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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMahoney Lake Hydro Intervene and Scoping 1 1995LOCHER INTERESTS LTD. 406 WEST FIREWEED LANE, SUITE 101 ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99903-2649 ECEIVE arses APR ~- 41995 Alaska Industrial Development MEMORANDUM and Export Authorig4a5.o052 TO: Stan Sieczkowski, Alaska Energy Authori FROM: Jim Thrall, Locher Interests LTD. DATE: April 3, 1995 REF: Mahoney Lake Project As you know, we have recently discussed filing a motion to intervene on the Mahoney Lake Project. After looking into the matter | have determined that: 1: The time to intervene during the preliminary permit phase has passed. ‘e The time to intervene during license filing is not yet here. 3: The project is just beginning the scoping phase, to determine the issues to be addressed during the environmental assessment phase. | have contacted the consultant for the project, HDR in Bellevue, Washington (Mr. Mike Stimac, 206-453- 1523) and requested that the project scoping document to be sent to you with a copy to me. We should receive that document before the planned scoping meetings (April 13-14, 1995) and will have the opportunity to comment on any aspects of the project for which we have a concern. We will then have the opportunity to file to intervene during the license submittal phase of the project. Please let me know if you agree with this approach. If so, we can meet after reviewing the Project Scoping materials and decide what comments, if any, the State may wish to submit at this time. JHT:cjp copy: D. Beardsley, AEA File Ws ogc g ALASKA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORITY / = ALASKA mE ENERGY AUTHORITY 480 WEST TUDOR ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99503 907 / 269-3000 FAX 907 / 269-3044 August 26, 1996 Ms. Lois D. Cashell, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, N. E. Washington, D.C. 20426 Subject: MOTION TO INTERVENE Project No. 11393-001, AK Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project Dear Ms. Cashell: Enclosed is our MOTION TO INTERVENE in the subject proceedings. The Alaska Energy Authority has interests not represented by other parties involved in these proceedings. Executive Director WRS:JHT:cjp Enclosure: As stated cc: Mr. Keith A Laufer, Assistant Attorney General, Dept. of Law, Anchorage (w/enclosure) Mr. J. Magyar, KPU (w/enclosure) Mr. S. Sieczkowski, AEA (w/o enclosure) Mr. D. Beardsley, AEA (w/o enclosure) Mr. J. Thrall, LIL (w/enclosure) Mr. Tom Fitzgerald (w/enclosure) Mr. Doug Campbell (w/enclosure) Mr. Michael V. Stimac (w/enclosure) Mr. John Braislin (w/enclosure) Mr. Donald H. Clarke (w/enclosure) File UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION CITY OF SAXMAN, ALASKA PROJECT NO. 11393-001, AK Motion to Intervene of Alaska Energy Authority Pursuant to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's ("Commission") NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND APPLICANT PREPARED EA ACCEPTED FOR FILING; NOTICE REQUESTING INTERVENTIONS AND PROTESTS; AND NOTICE REQUESTING COMMENTS, FINAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRESCRIPTIONS, dated August 14, 1996, and the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, the Alaska Energy Authority, ("Energy Authority") hereby moves to intervene in this proceeding. In support of its motion the Energy Authority states as follows: 1. The Alaska Energy Authority is a public corporation of the State of Alaska, having its principal office at 480 west Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska. Correspondence and communications with respect to this Motion should be addressed to: Mr. William R. Snell Executive Director Alaska Energy Authority Attention: Stanley E. Sieczkowski 480 West Tudor Road Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Mr. Keith A. Laufer Assistant Attorney General Department of Law General Civil Section 1031 West Fourth Avenue, Suite 200 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 The Energy Authority is a Public Corporation of the State of Alaska. The purpose of the Energy Authority is to promote, develop and advance the general prosperity and economic welfare of the people of the State by providing a means of financing and operating power projects and facilities that recover and use waste energy (§ Ch. 278 SLA 1976; am § 5 Ch 156 SLA 1978; am § 1 Ch 133 SLA 1982; am § 9 Ch 18 SLA 1993). The Energy Authority is supportive of projects resulting in sound energy development by entities other than itself and will make efforts to provide assistance as appropriate. Motion to Intervene, Alaska Energy Authority City of Saxman, Alaska Project No. 11393-001 Page 2 4. The Energy Authority is the Owner and FERC Licensee of the Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project, located near the subject project site. 5. The Swan Lake Project currently provides some of the power for the area to be served by the subject project. 6. Operation of the subject project may effect operation of the Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project. WHEREFORE, the Energy Authority moves that the Commission make and issue its Order permitting the Energy Authority to intervene in, and be made a party of, the above-entitled proceedings with a right to have notice of and appear at all hearings, to produce evidence and witnesses, to cross-examine witnesses, and be heard by counsel, and to submit briefs and participate in oral argument, if oral argument is granted. Dated this 2G day of August, 1996. Respectfully submitted, Executive Director Alaska Energy Authority HDR Pnginechdg Inc. 7 : 500.-. 108th: Avenue NE., Suite 1200 Bellevue, ee 18004: O03 Scoping Document 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page 1.0: * INTRODUCTION 2.5 6 a5e% nce aw oe oe 4s Gab ee ee oe See oe 1 2.0 SCOPING ......... ee ee eee 4 2.1 Purposes of Scoping ..... 2.2... 22. eee ee ee eee + 22. Scoping Meetings: ac. csc tp sae oe ad een wee eee AEG eRe 5 3.0 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ............. 0.022002 e ee eaee 7 4.0 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ...............-2---4- 9 4.1 City of Saxman’s Proposed Action ... 2.2... 2... ee eee 9 4.1.1 Project Description ............... 0.20. 000000000- 9 4.1:2 Project Operation =< j<..08 a2 oo sce ise nee aes eee ws 15 4.1.3 Proposed Protection and Mitigation ................... 18 4.2 Modifications to the City’s Proposed Project .................. 18 4.3. NoAction...... 0... 0... 22 eee 19 5.0 SCOPE OF CUMULATIVE ANALYSIS AND RESOURCE ISSUES ....... 20 5.1 Cumulative Effects... ee eee 20 5.1.1 Resources That Could Be Cumulatively Affected ........... 20 5.12. Geographic Scope «32 ss se as ea ge we Hse ee de eS 20 5.1.3 Temporal Scope .... 2... 2. eee 21 5.2 Resource Issues... 2... eee 21 5.2.1 Geology and Soil Resources ................--00-005 21 5.2.2 Aquatic Resources ... 2.2... 2 ee ee ee 21 5.2.3 Terrestrial Resources .. 2.2.2... ee eee 22 5.2.4 Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species ............ 22 5.25 Aesthetic Resources «2 cc oe eee eee ee ed 22 5.2.6 Recreation and Land Use... 1... 2... . eee ee eee 23 5.2.7 Socieconomics .... 2... 2. ee ne 23 5.2.8 Cultural Resources 2.666 sh on es bos eve eee Tee ee 23 6.0 EA PREPARATION SCHEDULE ............... 0.000: e cues 24 7.0 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (DEA) OUTLINE ......... 25 8.0 MAILING LIST ........... 2.0.00 0002 cee eee 27 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 i FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document I TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Appendices A Licensing Study Plans B Status of Studies LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 1 Project Location and Vicinity Maps... . 5.2 255 ee ee ee ieee 2D 2 Access Road/Transmission Line Route ...............20 00220 e eee 10 3 Project /Site Planiand Profile wv eer ieee iether oier: 11 LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1 Proposed! Principal Project Features) © 7.) - 3 3s usin is = 3) eis © 12 2 Average Annual Energy Generation - Year 2000 .................24- 16 3 Average Annual Energy Generation - Year 2005 and Beyond ............ 17 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 li FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) issued a Preliminary Permit (No. 11393-000) to the City of Saxman (City) in June 1993 to allow them to study the potential Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project. This permit expires in June 1996. Cape Fox Corporation, an Alaskan corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act as the village corporation for the Native village of Saxman, has been retained by the City as the development agent for the project. The City intends to file an application for a Major Unconstructed Project (18 CFR 4.41). The proposed Mahoney Lake Project would have an installed capacity of 9.6 megawatts (MW) and would be located on Upper Mahoney Creek, between Upper and Lower Mahoney Lakes, in southeast Alaska, approximately 5 air miles northeast of Ketchikan (see Figure 1). The project would be sited on some lands of the Tongass National Forest managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and some lands owned by the Cape Fox Corporation. The portions of USFS land impacted by the project include the area around Upper Mahoney Lake, the lake tap and upper tunnel, and a short section of the access road/transmission line route just north of Lower Mahoney Creek. Total area is approximately 85.6 acres of USFS land. The Commission, under the authority of the Federal Power Act’ (FPA), may issue licenses for up to 50 years for the construction, operation, and maintenance of non-federal hydroelectric developments. The USFS must decide what limitations and conditions to include in a Special Use Permit if the Commission issues a license for the project. The Special Use Permit would authorize occupancy and use of USFS-System lands and would include those requirements necessary for comprehensive and compatible use of the natural resources, consistent with the purposes for which the national forests were established. Under the Commission’s regulations, issuing a license for the project first requires preparation of either an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969.” Pursuant to the authority granted under Section 2403(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, the City, in coordination with the Commission Staff and the USFS, will prepare a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for the Mahoney Lake Project consistent with the requirements of NEPA and the Council on Environmental Quality’s guidelines, 40 CFR Part 1500. That document will include descriptions and evaluations of the effects of the City’s proposed action, including an assessment of the action’s cumulative effects and site-specific effects. The DEA will be ' U.S.C. Sect. 791(a)-825(r). 2 42 U.S.C. Sect. 4321 et seq. (1988) 3 Pub.L. No. 102-486 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 1 FERC No. 11393 REVILLAGIGEDO VICINITY MAP ieies (iLitiaesigntt; CHANNEL ARCTIC OCEAN PACIFIC OCEAN LOCATION MAP CITY OF SAXMAN, ALASKA APPLICATION FOR LICENSE MAHONEY LAKE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC PROJECT NO. 11393 PROJECT LOCATION AND VICINITY MAPS Figure 1 HDR Engineering, Inc. Scoping Document 1 submitted to the Commission, in lieu of the Environmental Report (Exhibit E), as part of the License Application. The DEA will be circulated for review to all interested parties. The Commission Staff will independently review the DEA and other application material for adequacy and will issue a staff Draft EA. The Commission Staff will consider all comments filed on the DEA for the Final EA. The Staff will present conclusions and recommendations for the Commission to consider in reaching its final licensing decision. The USFS will use the EA to guide its decisions to issue mandatory license conditions pursuant to section 4(e) of the FPA and to issue a special use authorization under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 3 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 2.0 SCOPING Scoping is the process used to identify issues, concerns, and opportunities associated with a proposed action; the process, according to NEPA, should be conducted early in the planning stage of the project. In this case, scoping will also provide the final opportunity for agencies and the public to request additional scientific studies. Requests for additional studies are normally solicited after the application is filed, but in this case, a DEA will be filed with the license application. 2.1 Purposes of Scoping The purposes of this scoping document are as follows: . Invite participation of federal, state, and local agencies, any Native American group, and other interested persons to identify significant environmental and socioeconomic issues related to the proposed action. : Determine the depth of analysis and significance of issues to be addressed in the EA. . Identify how the project would or would not contribute to cumulative effects in the Mahoney Creek basin. = Identify reasonable alternatives that should be evaluated. 2 Eliminate from detailed study the issues and resources that do not require detailed analysis during review of the project. . Solicit additional study requests. Following the scoping meetings and comment period, all issues raised, along with any additional study requests, will be reviewed. Consultation will be initiated as to the level of analysis needed. If preliminary analysis indicates that any issues presented in this scoping document have little potential for causing significant impacts, the issue or issues will be identified and the reasons for not providing a more detailed analysis will be given in the EA. Any dispute over additional study requests that cannot be resolved between the City and the requesting party will be referred to the Commission for resolution. This document will be revised as necessary to reflect comments received during the meetings and comment period and then issued as Scoping Document 2. In the event no substantial comments are received and no revisions to Scoping Document 1 are necessary, participants will Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 4 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 be notified by letter. The EA will address comments and input received during the scoping process. 2.2 Scoping Meetings In addition to written comments solicited by this Scoping Document, two scoping meetings will be held to solicit any verbal comments and viewpoints you may wish to offer concerning the project.* Your attendance is invited at either of the meetings to help us identify the scope of issues that should be analyzed in the EA. The times and locations of the two planned meetings are as follows: Public Meeting: Wednesday, April 12, 1995 7:00 PM Westmark-Cape Fox Hotel 800 Venetia Way Ketchikan, Alaska Agency Meeting: Thursday, April 13, 1995 9:00 AM Westmark-Cape Fox Hotel 800 Venetia Way Ketchikan, Alaska The scoping meetings will be recorded by a court reporter, and all statements (verbal and written) will become part of the public record for the project. Individuals presenting statements at the meetings will be asked to clearly identify themselves for the record. Interested parties who choose not to speak or who are unable to attend either scoping meetings may provide written comments and information as described in Section 3.0 of this Scoping Document. A site visit is tentatively planned for the afternoon of April 12. Those who would like to visit the site should contact Mr. Doug Campbell at the Cape Fox Corporation, (907) 225-5163 prior to April 1. Those attending the site visit should plan to meet in the lobby of the Westmark- Cape Fox Hotel at 1:00 PM. 4 Public meetings with respect to the proposed project were held in Ketchikan on April 26, 1994, as part of the initial consultation required under FERC regulations. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 5 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 Questions concerning the scoping process for the Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project DEA should be directed to: Mr. Michael V. Stimac Manager, Licensing & Environmental Services HDR Engineering, Inc. 500 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 1200 Bellevue, WA 98004 (206) 453-1523 You may also contact the Commission and/or the USFS at the addresses listed below: Mr. Vince Yearick Mr. Linn Shipley Office of Hydropower Licensing Acting District Ranger Federal Energy Regulatory Commission U.S. Forest Service 810 First Street, N.E., Room 504 3031 Tongass Avenue Washington, D.C. 20426 Ketchikan, AK 99901 (202) 219-3073 (907) 225-2148 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 6 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 3.0 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Federal, state, and local resource agencies, applicants, Native American groups, other entities, and individuals are requested to forward information that they believe will assist the City in conducting an accurate and thorough analysis of the site-specific as well as cumulative effects of licensing the Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project. Types of information we request include, but are not limited to the following: a Information, quantified data, or professional opinions that may contribute to defining the geographical and temporal scope of the analysis and identifying significant environmental issues; a Identification of, and information from any other environmental document or similar study (previous, on-going, or planned), relevant to the proposed Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project. = Existing information and any quantified data that would help to describe the past and present actions and effects of the project and other developmental activities on environmental and socioeconomic resources; : Information that would help characterize existing environments and habitats; a Identification of any federal, state, or local resource plans, environmental impact statements, and future project proposals in the affected resource area, such as proposals to construct or operate water treatment facilities, recreation areas, water diversions, timber harvest activities, or fish management programs; 2 Documentation that would support a conclusion that the proposed project contributes to adverse or beneficial effects on resources, including but not limited to (a) how the project interacts with other hydropower projects and other development activities within the affected area, (b) results from studies, (c) resource management policies, and (d) reports from federal, state, and local agencies; and a Documentation showing why any resources should be excluded from further study or excluded from further consideration. The requested information can be submitted at the scoping meetings, or submitted in writing no later than May 15, 1995. This includes any relevant copies of data, reports, or other documentation supporting positions taken. Written submissions must be sent to Michael V. Stimac at HDR Engineering, Inc. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 Ti FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 All written filings must clearly identify the following on the first page: Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 11393). Additional study requests should conform to the requirements of 18 CFR section 4.32(b)(7), which requires that the requestor must describe the study and the basis for the request in detail, including who should conduct and participate in the study, its methodology and objectives, whether the methodology is generally accepted in the scientific community, how the study results would be used by the requesting agency to assess resource issues under their jurisdiction, how long the study would take to complete, and why the study’s objectives cannot be achieved using data already available. The City previously sought input from interested parties during the Stage I consultation process in accordance with FERC regulations (18 CFR 4.38(b)). An Initial Consultation Document (ICD) was distributed on March 16, 1994, to interested agencies to provide a general overview of the proposed project design, operation, and potential impacts. Following distribution of the ICD, two agency/Native American/public meetings were held in Ketchikan on April 26, 1994, to discuss the proposed project and potential environmental impacts, and identify data to be obtained and studies to be conducted as part of the FERC consultation process. Written comments were due within 60 days following the joint meetings or by June 25, 1994. Comments received on the ICD were incorporated into a Final Consultation Document (FCD). The FCD, which was distributed on August 8, 1994, outlined the studies that are being performed during Stage II and contained copies of all consultation correspondence and responses that were developed in reply to concerns addressed in agency comment letters. The study descriptions from Section 7.0 of the FCD appear in Appendix A to this document. Appendix B provides a brief status report for each area of study. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 8 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document I 4.0 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES Several detailed environmental studies have been conducted at the Mahoney Lake site previously by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and R.W. Beck and Associates (Beck) on behalf of Ketchikan Public Utilities (KPU). Because of southeast Alaska’s dependency on diesel fuel for electrical generation and impacts caused by the oil crisis during the mid-1970’s, Congress directed the COE to conduct feasibility studies of hydropower sites to serve Ketchikan, as well as other areas of southeast Alaska. An Appraisal Report for KPU was prepared by Beck in June 1977 for the Swan Lake, Lake Grace, and Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Projects. A Preliminary Interim Feasibility Report on Hydroelectric Power and Related Purposes for Ketchikan Area, Alaska and a Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Mahoney Lakes Hydropower Project was prepared by the COE in 1978. More studies were conducted and another version of these documents was compiled and distributed in July 1983 as a Draft Interim Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement; Hydroelectric Power for Sitka, Petersburg/Wrangell, and Ketchikan, Alaska. 4.1 City of Saxman’s Proposed Action 4.1.1 Project Description The proposed Mahoney Lake Project site is located in southeast Alaska approximately 5 air miles northeast of Ketchikan on Revillagigedo Island. Under current conditions, water from Upper Mahoney Lake, at approximate El. 1,959 feet mean sea level (fmsl), flows down a cascade (upper Mahoney Creek) to the lower lake (El. 85) and then into George Inlet (sea level) by way of lower Mahoney Creek. The Mahoney Lake Project would consist of a lake tap diversion, reservoir (Upper Mahoney Lake), pipeline constructed inside tunnels and a vertical shaft, a powerhouse, a combination of underground and overhead transmission lines, and an access road (see Figure 2). The proposed Project would use a “lake tap", which will tunnel into Upper Mahoney Lake about 75 feet below its surface. Water would be conveyed through an upper tunnel to a 1,370-ft. long, rock-lined vertical shaft. The water would continue to the powerhouse in a 3,350-ft. long lower tunnel (see Figure 3). The powerhouse would be located above Lower Mahoney Lake at the base of a large waterfall on upper Mahoney Creek. A dam would not be constructed for this project. Table 1 summarizes the proposed project features. The upper tunnel will be an 8-foot horseshoe-shaped tunnel, about 1,700 feet in length. Tunnel walls will be left unlined except in areas requiring additional support. Maximum velocity at full turbine flow will be 1.4 feet per second (fps) through the tunnel, which is well below accepted standards for safe velocities in unlined tunnels. The upstream end of the tunnel will pierce the submerged rock walls of Upper Mahoney Lake at a depth of about 75 feet. A lake tap deeper Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 9 FERC No. 11393 EXISTING ACCESS ROAD AND NEW OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE REVILLAGIGEDO ISLAND UPPER MAHONEY LAKE Go ‘D NEW ACCESS ROAD AND OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE LOWER MAHONEY CREEK POWERHOUSE 1 TUNNEL NEW ACCESS ROAD AND UNDERGROUND TRANSMISSION LINE LAKE tap ‘SWITCHYARD REVILLAGIGEDO CITY OF SAXMAN, ALASKA APPLICATION. FOR LICENSE MAHONEY LAKE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC PROJECT NO. 11393 ACCESS ROAD/ TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ure 2 HDR Engineering, inc. Fig %, % = ; Ne. - SHAFT te POWERHOUSE ELEVATION, FEET MAHONEY LAKE WS.EL 88.02 UPPER MAHONEY LAKE WS.EL 1959.0 LAKE TAP . PLAN 2000 UPPER MAHONEY LAKE NORMAL W.S.EL 1959.0 SCALE: 1" = 200° —2000_ -2000_ ACCESS ROAD AND BURIED TRANSMISSION LINE 1800 1800 1600 1600 1400 __ 1400 1200 1200 5 8 1000 ‘ee Zz 3 = o 200 ° 200 400 600 mo Pa ee eee SCALE IN FEET —600_ CITY OF SAXMAN, ALASKA 500 _ APPLICATION FOR LICENSE MAHONEY LAKE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC PROJECT NO. 11393 400 400 PROJECT SITE PLAN AND PROFILE Figure 3 —200__ a0 HDR Engineering, Inc. 9 +00 12+00 16+00 20+00 24+00 28+00 32+00 36+00 PROFILE 40+00 44+00 48+00 52+00 Scoping Document 1 TABLE 1 MAHONEY LAKE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT PROPOSED PRINCIPAL PROJECT FEATURES Number ofaGenerating Uinitsueee dele tee edt ceeded tro lese leit ele saree ofusered ela seroal deserts 1 Turbine hype! cadena te ise ceed iced seoeelcl ell went omer eiealtel ene eiceitel ey cited ol Pelton Rated Generator Outputs MW) sie roe talent © lai eletalcic) oe heenioisteo hone outa - neues 9.6 Maximum) Rated Turbine ‘Discharge: (cfs tasieisa-d <sasdohepewlelecestolescoil fronted chen slih cele cnet 78 Minimum; Rated; Lurbine ‘Discharge: Cts jscdersn ended on uclice release enedl mente reeronl el outer elie 8 urbine) Runner, Centerline) Elevation’ fmsl (yaaa eleicl alee eis) sie ole eres ats = 147 Average Annual Rnerpy Ok W bier ulelld ieee tole nale) cianilell ale le}ie lel oy lel cael 42,080,000 Normal Maximum Reservoir Elevation, fmsl............-.--2-.+2+0e20085 1959 Normal Minimum Reservoir Elevation, fmsl ..............--...2--22-005- 1890 Gross! Head! feety niece isle reer ae ey le eat see Atel oa ccs eet techy oh 1809 Net Head at Maximum Rated Discharge; jfeet)) 0/2/05 yes) sje ee) eels ele) sole ese 1730 Upper Mahoney Lake Drainage Areas sc emis tere seeder alent eee ett sel esta tt area feel ote sel eomtedo eared dese eas 2.0 Surface Area atl: 1959 saCres it eye ein fal serail caliente) caroline redletc) alec) oils 74 Active ‘Storage Volumeat HI 1959" acre-ft)) F)3)t iso ile) 21 -) icllen oy eee 4,000 Average Annual Natural Outflow, acre-ft ...............222200- 32,600 AyerageyAnnual Natural: Outflow, Cts ein. foal eet erie) aston teste 44.4 Approximate Depthiat) Deepest Point itty ideal ieaeicneieieeieenel dened nolteal: 270 Diversion Lypemy eae ariel etter ceeielonclclceaicieraiele Lake Tap at El. 1880 Upper Pressure Tunnel CRY Delle ieactic memes eset enone wol meme i ceea us eieas Leiells[iouon= Partially Unlined Horseshoe SIE ee erated ed ele evccraitedtelie ter otic elie teited cl eistrelre Le] gstbslteteonestel carts 8-foot diameter engthsteet see ece ici ieeele el reaci cilia ienolcl onic telecine 1700 Anvert: Slope; vertical ft/horizontal fq s5/-)4) = 16 oleae lel) ais) aches ile 0.002 Velocity at Maximum Turbine Discharge, fps ...............2.-2220. 1.4 Vertical Shaft EL VBC stark rate tata tea arto a itotatce tate etett eto Partially Lined Rectangular SIZE ar rw ea adele ote a Vaal i 5-foot by 7-foot unlined, 4-foot diameter lined MTopiot;Shatt Hlevationsfmsl) \o)e) ie). tala te sil sluice eoikel ol oie tases 1850 Bottom: of ShaftHlevations fmslyesa sede e iel eee oleate eoecrers 480 Velocity at Maximum Turbine Discharge, fps...............---2200- 6.2 Rensthyof shaft ita alate eyelets ela tlelie let eM Oral 1,370 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 12 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document I TABLE 1 MAHONEY LAKE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT PROPOSED PRINCIPAL PROJECT FEATURES (continued) Lower Access Tunnel TYPO ees sie ee ie eee ss eee ee Partially Lined Horseshoe TZ se se eee lee Let te eee eee tele re het lest el le Lol lesen le 8-foot diameter Pength, feet i) bl) lad oa et let ble old Polls ol ER 3,350 Invert Slope, vertical ft/horizontal ft ............ 0.000000 000008 0.10 Pipeline Type .. 1... eee ttt tt te ee ee Welded Steel on Saddles Pipeline Diameter, Wiches— ee ee ee 32 Pipeline -Lenptl feet cece ese cas cae ree ce es eS sees 3,350 Velocity in Pipe at Maximum Turbine Discharge, fps ................. 14 Powerhouse PEWS ford) ac) woe aa oe te ws le Glee als Biel ace che Spee oslo wale Semi-underground Approximate Dimensions ............... 40-foot by 40-foot by 28-feet high Generator Floor Elevation, fmsl ............ 2.20.20 0. e eee eee 147 Tailrace MYDe ee ee ee ee ee Buried Concrete Rectangular Length, feet: sec cc ecetens Sees as os) ew Sw Sls Gs de ee ee 200 Transmission Line Length of Underground Construction, miles ..................2.00. 1.2 Underground Line Voltage, kV ............. 0.000000 2 002 e eee 13.2 Length of Overhead Construction, miles... . 2... 50 - eee e ee ee ee 5.0 Overhead Line Voltage, KV... 2... ee eee 115 New Powerhouse Access Road PY al bates lel lel fe ee ele lela elle lle Single-lane gravel surfacing with turnouts Tenet imiles! flats delete lela lade & lal bye] dice a: lelele lalal late wo felal blade a follar celles 1.7 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 13 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 than this level would provide more drawdown capability, but hydrologic analysis shows that further drawdown may not allow the lake to be re-filled completely each year. The normal maximum water surface area of the upper lake is 74 acres. Preliminary surface investigations indicate the general rock quality in the vicinity to be competent for lake tap construction and tunneling. The upper tunnel will run from the lake tap downstream until it daylights at the ground surface in a flat area about 1,500 feet downstream of the upper lake. A concrete plug will be constructed at the downstream end of the lake tap diversion pressure tunnel. A 4-foot diameter pipe will be installed in the plug to convey water from the upper tunnel to the vertical shaft. A valve house will be constructed immediately downstream of the plug, containing two butterfly valves and a vent pipe. One valve will act as the primary intake shut-off valve and the other as an emergency shut-off. Both valves will be motor-operated and connected by power and communication lines to the powerhouse. A 1,370-foot long rock-lined vertical shaft will be constructed leading from the upper tunnel to the lower tunnel. The lower tunnel will be a 3,350-foot long, 8-foot high by 8-foot wide horseshoe-shaped tunnel constructed from the powerhouse into the hillside. Portions of the tunnel will be lined with shotcrete, and supported by rock bolts and steel sets as required. The tunnel will provide permanent access to a 32-inch diameter welded steel pipe supported on concrete saddles within the tunnel. The tunnel invert will slope at a 10% grade to the powerhouse. The powerhouse will be a semi-underground concrete structure constructed at the portal entrance to the lower tunnel. The powerhouse structure will be approximately 40 ft. long by 40 ft. wide and 28 ft. high. The powerhouse site has been carefully selected to avoid potential impacts to fish using Lower Mahoney Lake. The cascades and waterfalls between the upper and lower lakes end at a deep pool surrounded by bedrock walls at approximate elevation 140, about 800 feet upstream of Lower Mahoney Lake. Fish cannot pass this point on Upper Mahoney Creek due to the waterfalls. The water discharged from the proposed turbine will re-enter Upper Mahoney Creek at this pool. The powerhouse will contain a single twin-jet horizontal Pelton turbine. Maximum rated discharge will be 78 cubic feet per second (cfs) and rated net head will be 1,730 feet. The synchronous generator will produce 13,200 volts of electricity and be rated 9,600 kilowatts (kW) continuous. Centerline of the turbine shaft will be at El. 150. The turbine discharge will flow in a buried, concrete rectangular tailrace back to Upper Mahoney Creek. The pipeline will be approximately 5 ft. wide and 200 ft. in length. Open discharge of the tailrace will be into a naturally occurring solid rock deep pool at the base of the waterfall mentioned above. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 14 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 The access road will begin at the powerhouse and follow along the south and east sides of Mahoney Lake to connect to existing logging roads that run along George Inlet north to the White River area. A logging access road has recently been constructed by the Cape Fox Corporation that extends from near the mouth of White River south towards the project, ending near Lower Mahoney Creek. Approximately 1.7 miles of new road will be constructed from the existing logging access road to the powerhouse site. This road will be a single lane gravel surfaced road with turnouts. The transmission line route will follow essentially the same route as the access road to its interconnection point with the 115 kilovolt (kV) Swan Lake transmission line near the mouth of the White River. A switchyard will be located 1.2 miles from the powerhouse in a low avalanche hazard area. A power transformer will be located in the switchyard to step up generation voltage from 13.2 kV to the transmission voltage of 115 kV. The transmission line will include 1.2 miles of 13.2 kV underground cable and 5.0 miles of 115 kV overhead construction. The 115 kV overhead transmission line will follow along the existing logging access road. The overhead transmission lines will be raptor-proof designed to protect birds from electrocution. 4.1.2 Project Operation In the early years of operation, and during a normal water year, the project will be capable of fully displacing the projected diesel generation requirements for about eight months of the year, May through December. Upper Mahoney Lake will typically be drafted 75 feet to minimum pool level (1,874 fmsl) by January each year, and remain at minimum pool through April. The project will generate power only from inflow to Upper Mahoney Lake, which averages 33.2 cfs during this four-month period. Projected monthly operation of the project for the first year of operation, Year 2000, and for Year 2005, are shown on Tables 2 and 3. The tables are based on average monthly flows, and assuming KPU’s hydro plants and the Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project are generating at full capacity. The Mahoney Lake Project will operate at a 0.50 plant factor, typical for a storage project. For comparison, the Swan Lake Project operates at a 0.42 plant factor and the combined KPU-owned hydros operate at 0.63 plant factor. Low Water Year Operation Operation of the project will be coordinated with KPU’s other operating resources to best use each resource during normal and extreme hydrologic conditions. The general operating criteria will stipulate minimum and maximum pool levels with the objective of minimizing "spill" through the natural lake outlet. During a low water year, the minimum pool level will be Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 15 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 Table 2 h:\hyd\mahoney\ea\tab2.sd1 CITY OF SAXMAN, ALASKA MAHONEY LAKE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT Average Annual Energy Generation — Year 2000 Lake Tap Alternative Annual Demand 191196 MWhrs Minimum Pool Elev.: 1890 Storage KPU Summer 44339 MWhrs Pool Starting Elev.: 1959 3760 KPU Winter 103311 MWhrs Turbine Elev.: 150 ft Un—metSummer 13020 MWhrs Assumed Head Loss: 80 ft Un-—met Winter 30526 MWhrs Assumed Eff. 0.82 ee Inflow | Avg | Pool Turbine ae Pool Monthly _.__| inflow | —MIF Demand) Start | Flow | Ending | Average | Energy _ Month! (cfs) | (ac—ft)}i MWh) | Elev (cfs) | Storage Elev | Generation Oct 69.8 4169 4002 1959 44.8 3760 1959 4002 Nov 44.8 2547 4152 1959 48.1 3442 1957 4152 Dec 18.6 1021 4222 1954 479 1517 1938 4222 Jan 30.6 1759 3910 1921 45.1 504 1911 3910 Feb 24.4 1255 3645 1901 314 0 1896 2460 Mar 173 941 3773 1890 15.3 0 1890 1311 Apr 25.0 1369 3410 1890 23.0 0 1890 1907 May 61.1 3634 3391 1890 39.3 1219 1903 3391 June 82.4 4784 3125 1916 36.7 3749 1937 3125 July 61.2 3640 3129 1958 35.1 3760 1959 3129 Aug 44.6 2619 3151 1959 353 3760 1959 3151 Sept 52.7 3017 3629 1959 42.0 3760 1959 3629 Ending Pool Elevation 1959 Total Generation 38387 SUMMARY OF GENERATION Un—Met Summer Load 13020 MWhrs Mahoney Summer Generation 13033 % Un—Met Summer Load 100% Un—Met Winter Load 30526 MWhrs Mahoney Winter Generation 25354 % Un—Met Winter Load 83% Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 16 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 Table 3 h:\hyd\mahoney\ea\tab3.sd1 CITY OF SAXMAN, ALASKA MAHONEY LAKE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT Average Annual Energy Generation — Year 2005 and Beyond Lake Tap Alternative Annual Demand 198450 MWhrs Minimum Pool Elev.: 1890 Storage KPU Summer 44339 MWhrs Pool Starting Elev.: 1959 3760 KPU Winter 103311 MWhrs Turbine Elev.: 150 ft Un—met Summer 15196 MWhrs Assumed Head Loss: 80 ft Un-—met Winter 35604 MWhrs Assumed Eff. 0.82 | Inflow | Avg | Pool — | | Pool =|) Monthly | | Inflow | —MIF |Demand| Start w | Ending | Average | Energy ‘Month! (cfs) | (ac—ft)| (MWh) | Elev } | Storage | Elev | Generation Oct 69.8 4169 4668 3760 1959 4668 Nov 44.8 2547 4842 2957 1952 4842 Dec 18.6 1021 4924 512 1923 4924 Jan 30.6 1759 4561 0 1896 3175 Feb 24.4 1255 4251 0 1890 1749 Mar 17.3 941 4401 0 1890 1311 Apr 25.0 1369 3977 0 1890 1907 May 61.1 3634 3956 810 1899 3956 June 82.4 4784 3647 2948 1927 3647 July 61.2 3640 3652 3760 1952 3652 Aug 44.6 2619 3677 3760 1959 3677 Sept 52.7 3017 4235 3760 1959 4235 Ending Pool Elevation Total Generation 41742 SUMMARY OF GENERATION Un—Met Summer Load 15196 MWhrs Mahoney Summer Generation 15211 % Un—Met Summer Load 100% Un—Met Winter Load 35604 MWhrs Mahoney Winter Generation 26531 % Un—Met Winter Load 15% Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 17 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 sustained for a longer period of time, and the plant would operate more similar to a "run-of- river" project during that period. However, day-to-day operation could be fluctuated during these periods according to the energy needs of KPU to provide peaking power during high demand periods each day. High Water Year Operation During a high water year, inflow to Upper Mahoney Lake will exceed the turbine’s maximum hydraulic capacity resulting in some loss of runoff through the existing natural lake outlet. In this case, the project would be operated as either a base load or peaking facility depending on load and operating status of other generating resources in the system. 4.1.3 Proposed Protection and Mitigation The City proposes to construct and operate the project as described above, with the following protection and mitigation measures: . Avoid/minimize impacts to sockeye spawning grounds in Lower Mahoney Lake by constructing the powerhouse outlet 800 feet upstream of the lower lake and by providing year-round flows in Upper Mahoney Creek from the powerhouse to the lower lake. a Provide raptor protection along the 5.0-mile overhead transmission line associated with the project. . Provide erosion and sediment control measures during construction of the project. 7 Consult with appropriate agencies to develop a plan that will include mutually agreeable aesthetic treatments for above-ground facilities to reduce contrast of the project facilities with the surrounding natural environment. a Consult with the Cape Fox Corporation and other interested Native American groups, the USFS, and the Alaska State Historic Preservation Office to develop a plan regarding measures to be taken to mitigate any project produced adverse effects on cultural resources that may be found. 4.2 Modifications to the City’s Proposed Project Alternative project configurations, designs, and locations, including mitigation and enhancement measures not proposed by the City will be considered. Alternative measures could include recommendations by resource agencies, other organizations, the general public, or the Commission. To the extent that modifications would reduce the power production from the proposed project, the costs and fossil fueled-generation contributions to air-borne pollution will be evaluated. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 18 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 4.3. No Action Under the no-action alternative, the project would not be constructed. No changes in the existing environment would take place. The no-action alternative is the baseline from which the proposed action and any action alternatives are compared. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 19 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 5.0 SCOPE OF CUMULATIVE ANALYSIS AND RESOURCE ISSUES 5.1 Cumulative Effects According to the Council on Environmental Quality’s Regulations for implementing NEPA (§1508.7), an action may cause cumulative impacts on the environment if its impacts overlap in space and/or time with the impacts of other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time, including hydropower and other land and water development activities. Based on the initial consultation document and agency comments, we have outlined the geographic and temporal scope of cumulative effects for the resources that could be cumulatively affected by hydroelectric development and non-hydro activities in the Mahoney Creek drainage. These resources and cumulative effects will be addressed in the EA. 5.1.1 Resources That Could Be Cumulatively Affected Developmental activities in the vicinity of the Mahoney Creek basin are very limited. At this time, we have tentatively identified the following resources that have the potential to be cumulatively affected by the Mahoney Lake Project: aesthetic character of the Mahoney Creek basin, and recreational opportunities in the basin including any recreational sockeye salmon fishery. 5.1.2 Geographic Scope Our geographic scope of analysis for cumulatively affected resources is defined by the physical limits or boundaries of (1) the proposed action’s effect on the resources, and (2) contributing effects from other hydropower and non-hydropower activities within the Mahoney Creek basin. No hydropower development currently exists and the only non-hydro activity potentially affecting resources in the Mahoney Creek basin that we have identified is recreation. Water from Upper Mahoney Lake, at approximate El. 1959 feet MSL, flows down a cascade (Upper Mahoney Creek) to Lower Mahoney Lake (El. 85) and then into George Inlet by way of Lower Mahoney Creek. The proposed project will affect flows in Upper Mahoney Creek as well as into and out of Lower Mahoney Lake. The reduced flows in Upper Mahoney Creek due to project operations and the existence of project facilities have the potential to affect the aesthetic character of the area. Further, project induced effects on upwelling and water temperature in the lower lake could impact the sockeye salmon population and any related recreational fishery. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 20 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document I Thus, we have defined the geographic scope of the cumulative analysis as the Mahoney Creek basin from Upper Mahoney Creek to the outlet of Lower Mahoney Creek. 5.1.3 Temporal Scope The temporal scope of our cumulative analysis in the EA will include past, present, and future actions and their effects on each resource that could be cumulatively affected. For purposes of our analysis, the temporal scope will look 30 years into the future, concentrating on the effect on the resources from reasonably foreseeable future actions. The historical discussion will, by necessity, be limited to the amount of available information for each resource. We have identified the present resource conditions based on the initial consultation document and studies conducted to date and we will also document these in the EA. We are seeking further information from federal, state, and other agencies, and any other sources pertaining to past, present, and future actions and their effects on the aforementioned resources (in the form of previous studies, present plans, and future plans, goals or forecasts). 5.2 Resource Issues A preliminary list of resource issues and concerns that have been identified for analysis in the EA is presented below. Those issues identified by an asterisk (*) will be analyzed as both a cumulative impact and from a site-specific effect. This list is not intended to be exhaustive or final, but is an initial listing of potential issues that have been identified. For convenience, the issues have been listed in categories related to technical disciplines. 5.2.1 Geology and Soil Resources a What measures would be needed to prevent erosion and sedimentation of Upper and Lower Mahoney Creek and Lower Mahoney Lake during land-disturbing activities associated with project construction. 5.2.2 Aquatic Resources m* Whether project effects on the surface levels of Lower Mahoney Lake would affect spawning for sockeye salmon. u* — Whether flow fluctuations into Lower Mahoney Lake would affect spawning for sockeye salmon. =* Whether altered flow volumes to Lower Mahoney Lake would affect sockeye salmon spawning or over-wintering on the Upper Mahoney Creek outlet delta and along the adjacent shoreline. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 21 FERC No. 11393 a* a* Scoping Document 1 Whether colder inflows into Lower Mahoney Lake would affect sockeye salmon spawning or eggs on the Upper Mahoney Creek delta. Whether project effects on the outflows of Lower Mahoney Lake into Lower Mahoney Creek would affect spawning for pink and chum salmon and block access of sockeye salmon that spawn in Lower Mahoney Lake. 5.2.3 Terrestrial Resources Whether project operations would affect riparian habitats in the bypass reach. Whether blasting and other construction activities would affect wildlife distribution in the project area. Whether project construction, including the proposed 1.7 mile-long access road, would permanently affect vegetation and wildlife. Whether wetlands would be adversely affected from the project construction along the access road. Whether the proposed transmission line design and location would be a possible electrocution or collision hazard to large birds, such as bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys, and swans, and whether mitigative measures would be needed. Whether fifteen mountain goats, that were transplanted into the alpine area around Mahoney Lake in 1991, would be directly, indirectly and cumulatively affected by project construction. 5.2.4 Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species Whether project construction and operation would affect federally listed candidate threatened, endangered, or sensitive species, such as the American peregrine falcon, Alexander Archipelago wolf, Thurber’s reedgrass (Calamagrostis, spp.), Choris bog orchid (Platanthera chorisiana) and an unnamed sedge (Carex lenticularis var. dolia), and whether the impacts need to be avoided, minimized, or mitigated. 5.2.5 Aesthetic Resources u* March 1995 The degree that flows associated with project operations would affect aesthetic resources in the bypass reach, and whether alternative flows are needed. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project 22 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 =* = The degree that construction and operation of project facilities would adversely impact the visual quality of the area. 5.2.6 Recreation and Land Use m* Whether project construction and operation would impact recreational opportunities in the Lower Mahoney Lake area and what those impacts would be. 5.2.7 Socioeconomics a Whether construction and operation of the project would result in socioeconomic impacts and what those impacts would be. 5.2.8 Cultural Resources a Whether project construction would adversely impact cultural resources that may exist in the area. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 23 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 6.0 EA PREPARATION SCHEDULE The preliminary schedule for preparing the Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project DEA and license application is presented below: Scoping Document 1 - March 1995 Scoping Meetings - April 1995 Scoping Document 2 - June 1995 Preliminary DEA and Draft License Application - September 1995 DEA and License Application - January 1996 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 24 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 7.0 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (DEA) OUTLINE The tentative outline for the Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project EA is as follows: SUMMARY L APPLICATION I. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION As Purpose of Action B. Need for Power II. PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES A. City of Saxman’s Proposal Ie Project Facilities and Operations 2 Proposed Environmental Measures Eh Mandatory Requirements a. Section 4(e) Conditions b. Section 18 Fishway Prescription ic Water Quality Certificate Conditions d. Coastal Zone Management Act Consistency B. Modification of City’s Proposal C. No-Action Alternative D. Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study IV. CONSULTATION AND COMPLIANCE A. Agency Consultation B. Interventions G Scoping D. Water Quality Certification V ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS A. General Description of the Mahoney Creek Basin B. Scope of Cumulative Effect Analysis (CEA) I Geographic Scope of CEA Resources 2 Temporal Scope of Analysis Cc. Proposed Action and Other Recommended Environmental Measures Geology and Soil Resources Aquatic Resources Terrestrial Resources Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species Aesthetic Resources Cultural Resources Recreation and Other Land Uses . Socioeconomic Resources D. No-Action Alternative SNAWAWNS Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 25 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document I Vi. DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS vil. COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AND RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE vill. CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLANS IX. RECOMMENDATIONS OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCIES M FINDING OF [ or NO] SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Xi. LITERATURE CITED Xil. LIST OF PREPARERS Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 26 FERC No. 11393 Scoping Document 1 8.0 MAILING LIST U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District Office P.O. Box 898 Anchorage, AK 99506-0898 Ms. Tamra Faris Supervisor-Protected Resources Management Division National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Region P.O. Box 21668 Juneau, AK 99602-1668 Nevin Holmberg U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 3000 Vintage Blvd. Suite 201 Juneau, AK 99801 National Park Service Alaska Region 2525 Gambell Street Anchorage, AK 99503 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region X 1200 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 U.S. Forest Service Region 10: Alaska Region Box 21628 Juneau, AK 99802-1628 Mr. Linn Shipley Acting District Ranger U.S. Forest Service 3031 Tongass Avenue Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. David Rittenhouse U. S. Forest Service Federal Building Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Steve Sams U.S. Forest Service Federal Building Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Don Ranne U.S. Forest Service Federal Building Ketchikan, AK 99901 Department of the Interior Office of Environmental Affairs Anchorage Regional Office 1689 C Street, Room 119 Anchorage, AK 99501-5126 Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 10: Bothell Federal Regional Center 130 228th Street, SW Bothell, WA 98021-9796 Mr. Arthur Martin Regional Office Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 1120 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1340 Portland, OR 97204 Ms. Lois Cashell Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 825 N. Capitol St. NE Washington, DC 20426 March 1995 Di; Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 11393 Area Director Bureau of Indian Affairs P.O. Box 3-8000 Juneau, AK 99802 Honorable Ted Stevens U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 Honorable Frank Murkowski U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 Honorable Don Young House of Representatives 2331 Rayburn House Office Boulevard Washington, D.C. 20515 Diane Mayer, Director Alaska Division of Governmental Coordination P.O. Box 110030 Juneau, AK 99811-0030 Ms. Lisa Weissler Alaska Division of Governmental Coordination P.O. Box 110030 Juneau, AK 99811 Ms. Susan Viteri Alaska Division of Governmental Coordination P.O. Box 110030 Juneau, AK 99801 Ms. Joan Hughes Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation 410 Willoughby Avenue, Suite 105 Juneau, AK 99801 Scoping Document 1 Mr. Barry Hogarty Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation DEQ/SE Region DEC 540 Water Street, Suite 203 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Judith Bittner Alaska Department of Natural Resources State Historic Preservation Office P.O. Box 107001 Anchorage, AK 99510-7001 Mr. John Dunker Alaska Department of Natural Resources/Water 400 Willoughby Avenue Juneau, AK 99801-1796 Mr. Bill Geary Alaska Department of Natural Resources Parks & Outdoor Recreation 400 Willoughby Avenue Juneau, AK 99801-1796 Chris Westwood Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry 2030 Sea Level Drive, #217 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Frank Rue, Acting Commissioner Alaska Department of Fish and Game P.O. Box 25526 Juneau, AK 99802-5526 Mr. Jack Gustafson Alaska Department of Fish and Game Habitat Division 2030 Sea Level Drive, #205 Ketchikan, AK 99901 March 1995 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 11393 Mr. Steve Hoffman Alaska Department of Fish and Game Habitat Division 2030 Sealevel Drive Room 207 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Mike Haddix Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commercial Fisheries Management and Development Division 2030 Sea Level Drive, #205 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Carol Denton Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commercial Fisheries Management and Development Division 2030 Sea Level Drive, #205 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Glenn Freeman Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division 2030 Sea Level Drive, #205 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Paul Novak Alaska Department of Fish and Game 2030 Sea Level Drive, #205 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Doug Larsen Wildlife Biologist Alaska Department of Fish and Game 2030 Sea Level Drive, #205 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Honorable Tony Knowles Governor, State of Alaska P.O. Box 110001 Juneau, AK 99811-0001 Scoping Document 1 Mr. Dick Emerman Division of Energy Department of Community and Regional Affairs 333 W. Fourth Avenue Suite 220 Anchorage, AK 99501-2341 Mr. Dennis Meiners State of Alaska Dept. of Community and Regional Affairs Division of Energy P.O. Box 112100 Juneau, AK 99811-2100 Mr. Riley Snell Alaska Industrial Development Agency 480 W. Tudor Anchorage, AK 99503 Alaska Public Utilities Commission 1016 W. Sixth Avenue, Suite 400 Anchorage, AK 99501 Mr. C. L. Cheshire, Director University of Alaska - Southeast Economic Development Center - UofASE 7th Avenue and Madison Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Robert Warner Librarian University of Alaska - Southeast 7th Avenue and Madison Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Gary Freitag Southern SE Reg. Aquaculture Association 2721 Tongass Avenue Ketchikan, AK 99901 March 1995 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 11393 Mr. William J. Halloran Southern SE Reg. Aquaculture Association 2721 Tongass Ketchikan, AK 99901 Senator Robin Taylor Alaska State Senate State Capitol Juneau, AK 99801 Mr. Bill Williams Representative 352 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Honorable Jim Carlton Mayor Ketchikan Gateway Borough 344 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Mike Rody Borough Manager Ketchikan Gateway Borough 344 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Planning Director Ketchikan Gateway Borough 344 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Jim Boetberg Ketchikan Gateway Borough 344 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Phyllis Yetka Assembly Member Ketchikan Gateway Borough Box 958 Ward Cove, AK 99901 March 1995 30 Scoping Document 1 Honorable Alaire Stanton Mayor City of Ketchikan 334 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. William Jones Acting City Manager City of Ketchikan 334 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Fred D. Monrean City of Ketchikan Department of Public Works 334 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Thomas Stevenson Manager Ketchikan Public Utilities 2930 Tongass Avenue Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Rich Trimble Ketchikan Public Utilities 2930 Tongass Avenue Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Andrew Ketchikan Advisory Committee P.O. Box 7211 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. and Mrs. Fred Athorp Ketchikan Advisory Committee 10 Creek Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 11393 Mr. Larry Painter Ketchikan Advisory Committee P.O. Box 6181 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Ralph C. Gregory Citizen’s Advisory Committee Federal Areas P.O. Box 7011 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Bridget Stearns Ketchikan Public Library 629 Dock Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Lew Williams Publisher Ketchikan Daily News P.O. Box 7900 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Belinda Chase Ketchikan Daily News P.O. Box 7900 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Bob Konet News Director KTKN Radio 526 Stedman Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Nancy Watt Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 5957 Ketchikan, AK 99901 March 1995 Scoping Document 1 Mr. Bob Martin, Director Tlingit-Haida Regional Electrification Authority P.O. Box 210149 Auke Bay, AK 99821 Mr. John Arriola President Tsimshian Tribal Association P.O. Box 7162 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Richard Jackson President Tongass Tribal Council P.O. Box 3380 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Ester Shea Tongass Tribe 835 E. Seasame Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Chas Edwardsen Vice President Haida Society 3213 Timberline Court Ketchikan, AK 99901 Honorable Harris Atkinson Mayor, City of Metlakatla Metlakatla Indian Comm. P.O. Box 8 Metlakatla, AK 99926 Mr. J. L. Bennett Ketchikan Pulp Company P.O. Box 6600 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 11393 Mr. O. J. Graham Ketchikan Pulp Company P.O. Box 6600 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Allis May Davis Tongass Conservation Society P.O. Box 1102 Ward Cove, AK 99928 Mr. Eric Hummel Tongass Conservation Society P.O. Box 3377 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Mike Moyer Tongass Conservation Society 501 Front-B Ketchikan, AK 99901 Southeast Alaska Conservation Council 419 Sixth Street, Suite 328 Juneau, AK 99801 Ms. Kate Tessar Alaska Services Group P.O. Box 22754 Juneau, AK 99802 Alaska Environmental Lobby P.O. Box 521 Haines, AK 99827-0521 Mr. Don Chenhall Chenhall Surveying P.O. Box 5860 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. J. C. Conley Service Auto Parts, Inc. 3806 Tongass Avenue Ketchikan, AK 99901 Scoping Document 1 Mr. David Kiffer 123 Stedman Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Jack Lee Tongass Sportfishing Association P.O. Box 5898 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Craig Moore KTN Area State Parks Advisory Board 9883 N. Tongass Highway Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. June Robbins Legislative Information Office 352 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Sherrie Slick Alaska Congressional Delegation 109 Main Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Tena Williams 755 Grant Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Ms. Mary Klugherz McDowell Group 320 Dock St., #201 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. and Mrs. Forrest DeWitt Box 5252 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Guy Galloway Administrator City of Saxman Route 2, Box 1 Ketchikan, AK 99901 March 1995 32 Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 11393 Mr. Doug Campbell Cape Fox Corporation P.O. Box 8558 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Mr. Jack Snyder Senior Project Manager HDR Engineering, Inc. P.O. Box 91201 Bellevue, WA 98009 Mr. John Braislin Betts, Patterson & Mines 800 Financial Center 1215 Fourth Avenue Seattle, WA 98161-1000 Mr. Don Clarke Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer & Quinn 1735 New York Ave NW Washington, DC 20006 March 1995 33 Scoping Document I Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 11393 APPENDIX A LICENSING STUDY PLANS Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans LICENSING STUDY PLANS The following paragraphs describe the study plans and associated methodologies that are being used to evaluate the impacts of, and to develop mitigation and/or compensatory measures for the Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project. Considerable information and data already exist regarding the project and the project area. Detailed studies were conducted in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s in consideration of developing a hydroelectric project at that time. The study plans reflect the fact that considerable work has already been completed. The study plans have been modified as a result of comments that were received during the Stage I consultation process. To the extent possible, preliminary results of the studies will be distributed to interested parties for their review and comment prior to distribution of the Draft License Application. WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY Purpose The purpose of these studies is to determine pre-project baseline water quality conditions in Mahoney Creek at the powerhouse tailrace site. In addition, these studies will investigate relationships between water temperature and air temperature at the powerhouse site and water temperature in the spawning gravels at the western end of Lower Mahoney Lake to aid in predicting post-project water temperatures in these gravels. Methods Agencies will be consulted and existing information collected. Additional study tasks will be conducted including literature review, and water quality and quantity measurements. Agencies to Be Consulted U.S. Forest Service (USFS) U.S. Geological Service (USGS) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) U.S. Corps of Engineers (COE) Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Ketchikan Gateway Borough Alaska Resources Library Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-1 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans Existing Information Water Quality Existing temperature data will be updated (See Appendix D of the FCD). Sources of existing information may include USFWS, USGS, COE, and ADNR, or other agencies listed above. Tasks Literature Review The applicant will collect existing water quality information for the project area, contacting the following agencies in writing: USFS USGS USFWS COE ADNR ADFG ADEC Ketchikan Gateway Borough Alaska Resources Library The information collected will be incorporated into the Applicant-prepared Environmental Assessment. Data Collection Data will be collected for one year beginning in June of 1994. Data collection will consist of: Continuous air and water temperature monitoring and continuous stream flow monitoring. The following continuous monitoring data will be collected: 5 Continuous lake water temperature data at Upper Mahoney Lake at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 foot depths and just below the maximum estimated depth of ice formation (to protect the probe from damage by ice movement). s Continuous stream flow and stream water temperature data in the creek at the tailrace site. This sampling station will be established for stream flow monitoring throughout the life of the project. . Continuous air temperature data at eight feet above the ground surface at the powerhouse tailrace site. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-2 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans . Continuous water temperature data at two sockeye spawning sites near the outlet of Upper Mahoney Creek at the western end of Lower Mahoney Lake. At each site, measurements will be taken at a depth of 10 inches in the spawning gravels and at four inches above those gravels. Air and water temperature and stream flow data will be collected with battery operated electronic data collection devices. It is anticipated that all data logging devices will be Dryden Instrumentation model R2 dataloggers. Sensors will be scanned at two hour intervals, continuously for one year, except for the stream gauge which will be maintained for the life of the project. Monthly water quality sampling. Dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and total suspended solids will be measured at the powerhouse tailrace site monthly during summer and bi-monthly as snow-free winter conditions permit. Dissolved oxygen will also be measured in Lower Mahoney Lake at the surface of the spawning gravels at these times. Periodic temperature and dissolved oxygen profile measurements. In addition to the continuous monitoring data and monthly sampling, sampling crews will take measurements to develop temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles at Upper Mahoney Lake at five times: a When temperature sensors are installed at the beginning of the study. a At maximum summer stratification development—approximately late July—and after at least three consecutive mostly clear, rain-free days. = Coinciding with the normal date the sockeye salmon spawn— about September 1—and after at least two rain-free days. 7 At maximum winter ice development—approximately late January—and after at least five below-freezing, precipitation-free days. s When temperature sensors are removed at the end of the study. The profiles will be developed for the deepest point of Upper Mahoney Lake by recording the temperature at 2-foot intervals for the first 60 feet and 10-foot intervals thereafter to a depth of 120 feet. Data Analysis Temperature data will be analyzed to see if relationships exist between stream flow, stream temperature, and air temperature at the powerhouse site and the spawning gravel water temperature at the Lower Mahoney Lake sites. If possible these data will be used to predict post-project water temperatures at the spawning sites using water temperature data collected at Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-3 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans Upper Mahoney Lake. This relationship could then be used to assess whether methods to mitigate temperature impacts on salmon egg incubation sites should be considered. Stream flow data will be analyzed to compare the flow regime during the sampling year to the average flow condition estimated from stream gauging records. FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES Purpose Objectives of the fisheries and aquatic studies are to: a) determine existing fisheries resources above, within, and below the diversion reach; b) determine the potential project impact on fisheries resources; and, c) develop measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts on fisheries resources. Methods Agencies will be consulted and existing information collected. Additional studies to be conducted include: a Fish population surveys Agencies to be Consulted USFWS National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) USFS COE ADFG Existing Information Information for the Mahoney Lake drainage may be available from the USFWS, NMFS, COE, USFS, and the ADFG from previous studies. Some of the existing information is included in Appendix B of the FCD. Tasks Fish Population Surveys Fish abundance and utilization will be surveyed in Mahoney Creek from its mouth in Lower Mahoney Lake upstream to the major waterfall two times per year - June and early September in 1994. Visual observations as well as electroshocking and minnow trapping will be used to Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-4 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans determine the presence, abundance, and habitat utilization of major fish species. Emphasis will be on a determination of value to rearing juvenile salmonids as well as value to spawning adults. Confirmation of reports that the streambed is sometimes dry will be made. The abundance and location of lake spawning sockeye salmon will be carefully investigated with emphasis on the western end of Lower Mahoney Lake near the outlet of Upper Mahoney Creek. Observations of likely spawning areas will be made by local residents weekly beginning in late July and continuing until late September. The biological team will conduct detailed surveys at least twice during the peak of spawning as determined from the weekly observations. Methods to be utilized will include aerial visual surveys and boat-based visual surveys. In addition, general surveys of Lower Mahoney Lake will be conducted in June and September to gain insight into the use of the lake by rearing and resident fish. Methods will include visual observations, minnow traps, fine mesh seine, and angling. Fish abundance and utilization will be surveyed in Lower Mahoney Creek from its mouth upstream to Lower Mahoney Lake at least two times in 1994, June and early September. Visual observations and minnow trapping will be used to determine the presence, abundance, and habitat utilization of major fish species. Emphasis will be on a determination of value to adult salmon spawners. Results Information obtained from the temperature modelling and analysis study component will be combined with the results of the fish studies to provide an indication of the kinds of effects that the project might have on fish productivity. Emphasis will be on the potential effects of any altered temperature regimes on sockeye salmon eggs incubating in lake gravels and on the kinds of mitigation measures that could be employed to alleviate such effects. The Fisheries Resource section will be prepared incorporating the study results and in accordance with the appropriate regulations. Information collected will be presented in draft reports and provided to the agencies of record for their comments. After review, any appropriate adjustments to the drafts will be incorporated into the final reports. WILDLIFE AND BOTANICAL RESOURCES Purpose The purposes of the wildlife and botanical studies are to: map and describe general habitat types, including wetlands; describe probable wildlife use of the project area; and determine the probability of threatened, endangered, and sensitive species occurrence in the project area. The Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-5 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans potential impact of the project on these resources will also be evaluated and measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts will be developed. Methods Because vegetation types and wildlife occurrence are closely related, these resources will be studied simultaneously. These studies will include review of previously compiled information; interpretation of aerial photography; consultation with resource agencies; a brief field investigation; analysis of potential impacts; and development of mitigation measures. Agencies to be Consulted: USFWS USFS NMFS ADFG Alaska Natural Heritage Program Ketchikan Gateway Borough Cape Fox Corporation Tasks Existing Information Previously compiled information on plants, habitat types, wildlife, and wetlands will be reviewed. Aerial photography will be interpreted to produce preliminary habitat and wetland maps. Pertinent personnel of the above agencies will be contacted to ascertain whether additional written information is available, to interview them regarding resources they know or suspect to be present in the project area, and to clarify their concerns about the potential impacts of the project. Consultation required by Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act will be initiated with the USFWS and NMFS, and a list of "sensitive" species will be requested from the USFS. Bald eagle nest information will be sought and reviewed. Field Surveys A single site visit will be made during summer of 1994 to conduct the following activities in the area of the lake tap tunnel/vertical shaft connection, powerhouse, and the new access road. Preliminary wetland and habitat type maps will be field checked, and wetlands and other habitat types will be qualitatively described. Any unusual habitat types will be noted. Field observations of mammal and bird sign will be made while walking the project alignment. In addition to actual sightings, these may include identification of calls, tracks, and scat. Habitats that may support threatened, endangered, and sensitive species will be identified and, if such habitats are found, a reconnaissance-level search for those species will be conducted. A survey Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-6 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans will be conducted from a helicopter to locate bald eagle nests and ascertain their current activity status. This will be conducted in cooperation with USFWS personnel. Analysis Results of the review of existing information, discussions with agency personnel, and field surveys will be used to assess the potential effects of the project on wildlife, their habitats, wetlands, and species of special concern. Species of concern to be addressed will include, at a minimum, bald eagle, American and arctic peregrine falcons, Alexander Archipelago wolf, and northern goshawk. In consultation with resource agencies, measures to mitigate potential impacts on project area resources will be identified and incorporated into the project plans. Mitigation planning will include development of measures to minimize potential collisions of large birds with the overhead electrical transmission line and to minimize the potential for electrocution of raptors. Results The results of the above tasks will be presented in a draft report and provided to pertinent agencies for their comments. After review, appropriate adjustments to the draft will be incorporated into the final report. HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Purpose The purpose of these studies is to develop information on the nature and distribution of cultural resources within the project area. This information, together with professional opinions and consultations with affected Native American groups and agencies, will be presented in a written cultural resources report for inclusion in the Applicant-prepared Environmental Assessment. Methods Agencies and Native American groups will be consulted and background research will be conducted. An archaeological/cultural resources field survey will also be performed. Tasks Background Research Background research will be conducted on the prehistoric, ethnohistoric, and historic use of lands within and around the project area. Survey records and cultural resource inventories and registers maintained by the Alaska State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will be reviewed. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-7 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans Native American and Agency Consultation The Cape Fox Corporation and other interested Native American groups will be consulted to identify potential cultural heritage or traditional religious resources or concerns in the project area. If the archeological field survey locates prehistoric and/or ethnohistoric cultural resources, these grouped will be provided information on the resources, which will remain confidential. The SHPO and the USFS will also be consulted during the cultural resources assessment to ensure compliance with FERC regulations and the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended. Archeological Field Survey An archeological field survey of the areas to be disturbed by the proposed site development will be conducted. Maps and aerial photographs will be used in conjunction with information on past land use and previously recorded cultural resources to identify geomorphic features within the project area. Environmental and geomorphic information will be recorded for areas surveyed. The location, condition, and potential significance of cultural resources identified during the field survey will be recorded on site forms acceptable to the SHPO. Field work will be documented with notes, drawings, and photographs as needed to record field methods and results. Mitigation measures will be recommended if the project would produce adverse effects on any cultural resources found. Results The results of the cultural resources investigations will be presented in two reports: 1) a cultural resources background report; and 2) a summary document for the Applicant-prepared Environmental Assessment. Draft copies of each report will be circulated for review, after which comments will be incorporated into the final reports. RECREATIONAL RESOURCES Purpose The purpose of the recreational resources study is to identify information regarding existing recreation use, future demand and opportunities, and the potential impacts on recreation resulting from development of the Mahoney Lake Project. This information, together with results of consultations with affected agencies and other interested parties, will be presented in a written Recreation Resources Report for inclusion in the Applicant-prepared Environmental Assessment. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-8 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans Methods Agencies will be consulted and existing information will be collected. Development of the Recreation Plan will include three phases. Phase I will identify the current recreation types and existing facilities. Phase II will include the evaluation of existing and future recreation demands in the project area. Phase II will identify the potential impacts created by the project on recreation and will evaluate alternatives, recommend mitigation and provide costs, if necessary. Tasks Phase I - Evaluation of Existing Recreation Resources Data Collection. The area in which the project will have an impact will be identified and existing information will be collected. Data to be collected include maps; recreation guides; the USFS Recreation Resource Information System, Recreation Opportunity Spectrum, and the Tongass National Forest Plan; and other sources of recreation information, such as state agencies. Information regarding demographic use will also be gathered. Consultation. Consultations will be held with the agencies who are responsible for recreation planning and management within the project impact area. Current direction and policies for these agencies will be determined. Other agencies and native organizations which might track or project recreation use in the area such as local, county, and state administering agencies, will be contacted. Special-interest groups, local residents, and businesses that focus on recreation and tourism will also be consulted. Identify and Map Existing Facilities. From data collected, existing recreation facilities will be mapped for the project area. Any National Wild and Scenic Rivers systems, National Trail systems, and Wilderness areas within the project area will be identified. Phase II - Evaluate Recreation Demand Evaluate Recreation Potential. Existing recreation facilities in terms of activity type, physical setting, experience required, economic costs, and current demand will be evaluated. Future recreation use within the project area will be identified and evaluated. Estimate Demand. Anticipated recreation demand with and without the proposed project modifications will be estimated using demographic data. The demand projections will be correlated to regional opportunities for similar recreation. Constraints on development of recreation facilities will be identified. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-9 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans Phase III - Evaluate Project Impacts on Existing and Future Recreation Project Impacts. Potential environmental, social, and economic impacts created by the project regarding existing and future recreation in the project area will be identified. Alternatives will be identified based on data collected, associated impacts, constraints, and demand projections. If appropriate, mitigation measures will be recommended if it is determined the project will produce adverse effects. Costs will be estimated for any new facilities and transportation access, plus operation and maintenance costs. Consultation. Agencies, native organizations, and special-interest groups who focus on recreation and tourism will be consulted regarding potential project impacts. Results The data, maps, and study objectives information will be presented in a draft report and shared with the agencies of record for their comments. After review, any appropriate adjustments to the draft will be incorporated into the final report. AESTHETIC RESOURCES Purpose The primary purpose of the aesthetics study is to describe measures proposed by the Applicant to make project facilities blend, to the extent possible with the surrounding environment, and to evaluate aesthetic impacts of proposed changes in stream flow. Inventory and effects assessment activities will be conducted in order to identify and support any proposals for aesthetic treatments of project facilities. Methods The aesthetics study will evaluate existing visual conditions, assess project effects, and identify potential mitigation measures. Existing Visual Conditions A summary of existing visual conditions that addresses both project facilities and the adjacent landscape will be addressed. Existing visual resource data related to the project area, including the USFS Visual Management System, will be reviewed. Landscape character of the project area will also be described. Approximate seen areas from selected viewpoints at and near the project will be identified. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-10 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans Project Effects Assessment The effects of the proposed project facilities on visual quality will be determined and presented in the report. This discussion will address the visibility of project features from the selected viewpoints and will evaluate these views within the local visual context. The primary focus of this assessment will be impacts of reduced water flows over the waterfalls between Upper and Lower Mahoney Lakes and the impact of project roads and powerhouse construction. Proposed Aesthetic Measures Potential measures that will reduce the visual contrast of project features with the surrounding environment will be identified and their feasibility will be reviewed. Results The results of the aesthetics study will be presented in the Aesthetic Resources Section of the Applicant-prepared Environmental Assessment. A draft report will be prepared and distributed to agencies of record for their comments. After their review and comment, a final report incorporating comments will be prepared. EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN Purpose The purpose of the erosion and sediment control studies is to evaluate the potential for erosion and sedimentation during proposed project construction and operation. Based on this evaluation, an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) will be developed to provide guidelines for controlling erosion and sedimentation during project construction and operation activities. Since most of the project features are underground, the ESCP will concentrate on access roads and tunnel spoils disposal sites. Methods The ESCP will establish baseline conditions in order to assess potential impacts and allow comparison with conditions during project construction and operational phases; identify existing environmental hazards which must be taken into account during project design, construction, and operation; and identify measures which will minimize potential adverse impacts. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-11 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans Agencies to be Consulted Tasks USFWS NMFS USFS COE ADNR ADFG The following tasks will be performed in order to prepare the ESCP: 1 Existing site conditions will be evaluated including climate, topography, geology, soils, vegetation, surface and groundwater drainage, adjacent waterways, and hazard areas. Erosion/sedimentation potential during construction of project features and during project operation will be determined. Estimates will be made on the amount of tunnel spoils and locations for disposal sites will be identified. Timing of construction activities will be identified and evaluated in terms of alleviating erosion potential. Specific locations and techniques for controlling potential erosion and sedimentation during project construction and operation will be identified, mapped, and detailed drawings and descriptions of such measures will be prepared. Implementation guidelines for general and site specific erosion control measures will be developed. A revegetation plan for disturbed areas will be developed. Procedures for maintenance and monitoring of erosion control measures for plan modifications will be developed. Using existing information from geologic reports, mapping, aerial photos or other sources, a qualitative review of the Mahoney Lake drainage basin will be made which will provide a general characterization of sources and types of sediment inputs into the river. The Universal Soil Loss Equation or another acceptable method may be used to estimate sediment delivery to Lower Mahoney Lake. To the extent feasible, (given the Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-12 FERC No. 11393 Appendix A - Licensing Study Plans dynamics of the system), the relationship between geomorphic processes, project operation, and sediment delivery will be characterized and discussed. Results A Draft ESCP will be prepared that details the project area geology and soils, and characteristics of the project segments. This report will include maps that illustrate the geologic and geomorphic conditions of the project area. Upon completion, the report will be circulated to the appropriate agencies for comment and review. Following any necessary revisions, the report will be finalized and included as an appendix of the License Application. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 A-13 FERC No. 11393 APPENDIX B STATUS OF STUDIES Appendix B - Status of Studies STATUS OF STUDIES The proposed study plans were finalized by incorporating agency comments and were re-issued in the Final Consultation Document (FCD) on August 8, 1994. Several field studies were initiated in June 1994 to take advantage of the full field study season during the summer. Activities included the study areas of water quality, fisheries, wildlife and botanical, aesthetics, and erosion and sediment control planning and are reviewed in more detail below. Water Quality Water quality data collection began in June and is ongoing per the licensing study plan. Stream flow monitoring equipment was installed at the powerhouse tailrace site. Temperature monitoring equipment was installed at Upper Mahoney Lake, the powerhouse tailrace site, and at Lower Mahoney Lake. Sampling at the powerhouse tailrace site included measurements for dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and total suspended solids. Fisheries Fisheries field work began in June and was completed in September. No additional field work is anticipated. Minnow trapping and beach seining were conducted in June and August. Data on rearing salmonids was gathered in June. Sockeye spawning data was gathered during August and September field trips. A draft report was completed by Northern Ecological Services in November 1994. Wildlife/Botanical General botanical and wildlife surveys were conducted in June. A bald eagle nest survey was also completed at that time with the assistance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Information was collected on threatened and endangered species within the project area. Wetlands information gained during the June field trip is being evaluated and a report is being prepared. A limited discussion of wetlands functions and values will be prepared as part of the Environmental Assessment (BA). Sensitive plant species recognized by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) were found during a September 1994 field investigation. A report on this sensitive plant survey was completed by the Alaska Natural Heritage Program in October 1994. As required by the USFS, a biological evaluation of the sensitive plant species found in the project area will be prepared. Cultural Resources Preliminary planning and study design were initiated for the cultural resources field investigation. Geology The Geology and Soils Report was completed by Shannon & Wilson. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 B-1 FERC No. 11393 Appendix B - Status of Studies Other Information has been collected for the erosion and sediment control plan, recreation resources report, socioeconomic resources report, and aesthetic resources report. Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project March 1995 B-2 FERC No. 11393