet in height, except for localized areas where additional ground clearance is required (i.e., steep topography). Table 1-1 provides a description of the design characteristics for both the 138kV and 230kV configurations utilizing either single steel poles, wood H-frame structures of steel X-frame structures. Appendix D contains a list of the proposed facilities along each alternative route segment including link, total length, geographic location, and type of facility. T R Faciliti = The Tesoro Route generally parallels the Tesoro Pipeline from the town of Nikiski on the Kenai Peninsula to Point Possession. Submarine crossings would occur between Point Possession and Fire Island, and between Fire Island and Point Woronzof. Figure 2-2 provides an overview of the typical landscapes occurring along the alternative route. In addition, the following facilities or modifications to existing facilities would be required: - submarine transition stations at Point Woronzof, the north and south end of Fire Island, and at Point Possession requiring approximately one acre each - reactive compensation stations at Point Woronzof and Point Possession utilizing approximately one acre each - overhead to underground transition stations at the north and south end of Captain Cook State Recreation Area - guyed X-Frame structures for all overhead line construction - modifications to the Point Woronzof and Bernice Lake substations to accommodate additional termination structures ranging in size from 1 to 1.5 acres E R Faciliti = The Enstar Route generally parallels the Enstar Pipeline from Soldotna to Anchorage, including a submarine crossing between Bumt Island and Potter. Photographs included in Figure 2-3 illustrates the typical landscape along the existing Enstar pipeline. chugach\emv-rpt.ch2 2-2 TESORO ROUTE Tesoro Pipeline right-of-way. View is to the north along Link TE.G-H.80. Tesoro Pipeline and North Kenai Road, Swanson River Crossing within Captain Cook SRA along Link TE.1.100. North Kenai Road within Captain Cook SRA (note: Stormy Lake in foreground). View is to the north along Link TE.1.100. Entering inlet in this area could avoid the wilderness area Potential submarine/ |) 77% overhead transition es location oT a View of Tesoro Pipeline at Point Possession. Existing pipeline right-of-way is within KNWR Wilderness. This f : ; location would contain the submarine/overhead transition Wh 8 Tesoro Pipeline facilities required for the Submarine Crossing. loeated-within Note: The Tesoro Route could avoid the wilderness by ae entering the inlet farther to the west. _ SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT EIS 23 DAMES & MOORE Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line ENSTAR ROUTE Enstar Pipeline right-of-way. View is to the north from Mystery Creek Road. Link EN.E.110. Aerial view of the Enstar Pipeline. View is to the north. Pipeline is approaching Chickaloon Bay. Link EN.D.100. ar Pipeline Aerial view of the Enstar Pipeline. View is to the north. Pipeline and alternative route enter the Turnagain Arm near Burnt Island. South Anchorage Coast. View of railroad through Oceanview Subdivision. Oceanview Subdivision _ SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT EIS 23 DAMES & MOORE Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line The following additional facilities and modifications to facilities will also be required: submarine transition stations near the Potter Section House and near Bumt Island utilizing approximately 0.1 acre reactive compensation stations near Rabbit Creek in Anchorage and Near Big Indian Creek on the Kenai Peninsula requiring approximately one acre each underground submarine cable to underground cable transition stations guyed X-Frame structures for overhead lines in rural areas; single-pole structures could be utilized within Anchorage and Soldotna modifications to the International and Soldotna substations to accommodate additional terminations structures ranging in size from 0.25 to 0.5 acre 0 Creek Route Faciliti = The Quartz Creek Route generally parallels the existing Quartz Creek transmission line from Soldotna to Anchorage without a submarine crossing. Figure 2-4 includes photographs along the existing Quartz Creek transmission line. Additional facilities and modifications required along this route include: reactive compensation station near Portage at the head of Tumagain Arm requiring approximately one acre wooden H-Frame structures adjacent to the existing line, in limited sections within Anchorage and Soldotna, single-pole structures would be used modifications to the University and Soldotna substations to accommodate additional termination structures An alternative to the Quartz Creek Route described above would consist of crossing Turnagain Arm between Bird Point and Snipers Point with submarine or underground cable or a special overhead crossing. chugecttenv-rptch2 2-5 QUARTZ CREEK ROUTE View of Turnagain Arm from the Seward Highway Scenic Byway. View of existing Quartz Creek Transmission Line near Portage. View of Link QC.E.50 from Seward Highway. View of Portage area from Link QC.F.60. Quartz Creek Transmission Line near Cooper Landing Link QC.K.110. Quartz Creek Transmission Line Quartz Creek Transmission Line View along Sterling Highway Link QC.L.120. SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT EIS 33 DAMES & MOORE Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line In addition to the primary Tesoro, Enstar, and Quartz Creek corridors, several local routing opportunities have been identified within the larger corridor areas at selective locations. These local alternatives were developed to provide a variety of transmission line placement options within or near sensitive areas (urban and rural areas, areas sensitive to visual intrusion, and recreation sites). Local alternatives were identified within the Anchorage Bowl (Local Anchorage Area Alternatives) and Soldotna (Local Alternatives to the Enstar and Quartz Creek Routes), the area surrounding Captain Cook SRA (Local Alternatives to the Tesoro Route), and Tumagain Arm crossing near Bird Point (Local Alternatives to the Quartz Creek Route). In addition, local alternative submarine crossings were identified at the points where.the.Tesoro.and Enstar pipelines.cross Turmagain Arm and.are-included as local alternatives to the respective routes. ALTERNATIVE CORRIDOR ANALYSIS The analysis of alternative corridors incorporates the following: Siting opportunities Key siting issues and constraints Regulatory requirements Routing recommendations within alternative corridors Table 2-1 (located at the end of this chapter) provides an analysis of the Tesoro, Enstar, and Quartz Creek alternatives, and Table 2-2 (located at the end of this chapter) addresses the Bird Creek alternatives. Supporting environmental data for each route are provided in Appendix E, and a study area inventory is provided in Chapter 3. Selected regulatory requirements are listed in Tables 2-1 and 2-2, and a comprehensive list of all applicable regulations are provided in the Land Rights/Regulatory Report . The following provides a summary of the analysis. Siting opportunities identified within the study area include two underground pipelines—Enstar and Tesoro—and an existing overhead transmission lines. In more developed areas such as Soldotna and Anchorage, existing roads and railroads which initially appear to be compatible with the construction of an overhead transmission line were also identified. Significant environmental issues and constraints are associated with each alternative. The key siting issues identified throughout the study area are primarily associated with the biological, recreational, and visual resources. Land use and cultural resources are also of concer in certain areas, most notably within Anchorage, Soldotna, and adjacent to the Kenai River. The aerial crossing at Bird Point does not appear to be feasible due to visual impacts along the Seward Highway and to views from chugachienv-rptch2 2-7 Bird Point. In addition, this alternative exceeds FAA hazards criteria due to the height of the transmission structure. Two photo simulations were conducted based on a preliminary design of the structures required. Figure 2-5 (existing condition) and 2-5A (simulation) represent the view from the Seward Highway Scenic Byway traveling south towards Bird Point. Figure 2-6 (existing condition) and 2-6A (simulation) represent the view looking south from Bird Point towards the Six Mile Creek drainage. Federal, state. and local regulatory requirements were identified for all of the altemative corridors. The regulatory requirements are primarily associated with wetland preservation and land conservation units - (Kenai National Wildlife Refuge) crossed by the-alternative corridors.-Additional regulatory requirements include water quality, rights-of-way on federal and state lands, and aviation. Initial routing recommendations within alternative corridors are provided in Tables 2-1 and 2-2. The recommendations are directed towards the preservation of existing scenic resources, minimized vegetation clearing, and avoidance of existing land use features in rural and urban areas. All routes identified during this study with the exception of the aerial crossing at Bird Point appear feasible and provide the foundation for an anticipated NEPA process under the direction of the Rural Utility Service. Federal, state, and local agency input also suggest that the project is feasible provided the regulatory requirements are met and the environmental impacts are minimized. chugach\env-rpt.ch2 2-8 °.D.2.10 QeC.D) Alo { ' Existing Conditions - Turnagain Arm Crossing Seward Highway Scenic Byway View looking Southeast towards Sniper Point Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line ’ Simulation - Turnagain Arm Crossing Seward Highway Scenic Byway View looking Southeast towards Sniper Point Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line Existing Condition Turnagain Arm Crossing Bird Point View Looking South towards Sniper Point Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line Simulation Turnagain Arm Crossing Bird Point View Looking South towards Sniper Point Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line TABLE 2-1 ALTERNATIVE CORRIDOR ANALYSIS Route Tesoro Links TE.A.10, TE.D.40, TE.E.50, TE.G-H.80, TE.G-H.90, TE.I.100, TE.J-K.110, TE.J-K.120, Total Miles 55.1 Enstar Links EN.A.20, EN.A.50, EN.B.80, EN.C.90, EN.D.100, EN.E.110, QCM. 1.30, QC.M.1.70, QC.M.1.80 Total Miles 76.6 Quartz Creek Links QC.A.10, QC.B.20, QC.C.30, QC.D.40, QC.E.50, QC.F.60, QC.G.70, QC.H.80, QC.1.90, QC.J.100, QC.K.110, QC.L.120, QCM.1.15, QCM.1.30, QCM.1.70, QCM.1.80 Total Miles 140.7 Siting Opportunities Existing Tesoro Pipeline Existing Enstar Pipeline Existing Quartz Creek Transmission Line Key Siting Issues and Constraints* Biological = Bald Eagle and Trumpeter Swan nests = Waterfowl nesting habitat Jurisdiction = Adjacent to KNWR at Point Possession ® State, Native Corporation and Borough Land Use/Socioeconomics ® Remote residential subdivisions north of Captain Cook SRA = Adjacent lakes open to aircraft Recreation ® Adjacent to KNWR wilderness area at Point Possession, recreation access into KNWR = Captain Cook SRA and associated use areas and trails = Swanson River access Visual Resources ® Foreground views from remote residences and Captain Cook SRA = Unique features include Point Possession, Stormy Lake, views across Cook Inlet Cultural Resources = Recorded sites at Swanson River and traditional use on Fire Island @ Sensitive coastal area ® Known sites at Point Possession Biological = Trumpeter Swan and Waterfowl nesting habitat Black and Brown bear concentrations ® Coastal marsh habitat (Chickaloon Bay) Jurisdiction USFWS, Chugach State Park, Municipality of Anchorage and the Kenai Borough Land Use/Socioeconomics Rural residential areas in Soldotna Urban Anchorage area, Oceanview Subdivision Adjacent airstrips, lakes open to aircraft Recreation KNWR minimal (EN.D.100) and moderate (EN.D.110) management areas Potter Marsh (EN.B.70, EN.B.80) Potter Section House in Chugach State Fark Visual Resources KNWR area managed for preservation values Oceanview subdivision and park foreground views Unique features include: Potter Marsh scenic and wildlife viewing, Potter Section House, views into Turnagain Arm Cultural Resources = Historic sites near Potter Marsh, sensiive coastal areas Biological ® Bald Eagle and Trumpeter Swan Nesting habitat = Coastal marsh and waterfowl concentration areas = Anadromous fish streams (Kenai River near Cooper Landing) = Dall sheep and mountain goat habitat = Moose fall and winter range Geologic Hazards = Known avalanche areas = Potential soil liquefaction (Portage) Jurisdiction = ~KNWR (including adjacent wilderness areas), Chugach National Forest, Chugach State Park, Municipality of Anchorage, and Kenai Borough Land Use/Socioeconomics = Primarily rural residential development along Seward highway corridor = Seward Highway National Scenic Byway @ The Alaska Railroad Recreation = High density of recreational features along Seward Highway (viewpoints and trail access) = Chugach State Park Natural Management Area = Crosses Kenai Lake and River = Adjacent to proposed Bird Point recreation site Visual Resources = Scenic resources in Chugach State Park managed for preservation values = Retention and Partial Retention VQO in Chugach National Forest = Foreground views from scenic vistas, pullouts, recreation access point, and campgrounds = Unique features include Kenai River, Turnagain Pass, Portage area, Turnagain Arm, and Chugach Mountains. Cultural Resources = Concentration of known sites along Turnagain Arm, prehistoric sites near confluence of Russian and Kenai rivers = Parallels Historic Iditarod Trail *Refer to Appendix D of Environmental Section Report for a detailed listing of issues. **Refer to the Land Rights/Regulatory Section Report for a corridor specific list of regulations and permits pertaining to the proposed project. ® Underground line and transition facilities at Captain Cook SRA, or reroute utilizing Link TE.1.130 to avoid Captain Cook SRA Selected Regulatory = Land Water Conservation Fund a = Land Water Conservation Fund compliance along Kenai River Requirements** ® Coastal Management Plan ® Municipality of Anchorage = Chugach National Forest Special Use Permit ® Federal Aviation Administration ® Section 404 @ Title 11, ANILCA = Title 11, ANILCA ® Title 11, ANILCA Routing ® Minimize separation from Tesoro Pipeline | ® Minimize separation from Enstar Pipeline = Match transmission structure types and spans when paralleling existing H-Frame transmission line Recommendations ® Parallel east side of the Tesoro Pipeline from Captain Cook = Minimize vegetation clearing = Minimize vegetation clearing nee . SRA to the KNWR boundary, where the line would cross the | ® Underground line in Potter Marsh area and near Chickaloon Bay and = Utilize single pole structures within Anchorage (QC.A.10 along Tudor Road) and Soldotna (QCM. 1.80) Within Alternative Tesoro Pipeline and enter Cook Inlet, avoiding the KNWR transition facilities at Link EN.D.100 anc Link EN.B.80 Corridors ® Minimize vegetation clearing = Evaluate visual impacts to Oceanview area and possible underground of EN.A.50 BIRD POINT - QUARTZ CREEK ALTERNATIVE CORRIDOR ANALYSIS TABLE 2-2 Route Existing Quartz Creek Bird Point Aerial Crossing Bird Point Submarine Crossing Links QC.D.40, QC.E.50, QC.F.60, QC.G.70. QC.H.80, QC.D1A.10 QC.D.2.10 QC.D.2.10 QC.D1IA.10 QC.D.2.10 QC.D1B.10 QC.D.2.10 13.7 QC.I.90 Total Miles 38.8 Total Miles 12.6 (10,500 feet) Total Miles 13.7 (19,500 feet) Siting Existing Quartz Creek Transmission Line Narrowest Crossing of Turnagain Arm Narrowest Crossing of Turnagain Arm Opportunities Key Siting Issues And Constraints* Biological = Coastal Marsh Habitat = Bald Eagle Nests @ Waterfowl concentration and migration corridor Geological Hazards = Known avalanche areas = Potential soil liquefaction (Portage) Jurisdiction ® Chugach State Park = Chugach National Forest Land Use/Socioeconomics = Mixed use development at Girdwood and Portage @ The Alaska Railroad Recreation ® Multiple adjacent recreation facilities including recreational view point, trail heads, rest areas, access road to Portage Glacier Visual Resources = Foreground views from Seward Highway Scenic Byway and related view points Cultural Resources ® Known sites along Seward Highway, Portage area ® Parallels Historic Iditarod Trail Biological = Bald Eagle nesting (Sixmile) ® Anadromous fish stream = Moose fall/winter habitat Jurisdiction = Chugach State Park, Chugach National Forest = Crossing Conservation Easement along Sixmile Creek Land Use/Socioeconomics = Seward Highway Scenic Byway, rural residential residences along Sixmile Creek Recreation = Proposed Bird Point recreation area, Sixmile Creek = Recreational trails and facilities along Sixmile Creek Visual Resources = Foreground views from Bird Point across the Turnagain Arm = Unique features include Bird Point, Sixmile Creek Valley, Alpenglow Mountain = Aerial crossing (530 feet, the height of a 50-story building) will dominate the landscape within a two-mile distance and would overwhelm views from Bird Point, and from selected locations along the Hope Highway ® Significant night lighting impacts Cultural Resources ® Recorded sites in the vicinity of Sun Rise and Bird Point ® Parallels a connecting trail to the Historic Iditarod Trail Biological = Bald Eagle nesting (Sixmile) = Waterfowl concentration and migration corridor = Anadromous fish stream = Moose fall/winter habitat Jurisdiction ® Chugach State Park = Chugach National Forest Land Use/Socioeconomics = Seward Highway Scenic Byway, rural residential residences along Sixmile Creek Recreation = Proposed Bird Point recreation area, Sixmile Creek = Recreational trails and facilities along Sixmile Creek Visual Resources = Foreground views from Bird Point across the Turnagain Arm = Unique features include Bird Point, Sixmile Creek Valley, Alpenglow Mountain Cultural Resources = Recorded sites in the vicinity of Sun Rise and Bird Point ® Parallels a connecting trail to the Historic Iditarod Trail Selected Regulatory Requirements** = Chugach National Forest Special Use Permit = Chugach National Forest Special Use Permit = Aerial crossing will create an FAA Hazard Determination = Chugach National Forest Special Use Permit Routing Recommendations Within Alternative Corridors *Refer to Appendix D of the Environmental Section Report for a detailed listing of issues. **Refer to the Land Rights/Regulatory Section Report for a corridor specific list of regulations and permits pertaining to the proposed project. = Match spans and structure types of existing line = Not feasible due to FAA hazards and unacceptable visual impacts = Underground transition facilities at Bird Point and Sunrise for the submarine crossing CHAPTER 3.0 - STUDY AREA INVENTORY Chapter 3 provides an inventory of environmental resources within the project study area. Resource inventory information was compiled through the review of existing agency management plans, previous studies conducted within the region, maps, limited field visits, and aerial photo interpretation. A list of the agencies and individuals consulted during this study is located in Chapter 4. Figures 3-1 through 3-20 illustrate resource information and are provided at the end of this chapter. BIOLOGY Introduction The following section describes biological resources likely to occur within the regional study area for the proposed Southern Intertie Project. An inventory was conducted for the vegetative and associated wildlife species, as well as any special status species that potentially occur in the study area. Biotic communities in the study area range from coastal tidal estuaries to alpine tundra communities. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine areas which offered opportunities for siting the proposed transmission line and those areas which need to be avoided due to the presence of sensitive features. Inventory Results Vegetation The study area for the Souther Intertie Project encompasses the northern portions of the Kenai Peninsula, the southern portions of the Chugach Mountain Range along Turnagain Arm, and a portion of the Anchorage Bowl. The westem portion of the study area is an extensive area of lakes, muskegs, and wetlands, most of which are within the KNWR. The eastern portion of the study area includes the Kenai Mountain range with relatively narrow valleys and tall mountain peaks and ridges. The study area falls within both the interior boreal forest and the coastal forest zones, and supports a variety of vegetation community types (Hulten 1968). The interaction of diverse vegetation patterns and repeated fires have resulted in complex patterns of vegetation (Selkregg 1976). The study area incudes four main forest cover types—coastal spruce-hemlock, upland spruce-hardwood, lowland spruce-hardwood, and bottom land spruce-poplar—and are described according to Selkregg (1976). Vegetation cover types were mapped at a scale of 1:250,000 and are illustrated in Figure 3-1. A detailed list of representative vegetation species occurring within the individual cover types is presented in Table 3-1 (located at the end of the biology section). chagactienv-rptch3 3-1 The coastal spruce-hemlock forest is an extension of the coastal forest common to Prince William Sound and southeast Alaska. It is typically restricted to the lower mountain slopes, foothills, and valleys of the Kenai Mountains along Tumagain Arm and east of Indian Valley in the Chugach Range. Upland spruce-hardwood is a widespread forest cover type occurring in the foothills area of the western Kenai Mountains, in well-drained uplands along Cook Inlet including much of the Anchorage area, and on small well-drained sites of the Kenai Lowlands. Lowland spruce-hardwood forests cover much of-the-interior portions of the-Kenai Lowlands and are dominated by extensive stands of open black spruce with some balsam poplar and some paper birch or Kenai birch. Bottom land spruce-poplar cover types are typically found in areas along floodplains of meandering streams and rivers, such as the Kenai River, and in well-drained, rich soils. Tall shrub communities in the study area occur both as floodplain thickets on major streams and rivers (riparian communities), and in higher elevations as alder-willow communities located in the transition zone between boreal forest and alpine tundra. The riparian thickets on river floodplains consist primarily of willows and thinleaf alder and are found along most major tributaries within the study area. Extensive areas of tall shrub are found at the head of Tumagain Arm in the Twentymile, Portage, and Placer River drainages. The high brush communities at the timberline consist of shrub birch (Betula glandulosa), alder, and several species of willow. Bogs and muskegs occur in low-lying, wet areas on old, poorly drained floodplains and in the higher elevations of stream drainages. These cover types typically consist of low shrub communities with varying amounts of sedges and mosses. Alpine tundra occurs throughout the region on ridges and slopes in higher elevations of the Kenai Mountains and within the Chugach Mountain Range. This community typically consists of low, mat- forming shrubs. Wetlands Wetlands within the study area have been delineated on 1:63,360 maps by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory Program (USFWS 1978). The classification system used by the USFWS follows Corwardin et al. (1979) and defines wetlands according to ecological characteristics. Wetlands and aquatic systems within the study area include estuarine, palustrine, chugactienv-rptch3 3-2 lacustrine, and riverine wetlands. Waters within the Cook Inlet north of the East and West Forelands are considered to be estuarine due to the lower salinity of the water and constricted water flow (USFWS 1985). Figure 3-2 depicts the wetland concentrations. Refer to Table 3-1 for a list of associated plant species for each wetland type. Estuarine systems in the upper Cook Inlet occur as offshore waters, unvegetated intertidal mud flats, exposed sand/gravel beaches, or vegetated saltmarsh habitats in protected areas typically occurring at the mouths of rivers. Subtidal areas within the study area do not support any vegetation due to the high silt loads in the water-and low -light-levels.-Unvegetated intertidal-mudflats. occur throughout both the northern and southem shoreline of Turnagain and Knik arms and along much of the coast of Fire Island. Gravel and sand beaches are found along the shoreline of the northwest portions of the Kenai Peninsula and on Fire Island, typically occurring below eroding sea bluffs. Estuarine salt marsh communities are one of the more important wildlife habitats in the study area and are found in low-lying coastal areas, typically at the mouths of river systems. Estuarine salt marshes include Chickaloon Bay on the northem Kenai Peninsula and the Twentymile, Portage, and Placer rivers at the head of Turnagain Arm. Dominant vegetation species include arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima), goose tongue (Plantago maritimum), sedges (Carex Ramenskii, C. Lyngbyaei), and alkali grasses (Puccinellia spp.). Lacustrine systems include lakes and ponds over two acres in surface area. There are hundreds of small lakes and ponds throughout the study area, with the highest concentration of lakes located on the Kenai Peninsula in the central portions of the KNWR. These lakes provide feeding and nesting habitat for many kinds of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife species, and habitat for both resident and anadromous fish. Common vegetation in these habitats are listed in Table 3-1. Riverine systems are areas contained within the outer limits of river or stream channels. These wetland systems are relatively numerous within the study area and include both high gradient mountain streams such as the upper reaches of the Chickaloon River, and low gradient slower streams and rivers such as Swanson River and Moose River in the Kenai Lowlands. The largest river system with the study area is the Kenai River which supports a significant run of four species of salmon. Among the many important functions of these streams and rivers are spawning and rearing of several species of salmon, and habitat for resident species of fish such as the Dolly Varden and Rainbow Trout. Palustrine wetlands are by far the most wide-spread wetlands type in the study area. These systems consist of freshwater wetlands dominated by woody plant or herbaceous species and shallow ponds. Five categories of palustrine wetlands exist within the study area and include forested wetlands, saturated shrub chugach\env-rptch3 3-3 bogs, temporarily or seasonally flooded riparian shrub communities, emergent wetlands or marshes, and shallow ponds. Saturated shrub bogs and forested wetlands are the most extensive wetland type within the study area. Forested wetlands (saturated black spruce bogs) are another common wetland type encountered in the study area with extensive areas occurring throughout the Kenai Lowlands. These areas are typically open, black spruce forests or stunted spruce woodlands, with an understory of deciduous shrubs, such as Labrador tea and tussock cottongrass. Where the canopy is more open, the understory is similar to the scrub. shrub communities. Seasonally flooded and temporarily flooded riparian shrub wetland habitats occur along old bars of rivers, and streams corridors which have stabilized enough to support woody plants. These wetlands are found in areas within the floodplains of the rivers and small streams. Emergent wetlands or marshes are typically dominated by grasses such as Pacific reed-grass and several species of sedge (Carex spp.), cottongrass (Eriophorium spp.), and horsetail with small amounts of low shrub species. Small ponds are scattered throughout the study area. Wetlands associated within ponds are generally a complex of open water and emergent and shrub bog habitats. Dominant plant species in these complexes include sedges, cottongrass, and buckbean (Menyanthes trifolia). For purposes of mapping general wetlands distribution, wetlands were designated according to the major wetlands type within specific areas. Coastal marsh habitats were considered a separate category due to their function and value as wildlife habitat. The center of the Kenai Lowlands was classified as having extensive lakes and wetland complexes. Areas of extensive muskegs and forested wetlands near the Kenai Airport and within the Moose River drainage were delineated separately. Wildlif Terrestrial Mammals Six species of large mammals are of particular importance in the project area because of their subsistence, recreational, or ecological importance. The species of concern include black bear (Ursus americana), brown bear (Ursus arctos), caribou (Rangifer trandus), Dall sheep (Ovis dalli), moose (Alces alces), and mountain goat (Oramnos americanus). Ranges for these species and critical habitats such as calving areas for caribou and mineral licks for Dall sheep were delineated on area base maps to indicate potential chugachienv-rptch3 3-4 environmental constraints. The information was derived from habitat maps developed by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G 1985). Refer to Table 3-1 for a list of wildlife species occurring within the study area. Black bears (more common than brown bears) are abundant throughout the study area and-utilize a wide range of habitat types (Figure 3-3). Black bears prefer open forest, and mixed forest and shrub habitats, which provide cover and preferred food species such as berries, succulent forbs, and grasses. Black bears typically avoid open areas and extensive areas of dense timber, except during spring when grasslands provide important feeding habitat for bears emerging from their dens (USFWS 1980a). Black bears feed mostly on herbaceous vegetation, but also feed on carrion and spawning salmon in many of the rivers and streams during the summer months (ADF&G 1976). The highest quality habitat for black bear consists of forested areas with relatively small openings (close to escape cover), a high diversity of forage species, and a high percentage cover of these species. No black bear denning areas have been delineated within the study area, but areas of high use such as the Chickaloon Flats and bum areas in the center of the Kenai Lowlands provide the bears with high value habitat. The largest black bear concentrations are north of the Kenai River, ranging from Beaver Creek and the Swanson River east to the Kenai Mountains. Black bears will also use the coastal saltmarsh areas for feeding during the spring when vegetation is emerging. Brown bears are omnivorous and rely on a wide variety of food items. They feed heavily on grasses and forbs throughout summer and on berries in late summer and fall. Carrion is a highly desirable food item for brown bears and is taken when found. Brown bears are drawn to salmon spawning streams in mid to late summer by the availability of salmon (predominantly carcasses) (Jacobson 1991). Brown bear feed on salmon in the Russian, Moose, Chickaloon, and Swanson rivers as well as most any stream with spawning salmon. Brown bears also prey on moose and caribou calves. These bears inhabit the valleys and mountainous areas of the Chugach Range, but no concentrations have been documented within the study area. Sensitive habitats include any areas where salmon are available to bears and spring concentration areas on tidal grass flats. Two known locations of brown bear denning areas are located in the foothills of the Kenai Range east of the Enstar Pipeline. Brown bears can be found in any habitat type, but prefer open habitats and are most common in upland shrub and alpine tundra communities and require large tracts of undisturbed habitat. (USFWS 1980a). Moose are one of the most common and visible wildlife species in the region and are found throughout the majority of the study area. Figure 3-4 identifies moose habitat within the study area. The KNWR was chugscttenv-rpt.ch3 3-5 originally established to protect moose and provide habitat to offset the population declines of the mid 1920s and 1930s from overuse of winter range and harsh weather (Bangs et al. 1982b). Fires in 1947 and 1969 improved habitat and numbers increased as a result of favorable browse conditions. Moose seasonally occupy areas from the lowland muskegs to the high mountain valleys. Moose surveys conducted in 1979 and 1982 along the Kenai River indicated average densities of 4.2 and 6.7 moose per square mile, respectively (Alaska Division of Natural Resources [ADNR] 1994]. Bailey (1978) described two types of moose populations on the Kenai Peninsula. The first includes a migratory-population that gathers in the-mountain drainages during rutting season-then moves to the lower elevations and onto the Kenai Lowlands to winter. A second population remains on the Kenai Lowlands throughout the year. Important wintering areas within the study area include the Resurrection Valley, the head of Turnagain Arm in the Twentymile, Portage, and Placer River valleys, and a few isolated areas within the Kenai Mountains. Other important habitat for moose include riparian shrub for winter range, areas along streams and river floodplains with minimal snow depth, and areas which provide suitable cover for calving in the spring. Preferred moose browse varies by geographic area and season. Willow and bumed over areas in the Kenai lowlands are favored winter feeding grounds. Birch and aspen in upland spruce hardwood forests are also used as a winter food source. In addition, moose will forage on aquatic vegetation and emergent plants along rivers, bogs, and muskegs in early spring and summer. Moose calving areas are scattered throughout the Kenai Lowlands (Bailey and Bangs 1980). The area's numerous wetlands, ponds, bogs, and sloughs provide suitable cover for successful calving. The Moose River Flats, because of their numerous muskegs habitats and shrub bogs, provide optimum calving areas. Mountain goat have a more extensive range within the study area than the Dall sheep and inhabit the higher alpine areas of the high peaks and ridges of both the Kenai and Chugach ranges (see Figure 3-4). Goat winter habitat is restricted to exposed, wind-swept where snow depth is minimal. Goats give birth in the spring and also choose inaccessible areas which afford protection from predators. Goat habitat is higher in elevation than what would potentially be affected by this project. Caribou, which were eliminated on the Kenai Peninsula from fires and unregulated hunting by 1912, were reintroduced by the ADF&G in 1965 and 1966 (Figure 3-5). Forty-four animals were released just north of the Kenai River (Bangs et al. 1982). The reintroduced caribou formed two distinct herds—Kenai Mountain herd and the lowlands herd. The Kenai Mountain herd ranges throughout the alpine and subalpine areas of the Kenai Range near Hope and to the foothills on the westem slope of the Kenai Range. This herd winters in the Big Indian Creek South watershed to their calving area in the American Pass, which is a key habitat requirement for any caribou herd (ADF&G 1985). chugactienv-rptch3 3-6 The other herd became established in a sedge-grass wetland that surrounds the Kenai Airport (Bangs et al. 1982). This second herd has three possible calving areas—north of the Kenai Airport, a large wetland south of the Lower Kenai River mouth, and a small area in the Moose River Flats. Caribou from this herd move east to the Moose River rutting area in early October and breed at this location. This herd then stays in this general area to winter but can range over much of the central portion of the Kenai Lowlands. Dall sheep are widely distributed throughout the Kenai and Chugach mountains and are found in the study area on mountain slopes along the north side of Turnagain Arm from Girdwood to Potter and in the - Mountainous .areas around-Kenai Lake-and the upper -Kenai River (see-Figure 3-5). Dall sheep are distributed in alpine and subalpine habitat above the 2,500-foot elevation (ADF&G 1985). Dall sheep feed on grasses and sedges and also browse on willows and lichens. In the spring, sheep follow the retreating snow line into high meadows and ridges to feed on emerging succulent vegetation. A critical time period for the Dall sheep is lambing in the spring. Preferred lambing habitat is on the most inaccessible cliffs available to sheep. An important feature of Dall sheep spring and summer habitat is the proximity to mineral licks, which provide nutritional requirements and social interaction between members of the herd. Several mineral licks have been identified in the Kenai and Chugach mountains, three of which are within the study area. One mineral lick has been identified in Kenai Mountains near the head waters of the Chickaloon River and East Creek. Another mineral lick is present along the Sterling Highway near Cooper Landing. In the southern Chugach Range along Turnagain Arm, one mineral lick has been identified between Potter and Indian valleys. Other wildlife species common to the study area include. snowshoe hare (Lagopus lagopus), hoary marmot (Marmota caligata), Arctic ground squirrel (Citellus undualata), red squirrel (Taniasciurus hudsonicus), beaver (Castor canadensis), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), porcupine (Erithizon dorsatum), red fox (Vuples vulpes), coyote (Canus latrans), wolf (Canus lupus), wolverine (Galo galo), marten (Martes americana), short-tailed weasel (Mustella ermine), mink (Mustella vison), river otter (Lutra canadensis), lynx (Lynx canadensis) and several species of voles and shrews (ADF&G 1985). Anadromous Fish Species A large number of lakes and freshwater streams within the study areas provide both spawning and rearing habitat of commercially important anadromous fish populations such as all five species of salmon; chinook (Oncorhyncus tshawytscha), coho (O. kisutch), pink (O. gorbuscha), chum (O. keta), and sockeye (O. nerka). Other important anadromous species include, Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys), threespine stickleback (Gasterostreus aculeatus) and Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) (Moulton 1994). Spawning habitats for these species are particularly sensitive in that siltation of spawning beds can result in loss of eggs or newly hatched fish in the stream gravels (Figure 3-6). Other important habitats for these fish include rearing habitat for juveniles in the lakes and streams and the near shore estuarine water which are major feeding habitats during out migration of smolt from the freshwater to saltwater. Adults also pass through nearshore estuarine water on their upstream migration to spawning. Spawning adults also provide a significant-food source for wildlife-species such as brown bear,-black-bear,-river otters and bald eagles. Several species of resident fish which are also found in the freshwater lakes and streams in study areas and include rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), Arctic grayling (Thamyllus arcticus), round whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), and ninespine sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) (Bangs et al. 1982). Marine fish within upper Cook Inlet and Tumagain Arm which do not enter freshwater to any significant extent include the Pacific herring (Clupea harengus), saffron cod (Eliginus gracilis), capelin (Mallotus villosus), sandfish (Trichodon trichodon), snail fish (Liparis rutteri), yellowfin sole (Limanda aspera), Pacific staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armatus) and starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) (Dames & Moore 1983; Moulton 1994). Many of these fish species are important food sources for both birds and marine mammals. Marine Mammals Three species of marine mammal are common to the study area on a seasonal basis—the harbor seal (Phoca vitalina) and beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), and the killer whale (Orcinus orca). The harbor seal is found in small numbers in Tumnagain Arm during the summer months when salmon are present. Seal can often be seen hauled out on the flats at Chickaloon Bay during low tide (USFWS 1994). No concentration areas for seals have been identified within the study area. Beluga whales in Cook Inlet (Figure 3-7) appear to be a small geographically isolated population separated from the populations in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas and the Arctic Ocean (Morris 1992). Belugas frequent the waters of Tumagain Arm during the spring and summer months as they feed on smelt and salmon (Morris 1992). Estimates of populations from aerial counts range as high as 650 using correction factors for animals not seen (Morris 1992). Areas of Beluga concentration in the study area include the intertidal and near shore areas of Tumagain and Knik Arms near Anchorage. chugactienv-rpt.ch3 3-8 Concentrations occur primarily in the late spring to early fall. Locations of calving areas in Cook Inlet have not been identified, but it is believed that calving occurs in coastal waters where the belugas concentrate, particularly in estuaries Although infrequent killer whales occur in the waters of the upper inlet in small pods feeding on beluga whales (Morris 1992). Birds The study area supports well over 150 species of birds as either year-round residents or migrants making their way to their interior or arctic breeding areas to nest during the short arctic summer (West 1994). Most all avian habitats from coastal saltmarsh to alpine tundra are represented and the species list includes a very diverse population of birds. Some of the major types include loons, grebes, sandhill cranes, a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, terns, hawks and owls, and many species of songbird or passerines. Waterfowl The major waterfowl concentrations are generally confined to saltmarsh habitat in the Chickaloon Flats areas, at the head of Turnagain Arm, the Anchorage Coastal Wetlands and Potters Marsh area (Figure 3-8). These areas provided feeding habitat for migrant waterfowl and a smaller amount of nesting habitat. The Chickaloon Flats estuary and associated wetlands is the major staging area on the Kenai Peninsula for thousands of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds (Quimby 1972). Species which utilize the flats include trumpeter and tundra swans, lesser and cackling Canada geese, greater white-fronted geese, snow geese, sandhill cranes, mallards, northern pintail, green-winged teal, northern shoveler, and several species of shorebirds. Total numbers of birds on the flats during fall migration may exceed 25,000 individuals. Numbers of geese in fall can be in excess of 5,000 birds (USFWS 1986). The tidal flats at the head of Turnagain Arm also provide staging habitat for thousands of migrating waterfowl such as Canada geese, several species of ducks and sandhill cranes during the spring and fall (ADF&G 1985). This area also serves as a migration corridor for bird flying between the Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound regions. The Anchorage coastal wetlands from Potter Marsh to Point Campbell are also used by waterfowl during migration. chagectienv-rptch3 3-9 Other areas of importance to waterfowl include the numerous small lakes and associated wetlands habitats which occur throughout the northem portion of the Kenai Peninsula. These areas provide a significant amount of nesting and brood rearing habitat for several species of waterfowl and other species of waterbirds such as the common and pacific loons, red-necked grebes, and sandhill cranes, and shorebird such as greater yellow-legs and common snipe. Since the 1970s, populations of trumpeter swans have been increasing in the south-central region of Alaska (Bailey et al. 1982c). The population at present appears to be relatively stable on the Kenai -Peninsula (Conant, personal communication 1995)...The USFWS trumpeter.swan nesting habitat maps indicate that trumpeter swan concentrations extend throughout the lowland from the coastal fringe along Cook Inlet to the foothills of the Kenai Mountains just west of the Enstar Pipeline route with high densities of nesting swans in the center of the Kenai Lowlands (USFWS 1995). This portion of the Kenai Lowlands supports a population of approximately 30 to 40 pair of breeding swans (USFWS 1994). Many of the trumpeter swans which utilize the Kenai Lowland stage in the lower reaches of the Moose River in the spring prior to establishing nesting territories and again in the fall prior to migration (ADNR 1986). Trumpeter swans also use other isolated areas where suitable habitat exists such as Fire Island. Trumpeter swan survey data were plotted for all the years in which surveys were conducted (1968-1995) in order to delineate optimum swan habitat (Figure 3-9). A map of one individual year of data was also prepared to represent a typical distribution and provide a relative number of swan using the Kenai Lowland for 1995. Comparison of these maps suggests there is considerable movement between habitat, and territories are not occupied every season. A variety of raptor species occurs throughout the study area as either breeders or migrants, including several species of hawks and owls, eagles, and falcons. Bald eagles (see Figure 3-7), golden eagles, northern harriers, northern goshawks, red-tailed hawks, rough-legged hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, American kestrels, merlins, and gyrfalcons are known to occur throughout the study area. Migrant populations of peregrine falcons occur but are not known to breed in the study area (T. Bailey, personal communication 1996). Migrant birds are expected to occur in areas of spring and fall waterfowl concentration, such as the Chickaloon Flats or the flats at the head of Turnagain Arm. Bald eagles are protected under the Eagle Protection Act and nest in areas near suitable food supply such as along the coast or along major water courses such as lakes, rivers, or sloughs close to the ocean or near clear streams where ice breaks up early in the spring (ADF&G 1986; Bangs et al. 1982a). Preferred habitat appears to include streams which support both spring spawning fish and fall salmon runs (Bangs et al. 1982b). High concentrations of bald eagle nests occur on the Moose Creek drainage however few chagectienv-spuch3 3-10 nests have been documented on the Swanson or Chickaloon River drainages located nearby. Known nest sites are scattered along the coastal fringe north of Nikiski and along the southem shoreline of Tumagain Arm. However, none have been documented along the northern side of Turnagain Arm from Portage to Anchorage (M. Jacobson, USFWS, personal communication 1996) (see Figure 3-7). Golden eagles are uncommon nesters in the Kenai Mountains and typically migrate south during the winter unlike the bald eagle which are year-round residents of the study area (Bangs et al. 1982b). Osprey. are rare on the Kenai. Peninsula; however, one nesting pair has been documented adjacent to a small lake north of Kenai (T. Bailey, personal communication 1996). The American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and occurs within the study area during its migration to breeding areas in the interior and westem Alaska. Arctic Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus tundrius), which breed in Arctic Alaska, is also listed as a threatened species and could occur as migrants in the study area during spring and fall migration. Neither of these birds are known to nest in the northem portions of the Kenai Peninsula or along Tumagain Arm (S. Ambrose, USFWS, personal communication 1996). The are no plant species which are listed as threatened or endangered within the study area (Murray and Lipkin 1987) although some rare species or sensitive species could potentially be found in the study area (Alaska Natural Heritage Program 1991). chugachienv-rptch3 3-11 Cover Type Coastal spruce- hemlock Upland spruce- hardwood chugach\chu2-tb3-1 Common Name Sitka spruce western hemlock mountain hemlock Sitka alder balsam poplar quaking aspen devil’s club Tusty menziesia blueberry white spruce paper birch Kenai birch balsam poplar quaking aspen mountain hemlock Sitka alder thinleaf alder willows Labrador tea highbush cranberry black spruce Resident Species Scientific Name VEGETATION Picea sitkensis Tsuga heterophylla Tsuga mertensiana Alnus sinuata Populus balsamifera Populus tremuloides Echinopanax horridum Menziesia ferruginia Vaccinium spp. Picea glauca Betula papyrifera Betula kenaica Populus balsamifera Populus tremuloides Tsuga mertensiana Alnus sinuata Alnus tenuifolia Salix spp. Ledum groenlandica Viburnum edule Picea mariana 3-12 Occurrence dominant dominant understory shrub understory shrub understory shrub higher elevations near treeline shrub shrub shrub shrub shrub poorly drained areas Resident Species Common Name Scientific Name Cover Type Lowland spruce- Picea mariana hardwood black spruce balsam poplar Populus balsamifera paper birch Betula papyrifera Kenai birch Betula kenaica Labrador tea Ledum groenlandica | warren | Berta nan understory pd witdrose | Reacts udertry | sntugmum mosses | arountcover | pf tert | Baers. | srouncover__| | uctery | Vaccine, | around cover | | ingonteny | Vaccinium viidaco | ground cover | a a ee ee spruce-poplar | tata popiar | Pops batomiera || a Pe Pinar ‘aetna | nero a i | wittrose | Roswaccwaris | understory P| tatradortes | Ledumaroentanaica | understory || enemy | Cormursuecin | understory | | erases ortssmosses || forest cor high brush Alnus tefl Betula glandulosa chugach\chu2-tb3-1 3-13 understory Cover Type Bogs and muskegs Alpine Tundra Estuarine salt marsh Lacustrine Palustrine (shrub bogs) cbugach\chu2-tb.3-1 Common Name black spruce dwarf birch Labrador tea bog blueberry sedges, grasses, cottongrass crowberry arctic willow mountain avens Resident Species Scientific Name Picea mariana Betula nana .| Ledum groenlandica Vaccinium uliginosum Empetrum nigrum Salix arctica Dryas octopetala mountain heather Phyllodoce spp. alpine grasses, forbs WETLAND TYPE arrowgrass Triglochin maritima goose tongue Plantago maritimum sedges Carex Ramenskii, C. Lyngbyaei alkali grasses Puccinellia spp. white waterlily Nymphacea tetragona pond lily Nuphar polysepalum pondweeds Potomageton spp. RIVERINE stunted black spruce Picea mariana shrub birch Betula glandulosa diamond leaf willow Salix planifolia sweet gale Myrica gale 3-14 Occurrence dominant understory understory understory dominant dominant dominant dominant dominant, occasionally mixed with alder | Cover Type Palustrine (forested wetlands-saturated black spruce bogs) Palustrine (temporarily or seasonally flooded riparian shrub) chugach\chu2-tb.3-1 Common Name thin leaf alder dwarf birch Labrador tea shrubby cinquefoil bog blueberry mountain cranberry black crowberry bog rosemary willow (lesser species) sedge cottongrass Pacific reed-grass swamp horsetail sphagnum moss Black spruce, stunted spruce Labrador tea, tussock cottongrass cottonwood thinleaf alder willows (e.g., diamond leaf, felt leaf) Pacific reed-grass fireweed Resident Species Scientific Name Alnus tenuifolia Betula nana Ledum groenlandica Potentilla fruiticosa Vaccinium uliginosum V. Vitis idaea Empetrum nigrum Andromeda sp. Salix spp. Carex spp. Eriophorium spp. Calamagrostis canadensis Equisetum fluviatile Alnus tenuifolia Salix spp. Calamagrostis canadensis Epilobium angustifolium 3-15 Occurrence emergent emergent emergent emergent emergent forests, woodlands understory understory understory Cover Type Palustrine (emergent wetlands or marshes) Palustrine (small ponds) Terrestrial Mammals chagach\chu2-tb3-1 Resident Species Common Name Scientific Name swamp horsetail Equisetum fluviatile marsh cinquefoil Potentilla palustris nagoon berry . ..| Rubus arcticus stunted black spruce Picea mariana - Pacific reed grass sedge - Calamagrostis canadensis (several species) (Carex spp.) - cotton grass - eriophorium spp ~ horsetail - equisetum sp - low shrub species (small amounts) sedges Carex $ spp. Eriophorium spp. Menyanthes trifolia WILDLIFE black bear Ursus americana brown bear Ursus arctos moose Alces alces mountain goat or ammos americanas caribou Rangifer transum Dall sheep Ovis dalli snowshoe hare Lagopus lagopus hoaky marmot Arctic ground squirrel red squirrel Marmota caligata beaver Citellus undualata muskrat Taniasciurus hudsonicu Castor canadensiss 3-16 Occurrence understory understory understory higher terraces dominant Cover Type Anadromous fish Freshwater fish Freshwater fish (con’t) chugach\chu2-tb.3-1 Common Name porcupine ted fox coyote wolf wolverine marten short-tailed weasel mink Tiver otter lynx voles and shrews (several species) chinook salmon coho salmon pink salmon chum salmon sockeye salmon eulachon longfin smelt threespine stickleback dolly varden rainbow trout lake trout Arctic grayling round whitefish Resident Species Scientific Name Ondatra zibethicus Erithizon dorsatum Vuples vulpes Canus latrans Canus lupus Galogalo Martes americana Mustella ernine Mustella vison Lutra canadensis Lynx canadensis Oncorhyncus tshawytscha O. kisutch O. gorbuscha O. keta O. nerka Thaleichthys pacificus Spirinchus thaleichthys Gasterostrens aculeatus Salvelinus malma 3-17 Occurrence Cover Type Marine fish Marine mammals Waterfowl chugach\chu2-tb.3-1 Resident Species Common Name longnose sucker ninespine stickleback Pacific herring saffron cod capelin sandfish small fish yellowfin sole Pacific staghom sculpin starry flounder harbor seal beluga whale killer whale BIRDS trumpeter and tundra swans lesser and cackling Canada geese greater white-fronted goose snow goose sandhill crane mallard northern pintail green-winged teal northern shoveler shorebirds (several species Canada goose 3-18 Scientific Name Occurrence pe Cover Type Common Name duck (several species) sandhill crane (several species) common and Pacific loons ted-necked grebes sandhill cranes greater yellow-legs common snipe trumpeter swan Raptor species bald eagle golden eagle northern harrier northern goshawk red-tailed hawk rough-legged hawk sharp-shinned hawk merlin gyrfalcon osprey American peregrine falcon Arctic peregrine falcon chugach\chu2-tb.3-1 Resident Species Scientific Name Marine fish Pacific herring American kestrel 3-19 Occurrence GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND FEATURES Introduction The analysis of geologic hazards and features began with a review of the regional physiography and general geologic setting in the project area. This was followed by an investigation and evaluation of geologic features and phenomena which could adversely affect the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. These features were then evaluated to determine potential effect on the-proposed-transmission line;-and whether their distribution was-such that they could be avoided by appropriate corridor location or route alignment. The existing Quartz Creek Transmission Line has historically been subjected to frequent avalanches, continued maintenance due to frost heaving, and the potential for soil liquefaction. In order to identify potential alternative corridor locations, geologic hazards, including areas prone to avalanches, were identified and mapped as shown in Figure 3-10. This analysis lead to the conclusion that some of the hazards would not be significant to corridor selection. For example, it is clear that any route across the study area must pass through a broad zone of high seismicity. In addition, other hazards such as geologic faults, frost heaving, soil erosion, and tsunamis could potentially occur over such extensive areas that their distribution would not provide a meaningful basis for corridor selection. Evaluation of these features and phenomena was based on review of available maps, photos, previous studies, and data on the region. Inventory Results Frost Heave and Frost Jacking Frost heave is a process where the soil expands upward due to freezing temperatures. Frost jacking is an upward expansion of soil which displaces pilings or other buried structures as a result of freezing and thawing at or below the ground surface (ie., transmission structures). This can directly affect the stability and reliability of transmission line structures in the project area. Throughout much of the study area, fine glacial silt is a prevalent soil type. Silty soils, combined with shallow ground water, a thick capillary fringe, and sub-freezing temperatures, provide optimum conditions for maximum frost heaving. All three conditions—silty, frost susceptible soils; sub-surface water; and freezing temperatures—must be present in order for these hazards to occur, with the main determining characteristic for frost heave being the presence of frost susceptible soil. chugachienv-rpt.ch3 3-20 Avalanches Avalanches occur due to snow loading, freeze and thaw temperature fluctuations, and vibrations (earthquakes or man-made sources). These conditions are present in most of the areas along Turmagain Arm and within the Chugach and Kenai mountains. The four types of avalanches occurring in the study area include slab avalanches, loose snow, point release cornice breaks, and glide failures. In general, potentially destructive avalanches in the Chugach Mountains occur in areas where the slope is 30 to 40 degrees, the-avalanche- runout zone is between 0 and 20 degrees,-and the vertical elevation difference between the release slope and the runout zone is approximately 3,000 feet. Avalanches in the area are commonly funneled into chutes, which are areas with little vegetation and talus cones. Historical avalanche paths along highways, transmission lines, and railroads have been documented by Alaska Department of Transportation/Public Facilities, CEA, and the Alaska Railroad. Previous avalanche investigations in the study area include the Chugach Mountains north of Tumagain Arm (Davidson and Hackett 1980). This study used elevation data, historical records, aerial photographs, climate information, and regional snowpack characteristics to produce a map of high (1 to 5 years), medium (5 to 100 years), and low (unlikely) occurrence areas of avalanches. Another study compiled by Fesler and Fredston for CEA (1991) provides a comprehensive analysis of avalanche paths along the existing University-Quartz Creek 115kV transmission line and associated distribution lines. Figure 3-10 provides an illustration of the known avalanche areas identified in the Fesler and Fredston report. Seismic Activity and Faults Southern Alaska is one of the more seismically active regions in the world and has been the site of numerous historic earthquakes. An active subduction cone extending from the Aleutian Islands to the eastern Gulf of Alaska is the cause of large, deep focus earthquakes in the region. As a result of converging geologic forces, the study area has several near surface fold structures and faults. The most notable are the Border Ranges and Eagle River faults. The Border Ranges Fault is oriented in a southwest to northeast direction along the western front of the Chugach Mountains. The Eagle River Fault is a thrust fault located within the Chugach Mountains. Both of these faults are active, and have caused recent earthquakes along Turnagain Arm. Several minor faults are also present in the study area. It should be noted that due to glaciation, sedimentation, vegetation, and limited records for the area, unknown active faults may be present. Most of the study area can be considered susceptible to a large seismic event during the lifetime of the project. However, since the precise location of such an event cannot be predicted, the distribution of chugach\env-rptch3 3-21 seismic activity within the study area does not provide meaningful information for alternate corridor route selection. Earthquake-induced Hazards Earthquakes are often accompanied by related hazards, such as soil liquefaction, seismic sea waves (tsunamis and seiches), uplift, and landslides. Liquefaction occurs when relatively fine-grained, cohesionless, saturated sediments such as fine sand and silt are vibrated. The vibration increases the shear stress and causes-a buildup of-the water pressure-in the pore spaces,-which decreases the shear strength of the sediment. The resulting sediment turns to liquid and loses the ability to support structures. Soils subject to liquefaction are generally similar to the type of soils that would be expected to cause significant frost heave. Most lowland parts of the study area have some susceptibility to liquefaction. In addition, the shallow sediment in Tumagain Arm is expected to be very susceptible to liquefaction in the event of an earthquake. Uplift or subsidence during large earthquakes could greatly affect the proposed transmission line. Crustal deformation during the 1964 earthquake caused widespread uplift and subsidence, with notable changes in land level over an area between 70,000 and 110,000 square miles. The general amount of subsidence in the study area was two to four feet, with a maximum subsidence of nearly six feet at the eastern end of the Turnagain Arm. Large earthquakes also can cause significant damage due to landslides. The most significant damage in the Anchorage area during the 1964 earthquake was caused by lateral movement landslides in the Tumagain Heights and downtown areas of the city. These slides occurred when the Bootlegger Clay (which underlies much of the affected area) suffered a drastic loss of strength due to seismic vibration, causing a large area of land to slide eastward toward the sea and break up into blocks. Other landslide hazards that can be triggered by earthquakes include rock slides and avalanches. Sea waves (tsunamis) are generated by submarine uplift or landslides during large earthquakes, and can cause great damage to coastal areas. In addition, seiches may occur in enclosed bodies of water, such as the lakes on the Kenai Peninsula. However, according to Dr. Tom Sokolowski, Director of the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, based on numerous computer models, tsunamis of significant size are not expected for the upper Cook Inlet due to the overall shallowness and configuration of the inlet. chagachienv-rpt.ch3 3-22 Volcanic Eruptions Volcanic eruptions have the potential to occur near the study area. A previous eruption from Mount Redoubt in 1989 and early 1990 blanketed the study area with several inches of volcanic ash. Mt. Spurr erupted in August of 1992 depositing ash on the Anchorage Bowl and the northernmost portion of the Kenai Peninsula. Geologic evidence shows that this has happened with some regularity in the past. Such an ash fall may not affect the Intertie directly, but could increase the danger of landslides and flooding. - Hydrology Lakes, Rivers, and Streams The study area encompasses several lakes, rivers, and streams. Kenai Lake, the largest lake within the study area, is currently crossed by the existing Quartz Creek transmission line. Other large lakes include Mackey’s Lakes north of Soldotna and Stormy Lake located east of the Captain CookState Recreation Area. Major rivers include the Kenai, Swanson, Moose, and Chickaloon river systems and associated lake systems. In addition, there are numerous small streams and tributaries located throughout the Chugach and Kenai mountains and Kenai Lowlands. Large lakes constitute a constraint to transmission line siting. However, the alternative corridors identified for this project generally avoid major lakes because the alternatives primarily follow existing utilities and pipelines. Inflow from freshwater rivers into the inlet also contributes to approximately 10 percent of the tidal currents during the summer and less during the winter. Major rivers found in the upper Cook Inlet include the Beluga, Susitna, Knik, Chakachatna, Matanuska, Eagle, and Little Susitna rivers. Two smaller rivers (Twentymile and Placer) flow into Turmagain Arm, and several glaciers terminate within three miles of tidewater at Portage (Bartsch-Winkler and Ovenshine 1984). MARINE ENVIRONMENT Introduction This section describes the regional marine environment inventory conducted to assess the potential sensitivity of marine communities to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. ‘In addition, inventory information was collected to describe the tidal and ice flow characteristics within Tumagain Arm. chugacitenv-rptch3 3-23 Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm Cook Inlet is a large tidal estuary measuring approximately 170 miles long and ranging from 10 to 55 miles wide. The estuary is divided into three subareas—the head region, upper inlet, and lower inlet. The head region includes Knik and Turnagain arms, which are relatively shallow and approximately 45 and 43 miles long, respectfully. Turnagain Arm was filled with glacial ice approximately 14,000 years ago. Since the retreat of the glaciers, the arm has-been steadily filling-with-silt and-fine sand-(Alaska Geological Society [AGS] 1984). While the sedimentation rate has been as high as 4.5 centimeters (cm) per year in the past, the current sedimentation rate is estimated to be about 0.25 cm per year. Changes in the sedimentation rate over time have been caused by glacial fluctuations, tectonic events, and sea-level changes. Studies of the sediment with the arm show that much of it originates from the Cook Inlet and Knik Arm. This is because the flood tides are generally much stronger than the ebb tides in the arm. The total thickness of the sediment in the arm is unknown. Borings drilled in the area near Portage did not encounter bedrock at a depth of 900 feet. Tides Tides occurring within Cook Inlet are mixed with two unequal high and low tides per tidal day (24 hours, 50 minutes) (Gatto 1976). Tidal change occurs approximately 4.5 hours later at the head of the inlet than at the mouth. Turnagain Arm estuary extends from Fire Island to Portage, a distance of approximately 51 miles. The arm experiences very high tides. Maximum tidal ranges in Cook Inlet differ, primarily because the tidal range is influenced by where the tide is measured, as well as wind and precipitation. The AGS and U.S. Geological Society (USGS) indicate that the maximum tidal range of Tumagain Arm is 37.4 feet. At low tide, approximately 70 percent of the sea floor within the arm is exposed as elongate bars composed of fine sand and silt, dissected by braided tidal channels (Bartsch-Winkler 1985). Tide range varies within the lower portion of the inlet from approximately 19 feet on the east side to approximately 17 feet on the west (Rosenberg et al. 1967; Science Applications, Inc., 1979; U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Survey, 1992, in OCS EIS/EA MMS 94-0066 1995). chugactienv-rpt.ch3 3-24 Currents Current velocities in Cook Inlet vary according to the height and range of high and low tides, and to location (Gatto 1976). Currents in the Cook Inlet typically average 4 knots with occasional extremes of 6 to 8 knots near the forelands (Horrer 1967 as cited in Gatto 1976). Oceanic water flows northward into Cook Inlet through the Kennedy and Stevenson's entrances generally along the east coast of the inlet. The high coriolis force at this latitude, strong tidal currents, and inlet geometry produce considerable cross currents and turbulence within the water column during both ebb and flood tides (Burrell and Hood 1967 as cited in Gatto 1976). Maximum tidal current velocities usually occur in Tumagain Arm during flood tides (Alaska Department of Highways 1969). Peak velocities of 2.5 m/sec. were recorded during the onset of the tidal flooding, and peak velocities during ebbtides occurred at approximately mid-cycle. Tidal currents flow directly up and down Turnagain Arm, with very little lateral movement of water except during early flood and late ebb stages (Gatto 1976). Sea Ice Sea ice, beach ice, stamukhi ice, and river ice all occur within the study area and in the Cook Inlet and Tumagain Arm (OCS EIS/EA MMS 94-0066, 1995). Sea ice generally begins to form in the Inlet from October through November and remains until March or April (Brower et al. 1988 in OCS EIS/EA MMS 94-0066, 1995). Ice formation occurs by several different methods that occur in conjunction with each other (Nelson 1994). Ice found in the inlet is usually glandular ice and, to a lesser extent, columnar ice (Nelson 1994). Silt content in the ice ranges from zero to concentrations that cause the ice to sink, creating the possibility for ice scouring. Stamukhi ice is shorefast ice which forms in the intertidal zone, and ice formed offshore which has been moved into the intertidal zone by wind, currents, and tides. This ice may bond to the bottom in shallow areas such as Turmagain Arm, and stack up during successive tides causing a potential problem for facilities at or near the inlet floor. A large portion of ice in Cook Inlet is formed by the freezing of river water as it flows over the tidal flats, and a smaller portion is caused by sea water left on the flats during low tide (Gatto 1976). Much of the ice on the flats is picked up during flood tide and incorporated into large sea ice floes which are commonly greater than 1,000 feet across with individual blocks generally less than 3 feet thick (Gatto 1976). Pressure ridges up to 20 feet in depth occasionally form on the floe peripheries due to frequent collisions with other floes (Gatto 1976). The sea ice floes become scattered and move primarily up and chugachienv-rpt.ch3 3-25 down the upper inlet with the tidal currents. Ice remaining on the tidal flats that is repeatedly refrozen forms sheets or stacks of ice (stamukhi), some as thick as 40 feet (Gatto 1976). Another method of ice formation is the freezing of low salinity water floating on the surface of the inlet during periods of calm weather. Ice sheets varying in thickness from one to four feet can be formed by this process during the winter season. Under conditions of moderate to heavy snow load, the snow can depress the ice sheet and cause flooding of the ice surface (Nelson 1994). Waves Tidal bores are a frequent occurrence in the head region of Cook Inlet and specifically in Tumagain Arm. A tidal bore is a solitary, tidally generated wave that typically moves up a slowly flowing estuary with the incoming tide (Bartsch- Winkler and Lynch 1988). In Tumagain Arm, a tidal bore forms with each incoming tide, ranges from 0.5 foot to 6 feet in height, travels at speeds between 10 and 15 miles per hour, and occurs throughout the year (Molchan-Douthit 1996). The tidal bore forms within one hour after each predicted low tide in Anchorage and takes 5.5 hours to travel from the mouth of Turnagain Arm to the end of the arm (Molchan-Douthit 1996). Although tidal bore may not directly affect submarine cables, it should be noted that construction activity within this area may be difficult. LAND USE RESOURCES Introduction This section describes the regional land use inventory and analysis conducted to assess the potential sensitivity of identified land uses to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. Land use data used for this study were organized into the four general categories listed below: Land jurisdiction and ownership Land use Transportation Utilities The purpose of the inventory was to identify and map all regionally significant land uses contained within the Southem Intertie Project study area. This was accomplished by reviewing regional planning and utility corridor studies that provided coverage of the study area. In addition, aerial photographs, existing maps, and federal, state, and local planning agencies’ management plans were reviewed. The data were chugacttenv-rpuch3 3-26 combined to create a regional database used for conducting the land use resource analysis and identifying and evaluating potential alternative transmission line corridors. Land jurisdiction and land use maps were prepared at a scale of 1:250,000. Sources for the mapped data were compiled from a variety of agencies, existing maps and documents, and were revised to reflect the most current information available. Regionally significant parks and recreation uses are addressed in the Recreation Management Areas and Facilities section. Inventory Results Land Jurisdiction and Ownership The Southern Intertie study area encompasses approximately 3,100 square miles of land in south central Alaska. The study area covers portions of the Municipality of Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The major land jurisdictions listed below represent the administrative control of lands within the study area. Jurisdictional boundaries mapped are perimeter boundaries only and usually omit inholdings, lease agreements, or joint ownership (Figure 3-11). Refer to Figure 3-12 for jurisdiction within Anchorage. National Forest—The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service administers the Chugach National Forest according to the Forest’s Land and Resource Management Plan. Portions of both the Glacier Ranger District and the Seward Ranger District are within the study area and comprise a large portion of the northern Kenai Peninsula. National Wildlife Refuge—The U.S. Department of the Interior, USFWS administers the KNWR. Originally established in 1941 to protect moose populations, the refuge now encompasses recreational, educational, water quality, wildemess, and scientific values. Three designated wilderness areas are within the study area, along with the designated Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area and additional SMAs. The Alaska state park system is managed by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Department of Natural Resources. The largest of the state parks within the study area is Chugach State Park. The Park’s western boundary is defined by the Municipality of Anchorage, with the southern and eastern boundaries defined by Turmnagain Arm and the Chugach National Forest, respectively. The park is intended to protect and supply a satisfactory water supply, provide recreational opportunities, protect areas of unique and exceptional scenic value, provide areas for the public display of local wildlife, and protect the existing wildemess characteristics of the easterly interior area. chugachenv-rptch3 3 mi 27 The Kenai River Special Management Area (SMA) is a unit of the state park system. Established in 1984, this area recognizes the importance of the Kenai River and its fish and wildlife resources. The management area is one of the highest use areas within the state park system. Typical activities include fishing, hiking, and sightseeing. The Captain CookState Recreation Area, also a unit of the state park system, is on the westem edge of the Kenai Peninsula and provides a variety of recreational opportunities including access into the KNWR, Swanson River Canoe Trail access, and haul out and dispersed recreational opportunities. State Game Refuge—The Potter Point State Game Refuge is managed by the ADF&G. It is on the north side of Tumagain Arm and was established to protect natural habitats and game populations. The refuge is also used for recreational activities by residents of and visitors to the Anchorage Bowl. State Land—The ADNR manages lands under administrative control of the state. These parcels of land are scattered throughout the study area with concentrations occurring in the Girdwood and Kenai areas. State lands are managed for multiple use with primary emphasis on recreation, tourism, and wildlife habitat. Native Corporations, Municipalities and Other Private Land—Native Corporation lands are scattered throughout the study area with concentrations of land occurring along the western edge of the Peninsula, Fire Island, and within the KNWR. Small communities, private lands, and unincorporated areas are typically under the jurisdiction of the municipality or borough in which they are located. Incorporated cities, towns, or villages are political subdivisions of the state and have jurisdictional control over land use within their boundaries. The Municipality of Anchorage includes the City of Anchorage, and the communities of Rainbow, Indian, Bird, Girdwood, and Portage. Anchorage is the largest of these communities. The Kenai Peninsula Borough also has cities and towns within the study area. They include Hope, Sunrise, Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski, and Salamatof. Land Use This portion of the inventory includes seven classifications developed to categorize various land uses in the study area. Particular interest is paid to regionally significant land uses that could potentially conflict with transmission line development and operation. Land uses within the Municipality of Anchorage are detailed separately. Refer to Figure 3-13 for regional land use information and Figure 3-14 for a detailed illustration of the Anchorage Bowl. chugachienv-rptch3 3-28 Residential—Residential development includes multi-family and single-family dwellings, and mobile homes. Most residential development occurs in the towns and cities outlined in the jurisdiction section. Commercial—Commercial land uses are generally located throughout the City of Anchorage. These include retail establishments, offices, and warehouses. Elsewhere in the study area commercial land uses are generally found along the Seward and Sterling Highways and the Kenai Spur Road. Industrial/extraction—Industrial land uses are primarily manufacturing facilities, landfills, material processing plants, and oil fields-The extractive category consists of any-major active surface mining operations such as sand and gravel operations or gold mining. In Anchorage, industrial land uses are primary located along the Alaska Railroad in central and southern Anchorage, at the International Airport and Merrill Field, and in the Port-Ship Creek area. In the other parts of the study area industrial uses such as processing plants and oil refineries are located in the region of Kenai and Nikiski. Gold placer mining activity occurs in the Hope region. Most of the mines are no longer active, except for recreational gold panning. Active claims in the study area include Bear Creek near Hope, Bowman Mine along Resurrection Creek, and near Russian Mountain. For the purpose of this inventory, oil field land uses are considered to be areas with reserves of recoverable petroleum or natural gas. Concentrations of wells, storage tanks, and pumping stations are typical structures associated with these fields. Oil field development occurs on private lands west of the KNWR, and within the western edge of the KNWR in four areas—Swanson River Oil Field, Beaver Creek Oil and Gas Field, Birch Hill unit, and West Fork Gas Field. Access roads, pipelines, and transmission lines have been built to support the oil fields. Over a thousand miles of seismic lines, cleared for oil and gas exploration, traverse refuge lands north of the Kenai River. Public/Quasi-public—General aviation airports and airstrips fall within this category. In Anchorage, the Major airports include the Anchorage International Airport, Merrill Field, and Campbell Field. In the rest of the study area major airports include the Kenai Airport and Soldotna Airport. Private airstrips occur throughout the entire study area, including lakes and rivers that are utilized by float planes. The FAA recognizes registered public, military, and private airports and airstrips. The FAA will make specific determination of interference of airspace following their receipt of the Notice of Intent should the selected route pass near a recognized air facility. Communication Facilities—Items inventoried for this classification included radio navigation aids, microwave radio towers, and Visual Omni Radar Tactical (VORTAC) navigation aids associated with chugactienv-1ptch3 3-29 aircraft airways. VORTAC facilities are subject to specific FAA standards regarding operations and obstruction. Fire Island contains many of the these facilities for the Anchorage International Airport. Utility Facilities—Utility land uses are addressed in the utility section. Planned Land Uses—The planned land use category identifies all general and specific planned land uses not otherwise identified in the preceding components. Projected uses in officially adopted general plans, comprehensive plans of each jurisdiction, and development plans for specific projects were used as sources of future land use.information. In the-Anchorage Bowl, most of the-region is expected to develop into urban and suburban uses according to the municipality’s comprehensive plan. The rest of the study area will probably develop at small increments due to the overall lack of private land. Several planned recreation and interpretation sites are proposed along the Seward Highway from Portage to Anchorage. Transportation Primary Roads—This roadway classification includes limited access interstate highways, U.S. Highways with both multi-lane divided and two-lane paved highways with partially controlled access, and major state routes. Primary roads in the study area include Seward Highway, Sterling Highway, and Minnesota Drive Extension. Secondary Roads—Secondary roads within the study area include two-lane paved state routes, as well as other paved local roads. This would include the Hope Highway, Skilak Lake Road, North Kenai Road, Swanson River Road, and the network of major arterial roads throughout the Anchorage Bowl. Historic or Scenic Roads—The Seward Highway Scenic Byway was designated by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Safety and by the Chugach National Forest as an outstanding opportunity to view wildlife, scenic vistas, and access recreational opportunities. The Scenic Byway is discussed in more detail in the Recreation Management Areas and Facilities. Railroads—The Alaska Railroad operates a line that traverses the study area from Portage to Anchorage by paralleling the Seward Highway and Tumagain Arm. chugachienv-rpt.ch3 3-30 Utilities This land use category identifies electric transmission lines (115kV and higher), major gas and oil pipelines, fiber optic corridors, and their corresponding rights-of-way. An existing CEA and HEA 115kV line follows the Sterling and Seward highways from the Soldotna Substation to the University Substation in Anchorage. It has a right-of-way of 100 feet. Paralleling the 115kV line from the Soldotna Substation to the Quartz Creek Substation is 69kV line, also with a 100- foot right-of-way.-Within the-Soldotna and-Kenai area there is a network of electrical transmission and distribution lines. Two major pipelines are present in the study area. On the western edge of the peninsula lies the Tesoro petroleum pipeline. It carries petroleum products from the Nikiski area to Anchorage by way of a submarine pipeline under Turnagain Arm from Point Possession to Point Campbell in Anchorage. The Enstar natural gas pipeline traverses the KNWR in a 50-foot right-of-way from Soldotna to the Chickaloon Flats. It too has a submarine crossing of Tumagain Arm. Within the Municipality of Anchorage there are numerous electrical transmission and distribution lines along with various natural gas, water, sewer, and petroleum product pipelines. Prior to construction of the project, these lines and their rights-of-way would have to be identified and each respective owner consulted and informed of the project. RECREATION MANAGEMENT AREAS AND FACILITIES Introduction This section describes the regional recreation inventory and analysis conducted to assess the potential sensitivity of identified recreation uses to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. Recreation data used for this study were organized into the five general categories listed below: = Chugach National Forest @ Municipal Parks = KNWR = Dispersed Recreation = State Parks and Refuges chugactienv-rptch3 3-31 The purpose of the inventory was to identify and map all regionally significant recreation uses contained within the Southern Intertie Project study area. This was accomplished by reviewing regional planning and utility corridor studies that provided coverage of the study area. In addition, aerial photographs, existing maps, and federal, state, and local planning agencies’ management plans were reviewed. These data were combined to create a regional database used for conducting the recreation resource sensitivity analysis and evaluating potential alternative transmission line corridors. Recreation Facilities and Management Areas were prepared at a scale of 1" = 3 miles. Refer to Figure 3-15 for an illustration of the recreational facilities and Figure 3-16 for an illustration of the recreational management areas within the study area. Inventory Results Chugach National Forest The Chugach National Forest lies within proximity to the state’s largest city. Convenient access, a wide variety of recreational opportunities, and an outstanding array of wildlife and fish provide for a substantial amount of recreational use. Recreational activities within the Forest vary from developed to dispersed recreational opportunities. Developed recreation includes campgrounds, interpretive sites, scenic overlooks, cabins, automobile touring, and ski areas. Dispersed recreational uses include hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog mushing, boating, fishing, trapping, and hunting. The Forest experiences heavy fishing pressure during salmon runs on the Russian and Kenai rivers. The Resurrection Trail experiences heavy activity by hikers and backpackers. Commercial recreation activities such as guides and outfitters operate in the Forest under special use permits. The Forest does not contain any designated wildernesses or natural areas within the study area. In June 1990, the Forest designated the Seward Highway as a National Scenic Byway due to the outstanding opportunity to view wildlife and scenic vistas, and to access recreational opportunities. It is the only designated Scenic Byway in the state of Alaska at the present time. Approximately 60 percent of the Byway falls within the Chugach National Forest, with 20 percent within Chugach State Park. The remaining 20 percent falls within private, municipal, and other state lands (Interpretive Plan 1993). The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classifies forest land into one of seven categories—rural, rural modified, roaded natural, semi-primitive motorized, semi-primitive nonmotorized, primitive 1, and primitive 2. Each of these categories represents the type of recreational experience allowed in that area. chugachienv-rptch3 3-32 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge The KNWR encompasses a large part of the Southern Intertie study area. It is unique in that it is the only refuge in Alaska with a major purpose to provide opportunities for compatible fish and wildlife oriented recreation. Recreation opportunities include hiking, boating, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing. State game management unit 15 A is present in the refuge north of the Kenai River. Two national recreation trails, the Swanson River Canoe Route and the Swan Lake Canoe Route, are in the northern lowland area of the refuge. Three designated wilderness areas on the KNWR are within the study area, along with several SMAs. The Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area was established for the purposes of environmental education, interpretation, and wildlife oriented recreation. Other SMAs within the study area include the three management categories below: = Intensive Management—The least protective category, this encompasses areas of high public and economic use. Natural processes are modified and the influence of human activities is evident. Public facilities, administrative sites, economic development, and transportation systems are allowed in this category. = Moderate Management—These are areas easily accessible to the public, and habitat is manipulated to benefit populations of selected species. From a recreational perspective, these areas provide equal opportunity for either group involvement or isolation. = Minimal Management—Management under this category is directed at maintaining the pristine conditions of areas that have important fish and wildlife and wilderness values. Restrictions are placed on motorized access, recreation, and economic uses. Lands in this category represent the Service’s recommendations for future wilderness designation. Each of these categories is present as shown in Figure 3-16. State Parks and Refuges The Alaska State Park system is managed by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Department of Natural Resources. ‘The largest of the state parks within the study area is Chugach State Park. Recreation uses within the park are classified into three zones—recreation development, natural environment, and wilderness. All three zones are present in the study area and are summarized below: chugacthemv-rptch3 3-33 = Recreation Development Zone—established to meet intensive recreation activities and development; provides easy access and developed facilities. = Natural Environment Zone—established to provide opportunity for low impact forms of recreation and act as a buffer between recreation development zones and wilderness zones; these zones are relatively undeveloped, with high scenic quality, accessible by road or trail. = Wilderness Zone—established to promote, perpetuate and restore the wildemess character of the land. Chugach State Park is also divided into five geographical planning units. Parts of the 26,000 acre Hillside and 97,000 acre Tumagain Arm planning units are within the project study area. The Turnagain Arm unit contains a portion of the Iditarod Trail, a historic trail. Along the Seward Highway National Scenic Byway, numerous vehicle turnouts allow motorists access to the park and to scenic viewing opportunities. Trails and campgrounds dot the Seward Highway as it passes through the Park for 25 miles. The Park is planning for expansion and development of these recreational facilities as shown in Figure 3-16. The Bird Point Scenic Overlook is a facility proposed by Alaska Department of Transportation/Public Facilities, Chugach State Park, and the Municipality of Anchorage at milepost 96.5 along the Seward Highway. The proposed improvement highlights scenic and wildlife viewing along with interpretive displays and visitor information. Facilities would include boardwalks and pedestrian pathways, a pedestrian bridge crossing the Alaska Railroad, and a parking area with developed public structures. The Overlook is scheduled for completion in October 1997. A utility corridor currently exists within the park. A 115kV transmission line operated by CEA and HEA, and a petroleum products pipeline operated by the U.S. Defense Fuel Supply Center pass through the park from the Indian Creek area through Powerline Pass. The Potter Section House State Historic Site is a structure of historical value, and is the headquarters for Chugach State Park. The Kenai River SMA is a unit of the state park system. Established in 1984, this area recognizes the importance of the Kenai River and its fish and wildlife resources. Tributaries and lakes within the Kenai River drainage basin fall within this classification. chugactienv-rptch3 3-34 The Captain Cook State Recreation Area, also a unit of the state park system, is on the westem edge of the Kenai Peninsula and provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Hiking, boating, scenic viewing, and the pullout point for the Swanson River Canoe Route all occur within the recreation area. The Potter Point State Game Refuge is managed by the ADF&G. It is on the north side of Turagain Arm and was established to protect natural habitats and game populations, especially waterfowl. The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation administers the Mount Alyeska Ski Resort located east of Girdwood. ~This.commercial recreation area provides 2,500 acres of-alpine skiing opportunity. The facility is also a four-season mountain resort managed for recreation, protection of wildlife habitat, and maintenance of scenic qualities. Municipal Parks The Municipality of Anchorage has a developed parks and recreation program for passive and active recreational activities. Several types of parks exist in the metropolitan area—playlots, vest pocket parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, large urban parks, and regional parks. The municipality also has a system of greenbelts and conservation areas that act as buffers between land uses and link recreation resources (see Figure 3-14). A trail system provides opportunities for walking, hiking, jogging, biking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and equestrian use. The Rabbit Creek Rifle Range is operated by the ADF&G. Facilities there include a pistol range and trap/skeet range. Dispersed Recreation Throughout the study area, despite jurisdictional boundaries, dispersed recreational activities occur. They range from passive activities such as wildlife viewing and photography to active recreation such as fishing, hunting, trapping, hiking, mountain biking, boating, dog mushing, cross country skiing, etc. Commercial recreation plays a large part in this area as well, with guides, outfitters, float planes, and taxiing services catering to tourists and residents alike. The strong opportunities for participating in these activities have led to a very active, recreational-oriented public. The spectacular scenery of the region, combined with easy access and proximity to Alaska’s major population center, makes the project area one of the most visited in the state. chugachienv-rptch3 3-35 SOCIOECONOMICS Pertinent Ct istics and Bact iD The Southern Intertie study area falls within the jurisdiction of two major municipal governments— Kenai Peninsula Borough and Municipality of Anchorage. Within each of these jurisdictions there are smaller communities, some of which are formally incorporated as municipalities under Alaska Statute 29 and some which are not. Table 3-2 shows the communities in the study area by corridor alternative. In addition to these communities, there are other areas of small residential and commercial settlement, such as Summit and Portage along the Seward Highway. Areas of road accessible rural residential settlement also occur north of Nikiski, south of Captain Cook State Park, and along the Sterling Highway east and west of Sterling. North of Captain Cook State Park are remote rural residential areas that are not road accessible. The nature of these communities and settlement areas varies significantly, depending on the access, density and nature of development, and the characteristics of the surroundings. D hic CI her Tables 3-3 and 3-4 present the population for selected communities in the study area. Only a portion of both the Municipality of Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula Borough lie within the study area. Because of the different sources of population data and areas of population census (note the discrepancies in figures for Sterling and Nikiski), it is difficult to directly compare population estimates and determine exact trends. However, the 1993 figures provide a general estimate for population densities in specific areas. A general analysis of population trends by the Alaska Department of Labor determined that the percent increase in the Kenai Peninsula Borough population between 1980 and 1990 was 62 percent compared to 36.9 percent for the rest of Alaska. Both the Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula Borough areas were slightly above the statewide average population increase during the period of 1990-1995, at 15.9 percent and 14.6 percent respectively. chugachtenv-rptch3 3-36 Municipality/Community Type 2 class bruh aninconorted fowyorkeni | tome re iy atlas ity urincorpoated wincopoate ee ee Municipality of Anchorage unified home rule municipality unincorporated Bird Creek unincorporated Indi unincorporated an South Anchorage n/a QCL - Quartz Creek Line TPL - Tesoro Pipeline ENP - Enstar Pipeline Six Mile - Six Mile Creek * aerial or submarine crossing 2 e chugactienv-rpt.ch3 3-37 TABLE 3-2 COMMUNITIES IN THE VICINITY OF ALTERNATIVE CORRIDORS TABLE 3-3 KENAI BOROUGH POPULATION Municipality/Community 1980! 1993°4 Kenai Peninsula Borough 25,282 41,079 44,411 3,505* 2,954 City of Kenai City of Soldotna Cooper Landing 1- Alaska Department of Labor 1995 2- Kenai Peninsula Borough Economic Development District 1991 3- Alaska Dept. of Labor 1995, 4- Municipality of Anchorage 1996 * based on definition of precinct ANCHORAGE POPULATION 1- Alaska Department of Labor 1995 2- Kenai Peninsula Borough Economic Development District 1991 3- Alaska Dept. of Labor 1995, 4- Municipality of Anchorage 1996 * based on definition of precinct 6,327 6,813 3,482 3,809 2,772* 4,550 248* 261 il iT 226,338 248,296 1115 1,321 251 221 11,013 9,142 chugactienv-rptch3 3-38 Economic Base and Employment The economic base of the study area varies by community and subregion. On the Kenai Peninsula in the southern portion of the study area, the commercial fishing and oil industries provide significant employment and income, particularly in the Kenai-Nikiski area. Soldotna is the center of government employment; strong service sectors are present in both the Kenai and Soldotna areas. Recreation and tourism activities influence the economy throughout the study area, although they are particularly important to the economies of communities along the Seward Highway and the Kenai River. With the exception. of the -petrochemical-industry -in. the -Nikiski-area (liquid natural gas, urea, and petroleum refining), manufacturing and heavy industry do not play a significant economic role in the study area. Timber harvesting has not been historically significant in the study area, although timber salvage sales proposed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) may reinstitute timber harvesting in areas along the Seward Highway and potential Souther Intertie routes. In 1994, employment in the Kenai area was led by manufacturing (fishing and petroleum products) with approximately 30 percent of employment, followed by government with 23 percent, and services and trade with 14 percent each. Anchorage is the primary trade and service center for the state of Alaska, and most of the non-resident tourists that visit Alaska enter the state through Anchorage. The northern portions of the study area that lie within Anchorage municipal limits are primarily residential in nature, although some commercial, light industrial, and transportation related businesses are located near The Alaska Railroad, between the Old and New Seward Highways, and along International Airport Road. In 1994, employment in Anchorage was primarily dominated by trade (26 percent), services (24 percent), and government (24 percent). Lifestyle and Quality of Life Considerati A rural lifestyle and the generally undeveloped nature of Alaska is valued by many of its residents and visitors alike. Whether it is an acre and a half residence in Anchorage, a homestead on the outskirts of Soldotna, a remote cabin north of Captain Cook State Park, or a stretch of the Seward Highway, much of the study area exhibits these characteristics and values. In comparing alternative intertie routes, lifestyle and quality of life considerations are difficult to quantify; they are often are a combination of visual characteristics, type and intensity of land use, and perceived values such as wildemess. Perceived effects on property values and health related concerns are also factors. In some cases, affected areas may already be the location of some form of disturbance such as an existing power line, cleared right-of-way, or road cut. However, a change in the nature or amount of disturbance through construction of additional power lines may create as much concer as the introduction of a power line to a previously undisturbed area, particularly if the change is visible to large numbers of people. Therefore, potential lifestyle and quality of life considerations are relatively site and context specific. chugacttemv-spt.ch3 3-39 A second, although temporary, quality of life consideration potentially associated with construction of the Southern Intertie is disruption of traffic. In Alaska, peak traffic volumes, road improvement projects, and subsequent traffic delays tend to coincide during the summer season. Should construction of various segments of the Souther Intertie take place within or adjacent to road rights-of-way, traffic flow on selected roads could be affected in the form of slower speeds, delays, or temporary detours. VISUAL RESOURCES Introduction The Southern Intertie study area encompasses a region in southcentral Alaska of nationally significant scenic resources primarily under state and federal management. Visual resources were identified as the primary issue for the project by the land management agencies contacted, including the USFS, USFWS, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, and the Municipality of Anchorage. The management and maintenance of visual resources, including the natural scenic quality of the landscape and panoramic views in the region, are one of the primary objectives of these agencies. The visual resource inventory includes the following: Overview of the landscape character of the region Visual management areas within the study area Visual influence of recreation areas within alternative corridors Visually sensitive residential and urban areas within alternative corridors Landscape Character The Southern Intertie Project study area is made up of a variety of distinct regions, each defined by a different set of landscape characteristics and unique landscape settings, including the Anchorage Bowl, Chugach State Park (Chugach Mountain), Chugach National Forest (Turnagain Arm, Central Kenai Mountains, and Maritime Kenai), and the Kenai Peninsula. The following is a brief description of the visual characteristics of each region. Anchorage Bowl The Anchorage Bowl is a relatively flat peninsula bound by Knik Arm to the north, Cook Inlet to the west, Tumagain Arm to the south, and Chugach Mountains to the east. The Anchorage Bowl area is the largest developed area within the state of Alaska. The area is dominated largely by the Municipality of chugactienv-rpuc3 3-40 Anchorage. Anchorage is a community comprised of heavily developed areas interspersed with natural occurring landforms such as lakes and parks. Adjacent scenery includes the views towards marine environments and surrounding mountains within Chugach State Park. Chugach State Park Chugach State Park is an area comprised of diverse landforms and rugged topography bound by Knik River to the north, Anchorage to the west, Turnagain Arm to the south, and Chugach National Forest to the east. The Seward Highway; a National Scenic-Byway, and the Alaska Railroad-are located along the shoreline of Turnagain Arm in the park, with numerous vista points. The Potter Section House is a historic landmark in the park. Chugach Mountains Elevations of the Chugach Mountains range from sea level adjacent to Turnagain Arm to over 5,000 feet at some of the peaks. The mountain sides consist of steep jagged slopes and peaks which dominate the landscape setting. Glaciers are located on the eastern side of the park and provide unique character to the landscape in terms of contrasting color. Chugach National Forest The Chugach National Forest is the second largest national forest in the United States. The northwest comer of the forest is within the study area and includes a diverse range of largely undeveloped, natural landscapes. There are three landscape character types within the study area—Tumagain Arm, Central Kenai Mountains, and Maritime Kenai. Tumagain Am Turnagain Arm appears vast and wild. It is characterized by steep jagged mountain slopes rising from sea level to 6,500 feet capped with glaciers in the northem and eastern areas. Dense stands of spruce and hemlock forests cover the mountain slopes at lower elevations along Tumagain Arm and in tributary valleys. Hardwoods such as birch and cottonwood grow along the shores of Turnagain Arm. Natural occurring events such as avalanches, windstorms, and tides represent continuous agents of change throughout the landscape setting. The avalanches and windstorms can dramatically change the appearance of the mountain landscape on a localized basis in a very short period of time. Tumagain Arm chugactienv-rpt.ch3 3-41 undergoes tidal fluctuations that tum the inlet into a large mudflat and create unique bore tides. These naturally occurring events highlight the dynamics of this unique landscape. The confluence of three tributary valleys, Twentymile, Portage, and Placer valleys, is located at the head of Turnagain Arm. These u-shaped valleys were carved by glacial activity, leaving behind glacial sediments forming relatively flat valley bottoms. These valley bottoms consist of grassy wetlands interspersed with alder, willows, and cottonwoods. The.variety and-vastness.of-this landscape-provides habitat for several species of fish and wildlife, ranging from moose and migrating waterfowl to beluga whales and salmon. These species add to the character and diversity of this landscape. Human activity is evident throughout this landscape, but is largely concentrated in easily accessible areas. C L Kenai M , The Central Kenai Mountains landscape character type is located between Tumagain Arm and the Gulf of Alaska. This landscape is characterized by mountains ranging in elevation from 400 feet to over 5,000 feet dissected by numerous glacially carved valleys. Treeline is at about the 1,500-foot level with alpine meadows covering glacially rounded mountain tops. The valley bottoms consist of birch, spruce, and hemlock forests. Meadows, avalanche chutes, and water bodies add visual interest to this landscape character type by adding a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. The valleys within this landscape provide easy access and, therefore, attract recreational users. There are several recreation opportunities in the area, including trails (Iditarod Trail), camping, and fishing. In addition to this, several small communities and scattered residences are found within the natural setting along the Seward Highway. Marine Kewat Although the Maritime Kenai landscape character type is small, it is visibly different than adjacent landscape character types. This area is often cloudy and rainy as a result of the influence of the weather patterns created by the Gulf of Alaska. Heavy snow conditions exist in a mild climate at higher elevations much of the time. Low clouds and fog roll by the mountains creating a dramatic landscape setting. The sunny days create a landscape dominated by the definition of colors, textures, and patterns. chugaciieav-rptch3 3-42 ~ The landscape setting is characterized by steep forested slopes, jagged escarpments and peaks, and glaciers. The dark green conifer forest and bright green alders found in the avalanche chutes contrast with the gray rocky peaks, snowfields, and glaciers. The broad glacial floodplain of the Resurrection and Snow rivers offer distinct contrast to the mountain slopes covered with a stand of coniferous forest interspersed with ribbons of hardwoods. The difference in textures complimented by a variety of color displayed throughout the year provide visual interest throughout the landscape. ; This area is rugged and difficult to access and, therefore, is more natural in character. The only existing access is the Seward Highway following-the Iditarod -Trail and.the Resurrection Trail which provides the only road access of the highway. Several recreation trails provide limited access to the alpine country. Kenai Peninsula The Kenai Peninsula is a large relatively flat landscape bound by the Cook Inlet to the west, Chikaloon Bay to the north, and the Chugach National Forest to the east. Within the project study area, the Kenai Peninsula is a heavily vegetated landscape consisting of coastal marshes, forested wetlands, shrub bogs, muskegs, upland spruce hardwoods forests, and bottomland spruce poplar forests. It also includes a diverse range of largely undeveloped, natural landscapes. This unique combination of vegetation and water provide dynamic viewing conditions throughout the Kenai Peninsula. The range of colors and textures characteristic of the vegetation is complemented by the unique form and line defined by pond, lake, stream, river, and marsh boundaries. The northern interior of the Kenai Peninsula consists largely of the KNWR and the Kenai Wilderness. These areas consist of a complex system of wetlands including hundreds of small- to medium-sized lakes and marshes. This area also has a network of streams and rivers, including the Kenai, Swanson, Moose, and Chickaloon rivers. This Kenai Peninsula is relatively accessible through a combination of highways, roadways, hiking trails, snowmobile, and all terrain vehicles trails, cross country ski trails, and canoe routes. This accessibility has facilitated the development of recreation areas, including campgrounds, parking areas, fishing areas, boat ramps, and day use picnic areas. Visual Resource Management This section describes the visual resource management programs associated with the study area. chugachienv-rptch3 3-43 Chugach National Forest The objective of the Forest Service Visual Management System is provide a high quality recreation opportunity by preserving the inherent aesthetic quality of the landscape. Inventoried visual quality objectives (VQOs) are adopted for use on all Forest Service land. The VQOs incorporate the diversity of the landscape scenic quality, the visual sensitivity of the land, and the ability of landscapes to absorb alteration (visual absorption capability). Visual. management objectives have- been developed. for federal lands and-are included in agency management plans for lands under their jurisdiction. The USFS visual management objectives are derived through a matrix combing landscape aesthetics, visual sensitivity, and distance zones. These objectives define the agencies’ acceptable degree of visual change within specific landscape areas. Agency classifications were inventoried for all lands that occur within agency boundaries. The USFS visual management system recognizes five VQOs. VQO guidelines are as follows: = Preservation—Management activities, except for very low visual impact recreation facilities, are prohibited. This VQO allows for only "ecological" changes. This management objective applies to wildemess areas, primitive areas, other special classified areas, and some unique management units which do not justify special classification. = Retention—Management activities must not be visually evident to the casual forest visitor. Modifications must repeat form, line color, and texture found in the surrounding natural landscape. = Partial Retention—Modifications may be visually evident, but must be integrated into and visually subordinate to the surrounding landscape. Activities may introduce form, line, color, and texture not common in the surrounding landscape, but they should not attract attention. = Modification—Management activities may visually dominate the surrounding natural landscape; however, they must repeat the naturally established elements of form, line, color, and texture to appear compatible with the natural surroundings. = Maximum Modification—Modifications may visually dominate the surrounding natural landscape, yet when viewed from background distance, activities must appear as natural occurrences within the landscape. Alterations in foreground and middleground views may be out of scale with or introduce visual elements not found in the natural landscape. chugacttenv-rpt.ch3 3-44 The VQOs for the portion of the Chugach National Forest that is within the study area are shown on Figure 3-17. The existing Quartz Creek transmission line is located within retention areas through the forest. Chugach State Park Chugach State Park consists of approximately 495,000 acres that provide a scenic backdrop and a recreational area-intensively used by area residents and tourists. One of the-five primary purposes outlined in the law creating the park in 1970 was to protect areas of unique and exceptional scenic value. In addition to this, the law designated the eastem areas of the park to be operated as a wilderness area, the central area as a scenic area, and the periphery areas as recreational areas. The visual resource management direction is to preserve scenic quality within the park, as shown on Figure 3-17. Seward Highway Scenic Corridor The Seward Highway is a national scenic byway along Tumagain Arm with a unique combination of water and vegetation creating some of the most scenic landscapes in Alaska. The Seward Highway Scenic Corridor Plan management objective is to conserve and enhance or mitigate negative impacts upon the scenic resources. Kenai Peninsula Borough Coastal Management Program The Alaska Coastal Management Program and federal Coastal Zone Management Program provide management guidelines for the development of coastal zones. Their management policy is to preserve, protect, develop, and when feasible to restore or enhance the resources of the coastal zones. These guidelines promote the management of the land and water resources within the coastal zone while maintaining ecological, cultural, historic, and aesthetic values as well as the need for economic development. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Coastal Management Program was developed to implement the objectives of the Alaska Coastal Management Program on a local basis for management of resources within this Kenai Peninsula coastal area. chugachienv-rptch3 3-45 Kenai Area Plan A goal within the framework of the Kenai Area Plan is to provide the services and facilities for recreational uses. Management of the recreational uses is geared towards state and region-wide needs. Management strategies for recreational uses include protecting natural habitat land, trails, and scenic quality. All of these elements are important for defining visual resource objectives for the Kenai Peninsula. Turnagain Arm The land within Turnagain Arm is very important to the residents of the state of Alaska and the state’s tourism industry. The Turnagain Arm’s combination of unique scenic quality and easy access make it one of the most frequented places in the state. With respect to visual resources objectives the Turnagain Arm Management Plan has the following goals: = Protect habitat to maintain and enhance viewing opportunities for fish and wildlife species = Maintain the visual character of forested areas = Preserve, protect, and interpret the historic, prehistoric, and archaeological resources = Provide opportunities for back country hiking and cross country skiing = Manage shorelines, tidelands, and submerged lands to protect existing uses, including habitat and harvest, recreation, trails, and other transportation uses. = Provide recreational activities within stream corridors, including wilderness and developed recreational activities = Ensure continued opportunities for public use of important recreation, public access, and historic trails of regional and statewide significance Visual Infl [R ion A Views from recreation areas, trails, scenic roads, the Alaska Railroad, parks, and selected natural areas (Potter Marsh) are shown on Figure 3-18. This map shows the portions of foreground views (0-0.25 mile) chugachienv-rptch3 3-46 and near middleground views (0.25-1 mile) that are within the alternative study corridors for the Southern Intertie Project. Visually Sensitive Residential and Urban A Views from residences within and adjacent to the alternative corridors are depicted on Figure 3-19. There is a broad range and pattern of residential views within the segments as follows: = Anchorage Area—In urban-Anchorage, residents adjacent to alternative routes would be screened by the dense pattern of residences or by trees. = Indian and Girdwood—Topography and vegetation would screen much of the communities near the route. = Canyon Creek and Sixmile Creek Area—This is an area with very isolated residences, primarily in forested areas. = Cooper Landing Area—There are a variety of viewers along the Kenai River and Sterling Highway. = Soldotna and Nitiski Areas—Residences are dispersed in these areas surrounding the two communities. = Cook Inlet Coastal Area—This is a very low density area along the pipeline corridor. Specific residential areas within Anchorage are shown on Figure 3-14 and the recreation-related views within Anchorage are shown on Figure 3-20. CULTURAL RESOURCES Introduction The cultural resource inventory and analysis investigated and evaluated prehistoric, ethnohistoric, and historic sites, buildings, structures, districts and objects. ‘The intent was to identify major cultural resources that represent the most serious conflict with the alternative transmission line corridors. The cultural resources inventory was used to develop an informal sensitivity analysis that could be used in future stages of project planning and implementation. Development of a formal predictive model was chugacthenv-rptch3 3-47 beyond the scope of this study, but the brief review provides a basis for identifying known sensitive locations, as well as some areas where other significant cultural resources can be expected. Inventory Results By passing the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, the U.S. Congress declared that “the historical and cultural foundations of the Nation should be preserved...” and that “the preservation of this irreplaceable heritage is in the public interest....”" The NHPA authorizes the Secretary of the Interior “to expand and maintain a-National Register of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture” (36 CFR 60.1). A site’s significance is evaluated according to criteria established by the Secretary of the Interior for use in determining the eligibility of properties for the National Register (36 CFR part 60). Section 106 of the NHPA requires that the possible effects of federal undertakings on properties included in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places be considered. Section 110 of the Act requires that federal agency heads take steps to minimize harm to National Historic Landmarks (properties designated by the Secretary of the Interior as Landmarks) that could be directly and adversely affected by their undertakings. There are over 600 archeological and historical sites in the study area listed in the Alaska Heritage Resource Survey. One, the Holy Assumption Church in Kenai, is a National Historic Landmark. Another, the Iditarod Trail system, was designated a National Historic Trail in 1978. Forty-three other sites have either been determined eligible for or listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The nomination of 14 additional properties to the Register is pending. Known sites in the study area are concentrated along the highway system and around the coast. The majority of the known prehistoric sites are less than 1,000 feet above sea level, in areas of gentle slopes and forested valley bottoms. Late prehistoric sites are usually associated with bodies of water, and important villages appear on streams with large salmon runs. There are, for example, several hundred sites and over 3,000 cultural features in the Sgilantnu Archeological District at the confluence of the Kenai and Russian rivers (Kent et al. 1996). There are concentrations of known historic properties in downtown Anchorage, and along the northern shore of Turnagain Arm, the Alaska Railroad south of Portage, and the Seward Highway south of the Hope Cutoff. There is no apparent relationship between mining sites and slope, elevation, or landform, although such sites do occur in zones of strong mineralization. chugactienv-rptch3 3-48 The distribution of known archeological and historic properties may be the result of access-influenced survey bias, and the possibility of locating sites in other settings should not be ruled out. Landforms that could be considered “high sensitivity zones” for prehistoric sites include lake, stream, and coastal margins; stream junctions; river terraces; inlets and outlets of lakes; elevated topographic features providing panoramic views of the surrounding terrain; constricting geomorphic features which tend to channel the movement of animals; and natural travel routes. Muskegs, colluvial slopes, shallow soils overlying rock, and steep slopes compose areas of lower or no archeological potential. Locations where there is a high potential for discovering additional historic sites include historic trails, mineralized zones that attracted gold miners, and early. settlement areas. Archeological and historic sites are extremely sensitive to physical disturbance and could be adversely affected by direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts associated with the proposed project. Prehistory The earliest archeological sites in the Upper Cook Inlet region have been found at Beluga Point on Tumagain Arm and along the upper Kenai River. These sites, which date to the early Holocene, have characteristic core and blade assemblages (Reger 1996:3). Other components at Beluga Point and sites along the Kenai River contain artifacts that are reminiscent of pieces found on the Alaska Peninsula 3,500 to 4,500 years ago (Reger 1996:3-5). There is a gap separating the early to middle Holocene occupations of the region and later cultures. However, during the last millennium BC and first millennium AD, the interior of the Kenai Peninsula was inhabited by Pacific Eskimos who were taking advantage. of the area’s rich salmon resources (Reger 1996:5). Reger (1996:6), who has termed these people “Riverine Kachemak,” believes they were related to coastal groups of Cook Inlet and had ties to the Norton culture of Bristol Bay region. During the second millennium AD, the Eskimos were replaced by Dena’ina Athapaskans (Dumond and Mace 1968:19). Late prehistoric Dena’ ina sites “are numerous and scattered widely over the area” (Reger 1996:8). According to Osgood (1966), Dena'ina activities were concentrated along streams, although the use of land mammals was also important. chugactienv-rpLeh3 3-49 Ethnography According to de Laguna (1975:13-14): The Cook Inlet region is at present [1930s] inhabited by the Kenai Indians...Their territory extends down the Inlet as far as Seldovia on the south shore of Kachemak Bay, and the south shore of Kamishak Bay on the west side of the inlet. At the time of Russian contact, Knik- Arm and its tributaries were inhabited by-a subgroup of the Dena'ina (Osgood 1966:14). Unique among northern Athapaskans, the Dena’ina utilized both inland and marine resources. Although the Dena’ina of upper Cook Inlet and the Susitna River depended on the sea to a lesser degree than did the people on the Kenai Peninsula and around Kachemak Bay, they did hunt seals and beluga whales (Osgood 1966:37). Most Dena'ina activities in the Susitna area, however, were concentrated along streams and near lakes with runs of anadromous fish. Exploration and Early Settlement Captain James Cook was the first European explorer to sail the waters of Cook Inlet. In May 1778, his two ships, the Resolution and the Discovery entered the inlet in search of the Northwest Passage (Bancroft 1970:206). Although Cook ultimately recognized that he had not found a northem route to the Atlantic, he did not realize the extent of his discovery. He did, however, send boats to briefly explore Turnagain Arm and the mouth of the Knik River (Bancroft 1970:207). Captains Nathaniel Portlock (1789) and George Dixon (1968), both of whom had been with Cook during his 1778 voyage, returned to Cook Inlet in July 1786. Eight years later, in April 1794, Captain George Vancouver, on board the Discovery, and Lieutenant William Broughton, in command of the Chatham, reached the head of Cook Inlet (Vancouver 1967; Orth 1967:40). Vancouver corrected Cook’s observations concerning the nature of Turnagain Arm and made many additions to Cook’s charts. His party spent about a month in Cook Inlet mapping and describing the coast. In contrast to the short visits of the English explorers, the Russians were very active in Cook Inlet during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Their activities, however, were primarily limited to the coastal areas (Osgood 1966).° Early contacts between Russian fur traders and the inhabitants of the Gulf of Alaska were brief and not always peaceful. Initial forays into Cook Inlet were made from Kodiak or the Aleutians. chugach\env-rptch3 3-50 Gold American trappers frequented the upper Kenai Peninsula in the years following the sale of Alaska to the United States (Reger and Antonson 1977:iv-4), but it was ultimately gold that led to the exploration and settlement of the area. In 1869 and 1870, retired soldiers, American merchants, and at least one Russian settler formed an expedition to prospect along the Kenai River. They too found little gold, failing to cover even the cost of food for the expedition. Between 1870 and 1890, prospectors continued to look for gold along tributaries of the Kenai River drainage and Cook Inlet. The Kenai gold rush was probably precipitated by an itinerant miner named King. After prospecting for two years, King returned to Kenai in 1890 to pay off his grubstake, and then departed. His strike area, near the present day town of Hope, was discovered later. By the early 1890s, claims had been filed on many of the Kenai Peninsula’s creeks, and word of the gold find began to spread. Lured by tales of riches, gold seekers began arriving in 1895. That same year, the towns of Sunrise, center of the Sunrise Mining District, and Hope, a small settlement near the beach at Resurrection Creek, were established (Barry 1973:41-43). The real rush to the district began in 1896, with Sunrise growing to a thriving community with several stores, a brewery, two saloons, and a restaurant (Barry 1973:60). Gold was first discovered in the Knik Arm area in 1897 (Cohen 1982:7). The resulting influx of miners into the Willow Creek District, and placer mining and prospecting activities in the early 1900s led to the development of the town of Knik from a trading post into the economic center for the entire area. The influx of people looking for gold along Turnagain Arm had abated by 1905, with the Kenai fields being superseded by those of Nome and Fairbanks (Barry 1973:121). However, prospectors continued to search the Kenai districts and established mines continued to operate. Mining activities remained depressed through World War I. There was an upsurge of mining activity in the 1930s, but World War II brought a virtual end to commercial gold mining in all of Alaska (Barry 1973:167). The Alaska Railroad, Anchorage, and Twentieth Century Development The Alaska Central Railroad Company, formed in 1900, was the first to attempt to build a railroad out of Seward across the Kenai Peninsula. Alaska Central were bankrupt in 1904, however, having completed construction only as far as Mile 45 (Reger and Antonson 1977:6) Established in 1904, the Alaska Northern Railroad Company managed by 1915 to extend the tracks to Mile 71 at Kern Creek (Reger and Antonson 1977:iv-7). Although financial difficulties prevented Alaska Norther from further work, the portion of the line that had been built provided daily passenger service across the peninsula during the summer and fall (Barry 1973:134-135). chugactienv-rptch3 3-51 The Alaska Northem Railroad Company was about to follow Alaska Central in bankruptcy when it was purchased by the U.S. government. In 1913, Congress passed the Alaska Railroad Bill, which authorized the location, construction, and operation of a railroad linking the Pacific coast of Alaska with navigable waters in the interior. The Alaska Engineering Commission (AEC) was created to carry out the project. After 1915, work on the line progressed rapidly, and in September of 1918 Seward was connected by rail to the Matanuska coal fields (Reger and Antonson 1977:iv-8). The history of Anchorage is directly linked to the construction of the Alaska Railroad. The AEC set up a headquarters camp at Ship. Creek.in 1914, and-by the time President Wilson made the decision to proceed with a route that basically followed the present Seward-Fairbanks rail line, a large number of people were waiting at Ship Creek for construction to begin. Anchorage developed rapidly, in both size and general importance. The growing town was named Anchorage by the U.S. Post Office over the objection of the AEC, which had proposed the name Ship Creek. From 1915 to 1920, when the city was officially incorporated, Anchorage was managed by the AEC. The Iditarod Trail was very much a part of the history of the Cook Inlet area. Actually a series of trails, the Iditarod was first a route from Seward to Knik and the Willow Creek mining district. From Turnagain Arm the trail crossed both Crow Creek and Indian Creek Passes to Eklutna, then ran along the upper end of Knik Arm to Knik. In 1908, a survey party for the AEC laid out a winter route which extended the trail to Nome. The discovery of gold in the Iditarod region in 1910 and the resulting rush of prospectors led to improvements in the trail and gave it its name. Following the founding of Anchorage, a spur of the trail developed which ran from the Eagle River area along Knik Arm and across what is now Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson (Carberry 1979:105-107). Cooper Landing, which had developed during the early years of the twentieth century into an important hunting and fishing resort, was connected to Seward by road in 1938 (Pittenger and Thomas 1980). The Sterling Highway, named after Hawley Sterling of the Alaska Road Commission who planned the road and pushed for its construction, was begun in 1947 but not completed until 1954 (Pittenger and Thomas 1980:136-137). Anchorage was linked to Seward in 1951 when the present highway was built. This project was financed by the Department of the Interior, with the construction done under the supervision of the Alaska Railroad and Road Commission (Reger and Antonson 1977:iv-8). chugachienv-rpt.ch3 3-52 TIN TION TON T6N T4N Legend Ho Spruce-Hemlock ____| Upland Spruce Hardwood |__| Lowland Forest, Lakes and Wetland Complexes Bottomland Spruce Poplar Forest High Brush Forested Wetlands, Shrub Bog, & Muskegs Coastal Marsh Alpine Tundra and Barrens wand NS { Toy enwennben nat Rie Rie General Reference Features ‘V Pipeline /V/ Corridor /V Transmission Line // Alternative Route 2 Railroad AN#0 Link Number Code 7 Borough Boundary & Existing Substations /\/ Rivers and Streams A Oil Platform (} Lakes/inlet ae Vegetation Cover Types | Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line NwL NGL NOLL Nel NOL Nel TIN TRN TION T8N T6N T4N Risw RoW Riw Legend | HEB Coastal Marsh G8 Forested Wetlands, Shrub Bog, & Muskegs @23 Lakes and Wetland Complexes R7W RSW Riw Rie RIE <"“L| General Reference Features * ‘Vv Pipeline /V Corridor /\/ Transmission Line // Alternative Route 2 Railroad ANso Link Number Code Ae h Boundary & Bisting ree Substations /\/ Rivers and Streams AA Oil Platform (_] Lakes/inlet \ Section Grid yr" ____RANGE__ s 6|5)4/3)2 A NV {7 {e| | 10] 1) 12] a AJ 7|%| 1s “4 ald 0 3 6 12MILES: 2 20) a 22 23,24 g -_ 30| 20| 28) 27 | 26 | 26 | ~ 3 Dames & Moore _ NO 31 | 32| 33) 34| 36 | 38 Date: June 3, 1996 uN (2 / / | ee / ( acco ak { i \ wo ~ X Girt IN yb The Lae reas of Major Wetland Concentration Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line News NGL NOLL Nol TUN TION TaN T6N T4N TRN () Black Bear Habitat (I) Brown Bear Habitat | HB Brown Bear Denning Area AW Bear Feeding Habitat Se Pia: 5 De we ; if f { # veal \ H H De 7 a ' way ps y 5 /NV/ Corridor /\/ Alternative Route ANsO Link Number Code & Existing Substations NOLL Bear Habitat Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line NGL NOL Nol TUN TON T6N T4N Risw Row Ruw Row R7w Ti2N Legend Moose Concentration Areas ___| Year Round Fall and Winter Winter Mountain Goat Habitat SES ~ ) o™ TS { f 4 bey a’ \n ba A an a \ A ( \ Lan oy \ - { ( \ i A! ~y DY \ rf i Rie RE General Reference Features // Pipeline /N/ Corridor /\/ Transmission Line // Alternative Route 2 Railroad ANs0 Link Number Code 7 Borough Boundary & Existing /\/ Rivers and Streams mone A Oil Platform (_] Lakes/Inlet Section Grid . ‘ . RANGE ! 2 | m1 1: a a “ ° 3 6 12MILES, ‘| iN j i ( L Mountain Goat and | Moose Habitat Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line Not NGL NOLL NOL NOL Nel TUN TION T8N T6N T4N ant General Reference Features te TRN Dall Sheep Habitat Caribou Summer Habitat Caribou Winter Habitat ZZ) Caribou Calving Grounds Caribou Range Corridor / Alternative Route Link Number Code Existing Substations oY SON EE ESSA FARO NSE 1 205 : » ~ Dall Sheep and Caribou Habitat Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line Noll Nal NOL Nel NOL Nol THN TI2N TION TSN T6N T4N Risw RiBWw a Riiw Row Legend “NV. Anadromous Fish Streams R7w RSW fl University. } i ina EN.A20 ~ EN.0.00 P~ AN om \ it: TA General Reference Features i \) AV. Pipeline AJ Corridor z 4 // Transmission Line /\/ Alternative Route x 2 Railroad ANs0 Link Number Code CH \ Ay A Baisting ORA E| ’* Borough Boundary 1 \ G /\/__ Rivers and Streams Shatation i \ \ | of Platform - i \ (—] Lakes/inlet [f | Section Grid + i ~ } ___ RANGE : 5 Z 3\/2/)1 8 | @ | 10) 1/2 a | |e b| 7 | 18 16 | 14) 19) g ° 2 ‘ 12MILES 20) 21| 22) 23| 24 g _ 29) 28 | 27 | 26| 26) © = Dames & Moore 32] 33} 34} 36] 38 Date: June 3, 1996 QCi.90 Anadromous Fish Habitat Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line Nel THN TION TON T6N TaN Ris Ww RIBW anw Row Riw RIE R3E Legend Saag General Reference Features A “) OV. Pipeline AV Corridor es Beluga Whale Habitat { /\/ Transmission Line A/ Alternative Route © Eagle Nest Sites 22 Railroad AN#0 Link Number Code 7‘ Borough Boundary & Existing TR2N Beluga Whale and | Eagle Habitat Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line Nel NaL NOLL NOL NOL Nel T4N oot General Reference Features Sn i 4 | ae ape AV x * ‘Pipeline IN Corridor Spring | j ; is ; oF —} /\/ Transmission Line // Alternative Route Fall } i i { eo 2S Railroad ANso Link Number Code ' | | “Wore wy 7 Borough Boundary & Biisting Spring and Fall od | a, | ~ ANCHORAGE oP Nall Substations Molting ae A aN ee \ ‘A Ol Platform Nesting RO : 00 | BY) x ay aes Yi (—) Lakes/inlet a . i Section Grid THN Not TRN NaL felglsial~le| TION NOLL T8N i ; es \ +. Ng \ Ney ee , r \ ; ; \ oi ! L Sy te T6N N9L pot Se se MX. Duck & Goose | eee eS ES ~=|:~ Concentration Areas Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line Nel TWN TRN TION TON T6N T4N Single Pair Pair and Young Flock Nest Site 12MILES = Dames & Moore Date: June 3, 1996 Comprehensive | Swan Data Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line NGL NOLL NeL N9L Nol Legend Py i 2); s ae ‘=| General Reference Features TUN 0) Avalanche Hazard Areas ' a eT ee {_ / /\/ Transmission Line 2 Railroad N80 Link Number Code ’ Borough Boundary & bisting Rivers and Streams aoe : A Oil Platform [] Lakes/inlet Section Grid 6|s 7 | 8 | e 1 Nos TRN NUL TION NOLL T8N 7" NATIONAL Nal T6N NOL Identified Avalanche | Hazard Areas Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line T4N Nol Sources: Alaska Mountain Safety Center Inc., 1991. Map of provisional snow avalanche potential Anchorage, Alaska. i 8! Avalanch Paths of regions 1-11, Seward Quadrangle, Alaska by G.D. March & L.G Robertson, 1982. Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical S Alaska Open-file Report AOF-130. Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical coeye Professional Report #81. 08 physical Surveys Alaska Open-file Repo General Reference Features = - t : : - — | ‘V Pipeline /N Corridor Private ' ES St | \ Transmission Line /¥ Alternative Route Federal ' i £A20) : ———— | \ Ao Railroad ANs0 Link Number Code | { | ; bro. ; “ Borough Boundary & Existing State | i “4 & eee ae Substations Kenai Peninsula Borough er aes wn" : Hy \ | A off Phatform Municipality of Anchorage go ed : SE \, - ret Native oa Soc y lg an Section Grid Native Selected Lands 8 1 ; x \ AL / fels|«[a[2|s Not Defined OT AG Le OREN / \ Bietatetate penn i | THN TI2N TWN TON T6N | { \ j ( ( L Jurisdiction/ Ownership | Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line T4N TE.C.30 TEA.20 } TE.A.10 ae” . foes se eS Pt. Woronzof Earthquake Park <0 International General Reference Features "Pipeline Transmission Line Railroad Borough Boundary Rivers and Streams FA Oil Platform Legend Private Federal State Kenai Peninsula Borough Municipality of Anchorage Native Native Selected Lands Not Defined (1) Lakes/inlet N Corridor /¥° Alternative Route & Existing Substations AN.80 Link Number Code y : Lacan fae wt ~ Sal ry 4 me a.m Lj “4 <a i* Russian Jac! [Springs Golf Course iL oN ih Elmendorf Air Force Base Section House / | Jurisdiction/ Ownership Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line N\ so TEC30 ‘TEA. TE.A.20 General Reference Features Pipeline Transmission Line Railroad Borough Boundary Rivers and Streams Oil Platform a Residential Parks and Natural Areas Farm/Agriculture Commercial Airport Military Gravel Pit Industrial Institution Church School Tidelands DORR OGRRE J Lakes/inlet N Corridor /¥° Alternative Route 4 Existing Substations AN.80 Link Number Code Mixed Use Development Inholding 7] State Park Chugach National Forest | Kenai National Wildlife Refuge | Vacant | Not Defined Air Strip Hilltop Land Use Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line at THMN TRN TION TON T6N T4N gisw sow Riuw Row RIE R3E == > .| General Reference Features Legend - . Ze Pipeline /V Corridor z (E51 State Park Camp Site (CS) © Proposed Facility ee line ee z (") National Wildlife Refuge + — Cabin Ruins “Ski Area i panel Vniae 1 ied Nak Cae Eq Chugach National Forest + — Fish Access © Rifle Range <= A Existing (_] Private, Borough or State Selected Lands + Interpretive Sign /\/ Recreational Trails a Substations (053 Parks and Natural Areas 4 Special Use Permit Area // Canoe Trail/route camp Ground 4 Trail Head (TH) : | EEE Nonmotorized Winter Area 4 Viewing Point AL. HE Motorized Winter Area 4 Toilet K HE interpretive Site 5 Visitor Center L- a 3 HEE Proposed Facility © Picnic Area [a2] a a 3 © Boat Launch © Rest Area nig 5 ; s a © Cabin/Shelter S Overlook/Scenic Viewpoint ug = 2|* 3 Dames & Moore hfe a Date: June 3, 1996 A { A : \ ve = 1A 7 \ { . \ Say \ ~——_J¥ \ NOL i \ x ‘ ! 4 4 _L Recreation Facilites Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line Nol eisw = Raw aunw Row Row RiE RIE t z I = I a General Reference Features z Legend = = “V Pipeline /NV Corridor z » = wate ba se Parks & Natural Areas j /V/ Transmission Line /\/ Alternative Route fi Kenai National Refuge Parks i af i } 2 Railroad AN#0 Link Number Code (I Wilderness Area £23 Proposed State Recreational 7’/ Special Management Areas SMA) | { 7‘ Borough Boundary & Existing [S\3 Moderate Management Area Ess Area Expans i See /\/ Rivers and Streams a Recreation Opportunity Spectrum wee 2 Ke ie A Ol Platform Chugach National Forest Special Management Areas Cire IS 7 [7] Primitive 1 HE campground po (] Lakes/Inlet (9 Primitive 2 HEB Nonmotorized Winter Area 50, — ME rural HEE Motorized Winter Area z|| (1 Rural Modified HEE interprative Site f 7 EN) GBB Roaded Natural (oa Proposed Facility I 7 HE semi-primitive Motorized 5) Recreational Development Areas ' {] Semi-primitive Nonmotorized HEE Conservation Easement : ‘, : a en f Tash TTity ‘ip\inns ) erie icaniat \ } hisrdttveniceeag! PerMenteeetageg } nt tostayiee! ; pS eee ay a z + ey | i . Pe errerrsye eh en | ao : 1 i i cr : [Set opauieee aR Pa = | Poetry Hen } | / eco1aI0 men [oo ee seek {2 tee ; {3 riedtircsneg SS at Lair yi i p y tHe. un t A = LS RRR ee — poet 1dlif Oo ; Vie a dais verse iat wi \ ey seen ; Cy ABE yh : Hr peel ry _ Oe Cee I 4G ; ee {[™ j LaMar st getty Nace ORL 1 ZA Onin el z it el Nec a AY) ace S ; 7 uit ° Apert ieh ee Re Vso ; iin SLA my ate ey — 7 vuntianietk TQM Oral ir ieee | / ier ae gio Hai ; Uninet ce meet BSS wert tte cep cnitiin \ ; OW ite ee VON Ay \ treet mi rp Pe Ps tot tns \ Loe ene eared [\ fibres é ) acn0 IK fot yest f bs QcM120 | y \ ee PEEE EET TY z eel ae Lf Z ° Lf eM uti pee 7 | z ; . ; acim TT! nyt nine The oe q uty hid: Z ~ iets nhs besa ‘ecm | Soc i.205 tH a | 0 Nee R . ~~ } a ~ ecreation ' a ve eee Eee - sy M tA eae fs anagement Areas ! N y Southern Intertie Project z \ \ Proposed Anchorage to Kenai | |= Peninsula Transmission Line tw RoW aw Row BIE at se — — a Reference Features z —— 7 // Pipeline /V/ Corridor -H ca Nat Forest deral /\/ Transmission Line /¥ Alternative Route Vieual Quality Objectives (J Kenai National Wildlife Refuge 2 Railroad aNso Link Number Code HB Non-National Forest fa derness Area | [2°] Maximum Modification wi 7 Borough Boundary A Existing | _— ° Moderate Management Area WV Ri id Streams tions | (] Modification State ivers ani | ey Sa Pari state A Oil Platform . (3 Retention {223 Proposed State Recreational (} Lakes/Inlet GE Preservation Area Exp Section Grid » . N E25 wilderness Zone RANGE ! 7*/ Special Management Areas (SMA) e/5i4i/3l/2\1 ah 7) 8/9 | 0) 1) 12 = 18) 17| 16 | 15) 14 3/2 ° 3 6 T2MILES [ 19) 20] 21) 22] 2a] 20/8 —_ 30| 28 | 28 | 27| 26| 26| * 3% Dames & Moore s (s1| 32/93] 34/ a6 | 38 Date: June 3, 1996 Ait | \ mag C M1 bet de ie Vi Pe rei Pre — - i CES | <1 hitte trtity S eeeastae i [ss Gi z a : 2 > = o| Pm Warveerereriss aN ss ee v lf i Preeti = { £\ if | ic ‘opts ad PS = <1} 19 TR BY ca a ~ X a, Sy. Z Thi aes ysis i 7 fe ante eaif ae Ava aes soe ae nen. i C renee tty peeps bined ayer on i i Oo ; Refuge!’ Mrtegteee re con i = A ee a Se 7 \ ' ub Teebte Whrter j Peo See ta 2 en fe “* 5) VOT i yy j \ eS i — z + Se - fsck ° : : : ia | Sta ‘35s es ceaaiaties aes : vt COU pS | { Mapa THERA iP rege ne Co? Hane Sa i Sega ty } i rene \ ‘ - aa at ; ep / “J ' ett A yt Heap / Rise Each OS | \ 1 w ‘ w % i ICT age HU HR \ Phe ny “Y i 1 Wrens ee py teuet prety i acmi30 fe NS Se Ate yt my Focus) i f } \ tint ran ( é i 2 ’ -- i a | an rhinty " i z Fee | ! : if Ses ~f : 7 rity! + i ~ a tte Pee geet i ec M110 205 ga Catia A EO | Ne ' AN Visual uk ss n —~ isua al rrr trN! | M A n ei RE : anagement Areas \ i i A wv % Southern Intertie Project | \i | », f \ | { i : IN ae N IN je Proposed Anchorage to Kenai \ f sT { yl J . ee \) eS | Peninsula Transmission Line \ \. = News Na@L NOL Nal NOL Nel . . ; <A —< | 2S sad t .| General Reference Features TIN Pipeline Transmission Line z Railroad *. Borough Boundary Rivers and Streams Oil Platform _] Lakes/Inlet HE Residential Land Use (7) Foreground (0 - 1/4 Mile) [5] Near Middleground (1/4 - 1 Mile) Section Grid _ TRN 12MILES, = Dames & Moore Date: June 3, 1996 TION TON T6N Visual Influence Residential Land Use | Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage To Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line T4N THN TR2N TION T8N T6N T4N Foreground (0 - 1/4 Mile) | Near Middleground (1/4 - 1 Mile) Municipality of Anchorage Recreation Areas Recreation Facility Recreational Trails Canoe Trail/route WV Corridor “Alternative Route AN80 Link Number Code & Existing Substations Visual Influence} Recreation Facilities Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line TIN TION TON T6N T4N TRN y Anchorage Area §@3 Indian & Girdwood Area 88 Canyon Creek & Sixmile Creek Area ee Cooper Landing Area HS Soldotna & Nikiski Area 23 Cook Inlet Coastal Area “CAN cHo RAGE | General Reference Features Pipeline Corridor ’ Alternative Route Link Number Code Date: June 3, 1996 ‘| \ ! { { Visually Sensitive Residential & Urban Areas Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line — Nol NGL NOL Nel N9L Nol TEC30 TEA. TEA.20 Pt. Woronzof > Russian Jack rau - Springs Golf Course \ Earthquake Park. f SN ° Elmendorf Air Force Base | - Anchorage-f& ~- International Hillside ‘Bp Ski Area ENA300 0 | Ri varcand Park allege O'Malley Rd) AN.50 IN AGO, = Oceanview Park General Reference Features Pipeline [) Lakes/inlet ¢S! Transmission Line N Corridor /Y Railroad /¥° Alternative Route 4 Borough Boundary 4 Existing Substations /V Rivers and Streams AN.o Link Number Code Oil Platform Legend Foreground (0 - 1/4 Mile) [2 Near Middleground (1/4 - 1 Mile) ee Municipality of Anchorage Recreation Areas * Recreation Facility Recreational Trails /VV /\/ Canoe Trail/route Recreation Facilities Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line CHAPTER 4.0 - LIST OF AGENCIES AND INDIVIDUALS CONSULTED FEDERAL AGENCIES Bureau of Land Management Federal Aviation Administration U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Alaska USS. Fish and Wildlife Service USS. Forest Service U.S. Marine Fisheries Service STATE AGENCIES Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air (Permits) Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air & Water Quality Alaska Department of Fish and Game Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Land, Resource Assessment and Development Division of Mining and Water Management Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Anchorage International Airport Alaska Industrial Development Authority Alaska Office of the Governor Alaska Public Utilities Commission State of Alaska Office of the Governor Division of Governmental Coordination chugactienv-rpucht 41 LOCAL AGENCIES City of Kenai City of Soldotna Kenai Peninsula Borough Municipality of Anchorage NATIVE CORPORATIONS Cook Inlet Region, Inc. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS Alaska Center for the Environment Kachemak Bay conservation Society The Nature Conservancy The Wilderness Society chugachienv-rpt.ch4 4-2 70'-0" (TYPICAL FOR 230kV) 65'-0" (TYPICAL FOR 138kV) THIS OREWING wE> PREPAREL By POWER ENGINGERS. IMC. FOR a SPECIFIC PROJECT| TA ING INTO CONSIDERATION THE SPECIFIC AND UNIOXE FEQUIREMENTS OF THE PROVECT. AEUSE OF THIS ORawin6; OR any INRA 10H] CUsTAINED IM THIS DRAWINGS FOR ant PLEPOSE 35 PerwisitED umuESS o@1TTEN PEP Fre ftw Prete eet POMER'S CLIENT 1 Caantto. SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT 0°-3° TANGENT STRUCTURE | orawine no. FOR 138KV OR 230KV a PRELIMINARY DESIGN 3940 GLENBROOK DRI VE WAILEY. IDAHO 83333 (TYPICAL ) eects eta i [SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT] ** es AKO UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROVECT. REUSE OF THIS DRAWING OR ANT INFORDUAT ION CONTAINED IN THIS ORAWING FOR wer PURPOSE 15 PROMIBITED UNLESS WRITTEN PERWISSION| FROM BOTH SOMES ane POMER'S CLIENT 25 GRANTED. LH 2/96 REV 0°-15° LIGHT ANGLE STRUCTURE ["prawine no. FOR 138kV OR 230kV n PRELIMINARY DESIGN OH2 S-FES-1996 14757 [Lnetsz.#0! | 22sivon?-agn GROMER 3940 GLENBROOK DRIVE WATLEY. 1D8HO £3333 (TYPICAL ) JOB NUMBER 120293 DRAWING NO. THIS DRAWING WAS PREPARED BY POWER! ENGINEERS. INC. FOR & SPECIFIC PROJECT. TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION TrE SPECIFIC! AN UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROVECT. REUSE OF THIS ORAWING OR anT Ine ORATION CORTAINED Im THIS DRAWING FOR ser PURPOSE 1S PROMIBITED ULES WRITTEN PERMISSION] FPOw BOTH POWER 21 SOMERS CLIENT If Chante. IOSGN; 0B 2/96 [oRN | sT_| 2/36 | 3940 GLENBROOK ORI VE SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT 15°-60° LARGE ANGLE STRUCTURE FOR 138kV OR 230kV DH3 PRELIMINARY DESIGN S-FEE-1996 15:00 | Matsz.tD! | [2riens.c: 1 WAILEY. IDAHO 83333 (TYPICAL ) THIS DRAWING WAS PREPARED BY POWER ENGINEERS. IMC. FOR & SPECIFIC PROJECT. TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE SPECIFIC! xD UIOUE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROVECT. | REUSE OF THIS URAWING OR ant INF Re 10%! CONTAINED IM THIS DRAWING FOR Ant PURPOSE 1S PROMIBITED UNLESS WRITTEN PERMISSION} FEQW NTH SOWEE aD POWER’ CLIENT IS] ante. SGN) 0B | 2/36 DRN | St | 2/96 exo | un | 2796 SCALE: = NTS SOUTHERN INTERTIE ja! A lineal iwi, 0°-90° DOUBLE DEADEND STRUCTURE [orawinc no. rev FOR 138kV OR 230kV [ow [a PRELIMINARY DESIGN O-FEE=1995 147 \hefsz.t51 [22sigona. aon GR powex 3940 GLENBROOK DRIVE HAILEY. 1DSHO 83333 PRELIMINARY TWR HT 80 ft. . ion APPROX. 45° 2 FOUNDATIONS AND 2 ANCHORS REQUIRED = ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE FILE NAME: _GVINO1:138TANX.OWG SCALE: _1:250 Devoen / fLalRue, linc. SOUTHERN INTERTIE DRAWING No. cose aa / ie cocoazes TANGENT -X DATE: 01/19/96 138 kV 138 kV DESIGNED BY: ORB 1 of 1 DRAWN BY: RAE TYPICAL TANGENT X-TOWER PRELIMINARY wo © be e = e SESH == — ee 2 FOUNDATIONS AND 2 ANCHORS REQUIRED * ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE FILE NAME: _GVINO!: TANGENTX.OWG 1-250 Devoen ¢ LalRuc, fine SOUTHERN INTERTIE Pree coNsut TING / ENGINEERS TANGENT -X DATE: 01/19/96 230 kV DESIGNED BY: ORB ss oa DRAWN BY: RAE TYPICAL TANGENT X-TOWER PRELIMINARY TWR HT 85 ft. bm Be =u APPROX. 45° 2 FOUNDATIONS AND 2 ANCHORS REQUIRED * ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE FILE_NAME: _GVINO1: LONGSPAN OWG SCALE: _1:250 Devoen / lLalRur, linc SOUTHERN INTERTIE ae CONSULTING / ENGINEERS LONG SPAN DATE: 01/19/96 X DESIGNED BY: ORB e230 kV 1 of 1 DRAWN BY: RAE TYPICAL LONG SPAN TANGENT X-TOWER 120’ TO 165’ 0°-10° DOUBLE CIRCUIT DEADEND STRUCTURE PRELIMINARY DESIGN SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT | °° Naner® 293 ORAWING NO. |REV UTHIERN INTIARTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES JANUARY 31 & FEBRUARY 1 Intertie Participants Group (IPG) Chugach Electric Association, Inc. Homer Electric Association, Inc. Municipality of Anchorage - Municipal Light & Power City of Seward - Seward Electric System Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. Golden Valley Electric Association, Inc. Municipality of. Fairbanks - Fairbanks - Municipal Utilities Why an Intertie? The electric utilities serving the interior and southcentral areas of Alaska are known as the Intertie Participants Group (IPG). The seven utilities that form the IPG are electrically connected to provide efficient service to customers in the region. The proposed Southern Intertie will provide an additional connection between IPG utilities to improve reliability of service and efficient distribution of power. Project Overview The existing transmission line between Kenai and Anchorage is prone to outages and is limited in its capacity to transfer energy; installation of a second line will improve reliability and increase the transmission capability of the electrical system. The proposed Southern Intertie Project will specifically provide a more efficient distribution of electricity between the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project on the Kenai Peninsula and the rest of the Alaska Railbelt. Study Approach On behalf of the IPG, Chugach Electric Association is directing engineering and environmental studies for the proposed project. These studies are being performed by POWER Engineers, Dames & Moore and other local consultants. The project team is beginning a transmission line siting study, and input from the public, special interest groups, and public agencies is a critical part of the planning process. This is the first of several opportunities for public involvement in a two part process. Two open houses will be held to explain the project and the process (see schedule below). At the same time, the public will have an opportunity to comment on the values and criteria that will be used to help identify route alternatives that will be studied during the next step of the planning process. The next step is to conduct engineering and environmental studies to determine the feasibility of alternatives indentified. Public Involvement Siting Process Open House You are invited to open houses at the locations listed below. Representatives from Chugach Electric Association, POWER Engineers and Dames & Moore will be available to answer questions and describe the project in detail. In addition, a formal presentation will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. which will focus on the current phase of the project. Palmer Anchorage Soldotna Loussac Library Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Chambers Assembly Chambers 3600 Denali Street 144 N. Binkley Road January 31, 1996 February 1, 1996 5:30 - 9:00 PM 5:30 - 9:00 PM If you have any comments or questions, or know of someone who would like more information on the project please contact: Dora Gropp Niklas Ranta Chugach Electric Association Inc. or Dames & Moore 800-478-7494 800-3 15-4082 @ Fe 20 mis 907-762-4626 Siting Studies Anticipated NEPA - Related Studies Public & Agency Meetings NEPA Process Public Scoping Public Review NEPA Documents Constraints Siting ditt Opportunities Alternative & Routes Engineering System, Design & Economic Studies July 1996 NEPA - National Environmental Policy Act PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE PLANNING PROCESS Comment Form SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: Address: City, state: Zip code: Telephone number (optional): Date: Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? Yes —— No If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Dames & Moore 5600 B Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99518 SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line YOU'RE INVITED The preliminary planning has begun for a new electrical transmission line to link the Kenai Peninsula with the Anchorage area. As part of the process, a pair of meetings will be held to explain the project, answer questions and take public comments. Interested individuals are invited to attend either meeting, or call for more information. SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT ~~ -PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES = eo Anchorage Soldotna Loussac Library Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Chambers Assembly Chambers 3600 Denali Street 144 N. Binkley Road January 31, 1996 February 1, 1996 5:30 - 9:00 pm 5:30 - 9:00 pm Regional Study Area \ — A formal presentation will be held at 7 pm at both locations. For more information, contact: Dora Gropp Niklas Ranta Chugach Electric Dames & Moore, Inc. 800-478-7494 Environmental Consultants 907-762-4626 800-315-4082 Anchorage Daily News - column width 3: = 6.063"w (Actual dimensions - 6.03" w x 4.00* h) PAGE 2 About interties PAGE 3 Board viewpoint: Intertie lower your billP Annual meeting notes PAGE 4 Board report News notes ¢ Customers can now do more business with Chugach over the telephone, thanks to new equipment installed in December. You may now access account and other information with a touch tone phone and leave detailed voice mail messages. ¢ Remember, you could win $50 if you find your member number in the Outlet. Every month three member numbers are inserted into the Outlet copy inside brackets like this {}. If you spot your member number (which is also printed on your bill), call our service center at 563-7366 to claim your prize. You may claim for either the current Outlet or the preceding month's issue. ° The initial planning has begun for a new transmission line to connect the Anchorage area with the Kenai Peninsula. As part of the route selection process two public meetings will be held to outline the project and the planning process, answer questions and offer individuals an opportunity to provide input to the planning team. One meeting will be held in Anchorage at 5 p.m., Jan. 31, at the Loussac Library. A second will be in see News notes, page 2 THE GHUGAGH UU a fox. 1996 budgets approved In 1996 natural gas costs for generating power at Chugach's plants, like the Beluga Power Plant pictured above, are expected to increase dramatically. The 1996 operating budget approved by the board of directors on Dec. 6 attempts to hold the line on spending for the coming year. The budget projects operating revenues of $132.2 million, non-operating revenues of $1 million, expenses of $127.2 million and margins of $6 million. While the budget does show fuel expenses increasing, it does not anticipate any increase to the basic rates paid by customers for demand and energy charges in 1996. The budget predicts revenues from retail power sales will be $85.1 million. Wholesale sales are expected to generate revenues of $40 million, and economy energy sales $5.7 million. On a kilowatt-hour basis, retail sales are expected to increase 1.7 percent, wholesale sales 4.7 percent, and economy energy sales 12.9 percent. The 1996 budget is 2.3 percent larger than 1995's projected budget. Most expense areas of the budget remained flat or saw a reduction from 1995 to 1996. However, increases in the cost of power produced and purchased, and higher depreciation and amortization expenses, accounted for the bulk of the increase from 1995 to 1996. The higher power costs are largely driven by the fact that about the middle of the year Chugach will use up the last of the inexpensive natural gas from contracts signed in the early 1970s. From that point on, all fuel will be priced under current contracts. The impact of the higher fuel prices will be partially offset by the return of $2.7 million from two reserve accounts to consumers through the fuel surcharge in 1996. The money will come from reserve accounts containing a portion of the margins earned on prior economy energy sales, and from funds set aside as an insurance reserve for submarine cable replacement. The increased depreciation expense is due to phasing in the last of the approved recommendations from a comprehensive depreciation study. New schedules for depreciating generation assets will go into effect, shortening the depreciable lifetime of the assets and raising annual depreciation expenses. The board also approved a capital budget of $30.1 million, down about 25 see 1996 budget, page 2 I'll use this column to answer some of the questions I’ve heard asked about interties. What is an intertie? An intertie is an electrical transmission line which links different areas or major sections of a power grid. What are their benefits? They improve the overall reliability of the power system and allow the most cost-effective and efficient use of the area’s generation resources to meet customer needs. Do we have any in our area? Yes. In the 1980s the State built an intertie from Willow to Healy which linked the Southcentral and Interior power systems. There is also the one built in the early 1960s which ties the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage together. How do Chugach members benefit from interties? An intertie which opens new markets for Chugach power sales could lower electric bills because more customers would share the cost of the power plants and other generation and transmission facilities on the system. Since 1986 Chugach has sold millions of Some facts about interties dollars of power to Fairbanks utilities and used margins (profits) from the sales to lower rates for Chugach customers. Interties can also link the Chugach system to additional power plants that can provide more spinning energy on the system. Spinning energy is power that is instantly available from generators that are kept running in reserve without load to absorb the loss of a generating unit and helps prevent or mitigate outages. Additional generation helps us recover more quickly from some outages, since power can flow either direction across an intertie. Access to other generation resources allows Chugach more efficiency in scheduling both the operation and maintenance of its units. That access might also mean in the future Chugach may decide it’s cheaper to buy power from another entity than to add to or replace its own power plants. What intertie projects are being discussed? There are currently three interties planned for our area: a northern intertie from Healy to Fairbanks, a southern intertie from the Anchorage area to the Kenai Peninsula, and the Copper Valley intertie. The first. two would strengthen the existing Railbelt power system, improve reliability and transfer capacity — allowing us to make the most efficient use of regional power plants. The third would link the Railbelt (for the first time) to a large area encompassing Glennallen and Valdez. What is the current status of the three projects? Golden Valley Electric Association expects to begin construction on the northern intertie in 1996. Chugach has hired a consultant who is just beginning the initial work on the route selection process for the southern intertie. By the end of December, the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs is expected to announce a decision on a State loan for the Copper News notes, continued from page 1 Soldotna at 5 p.m., Feb. 1, at the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly chambers. This project, known as the southern intertie, is one of two transmission lines partially funded by the Legislature with $90 million in grants from the former Railbelt Energy Fund in 1993. The second line, a northern intertie between Healy and Fairbanks, is moving ahead with construction expected to begin in 1996. For more information, call project manager Dora Gropp at 762-4626. ¢ The fuel surcharge increased this month from $0.00631 to $0.00807 per kilowatt-hour. The quarterly adjustment recovers the costs (both actual and anticipated) of fuel and purchased power expenses over and above the amounts recovered in the basic kilowatt-hour rate. The new surcharge rate will be in effect for the first quarter of 1996. The increase will add $1.32 to the {195039} average monthly bill for 750 kwh of residential service. 1996 budget, continued from page 1 percent from 1995. The capital budget funds long-lived generation, transmission and distribution projects, inventory, and facilities relocations to accommodate road improvements. Included in the capital budget is $2.2 million for Chugach’s share of the co- purchase of the federal Eklutna hydroelectric project. The operating budget is expected to produce margins of $6 million, sufficient to satisfy the requirements of Chugach’s bond indenture. Each component of the 1996 budget was reviewed in detail at a series of meetings with a board committee. Early in the process the board indicated its desire to avoid increasing base rates in 1996. To help achieve this goal 24 full-time positions were cut from the budget, reducing regular staff by 6 percent from 1995 to 1996. Chugach recently installed new control valves to better regulate the flow of natural gas into the gas house at the Beluga Power Plant. Two separate pipelines deliver fuel to the plant from different suppliers, providing both reliability and competitive pricing. The proposed intertie to link Copper Valley Electric Association's system with the Railbelt power grid has generated a number of news articles and letters to the editor. Unfortunately, in the discussion of the Copper Valley intertie, conflicting assertions have been made which have left many people confused about the whole issue. I want to give you some perspective on the interties and why they’re important to you as a Chugach member. In 1993 the Legislature authorized $90 million-in grants to partially fund the northern and southern interties within the Railbelt, and a $35 million, zero-interest loan to help build the Copper Valley intertie. Golden Valley Electric Association in {81242} Fairbanks was named to build the northern line and Chugach the southern. Since customers will pay any costs over and above the State grants, the Chugach board wants to make wise decisions when it comes to these projects. Each must be evaluated as a business investment in our future. Like other capital projects, the benefits and risks must be assessed Ties let viewpoint TG a ees cuLs as realistically as possible. As your board, our job is to try and minimize the risks and maximize the benefits realized by ratepayers. In the case of the Copper Valley intertie, we must look at the project assumptions. Are the demand forecasts for future power too optimistic? If so, future revenues might be insufficient to offset debt payments from line construction. On the other hand, it would not serve you well to mistakenly rely on load forecasts which are too conservative, and consequently not build a project which would have produced profits and lowered future bills. If there were to be construction delays or cost overruns, the net benefit to Chugach ratepayers could be reduced or eliminated. However, there might be ways to cut construction costs. The Anchorage School District recently saved millions of dollars because intense bid competition between contractors drove down school construction costs. Several years ago a number of utilities — including Chugach — signed memorandums of es _ Will the Copper Valley intertie lower your bill? understanding which would require use of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1547 labor on the projects in exchange for lobbying by the IBEW for legislative funding. The board has retained consultants to evaluate whether these understandings would increase the cost of intertie construction by decreasing bid competition. Before going ahead on the Copper Valley intertie the board will consider a number of options. We want to know that the intertie will be built in a quality manner at the lowest cost and with the highest long-term benefit to you. We also want to try and minimize environmental impacts and be satisfied that the financial assumptions are realistic. If you have comments or questions for your board regarding these projects, please feel free to share them with us. Annual meeting notes Chugach's 1996 annual meeting will be held at the Egan Civic and Convention Center on Thursday, April 25. Three directors will be elected at the meeting. Chugach members who wish to be considered by the Nominating Committee for a director's seat must submit a resume by the close of business on Thursday, Feb. 1. The deadline to submit proposed changes to the bylaws is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7. For more information, call 762-4736. Board report, continued from page 4 ¢ Approved activating the southern intertie bank account. ¢ Approved the 1996 business plan. * Approved the intertie contracting alternatives cost review. * Approved writing off $174,781.39 in uncollectible electric accounts for the six-month period ending Oct. 31, 1995. By comparison, Chugach wrote off $317,476.55 for the six-month period ending April 30, 1995. Even though the uncollectibles are "written off" in accounting terms, Chugach continues to aggressively pursue repayment of the debts. ¢ Approved writing off $13,452.57 in uncollectible miscellaneous electric accounts for the six-month period ending Oct. 31, 1995. By comparison, Chugach wrote off $2,493.80 for the six-month period ending April 30, 1995. Once again, Chugach also pursues repayment of these debts even after they've been written off. * Approved capital credit payments totaling $14,395.51 to 31 estates, bringing the 1995 estate payments total to $120,834.85. * Approved directors' expenses This report summarizes the major actions at Chugach board meetings. The board normally meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month (call 762-4708 for the schedule). Meetings are held in the board room on the second floor of the headquarters building at 5601 Minnesota Drive. A time is set aside in each board meeting for public comments. Once approved, board minutes are available to the public. Board OKs operating and capital budgets At its Dec. 6 meeting, the board approved a 1996 operating budget which projects $132.2 million in operating revenues, $1 million in non- operating revenues, $127.2 million in expenses and $6 million in margins. (See story,-page 1.) Chugach sold 184.9 million kilowatt- hours of electric service in October, about 8.4 million kwh more than projected by the budget. Wholesale power {242562} sales accounted for 77.1 million kwh, retail sales for 81.2 million kwh and economy energy sales for 26.6 million kwh. Year-to-date sales stood at 1.8 billion kwh, about 53.3 million kwh more than projected by the budget. Chugach finished October with operating revenues of $10.4 million, about $196,000 less than anticipated by the budget. Year-to-date operating revenues stood at $106.4 million, about $210,000 less than projected by the budget. October expenses were $9.8 million, about $399,000 less than projected by the budget. Year-to-date expenses stood at $99.9 million, about $2.9 million less than projected by the budget. At the end of October, Chugach's equity-to-total-capitalization ratio stood at 24.74 percent. By comparison, Chugach's year-to- date October 1994 power sales totaled 1.7 billion kwh, while operating revenues were $106.2 million and expenses were $93.3 million. Chugach's equity-to-total-capitalization ratio at the end of October 1994 stood at 24.07 percent. In other action at the December meetings, the board: * Authorized the general manager to negotiate a one-year extension to the generation and transmission TIER agreement with Chugach's wholesale customers — provided that during this period there would be no challenge by the wholesale customers to interest during construction or other revenue requirement issues. TIER (times- interest-earned ratio) is the method used to earn margins based on equity. The original agreement signed in December 1990 also established a 10- year capital credit rotation cycle with Chugach's wholesale customers. * Authorized the general manager to execute a $1,878,000 contract with How to reach us SMIT for a 300-megavolt-amperes, 138/230-kilovolt spare transformer. * Rescinded Board Resolution 88-03-02 which stipulated that only firms with agreements with IBEW Local 1547 be permitted to bid on electrical construction work. * Approved absences from two board meetings in January for Director Ed Granger. * Appointed Harold Braspenninckx, Mary Dee Fox, Sara Pete and Jerry Tanner to the 1996 Nominating Committee. * Approved the use of organization logos and abbreviations on candidate material included in the Chugach voter information mailout. see Board report, page 3 Residential Service Costs Customer charge $6.25/month 7.727¢ 0.807¢ O.0322¢ 8.5662¢ Energy charge Fuel adjustment Regulatory cost charge Total per kwh Our service center at 5601 Minnesota Drive is open from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday-Friday. Switchboard hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Frequently called numbers Malin mumbo? ss:.-cscreotrsre math 563-7494 ss (800) 478-7494 Customer service ............ . . 563-7366 Customer service fax......... . . -762-4678 Grmcitrecaty sere) ote ie oie oie ar . . 563-5060 Power theft hotline .......... . --762-4731 Danger tree hotline 56055636605 se osceasi 762-7227 Payment options You may pay your bill by mail, in-person at our service center or by using our curbside drop box. You may be able to pay by phone if your bank or credit union offers this service. Current payments may also be made at any Anchorage branch of the First National Bank of Anchorage. To report a power outage Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ... 563-7366 LORE MORES re rote £1055 012 fo. Wis 516) StF fo) oF 1 563-7494 Outside Anchorage ...............4 (800) 478-7494 The Chugach Outlet A Publication of Chugach Electric Association, Inc. 5601 Minnesota Drive P.O. Box 196300, Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6300 Chugach Electric Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit member- owned electric cooperative and Alaska’s largest electricity supplier. Chugach’s mission is to meet the energy needs of members and customers by providing competitively-priced, reliable, safe energy and services today and into the future through prudent and responsible planning, maintenance and management of the assets of the cooperative. Ray Kreig, President Kathleen Weeks, Vice President Patricia Jasper, Secretary. Mary Minder, Treasurer. Martin Bushue, Director Ed Granger, Director .. Pat Kennedy, Director. Gene Bjornstad, General Manager Turnagain -Midtown Jewel Lake Sand Lake -Northwood -Oceanview -Satellite Park Printed in Alaska with vegetable inks on recycled paper (100% recycled, 20% post-consumer waste). ve INSIDE PAGE 2 Benchmarking $50 winner PAGE 3 New phone system Intertie construction costs PAGE 4 Board report News notes eHere are some key dates leading to the annual meeting: Feb. 15- Nominating Committee posts list of recommended candidates Feb. 23- Petition candidate deadline March 12- Record date for the election March 26- Election mailing deadline April 22- Last pickup of mail ballots at noon April 25- Annual meeting at Egan Center els your meter accessible? Access helps us perform fast and accurate reads, and may save precious time in the event of an emergency. Please avoid blocking access or covering the meter. The route selection process is underway for a new transmission line to link Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. If you have questions or comments about this southern intertie, call Project Manager Dora Gropp at 762-4626. *Spot your member number in the Outlet and win $50. Each month three member numbers are inserted into the Outlet text inside brackets like this {}. Starting this month the first two letters of the member's last name have been added following the member number. Find your member number (which is also printed on your | bill), call our service center at 563-7366 and claim your prize. You may claim for either the current Outlet or the preceding month’s issue. THE GHUGAGH UU fo. Beluga No.3 overhaul A Chugach maintenance technician inspects newly-coated stator vanes on Beluga Unit No. 3. The 65-megawatt, natural gas-fired turbine-generator is undergoing a major overhaul One of Chugach's generation projects is the major overhaul of Unit No. 3 at the Beluga Power Plant. The $3 million project began in November and is scheduled to be completed in February. Chugach maintenance’ crews disassembled the turbine, compressor and generator, and removed the rotqr for cleaning, inspection and repair. During a major overhaul, crews carefully inspect each component for wear, hot gas erosion, corrosion and any other damage that can be caused by high temperature, air flow, vibration and high speeds (3,600 rpm) at which the unit operates. Unit No. 3 had 147,123 fired hours of operation when it was taken out of service for the overhaul. Its last major overhaul was in September 1988. As part of the project, Chugach had special high tech coatings applied on many of the components. For the first time, the compressor section received coatings on the stator and rotor blades to provide galvanic corrosion protection The finish is similar to a nonstick Teflon™ that improves the efficiency of the compressor. The surface also stays cleaner because dirt does not adhere to its slick coating, which improves the generating efficiency of the machine. Other high tech coatings were applied to the turbine (hot gas path) section. These coatings withstand temperatures of more than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, {227827 NI} and provide protection for the base material, which will extend the life of these components. Along with these component repairs and coatings, the unit went through optical alignment to correct any sag or misalignment that may have occurred during operation since the original installation of the unit. Chugach designed a system that will allow the compressor blades to be washed with a cleaning compound while the unit is on-line. This washing keeps the compressor cleaner during operation, improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. Chugach designed, also had see Overhaul, page 2 Chugach focuses on four areas to improve efficiency and service In the October issue of the Outlet, we told you about Chugach's participation in a national "benchmarking" study. As you may recall, Chugach is a cooperative which has generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. In this first "benchmarking" project, we decided to look at our distribution activities and associated costs for 1994. Chugach joined the study with 23 of the fastest-growing and largest distribution cooperatives in the U.S. Most of these utilities are located in the southeastern U.S., with a couple in Minnesota and New Hampshire. The activities that were benchmarked included line design and planning, overhead and underground line construction, overhead and underground service installation, maintenance and trouble calls. The preliminary results of the study revealed some significant differences between Chugach and the averages of the other cooperatives. We found that the percentage of money spent on maintenance in 1994 was much higher than the average that the other cooperatives spent, but maintenance cost on a per-customer basis was about half the average of the others, or about $160 versus $330. On the other hand, our capital costs are indicative of a slow- growth cooperative. The other co-ops, being fast-growing, spend more percentage-wise than we do for construction. In 1994, Chugach spent about $1,000 per equivalent line mile to maintain the distribution lines, compared to the average of about $200. Maintenance is more expensive in urban settings, like our service area, due to underground lines Overhead lines and poles, on the other hand, deteriorate more slowly than those in warmer climates. A major contributing factor is our labor wage rates and procedures used to do maintenance. We intend to investigate the methods and procedures the best performers use and, where possible, implement them at Chugach. Some of the _ specific characteristics which best performers exhibit include a partnership with their work force in jointly seeking ways to reduce expenses, formation of optimal crew/equipment/vehicle complements, use of innovative cable installation methods and finally, establishing productivity measurements and labor standards for maintenance. The best performing distribution cooperatives use innovation in two broad areas, technology and labor. Some of the themes incluce mobile data terminals in trouble trucks, automated design standards and estimating systems, smaller multiskilled crews, partnership with union leadership and crews, and competitive bidding practices. A common thread running through all the best performer characteristics is a willingness to formulate and implement new ways of doing business. The cooperatives in the Lower 48, or “Outside,” are facing increasing competitive forces As a result they have had to look over their operations and find ways to serve their customers in a way that maintains higher reliability while containing or reducing the price of electricity. Here at Chugach we will be striving to do the same. Bre MN. Wee We have a winner! Victoria Bundy was the first Chugach member to win $50 in a program to reward {393 GI} Outlet readers. General Manager Gene Bjornstad presented her check in January. Bundy found her member number in the December issue of the Outlet. She has been a Chugach member since 1988. The board authorized the cash incentive program last year to reward Outlet readers. Each month three member numbers are inserted into the newsletter text. Members who find their number can call Chugach's service center at 563-7366 to claim their prize. The prize may be claimed for either the current month's Outlet or the preceding month's issue. The first numbers were » inserted into the August newsletter text. Chugach employees and directors are not eligible to win. Overhaul, continued from page 1 manufactured, and installed a new exhaust diffuser for Unit No. 3, which is expected to reduce maintenance expense. Additionally, Chugach saved approximately $50,000 by purchasing the diffuser from an alternate supplier. Chugach saved an estimated $450,000 by purchasing a turbine component from a Houston utility. used Chugach plans to complete the major overhaul of Unit No. 3 by the end of February. The major overhaul of Unit No. 7, one of Chugach's two largest generating units, is scheduled to start in July 1996 procedures have already begun for this Planning and repair next major overhaul, again using high tech coatings to protect the turbine and compressor, which should increase the efficiency of the unit during operation. New phone system a helpful connection Chugach has it§_own mev-vetsion of "call and response." Customers can now do business with Chugach 24-hours a day by a touch-tone phone and an interactive voice response (IVR) unit. The IVR enables a caller to receive information on their account by responding to recorded messages which prompt the caller to key in numbers on the phone. The system is fast and convenient, and can save a caller time when waiting to speak with a representative Chugach customers can get the current balance on their account, the date and amount of the last payment received by Chugach, and business hours and location information. The IVR is available on all of Chugach's main telephone numbers, including the customer service and credit lines. Customers can also.use the phone system to access current information on outages, meeting schedules, construction projects, new member information, directions, and energy audits. If you call after business hours, you can leave a detailed voice mail message and a Chugach representative will return your call on the next business day. For account information, the IVR prompts the caller to enter either their account number or the telephone number of the service location. As a security measure, the system then prompts the caller to enter the last four digits of the appropriate social security number for the account being accessed. If the information entered by the caller matches the account record, the IVR gives the caller the requested information. During business hours a caller can still opt to speak with a customer service or credit representative. The "appropriate" social security number is the number for the member of record for the account. Many times couples actually have a_ single membership in only one person's name. In that case, the appropriate social security number would be the number for the individual listed as the member. Married couples, with joint memberships and both social security numbers on file, should call Chugach customer service during business hours to check which number will access their account. Non- natural members, like corporations, cannot access account information with this system. If you want to access your account information by using your service location phone number instead of your account number, we need to ensure it matches our records. You can call Chugach customer service at 563-7366 to update your social security and phone numbers, or note them on the portion of your bill you return with your payment Board viewpoint Mt NA eta els Intertie contracting alternatives could save millions In my comments last month I mentioned that the board had retained consultants to evaluate whether the understandings Chugach and other utilities signed with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union would affect the cost of intertie construction. Their findings? Full, open and competitive bidding, which would allow other unions and open shop contractors to work on the projects, could cut the cost of intertie construction by millions of dollars. The study estimated that it would cost $50.5 million to ‘build the Northern Intertie between Healy and Fairbanks if it were bid out under the National Electrical Contractors Association — IBEW. Union agreement (that governs over $10 million of Chugach's annual capital construction program). The study evaluated concessions already granted by the IBEW for this intertie at $2.8 million and it identified $6.7 million in additional savings that would be possible under full and open contracting. Under that scenario the Northern Intertie could be constructed for $41 million, 19 percent less than under the standard NECA-IBEW agreement. Similar savings could be made on the proposed Southern Intertie between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, and on the proposed Copper Valley Intertie between Sutton and Glennallen. Beyond the concessions already made by the IBEW, the consultants identified additional savings of over $16.8 million if all three interties are built under open bidding. The $25,000 study was performed by Herbert R. Northrup and Armand J. Thieblot. Northrup is Professor Emeritus of The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; Thieblot is former Associate Professor of Management at the University of Maryland. Both are noted for their expertise in labor and manpower policy, labor economics, and labor relations. The study only included savings from readily quantified differences in labor costs such as wages, fringe benefits, special payment requirements, crew makeups, etc. Not included were additional savings that could result from other factors such as increased competition, differences. in equipment costs, supervision, insurance and bonding, as well as other items. It is unclear what impact the study will have on the contracting process, which is overseen by a group of all seven railbelt utilities, not just Chugach alone. Your board has taken the lead in exploring cost reduction alternatives because, as the railbelt's largest utility, Chugach has the largest share of intertie costs. In a related matter, the board intends to place a bylaw change for your consideration on the spring Chugach election ballot. If passed, it would require that Chugach use full, open and competitive bidding in future construction. This report summarizes the major actions at Chugach board meetings. The board normally meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month (call 762-4708 for the Meetings are held in the board room on the second floor of the headquarters building at 5601 Minnesota Drive. A time schedule). is set aside in each board meeting for public comments. Once approved, board minutes are available to the public. Board sets March 12 as record date The board set March 12 as the record date for the 1996 election. The records in effect by the close of business on this date determine who gets to vote in the election and who will be issued a voting card for any floor voting which may be done at the annual meeting. Non-natural signature cards must be returned by this date to be effective for the 1996 election. The board also authorized the general manager to pursue a power sales agreement with Golden Valley Electric Association in Fairbanks. The agreement would {103552 GI} allow Chugach to expand the amount of non- firm energy sales to GVEA. Chugach annually sells millions of dollars worth of power to GVEA over the Anchorage to Fairbanks intertie. Margins from the sales help hold down bills for other Chugach customers, while bills in the Interior are lower than they otherwise would be because Chugach power is generally cheaper than that which GVEA could provide with its own generation resources. Chugach sold 185.5 million kilowatt- hours of electric service in November, about 6.5 million kwh more than projected by the budget. Wholesale power sales accounted for 83.2 million kwh, retail sales for 91.7 million kwh and economy energy sales for 10.6 million kwh. Year-to-date sales stood at 1.9 billion kwh, about 59.8 million kwh more than projected by the budget. Chugach finished November with operating revenues of $11.1 million, about $219,000 less than anticipated by the budget. Year-to-date operating revenues stood at $117.5 million, about $429,000 less than projected by the budget. November expenses were $10.2 million, about $416,000 less than projected by the budget. Year-to-date expenses stood at $110.1 million, about $3.3 million less than projected by the budget. At the end of November, Chugach's equity-to-total-capitalization ratio stood at 24.50 percent. By comparison, Chugach's year-to- date. November 1994 power sales totaled 1.9 billion kwh, while operating revenues were $118.0 million and expenses were $103.7 million. Chugach's equity-to-total-capitalization ratio at the end of November 1994 stood at 23.78 percent. In other action at the January meeting, the board: *Appointed DeeJay Johannessen and Kathleen Young to the 1996 Election Committee. *Approved capital credit payments totaling $8,782.07 to eight estates. * Approved directors’ expenses. Residential Service Costs Customer charge $6.25/month 7.727¢ 0.807¢ 0.0322¢ 8.5662¢ Energy charge Fuel adjustment Regulatory cost charge Total per kwh How to reach us Our service center at 5601 Minnesota Drive is open from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., Monday-Friday. Switchboard hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Frequently called numbers Maim'number, 72:1, 5)..cfi-% ci Saat ics 6 ss 563-7494 Toll free .°....... - + - (800) 478-7494 Customer) service 2-2 ieee cre ios ace ce 563-7366 Customer service fax . - -762-4678 Gredith ter erie ecb cient seen 563-5060 Power theft hotline. <i.22. 2536-3 see 762-4731 Danger tree hotline ................... 762-7227 Payment options You may pay your bill by mail, in-person at our service center or by using our curbside drop box. You may be able to pay by phone if your bank or credit union offers this service. Current payments may also | be made at any Anchorage branch of the First National Bank of Anchorage. To report a power outage Monday - Friday, 8a.m.-5p.m. ......... 568-7366 After hours 563-7494 Outside Anchorage .. . . - (800) 478-7494 Printed in Alaska with vegetable inks on recycled paper (100% recycled, 20% post-consumer waste) The Chugach Outlet A Publication of Chugach Electric Association, Inc. 5601 Minnesota Drive PO. Box 196300, Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6300 Chugach Electric Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit member- owned electric cooperative and Alaska’s largest electricity supplier. Chugach’s mission is to meet the energy needs of members and customers by providing competitively-priced, reliable, safe energy and services today and into the future through prudent and responsible planning, maintenance and management of the assets of the cooperative. Ray Kreig, President Kathleen Weeks, Vice President Patricia Jasper, Secretary. Mary Minder, Treasurer... Martin Bushue, Director . Ed Granger, Director Pat Kennedy, Director.. Gene Bjornstad, General ..Turnagain -Midtown Jewel Lake ..Sand Lake -Northwood -Oceanview INSIDE PAGE 2 Annual mtg. countdown Energy edition update MAC survey update Board viewpoint PAGE 4 Board report News notes Chugach plans to replace existing underground electric cable this summer in two subdivision areas. In early March, Chugach held public informational meetings for residents of Century Village and Heather Meadows subdivision areas. If you missed the meeting for your neighborhood or have questions about the replacements, call 762-4735 for the Century Village project, and 762-4738 for the Heather Meadows project. elt's budget billing time. Enroll in Chugach's budget billing program and make equal monthly payments. You can sign up in April to start payments in May. Residential and small general service commercial customers are eligible for budget billing. Look for your brochure with this month's bill. For more information, call 563-7366. *Questions or comments about the southern intertie? Chugach is managing the route studies selection process for the Intertie Participants Group on a new see News Notes, page 2 THE GHUGAGH UU TT Foz. New line extension changes will help customers New line extension practices will cut the costs of line extensions for new construction, like this new home currently being built in Strawberry Meadows Subdivision New practices will cut the cost of line extensions for consumers in 1996. Chugach submitted a series of proposed changes to the Alaska Public Utilities Commission in November that would improve procedures for line extensions. The changes were approved by the APUC in January. They resulted from a series of focus group meetings conducted last year, and will significantly change Chugach's line extension practices in several ways. A line extension involves the design and construction of a power line to provide electric service to a home, business or development. After focus group meetings with developers, electricians, consultants, contractors and homebuilders, Chugach analyzed its practices, charges, credits and application forms for line extensions. Based upon the _ new e tariff, homeowners and developers investing in new residential and commercial projects will benefit. Some of the changes include: *An increase in the amount credited to the customer for a line extension. Under the new tariff, Chugach will contribute $3,100 for a primary line extension. In 1995 Chugach contributed a flat $1,400 to residential primary line extension costs. *A simplified formula for refunding line extension costs with additional service connections. Chugach will credit the original applicant for each subsequent connection, up to the amount the first applicant originally paid. Chugach has also extended the see Extension, page 2 One of the benefits of being a member of a cooperative, is the opportunity to vote in annual elections. Election results will be announced at Chugach's annual meeting, which will be held Thursday evening, April 25 at the Egan Civic & Convention Center. Members can register at 6 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7 p.m. Several key dates lead up to the annual meeting. March 12 is the record date for this election. The records in effect by the close of business on this date determine who gets to vote in the election, and who will be issued a voting card for any floor voting, which may be done at the annual meeting. Non- natural member signature cards must be returned by 6 p.m. on March 12 to be effective for the 1996 election. Annual meeting countdown March 26 is the deadline for Chugach to send election packets, which will include materials to allow members to vote by mail. By noon, April 22, Chugach's election contractor will make the final pick up of mail ballots from the post office. Mail ballots received after this time will not be counted. Remember, only members of record can vote. A household may receive electric service based upon a single membership in one person's name, or a joint membership for a husband and wife. However, husbands or wives cannot sign a ballot envelope, or register at the annual meeting for a spouse who has a single membership. You can verify your membership status by calling Member Services 563-7366. To find out who is authorized to sign for a non-natural member, call 762- 4375. The April issue of the Outlet will be our annual election issue. I hope you will plan to attend the annual meeting next month. And, if you can't make the meeting, I urge you to vote by mail. On April 25 members are invited to attend the Chugach annual meeting. In-person voting is allowed for members who have not already cast a ballot. Election results will be announced before the end of the meeting. I hope to see you there. Sra MN. (qo | The fourth edition of Chugach's updated guide to energy efficiency is You {1140 Ka} can pick up a free copy of the booklet now available entitled "Sometimes the house that | | costs more, costs less," at the Home | | Show at the Sullivan Arena, March 22, Extension, continued from page 1 period from 3 years to 5 years for refunding the line extension costs to the original applicant. *A streamlined process for smaller line extension projects. Chugach will use an annual unit price task order contract for smaller line extension projects. With this method, applicants will receive a fixed cost estimate for the line extension, which will better help them to assess the feasibility of their project and arrange financing. In addition Chugach expects to decrease the amount of time spent processing separate bid packages for each project. *No separate charge for the first 165 feet of Corflo installation. Chugach will no longer charge for placing late fall and winter residential underground installations above the ground in a protective conduit until they can be buried the following year. If you, or someone you know, is planning to build a home or development this year, call Chugach's Line Extension Coordinator at 762- 4631 to discuss the plans. | 23, and 24, or call 762-4529, and we'll | mail you a copy News Notes, cont. from page 1 transmission line linking Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. Call Project Manager Dora Gropp at 762-4626. Find your member number in the Outlet and win $50. Each month Chugach inserts three member numbers in the Outlet text inside brackets like this {}. And, we've even given you a clue by adding the first two letters of the member's last name following the member number. Find your member number on your bill and look for a match in the Outlet. When you find a winning match, call our service center at 563- 7366 and claim your prize. You may claim for either the current Outlet or the preceding month's issue. MAC survey update You may have wondered about the survey question included with your January bill. Here's some background, and an update on the results, In 1995 the board asked Chugach's Member Advisory Council to review the organization's current contribution policy which states that Chugach will not make donations of cash, materials, equipment or employee time. That policy has been in effect since 1990 and the MAC wondered if it was still appropriate. In particular, the council wondered if there would be support for a voluntary program which allowed customers to round up their bill payments and earmark the excess to be used to support a limited community program. Because {217167 Sa} the board had recently discussed the merits of funding a small scholarship program, the advisory council decided to test support for using a round up program to fund such an effort. The MAC received permission from the board to include a survey question with the January bills. The question read, "Would you be in favor of a voluntary program - rounding your bill to the next dollar - to implement a scholarship program for children of Chugach Electric members?" Members were asked to check either a yes or no block. By mid-February approximately 5,000 forms had been returned. The return has provided some good insight. According to the MAC, to date approximately two-thirds of those responding have voted "no." Some members chose to also write comments on their survey forms. It was apparent some members misunderstood the survey. Some perceived the survey as a binding vote, and others apparently did not realize the suggested program would be voluntary. To some members it was unclear that what was proposed was a scholarship program for children of Chugach members and not Chugach employees. The Member Advisory Council plans to report the results of the survey to the board, which will have the final determination on whether or not to make any changes to the contribution policy. Board viewpoint CNA eee ees cli How to shop for lower cost electric service This month I want to discuss how you can shop for lower cost power when there is only one power supplier, Chugach. For any other purchases your family makes, there are a number of different stores to choose from. You don’t have that choice with electricity because presently power companies are granted service monopolies. If you live in the Chugach service area, you must buy from Chugach. However, since you elect the Chugach board of directors, you have the power to directly affect how your co-op is run. This past year your board has taken a new approach and invested in a number of efforts aimed at improving the efficiency of Chugach operations. {223897 Ha} First, the detailed benchmarking study by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) discussed in last month’s Outlet has cost $22,897 to date in consulting fees and it identified over $4.3 million in potential savings, every year, if we can achieve best practices of the nation’s most efficient utilities in the areas of warehousing and line maintenance. The board has already authorized a continuation of this detailed benchmarking for other areas of our distribution activities. Second, NRECA has_ been commissioned to do an overall benchmarking study that compares all Chugach operations (generation, transmission, and distribution) to the nation’s best co-op, municipal, and investor-owned utilities. We expect this $50,000 investment to identify additional millions in yearly savings. a a] Third, the Intertie Contracting Alternatives review discussed last month identified over $16.8 million dollars in potential savings to railbelt ratepayers if all aspects of full, open and competitive bidding could be used. | As a result, we are already / implementing the points made by advertising to increase interest from qualified bidders who can compete | for Chugach construction and maintenance work. Fourth, this year the board gave the Bylaws Committee the full technical support it needed to bring three reform bylaw changes before you on this month's election ballot. We retained special legal counsel at a cost of $25,000 to help perfect the Full, Open and Competitive Bidding, Member Information, and Reducing Director Conflict of Interest bylaws that will appear on the ballot in late March. If these bylaw changes are passed, I am confident that the membership will save millions in avoided future rate increases. The board of director elections are the only way you can influence how efficiently and businesslike Chugach is operated. Study the candidate statements carefully. Study the voting record of those running for re-election. This record will be printed in your | voter pamphlet. BE SURE TO VOTE. | This is only way you have to be sure | you are getting the best deal and | service out of your co-op. It is the only way you can “shop” for the best deal in | electricity for your home. | Pa he | This report summarizes the major actions at Chugach board meetings. The board normally meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month (call 762-4708 for the schedule). Meetings are held in the board room on the second floor of the headquarters building at 5601 Minnesota Drive. A time is set aside in each board meeting for public comments. Once approved, board minutes are available to the public. Rate stabilization fund will help hold rising fuel costs The board approved using the rate stabilization fund to help mitigate increasing fuel costs to Chugach customers this year. The fund was originally set up in 1988 when Chugach was making economy energy sales using the old low-cost Beluga gas. At that time, the decision was made to place 80 percent of the margins earned from those sales to Golden Valley Electric Association in a fund to offset costs for future ratepayers. The fund was credited with margins for the entire years of 1988 and 1989, and the first quarters of 1990 and 1991. The funding stopped once Chugach began using natural gas from Marathon Oil to make economy energy sales. Chugach anticipates that by June of this year the new, higher cost gas contracts will be fully in effect. With those increases in mind, Chugach expects to use the $3 million fund to begin offsetting costs to consumers. The return of these margins is expected to happen over a 12-month period. The rate stabilization fund will flow back to current customers through the fuel adjustment factor. In other action at the Feb. 20 meeting, the board: *Approved the 1996 election procedures, as amended. *Appointed John Repasky as the Master Election Judge for the 1996 election. *Approved a resolution to open a new bank account for the southern intertie grant funds in order to earn a higher interest rate. *Approved advertising for a financial advisor to the board. *Approved capital credit payments totaling $18,746.28 to 33 estates, bringing the 1996 estate payments total to $27,528.35. * Approved directors’ expenses. Customer charge $6.25/month 7.727¢ 0.807¢ 0.0322¢ 8.5662¢ Energy charge Fuel adjustment Regulatory cost charge Total per kwh How to reach us Our service center at 5601 Minnesota Drive is open from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday-Friday. Switchboard hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Frequently called numbers Main number .... Toll free lateral Customer service ...- 563-7494 (800) 478-7494 . - 563-7366 Customer service fax ....... -762-4678 Credit 563-5060 Power theft hotline . -762-4731 TST LE 762-7227 Payment options You may pay your bill by mail, in-person at our service center or by using our curbside drop box. You may be able to pay by phone if your bank or credit union offers this service. Current payments may also be made at any Anchorage branch of the First National Bank of Anchorage. To report a power outage Monday - Friday, 8a.m.-5 p.m. ......... 563-7366 After hours . . 563-7494 Outside Anchorage (800) 478-7494 Danger tree hotline The Chugach Outlet A Publication of Chugach Electric Association, Inc. 5601 Minnesota Drive P.O. Box 196300, Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6300 Chugach Electric Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit member- owned electric cooperative and Alaska’s largest electricity supplier. Chugach’s mission is to meet the energy needs of members and customers by providing competitively-priced, reliable, safe energy and services today and into the future through prudent and responsible planning, maintenance and management of the assets of the cooperative. Ray Kreig, President Kathleen Weeks, Vice President Patricia Jasper, Secretary. Mary Minder, Treasurer Martin Bushue, Director Ed Granger, Director .... Pat Kennedy, Director... Gene Bjornstad, General ..-Turnagain .-Midtown iewel Lake Sand Lake jorthwood ..Oceanview -Satellite Park Printed in Alaska with vegetable inks on recycled paper (100% recycled, 20% post-consumer waste). | 4. 09/15/80 14:90 FAA = eve Date: - / { ass +, 1/996 Anchorage Daily News Page: 7*- Sites sought for Peninsula intertie The Associated Press KENAI — A new electric line between Anchorage and Kenai eos will boost. cap: pace ae 70. per- cent and coul luce pow- er outages in the ‘Arlipor- age area. But construction on the line won't start un- til at least 1999. The intertie would up- = the electrical connec- on between the Homer Electric Association system and other Railbelt electric utilities. baad legislate a rave m fton do aie project, but planners say they aren't sure how much the project will cost, exactly how much it will raise rates or e «* where the line will be L . The current line was con- structed in areas prone to avalanches and sometimes goes down in the winter. The new intertie would take advantage of an abundance of power on the Kenai Peninsula. The new intertie would take advantage of an abun- dance of power on the Ke mai Peninsula. The penin- sula is home to four power plants that together can produce 247 megawatts of electricity. Peak demand ou the Kenai Peninsula sel- dom reaches beyond about 60 megawatts. Some site ideas for the Peninsula intertie should be et by the end of June. An intertie project committee made up of rep- resentatives from seven utilities is taking public comment before it irows up possible routes. Tim Tetherow, project Manager with Dames & Moore, the intertie’s engi- neering firm, says he is looking for ideas on where the line should be built and what obstacles the in- tertie should avoid. The intertie itself won't have fos 5 lattice tower struct Tetherow said. Tustead, it will have either 80-by-60-foot steel towers, which look like an ‘'X,"" or 20-by-50-foot wooden frames in the shape of an wey Tetherow said the cox.- mittee is trying to consider the recreati and visus! impacts of the intertie. _ A .similar _ project con- necting Heal banks is fi Its budget is set at $70 million, including a $43.2 million ‘grant from the state. Construction wil) — next fall at the earli- An intertie to Sa the Ratna the Copper V; ty Elestric Association has Sessi mired in controversy and still awaits a state ruling on its —— Currently there no connection, and a Propoted yne along the tome Sut- = to Gl has met ree Roce the from resi- dents the route. It would he built with a $35 million interest-free state loan if the administration approves the deal. 03/18/96 14:05 FAA : Laugacn riectric Association ane Date: ae EG) L946 Anchorage Daily News Page: 6-3 Chugach seeks public view on Intertie Anchorage open house is set for 5:30 to 9 p.m. Jan. 31 Chugach Electric Association and Dames & Moore in the Assembly Chambers at the Z.J. Loussac engineering firm want input from the public, _ Lib . An open house pn te Renee Seeisaale will | special-interast groups and public agencies about a he conducted-from 5:30 to-9:30 pan. Feb. din the roposed electrical intertie between Anchorage and Assembly Chambers of the Kenai Peninsula Borough oat Peninsula. According toa Dames & Moore Building, 144.N. Binkley Road. newsletter, the intertie would provide a more efficient | distribution of electricity between the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project on the Kenai Peninsula and the rest of the Alaska Railbelt. In addition to Chugach customers, members of six other electric utilities would benefit: Homer Electric Association, Munleipality af Anchorage. Seward Electric System, Matanuska Association, Golden Valley Electric Association and Fairbanks Municipal Utilities. Two open houses are scheduled to explain the project. The public will have an rtunity at that time to comment on route alternatives. The 2. Do you want co remain on the project mailing lise? —— Yes x No 3. Ifyou know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want . information regarding chis project, please list their currence mailing address. Name: ALASKAN AVIATION SAFETY FOUNDATION Telephone number (optional): Address: 4550 Alrcralt Drive, #1A City, stace: Anchorage, Alaska 89502 Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form: by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ruata Dames & Moore 5600 B Strece Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Than Tad LO Meetings O Notes LO Drafts L] Reports/Deliverables L] Analysis/Calculations LO Drawings CX Photos LC) Reference Material LJ Qavac Checktist LJ Other ——— Information Action Comments: Commok Lorin — 2222 Cpe 2B6 : k you for yout Comments. “ON 3NOHd dSbu : WOus ail Comment Form COpy, @ SOUTHERN |INTERTIE |PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like co hear your views on che Souchern [ntertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minuces co fill out this form and mail or fax ir to the address listed below. Name/Organization: Representative Nortan Rokeberg -. Address:State- Capitol _Rm.110 City, state: Juneau, AK 99801 Zip code: Telephone number (optional): 465-4968 Dare: 1-26-96 He is at this address from Jan.~May see bottom for other address 1. Please lise any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues ycu feel should be addressed. Can the existing right of way be used? x 2. Do you wane to remain on the project mailing lise? Yes —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interesced in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address Name: Representative Norman Rokeberg Telephone number (optional): 258-8191 Address:716 West 4th Ave. Ste 640 City, state: Anchorage, AK Zip code: 99501 Organization they represent (if applicable); He is at this address from May 15-Jan.1st Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 ro: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 £ If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to he removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. g ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE House of Representatives send 1G WEST ATH AVENUE. SuTE ANCHORAGE. AK sasct ce PHONE: (907) 256-8181 FAX GOT) 256-2016 SESSION STATE CAPTION. JUNEAU, AK 95401-1142 PHONE (607) <ets066 FAK (O07) 468-2040 Ee consaTTEE ASSIOMMENTS 8 & GAS. CHAIRMAN LABOR 4 COMMERCE, VICE CHAIRMAN ADMIESTIUTIVE REGULATION REVIEW. VICE CHARMAN HEALTH EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES, MEMBER ECONCaEC DEVELOPMENT, MEMBER Representative Norman Rokeberg JUST THE FAX Date: JAN26 9% TO: ee ee FAX: Dead> Le / Telephone FROM: _ Representative Norman Rokeberg FAX: _ (907) 465-2040 Telephone:_(907) 465-4968 Number of Pages: ral (including this page) Comments: Have A Nice Day / Comment Form COpy, SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intercie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: Kew Avee | Chagaect WV e7701 20 Hores7- Address: 73 / COT Sarre FSO City, state:-Anckhona ge, Wr reread Zip code: FPF OB Telephone number (optional): 29, 25 Dae: Heer re 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. a Yes —— No 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? 3. Ifyou know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization chey represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST Fax Cover SHEET TO: wWules £eera Fax No.: _ ¢ge-747e DEPT.: Qames » Seerc PHONE No.: FROM: _ Len free Fax No.: __ 277 722 DEPT.: __2/auntia PHONE No.: _ 22772257 REMARKS: TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES (EXCLUDING COVER): / DATE SENT: TIME: 29 '96 @9:46PM D L OSBORNE Bi Comment Form CO \ SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like co hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill our this form and mail or fax it co the address listed below, Name/Organization: = Den Osborne Address: 7? OR Goecdt City, state: College Ak Zip code: 1940 & Telephone number (optional): Date: 27a 96 *\ 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerniag che proposed projecc. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. Nure at pa. Th ss 3. Ifyou know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Wy, 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? Yes No Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore $600 B Strect Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want co be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments, Comment Form cor SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: ena Peninsula Builders Asseaaticn Address: £0. Rex 1753 City, state: Kenai, Alaska Zip code: F401! Telephone number (optional): Date: 1/29/46 Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. We would like to continue to receive informatan about this propesed Project, specifically if ; the — local home building ima stry would be impacted 1 in ae en There weuld also be environmental concerns — ve Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? Yes —— No If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for yor-r conuments. coos CAR ENE A ACAD ODODCORRARARDE LE NEEL EE Da BORON Reo 2 a0, gee errno s 7 PS al S of Comment Form cor : 7 SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: ee -Tobish [Manic i lity of Ancheage] oo a, Address: * - ; = mh City, es: Zi g Lag Fd t AK Zip code: 7S 19 66S o Bucky Telephone number (optional): - Date: |-30-96 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. x loshin. ould Cal uf flo baicpr/ Ufthty Gor tor Poo ie pesbbralgiauts- Const] if MF Cornibes a kK Uh. shoud And - fegrvafom (4") Wttlonk 2: oelioeted ij fie (UWe~ Min f Mitend Way 7 Fn 0° [he (99570 fear lise | re ny ferro! Meni pelt’ whi Sharld Vitlale— Cn lait Mythitber to le 0 OO augue) oppo fay ale OVI wr] Leday ligne erdted Cita bi ae Dt rity sikee, Mog t Mg sane a Lk (pout + Keyvteo); LL: 14 [BOM OD OR 7 Aa oy hs ton Nn oh OY OE) pple I 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? x Yes —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank wan for vaur comments. SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: Nevwy Pease Address: 13301 Rid gewert Circle City, state: Arrchenge AK Zip code: 2775/6 Telephone number (optional): Date: /-31-76 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. : . wildlife Tucaag aia arm Shereline, # \actudsag the Po tres Sate ewe Refuge, would be he nly impacted by oy everhead ~teus missior lines. This sheretine end ae Srey meuntains ae « valugbie scewe sear ce thakirhy Cayezecl Far ond treasured by both visthurs ancl cesiclents, The idez cl 40 aerial Span at Brerel Point sineuid be clepped pest hes ie. If a Submarine Burned capie at Bud Peat om Pete. were & be CoS iclered!’ further the cuble should tran burecl wher it leaves he Adal /marine ata ancl nee trensihen to fewe-s inhl it uo cut cf sight of | ‘ ‘EA ae Q =% re CS we i S degizhaner the Seward theahway Seeric Byway cernder, Te aved aesthenc desiz mers along Tamagay tres nd a Chagech Sinte Bite, the Peace StaNer t fent Puisessieg Makes ea The caje Payers ck she ublines ther adveciit thy pryect sheuled be gy cleat analysis of how tars pryect will ablect Phan electmic rates. ca a Ys Yes —— No 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. “1G Comment Form — -ON Sen, SOUTHERN INTERTIE ROJECT New Anchorage’ to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line - We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few. minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: Dywe: Sac nove Address: 22 16 SNe wt Cicy, state: A ys.- ige coacce Telephone aumbet (optional): « FAY ZIT GS 6 Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any” aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? —~ Yes —— No If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Comment Form en SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: Tare Cende len = ‘ i donk G Mi Qs k Address: (779. Box /sOOl0O / Wotionas 2 7 City, state) ANCnorace, AIL Zip code: 995, 10-QL0C Telephone number (optional): Alo 5-39) S Date: 13h GL 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. wx 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? — Yes —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. (734 Comment Form or Om heme ‘SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: DAA) CK /CEA 4c were Tt Z Address: S670 SOUTH PAIL bs p / Sour « Tenures Honeooners Asse. City, state: spc Ao LEG Zip code: GYFS/G Telephone number (optional): 7ys- 97 x e Date: /-77, 9g 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? xX Yes —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. oN 173, Open Comment Form EO Nowa SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: Fo Lie 47t7002P Address: 46231 CHASE eo! LH City, state: ANC HORACE 4d Zip code: 77E7E Telephone number (optional): 2y5-o4f0% Date: /—-Z+ ¥6 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. e oat a ZI Ad not gee any thheg sn The pout lec re gee-ding aveoeidind cle reotnd threeg em near rearleratioh, hovers / Subch vise “AS - : The zlectomas netic Reld js @ ee a es Q@hiclk neces Yo be ableesse& wn oT nter PEL! phe reotied a Senses rt FeoSAS z vabve2, Lov lA LLL. hazed and 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? LS Yes —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. FEB @1 ’96 @8:44AM ALCAN ELECTRIC 907-562-6286 wba oO . Comment Form cor SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on che Southern Incertie Project. If you would care co share your views, please cake a few minutes to fill our chis form and maail or fax ir tothe-address tisted-below. Name/Organizacion: Kevin Deg h- -A lean Electrol ~~ Sig imce:re Address: GG HO Acti Spe Rasa 7 Zip code: 1YSHE City, state: Wel 2, Alesha Telephone number (optional): 24¢-3660 -cail Dare: 7-37-96 — 563-3982 Office i a 1. Please lise any comments or questions’ yinfimay have concerning rhe proposed project. List any | aspecrs, concerns, or issucs you feel should be addressed. D usay at Yon ese fection bontt, Vary wel! done. = do hensrne, bone a coun itn t : Ove / Comment mods. Zor Cue fees concernatl * Hs yushfeahen ol tis project Za oul ‘Le borne Te Percentages , com sun be Vedas gud heme zr hits down lp tHe bay meter 2 bevel lets fall Nats -¢ Belts Vlora lly, The wala USKV hae cs Ll burs down : ers beive becver (20 800¢ la mvolel in neslradun, of bp th date. < bog fouud birehan cross “AHS , Fused ot babusare. we a s a 5 fore kas aud FLEA, bovchew. poles : : ’ , ngs Has vouch thy DOM UN Semremed henge Ault Conn Vx. late te d. Beluga woot lic. Hane PV eur Ce we wade velabk Lee lune to ne “saude.. i Yes —— No hw Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? 3. If you know of somcone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this projece, please lise chei¢ currence mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional’: Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicabie): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Rania Dames & Moore $600 B Street Anchorage. AK 99518 FAX: (R00) 89-3479 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want co be removed from the list. Comment Form COPV Ale SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: BAZ BAIZA A. Wome, &R.¢.¢. SG “Address: 1 U65'/ ~ComW HEL - LARC ; City, state: BACHOAA CE y AK Zip code: 7 9h Telephone number (optional): 345~ /S™ 99 Date: //3 4/76 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. Liye FR RESIDPEITIBL ANGAS, COKROIT XK Puro“ a, KoFP 7 b. USS ELIS 771 0 © RICH Te 6& - WA? wens Lincs AULEF?G lee DS DUSTAIAL PIGES — VS DFR CROUND ibe pie, Ay — mAerw AS ON O@ TAYUSIVE 5 Cost SECONDARY Cons !> ‘ a X pune Anens _Slulo BE SGovGo “ACS 1 0OEVT/AL Ror, NOT DEVELOrED x 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Yes —— No 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? e 7(69SsE BDD ie CTs 78 Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Comment korm SOpy e SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJEC New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out chis form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: A¥29/-\ fF Lan - . LANG CEMNMSOLTING- Address: 2//7 BelaQl¥r Dr ; ; City, state: 2 K Lip code” “PF SV Telephone LEE nat Date: 73 S%, ¥Fax 274- 2729S / 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. 2 seyperthe felerhi&. Cammeanss aX Jedays hearing re $ Sebrumnne cable are 70% Scone celly Keasetle/? 2H Lire rok/ Sele exsting MY tie. SJ Stel” <2 ay cue fessible,impreven ers > Slidle <erens. ten © weg centh GPE tlaaka Dit- 2 bad a Adle wer wecek ak Bire/ Meme pf cavsecua, (oq Ae fe C Ca+l/reac, Fowern Pes, Argh usa )- era ps slands Fer Frans anussren. Sowers € long Dae . Ce arse cma oume SHS radiation probleus bet corl/ wa tine. Fly G2aclesed pPxfer eury’ Ge =f help . Yes ——— No over. 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. ' aur] UorssrusuvsL, UNsuTUag WeUey 01 advIOyIUY MON Loafoud AILYALNI NYAHLNOS jhe IT Qus sen $$ ON S172. 2 Ligte en ace noes JOT A So anne 0 Shorf Fee <a b/e ren) F dclezez Ze Sob fwe ~-— a4 abug cows Big2 store of Kener also fas aceorry, Kos JAC jEr4, ares a6 lity x 2 ornare. reoxe ve Bkrsting 'F—- “Cine has Aeernn fh LY eff be of afer Je see 4ee you ew precesse” tans ee Sore Selec Ker, 2 H“y ps on sreclerss. 81666 MV ‘e8eoysuy OOT 3s ‘399795 J OO9S C80 ae “te Ke at aloo 79 soured] Lite Member (EEE Memoer ASPE & NAFE <= HENRY P. LANG, P-E. y Consutting Electrical Engineer = Specializing in Forensic 2117 Belaw Drive Ancnorage. Alaska 99517 Tet/Fax (907) 274-7448 April 14,1995 Subject: Position Paper/Field Survey by H.P.Lang, 4/05/95 Low-frequency Electromagnetic Fields. Also (ELF) Instrument.:.Triaxial. ELF Field Monitor - 50D Walker Scientific (readings in milligaus) tel 508 852-3674 References: A-Paper by Bernie Claus,1/5/95, Subject: Long term exposure to ELFEMF's B-IEEE Spectrum, Dec.94, Today's view of electromagnetic fields by Tekla S. Perry, Senior Editor. Ref. B introduction: “ The data are puzzling. Cancers or other health problems may be linked to a persons long-term exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields. But while study after study-nearly a hundred now-has investigated the > possibility, anomalous results make a clear conclusion elusive---". i Ref. A.sives specific guidelines on examples of specific hazards. The author also advises prudent avoidance and further occupational considerations. My main objective was to investigate our sons‘ apartment in Juneau since they have electric baseboard heating and our daughter-in-law is a seamstress doing long periods of sewing as part of her cottage industry making moose-dolls. The follawing ELF readings are noted: Room ambient, all~-000mg Sewing machine, near head--640mg !!!1! Blender--130mg, 1 ft in front--—30mg Washing machine--1mg Electric Dryer--47mg, out 3ft--3mg Vacuum cleaner,tank type,--140mg, at 3ft, Smg Electric hand-dril1l--340mg Fl. desk lamp transf.--G@mg, 2 ft away--1mg ‘Video display front--3mg, 2 ft in front-~-1mg back--50mg, 3 ft behind--1mg 49kv line, hor. stand-off insul, @00ft from the apt.measured under the line.-—-3mg I went to Sen. Lehmans‘ office and chatted with him on \( this subject; left copies of ref A&B. His microwave front a measured-~-40mg and 2 ft in front--3mg. The VDT, back S00Omg!'! front——4mg. RS. on Stir - Peete 1p Frtucesl e Peter Lang made a survey at his office. Spark room UPS --750mg!!!, 1 ft back--120mg!!!. I offer no solutions to the office problems other than to have the local utility conduct an independent..survey. As to our sons! apartment, I-will contact the sewing machine manufacturer to see if mu-metal shielding might be a solution. To all other interested parties, I suggest they read the references noted and form their own solutions for “prudent avoidance" already suggested in the references. Our son is presently restricting Tv viewing to 3ft in front of the screen. The duration of the vacuum cleaner and other small appliance use has a short time exposure and should not present a hazard. Ref B: Ms Eleanor Adair, chair of IEEE's Committee on Man and Radiation: “As studies become better controlled, and study larger populations, the risk ratios are getting smaller, I would be ready to draw a conclusion right now- that there is no link there.“ This statement is ambiguous if not read ccarefully. I would also advise that in schools, VDT's not be placed back-to-back without further survey and that all monitors in the future comply with the Swedish standards(see ref A). For now, consider anti~-radiation and glare shields where prudent distance cannot be maintained. The local Electric Utilities should be advised to have their safety engineers review the references and conduct appropriate surveys. /. Henr\/P. Lang P fi 4las K@ — KkKacea/ LNA HES , Pal wz SF fr semena Lule Memoer IEEE HENRY P. LANG, Pc. Consulting Elecincal Engineer Specializing in Forensic 2117 Belair Dive Ancnorage. Alaska 99517 K C2 Ker, fAt% 15 mm anrtcLe oe ttshed cr <eKrers Ye FAA 4. Dally Af § pee lsstexr Y1f3s5 OR? @ AALP pre. ppc was Per FAAEe MY bne ¢ Free ave. efremarring 2pe- be4 broly are bate cause - v7 Outage caused by birds? I am responding to the article “‘Out- age remains mystery; utility studies ways to hasten response” (Aug. 24). As an electrical power engineer in private practice, having more than 30 years of power generation, transmission and sub- station design experience, I offer my insight into this problem for all parties to consider. The power-line outage may well have been caused by birds resting in the tower members and ‘dropping’ their “do-do" on the insulators, causing an “are over” of power to the metal tower ground. Rain will wash the insulators clean again, making it difficult for linemen to spot the source of trouble. I discussed a similar problem with the manager of the Juneau Light and Power Co. recently when it had eagle ‘‘do-do"” problems on its 138-kilovolt transmis- sion-line towers. Getting power back more quickly is the major problem, which needs ta be addressed with priority should we be faced with an earthquake knocking down transmission-line towers or cut- ting underground utilities (gas, tele phone, power). I was the federal disaster officer who helped restore power to Bethel in De- cember 1975, when its power plant burned to the ground in minus-40 tem- peratures. The standby power genera- tors failed to start at the hospital and the airport. While employed by Chugach from 1983 to 1987, we were in the process of Member ASPE & NAFE Tet'Fax (907) 274-7448 NESOAY 7 combining the Municipal Light and Pow- er and Chugach utilities. The concept had financial merit. In light of this recent disaster, one power-dispatch cen- ter properly trained to respond to disas- ters could have minimized the power- outage period. — Henry P. Lang, P.E. Fallure mystery solved “Outage remains mystery,” says the headline in the Aug. 24 article about the Railbelt-wide power failure that oc- 4Anick Cally ecw emsedion Aug. 22 load WHICH MOUSE WILL BE FIRST TO CONQUER THE WORLD wonder. Check out the September's Popular Science titled “‘The Secret Agenda of a Military Project in Alaska." is the “. . little known Pentagon-sponsored radio-phys- ics project, called the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) ..." It's an “... array of 36 antennas ... that stretches hun of miles across central Alaska ... and now undergoing testing ..." One of its functions is to act asa “‘... ‘soft-kill’ weapon system using ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) waves ... to overload power-distribution grids ..."" So, folks, maybe this is just our military playing around with its new toy! — Steve Williams Miit did it I believe I have the missing piece ta Chugach’s mystery puzzle surrounding the far-reaching outage on Tuesday af- ternoon, Aug. 22. It all boils di toa pot of beans we were preparing the crock pot, but which we forgot to switch to “high.” Milt, my husband, went home, switched the crock pot to “high,” and whoosh, the very instant he turned that switch, the electricity failed — everywhere. Milt feels terrible, and I now wish I had never suggested we have beans for supper on jesday. Those canned beans were a sorry substitute. Our apologies to Chugach and the people f Alaska. ° — — Sue Byrd aS - Comment Form COs _( SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line EIVED We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would-caretto, fe your views, please take a few minutes to fill out chis form and mail or fax it to the address liste below. DAMES & MOORE . --Name/Organization~ Richard-LeFebvre. State-DNR-Division of-tand: {also same address for Address: 3601 C Street Ste. #1122 Linda Medeiros) i City, seate: Anchorage, AK 99503-5947 Zi, code: Telephone number (optional): Date: 2/1/96 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? —*— Yes —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Bruce Talbott Telephone number (optional): Address: 3601 C Street Ste: #1130 City, stace:Anchorage, AK 99502-5947 Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): DNR - Division-of Land Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 i FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Comment Form Cop SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT ¥ New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line ‘We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization; HH. Aawst Weklncactd, bra ucactin. ‘ Que i Address: (9 1@0 - City, state? Qy ¢ f Ok Zip code: G9 SO Telephone number (optional): DLR -44.32- Date: al t /9e 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. 2. Doyou want to remain on the project mailing list? LK Yes —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. fee Comment Form cor aes SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like co hear your views on che Southern Intercie Project. If you would care co share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out chis form and mail or fax it co che address listed below. NanlOxgnninn: Ke n Laucerfe vay or..f¢ ty ° t Se (de Prva ere 4 Address: 77-N, City, ae 82 ldotan Alas Ka 7766F — Zip code: Telephone number (optional): Dace: 9-/-7 ee fo? 260 3875 1. Please fist any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. Lise any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. Coo tein Shavld be D, : fovenh Than, preeert Len , prterty Dow nu bas Line ( Jr Nov t4 Veren pare Should have Substation cuba b.'lhy Jo Sepely Fs wer To Residents y'n The Area. 2. Do you want to remain on the ptojece mailing lise? x Yes a= No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this projece, please lise cheir current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (oprional): Address: City, stace: Zip code: Organization they represene (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore $600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 T€ we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the lise. Thank you for your comments. .N _ Comment Form cor | | SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line alte We would ike to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Projece. If you would care w share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name Organization: Sein) HANGAMELS TRADE. DiscoN ERY i Address: SI WwW BH AyeL ore Zoi City, stare: ANCuSeAGE ; Ate Zip code: 99 So! i Teleph ne umber (optional: | t ; ; Date: 2.1.9( i Please ji t any comments or quéstions, you may have concerning the proposed Pro List any aspects, codcerns, or issuesiyou' ‘feel should be addressed. } UBOULD LIFZ “Te Lenra, Mate AGT THE NEED - © JPAPREXS, gE Tae Fis POSAL | ATLL ATER, Tiesee Kowse AS: LFA SAD BSeonES AYMLACLE., Pease, INCL HAPS OF ‘Phokosto ZouTeS MHD AcTEZANONS; & Suse BxsTING LIGHTS ~£ -WAY , ceed als i . a AEG af i deat “ft ne i tof, ; — 2. Do you waht co remain onithe project mailing list? iw 2 Yes ==——— Np 3. Ifyou now-of someone aa wpuld be interested in providing comments or may wane information regarding thisiproject please list their current mailing address. t : ; ft Name; 1 Telephone number (optional): ! Address; : | Dt : i City, syace: + 4 i ; Zip code: i Organization they represent Gf plicable) ; : \ ae ! ; 5600B Street Please mail ¢ or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: | Niklas Ranta ‘ Dames & Moore » Anchorage, AK 99518 i | BAX: (800) 890-3470 i . Li : 4. If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from thie list. ! Thank you Jor your convents, FEB. ¥ °9S6 1G:13H" Comment Form Opn, SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Souchern Intertie Project. If you would care co shate your views, please take a few minuces co fill out this forma and mail or fax ic to che address listed below. Name/Organization: Z avd. ut. br pwhercle Address: 2@. Box 6 257 / City, state: KEN a! Bk FGI OE 7S Zip code: ‘lelephone number (optional): Dae: 2#/ gg 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or ae you feel should be addressed. Pe att agi > Eee, eth pe lad eee oe pm AewtLed nigh 6 Aad Llw AT th i: : AA Greek for petite, 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? Yes —— No 3. Ifyou know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 ro: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Sereet Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from che list. Thank you for your comments. Comment Form cor @ SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT N@W Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line peed Ve/vh 2051 We would like to hear your views on che Southern [ntercie Project. If you would care to share your views, please cake 2 few minutes co fill out chis form and mail or fax it co che address listed below. Name/Organization: Th Ton imny Jrrehsow Address: “S30, G2moee RY City, scare: #4 Ceatce AIC FIS7G Zip code: FT S% Telephone number (oprjonal): Date: 2-37= 96 GOV MS SSYUS YY BY 5-12 98 ee 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning che proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issués you feel should be addressed. ZiAm comeermat cbt the rote ff te Latetre, pot eulrt within: Ans ckaar pe. LL An very munek ofpiset Yo erassony Whe [OW w Tht side (which AAAS @ “10 elhwahn, seta geace efe\, The sorte Be Louw bls era ww 0 lol 4m prre/ Pez, Wow g may Admes. 2. Do you want to remain on che project mailing lise? ae Yes No 3. Ifyou know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding chis project, please lise cheir current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization chey represenc (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do nor hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the lise. Thank you for your comments. ee ee DS eee at se ee erences . : SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes co fill ouc chis form and mail or fax it to the address listed below, Name/Organization: X trick lain TUOKES tr Alaska: Address: 725 Chyittéasen dr. #Y u City, state: 4nd AK Zip code: FP 50/ | Telephone number (optional): Zo 24 4 Date: 2-G-% 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concetning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed, Drie eee tae beet —em\ron impticks aeludees paler fy pM lnk petit ~buiin inds| nec 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing fist? Ul Yes No 3. If you know of somcone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address Name: Telephone number (opiional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 9951S PAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Comment Form COQpy, SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Incertie Projecc. If you would care to share your views, please rake a few minutes to fill curt chis form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: "Kav Ke ik / Address: [7 0. Box 2004 City, state: Kewl, AK. Zip code: 99a) / Telephone number (optional): (Yo 2) AS S-4¢5735 Date: 1. Please lise any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. 7 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing lise? LAs —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want informacion regarding chis project, please list cheir current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: Ciry, scate: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Comment Form SQa, ( SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT (¢ New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: FRANK er THEY ~— Address: 4.0. Box VO 227 City, state: AN cHoRAGE, Ak Zip code: YF JO?-0227 Telephone number (optional): Date: 2 —G- 16 2Y 3-763 C7 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. A) L STROW6LY CREE YOU FTO SsB7HY CeEZHYN THHE- Exrsvr(vG UMSKV £twe P.0.U), Fronr COOPER. AWOtWe yo AVCHORAGE, WO aie Yes —— No - THAWES 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Fah j 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5 5600 B Street \ Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Comment Form COPy SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes co fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Cup tal Resourae Associates ~~ Name/Organization: »-4/. 5a red: E--GARDNER- ; Address: ICGIGQ Kennet Spar Nwy y Fe uf d4 City, state: Kena , AK Zip code: 7 7 6 // Telephone number (optional): 9e2) FIC SS5GF Date: 2/t /9e Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. Lt Know very Litth abet this at presen], beewoar fo nes mere: ; Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? x Yes —— No If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Comment Form COp SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJEC New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please cake a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: Charlie Kimmel, City Electric, Inc. - “Address: ~ 819- Orca .St..,..Anchorage, AK. 99501 City, state: Zip code: | Telephone number (optional): (907) 264-6411 Date: February 6, 1996 Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. x Yes) No Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list cheir current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): a Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Comment Form CQpy af iets SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: Kila Ceroers a kayake Address: PO Box 24286 ( City, state: ANeton ace AK Zip code: 4% 524 Telephone number (optional): Date: 2/7/76 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. Can euneek abouk 4. actress nA tmpaety on eee ates 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? 2 Yes —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. FEB-@8-1996 16:16 REDi SLEUinics Comment Form COpy SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on che Southern Incercie Project. If you weuld care co share your views, please take a few minuces co fill out this form and mai) or fax it co the address listed below. Name/Organization: AE DL-ECECre tO--lNC- Atel: Mike Burled Address: @15/ A ST. City, seater Nc AK Zip code; CITE Telephone number (optional): 2612-32357 Dace: 2-8-96 1. Please lise any comments or questions you may have concerning che proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. 2. Do you wane to remain on che project mailing Jist? x Yes —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding chis project, please list cheir current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, state: Zip code: Organization they represenc (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 co: Niklas Ranta Dames & Mouce 5600 B Strect Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do nor hear from you we will assume you wane to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. TOTS FO: FROM : THE NATURE CONSERVANCY OF AK PHONE NC. : 9G? 276 2584 Feb. 12 1996 03:26PM P1 Comment Form COpy, SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on che Southern Intertic Project. If you would care to share your views, please take a few minutes to fill out chis form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. : Lhkere Gus Name/Organization: (2-/“ Aes exstern J The wv, i Pat Address: 42/ Fu. 13 Ave Sek a0 City, state: Jrvelonp Ac Tis0% Zip code: Telephone number (optional): 276 -3/33 Dare: afirfee 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concernigg the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. oe 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please lise their current mailing address. 2. Do you want to remain on the projece mailing list? —— No Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: ne City, stace: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February16, 1996 co: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore i 5600 B Strcet Anchorage. AK 99518 FAX: (S00! 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Comment Form OQPVlohe SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT f - - Cpe] . ( New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like to hear your views on the Southern Incertie Project. If you would care co share your views, please cake a few minutes co fill ouc this form and mail or fax ic to che address listed below. Name/ (Organization: WOE. SF CCA tel e- ; Address: ??O Bop SL2y , _— City, state: oY 490 eprint’ Wa Zip code: Y 7.7 7 2 Telephone number (optional) Date: yy a, eG. MT D795 SIU, a = 1. Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. SI fl 2 La SEER TE PBI ETHOS, ce? VSIA Sree ee a PUBS Ri CORCEER FE ARPT i THRE LIOYT pie ‘As Tes n+ r Oe bier wy FlES dR 4) PEOE - eee — = 3F Ps wo : VOGEL IGE FRE F043 Oe L204 zo P ( wf isdap sy . i. ical BVA ea er . - 4 av & 47 fe 5 Vie we sled. a8 PS gy fe =e ee tt LO 43S F Cc 4 ££ / 17 YY SEO vet? (fA L 2 on = 7 Pad os < ” oa — OUP 3 | To OGLE FINA EEDA PE PR 20 PPS 2. Do you want to remain on the project mailing list? xX Yes —— No 3. If you know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding this project, please list their current mailing address. Name: Telephone number (optional): Address: City, stace: Zip code: Organization they represent (if applicable): Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranca Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Comment Form —OyOy yee 2h xl s¢ SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT New Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line We would like co hear your views on the Southern Intertie Project. If you would care to share your views, please cake a few minutes co fill out chis form and mail or fax it to the address listed below. Name/Organization: R Smee aie Address: ALT. & 4 Bow Ses > City, state: Segal, AK Gage ~ Zip code: Telephone number (optional): Dace: > i isfa ye 1... Please list any comments or questions you may have concerning the proposed project. List any aspects, concerns, or issues you feel should be addressed. Ketel ke tae Ke» . ae SEY GARLRLN on IAN 3d huey AG at ws yd XS hts > s — si t! sila had A (RRC QUAN saentaa a ag easy Poe PE rece k Me 2 v uw ~ z 1 \ () = LS \ : x Bowe an ire 2 y, DN pee LL i ie POUL ay So, CODD es 7 fatad 7 ( ‘\des . Moo rhck xh — x ASN rhiwsh Ak Gatun ke vduat sof a ‘a q ° i a 47 | : of , Lernigessicnally Aegienc tes wim Be wa 'hak Wt Ole vf S even 7 = oor ~ ; i Tey RA di a ie: ay, © Orc Comb: cA , RE ies Whe he LO oak a ‘ Mt ede hay RY Cental ag A MO od ee Gon, Re Vo \, =o : ahecin., ANS Readirey PAR Ue (cles, : / : 5 Yes — No ‘Do you wane to remain on che project mailing lise? 3. Ifyou know of someone who would be interested in providing comments or may want information regarding chis project, please list cheir current mailing address. Name: i KP EX A. Telephone number (optional): Address: G2% S\ ; City, state: So, OK Zip code: (A @ELf Orgeniceqon “they represent tf applicable): | : . hota Jhyaee. cht, Please mail or fax this form by February 16, 1996 to: Niklas Ranta Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage, AK 99518 FAX: (800) 890-3470 \ If we do not hear from you we will assume you want to be removed from the list. Thank you for your comments. Niklas Ranta 19 Feburary 1996 Dames & Moore 5600 B Street Anchorage AK 99518 SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT In considering the options available to connect Bradley Lake to the rest of the Alaska Railbelt only two routes are possible. | 1.)-Upgrade and-reinforce the exsisting highway route. 2.) Use the coastal route from Kenai to Point © Possession. In 1964 Congress approved a Refuge boundary change which includes the coast from the East Foreland toa Point Possession. This was done to provide a corridor for utility system development. The Mystery Creek route is not an option for the following reasons; 1.) The Intertie would pass through four Refuge units totalling 826,400 acres of land. All of which qualifies as Wilderness. This Wilderness as a whole is far more important left intact rather than sliced in half as a matter of convinence for deveiapment af a power grid that has reasonable and legal aiternitives. 2-) This route would disrupt critical Brown Bear habitat. These animals den on the western slope of the Kenai Mountains and travel to summer feeding grounds in the Chickaloun, Suansan Mouse and Kenai River drainages. At a time when Une Penninsula populatiom is declining this is an unacceptad i eu ee: ic : 3.) ui i streans, Creek ‘reute ‘crisses no less than 17 o. c ant ain spawning. beds vital to: : t King, Silvers .and” Pink “Salmon - Consett detion. allous the. “nisk caf: the effects oF whid wht L. ‘cause: of fish. a) aT aan | IL aloan estuary “is a. migration gtagins area.., thousands rat and waterfowl. Seventy eight fe aeses of ‘birds, including Fo which nest in the area.:.: j Constructian alang this route will have a negitive effect on. _esturary habatil. uy 5.) The proposed Mystery Creek raute bisects the _.€alving and wintering .grounds of a small population of “caribou: Currently this population stable .but-any disruption: | : could: harm this’ herds ‘The forests. of the Kenai, are” schanging’ 7 and Caribou may again becdme .the-.dominant Ungulate on- the. Penninsula- This herd will be vital for that expansion to- edi hy “If this project is to happen the options for.: routing do. | ‘not! include the Mystery Creek corridor as this area.is extremely impgriant.toa the wholdene uf ihe Kenai Rao eee i ie C Clease keep me on the pr wgect mailing list. i > ow i ae APPENDIX D Eo en PRIMARY TESORO ROUTE Link Code | Total gth Location Type of Facility (Miles) oe TE.A.10 New route Submarine cable with submarine/ FR: Point Woronzoff overhead transition facilities at both TO: Fire Island ends. New route. Route follows eastern side of | Overhead transmission line with island to avoid aviation navigation facilities | either H or X-Frame structures. FR: North end, Fire Island Overhead/submarine transition TO: South end, Fire Island facilities required at both ends. TE.E.50 New route. Proposed route located on west} Submarine cable with side of depression on the inlet floor. overhead/submarine transition FR: South end, Fire Island facilities at both ends. TO: Point Possession TE.G-H.80 Parallels Tesoro pipeline. Could follow east} Overhead H or X-Frame structures side of existing Tesoro pipeline. Separation | with overhead/submarine transition requirements are unknown. facility at Point Woronzoff FR: Point Possession TO: Links TE.G-H.90, and TE.I.130, north of Captain Cook State Recreation Area. TE.G-H.90 2.2 Parallels Tesoro pipeline, could follow the | Overhead, H or X-Frame structures| east side of the existing Tesoro pipeline. with overhead/underground FR: Link TE.I.130 north of Captain Cook | transition facilities at the south end. TO: North boundary of Captain Cook State Recreation Area. TE.1.100 Parallels Tesoro pipeline or roadway. An underground line would be Could follow the Tesoro pipeline or park | required throughout the Captain access road. Separation requirements from | Cook State Recreation Area. the pipeline and actual location are Overhead/underground transition currently unknown. facilities at both ends. FR: Northern boundary of Captain Cook State Recreation Area. TO: Southern boundary of Captain Cook State Recreation Area. TE.J-K.110 Parallels Tesoro pipeline. Would follow the} Overhead H or X-Frame structures east side of the Tesoro pipeline. Separation | with an overhead/underground requirements are currently unknown. transition facility located at the FR: Southern boundary of Captain Cook north end. State Recreation Area. TO: Link TE.J-K.120. Near Bernice Lake ‘Substation TE.J-K.120 Could parallel pipeline, North Kenai Overhead H or X-Frame structures. roadway, and/or transmission line. FR: Link TE.J-K.110. Tesoro Pipeline TO: Bernice Lake substation ALTERNATIVE TESORO ROUTES Link Code | Total Length Location Type of Facility (Miles) Primary Tesoro Anchorage Area Route TE.A.10 eee Please see previous description Please see previous description pene || Ae Please see previous description Please see previous description Please see previous description i Se] 3 = § uv ¢ o 5 i 5 Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (A) TE.A.20 Submarine cable with FR: Point Woronzoff overhead/submarine transition TO: Fire Island facilities at both ends. ew Please see previous description Please see previous description fe Please see previous description Please see previous description o_O Ace AM TE.C.30 New route Submarine with ends respectively. FR: Point Campbell submarine/underground and eres eA Please see previous description Please see previous description Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (B) New route Underground line with FR: Point Woronzoff submarine/underground transition TO: Point Campbell facility at Point Campbell TO: Fire Island submarine/overhead transition facilities at the north and south TE.E.50 ee Please see previous description Please see previous description TT iii iii ALTERNATIVE TESORO ROUTES Link Code | Total Length Location Type of Facility (Miles) Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (C) }TEBIS [39 | Please see previous description Please see previous description rr Generally follows the Tesoro pipeline Submarine cable with across the inlet. underground/submarine facility FR: Point Campbell located at Point Campbell TO: Links TE.F.70 and AN.70 Generally follows the Tesoro pipeline across the inlet. FR: Links TE.F.60 and AN.70 TO: Point Possession and Link TE.G- Submarine cable with submarine/overhead transition facility located at Point Possession Parallels west side of Minnesota Drive adjacent to and outside of existing road right-of-way FR: International substation TO: Links AN.20 and AN.40 near Minnesota and O’Malley New route FR: Links AN.10 and AN.40 (near Minnesota and Klatt Road) TO: Links AN.30 and AN.60 (near the new Klatt Road) Overhead single pole structure Overhead single pole structure Parallels Klatt and Victor roads FR: Intersection of Links AN.20 and AN.60 TO: Links AN.70 and AN.80 Overhead single pole structure along Klatt road with an underground line along Victor road to the submarine transition area Submarine with an underground/submarine transition facility near Victor road New route FR: Link AN.30 nearVictor Road, south Anchorage TO: Links TE.F.60 and TE.F.70 TE.F.70 sein Please see previous description Please see previous description ALTERNATIVE TESORO ROUTES a a - (Miles) ee oe Primary Tesoro Captain Cook Area Alternative [GH [22 [Pane pwn eerie [Pun me ovo demon | rein [46 | Pe prvi dion | Pues pv opin [rEcii0 [<9 | Pes me prvi espn [Pan we pv ein | FSMD EEL Cea eli Tesoro Captain Cook Alternative (A) New route Overhead H or X-frame structure FR: Intersection of Links TE.G-H 80 and TE.G-H.90 TO: Intersection of Links TE.J-K.110 and TE.J-K.120 A new route designed to avoid conflicts with Captain Cook Recreation Area. Parallels east side of the Alaskan Overhead single pole structure Railroad FR: International Substation TO: Links AN.50, EN.A.30 and EN.A.50 (Minnesota and O’Malley Road) Parallels east side of the Alaskan Overhead single pole structure Railroad FR: Links EN.A.20, AN.SO and EN.A.30 O’Malley Road and Alaskan Railroad TO: Links EN.A.60 and EN.B.80 (Rabbit Creek) Parallels east side of the Alaskan Underground line with Railroad. overhead/underground and FR: Link EN.A.40 and EN.A.60 underground/submarine transition (Rabbit Creek) facilities located at Rabbit Creek TO: Potter Marsh and Link EN.C.90 | and near Potter Marsh Tespectively. Generally parallels the existing Submarine cable with ENSTAR pipeline underground/submarine transition FR: Potter Marsh and Links EN.B.70 | facilities located at both ends and EN.B.80 TO: Burnt Island/Chickaloon Bay, Links EN.D.100 and AN.80 Parallels the west side of the existing | Underground cable with ENSTAR pipeline adjacent to the underground/submarine and right-of-way. Right-of-way separation | underground/overhead transition is currently unknown. facilities located at the north and FR: Links AN.80 and EN.C.90, near | south ends respectively. Burnt Island TO: Link EN.E.110 near Big Indian Creek Parallels the west side of the existing ENSTAR pipeline adjacent to the right-of-way. Right-of-way separation is currently unknown. FR: EN.D.100, near Burnt Island TO: QC.M.1.20 and QC.M.1.30 near Naptowne PRIMARY ENSTAR ROUTE Total Length Location ‘Type of Facility (Miles) Parallels the south side of the existing | Overhead H-Frame structure Quartz Creek transmission line adjacent to the right-of- ‘way. Right- of-way separation is 100’ centerline to centerline. FR: Link EN.E.110 and QC.M.1.20 east of Soldotna TO: Links QC.M.I.70 and QC.M.I1.50 north of Mackey Lakes QC.M.1.70 Parallels north, west and southern Overhead H-Frame structure sides of the Quartz Creek transmission line. Transmission line separation is 100’ centerline to centerline FR: Links QC.M.1.30 and QC.M.1.50, north of Mackey Lakes TO: Links QC.M.1.60 and QC.M. 1.80 north of the Sterling Hwy. QC.M.1.80 Parallels west side of the existing Overhead H-Frame structure Transmission line separation is 100’ centerline to centerline. FR: Links QC.M.1.60 and QC.M.1.70, north of Mackey Lakes TO: Soldota Substation ead iti batintt [indmicdteitinkoded ALTERNATIVE ENSTAR ROUTES ‘Please see previous description Fas ew epi Paseo [as Pas evo ein Total ‘ AT ‘Please see previous description Parallels north side of International Airport Road and west side of the New Seward Highway. Follows adjacent to and outside of existing road rights-of-way. FR: International substation TO: Links EN.A.30 and EN.A.40 (near O’Malley Road) Overhead single pole structure Parallels west side of the New Seward Highway and follows adjacent to and outside of existing road right-of-way FR: Links EN.A.10 and EN.A.30 (near O’Malley Road) TO: EN.A.60 and EN.B.70 near Rabbit Creek Overhead single pole structure Parallels west side of the Old Seward Highway and follows existing overhead distribution line adjacent to and outside of existing road right-of- way, within distribution line right-of- way FR: Links EN.A.40 and EN.A.60 (near Rabbit Creek) TO: Intersection of Links EN.B.80 and EN.C.90 at Potter Marsh Please see previous description Please see previous description CS Underground line with overhead/underground and underground/submarine transition facilities located at north and south ends respectively. ALTERNATIVE ENSTAR ROUTES Type-of Facility Parallels west side of Minnesota Overhead single pole structure Drive adjacent to and outside of existing road right-of-way FR: International Substation TO: Links AN.20 and AN.40 near Minnesota and O’Malley New route Overhead single pole structure FR: Links AN.10 and AN.40 near Minnesota Drive TO: Links AN.60 and AN.30 near Klatt Road Parallels Klatt and Victor roads Overhead single pole structure FR: Intersection of Links AN.20 and | along Klatt road with AN.60 near Klatt Road underground line along Victor TO: Links AN.70 and AN.80 road. Would also require southern Anchorage near Victor Road | overhead/underground and underground/submarine transition facilities at the north and south ends respectively New route Submarine with FR: Links AN.30 and AN.70 underground/submarine southern Anchorage at Victor road transition facilities located at TO: Links EN.C.90 and EN.D.100, Burnt Island near Chickaloon Bay Parallels west side of the Minnesota Overhead single pole structure FR: International Substation TO: Links AN.20 and AN.40 (near O’Malley Road) Parallels southwest side of Minnesota | Overhead single pole structure Drive FR: Links AN.10 and AN.20 near Minnesota and Klatt Roads TO: Links AN.50 and AN.60 near Minnesota and O’Malley Roads ALTERNATIVE ENSTAR ROUTES Parallels south side of O’Malley Road FR: Links AN.40 and AN.60 near Minnesota and O’Malley Roads TO: Links EN.A.20 and EN.A.50 near O’Malley Road and the Alaskan Railroad Parallels east side of the Alaskan Railroad FR: Links AN.50 and EN.A.30 near O’Malley Road and the Alaska Railroad TO: Links EN.A.60 and EN.B.80 near Rabbit Creek Parallels east side of the Alaskan Railroad FR: Links EN.A.60 and EN.A.50 near Rabbit Creek TO: Links EN.B.70 and EN.C.90 near Potter Marsh Generally follows the ENSTAR pipell FR: Links EN.B.70 and EN.B.80 near Potter Marsh TO: AN.80 and EN.D.100 near Burnt Overhead single pole structure Overhead single pole structure Underground line with underground/submarine transition facilities located near Potter Marsh Submarine cable with underground/submarine transition facilities and both B ALTERNATIVE ENSTAR ROUTES ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (D) a Please see previous description Please see previous description -40 fos | Please see previous description Please see previous description Ce Please see previous description Please see previous description EN.A.30 Parallels south side of O'Malley Road | Overhead single pole structure FR: Links EN.A.20 and AN.50O near | structure O’Malley Road and Minnesota TO: Links EN.A.10 and EN.A.40 near O’Malley Road pEN.aAdo [2600 Please see previous description Please see previous description EN.B.70 28 | Please see previous description Please see previous description EN.C.90 Please see previous description Please see previous description a ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (E) EN.A.10 Please see previous description Please see previous description pEn.a4o [2600 Please see previous description Please see previous description Parallels New Seward Highway the Overhead single. pole structure specific crossing of the New and Old | structure Seward highway interchange has yet to be determined FR: Links EN.A.30 and EN.B.70 near O’Malley Road and Seward Highway TO: Links EN.A.50 and EN.B.80 near Rabbit Creek -B. Please see previous description Please see previous description EN.C.90 Please see previous description Please see previous description 10 ALTERNATIVE ENSTAR ROUTES (Miles) aes ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (F) Hees xe MN ee Please see previous description Please see previous description Cr Ce oe Pe MM SOU MN Please see previous description Please see previous description EN.A.30 Parallels south side of O’Malley Road | Overhead single pole structure in between the Alaskan Railroad and the New Seward Highway FR: EN.A.20 and EN.A.50 near the Railroad TO: EN.A.10 and EN.A.40 at New Seward Highway fecaw [26 | Pas we prvi dein eaten AN Please see previous description Please see previous description fev. [23 | Pee prev ein sen [75 [never rmimamien Primary ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative (Qe-02,90 ||) |/228 | |)))/)/() 1) Please see previous description Please see previous description QC.M.1.70 eS Please see previous description Please see previous description QC.M.1.80 Fev Please see previous description Please see previous description SA ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative (A) FR: Links EN.E.110 and QC.M.1.30 east of Naptowne TO: Links QC.M.1.50 and QC.M.1.70 north of Mackey Lakes 11 Overhead H-Frame structure ALTERNATIVE ENSTAR ROUTES ‘Link Code Total Length Location Type of Facility (Miles) QC.M.1.50 Parallels north side of the Enstar pipeline. Separation requirements are currently unknown. TO: QC.M.1.10 and QC.M.1.70 geen 70 FIN AU Please see previous description Please see previous description epee 8 Please see previous description Please see previous description ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative (B) fecaiae [32 | Pw ms pow danni fecaciao [63 | Paw evi esi frame Pipeline. Follows existing pipeline structure right-of-way, transmission line separation is currently unknown QC.M.1.50 west of Mackey Lakes TO: Links QC.M.1.70 and QC.M.1.80 north of Sterling Highway feeaciso [es | Rew mepovinw pin | Pw me evn di | A 2 TT ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative (C) Parallels north side of the Enstar Overhead H-Frame structure pipeline. Separation requirements are currently unknown FR: Links QC.M.1.10 and QC.M.1.120 - TO: Links QC.M.1.50 and QC.M. 1.60 FR: QC.M.1.40 and QC.M.1.60 LL cana QC.M.1.60 Parallels existing underground Overhead H or X- FR: Links QC.M.1.40 and eae (Set Please see previous description Please see previous description 12 ALTERNATIVE ENSTAR ROUTES Transmission Line. Transmission line separation is 100’ centerline to centerline. FR: Links QC.M.1.20 and QC.M.1.30 near Naptowne TO: Links QC.L.120 and QC.M.2.10 north of Sterling Highway Parallels existing overhead transmission line . Transmission line separation is 100’ centerline to centerline FR: Links QC.M.1.10 and QC.L.120 13 PRIMARY QUARTZ CREEK ROUTE ‘Type of Facility H-Frame structure with an overhead/submarine transition facility at Bird Point or overhead to aerial crossing facility at Bird Point Could parallel south side of existing Quartz Creek transmission line along Tudor Road, then follow either side through Powerline Pass. Transmission line separation id 100° centerline to centerline with potential crossovers FR: University Substation TO: Link QC.B.20 near Campbell Creek Could parallel either side of existing transmission line. Transmission line separation is 100” centerline to centerline FR: Link QC.A.10 near Campbell Creek TO: Link QC.C.30 near Indian Could parallel either side of the existing transmission line. Transmission line separation is 100” centerline to centerline FR: Link QC.B.20 near Indian TO: Link QC.D.40 near Bird Point Double circuit steel lattice for double circuit portion and H- Frame for remainder Overhead H-Frame structure Overhead H-Frame structure Rebuild and double circuit existing transmission line for approximately 6 miles FR: Links QC.D.1.A.10 and QC.D.1.B.10 near Bird Point TO: Links QC.E.SO near Girdwood FR: Link QC.D.40 near Girdwood TO: Link QC.F.60 near Portage Could parallel either side of the isting ission line. Transmission line separation is 100’ centerline to centerline FR: Link QC.E.50 near Portage TO: Link QC.G.70 near Ingram Creek 14 PRIMARY QUARTZ CREEK ROUTE Location =——(assi(isiéd|S—SsST ype of Facility Overhead H-Frame structure Overhead H-Frame structure Could parallel either side of the Overhead H-Frame Structure existing transmission line. Transmission TO: Link QC.J.100 near Hope junction Parallel western side of the existing Overhead H-Frame structure transmission line. Transmission line separation is 100’ centerline to centerline FR:Link QC.I.90 near Jope Junction TO: Link QC.K.110 near Daves Creek Parallel western side of the existing Overhead H-Frame structure transmission line. Transmission line FR: Link QC.J.100 near Daves Creek TO: Link QC.L.120 near Daves Creek Parallels northern side of the existing Overhead H-Frame structure Link Code | Total Length QC.G.70 3.7 Could parallel either side of the existing transmission line. Transmission line separation is 100’ centerline to centerline FR: Link QC.F.60 near Ingram Creek TO: Link QC.H.80 near Turnagain Pass Could parallel either side of the Transmission line separation is 100° centerline to centerline FR: Link QC.G.70 QC.H.80 3 QC.1.90 QC.J.100 QC.K.110 Qc.L.120 transmission line. Transmission line separation is 100’ centerline to centerline FR: Link QC.K.110 near Hideout Hill TO: Link QC.M.1.15 near Naptowne Hi ee 15 _ Link Code | Total Length PRIMARY QUARTZ CREEK ROUTE Parallels eastern side of the existing Quartz Creek transmission line. Transmission line separation is 100’ centerline to centerline FR: Link QC.L.120 near Naptowne : Type of Facility : TO: Link QC.1.20 and EN.E.110 north Overhead H-Frame Structures of Naptowne Parallels the south side of the existing Overhead H-Frame structures Quartz Creek transmission line adjacent to the right-of-way. Right-of-way separation is 100’ centerline to centerline. FR: Link EN.E.110 east of Soldotna TO: Links QC.M.I.70 and QC.M.I.50 north of Mackey Lakes Parallels south side of the existing Overhead H-Frame structure Quartz Creek transmission line FR: QC.M.1.30 and QC.M.1.50 TO: QC.M.1.60 and QC.M.1.80 Parallels east side of the existing Overhead H-Frame structure Quartz Creek transmission line FR: QC.M.1.60 and QC.M.1.70 TO: Soldotna substation i dla dade leRcleL Primary Quartz Creek/Soldotna Area Routes CS ee oe fecaiis0 [128 | Pas a avi damipion [Pan prvi dein fecacaze [68 [Pam pins demipin | Pan prvi ein fecacian [os [Pes we prion dowipsn | Pan prvi dein | near 16 Parallels north side of an existing transmission line. Transmission line FR: QC.M.1.40 and QC.M.1.50 TO: QC.M.1.70 and ‘QC.M.1.80 QC.M.1.80 fog Please see previous description Please see previous description rot iss | Soldotna Area Alternative (B) FR: Links QC.L.120 and QC.M.2.10 TO: Links QC.M.1.20 and QC.M.1.40 Parallels northern side of the existing ENSTAR pipeline. Separation requirements are currently unknown FR: QC.M.1.10 and QC.M.1.20 TO: QC.M.1.50 and QC.M.1.60 17 PRIMARY QUARTZ CREEK ROUTE Parallels northern side of the existing ENSTAR pipeline. Separation requirements are currently unknown FR: QC.M.1.40 and QC.M.1.60 TO: QC.M.1.10 and QC.M.1.70 Parallels south side of the existing Overhead H-Frame structure FR: QC.M.1.30 and QC.M.1.50 TO: QC.M.1.60 and QC.M.1.80 Parallels east side of the existing Overhead H-Frame structure Quartz Creek transmission line FR: QC.M.1.60 and QC.M.1.70 TO: Soldotna substation Primary Quartz Creek Bird Point Area Route fecna0 [6s [Faeseprinw iipin _‘[Pa me prin | facso [51 | Fase prvi osipion [Pe prvi ein | [ecco [43 | Fase prvi omipsn [Pe prvi ein focise [115 | ese peu omipisn [Pan prvi ein a 18 PRIMARY QUARTZ CREEK ROUTE New route. Aerial crossing of the Tumagain Arm from the base of Alpenglow Mountain to Bird Point. FR: QC.C.30 and QC.D.40 TO: QC.D.2.10 Parallels existing distribution line and also will require approximately 2 miles new right-of-way. Transmission line seperation is 100’ centerline to centerline FR: QC.D1A.10 TO: QC.I.90 and QC.J.100 Quartz Creek Bird Point Area Alternative (Underground) Steel towers located on both shore landings with a single steel tower located in the Arm Overhead H-Frame structures Submarine cable with overhead/submarine transition facilities located at both ends QC.D1B.10 New route from Bird Point to Six Mile Creek FR: QC.C.30 and QC.D.40 TO: QC D.2.10 i pac.p.210 [82 | Please see previous description Please see previous description 2 19 HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA Link Code Land Use/Jurisdiction Recreation Management Areas and Facilities Primary Tesoro Route TEAM TE.D.40 ® Airstrips, navigation facilities @ Dispersed use @ No established viewers @ One site recorded in the Alaska Heritage Resources Survey = Native Corporation Land ' ® Submarine @ Submarine @ Intersects sensitive coastal area ® Known sites at Pt. Possession @ Parallels pipeline/road @ Dispersed recreation = Route parallels the coast and crosses anadromous fish = Low density residential through Birch Hill and = Hunting access Moose Point subdivisions streams @ Adjacent lakes open to aircraft TE.G-H.90 ® Captain Cook SRA = Recorded sites in the area Kenai borough land TE.J-K.110 ® Parallels North Kenai Road @ Dispersed use ® Residential views in Nikiski area and from North Kenai ® Known sites in the vicinity ® Rural residential Road ® Sensitivity - major TEIon [Putin wrens oe =| Linde = We fo Na KR Primary Tesoro Anchorage Area Route TEA ® Airstrips, navigation facilities ® Dispersed use ® No established viewers = No known sites, but Fire Island is a traditional use area ® Coastal set net sites = Native Corporation Land @ Submarine ® Submarine ™ Intersects sensitive coastal area ® Known sites at Pt. Possession Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (A) TE.D.40 ® Airstrips, navigation facilities ® Dispersed use ® No established viewers ® One site recorded in the Alaska Heritage Resources Survey ® Coast set net sites FC @ Pt. Possession - visual preservation values = Remote residential views in Birch, Hill and Moose Point Subdivisions Recommend transition in vault Avoid or underground through wildemess area Captain Cook State Recreation Area (SRA) at south end = Adjacent lakes open to aircraft ® Follows pipeline/road = Remote residential subdivision = Remote residential views in Birch Hill Subdivision No known sites, but route is in archaeologically sensitive coastal area = Captain Cook SRA ™ Captain Cook SRA Route crosses the Swanson River = Adjacent recreational facilities = Scenic quality management ® Several known sites in the vicinity of the Captain Cook ™ Crosses Swanson River canoe trail ® Views from Park Road SRA ™ Recreational sites = Swanson River = Recommend underground line and transition stations chugach/human.tbl 1 HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA Land Use/Jurisdiction Recreation Management Areas and Facilities Visual Resources Cultural Resources Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (B) ® Kincaid Park ® Kincaid Park ™ Kincaid Park @ One site recorded in the Alaska Heritage Resources Survey @ International Airport ® Parallel coastal trail ® Coastal trail views = X-C Skiing = Recommend underground and transition facility in vault @ Dispersed uses ™ No established viewers ® No known sites, but Fire Island is a traditional use area = Airstrip, navigation facilities ® Coastal set net sites ® Native Corporation Land Intersects sensitive coastal area Known sites at Pt. Possession Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (C) @ Crosses Kincaid Park © Adjacent to International Airport ® Kincaid Park ® Coastal trail views ® Recommend underground and transition facility in vault ™ One site recorded in the Alaska Heritage Resources Survey ® Dispersed uses a TE.F.70 ® Submarine = Submarine @ Submarine @ Intersects sensitive coastal area @ Known sites at Pt. Possession Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (D) ® Adjacent residential and recreational areas = Municipal recreation facilities ® Views from Minnesota Drive ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Parallels Minnesota Drive @ Foreground residential views primarily in the Diamond Road Interchange AN.20 @ Vacant land ® Foreground residential views east of Southport Drive ® No reported archaeological or historic sites = Parallels Minnesota and Klatt Roads @ Foreground/Middleground views from proposed municipal sports complex AN.30 ® Adjacent residential = Limited = Foreground residential views along Spyglass Drive and the | ™ No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Coastal wildlife refuge Bayshore Flat area = Parallels Klatt and Victor Roads @ Recommended underground @ Intersects sensitive coastal area ® Known sites at Pt. Possession chugach/human.tbl 2 HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA (nl San Naga A sd Pi Primary Tesoro Captain Cook Area Alternative Parallels pipeline/road i i @ Pt. Possession - visual preservation values = No known sites, but route is in archaeologically sensitive, Low density residential through Birch Hill and i = Remote residential views in Birch, Hill and Moose Point coastal area Moose Point subdivisions Subdivisions Adjacent lakes open to aircraft = Recommend transition in vault Kenai borough land ® Avoid or underground through wilderness area Within Captain Cook SRA @ Captain Cook SRA ® Captain Cook SRA Route crosses the Swanson River Park access road = Adjacent recreational facilities ® Scenic quality management Several known sites in the vicinity of the Captain Cook @™ Crosses Swanson River canoe trail ® Views from Park Road SRA : @ Recreational sites @ Swanson River = Recommend underground line and transition stations @ Dispersed use ® Residential views in Nikiski area and from North Kenai Known sites in the vicinity Road Tesoro Captain Cook Alternative (A) TE.1.130 = KNWR - managed for wildlife and recreational use | ™ Dispersed recreation ™ Views at Swanson River Crossing Known sites in the vicinity = Adjacent lakes open to aircraft ® recreational access into KNWR Primary ENSTAR Route @ Adjacent commercial and industrial with minimal imi ® Commercial/Industrial railroad corridor One site recorded in the Alaska Heritage Resource Survey residential development @ Parallels railroad @ Adjacent airstrip and residential development imi ® Residential/industrial railroad corridor No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Parallels railroad ® Adjacent residential views along Old Seward ® Ocean views from new Seward Overlook @ Potter Point State Game Refuge @ Rabbit Creek shooting range = Views from Potter Marsh and Potter Section House Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area ® Follows railroad and Seward Scenic Highway @ Potter section house @ Recommend underground line and transition station at Chugach State Park Headquarters @ Submarine @ Submarine @ Submarine ® Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area @ Intersects sensitive coastal area = KNWR minimal management area @ Visual preservation values ® No known sites, sensitive coastal area a ae adjacent lakes open to aircraft @ Wildemess values @ Recommend underground line and transition facility ® Parallels Enstar pipeline ® Views from recreation trail = KNWR = KNWR moderate management area ™ Adjacent visual preservation values ™ No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Airstrips, adjacent lakes open to aircraft ® Adjacent wilderness values ® Views from recreational trail and Trapper Joe lake cabin @ Parallels pipeline = Recreational trail ® Parallels existing transmission line ® Dispersed use @ Views at Moose River and Moose River Trail Crossing ® No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Crosses KNWR ™ Moose River crossing = Foreground residential views @ Adjacent residential chugach/human.tbl 3 HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA ® Parallels existing transmission line ™ Crosses secondary roads = Adjacent residential ® Views from recreational trail crossing = Foreground residential views @ No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Parallels existing transmission line ™ Crosses secondary roads = Adjacent residential Foreground residential views ® No reported archaeological or historic sites 8 < 3 Adjacent commercial and industrial with minimal imi Commercial/Industrial railroad corridor @ One site recorded in the Alaska Heritage Resource Survey residential development @ Parallels railroad Adjacent airstrip and residential development ® Parallels railroad Residential/industrial railroad corridor ® Adjacent residential views along Old Seward ® Ocean views from new Seward Overlook @ No reported archaeological or historic sites Potter Point State Game Refuge ® Follows railroad and Seward Scenic Highway QC.M.1.80 Views from Potter Marsh and Potter Section House Primary EN.A.50 EN.B.80 = Recommend underground line and transition station at Rabbit Creek shooting range ® Potter section house Cluster of known historic sites int he Potter area ete Chugach State Park Headquarters EN.C.90 = Submarine @ Submarine ® Submarine ® Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area @ Intersects sensitive coastal area ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (A) EN.A.10 = Adjacent commercial/residential ™ Parallels existing transmission line @ Parallels International Airport Road, Seward Highway @ Adjacent municipal = Commercial and limited residential views along International Airport Road and New Seward Highway @ Residential and park @ Foreground views near Abbot Road and New Seward @ No reported archaeological or historic sites Highway EN.A.40 @ Adjacent commercial/residential = Limited = Foreground residential views along New Seward Highway = No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Parallels New Seward Highway EN.B.70 @ Adjacent residential ® Potter section house located at south end @ Foreground residential views toward Potter Marsh along = Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter Area @ Existing distribution line Old Seward Highway @ Parallels Old Seward Highway = Recommend underground line and transition facilities ® Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area ® Intersects sensitive coastal area ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (B) @ Adjacent residential and recreational areas @ Parallels Minnesota Drive | Municipal recreation facilities = Views from Minnesota Drive = Foreground residential views primarily in the Diamond Road Interchange ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Vacant land ® Parallels Minnesota and Klatt Roads @ Foreground residential views east of Southport Drive @ Foreground/Middlegtound views from proposed municipal sports complex ® No reported archaeological or historic sites chugach/human.tbl 4 HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA ian rin Rea Nana Ar nd it = Adjacent residential, coastal wildlife refuge = Limited ® Foreground residential views along Spyglass Drive and the | ® No reported archaeological sites @ Parallels Klatt and Victor Roads Bayshore Flat area = Recommended underground aa = ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (C) ® Submarine ® No known sites, but intersects sensitive coastal area F é AN.10 @ Adjacent residential ®@ Municipal recreation facilities = Views from Minnesota Drive = No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Parallels Minnesota Drive = Foreground residential views primarily in the Diamond Road Interchange = Adjacent to proposed municipal sports complex ® Adjacent to proposed recreation complex @ Foreground views from proposed municipal sports complex | ® No reported archaeological or historic sites = Parallels Minnesota Drive AN.50 ® Adjacent industrial/commercial = Adjacent to proposed recreation complex ® Foreground views from O’Malley Road @ No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Parallels O'Malley Road EN.A.50 ® Adjacent airstrip and residential development ® Limited @ Residential/industrial railroad corridor @ No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Parallels railroad ® Adjacent residential views along Old Seward ™ Ocean views from new Seward Overlook ® Potter Point State Game Refuge @ Rabbit Creek shooting range @ Views from Potter Marsh and Potter Section House ® Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area ® Follows railroad and Seward Scenic Highway ® Potter Section House = Recommend underground line and transition station at Chugach State Park Headquarters .C.90 @ Submarine : @ Submarine @ Submarine ® Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area @ Intersects sensitive coastal area ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (D) g 8 : s 7 AN.10 @ Adjacent residential = Municipal recreation facilities = Views from Minnesota Drive = No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Parallels Minnesota Drive = Foreground residential views primarily in the Diamond Road Interchange AN.40 = Adjacent to proposed municipal sports complex = Adjacent to proposed recreation complex = Foreground views from proposed municipal sports complex | ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Parallels Minnesota Drive AN.50 @ Adjacent industrial/commercial ® Adjacent to proposed recreation complex @ Foreground views from O’Malley Road @ No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Parallels O'Malley Road EN.A.30 ® Adjacent light industrial/commercial ® Adjacent municipal recreation facility = Foreground views at New Seward Highway and O’Malley ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Parallels O'Malley Road Road EN.A.40 @ Adjacent commercial/residential ® Limited = Foreground residential views along New Seward Highway ® No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Parallels New Seward Highway EN.B.70 ® Adjacent residential ® Potter section house located at south end = Foreground residential views toward Potter Marsh along ® Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area @ Existing distribution line Old Seward Highway ® Parallels Old Seward Highway = Recommend underground line and transition facilities EN.C.90 @ Submarine = Submarine = Submarine ® Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area ® Intersects sensitive coastal area chugach/human.tbl 5 HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA Land Use/Jurisdiction Recreation Management Areas and Facilities Cultural Resources ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (E) ® Adjacent commercial/residential = Parallels existing transmission line ® Parallels International Airport Road, Seward Highway @ Adjacent municipal = Commercial and limited residential views along International Airport Road and New Seward Highway ®@ Residential and park ™ Foreground views near Abbot Road and New Seward Highway @ Adjacent commercial/residential = Limited = Foreground residential views along New Seward Highway @ No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Parallels Seward Highway ® Adjacent commercial/residential = Limited = Foreground residential views from residences @ No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Parallels Seward Highway/Rabbit Creek | New Seward Highway and Old Seward Highway Interchange ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Potter Point State Game Refuge ® Follows railroad and Seward Scenic Highway ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (F) @ Rabbit Creek shooting range ® Views from Potter Marsh and Potter Section House ® Cluster of known historic sites ‘in the Potter area ® Potter Section House = Recommend underground line and transition station at Chugach State Park Headquarters ® Submarine ® Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area Intersects sensitive coastal area ™ Views from Minnesota Drive ® Foreground residential views primarily in the Diamond Road Interchange ® Adjacent to proposed recreation complex = Foreground views from proposed municipal sports complex | ® No reported archaeological or historic sites = Adjacent to proposed recreation complex @ Foreground views from O’Malley Road @ No reported archaeological or historic sites EN.A.30 @ Adjacent light industrial/commercial = Adjacent municipal recreation facility @ Foreground views at New Seward Highway and O’Malley ™ One site recorded on the Alaska Heritage Resources = Parallels O'Malley Road , Road Survey EN.A. ® Adjacent commercial/residential = Limited ® Foreground residential views along New Seward Highway @ Parallels Seward Highway EN.A. @ Adjacent commercial/residential = Limited @ Foreground residential views from residences @ No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Parallels Seward Highway =| New Seward Highway and Old Seward Highway ® Potter Point State Game Refuge = Rabbit Creek shooting range ® Views from Potter Marsh and Potter Section House ® Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area ® Follows railroad and Seward Scenic Highway ® Potter section house = Recommend underground line and transition station at Chugach State Park Headquarters @ Adjacent residential @ Parallels Minnesota Drive @ Municipal recreation facilities @ No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Vacant land @ Parallels Minnesota Drive @ Adjacent airstrip and residential development @ Parallels railroad = No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Cluster of known historic sites in the Potter area Intersects sensitive coastal area chugach/human.tbl 6 HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA Recreation Management Areas and Facilities inl Ulin Primary ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative QC.M.1.30 @ Parallels existing transmission line @ Dispersed use @ Views at Moose River and Moose River Trail Crossing @ Several recorded sites in the vicinity = Crosses KNWR ™ Moose River crossing = Foreground residential views = Adjacent Residential QC.M.1.70 = Parallels existing transmission line @ Dispersed use ® Views from recreational trail crossing @ Nc reported archaeological or historic sites @ Crosses secondary roads = Foreground residential views QC.M.1.80 = Parallels existing transmission line = Dispersed use = Foreground residential views = No reported archaeological or historic sites ™ Crosses secondary roads ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative (A) @ Airstrips, rural residential @ Dispersed recreation = Foreground residential views = No reported archaeological or historic sites = Parallels pipeline QC.M.1.40 Airstrips, rural residential = Campground at Moose River @ Foreground views at Moose River Campground and @ Parallels pipeline ® Crosses a canoe trail crossing at Moose River Crosses KNWR No reported archaeological or historic sites Airstrips, rural residential @ Parallels pipeline Crosses KNWR = Limited foreground residential views No reported archaeological or historic sites Rural residential ® Parallels existing transmission line Crosses secondary roads Rural residential @ Parallels existing transmission line Crosses secondary roads ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative (B) @ Airstrips, rural residential ™ Dispersed recreation ® Middleground views from residential areas ® Parallels pipeline ® Foreground views at Moose River Campground and QC.M.1.80 @ Views from recreational trail crossing No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Foreground residential views @ Foreground residential views No reported archaeological or historic sites crossing at Moose River @ Adjacent rural residential = Parallels existing transmission line @ Crosses secondary roads ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative (C) @ No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Airstrips = Adjacent rural residential = Parallels pipeline = Foreground residential views No reported archaeological or historic sites chugach/human.tbl 7 HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA Link Code Land Use/Jurisdiction Recreation Management Areas and Facilities Cultural Resources Re aarrA AO ACN cm NAAM nM i ini i il ® Parallels transmission line ® Crosses Kenai River SMA three times ® Adjacent State Park Land managed for scenic quality ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Soldotna Airport ® Dispersed recreation - fishing @ Foreground views from residences = Bings Landing Campground Adjacent residential ® Parallels existing pipeline/transmission line into Powerline Pass Chugach State Park/Bicentennial Park Several adjacent trails ® Dispersed recreation = Natural zone management area within Chugach State park and Bicentennial Park Chugach State park and Bicentennial park managed for scenic quality ® Foreground residential views along Tudor Road and within Bicentennial Park = Known sites in general vicinity of route Chugach State Park - underdeveloped Adjacent recreational trails Chugach State park managed for scenic quality No reported archaeological or historic sites Dispersed recreation Foreground views from crossing and parallel recreational Natural zone management area trails Chugach State Park = Adjacent to Seward Scenic Highway, Alaska Railroad Adjacent to communities of Indian and bird Recreation facilities along Seward Highway - National Scenic Byway ® Dispersed recreation = Natural zone management area ® Proposed Bird Point scenic area at east end Chugach State Park ®™ Seward Highway scenic corridor managed to protect and maintain scenic values ® Foreground views from Indian and bird communities, Bird Creek Campground and several recreational trails Proposed Bird Point development at east end Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic Trail = Concentration of known historic properties along the northern shore of Turnagain Arm QC.D.40 Chugach State Park Recreation facilities along Seward Highway - Chugach State Park Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic ® Adjacent to Seward Scenic Highway, Alaska National Scenic Byway Seward Highway scenic corridor managed to retain scenic Trail Railroad = Dispersed recreation quality = Concentration of known historic properties along the ® Adjacent to Seward Highway ® High elevation views of Tumagain Arm northern shore of Turnagain Arm between Girdwood and @ Re-alignment crosses Alaska Railroad and access to = Foreground recreational views along Highway and Bird Bird Point community of Girdwood Point QC.E.50 Chugach National Forest Recreation facilities along Seward Highway - Chugach State Park Cluster of known sites in Girdwood area and along Adjacent to Seward Scenic Highway National Scenic Byway Dispersed recreation Glacier Flats viewpoint Seward Scenic Highway Chugach National Forest Manage to improve and retain scenic quality Foreground views from highway, Girdwood and Glacier Flats view point Turnagain Arm ® Parallels the primary route of the Iditarod National Historic Trail Chugach National Forest ® Adjacent to Seward Scenic Highway, Alaska Railroad QC.G.70 ®@ Chugach National Forest tbl 8 Recreation facilities along Seward Highway - National Scenic Byway ® Dispersed recreation Portage Creek pullout Recreation facilities along Seward Highway - National Scenic Byway Dispersed recreation Primarily non-forest lands adjacent-Foreground retention VQO = Views from Portage, Seward Scenic Highway and Portage Glacier Access Road Known sites in Portage area ® Parallels the primary route of the Iditarod National Historic Trail Primarily non-forest land adjacent-foreground and middleground partial retention VQO ® Views from Seward Scenic Highway and Turnagain Pass rest area Known sites along Seward Highway Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic Trail | HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA Link Code Land Use/Jurisdiction Recreation Management Areas and Facilities = Chugach National Forest ®@ Motorized/Non motorized Turnagain Pass @ Chugach National Forest and Seward Scenic Highway @ Seward Scenic Highway winter recreation areas foreground managed for retention ® Foreground views from dispersed recreational areas and trails Foreground views from highway Cultural Resources Known sites along Seward Highway Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic Trail Chugach National Forest = Seward Scenic Highway Adjacent to Sixmile Creek East Fork boat launch adjacent trails Chugach National Forest and Seward Scenic Highway- adjacent areas managed as retention VQO Foreground views from highway Known sites in Granite Creek area Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic Trail Chugach National Forest @ Seward Highway/Sterling Highway Adjacent recreational use areas Summit lake, Tern Lake, Devils Pass Interpretive area Proposed recreation facility Chugach National Forest and Seward Scenic Highway foreground managed primarily for retention VQO ® Minimal partial retention VQO @ Foreground views from one residential area and Seward Scenic Highway @ Foreground views from trail crossings, Summit Lake, tern lake, Devils Pass interpretive area Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic Trail = Concentration of known historic properties along the Seward Highway south of the Hope Cutoff Sensitivity - major Chugach National Forest/KNWR @ Borders KNWR wilderness Private land surrounded by partial retention Forest Service Several hundred prehistoric sites and over 3,000 cultural ® Sterling Highway ® Crosses Russian River VQO features in the Sqilantnu Archaeological District near ® Skilak SMA @ Adjacent KNWR wilderness area managed for preservation confluence of the Kenai and Russian rivers @ Adjacent to Kenai River Russian Lake, Cooper values ® Historic sites in Cooper Landing area Lake, Bean Creek, Resurrection Pass trail roads | ™ Foreground views from Kenai Lake, Cooper landing area, Bean Creek, Cooper Lake, Stetson Creek, Resurrection Pass, Mystery Creek trailheads, various camp sites Sensitivity - major QC.L.120 = USFWS - KNWR @ Sterling Highway Skilak SMA, Seven Lakes, Eugmen Lake Trailheads @ Watson, Kelly Lake, Peterson Lake campgrounds = USFWS - KNWR ® Dispersed use @ No established viewing areas @ No reported archaeological or historic sites = Paralleled existing transmission line @ Parallels existing transmission line ™ Dispersed use @ Views at Moose River and Moose River Trail Crossing @ Several recorded sites in the vicinity @ Crosses KNWR Road ™ Moose River crossing @ Foreground residential views QC.M.1.70 @ Parallels existing transmission line = Dispersed use @ Views from recreational trail crossing @ No reported archaeological or historic sites ™ Crosses secondary roads @ Foreground residential views QC.M.1.80 @ Parallels existing transmission line = Dispersed use @ Foreground residential views @ No reported archaeological or historic sites ™ Crosses secondary roads Primary Quartz Creek/Soldotna Area Routes QC.M.1.15 = USFWS - KNWR = Dispersed use @ No established viewing areas @ Parallels existing transmission line @ Parallels existing transmission line @ Dispersed use @ Views at Moose River and Moose River Trail Crossing @ Crosses KNWR Road ® Moose River crossing = Foreground residential views chugach/human.tbl 9 Adjacent KNWR managed for preservation values @ Foreground views from Seven Lakes, Eugmen lake trailheads and various campgrounds No reported archaeological or historic sites @ No reported archaeological or historic sites ® No reported archaeological or historic sites HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA Ln tn Rech angen Arad Pi Cat Rear QC.M.1.70 @ Parallels existing transmission line @ Dispersed use ® Views from recreational trail crossing @ No reported archaeological or historic sites ™ Crosses secondary roads = Foreground residential views QC.M.1.80 @ Parallels existing transmission line @ Dispersed use @ Foreground residential views ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Crosses secondary roads artz Creek/Soldotna Area Alternative Route (A) ® Parallels existing transmission line ® Dispersed recreation ® Adjacent foreground views along Sterling Highway ® No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Adjacent residential development = Dispersed recreation ® No residential views @ No reported archaeological of historic sites QC.M.1.80 Quartz Creek/Soldotna Area Alternative (C) ® Limited foreground residential views ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Airstrips, rural residential = Campground at Moose River = Foreground views at Moose River Campground and ® No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Parallels pipeline ® Crosses a canoe trail crossing at Moose River ™ Crosses KNWR Access Road ® Parallels pipeline = Limited ™ Middleground views from residential areas @ No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Rural residential development @ Rural residential development = Dispersed use ® Foreground residential views @ No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Parallels existing transmission line @ Crosses secondary roads Quartz Creek/Soldotna Area Alternative Route (B) @ Parallels existing transmission line ® Dispersed recreation ® Adjacent foreground views along Sterling Highway @ No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Adjacent residential development ® Parallels transmission line @ Crosses Kenai River SMA three times @ Adjacent State Park Land managed for scenic quality @ No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Soldotna Airport = Dispersed recreation - fishing @ Foreground views from residences = Bings Landing Campground ® Parallels existing transmission line ® Dispersed recreation . ™ Adjacent foreground views along Sterling Highway ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ™ Adjacent residential development = ep acpi ® Airstrips, rural residential = Campground at Moose River @ Foreground views at Moose River Campground and ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Parallels pipeline ™ Crosses a canoe trail crossing at Moose River ® Crosses KNWR Access Road ® Airstrips, rural residential ® Dispersed recreation ® Parallels pipeline @ Crosses KNWR Access Road QC.M.1.70 = Parallels existing transmission line ® Dispersed use @ Views from recreational trail crossing ® No reported archaeological or historic sites @ Crosses secondary roads @ Foreground residential views QC.M.1.80 @ Parallels existing transmission line @ Dispersed recreation = Foreground residential views ® No reported archaeological or historic sites ® Crosses secondary roads, adjacent residential HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA Link Code Land Use/Jurisdiction Recreation Management Areas and Facilities Cultural Resources Primary Quartz Creek Bird Point Area Route = Chugach State Park @ Seward Scenic Highway ® Parallels existing transmission line = Community of Girdwood at east end Recreation facilities along Seward Highway - National Scenic Byway @ Dispersed recreation Natural zone management area ™ Chugach State Park ™ Seward Highway scenic corridor managed to retain scenic quality ® High elevation views of Turmagain Arm @ Foreground recreational views along Highway and Bird Point Perallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic Trail ® Concentration of known historic properties along the northern shore of Turnagain Arm between Girdwood and Bird Point Parallels existing transmission line Chugach National Forest Seward Scenic Highway Community of Girdwood at east end Recreation facilities along Seward Highway - National Scenic Byway @ Dispersed recreation Access to Twenty-Mile River Chugach State Park Seward Scenic Highway Chugach National Forest Manage to improve and retain scenic quality Foreground views from highway, Girdwood and Glacier Flats view point Cluster of known sites in Girdwood area and along Turnagain Arm @ Pzrallels the primary route of the Iditarod National Historic Trail ®@ Chugach National Forest @ Parallels existing transmission line @ Seward Scenic Highway = Community of Portage Recreation facilities along Seward Highway - National Scenic Byway @ Dispersed recreation Access to Portage Lake Primarily non-forest lands adjacent-Foreground retention VQO @ Views from Portage, Seward Scenic Highway and Portage Glacier Access Road Kaown sites in Portage area Parallels the primary route of the Iditarod National Historic Trail Chugach National Forest Recreation facilities along Seward Highway - Primarily non-forest land adjacent-foreground and Seward Scenic Highway National Scenic Byway middleground partial retention VQO Dispersed recreation @ Views from Seward Scenic Highway and Turnagain Pass rest area Known sites along Seward Highway Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic Trail Chugach National Forest @ Seward Scenic Highway Motorized/Non motorized Turnagain Pass Chugach National Forest and Seward Scenic Highway winter recreation areas foreground managed for retention @ Foreground views from dispersed recreational areas and trails Foreground views from highway Known sites along Seward Highway Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic Trail Chugach National Forest Seward Scenic Highway Adjacent to Sixmile Creek Chugach National Forest and Seward Scenic Highway- ® East Fork boat launch adjacent trails adjacent areas managed as retention VQO Foreground views from highway Known sites in Granite Creek area Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic Trail Quartz Creek Bird Point Area Alternative (Aerial) QC.D1A.10 ™ Chugach State Park @ Seward Scenic Highway @ Planned recreation/interpretive facilities at Bird Point = Aerial crossing will dominate the landscape within a 2 mile distance and would overwhelm vies from Bird Point and selected locations along Hope Highway = Recorded sites in the vicinity of Sunrise and Bird Point @ Chugach National Forest @ Conservation easement ®@ Conservation easement and Chugach National Forest Conservation Easement managed for preservation values ™ Adjacent to Sixmile Creek = Conservation easement managed for preservation values ® Chugach National Forest Retention VQO ™ Foreground views from Sixmile Creek and Sixmile Creek access points, Hope Cutoff Highway @ Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic Trail ® Concentration of known historic properties along the Seward Highway south of Hope Cutoff chugach/human.tbl ll HUMAN AND CULTURAL RESOURCE DATA Land Use/Jurisdiction Recreation Management Areas and Facilities Quartz Creek Bird Point Area Altemative (Underground) QC.D1B.10 @ Submarine = Planned recreation/interpretive facilities at Bird | ™ Submarine crossing - foreground views at proposed Bird ® Recorded sites at Bird Point Point Point scenic area Sixmile Creek Recommend underground line and transition facility at Bird Point and Sixmile Creek ™ Chugach National Forest ® Conservation easement and Chugach National Conservation easement managed for preservation values ® Parallels a connecting trail to the Iditarod National Historic ® Parallels existing distribution line Forest Conservation Easement managed for Chugach National Forest Retention VQO Trail @ Rural residential cabins adjacent to Sixmile Creek preservation values Foreground views from Sixmile Creek and Sixmile Creek ™ Concentration of known historic properties along the @ Adjacent to Sixmile Creek access points, Hope Cutoff Highway Seward Highway south of Hope Cutoff chugach/human.tbl 12 chugach/natural.tbl NATURAL RESOURCE DATA Biology Geologic Features and Hazards Primary Tesoro Route Strong tidal currents Potential ice scour Potential bottom scour Cn a en TE.E.50 Beluga Whales spring and summer Submarine Near shore bluff erosion Anadromous fish passage Strong tidal currents Major ice scour potential Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Low liquefaction potential N/A 3 bald eagle nests Anadromous fish streams - route crosses Miller Creek, Seven Egg Creek, Otter Creek, and an unnamed Creek Extensive shrub bogs, forested wetlands Swan nesting habitat Waterfowl nesting habitat No biological concerns Low liquefaction potential N/A Waterfowl nesting habitat Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Swanson River Low liquefaction potential N/A Waterfowl nesting habitat Bald eagle nest Low liquefaction potential N/A Waterfowl nesting habitat Swan nesting habitat Low liquefaction potential N/A Sensitivity - major Primary Tesoro Anchorage Area Route TE.G-H.90 TE.J-K.110 TE.J-K.120 Beluga Whales spring and summer Submarine Anadromous fish passage Strong tidal currents Potential ice scour Potential bottom scour Swan nesting habitat Low liquefaction potential Near shore bluff erosioa Strong tidal currents Major ice scour potential Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (A) Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Coastal Marsh Swan nesting habitat TE.E.50 Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Strong tidal currents Potential ice scouring Shallow intertidal Potential bottom scour Low liquefaction potential 13 chugach/natural.tbl NATURAL RESOURCE DATA Geologic Features and Hazards Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (B) Frans [Sepa oes TE.C.30 Beluga Whales spring and summer Moderate liquefaction potential Strong tidal currents Anadromous fish passage Potential ice scouring Coastal Marsh Shallow intertidal Waterfowl concentration area spring/fall Potential bottom scour Swan nesting habitat Low liquefaction potential N/A Sensitivity - moderate Beluga Whales spring and summer Submarine Strong tidal currents Anadromous fish passage Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (C) = ~~ Anadromous fish passage Strong tidal currents Coastal marsh Near shore bluff erosion Heavy ice scour potential Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Tesoro Anchorage Area Alternative (D) Route crosses one anadromous fish stream (Campbell Creek) | Moderate liquefaction potential /A [aaa [ nn Mes ow oo fAN3O Extensive Muskeg (Klatt Bog) Moderate liquefaction potential N/A AN.70 i Strong tidal currents Beluga Whales spring and summer ' Submarine Anadromous fish passage Potential ice scouring Potential bottom scour Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Submarine Strong tidal currents Primary Tesoro Captain Cook Area Alternative atin ig a mous im Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Swanson River Low liquefaction potential N/A Waterfowl nesting habitat TE.J-K.110 Bald eagle nest Low liquefaction potential N/A Waterfowl nesting habitat 14 chugach/natural.tb! NATURAL RESOURCE DATA ia as Tesoro Captain Cook Alternative (A) 2 bald eagle nests Low liquefaction potential Anadromous fish streams - route crosses Swanson River and Bishop Creek Swan nesting concentrations Waterfowl nesting concentrations Major sensitivity EN.A.20 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Campbell Creek Moderate liquefaction potential EN. No biological concerns Moderate liquefaction potential N/A Waterfowl nesting area Low liquefaction potential N/A Waterfowl staging area Coastal marsh habitat - Potters marsh Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Rabbit Creek : Major sensitivity Beluga Whales spring and summer Potential ice scouring Anadromous fish passage Strong tidal currents in center of channel Coastal wetlands ; Potential bottom scour Waterfowl concentrations (spring/fall) Moderate sensitivity Bald eagle nest Moderate liquefaction potential Black and brown bear concentration area Adjacent to waterfowl concentration area Swan nesting habitat near Trapper Joe Lake Low liquefaction potential Lowland Caribou Summer Range Anadromous fish streams - route crosses six tributaries of Chickaloon River and three tributaries of the Moose River Brown bear concentration area Spring, summer, and fall moose range Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Moose River Low liquefaction potential Black and brown bear concentrations Waterfowl nesting area Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) Moderate swan use Moderate sensitivity Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Low liquefaction potential Moderate swan use Waterfowl nesting area QC.M.1.80 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Low liquefaction potential N/A 15 chugach/natural.tbl NATURAL RESOURCE DATA Gang ets od Alternative ENSTAR Routes SS Waterfowl staging area EN.C.90 Moderate liquefaction potential Moderate liquefaction potential Low liquefaction potential Coastal marsh habitat - Potters marsh Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Rabbit Creek Major sensitivity Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Coastal wetlands Waterfowl concentrations (spring/fall) ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (A) EN.A.10 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Campbell Creek Re bog sso EN.B.70 Adjacent to waterfowl nesting area Adjacent to waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) EN.C.90 Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Coastal wetlands Waterfowl concentrations (spring/fall) Moderate liquefaction potential Moderate liquefaction potential Low liquefaction potential ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (B) pANIO Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Campbell Creek Moderate liquefaction potential N/A fAN20000— Extensive Muskeg (Klatt Bog) Moderate liquefaction potential N/A Extensive Muskeg (Klatt Bog) Moderate liquefaction potential N/A Beluga Whales spring and summer Potential ice scouring Anadromous fish passage Strong tidal currents in center of channel ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (C) Waterfowl concentration Potential bottom scour Coastal wetlands Major sensitivity PANO Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Campbell Creek Moderate liquefaction potential PAN4O Extensive Muskeg (Klatt Bog) Moderate liquefaction potential N/A ANSO No biological concerns Moderate liquefaction potential N/A No biological concerns Moderate liquefaction potential N/A 16 NATURAL RESOURCE DATA Geologic Features and Hazards Marine Characteristics Waterfowl nesting area Low liquefaction potential Waterfowl staging area Coastal marsh habitat - Potters Marsh Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Rabbit Creek Major sensitivity Beluga Whales spring and summer Strong tidal currents Anadromous fish passage Coastal wetlands Waterfowl concentrations (spring/fall) ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (D) Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Campbell Creek Moderate liquefaction potential Moderate liquefaction potential Moderate liquefaction potential Moderate liquefaction potential feo Ff N/A N/A Strong tidal currents N/A N/A — Waterfowl staging area a Coastal marsh habitat - Potters Marsh chugach/natural.tbl 17 Moderate liquefaction potential Low liquefaction potential EN.B.70 Adjacent to waterfowl nesting area Adjacent to waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (E) EN.A.10 No biological concerns EN.A.40 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Campbell Creek Beluga Whales spring and summer Submarine Anadromous fish passage Coastal wetlands Waterfowl concentrations (spring/fall) Moderate liquefaction potential Moderate liquefaction potential Moderate liquefaction potential Low liquefaction potential Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Rabbit Creek Major sensitivity Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Coastal wetlands Waterfowl concentrations (spring/fall) chugach/natural.tbl NATURAL RESOURCE DATA Geologic Features and Hazards Marine Characteristics Biology ENSTAR Anchorage Area Alternative (F) ANIO 8 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Campbell Creek Ese Mg Ot Bo Moderate liquefaction potential N/A Moderate liquefaction potential N/A Ne ipa ss Re lg one Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Campbell Creek Ne lg om Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Rabbit Creek EN.B.80 Major sensitivity EN.C.90 Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Coastal wetlands Waterfowl concentrations (spring/fall) Primary ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative QC.M.1.30 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Moose River Low liquefaction potential N/A Black and brown bear concentrations Waterfowl nesting area Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) Moderate swan use Moderate sensitivity Moderate liquefaction potential N/A Moderate liquefaction potential N/A Moderate liquefaction potential N/A Moderate liquefaction potential N/A Waterfowl nesting area Waterfowl staging area Coastal marsh habitat - Potters Marsh Low liquefaction potential N/A Strong tidal currents QC.M.1.70 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Low liquefaction potential N/A Moderate swan use o Waterfowl nesting area QC.M.1.80 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Low liquefaction potential N/A ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative (A) QC.M.1.20 No biological concerns Low liquefaction potential N/A N/A Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Moose River Low liquefaction potential Brown bear habitat Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Low liquefaction potential N/A Waterfowl nesting area QC.M.1.70 N/A Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Moderate swan use Waterfowl nesting area Low liquefaction potential 18 NATURAL RESOURCE DATA ia QC.M.1.80 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Geologic Features and Hazards Marine Characteristics . N/A Low liquefaction potential ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative (B) pocM1200 | No biological concerns . Low liquefaction potential N/A Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Moose River Low liquefaction potential N/A Brown bear habitat Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Low liquefaction potential N/A Moderate swan use . Waterfowl nesting area QC.M.1.80 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Low liquefaction potential N/A ENSTAR Soldotna Area Alternative (C) QC.M.1.20 No biological concerns Low liquefaction potential fQcM.10 | No biological concerns Low liquefaction potential QC.M.2.10 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Kenai River three Low liquefaction potential N/A times Bald eagle nest Waterfowl! migration corridor Major for waterfowl sensitivity Primary Quartz Creek Route Low to moderate potential avalanche zone N/A Moderate to low potential avalanche zone N/A Mountain goat habitat QC.A.10 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Campbell Creek QC.B.20 Dall sheep habitat Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Indian Creek QC.D.40 Coastal marsh habitat High to low potential avalanche zone N/A Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Glacier Creek QC.E.50 Coastal marsh habitat Moderate to low potential avalanche zone N/A Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Twentymile River Moderate swan use Bald eagle nest River Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) QC.G.70 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Ingram Creek Moderate potential avalanche zone N/A Old Growth Spruce - Hemlock 19 QC.C.30 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Bird Creek Moderate potential avalanche zone N/A Anadromous fish streams - route crosses Portage Creek, Placer | N/A N/A Waterfowl! migration corridor chugach/natural.tbl NATURAL R2SOURCE DATA re es QC.H.80 No biological concerns Moderate to low potential avalanche zone Bald eagle nest Moderate potential avalanche zone Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Granite Creek Moose fall/winter range aD ih QC.J.100 Dall sheep habitat Mountain goat habitat Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Quartz Creek Bald eagle nest Moose winter range Moderate sensitivity Moderate to low potential avalanche zone N/A QC.K.110 12 bald eagle nests Moose winter range Adjacent to Dall sheep and mountain goat habitat Anadromous fish streams - route crosses Quartz Creek, Kenai River, Copper Creek, and the Russian River Moderate sensitivity QC.L.120 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses east fork Moose River | Low liquefaction potential Brown bear habitat No biological concerns Low liquefaction potential N/A Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Moose River Low liquefaction potential N/A Black and brown bear concentrations Waterfowl nesting area Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) Moderate swan use Moderate sensitivity Low potential avalanche zone N/A N/A Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Moderate swan use Waterfowl nesting area Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Low liquefaction potential N/A 80 Primary Quartz Creek/Soldotna Area Routes No biological concerns Low liquefaction potential N/A Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Moose River Low liquefaction potential N/A Black and brown bear concentrations Waterfowl nesting area Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) Moderate swan use Moderate sensitivity Low liquefaction potential Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Moderate swan use QC.M.1.70 Waterfowl nesting area QC.M.1.80 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Low liquefaction potential Low liquefaction potential N/A 20 chugach/natural.tbl NATURAL RESOURCE DATA Link Code Biology Geologic Features and Hazards Marine Characteristics Soldotna Area Alternative Route (A) QC.M.2.05 No biological concems Low liquefaction potential N/A facmi.to | No biological concerns Low liquefaction potential N/A Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Moose River Low liquefaction potential Brown bear habitat Waterfowl concentration area - spring/fall Moderate sensitivity N/A Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Moderate swan use Waterfowl nesting area QC.M.1.80 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Soldotna Area Alternative Route (B) Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Kenai River three Quartz Creek/Soldotna Area Alternative (C) times Bald eagle nest cea Rotonga Lc facm.1.10 | No biological concerns Low liquefaction potential Low liquefaction potential Low liquefaction potential Low liquefaction potential Low liquefaction potential Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Moose River Low liquefaction potential Brown bear habitat Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Waterfowl nesting area Low liquefaction potential Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Moderate swan use Waterfowl nesting area QC.M.1.80 Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Soldotna Creek Low liquefaction potential Low liquefaction potential 21 NATURAL RESOURCE DATA chugach/natural.tbl NATURAL RESOURCE DATA Biology Geologic Features and Hazards Primary Quartz Creek Bird Point Area Route Coastal marsh habitat High to low potential avalanche zone Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Glacier Creek Moderate sensitivity Coastal marsh habitat Moderate to low potential avalanche zone Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Twentymile River Moderate swan use Bald eagle nest Moderate sensitivity Anadromous fish streams - route crosses Portage Creek, Placer | Moderate liquefaction potential River Waterfowl concentration area (spring/fall) Waterfowl migration corridor Moderate sensitivity Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Ingram Creek Moderate potential avalanche zone Old Growth Spruce - Hemlock No biological concerns Moderate to low potential avalanche zone Bald eagle nest Moderate avalanche zone Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Granite Creek Moose fall/winter range Quartz Creek Bird Point Area Alternative (Aerial) QC.D1A.10 Beluga Whales spring and summer Moderate Liquefaction Anadromous fish passage Bald eagle nest Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Sixmile Creek Moderate sensitivity Moose fall/winter habitat Moderate potential avalanche zone Bald eagle nest Quartz Creek Bird Point Area Alternative (Underground) QC.D.1.B.10 Beluga Whales spring and summer Anadromous fish passage Bald eagle nest Anadromous fish stream - route crosses Sixmile Creek Moderate sensitivity Moose fall/winter habitat Moderate potential avalanche zone Bald eagle nest 22 Strong tidal current Heavy ice scour Potential bottom scour Strong tidal currents Heavy ice scour Potential bottom scour