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HomeMy WebLinkAboutValdez Coastal Management Program 1986VAL Alaska Power Authority O10 LIBRARY COPY Valdez Coastal Management Program VALDEZ COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Prepared by the Community Development Department City of Valdez, Alaska September, 1986 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS City of Valdez Council Member John Devens, Mayor Lynn Chrystal Harmon Hall, Pro tem Dennis Holtz Robert Kellar Mark Cradduck Nancy Chaffin Planning and Zoning Commission Mary Jo Evans, Chairman Frank Fulkerson John Hilgendorf Benny James Rick Maitland Richard Rutledge Lyle VonBargen The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska Coastal ei a Management Program which is AS eee funded by the State of Alaska and Rae Aaa 13) the Office of Ocean and Coastal = mame” Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department od Commerce, administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Municipal and Regional Assistance Division. 1.0 2.0 3.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS ISSUES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1.1 INTRODUCTION 1.2 GOALS 1.3 ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES Economic Productivity/Diversification Public Safety Resource Enhancement and Protection Land and Water Uses Regional Interests Permits and Government Control WWWW WW OU BWNHE . PREP E PR oe ee DISTRICT BOUNDARIES RESOURCE INVENTORY 3.1 NATURAL RESOURCES General Description of Port Valdez Habitats and Biological Resources Climate Air Quality Hydrology Water Quality PRR EB te le WWWWWW oe ee we DOP WNHEH 3.2 RESOURCES Archaeological and Historical Resources Population Characteristics Housing Land Use and Management Recreation Transportation Valdez Foreign Trade Zone Energy Facilities Water System Municipal Waste Water Solid Waste Telephone Emergency Services Valdez Community Hospital Private Medical Care WWWWWWWWWW WWW Ww NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN ee e ole 6 © ee ee 8 8 ee BPRPRPRPEPHOMDOYUDVUaAWNH OBWNHrO ee ee Ei DOA NEE Pt 1 DNOUNUN ° iu !rtddoe rFPRODOCOONUBRODANUMNON YY WH WH WW WH |W | Ww NNN NNHDHDU SPS BW 4.0 5.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont'd. ) Valdez Counseling Center Valdez Consortium Library Valdez Heritage Center Valdez Civic Center Valdez Council of Arts and Crafts Television Radio Schools Prince William Sound Community College Public Finance WWWWWWWW WW oe @« @« © © 8 NNNNNNNNNND NNNNNNRPHEEEHE OPWNHRrFOWADAND o 8 © © © © oe 3.3 ECONOMIC RESOURCES 3.3.1 Introduction 3.3.2 Employment Base 3.3.3 Resource Development GEOPHYSICAL HAZARDS 4.1 INTRODUCTION 4.2 REGIONAL SETTING 4.3 POTENTIAL HAZARDS Seismic Hazard Mass Wasting Hazard Avalanche Hazard Flood Hazard Pb bb oe 8 NNN Nb ee 8 Bm WHE RESOURCE ANALYSIS 5.1 INTRODUCTION 5.2 REGIONAL ANALYSIS Economic Growth Population Transportation Housing Community Facilities and Services Physical Oceanography Air Quality Water Quality Geophysical Hazards 0 Important Habitats ANN oe © © © © © oe ow NNNNNNNNDND o 8 © © © © © © 8 FODINDUPBWNHE ii PAGE 3-72 3-72 3-72 3-73 3-73 3-73 3-73 3-74 3-74 3-75 3-79 3-79 3-79 3-83 1 BPRHO NHO on 1 ND Quaaaa aa aan RPrRroODDYIAUN NRO TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont'd. ) 5.3 SUBAREA ANALYSIS Keystone Canyon Lowe River Robe Lake Valdez Glacier Stream Old Town Loop Road Valdez Duck Flats Central Valdez Mineral Creek Flats 0 Mineral Creek Canyon 1 Dayville Road 2 Western Port Valdez ANNAN oe ew we we WWW WWW WWW WW Ww oe + © © © ew ew ew ee RPRrFODNINDUBRWNHH 6.0 SUBJECT USES, PROPER AND IMPROPER USES AND POLICIES 6.1 SUBJECT USES 6.2 USES OF STATE CONCERN 6.3 PROPER AND IMPROPER USES 6.4 GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT 6.5 POLICIES A. Coastal Development B. Industrial and Commercial Facilities C. Recreation, Tourism and Natural Setting D. Transportation and Utility Routes E. Geophysical Hazards F. Coastal Access G. Fisheries and Seafood Processing H. Mineral Extraction and Processing I. Archaeological and Historic Resources J. Air and Water Quality K. Resource Enhancement and Protection L. Subsistence 6.6 DEFINITIONS 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION 7.1 INTRODUCTION iii PAGE 5-13 5-14 5-17 5-24 5-29 5-35 5-39 5-41 5-43 5-48 5-50 5-54 5-60 6-1 6-1 6-3 7-1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont'd. ) PAGE STATE AND FEDERAL PERMIT REVIEW AND CONSISTENCY PROCEDURE 7-2 PERMITS AND ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION DISTRICT INVOLVEMENT IN CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IN DISTRICT RECOMMENDATIONS COASTAL COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES PLANNING FOR MAJOR PROJECTS AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT 7.10 PRE-APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 8.0 AREAS MERITING SPECIAL ATTENTION 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 INTRODUCTION VALDEZ DUCK FLATS MINERAL CREEK CANYON ROBE LAKE KEYSTONE CANYON APPENDIX A —- PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT APPENDIX B - FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS APPENDIX C - PROJECT TEAM iv 7-5 779 7-8 7-9 7-10 7-12 7-12 7-13 8-9 8-11 8-14 Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure 2.1 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 4.1 4.2 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 LIST OF FIGURES DISTRICT BOUNDARIES LOCATION MAP COASTAL HABITATS ANADROMOUS STREAMS CULTURAL RESOURCES LAND OWNERSHIP STATE PUBLIC INTEREST LANDS LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS RECREATION RESOURCES ENERGY FACILITIES TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES SEISMIC AND MASS WASTING HAZARDS FLOOD AND AVALANCHE HAZARDS ANALYSIS ZONES KEYSTONE CANYON LOWE RIVER ROBE LAKE VALDEZ GLACIER STREAM OLD TOWN, LOOP ROAD, VALDEZ DUCK FLATS CENTRAL VALDEZ AND MINERAL CREEK FLATS MINERAL CREEK CANYON DAYVILLE ROAD PAGE 2-3 3-3 3-7 3-19 3-41 3-49 3-53 3-57 3-61 3-67 3-69 3-76 4-3 4-5 5-3 5-15 5-19 5-24 5-31 5-37 5-45 5-51 5-57 LIST OF FIGURES (cont'd. ) PAGE Figure 5.10 WESTERN PORT VALDEZ Sr Figure 8.1 AREAS MERITING SPECIAL ATTENTION 8-5 Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 7.1 7.2 LIST OF TABLES COMMON HABITAT TERMS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE ALASKA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PORT VALDEZ SALMON COUNTS ANADROMOUS STREAMS COMPARISON OF SPORT FISH EFFORT AND HARVEST ESTIMATES GAME HARVESTS CLIMATOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AIR QUALITY DATA POPULATION ESTIMATES TOTAL HOUSING IN VALDEZ EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS PROJECT REVIEW SCHEDULE PERMITS AND ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO CONSISTENCY REVIEW 3-16 3-18 3-24 3-26 3-28 3-29 3-43 3-46 3-81 7-4 7-14 1.0 Issues, Goals & Objectives OTL ee LICE Lg }; BATHS!” pM Lee McKINLEY STREET-VALDEZ, ALASKA URTESY: SUZZALLO LIBRARY, SEATTLE, WSO S McKinley Street, Old Town Courtesy of Valdez Heritage Center 1.0 1.1 1.2 ISSUES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES INTRODUCTION The citizens of Valdez are both resource users and resource Managers, and in these roles they make many decisions about what types of land and water development are desirable, where the developments will take place, and what, in general terms, they will look like. The Valdez Coastal Management Program set forth in the following pages establishes an agenda and provides the tools to direct development and to manage the resources of the coastal zone. The program emphasizes management tools that are explicit yet flexible enough to provide guidance in a changing physical, economic and regulatory environment. GOALS The goals of the District Program reflect a wide spectrum of issues pertaining to coastal management and the economic well- being of Valdez. They are: 1. To enhance the economic productivity and diversification of the region; 2. To provide for public safety and the econamic welfare of the community when siting future industrial, commercial, and residential development; 3. To protect and enhance all coastal habitats and air and water quality in accordance with federal and state statutes and in concert with desired industrial expansion; 4. To enhance the scenic beauty, uniqueness, and historical significance of the Valdez area; 5. To sensibly open up new land for residential and industrial use; 6. To strive for compatible use of coastal lands and waters for residential, industrial, commercial, recreation, fish and wildlife needs and open space activities; 1-1 7. ‘To seek, through appropriate channels, continued navigational safety and recreational opportunities in Prince William Sound; and 8. To expedite and simplify permit procedures and governmental agency project review and implementation of the district program. Underlying these goals is the recognition that the City of Valdez fully strives to enjoy continued economic prosperity and development. While coastal management cannot by itself ensure this outcome, it can help to make the unfolding of economic events orderly and sensible within the constraints of limited land, potential geologic hazards and sensitive habitats. It is to this end that the goals reflect a set of concerns expressed by the citizens of Valdez and form the basis for selected objectives to be achieved under this program. 1.3 ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES 1.3.1 Economic Productivity/Diversification Because of its strategic location, Valdez historically was the port of entry for a number of resource development activities in Interior Alaska and, most recently, has become the tidewater port for the trans-Alaska pipeline. As resource developments are most often single events with lingering spinoff activities, Valdez has benefited from large construction projects and, at the same time, gone wanting for sustained economic activity. Dependence on seasonal employment opportunities continues to be a major issue, and thus the citizens of Valdez wish to develop stable, year-round sources of income and employment. Five existing types of industries in Valdez hold promise for future industrial expansion: Transportation. Commodities port facility, supply and pipe shipping station for gas and oil pipeline, runway and airport expansion and highway improvements; Fishing. Fish, crab and shrimp processing, fish hatcheries, rehabilitation and enhancement of Robe Lake and other historic salmon runs, boat repair and construction facilities, commercial boat harbor and cold storage facilities; Tourism/Recreation. Waterfront improvements program and expansion of recreational and tourist activities (both seasonally and as to type); Petroleum. Fuel refineries and petrochemical plants; and Industrial Park and Foreign Trade Zone. Light and heavy industrial development and development as a foreign commodities port. The Valdez Coastal Management Program seeks to positively influence the development pattern of these industries in the following ways: Transportation 1. Maximize use of waterfront land, zoned for commercial industrial purposes, dependent on water-based transportation; 2. Upgrade transportation corridors both between the port and the airport and between the port and Interior Alaska; 3. Identify future land requirements for port and airport expansion and reserve appropriate land; and 4. Maintain coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure navigational safety in Prince William Sound. Fisheries 1. Maintain and enhance biological productivity of Port Valdez; 2. Rehabilitate Robe Lake to improve its productive capacity; 3. Monitor and evaluate salmon enhancement programs and proposed fish hatchery sites in the district; 4. Plan for expansion of the recreational boat harbor and construction of a commercial boat harbor; 5. Determine siting requirements/feasibility of Valdez as a bottomfish and onshore support base and for high-value fish processing; and 6. Encourage the expansion of existing fish processing operations and actively seek new processors to locate in Valdez. Touri eation 1. Site industrial facilities and industrial parks to minimize damage to natural setting; 2. Encourage enforcement of building codes and land use controls to improve the aesthetics of the downtown area and to reduce conflicts between incompatible land uses; 3. Improve attractiveness of commercial waterfront; 4. Support establishment of city and state marine park facilities; 5. Encourage boating safety through improved navigation and communication aids and search and rescue capability; 6. Encourage expanded ferry service for Prince William Sound; 7. Encourage municipal development of diversified recreation facilities; and 8. Implement a municipal parks and recreation program that identifies areas of coastal recreation and tourist interest and provides access to these locations. Petroleum 1. Determine siting requirements for petroleum industry expansion; and 2. Reserve sufficient land for residential and other uses without preempting lands suitable for petroleum related expansion. Power Generation 1. Identify and promote the development of all potential sources of power generation; and 2. Investigate power grid interties with the City of Cordova and the railbelt intertie system. Industrial Park and Foreign Trade Zone Development 1. Develop and market an industrial park with facilities specifically for, but not limited to: transportation, fisheries, tourism/recreation and petroleum industries; 2. Identify and reserve appropriate land for future industrial expansion; and 3. Continue efforts to market the Foreign Trade Zone. 1-4 1.3.2 Public Safety It is an accepted fact that Valdez, like other areas of Alaska, may be subject to future earthquakes, marine landslides, seiche activity and certainly flooding and avalanches. To provide for public safety and to minimize uncertainty when developing coastal areas, the Valdez Coastal Management Program will pursue the following objectives: 1. Evaluate seismic, avalanche and flood hazards and specify development criteria for land subject to such hazards; 2. Site industrial, commercial and residential development in areas that minimize risk to life and property; 3. Require sound engineering practices to ensure the safe design and construction of public and private facilities; 4. Develop a land use management plan and zoning criteria for the use of hazard-prone lands; and 5. Recommend further studies to evaluate the magnitude of potential hazards, identify mitigation measures and suggest ways to use hazardous land. 1.3.3 Resource Enhancement and Protection Valdez will seek to ensure the compatibility of new development with the resource values expressed in this plan. To do this, the program will: 1. Identify important coastal and upland habitats that should be protected and enhanced; 2. Continue to promote and enhance renewable resources; 3. Protect resource values through siting, design and appropriate construction measures; 4. Require maintenance of current air and water quality in Valdez. 1.3.4 Land and Water Uses Land and water uses are inextricably connected to economic 1-5 development, public safety and resource protection. However, because of steep terrain, seismic and flood-prone areas, suitable land for industrial, commercial and residential use is limited and thus deserves special attention in the coastal management program. 1. Determine future land and water use needs; 2. Reserve waterfront land for those uses requiring direct access to water; 3. Encourage innovative development to maximize use of available land; 4. Work closely with the State of Alaska to coordinate and expedite the land disposal program and other state land management programs; and 5. Maximize compatible, multiple use of land and water resources through siting and design measures. 1.3.5 Regional Interests Valdez is linked economically to Interior Alaska and the Prince William Sound region. Valdez is keenly interested in how regional resource and land management decisions and development projects will affect its own economy and growth. Land conveyances, increased vessel traffic, implementation of fisheries management plans and establishment of state parks are, in fact, local issues and thus the coastal management program has incorporated regional interests as a part of its program agenda. 1. Coordinate future land use decisions with Prince William Sound, Interior communities and concerned federal and state agencies; 2. Support improved transportation and communications systems for Prince William Sound and Interior communities; and 3. Cooperate with the State of Alaska in the identification and design of marine parks. 1.3.6 Permits and Government Control Increasingly, all levels of government are participating in 1-6 decisions to alter the natural and man-made environment. Through the consistency provision of the Alaska Coastal Management Program (6 AAC 50), Valdez intends to expedite and simplify permit procedures and to make certain that state and federal actions are consistent with the district program. The matter of consistency is important to Valdez, since approximately half of the land within city limits is state-owned and nearly 20 percent is federally-owned. Consistency will require that state and federal agencies comply with the local district program to the extent that the district program is consistent with existing regulations. Thus it is important that the district program adopt policies and an implementation scheme that streamlines decision-making and consistency review. In the course of program development, Valdez will: 1. Specify policies that ensure that state and federal activities are consistent with the local district program; 2. Consider mechanisms to coordinate local permitting and consistency review; and 3. Maximize use of existing ordinances and regulations to implement the district program. 2.0 District Boundaries a ee I ie) SIASS S ss Valdez Boat Harbor, Aerial 2.0 DISTRICT BOUNDARIES The Phase One Valdez District Coastal Management Program set its boundaries to include all areas within municipal boundaries up to 1500 feet in elevation and those marine waters within the Valdez municipal boundary. These boundaries were based on the zones of direct interaction and influence as identified in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Biophysical Boundaries. The Phase Two Resource Inventory and Analysis examined resource use and activities that might directly or indirectly influence the coastal areas of Valdez. After completion of the resource inventory and analysis, it was determined that the 1500- foot elevation includes all of the level and developable land within municipal boundaries. It was also felt that resource use or activities above the 1500-foot elevation was unlikely to havea direct or indirect influence on coastal resources. Valdez Coastal Management District Boundaries are shown in Figure 2.1. The boundaries include all areas within the municipal boundaries up to 1500 feet in elevation and those marine waters within the municipal boundary. Valdez Coa The preparation of this r, Coastal Management Prog) Glaciers Office of Ocean and Coal Atmospheric Administratioy| Department of Communit Eq Sea level to 1500 feet Assistance Division. Legend Valdez Municipal Boundary Figure 2.1 District Boundaries 3.0 Resource Inventory Valdez Boat Harbor 3.0 3.1 RESOURCE INVENTORY NATURAL RESOURCES 3.1.1 General Description of Port Valdez Port Valdez and Valdez Arm form a 29 mile (46 km) northeasterly extension of Prince William Sound in Southcentral Alaska (see Figure 3.1). Connection with the north Pacific Ocean is via Hinchenbrook Entrance, which opens on the Gulf of Alaska about 68 miles (110 km) from the town of Valdez. Port Valdez is a relatively deep, narrow, east-west oriented, glaciated formation that is properly termed a fjord, extending about 14 miles (23 km) eastward from Valdez Narrows. The latter, a nearly right-angle constriction, is a narrow silled entrance that is regarded as the demarcation between Port Valdez and Valdez Arm. The town of Valdez lies near the northeast corner of the fjord, while the Alyeska Marine Terminal is on the south shore at Jackson Point. Port Valdez is about 3 miles (5 km) wide by 14 miles (23 km) long and is shaped somewhat like a bathtub, with steep sides on the north and south and a remarkably flat horizontal bottom at a depth of about 787 feet (240 m) over three-quarters of its length. In the easternmost quarter of the fjord the bottom rises rather uniformly to the eastern shore at the former townsite of Valdez. The maximum depth of Port Valdez is 810 feet (247 m) (in the southwestern corner), while the overall mean depth of the fjord is about 591 feet (180 m). Port Valdez has an oceanographic regime that is strongly stratified (vertically) both in temperature and salinity during the summer, but is virtually unstratified during the winter months (Muench and Nebert 1973; Colonell 1979). The fjord would be classified as a "positive" estuary since it receives more fresh water by runoff and precipitation than is lost through evaporation. This implies that the classical estuarine circulation, with seaward movement of a brackish layer and landward movement of deeper waters, would prevail in Port Valdez, at least during periods of maximum runoff. Hydrographic data suggest that such flow does occur during the summer months, but that it is confined to the top 49 feet (15 m) of water column 3-1 (Muench and Nebert 1973; Colonell 1979). While a fairly vigorous current structure exists in Valdez Narrows due to tidal and weather-induced flows (Colonell 1979) current measurements at the eastern end of Port Valdez have suggested water movements there to be rather sluggish at best, and virtually stagnant much of the time (Colonell, personal communication). Tides in Port Valdez are the mixed, semidiurnal (two highs and two lows per day) type with a maximum range of 17 feet (5.3 m) and a mean height of 10 feet (3.0m). The tidal prism (volume of water that comes in on a high tide) is about 1.6 percent of the total volume of the fjord. Recent estimates (Colonell 1979) of freshwater inputs to the fjord during maximum runoff (July) suggest a mean value of about 7 percent of the tidal prism with extreme values of 2 to 15 percent. The major portion of freshwater input is from the Lowe River, Valdez Glacier Stream, and Mineral Creek. Especially notable are the large amounts of glacial silt and sediment deposited in Port Valdez by the Lowe River and Valdez Glacier Stream. Rates of sediment deposition range from 4.3 to 13.5 cm/yr in the eastern end of the fjord (Sharma and Burbank 1973) to as little as 1 cm/yr in the western end. Most of the Port Valdez shoreline is steep and rocky, except where major streams and rivers discharge into the fjord. At the eastern end the Lowe and Robe Rivers and the Valdez Glacier Stream have formed the extensive Valdez outwash delta upon which the town of Valdez was formerly located. The present site of Valdez is an alluvial fan deposited by Mineral Creek. Both the Valdez outwash delta and the Mineral Creek alluvial fan consist of poorly consolidated alluvial and glacial deposits of silt, sand and gravel. Large tidal flats have formed at the seaward edge of these deltas because of the high tidal range and the large amounts of fine sediments provided by the streams and rivers (Sharma and Burbank 1973). 3.1.2 Habitats and Biological Resources The Alaska Coastal Policy Council recognizes six marine and two inland habitats subject to the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP). These include: Offshore areas Estuaries Wetlands and tideflats Rocky islands and sea cliffs Barrier islands and lagoons Exposed high energy coasts oo0o0o0°0 The preparation of this r Coastal Management Prog Office of Ocean and Co: ia’ Atmospheric Administratiot Department of Communi”, Assistance Division. Jack Bay < ‘ Valdez Municipal Boundary Location Map o Rivers, Streams, and lakes © Important upland habitat Other habitat terms are commonly used to describe the eight habitat types or portions of them. Table 3.1 shows the common habitat and their relationship to the habitat descriptions used by the ACMP, as well as which habitats occur within Valdez. Figure 3.2 shows where each of the habitat types occurs within the Valdez District. Habitat Descriptions Offshore Areas. Offshore areas are defined as submerged lands and waters seaward of the coastline, below mean lower low water (MLLW). Offshore areas within the Valdez city limits include Port Valdez, Valdez Narrows and portions of Valdez Arm and Jack Bay. The high rate of sedimentation in the eastern Port Valdez offshore area has resulted in a deep-water benthic population that shows a low number of species and organisms compared with the western area (Feder and Matheke 1979). The benthic infauna (animals living within sediments) is dominated by deposit-feeding organisms typically found in soft substrates. Dominant groups are polychaete worms and small bivalves. Epibenthic invertebrates (animals living on top of the sediments) are also present in low numbers and include five species of pandalid shrimp, tanner crab, king drab and dungeness crab, with juvenile tanner crab the only species taken in abundance. Marine fish species in the deep Port Valdez offshore area have been captured in low numbers, but the gear used in recent studies was a small otter trawl (3-4m) that was not efficient at capturing larger, more mobile fishes (Smith and Stoker 1969, Feder et al. 1973, Feder and Matheke 1979). The species list, however, indicates a reasonably diverse fish life considering the gear used. Twenty-three species were reported from these surveys. Many of the fish captured are typically found on soft substrates, including five species of flounder, one species of skate and members of the cod and sculpin families. The presence of Pacific Ocean perch and yelloweye rockfish, however, indicates that deep hardbottom areas are present in some parts of the fjord. Exploratory drags made by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in 1954 and 1970 with commerical-sized trawls indicated a low biomass of catchable fish; eleven trawls yielded an average of 115 pounds per hour (lb/hr) of tow (NMFS 1975). In contrast, a single tow in Jack Bay (southeast of Valdez Narrows) in 1970 yielded 1500 lb/hr, primarily pollock and herring. Table 3.1 COMMON HABITAT TERMS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO ALASKA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (ACMP) HABITAT DESCRIPTIONS 9 Alpine tundra Benthic or benthos e@ Bog UE aPaaseROl e Braided streams | Clam and worm flats | Cut—bank | Eelgrass_ bed ifauna Estuary L Exposed outer coast Floodplain Grass-sedge meadows Gravel beach Infauna Intertidal zone Islets and seatacks Kelp bed Mudflat Muskeg, Old-growth forest (climax forest) Offshore bar Pelagic 7 Productive shallows Protected embayment Riparian community Saltchuck Scrub forest ait .Spruce-hardwood (broadleaf) forest Stream-influence zone Subtidal zone Watershed Wetland Source: Woodward-Clyde Consultants, 1981 Valdez Coastal Management Program The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska Coastal Management Program which is funded by the State of Alaska and the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Municipal and Regional Assistance Division. -- Allison Lake Solomon Lake Legend J) Offshore Wetlands ---> Tideflats Rocky Islands and Seacliffs Barrier Islands and Lagoons Exposed High Energy Coasts mm Important Upland Habitat Valdez Municipal Roane —_ lala Coastal Habitats Shallow regions of the offshore area are more diverse, with both rocky and soft subtidal habitats. The shallow rocky areas around Seal Rocks contain a rich kelp bed community with an abundant and diverse group of invertebrates (Rosenthal 1977). The group of fish present in this area is considerably different from that in the deeper regions, with many of the species dependent on the rocky habitat. In contrast, the shallow clay or sandy areas, such as below the Duck Flats, contain low algal densities and the invertebrates are dominated by an echiurid worm (spoonworm) and a tube worm, with a number of other small worms and snails also present (Lees et al. 1979). These shallow soft-bottom habitats do contain a fair number of juvenile and breeding adult Tanner crabs, however, and may be important in the life cycle of this species. There is a recreational fishery for dungeness crab in the shallow eastern portion of Port Valdez, although this species has not been detected during scientific sampling. The fish life is relatively sparse during the day, with starry flounders dominating. Many of the deep water fish and mobile invertebrate species move into these shallow waters at night to feed so daytime observation of apparent densities or distributional patterns can be misleading. Herring utilize the shallow subtidal algal beds of Jack Bay and Valdez Arm for spawning, primarily in April and May. These spawning aggregations are followed by a host of predators, including chinook salmon and a variety of fish-eating birds (including murres, cormorants and gulls) and mammals (including porpoise, seals and sea lions). Whales are the only marine manmals that use the off- shore habitats exclusively; other marine mammals are associated with various shoreline features. Many species of whale or porpoise have been sighted within Port Valdez. Two of the whale species are on the endangered classification under the Endangered Species Act. These are the humpback whale and finback whale (USFWS, 1981). Estuaries. Estuaries are defined as semienclosed coastal bodies of water that have a free connection with the sea and within which seawater is measurably diluted with fresh water derived from land drainage. Under this definition, all of Port Valdez can be considered at estuary, since the freshwater input from the various streams and glaciers measurably dilutes the surface layer during the summer. On a smaller scale, the mouths of all streams that are under the influence of tidal action and the various bays receiving freshwater run-off would be considered estuaries. In streams, the estuarine portion extends upstream to the limit of saltwater intrusion. The downstream extent of the estuary is less well-defined and,as indicated in the definition, is generally considered to be where the freshwater input can no 3-9 longer be detected. Mayor estuaries in the Valdez area include the Lowe River estuary, the many creeks entering the bay through Old Town and the Duck Flats, Mineral Creek, Shoup Bay and Jack Bay. As indicated, the lower reaches of all streams are part of the estuarine system. Estuaries are characterized by high productivity due to the deposition of land-derived nutrients. The rivers deliver dissolved nutrients that stimulate production of algae, which in turn are utilized by herbivores such as copepods. An additional significant nutrient source is the decaying carcasses of spent salmon. McRoy and Stoker (1969) believe that the organic matter derived from salmon is as important a nutrient source as phytoplankton production. Organic detritus is another important nutrient source and can be directly utilized by bacteria and detrivores, such as mysids and amphipods. These primary consumers form the basis for a complex food web typically found in estuaries. The rich feeding grounds are critical feeding areas for chum and pink salmon fry. For example, salmon fry (primarily chum salmon during a sample period in 1979) feed in and around the Duck Flats for at least a month (late April or early May) before moving to the marine environment (Morsell and Perkins 1979). These estuarine areas are also used by crabs, shrimp and a large number of deposit and filter-feeding invertebrates, such as clams and polychaete worms, for both feeding and spawning. Marine fish and birds are attracted by the high populations of prey organisms and are often concentrated around estuaries at certain times of the year. For example, maximum or high numbers of arctic terns, mergansers and horned grebes, all fish eaters, occurred at the Duck Flats during the period of salmon fry out-migration (late April to late May) (Hemming and Erickson 1979, Hogan and Colgate, 1980). The estuaries are also critical migratory pathways for anadromous fish during juvenile out-migration and return of mature adults. Up to an estimated 143,000 adult salmon per year passed through the eastern Port Valdez estuarine system in recent years. Wetlands and Tideflats. The Alaska Coastal Management Program wetlands and tideflats classification is a mix of fresh and saltwater habitats with and without vegetation. Wetlands are considered to be vegetated areas that are partially submerged either continuously or periodically. Saltwater wetlands are coastal areas along sheltered shorelines characterized by halophytic hydrophytes (moisture-tolerant plants growing ina saline soil) and macroalgae extending from extreme low tide to an area above extreme high tide that is influenced by sea spray or tidally influenced water table changes. Fresh water wetlands contain water of less than 0.5 parts per thousand salt content and do not exceed 9 feet (3 meters) in depth. Tideflats are defined 3-10 as both the vegetated and unvegetated areas that are alternately exposed and inundated by the falling and rising of the tide. Saltwater wetlands and the associated tideflats are common in eastern Port Valdez, but less common west of the Alyeska Terminal and Gold Creek. Major saltwater wetlands and tideflats extend from the southwest portion of Dayville Flats to the northwest edge of Island Flats. Additional significant wetlands and tideflats occur at Mineral Creek Flats, Gold Creek, Duck Flats and Sawmill Spit (Crow 1977). Jack Bay also has extensive salt marsh habitat at the head of the major coves. The generally estuarine condition of Port Valdez is evident in the vegetation communities of the salt marshes, as they show a fresh to brackish water character rather than a marine character (Crow 1977). The diversity of these communities is quite high, with about 28 to 30 frequently occurring species. A variety of birds are associated with the salt marshes and tideflats. They use these habitats as staging, feeding or nesting areas. Canada geese and numerous species of ducks have been observed in many of the saltmarsh-tideflats communities around Port Valdez. Because of its size, the Duck Flats marsh in particular has been identified as important habitat for many species (McRoy and Stoker 1969, Hemming and Erikson 1979, Hogan and Colgate 1980). Fifty-three species of birds were reported from the Duck Flats in 1979, with other marshes containing both fewer species and numbers (Hogan and Colgate 1980). Bird use of all saltmarsh-tideflat habitat in Port Valdez is highly seasonal; many species migrate through the area only in the spring and fall, while other species, such as sea ducks, principally use these marshes during winter. Tideflats are associated with all the aforementioned salt marshes and the terminus of Shoup Glacier. Tideflat habitats represent approximately 11 to 19 percent of the Port Valdez shoreline (McRoy and Stoker 1969, Hogan and Colgate 1980). The Duck Flats appears to be the most productive tideflat in this area, however this conclusion is based primarily on circumstantial evidence (Lees et al. 1979). Starry flounder and diving duck predation on mussels and clams appears to be high (Lees et al. 1979). Chum salmon fry feed heavily on copepods over the tideflats in the vicinity of Mineral Creek Islands (Morsell and Perkins 1979), and a variety of fish-eating birds, feed over the flats during the salmon fry and adult migrations (Hemming and Erikson 1979, Hogan and Colgate 1980). The Duck Flats communities generally increase in complexity from the high to low tide level and from east to west. The central and eastern areas, however, appear to be the most productive (Lees et al. 1979). The high level of observed predation on tideflat invertebrates and fishes 3-11 by other fish, birds and mammals at the Duck Flats is not obvious at other tideflats, suggesting a higher density of prey at the Duck Flats. Comparable data on other tideflats, however, are scarce or lacking. Freshwater wetlands are primarily found in the Robe Lake watershed (Dames and Moore 1979b), adjacent to Mineral Creek, the Lowe River and many of the drainages between the Lowe River and Mineral Creek. The main freshwater wetland within the Valdez boundaries covers the area formerly occupied by Robe Lake. Additional wetlands are identified in the upper reaches of Brownie Creek and Corbin Creek (Robe). These wetlands have received low study effort. The Robe Lake wetlands are probably utilized as salmonid rearing habitat by juvenile coho and sockeye salmon, Dolly Varden char and as spawning habitat by three-spine stickleback (Williams 1979). This wetland provides nesting and juvenile rearing habitat for dabbling ducks, shorebirds, grebes, red-winged blackbirds and other marsh-nesting birds (Dames and Moore 1979b). Perched wetland bogs are within the coastal district however these have not been identified. Rocky Islands and Sea Cliffs. Rocky islands and sea cliffs are defined as islands of volcanic or tectonic origin with rocky shores and steep faces, offshore rocks, capes, and steep, rocky seafronts. Rocky islands are represented by the Mineral Creek .Islands, Saw Island, Entrance Island, Bunch Island and Middle Rock, as well as by a variety of apparently unnamed islands in Anderson and Jack Bays. Seacliff habitat comprises approximately 18 percent of the Port Valdez shoreline, with much of this habitat occurring in Western Port Valdez (Hogan and Colgate 1980). Seacliff intertidal epifauna have been studied extensively in other parts of the northeastern Pacific because of the strong zonation of organisms observable at low tide. Areas specific to Port Valdez, however, have not been studied. In general, these areas support barnacles and mussels with associated predatory starfish and snails. The subtidal habitat often contains kelp beds of mixed algal species and a variety of invertebrates typically associated with rock substrate or kelp beds. The dominant invertebrates include anemones, starfish, snails, shrimp, hermit crabs and polychaete worms. Fishes typically found in rocky subtidal habitat are found at the base of these islands or cliff habitats; for example, kelp greenling, black rockfish, wolf eel and lingcod frequently inhabit these areas (Rosenthal 1977). Some birds utilize these areas as both nesting and summer or winter feeding habitat. Species commonly observed include Arctic terns, which nest on Mineral Creek Islands, goldeneyes, pigeon gillemots and marbled murelets, which seasonally utilize these 3-12 areas primarily for feeding (Hogan and Colgate 1980). Blacklegged kittiwakes and glaucous-winged gulls also are abundant during the summer and use a unique rocky island habitat for nesting. The island in the lagoon at the base of Shoup Glacier contains the fourth largest breeding colony of blacklegged kittiwakes in Prince William Sound (McRoy and Stoker 1969, Hogan and Colgate 1980). The eddies and rips formed around islands and steep points also serve to concentrate schools of small pelagic fishes (i.e., herring and sandlance), often attracting predators, such as salmon, piscivorous birds and marine mammals. Some marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions, also use the islands and offshore rocks as hauling-out areas, while seals, sea lions and sea otters use the surrounding subtidal areas for feeding. The rocks in Valdez Narrows have been identified as important hauling- out areas for harbor seals (McRoy and Stoker 1969). Barrier Islands and Lagoons. Barrier islands are depositional coastal environments formed by deposits of sediment offshore or coastal remnants that forma barrier of low-lying islands and bars protecting a saltwater lagoon with a free exchange of water to the sea. Classical barrier islands and lagoons are not found in Port Valdez but there are a few coastal features with a morphology similar to that described. The morrainal deposit at the mouth of Shoup Bay has acquired some characteristics of a depositional spit. A similar feature, the spit at Gold Creek, appears to have been formed by coastal processes. Both of these areas contain significant Arctic tern breeding colonies (Hogan and Colgate 1980). The man-made structure known as Sontag Spit has acquired some of the characteristics of a spit, and three pairs of terns unsuccessfully nested there in 1979 (chicks did not survive). Canada geese are reported from the protected side of the Shoup Bay spit, and gulls use all three spits (McRoy and Stoker 1969). Exposed High Energy Coasts. Exposed high energy coasts are defined as "open and unprotected sections of coastline with exposure to ocean-generated wave impacts and usually characterized by coarse sand, gravel, boulder beaches, and well-mixed coastal water." The enclosed nature of Port Valdez precludes this habitat, as ocean-generated waves are not present and there is insufficient fetch (distance over a water surface of unobstructed exposure to wind) within the fjord to allow the generation of high waves. Much of the coastline, however, does have coarse beaches (i.e., gravel or boulders or bedrock) which are often associated with Alaskan high energy coasts. Up to 60 percent are medium gradient sand or gravel beaches and 45 percent rocky beaches (Hogan and Colgate 1980). Thus, in this case, the term “high energy coast" will be used to define these predominant Port Valdez shoreline habitats. 3-13 The flora and fauna of the rocky coastline is similar to that found on rocky islands and sea cliffs, often dominated by rockweed, mussels, and barnacles. Limpets and small snails are also abundant (McRoy and Stoker 1969). Similar species assemblages are found in the coarse gravel/cobble habitats (Nauman and Kernodle 1976, et al, 1979). Pronounced zonation with tide level is evident in both habitats. Various intertidal fishes inhabit these areas, but this group has not received much attention. The invertebrate intertidal surveys have identified three species of common intertidal fishes with some unidentified sculpins also reported (McRoy and Stoker 1969, Nauman and Kernodle 1976, Feder et al. 1979, lees et al. 1979). The fish species present in the subtidal regions would be determined by the substrate present in the intertidal region. Some species, such as members of the cod and rockfish families, move into the rocky intertidal region to feed at night during high tides. The adult salmon migrate past these areas, often in close proximity to the shoreline, during their return migration. The sand and gravel beaches are used by harlequin ducks and breeding Arctic terns, while goldeyes, pigeon guillemots and marbled murrelets are found along the rocky area. Bird densities along the rocky beaches are the lowest recorded in any Port Valdez habitat (Hogan and Colgate 1980). Marine mammals frequently feed in the vicinity of these shoreline habitats. For example, the area west of Dayville Flats to the Alyeska Terminal is identified as an important feeding area for sea otters and harbor seals (Dames and Moore 1979c, USFWS 1980). Rivers, Streams and Lakes. At least 50 streams are reported to enter Port Valdez (McRoy and Stoker 1969). Over half of these streams are known to support runs of salmon (Alaska Department of Fish and Game 1979). The three largest rivers, Lowe River, Valdez Glacier Stream and Mineral Creek, are fed by glaciers and have a braided configuration and highly turbid water in the summer. Most of the floodplain is unvegetated gravel, with numerous channels weaving around and through the abundant gravel bars. The small single-channel streams that flow through Old Town and Mineral Creek Flats are former glacier-stream channels that now receive ground water flow, resulting in year-round clear water. The numerous small clearwater streams that originate in the mountains around Port Valdez are primarily snow-melt streams. Lake habitat is rare in Valdez, with only three lakes of any size including Robe, Allison and Solomon Lakes. There are a number of small pond-sized lakes, including Deep and Crater Lakes. 3-14 The Robe Lake system has undergone significant environmental change over the past 50 years. In the late 1930's a branch of Valdez Glacier Stream diverted into Corbin Creek causing a rapid deposition of glacial sediments in Robe Lake. The silt quickly reduced the depth of the lake and altered spawning habitat. In the late 1950's, a dike was constructed that diverted Corbin Creek into Valdez Glacier Stream. Diversion of Corbin Creek has reduced sedimentation, but the shallow depth, resulting from the deposited sediment and increased water clarity allowing for increased photosynthetic activity, has caused natural eutrophication of Robe Lake to accelerate. The portion of Corbin Creek downstream from the dike has retained some clearwater flow from groundwater seepage. Most of the clearwater streams within the Valdez boundary have suitable gravel for salmon spawning, but the total area available for spawning is limited by the steep gradients that occur above the intertidal zone. This spatial limitation restricts spawning to the lower reaches of the streams, often only to the intertidal area, and results in the large number of streams with small runs of salmon. The turbid glacial rivers are used as migration corridors to the spawning areas in clearwater tributaries. Table 3.2 shows salmon counts for major streams in Valdez. Table 3.3 lists anadromous streams and drainages which occur in the Valdez area. These are also shown in Figure 3.3. Pink salmon and chum salmon are particularly adapted to spawning in the lower reaches, or intertidal areas of turbid glacial rivers. The fry do not rear in fresh water, but migrate to sea shortly after emerging from the incubation gravel. Coho salmon, however, spend one to two years in fresh water before migrating to sea as smolts. As a result, they are found only in rivers that contain suitable rearing habitat year-round. In Valdez, only two systems presently support coho salmon - Lowe River and Robe Lake. The coho spawn in small streams, rear in clearwater areas during the summer, and move to over-wintering areas in the rivers or lake during the winter. Smolt out- migration occurs in late spring after one to two years in fresh water. Sockeye salmon populations typically require a river system containing a lake suitable for rearing, although exceptions are known. Sockeye salmon fry typically spend one to three years ina lake prior to smolt out-migration in the spring. Robe Lake provides the only suitable rearing area for sockeye. The quality of this rearing area has declined drastically in the past 50 years due to well-documented sedimentation fram Corbin Creek (Glacier). Previously, the Robe Lake system supported runs in excess of 3-15 Table 3.2 PORT VALDEZ SALMON COUNTS 1974-1983 #11390 #11370 #11380 #11410 #11420 #11430 #11450 #11470 Sewage Lowe Robe Loop Loop Siwash City Mineral Lagoon River Lake Road I Road II Limits Creek System System System Pink Salmon 1974 N/C n/c N/C N/C 262 70 860 217 1975 n/c 15,387 2,461 3,790 6,420 79,180 1,520 947 1976 N/C 1 0 N/C 18 5 5 8 1977. 1,418 1,441 330 4,101 18,718 46,550 3,620 179 1978 N/C 0 2 66 0 0 10 0 1979 N/C 1,770 1,546 N/C N/C 59,310 N/C 53 1980 43 4 454 790 3 400 570 0 1981 N/C 6,500 1,557 N/C N/c 44,520 9,610 418 1982 n/c 15 382 n/c N/C 4,230 4,320 0 1983 490 8,503 270 ~=6, 889 4,239 23,323 6,274 781 Chum Salmon 1974 n/c n/c N/C 0 N/c 10 1,000 1,454 1975 N/C N/C N/C N/C n/c 100 N/C n/c 1976 n/c 270 0 6 n/c 2 1,080 564 1977 0 0 0 0 0 0 160 0 1978 0 1 0 0 0 N/c 0 68 1979 0 i a 0 0 N/C 220 126 1980 0 190 0 5 0 90 2,250 140 1981 0 114 16 3 0 0 3,530 158 1982 CG 5 125 N/C N/C 170 400 N/c 1983 0 1 ll 1 0 2 502 3 Table 3.2 (cont'd.) PORT VALDEZ SALMON COUNTS 1974-1983 #11390 #11370 #11380 #11410 #11420 #11430 #11450 #11470 Sewage Lowe Robe Loop Loop Siwash City Mineral Lagoon River Lake Road I- Road II Limits Creek System System System Coho Salmon 1974 N/A N/c 1,662 0 N/A 0 0 0 1975 N/A 1,506 1,533 0 N/A 0 0 16 1976 N/A 1,310 1,049 0 N/A 0 0 66 1977 0 1,363 1,522 0 N/A 0 0 1 1978 0 1,643 5,091 0 N/A 0 0 0 1979 0 1,536 3,470 0 0 0 0 31 1980 0 1,329 5,467 - 0 0 2 2 1981 0 4,516 3,125 0 0 0 0 84 1982 N/C 2,296 8,573 N/C N/C N/C n/c N/C 1983 N/C 659 2,670x N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C Red Salmon 1974 N/C N/C 3,000 N/C N/C n/c N/C n/c 1975 N/C 2 10 N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C 1976 0 1 n/c N/C N/C N/C 1 2 1977 0 n/c 9,188 N/C N/C n/c N/C n/c 1978 0 29 972 0 0 0 0 4 1979 0 16 2,216 0 0 0 0 4 1980 0 0 993 0 0 0 0 7 1981 0 20 229 0 0 0 0 0 1982 N/C 46 6,673 N/C N/C N/C n/c n/c 1983 N/C 4 321 N/C N/C N/C n/c N/C N/C = No count taken x = Only a portion of the system was surveyed in 1983. Source: (Cordova-State biologist; Department of Fish & Game, Anchorage Office) Reference Number Table 3.3 ANADROMOUS FISH STREAMS (Figure 3.3) Stream Number! Name Species? l. 11300 Ps 2. 11310 CHs 3. 11320 Salmon Creek CHs 4. 11330 Sawmill Creek CHs 5. 11350 Allison Creek P,CHs 6. 11353 P,CHs 7. 11356 P,CHs 8. 11360 Solomon Gulch Psr,CHs 9. 11364 Ps 10. 11366 Ps ,COr 11. 11368 Abercrombie Gulch CHs, Ps 12. 11370 Lowe River System COsr,Ssr,CHs,Ps,Cvr 13. 11380 Robe River COsr,Ssr,CHs,Ps,CVr 14. 11380-0010 Robe Lake COsr,Ssr,CHs,Ps,Cvr 15. 11370-2258 Deep Creek COsr,Ssr,CHs,Ps,CVr 16. 11380-2105 Brownie Creek COsr,Ssr,CHs,Ps,Cvr 17. 11380-2095 Corbin Creek CoOsr,Ssr,CHs,Ps,CVr 18. 11390 Sewage Lagoon CHs,Ps 19. 11410 Ps 20. 11420 COs,Ss,Ps,CHs 21. 11430 Siwash Creek COs,Ss,Ps,CHs 22. 11440 Ess Creek CHs , Ps 23. 11450 Crooked Creek COsr, Ps ,CHs 24. 11460 Ps 25. 11470 Mineral Creek COsr,Ps,CHs 26. 11475 CHs, Ps 27. 11480 CHs , Ps 28. 11482 CHs ,Ps 29. 11490 Gold Creek CHs 30. 11500 Ps 31. 11520 Uno Creek Ps 32. 11530 McAllister Creek Ps 33. 11280 Ps,CHs 34. 11270 Ps,CHs 1. All numbers are preceded by 221-60- 2. Key: CH - Chum, CO - Coho, CV - Char/Varden, P - Pink, S - Sockeye, r - rearing, s - spawning Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Habitat Management Guide Maps, 1986. See Table 3.3 for information corresponding to stream numbers. { \ Port Valdez 16 . 15 4 5 3S N4 1 2 5| 6 7 10/11 12 I 8 \ 1 * = 33 Be 34 et Figure 3.3 Anadromous Streams 40,000 sockeye salmon (ADF&G 1979); now the average run is approximately 5,000 sockeye (Williams 1979). Within the Robe Lake system, sockeye spawn primarily in Brownie Creek, while the majority of the coho spawn in Corbin Creek (Robe). Other fish that utilize rivers or lakes include Dolly Varden char, eulachon, and three-spine stickleback. Anadromous Dolly Varden char, found in most of the freshwater habitats during certain times of the year, support a sport fishery. Eulachon are reported from at least Valdez Glacier Stream and Siwash Creek, probably spawning in March and April, but the size of the run is unknown (ADF&G, unpublished data). Sticklebacks can occur as marine, estuarine and freshwater populations and provide important forage to piscivorous birds and larger fish. Most of the recorded eagle nests within the Valdez boundaries are associated with nearby salmon-spawning streams (Figure 3.3). The existence of inactive nests near streams not presently containing salmon has been used to indicate where salmon runs have been lost (Dames and Moore 1979a). Concentrations of eagles occur along spawning streams during the salmon runs, with up to 58 individuals counted along the Lowe River (Dames and Moore 1979b). Known bald eagle nest sites are shown in the maps in chapter 5. Similarly, gulls congregate along and around the mouths of streams at this time, leading to the peak recorded concentrations of these species (Hogan and Colgate 1980). Carnivorous mammals, including bear, river otter, and mink, also gather to feed on the salmon, leading to increased concentrations of these species during the salmon runs. Allison and Solomon Lakes are high-altitude, glacier-fed lakes on the south side of Port Valdez. Allison Lake lies at an elevation of 1350 feet and Solomon Lake is at 625 feet. The streams connecting the lakes with the marine system have steep gradient with high current velocities, restricting anadromous fish to the extreme lower reaches and intertidal region. Fish are not known to occur in the lakes (USFWS 1980). Waterfowl use of the Allison Lake system is limited, but Canada geese are known to use the lake for molting and nesting. Most mammals that are typically found throughout the Valdez area, except moose, are known to occur in the Allison Lake drainage (USFWS 1980). An additional important habitat associated with rivers and streams is the riparian woodland found along the floodplains. In Valdez, this habitat is dominated by willow, alder and cottonwood. These areas provide important willow ptarmigan and small bird nesting and feeding habitat, and often provide bald eagle nesting habitat. The riparian woodlands, particularly along the Lowe River and Valdez Glacier Stream floodplains, contain most of the riparian woodland habitat in Valdez. The Mineral Creek floodplain also contains a significant amount of this habitat. 3-21 The other streams contain relatively small amounts of riparian woodland habitat. Important Upland Habitat. Much of the upland habitat within the Valdez boundaries has steep slopes which contain snow for much of the year. Recent glaciation has occured in many of the upland habitats. The combination of these factors reduces the value of this habitat for many animals, and as a result, populations in these areas are characterized by low numerical densities. The low-lying deciduous and spruce forests provide a more productive habitat, but are generally limited to small areas along the coastline. Areas of greater productive upland habitat include the triangle between the Lowe River and Valdez Glacier Stream (containing Robe Lake) and the Mineral Creek alluvial fan. The Corbin Creek (Robe) and Brownie Creek watersheds, in particular, contain the most diverse upland habitat and provide high-quality habitat for large mammals and furbearers (Dames and Moore 1979c). Mountain goats can be observed at higher elevations, while wolves, coyote, red fox, lynx and moose also occupy upland habitats and can occur in the area. Black bear, brown bear, wolverine, black-tailed deer, river otter and mink have been identified in this area (City of Valdez 1979, Dames and Moore 1979c). Biological Resource Utilization Offshore Areas. The biological communities found in the offshore habitat within the Valdez coastal district are currently being utilized in the following manners (not in order of importance) : o Recreational fishing o Subsistence fishing o Scientific sampling At present, commercial salmon fishing is not conducted within the Valdez boundaries, as Port Valdez is a closed terminal area. The known herring spawning areas within the Valdez boundaries are also closed to commercial harvest. Stocks of other species, such as crabs, shrimp, and bottomfish, are too low to generate commercial interest. An increase in the size of the salmon runs, however, could lead to increased commercial fishing activity in the Port Valdez offshore region. The Valdez Fisheries Development Association (VFDA) is in the process of implementing plans to enhance Valdez salmon runs. Project goals are for over six million adult salmon to return to the offshore region (VFDA 1986). VFDA proposed a terminal harvest area, with closures in the vicinity of selected streams, to commercially harvest excess fish 3-22 under emergency openings as needed (VFDA, unpublished report). Recreational fishing in the offshore area is directed primarily toward salmon. Creel censuses have estimated effort in Port Valdez (Table 3.4). The decrease in angler effort between 1974 and 1978 was due to a reduction in effort by nonresidents; efforts by Valdez residents increased slightly (Williams 1979). As with commercial fishing the increased salmon production proposed by VFDA should significantly increase the offshore sport fishing activity in Port Valdez. There is some sport fishing effort directed toward halibut, bottomfish and shellfish as shown in Table 3.4. Subsistence salmon harvest within Port Valdez is presently low but can be expected to increase if the salmon enhancement projects are successful. There is currently a minor subsistence fishery for Dungeness crab in eastern Port Valdez (Morsell and Perkins 1979). Scientific sampling is currently being conducted in the offshore area by several agencies, including the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Auke Bay Laboratory and the University of Alaska Marine Institute. These studies continue to investigate the affects of the Alyeska ballast water treatment facility. They are confined to areas in the vicinity of the Alyeska Marine Terminal. Estuaries. There is currently little utilization of estuarine resources, mainly because streams in Valdez are closed to salmon fishing. Some fishing for Dolly Varden char probably occurs in the estuarine areas in and around streams containing anadromous runs of this species. Wetlands and Tideflats. Migratory waterfowl tend to seek wetlands during their fall migration, creating areas that are utilized by hunters. Waterfowl hunting would be expected around Robe Lake and Lowe River as well as same of the smaller wetlands in western Port Valdez and possibly Jack Bay. The wetlands at Duck Flats, being closed to hunting, are used for nature study, photography, education activities and research. The tideflats of Port Valdez are used primarily for research, education activities and nature studies. Some harvest of bay mussels may occur. NMFS maintains long-term study sites at Mineral Creek Flats and Dayville Flats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a long-term interest in the Duck Flats wetlands, and has proposed AMSA designation and management recommendations for this area (USFWS, 1981). 3-23 Table 3.4 COMPARISON OF SPORT FISH EFFORT AND HARVEST ESTIMATES FOR PORT VALDEZ YEAR 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 Chinook salmon 247 58 88 121 76 210 241 125 Coho salmon 5,277 3,582 6,402 5,545 4,018 4,014 4,710 5,138 Sockeye salmon 557 78 141 568 367 241 343 786 Pink salmon 12,020 7,910 13,217 11,606 11,686 6,634 8,696 9,639 Chum salmon 219 1,444 845 913 572 639 976 =1,397 Halibut 528 339 719 1,688 1,134 849 1,846 1,322 Dolly Varden char 594 877 691 1,128 97 356 262 811 Rockfish * 1,895 1,103 2,782 3,272 6,534 2,810 3,703 4,340 DAYS FISHED 19,423 12,687 19,068 18,707 18,716 13,904 15,764 18,620 * Harvests under estimated because of the diversity of common names. 1 From Mills (no date) Islands and Sea Cliffs. The current patterns and kelp beds often found around rocky islands and sea cliffs tend to concentrate fish which creates a focal area for sport fishing. These rugged areas are quite scenic, often with seals, sea lions, sea otters and sea birds, and attract photographers and sightseers. The subtidal cliffs and kelp beds also are preferred areas for sport diving and underwater photography. Barrier Islands and Lagoons. The sheltered waters behind barrier islands and spits provide protected moorage and may be used as anchorages or harbors with associated recreational activities. Exposed High Energy Coasts. Although this is the dominant habitat in Port Valdez, there is minimal resource utilization in these areas. NMFS has a number of long-term study sites in this habitat, scattered around Port Valdez, which are directed at monitoring long-term affects of the Alyeska Terminal. Some harvest of mussels may occur. The principal use may be for nature study and photography. Rivers, Streams and Lakes. All freshwater areas within the Valdez boundaries are closed to the taking of salmon, considerably reducing the sport fishing effort in these habitats. Freshwater sport fishing is directed toward Dolly Varden char, primarily during the fall anadromous runs in the Robe Lake System and at various clearwater areas in the Lowe River drainage. Small runs in other drainages receive less pressure. The riparian habitat in the Lowe River floodplain provides good ptarmigan habitat and may be used as a hunting area. Important Upland Habitat. Utilization of upland habitat has not been extensively documented. Big game harvest rates are low, restricted primarily to black bear and mountain goat (Table 3.5). This low harvest rate is due primarily to low densities of game animals in the area. Waterfowl and upland bird harvests are undocumented (ADF&G, personal communication). 3.1.3 Climate Valdez typically has short, mild summers and long, cold winters. During the summer, cool air from the sea and from snow and ice fields moderates temperatures. During the winter, high mountain ridges to the north provide some barrier to the flow of cold air from the Interior, but the moderating affect of these ridges is largely offset by downslope drainage of cold air from snow fields and glacier areas. The coldest temperatures are thought to be related to the latter factor. Temperatures average 3-25 Table 3.6 CLIMATOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF VALDEZ AREA, 1972-1983 Peak Gust Monthly Monthly Monthly Wind Speed Average Average Average (mph ) Percipitation Snow a eer (inches) (inches ) January 94 5.9 48.9 22.3 February 81 4.8 51.4 23.8 March 59 4.2 52.2 30.0 April 48 3.8 24.4 36.5 May 39 2.3 -7 45.1 June 36 2.7 0.0 51.3 July 30 4.1 0.0 54.8 August 56 6.1 0.0 53.7 September 62 8.6 0.0 47.2 October 66 9.4 13.0 38.0 November 61 5.9 35.7 28.1 December 74 6.2 64.2 23.2 Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1985, Local Climatological Data. Table 3.7 AIR QUALITY DATA (micrograms/cubic meter ) Pollutant Highest aaags! Measured Value SO, 3 hour 2722 1,300 24 2192 365 TSP 24 48 150 co 1 hour 5,725 40,000 8 hour 2,290 10,000 03 1 hour 14 235 NO arithmetic mean 8 100 Reduced Sulfur Compunds - 30 minutes ——- Source: State of Alaska (1981) laiaska Ambient Air Quality Standard 2values measured after ALPETCO PSD application submitted although there is a potential for future problems, depending on future types and sources of pollutants. Port Valdez is essentially surrounded on all sides by steep mountains. Several glacial and river valleys feed into the port. These topographic characteristics and air drainage into the "confined" port and the land-water interface create a complex "bowl-like" effect. Meteorological conditions also contribute to a high air pollution potential. There is a relatively high frequency of calm surface winds accompanied by early morning surface inversions and stable above-surface layers. Estimations of mixing heights are relatively low, and combined with the high frequency of calm conditions, lead to generally poor dispersion conditions (DOWL 1979). 3.1.5 Hydrology Surface Water Major freshwater inflow sources to Port Valdez include Shoup Glacier Stream, Mineral Creek, Valdez Glacier Stream, and Lowe River. Shoup Glacier Stream discharges into the northeast corner of Port Valdez in an area assumed to have low potential for development. Mineral Creek flows along the western edge of the new townsite before discharging into the port from the north. Its drainage area is 46 square miles. Valdez Glacier Stream flows approximately four miles from the terminus of Valdez Glacier to the northeast corner of Port Valdez. It flows across a wide outwash delta composed primarily of silty sand and gravel. The old Valdez townsite was located on this outwash delta prior to the destructive 1964 earthquake, after which the townsite was moved to its present location. Valdez Glacier Stream drains an area of 159 square miles, over half of which is covered by glacier. It is subject to floods resulting from glacier-dammed lake releases. Lowe River originates in the mountains approximately 28 miles east of the Valdez townsite, draining an area of 346 square miles, 35 percent of which is covered by glaciers. Its floodplain character alternates between steep-walled canyons and broad, braided configurations. Several tributary streams to Lowe River contain glacier dammed lakes or empty lake basins in their drainage areas. These have historically caused floods which were damaging bridges across the tributaries (Post and Mayo 1971). The Lowe River discharges into the southeast corner of Port Valdez. Many smaller streams discharge into Port Valdez or 3-30 into these major watercourses. Most of these have a relatively low potential for development because of steep terrain bordering the floodplain. Small streams passing through developable areas include Robe River, Corbin Creek, Slater Creek and an unnamed creek flowing west of the Valdez airport. Estimates of mean annual runoff range from approximately three cubic feet per second per square mile (ft~/s/mi~) for small streams with head-waters of low elevation to eight to nine ft /s/mi.2 for large streams draining mountainous areas with high precipitation. Mean annual floods are likely to be approximately ten times larger than the mean annual runoff values (Balding 1976, EPA 1979). Flooding typically occurs in the early summer as the result of snowmelt and in late summer or fall as the result of rainfall combined with glacier melt. The rainfall/glacier melt floods are often larger than the snowmelt floods. Winter flow is very low in most streams in the area. Groundwater Because of the steep areas with shallow bedrock that predominate in the Valdez area, groundwater supplies are limited to those glacially formed stream valleys containing deposits or mixed alluvium, colluvium and glacial outwash deposits. These materials are typically composed predominantly of sands and gravels with high permeability. These deposits serve as aquifers that are recharged by snowmelt, glacier melt and rainfall from late spring through late fall. The water table elevation likely lowers during the winter, when water percolates into Port Valdez, and recharge from streams is negligible. Specific groundwater studies near Corbin and Slater Creeks, located to the east of Valdez Glacier Stream indicated the existence of two aquifers in that area (DOWL 1979). An upper aquifer of highly permeable materials has a water table surface that slops downward in the direction of Port Valdez, but ata lesser angle than the slope of the ground surface. The aquifer appears to be the winter water source for a few small streams that discharge into Robe Lake. The lower aquifer identified during groundwater investigations is confined by an extensive silt layer that completely separates the two acquifers in the area studied. The lower aquifer has a much flatter static water level than that of the upper aquifer, and has about nine feet of artesian head at one end of the study area. Although the materials of the lower aquifer are very preamble, the aquifer appears to have little if any recharge in the vicinity of the study area. 3-31 3.1.6 Water Quality The quality of the surface water varies during the year. The suspended sediment concentrations are greatest in the summer, when glacier melt is at a maximum. Normal suspended sediment concentrations during summer are expected to be about 300-500 milligrams per liter (mg/l) in glacial systems (Balding 1976) and much less than this in streams of nonglacial origin. Other than the high turbidity associated with glacial streams in the summer, the streams that were tested generally met the EPA and State of Alaska drinking water standards (EPA 1979). These streams are of the calcium bicarbonate type and are considered medium to hard. The dissolved solids content varies from stream to stream and during the year within a stream (EPA 1979). The dissolved solids in the surface waters in the area are generally less than 200 mg/l in the area (Balding 1976). Groundwater Water quality samples collected from both groundwater aquifers indicate that the water quality of the upper, unconfined aquifer slightly exceeds that of the lower, confined aquifer, but both were well within EPA and State of Alaska water quality standards (DOWL 1979). Water in both aquifers was moderately hard. 3-32 Biological Literature Cited Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 1979. Fish, Wildlife and habitat resources in eastern Port Valdez and recommendations for further study and monitoring programs for the Alpetco refinery. Alaska Dept. of fish and Game, Marine/Coastal Habitat Management Unpublished Report 24 p. Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 1985. Alaska Habitat Management Guide, Southcentral Region, Maps. Balding, G.O. 1976. Water Availability, Quality, and Use in Alaska. USGS Open File Report .76-513. Colonell, J.M. 1979. Physical oceangraphy, In: Continuing Environmental Studies of Port Valdez, Alaska 1976-1979. Univ. Alaska, Inst. Marine Science Report R-79-2:21 to 2-79. Colonell, J.M. 1981. Personal Communication. Crow, J.-H. 1977. Salt marshes of Port Valdez, Alaska and Vicinity: a baseline study. Rutgers University, Dept. of Botany, Report to U.S. Dept. of Interior. 113p. Dames and Moore. 1979a. Freshwater aquatic habitats of the Valdez area. In: Environmental Impact Statement: Alaska Petrochemical Company Refining and Petrochemical Facility, Valdez, Alaska. U.S. Environ. Protection Agency Report. EPA-10-AK-Valdez-NPDES- 79. Seattle, WA. Appendix Vol. 1:263-288. Dames and Moore. 1979b. Plant Communities of Eastern Port Valdez, Alaska. In: Environmental Impact Statement: Alaska Petrochemical Company Refinery and Petrochemical Facility, Valdez, Alaska. U.S. Environ. Protection Agency Report EPA-10-AD-Valdez-NPDES-79. Seattle, WA. Appendix Vol. 1:400-416. Dames and Moore. 1979c. The Mammals of Port Valdez. In: Environmental Impact Statement: Alaska Petrochemical Company Refinery and Petrochemical Facility, Valdez, Alaska. U.S. Environ. Protection Agency Report EPA-10-AD-Valdez-79. DOWL Engineers. 1979. Environmental Impact Statement; Alaska Petrochemical Company Refinery and Petrochemical Facility, Valdez, Alaska. Feder, H.M., G.J. Muller, M.H. Dick and D.B.Hawkings, 1973. Preliminary benthos survey. In: Environmental Studies of Port Valdez. Univ. Alaska, Inst. Marine Science Occasional Publication No. 3: 305-391. 3-33 Feder, H.M., G.E. Keiser and G.J. Mueller, 1979. A study of the intertidal region of Port Valdez, Prince William Sound, Alaska. In: Continuing Environmental Studies of Port Valdez, Alaska 1976- 1979. Univ. Alaska, Inst. Marine Sciences Report R-79-2:81 to 8- 180. Hemming, J.E. and D.E. Erikson. 1979. The birds of the Island Flats area, Valdez, Alaska. In: Environmental Assessment: City of Valdez Port Expansion Project. Appendix III. 26 p. Hogan, M.E. and W.A. Colgate. 1980. Birds of Coastal Habitats in Port Valdez and Valdez Arm, Alaska. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv. Unpublished Report. Anchorage 58 p. Hood, D.W. and P.J. Kinney. 1969. Chemical Oceanography. In: Baseline Data Survey for Valdez Pipeline Terminal Environmental Data Study. Univ. Alaska, Inst. Marine Science Report r-69- 17:127-132. Hood, D.W. and G.J. Patten. 1973. Chemical Oceanography. In: Environmental Studies of Port Valdez. Univ. Alaska, Inst. Marine Science Occasional Publication No. 3:201-2211. Lees, D.D., D.E. Erikson, U. Driskell, D.E. Boettcher. 1979. Intertidal and shallow subtidal biological studies. In: Environmental Assessment: City of Valdez Port Expansion Project. Appendix 11. 73 p. Matthews, J.B. and R.L. Strandtman. 1969. Physical Oceanography. In: Baseline Data Survey for Valdez Pipeline Terminal Environmental Data Survey. Univ. Alaska, Inst. Marine Science Report R-69-17:43-125. McRoy, C.P. and S. Stocker. 1969. A survey of the littoral regions of Port Valdez. In: Baseline Data Survey for Valdez Pipeline Terminal Environmental Data Study. Univ. Alaska, Inst. Marine Science Report 69-17:191-235. Mills, M.J. 1979. Alaska Statewide sport fish harvest studies. Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game. Federal Aid in Fish restoration. Annual Report SW-l. Vol. 20:1-112. Mills, M.J. No date. Statewide harvest study. Vol. 20. ADFSG. Mills, M.J. No date. Statewide harvest study. Vol. 21. ADFSsG. Mills, M.J. No date. Statewide harvest study-1980 data. Vol. 22. ADF&G. Mills, M.J. No date. Statewide harvest study-1981 data. Vol. 23. 3-34 ADF&G. Mills, M.J. No date. Statewide harvest survey-1982 data. Vol. 24. ADF&G. Mills, M.J. No date. Statewide harvest survey. Vol. 25. ADF&G. Mills, M.J. No date. Statewide harvest report. Vol. 26. ADF&G. Morsell, J. and G. Perkins. 1979. Salmon fry dispersion studies. In: Environmental Assessment: City of Valdez Port Expansion Project. Appendix IV. 21 p. Muench, R.D. and D.L. Nebert. 1979. Physical Oceanography. In: Environmental Studies of Port Valdez. Univ. Alaska, Inst. Marine Science Occasional Publication No. 3:103-149. National Marine Fisheries Service. 1975. Alaska NMFS Exploratory Fishing Drags. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Center, Seattle. Nauman, J.W. and D.R. Kernodle. 1976. Epifauna at Jackson Point in Port Valdez, Alaska. December 1970 through September 1972. J. Res. U.S. Geol. Survey. 4(3):229-304. Post, A. and L.R. May. 1971. Glacier Dammed Lakes and Outburst Floods in Alaska. USGS Hydrologic Investigation Atlas HA-455. 10 Pp. Rosenthal, R.J. 1977. Subtidal monitoring program, Port Valdez (1976). Final Report to U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Nat. Marine Fish Serv. 38 p. Sharma, G.D. and D.C. Burbank. 1973. Geological oceanography. In: Environmental Studies of Port Valdez. Iniv. Alaska, Inst. Marine Science Occasional Publication No. 3:15-100. Smith, R.L. and S. Stoker. 1969. Pelagic fauna and the benthic fauna of the subtidal zone. In: Baseline Data survey for Valdez Pipeline Terminal Environmental Data Study. Univ. of Alaska, Inst. Marine Science Report KR-69-17:169-189. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1980. Valdez Interim Southcentral Railbelt Study: Allison Lake Hydropower Project, Alaska. Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Alaska Ecological Services Office. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Final Report to Corps of Engineers. Anchorage. 39 p. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1981. Valdez Duck Flats, A Proposal for Designation as An Area Meriting Special Attention. Report 3-35 presented to the Alaska Office of Coastal Management and the City of Valdez. July. 46 pp. Valdez, City of. 1979. Alaska Coastal Management Program: Phase I Inventory Report prepared by City of Valdez, Alaska. 143 p. Valdez Fisheries Development Association, Jason Wells, 1986. Personal Communication. Williams, F.T. 1979. Inventory and cataloging of sport fish: Water of the Copper River, Prince William Sound and the Upper Susitna Fish Restoration Annual Report G-I-F. Volume 20-25-53. 3-36 3.2 CULTURAL RESOURCES 3.2.1 Archaeological and Historical Resources Prehistory Prince William Sound has long proved attractive for human habitation. Archaeological studies suggest that Chugach Eskimos and neighboring groups were present in the region during the early Holocene period. Separate from the Athabaskan speaking Eyak (Cordova Region) and the Ahtna (Copper River Basin) peoples, the Chugachmuit consisted of eight subgroups with an estimated total population of under 500. The Tatitlek group was the nearest to Valdez. Villages usually occupied protected shoreline sites with unobstructed views of all approaches; closed bays were considered traps and were avoided. It is unlikely that Port Valdez was used for anything more than sporadic foraging and hunting activities. Nearly all activities revolved around the sea. The Chugachmuit hunted the abundant populations of marine mammals, fish and shellfish. Trade routes to the Eyak, Ahtna, and Port Graham Eskimos also depended upon the sea. History The 1700's marked the entry of European exploratory expedition into the region. Vitus Bering led a Russian Expedition into the Gulf of Alaska in 1741, and was later followed by Captain James Cook, who explored and charted Prince William Sound in 1778. The Spaniards are credited with the discovery of Port Valdez. In 1790, Don Salvador Fidalgo named the bay in honor of Antonio Valdez, the head of the Spanish Navy. Prior to the exploration of Alaska by Americans, British, Russian and Spanish explorations occured within the Prince William Sound, however little inland exploration occured by these groups. Within 15 years of the United States purchase of Alaska from Russia (1867) American prospectors started to make their appearance in the Valdez area. By 1897 prospectors had builta tent city that was to become Valdez. In 1898, Captain William R. Abercrombie, of the U.S.Army, led an expedition that was to find a route from Port Valdez to the Interior. He later recommended a military trail from Port Valdez to the head of the Tanana River. Valdez was established as a transportation route to the Interior, and by 1901 the makings of a port town began to take shape. In 3-37 addition to miners passing through Valdez, prospectors were active in the area around Valdez. The City of Valdez was incorporated in 1901 when its population was between 300 and 400 people. By 1910 the basic structure of Valdez had been established. In addition to a transportation center several other establishments were developed including Fort Liscum on Port Valdez in 1900, the construction of the Valdez-Eagle Trail in 1901, the completion of the WAMCATS (Washington-Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System) telegraph line in 1902, the connection with Sitka by submarine cable in 1905 and headquarters for both the Alaska Road Commission and the Third Judicial Division. With the discovery of massive copper deposits, Valdez entered an unsuccessful competition with Cordova for the terminus of a railroad to the copper fields. The 1920's showed a decline in the importance of Valdez. Traffic to the Interior continued to pass through Valdez, but the construction of the government subsidized Alaska Railroad in 1923 from Seward to Fairbanks soon eclipsed Valdez as the region's major transportation center. Valdez also lost its importance as a communication center with communication improvement elsewhere and with the linking of Seward and Cordova by cable. Other factors in Valdez' decline included the gradual decrease of mining profits and closure of Fort Liscum. By 1920 Valdez's population had dropped to 466 from 810 in 1910. Fishing became important to the economy of Valdez when mining activity was reduced. Valdez's first cannery opened in 1917. Between 1917 and 1955 several canneries opened and closed, the largest of which was the Dayville Cannery which at one time packed as many as 40,000 cases of fish. By 1951 production was down to 700 cases and by 1955 the cannery closed. Fur farming was also part of Valdez's economy. Most farming occured in islands of the Prince William Sound with marketing of the furs in both Valdez and Cordova. The peak of the industry in Valdez was in the 1920's. A change of fashion trends and the depression ended the fur farming industry by 1929. Mining influenced Valdez from before its incorporation up to the 1940's. Both copper and gold were mined locally. Fifteen copper mining companies opened in the Prince William Sound, one of which was in Valdez. It opened in 1901 at the head of Solomon Gulch and closed in 1920 due to lack of shipping. Gold was mined in the Valdez area with mines located at least seven miles from Valdez. Gold mining continued until World War II caused the closure of all mines in 1942. Both copper and gold were mined with moderate success. 3-38 During World War II Valdez became a busy port again, shipping military freight via the Richardson Highway. However, the end of the war brought a slump. Winter closure of Thompson Pass, the only road link to the Interior, prevented Valdez from competing successfully with Seward and Whittier for freight hauls. A local truck and freight operator worked throughout the winter of 1949-50, proving that the pass could be kept open. This encouraged the Alaska Road Commission to employ a permanent crew to provide winter service and maintenance on Thompson Pass, and new freight operators again came to Valdez. Statehood in 1959 had little affect on Valdez until decisions were made to utilize the community as a location to house the mentally handicapped and the State Highway Regional Offices and Maintenance Shops. Tourism began to increase when a museum was built and local charter boat operations were formed. However on March 27, 1964, the economy of Valdez literally stopped when an earthquake and its initial tsunami destroyed much of the town. Unstable soils and the town's location on sandy, loose soil of the alluvial fan of Glacier Stream resulted in tremendous damages. The federal and state governments responded with disaster aid and helped to relocate the City of Valdez four miles southwest to the new townsite, where more stable ground conditions existed. A period of very slow econamic activity followed until 1969, when oil development hit Alaska, initiating land speculation and rapid change. Valdez was selected as the terminus of the trans- Alaska pipeline and the site of the oil storage-transfer marine terminal. From the initial hauling of the pipe, to be stored along the route of the pipeline, until construction of the line and the completion of the new 1000-acre termina] in 1977, a boom town situation existed. Left with a stabilizing population and a healthier economy, the City of Valdez embarked on a program to encourage sound growth. By 1983, the economic base of Valdez included two fish processing plants, a world-class floating container terminal, a grain terminal system capable of storing 625,000 bushels, an expanded airport facility and microwave landing system, the establishment of a foreign trade zone and many civic improvements. Resource Sites The Valdez Coastal Management District contains eleven known Alaska Heritage Resource Survey Sites (Figure 3.4). All eleven sites are historic (rather than prehistoric), they include; Comfort Roadhouse, Keystone Canyon Railroad Tunnel, Fort Liscum, Wortmann's Roadhouse, McIntosh's Way Station, Old Goat Trail, 3-39 3.2. Valdez Glacier Trail, Trans-Alaska Military Road, St. Nicholas Church, Old Town Valdez and the Meals-Whalen Cabin. As part of the Valdez Coastal Management Program, the Office of History and Archaeology, Division of Parks, prepared a cultural resources distribution forecast map. This forecasts the potential distribution of undiscovered cultural resources as high, low and medium probability. The only high probability area within the District is the southern shoreline of Jack Bay. Medium probability areas include the following (progressing west to east); Potato Point, Eastern Valdez Narrows and Anderson Bay, Camp Bovie, Fort Liscum, Alyeska Terminal and southeastern Port Valdez, Mineral Creek and new townsite and Old Valdez. The remainder of the District is considered low probability. It should be noted that this forecast is for coastal planning purposes and does not substitute for the requirements of 36 CFR Part 800 (Procedures for the Protection of Historic and Cultural Properties) or AS 4.35 (Alaska Historic Preservation Act). In addition to those sites contained in the Alaska Heritage Resource Survey, the City of Valdez has identified four sites of local historical importance: The Chinese Cemetery, the Old Town Valdez Cemetery, the Granby Mine Tramway site and the Cliff Mine/Gold Creek Trail site. 2 Population Characteristics Even conservative estimates indicate the population of Valdez has tripled since 1970. By contrast, the population of Alaska as a whole has increased by 32.4 percent since 1970, according to the 1980 U.S. Census. The population growth of Valdez comes notwithstanding a precipitous decline since 1977, completion date of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAPS). As shown in Table 3.8, the population of Valdez swelled to over 8,000 during the peak of pipeline construction. It has since fallen to 3,687 which is still considerably higher than pre- pipeline days. According to the 1970 U.S. Census, the Valdez population was 1,005. The City of Valdez currently estimates their population at 3,687. The figure is based on an extrapolation using the number of housing units multiplied by the number of occupants per unit, a standard procedure. The 3,687 represents the winter low. During the summer, the population of Valdez increases by 400 to 500 with seasonal employees. 3-40 Legend Alaska Heritage Resource Survey Known Sites Valdez Coastal Management Program The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska I 3 | VAL-043 Comfort Roadhouse (historic) Coastal Management Program which is funded by the State of Alaska and the f . we Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and | | VAL-048 Keystone Canyon Railroad Tunnel (historic) Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the f . oe Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Municipal and Regional | VAL-055 Ft. Liscum (historic) Assistance Division. VAL-079 Wortmann’s Roadhouse (historic) VAL-091 McIntosh Way Station VAL-094 Old Goat Trail (historic) VAL-091 VAL-202 Valdez Glacier Trail (historic) ev Municipal Historic Sites COV-1 Chinese Graveyard COV-2 Old Valdez Cemetery COV-3 Granbymine Tramway Site VAL2202 COV-4 Cliff Mine/Gold Creek Trail COV-5 Stampmill | VAL-079— VAL-0486—~® COV-3 } o . | * — oe “3 f & VAL-055 } VAL-094 Jack Bay Valdez Municipal Boundary Figure 3.4 Cultural Resources Table 3.8 POPULATION ESTIMATES 1920 - 1985 Year Population Percent Change 19201 466 -- 19302 442 5.1 1940l+2 529 +19.7 1950h+2 554 44.7 19601 "2 555 +0.2 197012 1,005 +81.1 19722 1,106 +10.0 19732 1,760 $59.1 19742 2,271 +29.0 19752 6,670 +193.7 19762 8,253 +23.7 19772 7,483 -9.3 19783 3,349 -55.2 19793 3,350 0.0 19804 3,500 +425 1980° 3,079 -13.9 1980° 4,066 +25.3 19827 3,694 -10.8 19838 3,687 - 0.002 19848 3,687 0.0 19858 3,687 0.0 See next page for sources. Table 3.8 (cont'd.) POPULATION ESTIMATES 1920 - 1985 Sources 1. Lin, P.Cc. Alaska's Population and School Enrollment. University of Alaska, ISHGR. December 1971 2. City of Valdez, Inventory Report District Program - Phase one. June 1971. 3. University of alaska, Anchorage. Gould, 1979. 4. Ridgway, R., City of Valdez Planning Department. Personal Communication. May 1980. 5. U.S. Department of commerce, Bureau of Land Census, Census of Population and Housing. 6. State of Alaska Department of Community and REgional Affairs. 7. Census conducted by the State of Alaska Department of Labor and the Valdez planning staff. 8. Census update conducted by the City of Valdez, Community Development Department. The most in-depth look at the population of Valdez was done in 1978 by the University of Alaska in Anchorage. Headed by sociologist Dr. Michael Baring Gould, the University prepared a census under contract to the City of Valdez. The study contains other population statistics. The Valdez population is predominantly caucasion (89.9 percent), young (71.1 per cent under 35 years of age) and has slightly more males (54.5 percent) than females (45.5). Nearly 68.1 percent have lived in Valdez less than three years, or are new residents. The City's current population is centered in the Central core (54 percent) and Airport and Zook Subdivisions (16 percent), followed by Robe River Subdivision (18.1 percent) and out along the Richardson Highway (Nordic and Alpine Woods Subdivision, 10 percent). Population projections are difficult to make given the uncertainty of future economic development in Valdez and in Alaska as a whole. Three percent per year is used by the Valdez School District for planning purposes. State population planners estimate a low growth scenario at 1.5 percent per year assuming no major economic development. With major economic development, state planners estimate population growth as high as 5 percent per year. Discrepancies in the different population estimates suggest possible counting errors or, Valdez could be in the final stage of a population decline that started in 1977 with completion of TAPS. To be certain, a few more years of data would vastly improve estimates and projections. 3.2.3 Housing A summary of the housing stock in Valdez for 1983 is shown in Table 3.9. In 1982, the City determined total units to number 1345. In 1983, that number had increased to 1371. In 1984 and 1985 units increased by 8 and by 1 respectively. These figures are estimates derived from the number of building permits issued for those years. During the pipeline boom there was a housing shortage in Valdez of near crises proportions. Certainly a crisis would have developed, had not Alyeska Pipeline Service Company actively intervened. Alyeska provided most of the housing used by pipeline employees, however, these were generally temporary accommodations. 3-45 Table 3.9 TOTAL HOUSING IN VALDEZ, A SUMMARY OF THE 1984 CENSUS Type of Housing Total Occupied Vacancy Population Percentage Units Units Rates 1 Unit 529 512 +032 1550 -414 2 Units 45 40 -lll 94 -025 3 Units 0 0 0 0 -0 4 Units 73 70 041 132 -035 5+ Units 127 107 -157 199 -053 Modular/Trailer 534 473 124 1320 -353 Group Residence a — cad 449 -120 Total 1308 1202 465 3744 1.0 Source: City of Valdez Community Development Department, 1984 Preliminary Census Results (Unofficial survey-not certified by stand and Federal government ) During the pipeline construction period, Alyeska housed a great percentage of its construction work force at Terminal Camp, a site adjacent to the marine terminal. The camp consisted of approximately 300 trailers, grouped to form barracks. At capacity, the camp housed 3,500 persons. With completion of the pipeline, use of the camp has been discontinued, although the facilities still remain in place. Housing for Alyeska's management staff was constructed in an area subdivided as Black Gold Number I and Black Gold Number II (also called Fluor Housing). The area was zoned for single-family units, but Alyeska received a five-year conditional use permit to place temporary housing on the site at twice the density normally permitted. This housing development consisted of 200 modular units. Although the initial agreement called for removal of the modular units by Alyeska, the City agreed to let a portion of the modular units remain if they were brought up to code. Most housing in Valdez is in good repair. Forty-four percent of the housing is single-family mobile homes. Single-family houses also comprise forty-four percent of the housing stock and multi-family apartment units 11 percent. Of the 1371 total units, 1175 are occupied for a vacancy rate of 15.1%. Considering the census for 1983 was conducted in December, which is the yearly low point in population, the vacancy rate appears to be quite low. Vacancy rates and the high percentage of mobile hames are important characteristics of the local housing stock. With a decreasing vacancy rate, the ability to absorb housing demand created by major development projects is increasing. The high cost of single-family housing and preceived risk to contractors and financial institutions probably influenced availability of housing. In addition, construction of new multi-family units has been minimal. To assist in providing residential property, the City has developed a conceptual master plan for a subdivision in the West Mineral Creek area. This subdivision will total 340 acres available for residential subdivision development. Low income housing exists in Valdez in a small quantity. However the City is investigating the placement of 20 modular units in Black Gold I. This project would be state funded and is proposed for 1986. 3.2.4 Land Use and Management 3-47 Valdez municipal boundaries encompass 274 square miles, including 52 square miles occupied by the Valdez Arm. Of the remaining 222 square miles, approximately 186,699 acres (61.0 percent) are state-owned; 48,081 acres (33.8 percent) are federally-owned; 4,800 acres are privately-owned. Figure 3.5 shows land ownership. Land outside municipal boundaries is predominantly federal, state, and native-owned. Decisions concerning regional land use and land status affect Valdez in two important ways. First, activities and uses of land and resources outside city boundaries may affect the City's economy; secondly, state and federal agencies manage lands within the city boundaries. Federal Lands The Chugach National Forest adjoins the City of Valdez on western third of its boundaries and occupies 25,300 acres of land within the city limits. The Forest Service is preparing a Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, which consists of dividing the forest into planning units; a resource inventory and analysis; identification of issues; and preparation of management alternatives. Units 101, 102, and 104 include land within the Coastal Management District boundaries. While final recommendations on management policies for these districts have yet to be formulated, a preliminary designation is for scenic resources and public recreation use (Lyons 1980, personal communication). The Anchorage District Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers approximately 2,280 acres of land within the City of Valdez. BLM lands are managed under a multiple-use policy. State Lands Of the 86,699 acres of patented and tentatively approved state lands, approximately 51,440 acres (59 percent) were identified as public interest lands. Thirty-five percent, or 30,454 acres, will go into a land bank, and the City of Valdez will eventually get title to the remaining 4,805 acres (6 percent) under the Municipal Entitlement Act. Approximately 400 acres near Robe Lake were disposed as a subdivision in fiscal year 1980. Public Interest lands. The Department of Natural Resources, through the Public Interest Land Identification Project, identifies lands within municipalities that will be retained and managed by the state 3-48 Valdez Coastal Management Program The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska Coastal Management Program which is funded by the State of Alaska and the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Municipal and Regional Assistance Division. NANANAAY CANAAAAN INNES NN NANNNNAN NANANNNY NANANNY NNANANNY, NNANNNY NANA NYAAN Valdez Municipal Boundary 4 ANNAN NANANNANNANAN NAAN ANNAN NAAR ANANNANANNNANNANNAN NANNAANNNAN ANNAN NANA RANA ANANANNANNANNNANNANN RX XXX NAAR DRO QANDAH QDR QAR QAR RRARARADARAARAARADDRDDRDQRDARADQRRODDDYS QdX¥Q0)]))QAANAAHRARORADARRARRRARRADARADRARDORADRODRDRQDRR AS NANA RAR ~Y SANNA AAAS NINA ESE ANANANANANANAAN NAAN NANA AAAS AN ARASAN AES ANANAANANANANANRRARRAASANARAAARK ANANNANANANANANNOE NANANANANANANNANANAN NANANANANANANNANANAY SY YMMEANAA AA AAANS Legend City of Valdez Private Federal State State Owned/City Managed Figure 3.5 Land Ownership and land that will be disposed of for private use. Public Interest Lands classifications are shown in Figure 3.6 and described below. Public Recreation - The Valdez City Council approved a motion requesting the state to designate and retain specific areas for recreational purposes. These public recreation areas are primarily of local interest, and are briefly described as follows (Figure 3.8): © Robe Lake Recreation Area- This is the largest lake within city boundaries. It is heavily used for recreation throughout the year and is also classified as a fish and wildlife habitat. Additionally, this proposed recreation area encompasses an identified watershed that contains the only red salmon streams in the Valdez area. o Mile 1 1/2 Recreation Area - This is a local picnicking site with a swimming pond. The area includes river flats suitable for fishing, as well as the historic Chinese graveyard. o Glacier Trail - This recreational corridor follows the original trail to the Glacier Camp, which was established in the early gold mining days and is the site of campground. © Airport Recreation Area - This area, continguous to the Glacier Trail corridor, is being retained as a site for various recreational and sports activities as well as trails, picnic areas, etc., for the local population. © Mineral Creek Historic Trail - This recreational corridor has historic value and also contains spectacular scenery, including views of numerous watefalls, a turbulent river and mountains. Wildlife abounds through the area. Of historic value are the Stamp Mill and various gold and ore mines which dot the hillsides. The proposed Keystone Canyon State Park was identified by both the city council and the state for retention as a state interest area. Keystone Canyon is an area of beautiful scenery readily accessible to any traveller of the Richardson Highway. The area abounds with wildlife, has historic value (including the old railroad tunnel and Goat Trail), and contains areas suitable for a variety of recreational pursuits. This proposed state park encompasses portions of 3-51 the Lowe River, the Alyeska Pipeline and the Richardson Highway. Fish and Wildlife Habitat - Brownie Creek, Corbin Creek, Deep Creek, Deep Lake, Robe Lake, Robe River, Lowe River including its flood plain, Canyon Slough and several spawning areas adjacent to the Richardson Highway have been identified as wildlife habitat and flood plains. These salmon spawning, rearing and production habitats support Port Valdez' commercial, subsistence and sport fisheries, including the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby. The protection of this fisheries resource is a high priority for both the state and the city. Watersheds - Three watershed areas have been designated as public interest lands. One is the Mineral Creek watershed, which the City of Valdez utilizes for its groundwater reserves. The Allison Creek watershed provides water for domestic as well as industrial purposes. The water rights to this watershed are owned by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. The third identified watershed is Abercrombie Gulch. This surface watershed has a substantial valid water right existing on it, and has been identified as public interest. Forests - The forest lands designated for retention are south of the Lowe River and are transected by the Alyeska Pipeline. This timber resource will benefit local loggers and mill owners, who are currently without a reliable supply of sawtimber, as well as local residents who need supply of houselogs and firewood. Anticipated growth within the decade and upcoming state land disposals in the Valdez area will likely increase the demand for wood products. Materials - The two identified materials sites are located along the Richardson Highway. They will be used as sources of sand and gravel for road building and maintenance. Public Facilities - The city council of Valdez has identified a 40-acre parcel as a future school site, sewage treatment plant or other public facility. This site is located east of Robe Lake adjoining the Richardson Highway. The City of Valdez has taken an active role in identifying public interest lands through the adoption of a motion requesting the state to retain specific areas. Three of Valdez' advisory commissions - the planning and zoning commission, the parks and recreation commission and the transportation commission - reviewed areas that might be considered public interest lands. Their recommendations were 3-52 Valdez Coastal Management Program The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska Coastal Management Program which is funded by the State of Alaska and the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Municipal and Regional Assistance Division. Chugach National Forest Solomon My ARN Ba AS INNNNAN NANNAN NANNANANAN ( NANNANANNAAAAN ANANNNAANNAAAAN A NANANNAAN ARAL NYY AA NRAYQDRRDAAAAARAN ASASANAANAANANAANN AANA RNARAANAANAAANAAANAAAAANAAAANAANAANARS “ ANN NNANAANAANNANANAAANAANNANRNAANAAR NANA SESS ‘ SLI NASASAAAA AAA RRA S Se - ERENNNNANANANS fy fe ” 4 NANANNANAN NANAK P= ee > EAARERRAAAAARAAAR AAAS Legend Recreation Wildlife Habitat ca Watershed Resource Management— Forestry/ Wildlife Habitat an} Resource Management— Recreation/ Wildlife Habitat = State Marine Park ag Valdez Municipal Boundary 4 ___t Figure 3.6 State Public Interest Lands brought before the city council and a motion was unanimously approved recommending that the lands be retained by the state. Other State Lands. The Department of Natural Resources is in the process of preparing two area plans (Copper River Basin and Prince William Sound Area Plan) that will include the analysis of all state lands within Valdez. Both plans will be complete within the next two years assuming adequate state funding is available. Other state planning activities that are important to Valdez and its Coastal Management Program include plans for the Alaska Marine Park System. To improve recreational boating opportunities, the Alaska Division of Parks has developed a system of marine parks in Prince William Sound and Southeast Alaska. ‘To be located on state-selected land within the national forest, these parks will include facilities as docks, mooring floats, beach campsites, trails and toilets. Of the 23 sites identified in Prince William Sound, two sites are located close to Valdez including Sawmill Bay and Shoup Bay. Local Lands. Land use planning and management in Valdez is currently implemented through three major mechanisms: a comprehensive plan, a zoning ordinance and an emergency flood plain ordinance. Current land use is shown in Figure 3.7. Comprehensive Plan. As in many Alaskan communities, the Comprehensive Plan is outdated and has never effectively served as a guide for community development. The most recent Comprehensive Plan was prepared in 1971, before changes created by the trans-Alaska pipeline made the plan obsolete. At that time, the Comprehensive Plan recommended that new development take place in three general areas. Single-family and multi-family residential development, supported by shopping, school and park facilities, was slated for the area west of the new Valdez townsite (including the far side of Mineral Creek). The Old Valdez/Airport area was proposed for industrial development, with the exception of the old townsite, which was designated as not developable. The area in the general vicinity of Robe Lake was projected as a new, large single and multi-family residential neighborhood. Shopping and convenience centers and recreation areas also were to be located in this area. During pipeline construction, the city was hard-pressed to meet urgent demands for housing, utilities roads and services. The relatively late establishment of a City Planning Department (1978) and a focus on other immediate problems, such as coastal management and municipal land selection, have further postponed the revision of the 3-55 Comprehensive Plan. Zoning. In 1983 the City adopted a new zoning ordinance, replacing the former ordinance which was based on the 1971 Comprehensive Plan. This ordinance reflected needs created by the rapid growth during the pipeline days. The 1983 ordinance used zoning classifications that were more appropriate for land use and economic conditions and that allowed the city to more effectively direct commercial/industrial activity and increase residental density in the most suitable areas. Since then revisions have been minor with a few exceptions. A revised ordinance took effect in April 1986. Floodplain Ordinance. Much of the flat, developable land in Valdez is located within the floodplains of the Lowe River, Valdez Glacier Stream and Mineral Creek. This presents a potential for various degrees of flooding on those lands. A federal Emergency Management Flood Agency Insurance study (FEMA, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 1976) was conducted in Valdez. Maps from the FEMA study form the basis for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. The flood analysis program was established to allow property owners to buy flood insurance at rates subsidized by the federal government. In return, communities must carry out local flood plain management measures to protect lives and new construction from flooding. The community must use flood evelations shown on the map as the minimum building elevation for new construction. Private insurance agents establish premium rates on the basis of flood risk. This study identified four major types of flood hazards, and resulted in the designation of significant flood elevations in most developable areas of Valdez. The effective result of this study increased the cost of both flood insurance and development (design and mitigation measures) in those areas, in addition to limiting the types of development allowable. A preliminary review of the FEMA study sponsored by Valdez (Woodward-Clyde Consultants 1980) indicated a number of serious technical deficiencies with the FEMA study. Therefore, Valdez sponsored new flooding studies to provide more reliable estimates of the flood elevations. These studies were completed in 1982 and FEMA flood elevations were changed and new maps issued on December 1, 1983. 3.2.5 Recreation 3-56 : Legend Valdez Coastal Management Program : é The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska | f =i Public Coastal Management Program which is funded by the State of Alaska and the : : Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Industrial Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Municipal and Regional Assistance Division, Residential Commercial Fish Processing Fish Hatcheries ~ AN RN SXANAN NAAN QAAAAARAAAANS en NN NRA AANA QAR = AAA SARA ASRAAAAAAANE! Floating QANKAAARRRAAAANANANA) NAAAAXAXAANANAAN Dock KRAAAXSSANAANNS X NNN . NAAN REN SYAAY Valdez Municipal Boundary Land Use Classifications The Valdez area is used extensively for recreation by local residents and visitors from both in and out of state. Primary recreation activities include sport fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, skiing (downhill and cross-country), snow machining, recreational boating, softball, swimming, tennis, bike riding, and basketball. Several factors are responsible for the substantial recreation resources and promising outlook for further resource development in Valdez. The regional setting is an important contribution: a fjord, surrounded by rugged, glaciated mountains, that opens onto scenic Prince William Sound. Much of the federal and state lands adjacent to the Coastal District are being managed for public recreation, with plans for developing more facilities in the future. The transportation systems serving Valdez allow relatively good access to diverse recreational resources. Finally, the Valdez Department of Parks and Recreation has been identifying recreation needs and establishing a program to meet those needs through capital improvements. Federal Recreation Resources Figure 3.8 shows the major federal, state, and city recreation resources in the Valdez Coastal Management District. The Chugach National Forest manages most of its lands within the municipal boundaries to maintain their scenic value and recreational use. Forest Service recreation cabins are located in Sawmill Bay and Galena Bay (Outer Valdez Arm). State Recreation Resources The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks, is responsible for several waysides in the Valdez area. The Glacier Campground is owned by the State but leased to the City of Valdez for operation. This campground has 102 spaces and is heavily used during the summer tourist season. ‘Two state waysides are located just outside the district boundaries. The Blueberry Lake Wayside lies just south of Thompson Pass, and the Worthington Glacier Wayside is located on the northeast side of the pass. These facilities have a combined capacity of 305 spaces. In addition to the state wayside system, much of the 51,440 acres of state-owned Public Interest Land within Valdez has been nominated by the state and city for recreation management. These areas, described in more detail under Land Use and Management (Section 3.2.4), include the following: Robe Lake Recreation Area, Mile 1 1/2 Recreation 3-59 Area, Glacier Trail, Airport Recreation Area and Mineral Creek Historic Trail. At the present time, there are no existing state parks within the Valdez Coastal Management District. However, two proposed parks have been identified. A Keystone Canyon State Park was first proposed in 1970. The boundaries of this potential park encompasses 310,000 acres. While the majority of park land would be outside municipal limits, Keystone Canyon and some lands along the south of the Lowe River are included within proposed park boundaries. Local residents have expressed concern about the park's impact on the Richardson Highway transportation corridor through both Keystone Canyon and Thompson Pass. The Alaska Marine Parks System was first conceived in 1977; since that time, the state has selected lands from the Forest Service in an attempt to establish these parks. Sawmill Bay, located southwest of Valdez Narrows, and Shoup Bay, 7.5 miles from Valdez, are the only officially proposed and selected sites. Other local sites, Anderson Bay and Jack Bay, were evaluated during the process and considered to have high recreational potential (ADNR, Division of Parks, personal communication, July, 1980). Local Recreation Resources The City Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for recreation facilities and activities which includes a wide variety of functions serving both local residents and tourists. Their activities include park acquisition and maintenance, facility development and maintenance (picnic areas, playing fields, recreation halls, trails and bike paths, playgrounds, ski areas), program development including special events and utilization of school facilities for public recreation. Figure 3.8 shows the City's existing and planned parks and recreation facilities. The planned facilities, which were originally scheduled for funding for the 1980-1985 Capital Improvements Plan, will be built when monies become available. The City of Valdez also operates the Valdez Boat Harbor. In 1978, the number of boat slips was increased from 180 to 349, largely in response to demand for pleasure craft space. Expansion of the harbor is currently in progress. This expansion will create an additional 350 boat slips for pleasure craft. 3.2.6 Transportation 3-60 Valdez Coastal Management Program The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska Coastal Management Program which is funded by the State of Alaska and the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Municipal and Regional Assistance Division. a Valdez Municipal Boundary 30 0e SY ee Parks Alpine Woods Neighborhood Park Black Gold Park Strip Boat Harbor Area Park (proposed) City Park/Senior League Field Downtown Park Strip East Port Park Mineral Creek Natural Belt Mineral Creek Park (proposed) Robe Lake Park . Robe River Neighborhood Park . Ruth Pond Park . Valdez Point-of-View Park . Shoup Bay State Marine Park Campgrounds . Glacier Campground Legend Trails and Bikepaths - Goat Trail (Keystone Canyon) Gold Creek Trail (proposed) . Mineral Creek Trail . Solomon Trail/Recreation Area . Valdez Glacier Trail . Bike Path . Bike Trail Extension . Bike Trail Extension No. 2 (proposed) . Bike Trail Extension No. 3 (proposed) Recreation Facilites . Allison Point Fishing Pier/Rearing Pens (proposed) . Cross Country Ski Area . Mineral Creek Ski Trail . Rifle Range . Robe River Fishing Platform (proposed) . Salmonberry Ridge Ski Hill . Softball Complex Softball Diamonds . Teen Center . Trap and Skeet Range Tourist Attractions . Boardwalk/Small Boat Harbor . Chinese Cementery - Crooked Creek Viewing Platform . Stamp Mill + Valdez Heritage Center 4 ue Figure 3.8 Recreation Resources Historically, Valdez has been an important transportation center for movement of people and commodities into Alaska's Interior. The City was established as a supply port serving Interior gold mining communities. This role as a regional distribution center was further developed with the construction of the trans-Alaska Military Road (the precursor to the Richardson Highway) to Fairbanks in 1905, the first major highway system in Alaska. During the same period, Valdez was competing for a railroad route to the Interior; the route was eventually built from Cordova. With the growth of the ports of Anchorage, Seward and Whittier and construction of the Alaska Railroad, the City's role in serving the Interior declined. Construction of the tran- Alaska pipeline and terminal facilities reestablished Valdez as a distribution point for the southern portion of the pipeline. In 1978 the residents of Valdez passed a $48 million bond package to finance construction of a container port to serve Valdez and Interior communities. The container terminal was completed in 1983. Transportation Systems The principal component of the Valdez road system is the Richardson Highway, which connects Valdez to Glennallen and Fairbanks to the north and intersects with the Glenn Highway from Anchorage at Glennallen. North of Gulkana at Mile 130, the Richardson Highway connects with the Tok cut-off which leads to the Alaska Highway. Travel distances on the Richardson from Valdez are 120 miles to Glennallen, 365 miles to Fairbanks, 305 miles to Anchorage and 258 miles to Tok. The Richardson Highway had an average daily traffic (ADT) in 1978 of 5200 in central Valdez and an estimated hourly capacity of 1700 vehicles in both directions. Volumes in 1978 declined to 4325 ADT at Mile 7 beyond Dayville Road, and 1600 ADT at Mile 17, Keystone Canyon. Trucks accounted for 12.5 percent of traffic close to Valdez and 18 percent east of Dayville Road. In 1983 the volume at the Valdez maintenance station, just east of central Valdez, showed an ADT (annual) of 3,598. Traffic volumes in Valdez are expected to increase at the pre-pipeline rate of about three to five percent per year (or 2100 ADT) for all vehicles. These increases would not materially affect the capacity of the highway. The Valdez Airport, located approxiamtely four miles east of downtown, is owned and maintained by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Its estimated capacity is 100,000 to 200,000 flight operations per year which far exceeds its current level of use. 3-63 The airport's 5,000-foot runway has been extended to 6,500 feet and widened to 150 feet. Additional improvements included runway and taxiway lighting, a rotating beacon, and a lighted wind cone. An LDA/DME/NDB (localizer type Directional Aid with Distance Measuring Equipment) system was installed in 1979 to provide more reliable air service, and in 1983, the world's first FAA commissioned Microwave Landing system was installed which increased the airport's reliability factor to 97%. Three air carriers provide scheduled service between Valdez and Anchorage. Two carriers use twin-engine aircraft most of which carry eight to nineteen passengers; the third airline utilizes a 50-passenger, four-engine aircraft when weather and loads require. Corporate jet aircraft also frequently use the airport. However a recent decline in use has resulted in reduced service, the full extent of which is not yet known. The Alaska Marine Highway system provides ferry service to Valdez and five other cities. The M/V Bartlett, operating twice weekly between Valdez and Whittier, has a capacity of 170 passengers and 38 standard passengers vehicles. The Alaska Railroad transports passengers and vehicles between Whittier and Anchorage. The Bartlett carries most of its traffic in June, July and August, when it frequently operates at capacity. Since most of the passengers are tourists who have reserved space long in advance, little opportunity exists for local residents to use the ferry. The M/V Tustemena calls at Port Valdez once weekly on its Cordova to Seward route. 3.2.7 Valdez Foreign Trade Zone The City of Valdez applied for and was granted a license to operate a Foreign Trade Zone in 1984. The Foreign Trade Zone areas and acreages are outlined as follows. A detailed description is provided in chapter 5 (5.2.1). 3-64 Area Acreage City Dock 1.3 Valdez Container Terminal and 21.0 Marshalling Yard USS 455 69.5 Pipeyard USS 439 82.5 TOTAL ACRES 174.3 The benefits available through the use of foreign trade zones in America are just becoming recognized by the commercial/industrial community. It has been estimated that by 1985 free zones, which is a global generic term for foreign trade zones, may be handling more than 20 percent of worldwide trade. Although the Valdez Foreign Trade Zone has not shown much activity it is young and has a good geographic location for product distribution in Alaska as well as access to international markets, suggesting that its future as a foreign trade zone will be successful. 3.2.8 Energy Facilities Energy facilities are shown in Figure 3.9. Both existing and proposed sites are shown. Electrical power in Valdez is provided by the Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA). This Association provides power to Valdez and Glennallen through a 125-mile long transmission line intertie. There are generating facilities both in Glennallen and Valdez with a total installed capacity of almost 30 megawatts (mw). The generating facilities in Valdez consist of a hydroelectric plant at Solomon Gulch with two 6-megawatt turbines, six diesel engine generators and one diesel turbine generator. The hydroelectric plant is owned by the Alaska Power Authority (APA) and is operated and maintained by Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA). The facilities in Glennallen consist of seven diesel- 3-65 fired generators with a total installed capacity of 7.6 megawatts. Total energy consumption for Valdez and the whole service area is shown in Figure 3.10. Megawatt-hour sales for the total service area have increased from 37,500 megawatt hours in 1979 to 45,400 megawatt hours in 1985. The peak demand for the entire service area has varied from approximately 7.6 mw in 1979 to approximately 10.4 in 1985. During 1985, the monthly megawatt-hour sales for the Valdez portion of the system have ranged from a low of approximately 2.6 megawatt hours in July to a high of approximately 2.7 megawatt hours in February. Monthly peak demands for the Valdez area for the year 1985 have ranged froma low of 4.3 megawatts in April to a high of 5.0 megawatts in December. Hydroelectric facilities have been proposed and some investigation done on Allison Lake and Silver Lake sites. Provisions were made during the trans-Alaska pipeline construction for installation of a turbine in the pipeline which would be capable of generating in excess of five megawatts. This was studied in detail in a study for the City completed in 1985. The results showed limited benefits and greater risk to the Alyeska operation. 3.2.9 Water System The current Valdez municipal water system is divided into four independent systems. The downtown area is served by a major distribution system. This system is fed from four wells with a total pumping capacity of 6.6 million gallons per day (mgd). The current average daily usage is approximately 1.6 mgd. This system also includes two 700,000 gallon reservoirs for a total storage capacity of 1.4 million gallons. The other three systems are independent and have a capacity of from .35 to .5 mgd. One of these systems, the Loop Road system in the area of the new port facility, has a 500,000-gallon reservoir. The water system in the outlying Robe River Subdivision has a 420,000-gallon reservoir. The Valdez area is characterized by the availability of large amounts of high-quality subsurface water. A test well was drilled in the area of the Valdez Industrial Park. This 12-inch well was test pumped in 1979 for approximately two days at the rate of 1550 gallons per minute. During the pumping a water table drawdown of approximately four feet was measured in an observation well approximately 75 feet from the well being test pumped. The 3-66 Valdez Coastal Management Program The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska Coastal Management Program which is funded by the State of Alaska and the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Municipal and Regional Assistance Division. Legend Existing Facilities . CVEA Generating Plant . CVEA Distribution Line . CVEA Transmission Line . Standard Oil Petroleum Dock and Tankfarm . Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Facility . Alyeska Marine Terminal Alyeska Oil Pipeline Proposed Facilities . Petroleum-Related Industry Site 10. 11. 12. 13. Petroleum-Related Industry Site Proposed Petrochemical Site Energy-Related Industry Staging Area Allison Lake Hydroelectric Facility Additional Pipeline Right-of-Way A a Figure 3.9 Energy Facilities Valdez Area Year Figure 3.10 Total Energy Consumption water at the test well was approximately 18 feet deep and varies in the area generally from two feet to 112 feet in depth. 3.2.10 Municipal Waste Water The City of Valdez operates a municipal waste water treatment plant located in the center of the old Valdez townsite. Since 1976, the facility has consisted of a three- pond lagoon system including two aerated ponds. The rate capacity of the plant is 1.25 mgd. The treatment plant currently receives flows varing from .4 mgd during the dry periods of the year to 2.5 mgd during the wetter months. The plant has no trouble meeting its permit requirements of 85 percent BOD and suspended solids removal. The city provides sewer service to all the new townsite, the airport and adjacent trailer parks and to the Zook Subdivision. The collection system could be extended to serve the Valdez Industrial Park area. 3.2.11 Solid Waste The City of Valdez opened a new sanitary landfill in 1982. This site is north of the Richardson Highway almost five miles from Central Valdez. There is sufficient area (15 acres) to serve the needs of the City of Valdez for approximately ten years. 3.2.12 Telephone Installation of new electronic switching equipment in Valdez, by the Copper Valley Telephone Cooperative, is expected to occur in the fall of 1987. This would increase the present capactiy of the system and would provide users with more features in addition to being a more efficient system. Existing equipment has a capacity of 2500 lines, with approxiamtely 1,700 lines currently used. 3.2.13 Emergency Services In mid 1986 the City of Valdez combined its police and 3-70 fire department to form the Department of Emergency Services. This was done to increase efficiency and eventually reduce staff without reducing the level of service. Cross training between police and fire personnel will provide highly skilled people able to preform a variety of functions. The combined departments contain 27 trained staff members, 14 of which come from the police department, five dispatchers also from the police department and 13 trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). Facilities of the Department of Emergency Services include a modern jail with an overnight capacity of 15 occupants. There are four well-equipped fire stations within the City. Two ambulances, one stationed in town and one station at mile 10 respond to medical emergencies. In addition to the staff there are approximately 45 volunteer members of the department. Many of these people are trained as EMTs. There is also one Alaska State Trooper, one enforcement officer of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and one customs officer stationed in Valdez. 3.2.14 Valdez Community Hospital The City supports a well-equipped, well-staffed, 15-bed hospital which was built in 1967 in conjunction with the State's Harborview Developmental Center for the physically and mentally disabled. The hospital has nine patient rooms, an x-ray room, delivery room, nursery, surgery suite, anethesia room, emergency room and clinical laboratory facility. The hospital staff consists of seven registered nurses, seven nurses aids, and a trained medical technologist and a radialogical technologist. Three physicians support the hospital facility with one doctor on call 24 hours a day. Minor surgery is performed at the hospital, but major surgery and extreme emergency cases are airlifted for treatment in Anchorage. Various health care specialists visit Valdez on a recurrent bases. 3.2.15 Private Medical Care 3-71 Three resident physicians, a dentist, optometrist anda chiropractor serve Valdez. Other specialists, including an ear, nose and throat doctor and orthodontist, visit Valdez on a recurrent basis. 3.2.16 Valdez Counseling Center The City supports a full-time counseling center staffed by two professional psychologists. The counseling center offers individual, group and family therapy, marital counseling, medication treatment services provided through individual and group counseling, referral services and alcohol education classes. Emergency services include a 24- hour, seven-day crisis line, as well as coordination of services for battered spouses. City-wide educational programs are offered concerning parent effectiveness, mental health, alcohol and drug abuse problems and suicide prevention. 3.2.17 Valdez Consortium Library The Valdez Consortium Library supports a current collection of 30,000 volumes and is housed in a building completed in the summer of 1980. The library serves a dual function as a public and an academic library as agreed upon by the City of Valdez and Prince William Sound Community College. The library offers many non-book media, including microfilm, records and cassettes, and offers a listening room. The library is a member of the Alaska Interlibrary Borrow System, which enables it to acquire volumes which are not offered in the City's collection. The library is expanding its collection rapidly, most notably in the reference section and eventually could house up to 50,000 volumes. 3.2.18 Valdez Heritage Center The Valdez Heritage Center offers an opportunity to learn about the rich local and regional history, from gold rush days through pipeline construction. Housed in the Centennial Building which until the summer of 1980 was shared with the library, the Heritage Center now has twice its 3-72 former space. The center has an area for display of traveling exhibits as well as an area to display significant current events. In addition to the regular exhibits, the Heritage Center conducts special education programs to mark historic events and offers local history programs within the school district. Expansion of the Heritage Center to create a Major tourist attraction is in the preliminary design stage, however lack of monies has stopped the project. 3.2.19 Valdez Civic Center The Valdez Civic Center, completed in the summer of 1982, houses a 500-seat theater with a stage. It also houses a ballroom which is capable of seating 800 theater-style or 500 banquet-style, a support kitchen and conference rooms. The Civic Center is a catalyst for a greater range of cultural and civic events in Valdez, and provides a setting for statewide conventions. The facility offers programs geared to supplement the existing activities available to Valdez visitors during the busy summer tourist season. 3.2.20 Valdez Council of Arts and Crafts The Arts and Crafts Council annually brings noted state and national performers to Valdez. Included are a cross- section of dance programs, concerts ranging from popular to classical music, and theatrical productions. Since completion of the Civic Center and the ability to host larger productions, the council is able to expand its program to include a broader selection of performances. 3.2.21 Television Cable: television service in Valdez extends from the downtown area to Robe River Subdivision and offers 11] channels including three all-movie channels, an all-sports channel and an all-news channel. A transmitter in Valdez provides reception of one channel of commercial programming via the Alaska Satellite Project. 3.2.22 Radio 3-73 Valdez currently has one commercial radio station, which broadcasts 24 hours a day and is owned by a major Alaskan broadcasting corporation. A public radio station is expected to begin broadcasting in July of 1986. 3.2.23 Schools The Valdez School System consists of four schools, all located in central Valdez. The Growden-Harrison and Herman Hutchens Elementary Schools serve grades K-6. Herman Hutchens Special School serves to educate severely handicapped residents of Harborview Developmental Center. Grades 7 and 8 attend the George H. Gilson Junior High School. The Valdez Senior High School houses grades 9 through 12. There are a total of 78 classrooms. School district enrollment in 1985 was 746, broken down as follows: 369 in elementary, 102 Junior high and 204 in senior high. There were 65 teachers employed in 1985. The combined capacity of the elementary schools, not counting the modular classroom units available to the district, is 903. Given the current student population ratios, the school facilities listed above would be adequate to handle the addition of 3,500 persons to the city's population (a total population of around 7,000). 3.2.24 Prince William Sound Community College Prince William Sound Community College was established in July 1978 as a member of the University of Alaska network. It currently has an enrollment of 207 students in Valdez with a full-time faculty of seven and part-time faculty of 60. The college offers an Associate of Arts degree which is a generic transfer program to four-year college programs. In addition, the college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in office occupations and developmental disabilities with certificates in both programs. Credit courses are offered in a variety of vocational programs including welding, fisheries, hydralics, mechanics, and business administration. The college also offers dormitories, day care for married students, consortium library, shop and vocational training facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and a full range of counseling services. 3-74 3.2.25 Public Finance The City of Valdez is in an unusual public finance position campared with most Alaskan communities. Development of North Slope oil resources resulted in the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline oil terminal facilites in Valdez. The City expanded its city limits to take advantage of the tax revenue that the pipeline and terminal facilities represented. As a result, the City of Valdez has an assessed value per capita that is second only to the North Slope Borough and that was estimated in 1979 at $372,589 per capita (DOWL Engineers 1979). The state average at that time was $47,342. The City of Valdez has no personal property taxes or sales taxes, and has low user charges for city services. The real property tax was 11.5 mills in 1985. General Fund Expenditures between 1968 and 1985, indicative of the change in the city public finance, are shown in Figure 3.11. General fund expenditures in 1985 totaled $22,242,380. Where these monies were spent is shown below: General government includes administration, civic center, finance, engineering, building inspection, city council, legal, insurance and janitorial and mowing. 13% Public Safety- includes police, jail, fire, emergency, medical and animal control. 11% Public Works - includes buildings and grounds, streets, maintenance shop and sanitation. 7% Public Service- includes library, parks & recreation services & facilities, heritage center, counseling center and outside agencies (community college, visitors and convention center, Chamber of Commerce, etc). 10% Education . 13% Hospital 3% Debt Service 43% 3-75 30 25 20 15 (millions) Dollars 10 68 70 75 80 85 Year Source: City of Valdez Annual Financial Report Figure 3.11 General Fund Expenditures Cultural Resource Literature Cited Alaska Consultants, Inc.,/Harbridge House, Inc. 1979. Port of Valdez market penetration study. Prepared by the City of Valdez. Alaska Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development 1978. Valdez: An Alaska Community Profile. Alaska Dept. of Labor. Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources, Division of Land and Waters 1980. Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources, Division of Parks 1980, Alaska State Parks Recreation Guide. Baring-Gould, M., M.C. Bennett, P. Hargis, and J. Taylor 1978, Valdez City census, 1978. University of Alaska, Anchorage. Dames and Moore 1979a. City of Valdez port expansion project, environmental assessment. Prepared for the City of Valdez. DOWL Engineers/CCC Hok 1979. Socioeconomics. In: Environmental Impact Statement: Alaska Petrochemical Company Refinery and Petrochemical Facility, Valdez, Alaska. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Report. EPA-10-AK- Valdez-NPDES-79. Appendix, vol. 11. Forsi, T. and Associates. Inc. 1980. Environmental assessment for the proposed runway extension, lighting and paving of the Valdez Airport. Prepared for the City of Valdez. Johanssen, N. 1979. Marine Parks for Alaska, the International Connection. Alaska Magazine, April, 1979. Northrim Associates, Inc. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Chugach National Forest 1980a. Draft 1978 inventory of existing recreation on the Chugach National Forest. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1985. Local climatological data, annual summary with comparative data, 1985, Valdez, Alaska. Valdez, City of 1979a. Annual financial report, 1972 through 1983. Valdez, City of 1979b. 1984 budget and summary of capital 3-77 projects. Valdez, City of 1979c. Inventory Report District Program, Phase one. Valdez, Alaska. Alaska Coastal Management Program. Valdez Planning Department. Valdez, City of 1979d. Valdez overall economic development porgram 1979 Update. Valdez Planning Department. Valdez, City of 1980a. City of Valdez Capital Improvement Plan, 1980-1984. Valdez Engineering Department. Valdez, City of 1980b. Valdez city budget, 1979 and 1980. Woodward-Clyde Consultants 1980. Valdez flood investigation progress report for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Woodward-Clyde Consultants and Brown, Vence and Associates 1980. Valdez Solid waste disposal study. Prepared for the City of Valdez. 3-78 3.3 ECONOMIC RESOURCES 3.3.1 Introduction The Valdez economy is supported by oil and gas property tax revenues. Second only to the North Slope Borough, the City of Valdez has the next highest per capita assessed value of any municipality in Alaska. The per capita assessed value of property within the Valdez taxing authority is $472,045, according to the Department of Community and Regional Affairs publication Alaska Taxable 1985, January 1986. The North Slope Bourough has a per capita assessed value of $1,043,330, significantly higher than Valdez, or any other Alaska municipality. The high per capita assessed value of property in these two local municipalities reflects the location of development and pipeline facilities for Prudhoe Bay oil field within their respective municipal boundaries. For comparison, the per capita assessed value of property within the Anchorage Municipality is only $63,462. Statewide it is $86,332. The per capita assessed value is the value of taxable property within the boundaries of a local taxing authority as determined by state and local tax assessors, divided by the number of residents living there. A higher ratio or higher per capita assessed value creates taxing leverage. In 1983, Valdez collected $17,918,701 in oil property tax receipts with a mill rate levy of approximately 11.7 mills. In other words, Valdez can collect a large sum in property tax revenues with a relatively nominal tax rate because they tax the pipeline. 3.3.2 Employment Base The City of Valdez has not always had such a bountiful and secure source of revenue as oil and gas property tax revenues. Prior to the pipeline boom, Valdez was a small local port town. Its preeminence as an ice free port and link to the Interior was cut short with construction of a railhead at Seward in the 1920's. During the 1930's and 1940's, a cannery operated in Valdez, but Cordova became the capital of the Prince William Sound fishery. Cordova also 3-79 served as the railhead for the copper industry that flourished near McCarthy in the early 1900's. Valdez' role as a transhipment point for goods destined for the Interior was briefly revived during World War II. However, the Valdez community and economy remained relatively stagnant until Valdez was chosen as the marine terminal site for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). The mainstay of the Valdez economy has historically been government employment. Harborview Hospital was built in Valdez as a facility for the mentally and physically handicapped. Valdez also became the regional district office for the State Department of Highways, now the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT/PF). Prior to construction of TAPS, the government employed more than 60 percent of the total work force. Table 3.10 shows selected employment statistics for Valdez. The data for 1968 is taken from a profile of Valdez, prepared by the Alaska State Department of Economic Development. The figures provide a glimpse of the economy and employment base before construction of TAPS. Of the 320 people working in Valdez during 1968, 220 (68.8 percent) were employed by state and local government. Payroll records reveal 18 people were employed by the City of Valdez, the remainder by the state. The next highest employment sector was retail which employed only 23 people and accounted for a scant 7.2 percent of total employment. The effect of the pipeline on the economy of Valdez is clearly shown by the statistics in Table 3.10. In 1976, the average number of construction workers was 3,452 or 75.3 percent. This was more than three times the entire 1970 population of Valdez. As shown, state and local government shrank to 153 employees or 3.3 percent of the total. With completion of TAPS, government is again assuming a major role in employment. In 1985 total government employees was estimated to be 426 (Federal 66, State 264, local 94, native 2), which is 28% of total employment. A major growth industry in Valdez is the development of the fish processing industry. Valdez currently has two processing operations, with facilities partially developed for a third processor. The estimates from the fishing industry indicate that the expected increase in employment over the next three years could be 200% to 300% of the current number. 3-80 Table 3.10 EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS 1968 - 1983 1983 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 19681 Mining 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Construction 236 49 60 1,9607 3,452 1,819 15 Manufacturing? * * * * * * * Transportation, Communication, Public Utilities 350 339 346 111 165 172 15 Wholesale 11 * 10 14 14 22 8 Retail 276 109 155 141 186 263 23 Fire 46 34 26 40 45 36 * Service 112 226 292 404 544 265 26 Education 121 - 7 - - - = Fisheries 276 25 - - - = - Federal Government 95 14 5 12 11 10 * State and Local Government 354-273 1921901530 142220 TOTAL 1,877 1,049 1,086 2,872 4,584 2,729 320 Source: The statistics are yearly averages from the State of Alaska, Department of Labor, Employment Statistics. The figures are for area code 262 which includes the Valdez and Sheep Creek Census divisions. The statistics were compiled by Joe Dohner, Research Analyst, Department of Labor. 1) These statistics are from a profile of Valdez published by the State of Alaska, Department of Economic Development (now Department of Commerce and Economic Development) in 1969. 2) This figure is a six month average. July, August and September. The employment data was based on 1968 data. The months are April, May, June, No other monthly data was available. Table 3.10 (cont'd.) 3) The data for manufacturing is not published, because it would reveal statistics of an individual business establishment. 4) The data for Transportation, Communication, and Public Utilities includes employees of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Inc., involved in operation and maintenance of the pipeline terminal. *Data not available. 3.3.3 Resource Development Agriculture and Timber Commercial agriculture in the Valdez area is not considered feasible (City of Valdez 1983). There is one timber sale scheduled to occur fram 1986 to 1992. This includes a 20 acre site off of the Dayville Road on Brown's Creek. The net volume of the sale is estimated around 560 million board feet. Some timber harvesting is occurring on lands owned by Tatitlek Corporation in Prince William Sound, but timber in the sound is being shipped directly from the logging sites. There is a proposal to convert the grain terminal into a chip storage facility that would process Prince William Sound timber for export. Minerals Regarding minerals, the Port Valdez area has no operating mines at the present time even though valuable metals once mined in the area included gold (44 mines), silver (9 mines,) copper (63 mines), lead (27 mines) and zinc (28 mines). The only mineral resource in the Valdez area likely to affect coastal management activities is the copper mining in the northeast area, i.e., from Port Valdez to Port Fidalgo (Valdez Planning Department 1979). This twenty-year operation was not only quite limited as a mining activity (only about 100,000 tons were mined - Joint Federal- State Land Use Planning Commission 1974-) but it is no longer considered economically viable. Gravel is currently being mined from several pits in the Valdez Glacier Stream floodplain. Primary users of gravel are local construction projects and highway improvements. Recreation/Tourism Valdez has a rapidly growing tourism industry at this time. The City is on a commercial tour route that utilizes bussing from Anchorage. The tour includes the Alyeska Marine Terminal and departure by one-day cruise boat or ferry. The nearby Columbia Glacier is a prime tourist attraction on the cruise boat and ferry route between Valdez and Whittier. Shoup Glacier, northwest of town, has attracted a commercial tourist operation as well. Two large tour boat operators are based in Valdez and luxury cruise lines have begun making scheduled stops in Valdez over the past two years. 3-83 4.0 Geophysical Hazards 4.0 GEOPHYSICAL HAZARDS 4.1 INTRODUCTION The City of Valdez, like many other coastal communities in Alaska, is subject to several categories of potential destructive geophysical hazards. Concern on the part of residents about the extent and nature of such hazards is reasonable. Sensible community development depends upon recognition of the constraints imposed by these hazards. The objectives of this geophysical hazards chapter are threefold: 1. To identify (at the preliminary level) potential geophysical hazards; 2. To make preliminary maps showing the approximate geographic limits of these hazards; and 3. To recommend a logical plan for further detailed studies, where appropriate. (See Appendix B.) These objectives were accomplished by a literature review, aerial photo interpretation, preliminary field reconnaissance and utilizing results of a detailed flood investigation. All of the data and information presented herein are preliminary. The boundaries of the hazard area are based on interpretations of maps and aerial photographs, and have not been field checked. Little information is available on recurrence intervals of avalanche and mass wasting hazards. Little existing subsurface information is available to evaluate the liquefaction potential of the granular deposits that underlie most of the flatter areas in the Valdez area. The term "geophysical hazard" is used here to describe, in general, the seismic, mass wasting, avalanche and flood hazards in the Valdez area. Seismic hazards refer to dangers existing due either to the proximity of fault lines and the 4.2 potential for failure of poor foundation soils or to the secondary triggering of mass wasting or avalanches. Mass wasting hazards refer to the dangers of rock or debris slides. Avalanche hazards are related to airborne or groundborne snow slides. Flood hazards refer to storm surges, voluminous rainfall, snowmelt/glacier melt, release of water from glacier-dammed lakes and tsunami or earthquake-generated seiche waves. Most of the information on the accompanying maps (Figure 4.1 and 4.2) was derived through the interpretation of three types of aerial photographs: low altitude color stereo pairs, low altitude black and white stereo pairs and high altitude color infrared stereo pairs. A detailed flood investigation was carried out concurrently with this investigation, and the results are included here. A preliminary field reconnaissance was made by helicoptor. A limited ground reconnaissance was conducted in the area between the airport and Mineral Creek. The main intent of these reconnaissances was to examine avalanche zones before all the snow had melted in the area. Thus, other things, such as mass wasting, lineaments and features covered by snow were not investigated during these reconnaissances. The information and maps contained in this report are general guidelines for future coastal planning, and are not intended to take the place of detailed geologic investigations of specific sites. REGIONAL SETTING The new townsite of Valdez is located on the northeast end of Port Valdez, the northeasternmost extension of Prince William Sound. Port Valdez is separated from the valleys of Interior Alaska by the steep slopes of the Chugach Mountains. These mountains are characterized by rugged, steep-walled valleys containing an extensive system of valley glaciers, and commonly rise abruptly fromthe shoreline. The steep mountain walls extend below water level in Port Valdez, resulting in a steep-sided, flat-bottomed trough 400 to 800 feet deep. Much of the Port Valdez shoreline is steep and rocky, except for a few areas where deltas and moraines have been placed in the port by rivers and glaciers. These depositional features provide most of the developable areas of the City of Valdez. This setting is similar to many coastal communities in the mountainous areas of Southcentral 4-2 Valdez Coastal Management Program The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska Coastal Management Program which is funded by the State of Alaska and the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Municipal and Regional Assistance Division. = ; Jt ax AS fos Valdez Municipal Boundary Legend ou Potential Liquifaction Areas — Lineaments Es Potential Mass Wasting t- _ Figure 4.1 Seismic and Mass Wasting Hazards Valdez Coa: Legend The preparation of this t Coastal Management Prog Office of Ocean and Coz Atmospheric Administratio GH Documented Avalanche Areas Department of Communi Assistance Division. Flood Hazard Floodway --~ Flooding Fringe i Figure 4.2 Flood and Avalanche Hazards Valdez Municipal Boundary 4.3 and Southeast Alaska. The present geomorphology of Port Valdez is the result of a combination of extensive tectonic forces, including regional uplift and intrusion of igneous rocks and massive glaciation. The tectonic forces at work in the Valdez area are associated with its location within the circum-Pacific Seismic Belt and, more specifically, within a region that has been identified as a tectonic subduction zone. The collision of two tectonic plates in this region is believed to be responsible for the high seismic and volcanic activity of the region. The rocks of the Port Valdez region and mainly graywacke, slate and argillite of the Valdez Group, mildly metamorphosed locally to phyllite or greenschist facies. Since the last glaciers that covered the region began to recede, these rocks have been rebounding--rising upward. Both the depressing process and the ongoing rebounding have created a complex system of joints (regularly occurring cracks) in the rocks. The presence of these joints has played an important role in the geomorphic development of the Port Valdez region. Climate also plays an important role. The climate of Valdez is controlled by both cold polar air masses and warm, moist maritime air masses. These combine to produce a relatively high average annual precipitation, much of which occurs in the fall. Deep snow accumulations build at higher elevations such as Thompson Pass (to the east of Valdez), which received a mean of 550 inches of show annually. During winter many freeze-thaw cycles may occur. The joints in the bedrock permit ample infiltration of moisture which, upon freezing, wedges blocks and plates of rock apart. These accumulate on the mountain slopes as debris. Soil-forming processes have not made very much progress in the area. The dominance of mechanical weathering and the steepness of the slopes have resulted in the formation of only a thin mantle of soil. Below about the 2000-foot elevation, vegetation dominated by alder shrub (Dames and Moore 1979) has been established to bind the soils. Above this elevation, soil is rapidly removed by landsliding and soil creep, thus retarding or preventing the development of soil-holding vegetation. Without benefit of supporting vegetation, the accumulated debris is drawn down by gravity and precipitation, causing active mass wasting. POTENTIAL HAZARDS 4-7 The coastal zone in which Valdez is located is subject to several potential hazards. Some of these are so infrequent as not to be of serious concern, and some are in areas where other features such as terrain may restrict reasonable development. In the following paragraphs the potential hazards associated with seismic events, mass wasting, avalanches, and floods are discussed as they could apply to Valdez. 4.2.1 Seismic Hazard Earthquakes are responsible for four basic types of hazards: ground rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, and tsunami. Ground rupture is the opening of the ground surface as the result of fault displacement or ground failures beneath this particular zone. Ground shaking is the movement induced in the ground by the energy release of the earthquake. Ground failure is the loss of strength of the ground liquefaction, sliding and other affects of the earthquake shaking. Tsunamis are the seismic sea waves caused by the energy release of the earthquake. There are eleven major active fault systems within 150 miles of Port Valdez that are capable of producing earthquakes strong enough to affect Valdez. The dominant earthquake source is the plate boundary that underlies the region around Valdez at a depth of about 12 km. Earthquakes result from displacement or movements of rock along zones of weakness or faults. These displacements do not always propagate to the surface, but where they do they can cause severe damage to structures that may overlie them. Faults are often visible on aerial photographs as linear features (lineaments). However, not all lineaments seen on aerial photographs result from faultering. A careful analysis is required to distinguish those lineaments that are potentially related to faulting from those that are not. Lineaments not related to faulting include stream erosional or depositional features and those of glacial origin. Lineaments in the Valdez area that appear to be fault-related have been mapped (Figure 4.1). To confirm whether these lineaments are faults and to assess their level of activity requires detailed ground geologic studies. These studies will be hampered by the lack of obvious mappable geologic marker units, soil, or glacial deposits and the often-extensive vegetation cover. Although it may be shown that the lineaments are not potentially hazardous faults or that the probability of sudden displacements along these features is remote, until additional confirmation studies are 4-8 completed, these lineaments should be considered potentiality hazardous with respect to land use planning. As for the hazards due to ground rupture, ground shaking, and ground failure, geologic units, whether solid or unconsolidated, respond differently to the vibrations of earthquakes. In many instances, structures located on soft ground have suffered greater damage than structures on hard- rock formations. Water-filled alluvium or saturated filled ground can magnify the amplitude of earthquake shockwaves. For the purposes of this preliminary study, the areas on the map indicating floodplains, deltas, or tidal zones are considered to have higher exposure to earthquake effects. In these areas special engineering may be necessary for the construction of safe buildings. A detailed geotechnical investigation would be needed to accurately differentiate all such areas. Most damage during the 1964 earthquake occurred along the shoreline of Port Valdez and was caused by ground failures and seiches generated, in part, by submarine ground failures. Ground shaking led to liquefaction of the unsupported delta deposits and submarine sliding which in turn generated, or at least amplified, the seiches. Most of the disturbance occurred within 1500 m (5000 ft) of the pre-quake shoreline. The exception to this limit was the area south of Knife Ridge along the Dike (Dike Road) south of Valdez Glacier Stream. In that area ground rupture and liquefaction were noted as far as 2450 m (8000 ft) in from the pre-quake shoreline (DOWL 1979). During the 1964 earthquake, submarine landslides occurred in at least two areas of Port Valdez, the most important one being at the above mentioned delta front of Old Valdez. Small submarine slumps off Shoup Spit at the western end of Port Valdez also contributed to the seiche already oscillating in Port Valdez. The seiche attained its apparent maximum runup height, as indicated by high-water marks on the snow, of 170 feet above mean sea level at Cliff Mine near Shoup Bay (Counter and Migliaccio 1966). No traces of the 1964 tsunami or seiche damage could be discerned from the available aerial photographs, even in Shoup Bay where the runup was reported to be high. A detailed view of the 1964 earthquake and aerial photos taken shortly after the quake May reveal zones affected by these wave phenomena. The principal cause of damage to structures away from the waterfront was ground rupture and failure liquefaction of the saturated sands and gravels underlying the structures. About 40 percent of the homes and most of the commercial 4-9 buildings in Valdez were seriously damaged by resulting fissures which disrupted their foundations (Coulter and Migliaccio 1966). The absence of evidence of damage due to waves, ground rupture, or ground shaking to the single dwelling on the Mineral Creek alluvial fan demonstrated its preferred location with regard to seismic stability (Coulter and Migliaccio 1966). The key conditions for high liquefaction potential are loose granular sediments and high water table. All areas believed to consist of loose, saturated, fine sand and silt have been delineated in Figure 4.1. Areas with these conditions have been subjected to disturbance during previous earthquakes. Not all the areas depicted on the map have the same potential for damage, and some areas where the liquefaction potential is high may have been missed in this cursory study. The boundaries presented are generalizations of data prepared by others. Zones that are shown as having a high potential for liquefaction should be thoroughly investigated prior to placing structures in these areas. Also, structures placed in these areas should be engineered to adequately withstand effects of liquefaction predicted during site-specific geotechnical studies. The site of Old Valdez probably has the highest potential for liquefaction, since it is located on an unretained saturated delta front subject to submarine sliding, liquefaction and _ subsidence. The Mineral Creek delta to the west of New Valdez may have similar high potential. The saturated lake deposits adjacent to Robe Lake may also have high potential for ground failure. The Lowe River deposits constitute less of a hazard because they are more or less contained (except at the mouth of the river) by steep valley walls which restrict their movement; therefore, they are not included on the map. In addition to primary seismic hazards, a common secondary effect of earthquakes is the triggering of mass wasting and avalanche events that normally occur in small quantities and at slower rates. The development of some of the larger scars on the map was likely influenced by seismic vibrations. 4.2.2 Mass Wasting Hazard Mass wasting refers to the down-slope movement of rock, soil and other debris. Snow avalanches could also be considered a form of mass wasting, but have been treated separately in this study. Rock avalanches and mud flows are typical forms of mass wasting found in Alaska. However, in 4-10 the Valdez area, mass wasting is generally related to rock falls and debris slides. Rock falls, in most cases, are associated with steep slopes; accumulations of debris at the toes of slopes are limited to 20 to 30 feet from the slope. Debris slides occur where thick deposits consisting of combinations of soil, rock, vegetation, water, snow and/or ice accumulate on bedrock slopes. These can become a major consideration during hazard assessments because large volumes of materials can begin to slide at high speed and terminate great distances from the toe of the slope. In Valdez, there are many slopes near 90°, which are generally due to past glaciation. The predominant strike of foliation and/or bedding planes in the area appears to be in a general east-west direction. The predominant dip is steep and to the north. In several areas, such as Mineral Creek and at the Valdez Glacier Stream, these east-west striking formations have been cut by north-south trending fluvial drainage courses, which have left shallower valley wall slopes (near 40° to 50°). Most debris slides occur on these flatter slopes. The character of the bedrock and the glacial scouring produced numerous steps, which contain the limited debris moving downslope. This limits the material coming down the slopes to local rock falls. Debris slides and mass wasting on the north and south-facing slopes are minimal. Obvious debris slides have been mapped (Figure 4.1). Occasional rock fall areas should be expected within about 100 feet of any slopes steeper than about 40°. Rock falls can be contained, in most instances, to minimize the potential hazard. Debris slides, on the other hand, may require extensive and costly engineered systems to reduce their potential impact. Some of the smaller debris slides may not have been detectable on the aerial photographs. For this reason caution is recommended in building any structures near steep slopes. 4.2.3 Avalanche Hazard Preliminary data on avalanche starting zones, tracks (or chutes) and runout zones are indicated in Figure 4.2. Because of the glaciation of Port Valdez and some of its tributary valleys, there are many steep-walled mountains and consequent potential avalanche zones. As with mass wasting, avalanches are more likely to occur where slopes are steep and where snow can accumulate. The northern shore of Port Valdez between the airport and the city has low avalanche potential. Here the steeply dipping slopes strike east-west and have large steps. The steps catch the snow sliding from higher 4-11 elevations, thus protecting the lower elevations between the airport and the new town. The near-vertical lower slopes prevent the accumulation of snow at those levels. Certain areas within Mineral Creek valley and other tributary valleys where fluvial erosion predominated are more prone to avalanche because local slopes are shallow enough to permit accumulation, yet steep enough to provide chutes. Keystone Canyon and its near-vertical walls are not conducive to snow accumulation, and therefore have a lower hazard potential than a canyon with more gradual slopes. The avalanche chutes in this area are generally related to areas where erosion has lessened the grade. Avalanches can be a high-frequency problem that will have to be handled thoughtfully. Damage from avalanches is primarily to structures lying in the path of runout zones. Construction near the ends of avalanche chutes or runout zones should be adequately engineered to mitigate the hazard. Runout zones can be reduced in size by the construction of retarding structures (mounds) and deflecting structures. There are also supporting structures for avalanche starting zones. Avalanche control with explosives and artillery can be considered in some areas. These may eventually become viable solutions since land available for development is so physically limited in Valdez. 4.2.4 Flood Hazard Flood hazards include tsunamis, storm surges, voluminous rainfall, snowmelt and glacier melt and release of glacier- dammed lakes. Because Port Valdez is protected by its orientation, tsunamis are not a likely hazard. The main riverine flows in the developed and developable areas of Valdez come from three sources: Valdez Glacier Stream, Mineral Creek and Lowe River. In addition, development has occurred adjacent to Robe River, and has been planned adjacent to Corbin and Slater Creeks. The flood boundaries of these and the other waterways have been indicated in Figure 4.2. Floodways extending beyond the limits of the Valdez Flood Study area (Keystone Canyon, Upper Mineral Creek) have not been mapped. Storm Floodin Storm surges are relatively long-term, local increases in water level resulting from offshore storms. Maximum hazard results when such a surge coincides with a maximum 4-12 tide. The City of Valdez is exposed to the hazard of combined storm surge/high tide flooding due to winter storms in the Gulf of Alaska. Factors affecting storm surges include coastline topography and climatological characteristics, such as atmospheric pressure, speed and direction of the storm center relative to the coastline and the stage of frontal development (Intersea Research Corporation 1977). Storm surges at Valdez may be affected by local conditions such as the dissipative effect of flow through Valdez Narrows or the potential affects of local winds amplifying or damping the water level of the storm surge. Estimated combined storm surge and astronomical tide elevation in Port Valdez with a 100-year recurrence interval is 10.6 feet above sea level. Such flooding can occur along the entire Port Valdez shoreline. Because of the steep terrain, the area affected by the hazard is generally small. The relatively flat land of the river deltas allows for greater flooding. Rainfall/Snowmelt/Glacier Melt Flooding Floods occur in rivers as a result of a large input of water to the drainage basin in the form of rainfall, snowmelt, glacier melt, or a combination of these inputs. In the Valdez area, as well as most coastal areas of Southcentral and Southeast Alaska, the floods due to snowmelt are typically lower in magnitude than those due to rain storms in late summer or fall. Glacier melt is typically largest in late summer, increasing the potential magnitude of late summer rainfall floods in glacial streams. The primary factors that affect the magnitude of riverine flooding include the size of the drainage basin contributing flow to the river, the amount and distribution of the precipitation that falls on the basin, the size and location of lakes, wetlands, or other water storage basins within the drainage basin, and the size and location of glaciers within the drainage basin. Frequent river flooding should be expected in the unvegetated flood plains of all the rivers in the area. Less frequent flooding occurs in overbank areas adjacent to the rivers. Glacier-dammed Lake Release Flooding Glacier-dammed lakes form when a stream is blocked by a glacier. Flooding occurs when lake water develops an escape route through, under, or over the glacier dam. The escape 4-13 route enlarges, allowing the lake to drain rapidly. Little is known about factors affecting flooding from glacier-dammed lakes. Some potential factors include the mechanism by which the lake releases, the volume of water in the lake, and the route through which the lake water travels before reaching the area subject to flooding. The frequency of glacier—dammed lake releases is likely related to the time necessary for the lake to fill and for a drainage channel to become blocked, and the position and movement of the damming glacier. Estimates of flood discharges resulting from glacier- dammed releases combined with potential concurrent rainstorm floods in the basins of Valdez Glacier Stream and Lowe River are 46,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and 59,900 cfs, respectively. Estimates of the extent of flooding, assuming that the average daily peaks of the rainfall/glacier melt flood and the glacier-dammed lake release flood coincide, are given in Figure 4.2. Geophysical Hazard Literature Cited and Biblography Coulter, H.W. and E.B. Coulter 1962. Preliminary geologic map of the Valdez-Tickel Belt, Alaska. U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Map I-356. Coulter, H.W. and R.R. Migliaccio 1966. Effects of the earthquake of March 27, 1964, at Valdez, Alaska. U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Professional Paper 542-C, 36p. Dames and Moore 1977. Geotechnical and environmental evaluation: City of Valdez Port Expansion Study, Phase I, Anchorage, Alaska. 13 p. + App. Dames and Moore 1979. Plant communities of eastern Port Valdez, Alaska. Prepared for Alaska Petrochemical Company, Anchorage, Alaska, p. I-400 to I-416. Daniel, Mann, Johnson, and Mendenhall 1972. Geophysical hazards investigations for the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska. Portland, Oregon. DOWL 1979. Geotechnical studies for the proposed Alpetco refining and petrochemical facility, Valdez, Alaska, Volume II. Anchorage, Alaska. Federal Insurance Administration undated. Flood insurance study, 4-14 City of Valdez, Alaska. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 17 p. Ferrians, Jr., OJ. 1971. Preliminary engineering geologic maps of the proposed trans-Alaska pipeline route-Valdez quadrangle, U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Map 495. Higgs, N.B. 1973. Preliminary engineering geology of Keystone Canyon. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. Intersea Research Corporation 1977. Frequency analysis of combined storm surge and tide elevation for three Alaskan communities. Prepared for Tryck, Nyman, and Hayes, Anchorage, Alaska. 88 p. + App. McGarr, A., and R.C. Vorhis 1968. Seismic seiches from the March, 1964 Alaska earthquake. U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Professional paper 544-E. Miller, RD. 1972. Surficial geology of the Juneau urban area and vicinity, Alaska, with emphasis on earthquake and other geologic hazards. United States Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Open File Report. Morsell, J.W., et al. 1979. Environmental assessment. City of Valdez port expansion project. Dames and Moore, San Francisco, California. Municipality of Anchorage 1979. Anchorage Coastal Management Program-final report. Anchorage, Alaska, 1979 p. Perla, R.I. and M. Martinelli, Jr. 1976. Avalanche handbook. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Handbook 489. Schultz, J.R. and A.B. Cleaver 1955. Geology engineering. Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York. 4-15 9.0 Resource Analysis te, 5.0 5.1 RESOURCE ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION To implement the Coastal Management Program, the residents of Valdez will make decisions on the use of coastal resources. Residents strongly support economic growth of the community and multiple-use management of resources. Relatively limited level land, good air and water quality, and important fish and wildlife resources indicate a need for trade-offs among resource uses. By assessing the demands on coastal resources and the capability of those resources to meet demands, the resource analysis provides a reasoned approach to making resource use decisions. The resource analysis: o Assesses present and anticipated demands on coastal resources: o Evaluates resource sensitivity and capability to meet demands: and © Projects significant anticipated changes in inventory characteristics. The resource analysis is structured to consider the Valdez Coastal Management District as a whole in the regional analysis, and as 12 subareas in the subarea analysis. The regional analysis examines known and possible changes that may affect the economic and physical environment of the Valdez area, including new economic activity, population growth, changes in air and water quality, demand for housing, services and fish and wildlife habitat. The regional analysis also identifies critical habitat areas where special action may be required to conserve and enhance their character. The subarea analysis deals with twelve subareas that were developed so that a more detailed analysis of areas within Valdez could be completed. The twelve subareas are shown in Figure 5.1. The subarea analysis addresses specific activities, potential problems and trends within each of the twelve subareas. This analysis is intended to provide users of this document with a greater understanding of each specific area within Valdez. Development and uses within the subareas will follow policies and guidelines established in the development of this plan (see chapters 6 & 7). 5.2 REGIONAL ANALYSIS 5.2.1 Economic Growth After experiencing the economic cycle of Alyeska pipeline construction, the City of Valdez is determined to foster stable growth of the local economy. A number of projects have been completed and several additional projects proposed that would assure steady employment and income. The City of Valdez is currently working on projects that would promote tourism & commercial fisheries. The City is also trying to attract a variety of privately sponsored projects that would help to diversify and stabilize the local economy. Plans include the expansion of the small boat harbor, to accommodate larger and more tourist boats, in addition to completion of additional slips, added parking and pedestrain facilities. Improvement of infrastructure for the development of commercial fisheries is also planned. The commercial fishing industry is viewed as one of the major growth industries in Valdez. Expansion of the fishing industry is foreseen in salmon, shrimp and bottomfish. New boats, gear and support and processing facilities would be needed. A new commercial boat harbor would provide space and support facilities for fishing vessels, tenders and possible processing vessels. The tourist industry has untapped potential and there are several proposed projects that would facilitate its realization. The major attractions are the coastal marine environment and scenic beauty, including local glaciers. Expansion of the small boat harbor would attract more tourist boat traffic, recreational boaters and fishermen. The expansion of the Valdez Heritage Center and development of winter recreation facilities are also projects that would promote tourism. Other long-term potential projects include primary processing and shipment of timber and mineral resource products. The Tatitlek Native Corporation will be logging same of its lands in the Prince William Sound. Depending on the market for round and processed timber, these products could be shipped through the City's port. Similarly, mineral 5-2 ANALYSIS ZONES . Keystone Canyon Lowe River Robe Lake Watershed/Robe River Valdez Glacier Stream Old Town Zook Subdivision Valdez Duck Flats New Townsite Mineral Creek Flats . Mineral Creek Canyon . Dayville Road . Western Port Valdez Valdez Coastal Management Program The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska Coastal Management Program which is funded by the State of Alaska and the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Municipal and Regional Assistance Division. PEI AARON Figure “5. Analysis Zones production in the Valdez area may become economically feasible as mineral prices rise. Processed ore could pass through the City's port facility. The City is also working to encourage the establishment of a minimum security facility and several oil related industries. The Valdez Foreign Trade Zone (FITZ) was established in 1984 for the purpose of attracting international trade business. The Zone provides benefits to its users by allowing a duty and quota free area where domestic and foreign merchandise can be imported and exported. Merchandise can also be manufactured or manipulated to change its duty classification. Four areas within the city were established as part of the FTZ. They are described briefly below: City Dock - Located in town, the area is approximately two acres which includes a warehouse, dock area and one acre of cleared open space. Marshalling Yard - Located at the southeast edge of the Duck Flats, this is an area of approximately 21 acres including the grain terminals and parking and laydown area. USS 455 - Located between the Richardson Highway and Mineral Creek Loop Road, about three miles from town, this site is approximately 69.5 acres of undeveloped land. Six acres have been cleared the rest remains natural. Valdez Townsite Pipeyard - Located at the old townsite, about four miles from town, this site is approximately 82 acres which is fenced, cleared, and has two buildings within its boundaries. 5.2.2 Population As the City of Valdez pursues its goals of diversifying and stabilizing its economy, its population is likely to increase. Some of this growth could be large, temporary increases associated with the influx of labor for large construction projects. A long-term increase associated with industry operational workforce and associated service industries could also occur. The original Valdez Coastal Management Survey (September 5-5 1980) indicated that 80 percent of Valdez residents would like to see the community's population increase. However, a more recent survey, conducted by the Valdez Chamber of Commerce in late 1985, showed that 63 percent of the residents would like to see an increase in population compared to 35 percent who are satisfied with the existing population level. 5.2.3 Transportation The transportation system of Valdez has fluctuated between a small system serving a typical coastal community to a system more characteristic of a regional industrial and distribution center. Through its capital improvement projects and bond issues, the City has built the transportation infrastructure needed to becomea regional distribution port and fishing fleet support base. Problems with reliability, frequency of service, cost and capacity are no longer evident. Both the City and the State Department of Transportation have overcome most of the problems with airport improvements and with highway relocation, upgrading and increased maintenance. The frequency of truck and marine freight service continues to grow as Valdez becomes more competitive with the railroad. The frequency of ferry service is excellent during the summer season, but service is discontinued to Whittier and reduced to Cordova from October to May as the high-volume tourist traffic drops off. The frequency and capacity of air transportation is adequate for current passenger traffic. However a gradual decline of passenger traffic has resulted in the use of planes that are less prone to fly in marginal weather. As fisheries, mining, agricultural, timber and petrochemical industries develop at tidewater and in the Interior, the Valdez port is capable of handling export of products to domestic and international markets. Through local population growth and capture of distribution to the Interior, the port could break the present reliance on truck and rail transport from Anchorage. Expansion of the Valdez boat harbor will be complete by the summer of 1986, with the addition of 182 slips on the east side. Construction of a commercial boat harbor to handle boats too large for the small boat harbor has been proposed, however the project is still only in the discussion 5-6 stage. The commercial boat harbor would be designed to accommodate vessels between 60 feet and 300 feet long. In addition to these projects, the City has proposed redevelopment of the west side of the Valdez boat harbor to accomodate larger tour boats and provide safer access for tourists. This project is expected to be completed in time for the 1987 tourist season. Development of transportation facilities requires consideration of other coastal resource values in two locations. The port project borders the Valdez Duck Flats, an area of high biological and special interest to state and federal agencies. A cooperative effort between the city and agencies could result in port development that is compatible with the Duck Flats. Similarly, the Richardson Highway traverses the area once proposed as Keystone Canyon State Park. Should a park be established, cooperation is needed to ensure that the highway can be improved for transportation to the Interior, while maintaining park use and appreciation of scenic values. 5.2.4 Housing The demand for housing is linked to population, income and housing costs. The recent decline in Valdez's population has resulted in lower demand and greater supply of housing. At the current population, demand is moderate for low to medium cost single family housing. The supply is low for low income housing and high for moderate income housing. There has been a gradual increase in apartment vacancy rates and for mobile hame spaces within trailer courts in Valdez. The vacancy rate was estimated at 10.3 percent in 1982 (Community Development Department, 1982). Because there has been a population drop since 1982 the vacancy rate has increased. There has also been a decrease in new construction. There are plans to build 20 new low income houses within Valdez that would provide housing for a portion of the population that would normally not be able to afford a house. The supply of temporary housing for construction workers is adequate to meet current and future demands. Local motels have been housing construction crews off-season, and space is available in trailer courts and in bunk houses that have recently been developed. Land for residential development is available from private owners (Meals Hill, Port Valdez Company property at the new town site and West Mineral Creek). State land disposals also have the potential to provide land for residential development. 5.2.5 Community Facilities and Services The adequacy and cost of community services vary with who provides the service, extent of areas served and site characteristics. Overall, services and infrastructure that now exist in Valdez are capable of meeting much greater demands. For an Alaskan community of its size, Valdez is unparalleled in its education, fire protection and police services. The financial health of Valdez has kept the cost of these services to residents low. Improvements to streets, sewer and water systems has made these services capable of handling more than double the existing population. Private utilities meet the telephone and electric service needs of the existing population. Telephone service has the capacity for an additional 1200 households (3600 residents). The Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA) provides enough electricity to meet all local demands; however, electric costs are high compared to those in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Much of this cost is due to the rate structure for the entire CVEA service area and construction costs of new projects. Expansion of specific community facilities is discussed within each subarea in Section 5.3, Subarea Analysis. 5.2.6 Physical Oceanography The present knowledge of Port Valdez physical oceanography does not provide a detailed picture of water movements through the fjord. As already noted, short-term current measurements (Colonell 1979) and drogue tracking observations (Muench and Nebert 1973) in the eastern half of the fjord indicate sluggish motion at best, and suggest that the water there is virtually stagnant much of the time. Also, there is the possibility that the eastern half of the fjord is essentially decoupled from the western half, an impression based on satellite photographs that show the Lowe River sediment plume tracing a counterclockwise gyre in the east end of Port Valdez. Where the latter possibility does not rule out the flushing of water (and pollutants) from the east end of the fjord, it does suggest that such flushing might not readily occur. Vigorous current activity at Valdez Narrows does not necessarily ensure a simultaneous circulation and renewal of water through the fjord. Because there is no information to the contrary, it cannot be said with certainty that such circulation does not occur. To reiterate, the available physical oceanographic data do not permit conclusions about the overall circulation of water in the fjord. Given the present limited knowledge of water circulation within Port Valdez, a conservative stance in evaluating future effluent discharge activities is justified because of the possible accumulation of waterborne pollutants that would occur under stagnant conditions. Presently permitted discharges into the fjord should be monitored, and the consideration of additional discharges given increased scrutiny. Heretofore, successive applications for permits have been regarded as virtually separate and independent matters without sufficient attention to possible cumulative effects. The lack of knowledge of circulation in the east end of the fjord, and of the ultimate fate of pollutants discharged there could lead to irreversible damage to the water quality and biota of Port Valdez. The need to adopt a conservative view with regard to evaluation of additional discharges without consideration for possibly detrimental results of their combined and overall effects is therefore necessary. The fjord must be viewed comprehensively instead of piecemeal by the regulatory agencies if the biologically productive character of the marine environment is to be maintained. 5.2.7 Air Quality The ability to maintain industrial growth within the Valdez Coastal Management District is affected by the areas existing air quality and the air pollution associated with future industrial projects. New sources of air pollution are regulated and controlled by the EPA's recently revised Prevention of Significant Deterioration regulations (PSD) (August 7, 1980 Federal Register). These regulations establish allowable increments for SO, and particulate matter above baseline concentration. As industries locate in Valdez, they "tie-up" or consume this available increment in the Valdez airshed. Thus, new projects applying for permits must work within the remaining available increment. Although the PSD increment limits do not necessarily preclude sources fram locating in the Valdez airshed, they place a constraint on the siting of new facilities. The PSD regulations essentially prevent large new sources emitting identical pollutants from locating near each other. As mentioned above, industries wishing to locate within the Valdez area may be constrained by other industries which have received PSD permits and have effectively "reserved" portions of the allowable increment. The City of Valdez should consider what types of industries it wishes to attract with respect to the percentage of increment that will be consumed. Remaining available increments could be calculated by obtaining or preparing profiles of typical facility emission types and performing screening dispersion models. This would provide projections of concentrations which could be compared with current increment ceilings as well as federal and state ambient air quality standards. Such a program would provide input to local decisions involving new industrial facilities. It would also provide helpful information to industries interested in Valdez as a location. The PSD review required by the EPA as well as the State of Alaska requires an extensive modeling analysis and includes preconstruction monitoring programs. The City of Valdez, with DOWL Engineering, conducted air quality testing from 1979 through 1981 in preparation for a proposed refinery project. The pollutant concentration levels, except ozone, have been consistently less than 20 percent of Natural Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Maximum ozone concentration was 50 percent of allowable levels. 5.2.8 Water Quality Maintenance of local water quality is a goal of the City of Valdez. High water quality is also important to healthy populations of anadromous fish, particularly given local interest in expanding commercial and recreation fisheries. As development occurs, water quality can be affected by effluent discharge, urban runoff and increased sediment loads from man-induced erosion. Existing state and federal regulations provide adequate water quality control on a project-specific basis; awareness of potential cumulative problems will also help maintain water quality. Saltwater A preliminary physical oceanographic analysis indicates lack of knowledge on flushing action and circulation within the eastern half of Port Valdez. Potential sources of effluent in this area include treated waste discharges from a fish processing plant at the city dock, the gurry line used by a local seafood processor and the proposed gurry line from another seafood operation. As additional industrial 5-10 development occurs, the capability of Port Valdez to disperse effluent becomes more important to maintaining water quality. A study of Port Valdez circulation is recommended to provide information for the evaluation, siting and design of industrial development. Surface Water Because many rivers and streams carry naturally high sediment loads from glacial action, they are relatively unaffected by increased levels of treated effluent and man- induced sedimentation. Others, such as those used by anadromous fish for spawning and rearing are extremely sensitive to water quality and sediment loads. Activities with the potential to affect site-specific water quality are discussed within each subarea in Section 5.3, Subarea Analysis. Ground Water The quality of ground water is of concern because of localized use of on-site wells for domestic water supply. In areas of poor drainage and a high water table, contamination of ground water by on-site septic tank waste disposal systems is a potential problem. Industrial and urban water runoff that is not intercepted by storm drains and other systems can also affect ground-water quality. Development activities should consider the potential for these problems as appropriate. Activities with the potential to affect site-specific water quality are discussed within each subarea in Section 5.3, Subarea Analysis. 5.2.9 Geophysical Hazards Responsible coastal management should maximize public safety while minimizing the economic hardship resulting from development restrictions. Three factors affect the level of analysis of geophysical hazards and resulting management alternatives in Valdez: data availability, the ability of individuals to assess degrees of hazards and acceptable risk. Availability of data on the location, frequency and Magnitude of hazards in Valdez is variable. For same hazards (seiche waves and other seismic events) historic data are 5-11 available; others are obvious to the eye (avalanche) and are identified as a potential hazards. In the case of the Valdez Flood Study (Woodward-Clyde, 1981) and the Old Town Hazards assessment (DOWL, 1982), regional hazards have been quantified or risk parameters set. When evaluating a use or proposed activity in a specific area, site-specific investigations are usually required to determine the degree of hazard and appropriate design safeguards for those hazards. The ability of individuals to assess the degree of hazards varies, as do the financial resources required to investigate hazards. Large industrial projects assess hazards to protect their investments and to properly site, design and construct projects. In addition to being able to afford such studies, large developers are often required by permit stipulations to investigate hazards. The individual buying a lot or building a house is less able to afford site- specific studies and more dependent on public information to understand the degree of hazard. Finally, both private individuals and the City of Valdez need to determine what is an acceptable level of risk from exposure to geophysical hazards. All of southcentral coastal Alaska faces the probability of earthquakes and their attendant hazards of tsunami, ground rupture, liquefaction and mass wasting. Living within this large hazard zone is an acceptable risk to coastal Alaska residents. Building near an avalanche chute or in an area that floods every three years may not be acceptable, particularly to a local government that is responsible for providing services and repairing hazard-damaged public facilities. These factors affect local government decision-making in permitting use of potentially hazardous areas. Facing a lack of data, a "conservative approach" that unconditionally restricts development in potentially hazardous lands can inflict economic hardship on landowners and developers. At the same time, a "hands off" approach can result in local government expense and municipal liability as the permitter. Some decision-making options include requiring developers in hazardous areas to show investigation of hazards, or government funding of more detailed hazard investigations. Analysis of geophysical hazards, based on historical data and field reconnaissance, is presented within each subarea in Section 5.3, Subarea Analysis. 5.2.10 Important Habitats 5-12 5.3 Important habitat includes public lands which have been identified as important areas for fish and wildlife by State and Federal agencies. A conservation district designation has been established for these areas for the purpose of identification and management. Currently there are several major important habitats that have been identified. One is the Duck Flats, which is described in greater detail in the subarea analysis. Another is Robe Lake and the adjacent lands, it is also described in greater detail in the subarea analysis. Anadromous fish streams are also defined as important habitats and occur within each of the subareas. Identification of these areas is important so that development and potential impacts can be reduced or prevented to maintain the quality of the important habitats. SUBAREA ANALYSIS Twelve subareas have been identified within the Valdez Coastal Management District, they are shown in Figure 5.1. The Subarea Analysis is intended to provide guidance for resource use and activities in specific areas within the coastal management district. It identifies public safety concerns and resource values that should be reflected in development and resource use. This analysis is for informational purposes and contains no enforceable policies. The following parameters have been used to describe each subarea : © Projected resource use and activities © Coastal habitats © Critical habitats o Air and water quality © Geophysical hazards o Land use, management and status © Transportation o Recreation o Energy facilities o Community facilities 5=13 It is not within the scope of this project to identify resources or areas that should be developed. However, as specific development activities are identified and scheduled, the City of Valdez is interested in providing input to development planning to help facilitate consistency with the enforceable policies of the Valdez Coastal Management Program. 5.3.1 Keystone Canyon Projected Resource Use and Activities Richardson Highway Transportation Corridor. Potential highway improvements, sole overland transportation route to Interior market areas for the City's port and to other Alaskan communities. Substantial improvements have recently been completed. Proposed Keystone Canyon State Park. This proposed state park encompasses 310,000 acres, with boundaries including Keystone Canyon and the Thompson Pass area. Proposed facilities include interpretive signs and turnouts in Keystone Canyon. However, neither local nor state agencies or organizations are pursuing this proposal. Proposed AMSA Designation. Keystone Canyon has been proposed as an AMSA because of the potential conflicts that could occur between the recreation, transportation and utilities that are in the canyon. Chapter 8 describes this area in greater detail. Geophysical Hazards Avalanche Hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones at several points on the highway side of Keystone Canyon will continue infrequently to close the Richardson Highway. The narrow canyon limits effectiveness of avalanche deflection devices and the ability to relocate the highway outside of runout zones. Riverine Flooding. During high rainfall events, or other increases in flow attributable to glacier-dammed lake release or breakup, the Richardson Highway may periodically be inundated. 5-14 Hogback Glacier Figure 5.2 Keystone Canyon Mass Wasting. Mass wasting throughout Keystone Canyon, presenting infrequent falling rock hazards to vehicle traffic on the Richardson Highway. Occasional debris slides will close the highway at the northwest end of the canyon. Land Use, Management and Status Preferred Local Uses. Transportation - corridor to and from Valdez and the Interior; recreation - scenic corridor with pullouts, picnic areas and interpretive sign. Hiking also occurs along the historic highway alignment. Management and Status. The area is currently classified as State Public Interest Land, proposed for inclusion in Keystone Canyon State Park. Transportation Highway Improvement. Valdez citizens are concerned about the ability to maintain and upgrade the Richardson Highway under state park status. The highway is the only road link to the rest of Alaska, and vital to the operation of the municipal port facility. Recreation Proposed State Park Status. Historic significance and scenic beauty have led to inclusion of this area in the proposed Keystone Canyon State Park. Activities. In addition to general sightseeing, the Canyon is used for hiking, kayaking, rafting (commercial) and climbing. Ice climbing has become a popular winter activity. Facilities. Local residents and state officials have indicated a need for turnouts, picnic areas, and interpretive signs. Recent construction has included the widening of several turnouts nearest the two major waterfalls. Energy Facilities Existing Facilities The Keystone Canyon area contains existing corridors for pipelines and utilities important both to the local economy and national interests. Should the need for expanded or new facilities arise, existing energy corridors may require widening. 5.3.2 Lowe River 5-17 Projected Resource Use and Activities Residential Development. Two subdivisions are located within this subarea, Alpine Woods and Nordic Subdivisions, both with undeveloped lots. There is also some residential development along the north side of the highway. Development of existing lots will continue, design and construction is somewhat limited where flood hazard exists. Recreation. Continued hunting and fishing and hiking north of the highway and along the Lowe river. The Canyon Slough area has been identified as potential site for downhill skiing, however this is not being actively pursued. Timber Harvesting. State Public Interest Land designation for timber management. One timber sale is in progress (beginning harvest 1986-87) close to Browns Creek off of the Dayville Road. Gravel Extraction. Maintenance and possible expansion of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities gravel extraction site. Coastal Habitats River, Streams and Lakes. Lowe River and nonglacial tributaries are sensitive to obstruction of fish passage, and the tributaries are sensitive to sedimentation. Gravel extraction and residential development could obstruct fish passage. Lowe River riparian vegetation is a high-value habitat, and both timber harvesting and state land disposal could result in habitat loss. Likely areas for loss of habitat to occur are new residential areas and the State Land Disposal area across the Lowe River from the Alpine Woods Subdivision. Important Upland Habitat. Timber harvesting and development of a State Land Disposal site could result in habitat loss, particularly on the south side of the Lowe River. This is one of two important uplands in the Coastal Management District. Air and Water Quality Water Quality. Without proper precautions, timber harvesting, residential development and other site preparation activities could increase sediment loads in tributaries to the Lowe River. Surface and ground water quality is also susceptible to improper siting and operation 5-18 Mt. Rrancis Figure 5.3 Lowe River Alpiné Woods} -, Richa Subdivision Nordic | Subdivision <= Ss J WN Figed-Sontrot =~ Og TO [ .....Project anit Jo ag : ZA : ——— -=="l® Bald Eagle Nest Sita awe Trans Alaska Pipefine (buried). 7 saan match line ay: ‘River. ~ i ___——- ~~. | Figure 5.3 (cont’d.) Lowe River of on-site waste disposal systems. Geophysical Hazards Riverine and Glacier-Dammed Lake Outburst Flooding. The Lowe River experiences periodic flooding from heavy rainfall, breakup and glacier-dammed lake outburst. All activities within the floodway and floodway fringe of the Lowe River are subject to the Valdez Flood Plain Management Ordinance. More culverting is needed along the Richardson Highway to promote drainage. The City has recently constructed a diversion dike to protect houses in Alpine Woods Subdivision, more work will be needed to prevent flooding. Avalanche Hazard. Over 30 avalanche chutes, primarily associated with drainages, have been identified on the steep slopes of both sides of the Lowe River valley. For the most part, these avalanche areas present no hazard to proposed or existing development. Avalanches on the north side of the valley do not reach the Richardson Highway. On the south side, avalanches occur in the vicinity of an alternate downhill ski facility site and a State Land Disposal site. Mass Wasting. There is an indication of mass wasting occurring on the south side of the Lowe River valley in several locations, including Canyon Slough and Washbowl Basin. Land Use, Management and Status Preferred Local Uses. Transportation - corridor for the Richardson Highway; open space - scenic views from Richardson Highway; residential - potential expansion of the 10-Mile area, development of State Land Disposal Tracts; energy facilities - corridor for pipeline and electric transmission line rights-of-way; timber harvesting - State Public Interest Lands designated for timber management; light industrial - an area of private land off Dayville Road has been zoned for light industrial use; gravel extraction - Lowe River flood plain; recreation - hunting, fishing, skiing (cross-country and potential downhill sites), snowmachining, rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Management and Status. State - continued Public Interest Lands status for recreation, timber management, fish and wildlife habitat, gravel extraction, state land disposal; private - continued development within existing subdivisions and potential development of lands transferred by state through land disposal. 5-23 Transportation Highway Improvements. Long range highway improvements to the Richardson Highway including highway realignment and widening. Recreation Activities. Continued low-density activities (skiing, hunting and fishing, snowmachining, hiking, rafting, canoeing and kayaking). Facilities. Selected alternative feasibility study site for downhill ski facility at Canyon Slough. Energy Facilities Water and Sewer. Future residential growth could exceed the capability of on-site water supply and sewage disposal systems. Because of the distance from municipal systems, package water supply and sewer systems may be installed as service demand increases. Timber Harvesting Public Interest Lands. Potential timber harvesting on Public Interest Lands classified for timber management. One state timber sale has been planned for 1986. Gravel Extraction Existing Sites. Continued extraction from Department of Transportation site at Richardson Highway Milepost 15; reactivation of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company sites for additional pipeline construction if necessary. New Sites. Development of new sites for pipeline construction, access roads, aS appropriate. 5.3.3 Robe Lake Projected Resource Use and Activity Robe Lake Rehabilitation Project. Proposed lake rehabilitation project jointly sponsored by City of Valdez and Department of Environmental Conservation to retard lake euthrophication and improve both salmon spawning/rearing 5-24 Districts rea (ye as OR ee ‘HS RE Seu, we ~ = a, re ee 6 a Robe rived Softball Complex e Subdivision Proposed o Cross Coun ntry x , Ski. Area or Cemetar arg. a -= Figure 5.4 Robe Lake habitatand recreation use is currently in progress with completition scheduled for 1989. Recreation. Downhill skiing at Salmonberry Ridge began in 1986, additional facilities are anticipated as money becomes available. A cross country ski trail is currently being sited on the northwestern portion of the lake. It is tenatively scheduled to be developed beginning in mid 1986. Proposed AMSA Designation. The Robe Lake area has been proposed as an AMSA because of its importance as a recreation resource as well as for fisheries development and critical habitat. Chapter 8 describes this area in greater detail. Coastal Habitats Rivers, Lakes and Streams. Euthophication of Robe Lake will continue to diminish quality of salmon spawning/rearing habitat if action is not taken. A lake rehabilitation project is under progress. Robe River is an anadromous fish stream and is sensitive to obstruction of fish passage and sedimentation. Wetlands. Extensive fresh water marsh and emergent wetlands provide nesting and feeding habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds as well as serving to maintain water quality. Important Upland Habitat. The area includes the most important upland habitat in the Coastal Management District. Future residential expansion in the Robe River Subdivision and from state land disposal could eliminate important habitat. Air and Water Quality Air Quality. Development of the industrial land could reduce ambient air quality in the area, but will necessarily be within acceptable air quality standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Water Quality. Water quality in Robe Lake is deteriorating for habitat and recreation purposes due to eutrophication. Without rehabilitation, water quality will continue to deteriorate. Geophysical Hazards Seismic Hazard. Water-saturated areas or wetlands are susceptible to liquefaction during a seismic event. Wetlands 5-27 north of Robe Lake would be subject to liquefaction. A ground feature that appears to be a lineament, oriented northwest, is located one mile east of Robe Lake. There is a potential for ground rupture along this lineament, if it isa fault. Avalanche. Five areas of avalanche hazard have been identified on the south side of Robe Lake. Mass Wasting. Four areas of potential mass wasting have been identified in the Robe Lake areas. Land Use, Management, and Status Preferred Local Uses. Recreation - fishing, boating on Robe Lake, hunting in upland habitat, development of cross country and downhill ski area; residential expansion - Robe River Subdivision and development of state land disposal area. Management and Status. Much of the land within this area is expected to remain as state-owned Public Interest Lands, managed for recreation, fish and wildlife habitat and watershed. It is possible that more state land disposal may occur in the area east of Robe Lake, placing more land in private ownership. The majority of the area will probably remain as open space, with some single-family residential and residential mobile homes. Transportation Highway. Increased use of the Richardson Highway associated with residential and port-related economic growth will require highway widening, although this is not foreseen in the near future. Private development of state disposal lands could require access from the Richardson Highway. This is most likely in the area east of Robe Lake. Recreation As the only sizable freshwater lake that is accessible by road, Robe Lake has excellent potential for boating, fishing and swimming. Rehabilitation of Robe Lake would improve water depth, water quality and fish habitat, thereby increasing the variety and quality of recreation. Winter use of the area has recently increased with the development of a small down hill ski facility which includes a rope tow, groomed slopes and parking. As use increases, facilities may be expanded. Cross country skiing is also proposed for this area. 5-28 Public Interest Lands. Public interest lands in the area have been partially classified for recreation/parks management. Formal development of trails and facilities will depend on demand levels and available monies. Rehabilitation of Robe Lake could lead to development of a boat launch and swimming facilities. 5.3.4 Valdez Glacier Stream Projected Resource Use and Activities Industrial Project Site. A 1170-acre site on the east side of Glacier Stream has been cleared and prepared. The site will remain as is, pending new opportunities for industrial development. Valdez Industrial Site. The City of Valdez has identified an additional 1675-acre industrial site on the west side of Glacier Stream, portions of this have been leased for gravel extraction and a small portion has been subdivided (Glacier Industrial Park) into five and ten acre parcels. Gravel Extraction. Gravel extraction has historically taken place within the Valdez Glacier Stream floodplain. Leases have recently been renewed, upon their expiration in 1990 the city hopes to develop a gravel extraction plan that will allow for the optimum development of gravel sites while not tying up valuable industrial development sites. Transportation. The airport and its link to the Port of Valdez will remain a vital part of the City's transportation industry. As industrial development of city and private land occurs, access will become more important. Residential. There is a mobile home park which is operating with a high vacancy rate. Other mobile home parks have been established in the area but have been closed. With industrial development these parks could be of importance in providing quick, temporary or low priced housing. Coastal Habitats Rivers, Lakes and Streams. Because of the high sediment load from the Valdez Glacier, neither Valdez Glacier Stream or its tributaries are anadromous fish streams. Because of this floodplain vegetation could be removed, as it is probably not important habitat. There are approximately 5-29 eight anadromous streams in this subarea. These occur in areas that are generally removed from developable lands. Important Upland Habitat. Site preparation for a proposed industrial project resulted in the loss of 800 acres of important upland habitat. No further loss of habitat is foreseen in the near future, although other industrial activity could result in further site clearing. Air and Water Quality Air Quality. Major industrial development, such as a petrochemical complex, or numerous smaller developments may require mitigation measures to avoid deterioration of air quality. Maintenance of air quality is partly a function of terrain, and also of meteorological characteristics such as inversions and air drainage off Valdez glaciers. Facility siting and emission control equipment can be used more effectively with knowledge of these functions. Further industrial development within the Valdez Glacier area should be examined, both as to ability to meet state and federal air quality criteria on-site, and for cumulative impacts on area air quality. Water Quality. Industrial development will have one major impact on water quality which is the increased surface runoff from facility sites. Because the high sediment load prevents surface use of Valdez Glacier Stream and because it is not a anadromous fish stream, the impact on Valdez Glacier Stream water quality would be minimal. However other anadromous streams in this subarea would be considered important habitat and would fall under the conservation district. Potential cumulative impacts, from runoff due to industrial development, in Port Valdez waters are discussed in Section 5.2, Regional Analysis. Geophysical Hazards Riverine and Glacier-Dammed Lake Outburst Flooding. Riverine and glacier-dammed outburst flooding have historically occurred on Valdez Glacier Stream. All activities within the floodway and floodway fringe are subject to the Valdez Flood Plain Management Ordinance. Gravel extraction within the floodway and floodway fringe, if conducted improperly, could cause the Valdez Glacier Stream to seek a new channel. Downstream damage from such an occurrence could be substantial. 5-30 Valdez Glacier 2 tags of wo Proposed® : i Bike Path <7 ui “7 - ‘ 7 @ravel / J \ oe ~ pf \ Pits H ‘ i i ey Trap ¢ and Skeet’ “Ranges **Glacié an bare gee ag of areakk Valdez Alport’ ZA -, POW fe Seg + i i Bp Eagle Nest Site x G tea ~—_ a Figure 5.5 Glacier Stream Seismic Hazards. During the 1964 earthquake, an area of liquefaction was observed along Corbin Creek and Valdez Glacier Stream near its highway crossing. Mass Wasting. Mass wasting along the steep slopes north of the airport and west of the glacier terminus present no hazards to existing development, and future development in those areas is unlikely. The two areas to the east of Valdez Glacier Stream, along Slater and Corbin Creeks, lie within municipal land zoned for industrial development and should be developed so hazards fram mass wasting are reduced. Avalanche Hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones occur along the steep slopes north of the airport and Mineral Creek. They present no hazard to existing development, but it is recommended that any structural development that may take place on the northern side of the airport facility incorporate appropriate siting design and construction mitigation measures. Land Use, Management and Status Preferred Local Uses. Industrial - A petrochemical complex, small industrial projects at Glacier Industrial Park; transportation - expansion of the Valdez Municipal Airport and industrial access roads; mineral extraction - gravel extraction along Valdez Glacier Stream; energy facilities - proposed gas liquids petrochemical plant site; recreation - bike path extension, neighborhood parks, trails. Management and Status. Industrial and transportation related development has been encouraged on municipal and private lands. State owned lands will most likely be managed for transportation uses in the vicinity of the airport and for recreation on public interest lands north and west of the airport. Use conflicts could occur between mobile home residential use and industrial development. Transportation Highway Improvements. Additional road access and improvements would be needed with increased industrial development . Air Transportation. Airport improvements have recently been completed. Additional space will be required to meet requirements for runway expansion, warehouse and hangar space associated with industrial commercial aviation and _ port- related development. 5-33 Recreation Activities. An increase in bicycling and hiking would occur if proposed facilities are provided. Recreation management of public interest lands could result in rehabilitation of the historic Valdez Glacier Trail. The proximity of the industrial sites to recreation sites could result in conflict if not managed properly. Facilities. Facilities proposed by the Valdez Department of Parks and Recreation include a bike path extension to an outlying subdivision (Robe Lake), campground improvements and rehabilitation of the Valdez Glacier Trail. Energy Facilities Petrochemical Plants and Refineries. The City of Valdez has identified a 1675-acre site on the west side of Valdez Glacier Stream as being suitable for gas liquids petrochemical or other petroleum-related facility. Products Pipelines. Products pipelines could require rights-of-way in the Valdez Glacier Stream area, if petrochemical development occurs in this area. Gravel Extraction Existing Sites. Expansion of existing sites is underway to meet gravel demand from private construction projects and various highway construction and municipal capital improvement projects. It is possible that improper extraction could cause Valdez Glacier Stream to seek a new channel. New Sites. Three new gravel sites have been leased to private parties for development. These sites vary in size and the degree of their development will depend on demand. Community Services Solid Waste Disposal. The City of Valdez has moved the municipal landfill operation from its location at the sewage treatment facilities to the Valdez Glacier Stream area. This site is expected to be full by early 1990's. Other potential sites in the area are limited by high ground water or by safety conflicts with the airport. Currently the City is investigating a limited landfill permit in the same area to deal with construction waste. 5-34 5.3.5 Old Town Projected Resource Use Light and Waterfront Industrial. The City of Valdez intends to utilize the Old Town site for low-density industrial purposes. An 82 acre site has been identified as a foreign trade zone site, however specific uses within this site have not been determined. Coastal Habitat Wetlands and Tide Flats. It is unlikely that intensive waterfront development will occur in Old Town due to the instability of the shoreline. Development that would occur would have little impact other than minor loss of habitat, particularly since the area had been intensely developed prior to the 1964 earthquake and is not considered highly productive habitat. Rivers, Streams and Lakes. Several anadromous fish streams occur in this area. A salmon run has also established itself in the drainage from the sewage treatment plant. Both these areas would be classified as important habitats and any development would be required to meet standards in this plan as well as State and Federal standards. Air and Water Quality. Water Quality As discussed under areawide water quality, the water quality in this end of Port Valdez could be affected by cumulative effluent discharge. Outfalls or any industrial source of effluent in this area should meet state and federal water quality standards, and the cumulative impact on Port Valdez water quality should be considered. Recreation There is limited use of this subarea for recreation. However there is a plaque, commemorating those who died during the 1964 earthquake, which is on the old post office foundation. This site is not visited often due to its low visibility. Geophysical Hazards Seismic Hazard. The seismic affects of the 1964 earthquake on Old Town are well documented. The area has the potential for ground liquefaction and slumping of the 5-35 waterfront into Port Valdez during another seismic event. Since the state acquired ownership, the Urban Renewal Agreement has restricted use of the area within the dikes at the Old Townsite to nonstructural uses such as pipe storage. One of the problems in determining permissible use of the area is that the areal extent, magnitude and frequency of the potential hazard are unknown. Without data, the course of action has been to restrict use of the area, particularly in light of the damage done in 1964. A comprehensive seismic investigation of the area could help determine the areal extent, magnitude and frequency of hazard. Based on new knowledge and assessment of seismic risk, structures could be sited and designed to minimize the consequences of a seismic event. This would allow greater utilitization and appropriate siting and design measures to be implemented. Seiche/Storm Run-Up. The extent of seiche/storm run-up has been estimated at 12 feet. Loss of life and property damage could result from improperly sited and designed development within this area. Land Use, Management and Status Preferred Local Use. Light Industrial - warehouse and other lower density uses back from the waterfront: use of the FTZ site, expansion of the marshalling yard to create a staging area; Waterfront Industrial - ship repair and other water-related uses. Management _and Status. Land management responsibility for the Old Town area is unclear and needs to be resolved. Because of its waterfront location, transportation access and the limited amount of available level land in Valdez, the City of Valdez would like to utilize the Old Town area. At this point, the original Urban Renewal Agreement prohibits structural use of the area and allows use only ona case-by- case basis. Community Facilities Sewage Treatment. If a substantial population increase occurs associated with industrial development, expansion of the sewage treatment facility will be required to meet treatment demands. Adequate space for expansion from three to six sewage treatment cells is available. Doubling the treatment capacity would meet the needs of a population of 12,000. 5-36 Di & prem et Subaroa i i i Salmon Viewing F , Hatcher Platform—~fe pn Creek Islands i y Loop Road Container Terminal Port Valdez (FTZ) Duck Flats Figure 5.6 Old Town, Loop Road & Valdez Duck Flats 5.3.6 Loop Road Projected Resource Use and Activities Valdez Port Project. The City of Valdez has constructed a container terminal facility near Ammunition Island on the southern edge of the Duck Flats. The Valdez Container Terminal was completed in 1983. The design consists of a floating dock 400 by 100 feet with -44 feet mean lower low water (MLLW) at the face, and mooring dolphins with an expanse of about 1,200 feet. A 21 acre marshalling yard is adjacent to the dock. The dock is reached by two 100-foot by 54-foot concrete ramps, all connected to the mainland bya 1,500-foot trestle and 1,800-foot causeway. Long range plans include development of an additional 120 acres within the Old Townsite as a staging area. Eventually the port facility will connect to the airport, linking them as a complete freight handling unit. The 21 acre marshalling yard is within the foreign trade zone boundaries. Coastal Habitats Wetlands and Tideflats. Waterfront industrial or commercial activity may occur affecting wetland and tideflat habitat. Two occupied eagle's nests are located in this area, both would need to be buffered by setbacks if development was to occur. Setbacks would vary with each project. Rivers, Lakes and Streams. All three streams traversing the area are anadromous fish streams which are sensitive to obstruction of fish passage and sedimentation from construction activities. These streams are important habitat areas and would be protected by local as well as state and federal regulations. Air and Water Quality Air Quality. Vessel movement into the City port facility will introduce emissions into the area. The level of emission impact will depend on trip frequency, vessel type and meteorological conditions. Geophysical Hazards Seismic Hazards. The southeastern portion of the area has a potential for ground liquefaction and slumping of the waterfront into Port Valdez. Site specific seismic investigations on a project-by-project basis would help 5-39 determine the areal extent, magnitude, and frequency of hazard. Based on that knowledge and assessment of seismic risk, structures could be sited and designed to minimize the consequences of a seismic event. Seiche/Storm Run-up. The extent of seiche/storm run-up has been estimated to be 12 feet. Loss of life and property damage could result from improperly sited and designed development within the waterfront portion of this area. Land Use, Management, and Status Preferred Local Use. Waterfront industrial and light industrial - general use associated with the port facility and support services associated with petrochemical refinery industries and fisheries. Currently there are residential, commercial and light industrial uses of this area. The northwestern area including Zook Subdivision will develop toward commercial and residential uses. The remainder of the area is proposed for light industrial use (port and transportation related use). A 69.5 acre site has been set aside for use as a foreign trade zone. This site is located between Mineral Creek Loop Road and the Richardson Highway in the central portion of the subarea. Development could be linked with airport related uses. Transportation Highway Improvements. Port operations, associated truck traffic and industrial development may require access and intersection improvements on the Richardson Highway. Marine Transportation. With the development of the City's port facility, this area will become the center of an important regional and city commodity port complex. As facility demands grows, dock and marshalling yard expansion will take place in this area. Coastal Access Industrial Access. Highway access, proximity to town and available space for port and water dependent industrial facilities make this one of the district's important light industrial development areas. Maintenance of coastal industrial and transportation access is necessary to ensure continued economic growth in the community. Community Services 5-40 Water System. A port-Loop Road water system project was completed in 1983. Facilities include an insulated distribution line to the port, a water storage tank and a distribution network in the Loop Road area. 5.3.7 Valdez Duck Flats Projected Resource Use and Activities Fish and Wildlife Habitat. Waterfowl staging and rearing areas, anadromous fish spawning and rearing areas make much of this area critical habitat for fish and wildlife. Recreation. Passive recreation use of the area including bird watching and sightseeing. A turnout for tourists on the north side of the Richardson Highway is a popular area to watch salmon spawning. Community Facilities. Potential expansion of Valdez boat harbor on the port side of the peninsula just east of the Valdez boat harbor has been discussed. Proposed AMSA Designation. The Duck Flats has been proposed as an AMSA because of its importance as a critical habitat and potential conflicts with other activities in or adjacent to the area. Chapter 8 describes the area in greater detail. Coastal Habitats Offshore Areas. While no projects have been scheduled for the specific area, construction of the city container facility and proposed construction of the commercial boat harbor are facilities adjacent to the Duck Flats. The port facility was+designed to maintain circulation and fish passage into the Duck Flats. Construction of the commercial boat harbor and operation of the container facility may result in temporarily higher sediment levels and accidental hydrocarbon or bilge discharge. Wetlands and Tideflats. The Valdez Duck Flats are biologically important wetlands, and are sensitive to dredge and fill, sedimentation and degradation of water quality. Valdez boat harbor expansion has the potential for additional habitat loss. Rivers, Streams and Lakes. Any changes in the area 5-41 should maintain fish passage to spawning areas north of the Richardson Highway. Air and Water Quality Water Quality. Valdez boat harbor construction bordering the area should maintain water circulation patterns in and around the Duck Flats. With impaired circulation, waste discharges without proper safeguards at the port and Valdez boat harbor could degrade water quality and impact the biological productivity of the area. Geophysical Hazards Avalanche Hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones occur in the northwest corner of the area. While development in the area is unlikely, none should take place within the chute or runout zone. Seiche/Storm Run-up. The extent of seiche/storm run-up has been estimated at 12 feet. Loss of life and property damage could result from improperly sited and designed development within the area. land Use Management and Status Preferred Local Use. Recreation - natural setting, bike path; fisheries - fish hatchery; habitat - salmon and waterfowl habitat; expansion of waterfront related and commercial uses in portions along the Richardson Highway on the western edge of the Duck Flats. Management and Status. The area is primarily in state ownership; however, both the City of Valdez and private individuals own land in the Duck Flats. Development proposals for the private holdings are likely. Special Management to accommodate multiple use is recommended. To accomplish this the greater portion of the area (all public lands) has been zoned as a conservation district whose uses are limited to uses not affecting wildlife habitat. Such uses would include bird watching, photography and other passive activities. Transportation Access Roads. The proposed commercial boat harbor and any private development bordering the Duck Flats would require construction of road access from the Valdez boat harbor and Richardson Highway, respectively. 5-42 Port Expansion. Based on a high economic growth scenario additional port facilities may be required. The Mineral Creek Islands are the most economically feasible location for port expansion. Recreation Activities. Participation in viewing spawning salmon, bird watching and enjoying the natural setting of the Duck Flats will grow with increases in local population and tourism. Management of the area should incorporate existing and projected recreation activities. A bike path is adjacent to the Richardson Highway on its northern edge. Three wheelers and snow machines have established a path just south of the highway. Tourism. The Duck Flats are a tourist attraction in the Valdez area, providing a scenic panorama from the Richardson Highway. The salmon viewing platform at the Crooked Creek highway pullout is also a popular attraction. Coastal Access Richardson Highway. The Richardson Highway serves many functions, it provides access as a public road, it is used for recreation and it is a scenic corridor. 5.3.8 Central Valdez Projected Resource Use and Activities General Urban Development. Continued expansion of residential and commercial districts including various capital improvement projects. Commercial Boat Harbor. Construction of a commercial boat harbor has been proposed on the south side of Dock Point, off of Mineral Creek Island. Facilities for the 1,000-foot by 2500-foot harbor would include a breakwater and 350-foot floats to support vessels in the 60 to 300-foot range. Valdez Boat Harbor Expansion. Expansion of the eastern end of the small boat harbor is scheduled to be completed in 1986 and will provide new slips primarily for recreational boating. Redevelopment of the western end of the small boat harbor is also planned for 1986. This would allow large 5-43 tourist boats to dock. Fish Processing. Continued development of the fish processing industry includes proposals for a new canning plant and a new processor. Coastal Habitat Rocky Islands and Seacliffs. Construction of the commercial boat harbor could have an impact on rocky island and seacliff habitat on Mineral Creek Island. Habitat removal of the island should be minimized. Air and Water Quality Water Quality. The continued expansion of the fish processing industry could have an impact on port Valdez water quality within this area. The level of impact will depend on the processing characteristics, waste treatment and discharge methods adopted by the operator. Expansion of the Valdez boat harbor and a new commercial boat harbor could increase discharges and accidental events such as fuel spills from vessels. These impacts on Port Valdez are discussed under area-wide impacts. Geophysical Hazards Avalanche Hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones along steep slopes north of town do not threaten existing development, and future development in those areas are unlikely due to the zoning classification and steep terrain. Mass Wasting. Mass wasting occurs along the steep slopes north of town. Due to the steep terrain and zoning classification, it is unlikely that development will occur in these areas. Riverine Flooding. Mineral Creek experiences periodic flooding from heavy rainfall and breakup. One hundred year flood events do not appear to affect existing or proposed residential development on the eastern side of Mineral Creek. Land Use, Management and Status Preferred Local Uses. Waterfront commercial/industrial - fish processing, petroleum products supply, fishing and marine supply, motels and restaurants; transportation (water related) - ferry terminal, expanded small boat harbor, commercial boat harbor, private and public docking facilities; recreation (water-related) - boat launch 5-44 TTT Ss Schools ) ma or Parks Public Facilities Gy book “| Residential Areas Ferry Terminal Central Business District Central Valdez | Seafood Processors Bald Eagle Nest Site Figure 5.7 _ Central Valdez & Mineral Creek Flats facilities, harbor boardwalk, trail access in Meals Hill area; non-water-related uses - residential (single-family and multi-family), general commercial, transportation improvements, community services (schools, water and sewer improvements) and recreation improvements. Management and Status. The majority of land within the new townsite area is in private and municipal ownership. Transportation Marine Transportation. As part of its Capital Improvements Program, the City of Valdez is expanding the Valdez boat harbor and proposing to construct a commercial boat harbor. These actions will provide additional recreation boat slip space and new facilities more suitable for support of the expanding fishing industry. The residents of Valdez would like to see Alaska Marine Highway service to Valdez expanded to a year-round operation. Commercial Boat Harbor. Construction of a commercial boat harbor will provide needed space and support facilities for fishing and vessels that are marginally accommodated by the Valdez boat harbor. Highway Transportation. Increasing traffic levels on the Richardson Highway as it enters the new town area have created a need for highway improvements regarding access and intersection safety. Several options are currently being considered. Recreation Activities and Facilities. With population growth and increased use by nonresidents, demand for boat slip space has increased. Expansion of the Valdez boat harbor will add 356 slips by mid 1986. A boardwalk, parking and restrooms are also part of this project. The Valdez boat harbor is an important tourism complex which includes motels, restaurants, laundry facilities and tour boat operators. The city is also trying to attract the military for development of recreation facilities that would serve both military bases in Fairbanks. 5-47 Coastal Access Marine Access. Valdez boat harbor expansion and the new commercial boat harbor will increase recreation and fishing boat access in the Valdez harbor area. Recreation Access. Recreation access to the coastal portion of the downtown area will be improved by completing the construction of the harbor boardwalk. Fish Processing Facilities. The City of Valdez is promoting continued growth of the fish processing industry. Shrimp and bottom fish are now also being processed. New canning and processing facilities are proposed. 5.3.9 Mineral Creek Flats Projected Resource Use and Activities Residential Development. The City of Valdez has selected land under municipal conveyance in the Mineral Creek Flats area for residential development. Proximity to the downtown area and relatively level land make this area a logical spot for residential development when the City's population expands. Conceptual design for a residential area have been completed. Coastal Habitats Wetlands and Tideflats. The tideflats and coastal wetlands across the mouth of the Mineral Creek Flats area are important juvenile salmon rearing areas. An eagle's nest has been identified at the mouth of Mineral Creek. These areas are sensitive to disturbance from dredge and fill activities and sedimentation from upstream development. Activities and use of municipal and private lands should avoid or mitigate these impacts. Rivers, Streams and Lakes. The small streams traversing the Mineral Creek Flat area are sensitive to obstruction of fish passage and sedimentation caused by construction. Development and accompanying access roads could cause both impacts. Access across anadromous fish streams and development within proximity to anadromous streams is regulated by local as well as state and federal laws. 5-48 Important Uplands. The Mineral Creek Flat has been identified as an area of upland habitat, but of lesser importance than Robe Lake and Lowe River uplands. It has also been selected by the City of Valdez as one of few areas suitable for residential expansion. When expansion occurs, some upland habitat will be removed. It is recommended to minimize clearing that greenbelts be identified prior to development, particularly in the area bordering the mouth of Mineral Creek Canyon. Setbacks would be maintained and greenbelts established to the extent possible. Air and Water Quality Water Quality. Site preparation for residential development and transportation facilities can cause increased sediment loads in streams. Because of the sensitive nature of anadromous streams, such activities should take precautions to minimize increasing sediment load in streams. Geophysical Hazards Mass Wasting. Potential mass wasting areas have been identified on the steep slopes northwest of Mineral Creek Flats. Due to the steep terrain, it is unlikely that development will occur in these areas. Because the degree of hazard can be determined only by site specific investigations, and mitigation measures are also site specific, development within identified mass wasting zones should exhibit appropriate site investigation and mitigation measures. Riverine Flooding. Mineral Creek experiences periodic flooding from heavy rainfall and breakup. Flooding occurs along Mineral Creek and several of the small streams in the Flats area. Because of its designation for residential development, precautions should be taken when designing and siting development. Avalanche Hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones are present on the steep slopes northwest of Mineral Creek Flats. Development is unlikely on steep slopes, but should be sited away from runout zones. Recreation Activities. The northwestern portion of the district has been identified as public interest land, recreation management. Improved access with residential development will increase recreation pressure on the area. Existing uses include skiing and snowmobiling in the winter and hiking in the summer. 5-49 Facilities. Facilities would be developed if the area is developed as residential including a Mineral Creek Greenbelt on the east and west sides of the stream and bike trails. Coastal Access Recreation Access. Mineral Creek and its floodplain provide boating and foot recreation access. Development should maintain access through easements, greenbelts or other appropriate measures. Community Facilities Water and Sewer. Residential development will create demand for water and waste disposal. Proximity to town and high water table makes connection to municipal water and sewer service necessary. Other Services. Residential development will create a demand for electric, telephone and solid waste removal services. Utilities should be placed underground where feasible. 5.3.10 Mineral Creek Canyon Projected Resource Use and Activities Mining. Several mining claims are located on both sides of Mineral Creek Canyon. One mine is in operation and interest has been shown in activating other claims, and may increase as economics make mining more attractive. New placer mining claims are also being proposed in the canyon. Recreation. Already a popular summer recreation area, recreation use of Mineral Creek Canyon will increase with population growth. Winter use of the area is also heavy. A city groomed ski trail attracts cross country skiers. snowmobilers also make use of the area. Tourism. Proximity and access to town make this a tourism and wilderness resource. Proposed AMSA Designation. Mineral Creek Canyon has been proposed as an AMSA because of the importance of this area for recreation and the potential conflicts between this and other uses including mineral extraction. Chapter 8 describes this area in greater detail. 5-50 x Oo ® fa oO i aot, waa Cen me me ¢ Sen, om a . _ —— me, st Fork . Horsetail Creek * Figure 5.8 Mineral Creek Canyon Coastal Habitats Rivers, Streams and Lakes. The lower portion of Mineral Creek is an anadromous fish stream and is sensitive to obstruction of fish passage and sedimentation of spawning areas. Mining activities in Mineral Creek Canyon should minimize increasing the sediment load of Mineral Creek and avoid damage to spawning habitat downstream. Air and Water Quality Water Quality. Mining can cause increased sediment loads in streams through improper placement of spoils, tailing piles and water treatment. On-site measures should be taken to avoid spoil and tailing piles in Mineral Creek and its tributaries. Geophysical Hazards Avalanche Hazard. Steep slopes on both sides of Mineral Creek Canyon are prone to avalanche in several locations. Placement of structures for mining or recreation purposes should avoid avalanche chutes and runout zones. Where runout zones cannot be avoided, placement of diversion structures is recommended. Mass Wasting. Potential mass wasting areas occur along the west-facing slopes of Mineral Creek Canyon. Because the degree of hazard can be determined only by site specific investigations, and mitigation measures are also site specific, development within identified mass wasting zones should exhibit appropriate site investigation and mitigation measures. Riverine Flooding. Mineral Creek experiences periodic flooding from heavy rainfall and breakup. All activities within the floodway and floodway fringe are subject to local laws. Land Use, Management and Status Preferred Local Use. Recreation - natural setting, skiing, snowmachining, hiking, kayaking (lower section). Management and Status. Most of Mineral Creek Canyon has been designated public interest land for recreation management. This designation may result in future recreation facility improvements. Several valid private mining claims are located in the area; reactivation may change with mining economics. Residential use of small tract 5-53 at the lower end of Mineral Creek Canyon is possible. Recreation Activities. Mineral Creek Canyon has long been considered a summer recreation resource by Valdez residents. An old stamp mill located less than a mile from the end of Mineral Creek Road attracts tourists as well as local residents. Mineral Creek Road is also considered a scenic drive which attracts many people. Coastal Access Scenic Corridor and Recreation Access. A gravel road up Mineral Creek Canyon constitutes a scenic corridor and provides recreation access to both vehicles and hikers. Use of this access will probably increase with population and tourism growth. Industrial Access. Should mining claims be reactivated the road up Mineral Creek Canyon could be used for movement of equipment, supplies and ore. Transportation Mineral Creek Road. A summer season road runs from the new town area seven miles up Mineral Creek Canyon. The avalanche hazard poses severe problems to keeping the road open year-round; summer access is partially maintained by DOT, but road deterioration in the upper canyon restricts access. A recurrence of mining activity could require increased maintenance or road improvements. The road is used by skiers and snowmobilers in the winter. Mineral Extraction and Processing Mineral Extraction. Mineral Creek Canyon was the site of several productive gold mines around the turn of the century; many of these claims are still valid but not currently active. Rising gold prices have led to the reactivation of other dormant mines in Alaska, and it is possible that claims in Mineral Creek Canyon will be mined in the near future. Ore extraction and preliminary processing would occur on-site, with the concentrated ore shipped elsewhere for refining. Mining would require disposal of spoil and tailings in a manner that minimizes degradation of water quality as well as the scenic quality of the canyon. 5.3.11 Dayville Road 5-54 Projected Resources use and activities Allison Point Industrial Site. The City of Valdez has selected land adjacent to the Alyeska Marine Terminal for petroleum related industrial development. Hydroelectric Power Generation. The Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Project, generating 12 MW of electricity, was completed in 1982. Facilities include a lake tap, power tunnel, penstock and two powerhouses. The Corps of Engineers has proposed development of hydroelectric power generation at Allison Lake. Estimated power generation from this project would be 8 MW. Fish Hatchery. The Valdez Fisheries Development Association has built a pink and silver salmon hatchery at the mouth of Solomon Gulch. The hatchery, completed in 1983, will also include saltwater rearing pens off Allison Point. Recreation/Tourism. The Dayville Road area has enjoyed increasing use for pink and silver salmon fishing and as an informal RV camping area. A fishing pier is scheduled to be constructed off of Allison Point. This would extend 180' into Port Valdez and would serve tourists as well as local residents. A hiking trail was completed in 1985 that begins at Solomon Gulch and extends to Solomon Lake. Coastal Habitats Exposed High Energy Coast. Construction of a petrochemical industrial site will result in some habitat loss. However, this habitat type is common in both the area and district, and habitat loss associated with a dock would have minimal biological impact. Rivers, Lakes and Streams. Both Solomon Gulch and Allison Creek are anadromous fish streams. Salmon spawning habitat at Solomon Gulch is intertidal; use of the penstock and other design features of the Solomon Gulch Hydro Project should maintain flow over spawning areas and prevent habitat impact. Construction and operation of a hydroelectric facility at Allison Gulch presents a potential for impact to anadromous fish and habitat if flow is not maintained over spawning areas during construction and operation activities. Anadromous spawning and rearing areas should be located, and 5-55 facilities designed and placed to minimize impacts. Geophysical Hazards Avalanche Hazards. An avalanche chute and runout zone occurs along Dayville Road between Abercrombie Gulch and Solomon Gulch. This chute presents no danger to the road and traffic. Structures, transmission lines and above-ground pipelines should avoid avalanche chutes and runout zones, unless diversion devices or other protection are placed in the runout zone. Mass Wasting. There are several small, scattered potential mass wasting areas on steep slopes at higher elevations south of Dayville Road. It is unlikely that development will take place in these areas. Seiche/Storm Run-up. The extent of seiche/storm run-up has been estimated to be 12 feet above MLLW. Loss of life and property damage could result fram development within the waterfront portion of this area if design and siting mitigation measures are not employed. Land Use, Management and Status Preferred Local Use. Waterfront industrial use associated with the Alyeska Marine Terminal, and other potential petroleum related products dock; municipally-owned waterfront industrial land; hydroelectric generation and transmission facilities at Solomon Gulch and Allison Lake; recreation fishing along Dayville Road; scenic corridor - view of City of Valdez, natural setting and Alyeska Marine Terminal. Management and Status. Land within the area falls under private, municipal, state public interest land, and Chugach National Forest management. Private and municipal land are likely to be developed for industrial purposes. Both the Allison Lake and Abercrombie Gulch watersheds have been designated for watershed management under state public interest land classification. Chugach National Forest is currently preparing a Forest Land and Resource Management Plan; forest land within the Valdez Coastal Management District has been primarily designated for scenic resources and public recreation use (Lyons 1980 personal communication) . Recreation 5-56 Bald Eagle Fort Liscom Nest Site : _ Site oH Fishing Dock vee Hatchery ile I Road Y Hydroelectric et . al ‘ ™ ni ee | "8 Alaska Doe. Petroleum Related! Industrial Site 4 Trail - \ 1S ; i Sccn Lake ane Figure 5.9 Dayville Road Activities. Recreational fishing for salmon is popular among Valdez residents and tourists since Dayville Road offers the only major onshore access to saltwater salmon fishing. Highway pullouts between Solomon Gulch and the Alyeska Marine Terminal are used as informal RV campgrounds. This area is encompassed by municipal land zoned for petroleum industry related use. Facilities. Pavement of popular fishing pullouts and provision of trash dumping facilities would allow more intensive use of the area. The Solomon Gulch project includes development of a hiking trail from Dayville Road to Solomon Lake. A150 foot long fishing pier is scheduled to be built in mid 1986 just east of Allison Creek. Coastal Access Public Road Access. Dayville Road provides the only public road access along the south side of Port Valdez. Its primary purpose is to provide road access to the Alyeska Marine Terminal, with a secondary role as recreation access and a scenic corridor. Recreation Access. As the only road-accessible area for saltwater salmon fishing, Dayville Road provides important recreation access. This access will become more valuable if development of additional marine facilities restricts small boat fishing in the area. A trailhead from the road at Solomon Gulch provides hiking access to Solomon Lake. Industrial development along Dayville Road should maintain recreation access for fishing by easements or other appropriate means. Scenic Corridor. Dayville Road is a scenic corridor, providing the only road access on the southside of Port Valdez. It provides views of the natural setting, City of Valdez, Solomon Gulch and Alyeska Marine terminal (one of the major tourist attractions in Valdez). Construction of transmission lines for the Solomon Gulch project has lowered the quality of the view along the highway. Future industrial development could have a similar impact, and care should be taken to maintain access to views of Port Valdez, the City and the Alyeska Marine Terminal. Energy Facilities Hydroelectric Generation Facilities. The Solomon Gulch project, which generates 12 MW of power for Valdez, Copper Center and Glennallen was completed in 1982. The Corps of 5-59 Engineers has identified Allison Lake as a potential location for additional hydroelectric development. Estimated to produce 8 MW of electricity, the Allison Gulch project could replace 8 more costly diesel fuel generation in Valdez and provide for power for industrial development. Petroleum Related Facilities. The City of Valdez has designated a municipal land selection (Allison Point) adjacent to the Alyeska Marine Terminal for petroleum related industrial use. Energy related facilities are a high priority for this site. Fish Processing Hatcheries. The Valdez Fisheries Development Association has built a pink, chum, silver and king salmon hatchery at the mouth of Solomon Gulch. The hatchery has goals to produce an estimated 8 million pink fry, 15 million chum fry, 750,000 silver fry and 140,000 king salmon. Pink and chum fry will be held on-site 30 to 45 days, with silver fry taken to an on site outdoor raceway and floating saltwater net pens. King salmon are reared outside of Valdez and brought to the hatchery for placement into the port. The facility is aimed at increasing both commercial and recreation fishery stocks. The return rate of adult salmon is estimated to be 2 to 6 percent of released fry. 5.3.12 Western Port Valdez Projected Resource Use and Activities Land Transfers. The State of Alaska has selected two parcels of land within Chugach National Forest under Community Grant Lands. Use possibilities include availability for municipal selection and development of marine oriented recreation facilities. Recreation. Both Shoup Bay and Anderson Bay have been identified as areas of high recreation quality. Facility development is a long-term possibility. Shoup Bay is a state park which attracts tourists from Valdez. Coastal Habitat Barrier Islands and Lagoons. The Shoup Bay spit is the only land form that can be classified as a "barrier island". Because it is unique in the district, material borrow or other activities that could damage habitat should be prohibited. 5-60 1'Shoup Bay State Marine Park Entrance @ Bak Eagle Nest Sites Figure 5.10 Western Port Valdez Rivers, Streams and Lakes. While timber harvesting and other consumptive resource use is unlikely in this area, the identified anadromous fish streams are sensitive to obstruction of fish passage and stream sedimentation. Timber harvesting within the vicinity of anadromous streams should occur in accordance with State forestry management practices. Geophysical Hazards Avalanche Hazards. Several avalanche chutes and runout zones have been identified north of Valdez Narrows. While development in this area is unlikely, none should occur within identified avalanche chutes and runout zones. Mass Wasting. Several potential mass wasting areas have been identified on both sides of Port Valdez. Because the degree of hazard can be determined only by site specific investigations, and mitigation measures are also site specific, development within identified mass wasting zones should exhibit appropriate site investigation and mitigation measures. Seiche/Storm Run-up. The extent of seiche/storm run-up has been estimated at 12 feet. Loss of life and property damage could result from improperly sited and designed development within this area. Land Use, Management and Status Preferred Local Use. Recreation - saltwater fishing and recreational boating, hiking and camping; energy facilities - potential energy facility site in Jack Bay. Land Management and Status. The majority of land in this area is likely to remain in state and federal ownership. The U.S. Forest Service is currently preparing a Forest Land and Resource Management Plan for Chugach National Forest; land within the coastal management district has a preliminary design for scenic resources and public recreation. The area within the vicinity of Shoup Bay is managed by BLM under multiple use guidelines. Some federal and state interest has been shown in recreation use of Shoup Bay. State lands include those managed for watershed and recreation under public interest land classification and lands selected for community grant lands. Community grant lands are selected primarily for expansion of existing communities or establishment of new communities. As in the case of Jack Bay, they may be used for municipal land 5-63 selection or classified as public interest lands. Both Anderson and Jack Bays have been mentioned as possible recreation areas. Transportation Marine. Construction and operation of the City Port and future industrial development will increase tanker and container ship traffic in Port Valdez. Increased recreational boating and identification of onshore recreation areas may require construction of small boat mooring and landing facilities. Recreation Activities. Western Port Valdez is a major recreation resource of Valdez. Small Boat recreation and fishing is popular during summer months. Lack of facilities limits onshore use to occasional landings and camping. Facilities. Anderson Bay and Jack Bay have been identified by state and federal agencies as potential recreation areas. Official designation as recreation areas could result in construction of limited facilities to improve boat access and onshore use. Coastal Access Boat Access. Access to western Port Valdez is currently limited to small boats, primarily for recreation purposes. 5-64 6.0 Policies, Subject u— Proper and Improper Uses Trans Alaska Pipeline Terminal Courtesy of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company 6.0 SUBJECT USES, PROPER AND IMPROPER USES AND POLICIES 6.1 SUBJECT USES The following activities and uses of coastal land and water resources are subject to the Valdez District Coastal Management Program: Coastal Development - industrial, commercial and residential development Recreation - designation of areas and facilities Industrial and Commercial Facilities - petroleum and product refining, storage, transportation and transfer; electric and hydroelectric generation facilities and transmission lines Fisheries - seafood processing, fishery enhancement and rehabilitation Transportation - highway, air and marine facilities Utilities - water and sewer lines and facilities, solid waste disposal, utility lines Timber Harvesting and Processing - timber sales and harvesting, log storage and transfer Mineral Extraction and Processing - hard rock minerals, gravel, sand and other construction materials Subsistence - subsistence areas and activities Subject uses include all uses and activities subject to a coastal consistency determination under 6 AAC 50. 6.2 USES OF STATE CONCERN The policies of the Valdez District Coastal Management Program reflect the five categories of Uses of State Concern, which are defined as those land and water uses which would significantly affect the long term public interest. The five 6-1 categories are listed below: (a) uses of national interest, including the resources for the siting of ports and major facilities which contribute to meeting national energy needs, construction and maintenance of navigational facilities and systems, resource development of federal land and national defense related security facilities that are dependent upon coastal locations; (b) uses of more local concern, including those land and water uses which confer significant environmental, social, cultural or economic benefits or burdens beyond a single coastal resource district; (c) the siting of major energy facilities or large-scale industrial or commercial development activities which are dependent on a coastal location and which, because of their magnitude or the magnitude of their effect on the economy of the state or the surrounding area, are reasonably likely to present issues of more than local significance; (d) facilities serving statewide or interregional transportation and communication needs; and (e) uses in areas established as state parks or recreational areas under AS 41.21 or as state game refuges, game sanctuaries or critical habitat areas under AS 16.20. These Uses of State Concern have been further defined by Coastal Policy Council Resolution #13. They include the following: Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Capital projects that have statewide, interregional and interdistrict uses which impact the state's transportation system, including highways, roads, trails, railroads, pipelines, airports (for land and seaplanes), the Marine Highway System (ferries, docks, piers, and terminals), boat docks and harbors. Department of Fish and Game 6-2 Conservation of anadromous fish waters; Harvest of fish and wildlife; The research, management and enhancement of fish and wildlife; and Department of Environmental Conservation ° oO Conservation and maintenance of air quality; Conservation and maintenance of water quality; Assurance of proper solid waste disposal. Conservation of state game areas, critical habitat and sanctuaries. Department of Natural Resources oO The utilization, development and conservation of state energy resources; Siting of major energy facilities; The utilization, development and conservation of state minerals and materials. Large scale industrial and commercial development (associated with state resource development) ; Transportation facilities associated with state resource development ; The utilization, development and conservation of all lands and waters belonging to the state; The utilization, development and conservation of all state forest resources; and Management of state historic, prehistoric and archaeological resources. 6.3 PROPER AND IMPROPER USES In accordance with the policy of multiple use of resources, the determination of proper and improper uses of 6.4 coastal land and water resources within the Valdez Coastal Management District is not an exclusionary process. Proposed uses are measured by performance with regard to policies and the Alaska Coastal Management Plan standards. All land and water uses are considered proper as long as they comply with the ACMP standards, the enforceable policies of this program and applicable federal and state regulations. A land and water use or activity will be considered improper if it is inconsistent with the ACMP standards and the policies of this program, or it does not comply with, or cannot be modified to comply with, the applicable federal and state regulations. GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT In recognition that the Valdez Coastal Management District contains the majority of all developable lands as well as providing habitat for many species of flora and fauna, the Coastal Management Citizens committee recommended that viable economic uses be considered that are both geared to a coastal setting and designed for the enhancement of the physical environment. The Committee was especially cognizant of the Valdez lifestyle and clean environment, keeping in mind the desire to sustain a stable economy, but not to the detriment of the natural beauty of and quality of life in Valdez. To accomplish the goals and objectives of the Valdez Coastal Management Program, a set of principles or policies are set forth here to guide decisions concerning activities and uses in the coastal zone. Policies are the enforceable rules of the Valdez Coastal Management Program; all uses and activities subject to the program must comply with the Coastal Management policies in order to be determined consistent with the coastal management program. All parties participating in the consistency determination process will use the policies as the means for determining consistency. Compliance with these policies does not eliminate the need to comply with other applicable federal, state and local regulations. The policies presented in this Chapter are designed to identify "performance standards" for the maintenance of important resource values and uses while providing some flexibility in making consistency determinations. Activities and uses subject to a consistency determination must clearly 6-4 6.5 show compliance with coastal management policies. In some cases the policies incorporate the standards of the Alaska Coastal Management Program, other policies expand upon or supplement the state standards. These policies actively promote: sensible and efficient use of coastal lands; consolidation of activities; concurrent or multiple use of lands; use of sound engineering practices; protection of environmental quality; enhancement of fish and wildlife resources; regional cooperation and coordination between state and federal agencies and the City of Valdez. Achieving balance is also important, particularly where there are potentially competing goals, such as industrial development and resource enhancement where local preferences differ from state and federal interest, where planning for activities in the coastal area can lead to unnecessary restrictions, or where short-run gains result in the forfeiture of long-run benefits. Finally, the policies are action-oriented. With its planning and regulatory powers, the City of Valdez will, along with State agencies, implement this program. The allocation of fiscal and human resources and cooperation with private developers and other levels of government will assure this. In addition to enforceable policies, several administrative policies for the City of Valdez have been included. They are labeled "Administrative Policies", and follow the enforceable policies. These policies are recognized as unenforceable and are intended to provide direction to the City of Valdez when reviewing permittable activities. POLICIES A complete listing of policies follows with a reference letter and number for each category. A. COASTAL DEVELOPMENT l. Water-Related and Water-Dependent Uses. In planning for and approving development in shoreline areas, priorities shall be in the following order: (a) water-dependent uses and activities; 6-5 (b) water-related uses and activities; and (c) uses and activities which are neither water- dependent nor water-related for which there is no feasible and prudent inland alternative to meet the public need for the use or activity. 2. Habitat Protection. All land and water uses and activities shall be conducted with appropriate planning and implementation to avoid potentially adverse impacts on fish and wildlife and their habitats. 3. Development In and Over water. To the extent feasible and prudent, development in or over water, such as piers, docks and protective structures shall avoid adverse impacts on water quality, fish and wildlife, vegetation and physical processes. 4. Buffer Zones. Where industrial uses and activities May cause significant adverse visual or noise impacts on adjacent uses and activities, the developer shall be required to provide adequate screening or open space buffers to reduce the nuisance to acceptable levels. Where prudent and feasible a 100 foot buffer of natural vegetation will be maintained. 5. Alteration of Bodies of Water. The placement of structures and the discharge of dredge or fill material into waterbodies, floodways, backshores or wetlands must, at a minimum, comply with the standards contained in parts 320- 330, Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations. 6. Sewage Systems. Every building in which plumbing fixtures are installed and every premise with drainage piping thereon shall have a connection to a public sewer or an approved on-site sewage disposal system. 7. Hazardous Lands. Residential development shall not occur in areas designated as hazardous areas (including those shown in figures 4.1 and 4.2) such as avalanche runout zones, active floodways and high water channels and unstable slopes and shorelines. 8. Cooperative Uses of Facilities. Cooperative use of piers, cargo handling, storage, parking or other water-front facilities is strongly encouraged. (Administrative Policy) 9. Coordination. The City of Valdez shall use zoning, subdivision and floodplain ordinances and building codes as well as implementation procedures set forth in this plan to 6-6 implement the district plan. Regulation shall allow flexibility in the techniques used to achieve the desired goals and objectives of the local government, as expressed in the District Coastal Management Program. (Administrative Policy) 10. Optimum Iocation. The City of Valdez shall assist with the identification of suitable sites for industrial development which satisfy industrial requirements, meet safety standards, protect fish and wildlife resources and maintain environmental quality. (Administrative Policy) ll. Dredge and Excavation Material. Dredge and site excavation material should be disposed of in sites which will be approved by the Community Development Department. Dredge spoils may also be disposed of by deep water method with the appropriate local, state and federal permitting. (Administrative Policy) B. INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES 1. Facility Expansion. To the extent feasible and prudent, industrial and commercial uses and activities must have enough space for reasonable expansion of facilities without preempting lands suitable for other development. 2. Consolidation. To the extent feasible and prudent, the activities associated with construction and operation of industrial and commercial uses and activities shall consolidate use of facilities such as staging and storage areas, right-of-ways and dock and other transportation facilities. 3. Habitat Protection. Projects which require dredging, clearing or construction in productive habitats shall be designed to keep these activities to a minimum area necessary for the project. 4. Accidental Spills. To the extent feasible and prudent, industrial and commercial uses and activities must be designed and sited where waste water effluents and oil, fuel and other potentially harmful or toxic spills can be controlled or contained effectively by utilizing the most effective technology and natural features, such as topography. 5. Air Quality. To the extent feasible and prudent, industrial and commercial uses and activities with airborne 6-7 emissions must be located where winds and air currents can disperse emissions which cannot be captured before escape into the atmosphere. The short-term emissions and cumulative impacts of facilities shall not violate state and federal air quality standards. 6. Water Quality. The short term effluents and cumulative impacts of facilities shall not violate state and federal water quality standards. To the extent feasible and prudent, industrial and commercial uses and activities must be located in areas of least biological productivity, diversity and vulnerability and where effluents can be controlled (including areas where currents can disperse effluents) or contained. 7. Impact Avoidance. To the extent feasible and prudent, industrial and commercial uses and activities will be sited to minimize impact on environmental and cultural values on adjacent lands and waters. 8. Pipeline and Utility Corridors. To the extent feasible and prudent, existing pipeline and utility corridors shall be used for new facilities or expansion of existing facilities, rather than developing new corridors. 9. Site Selection. The siting and approval of major energy facilities shall be based on the standards of the Alaska Coastal Management Program. Sites suitable for the development of major onshore, nearshore, offshore and outer continental shelf energy facilities must be identified by the state in cooperation with the district. C. RECREATION, TOURISM AND NATURAL SETTING 1. Scenic Views. Recreational and access developments shall, wherever appropriate, blend into the surroundings, and preserve or enhance scenic views and vistas. 2. Development of Recreation and Tourism. The City of Valdez shall encourage recreational and tourism development and improvement of the aesthetics of the city. Recreational developments shall provide the local population a wide range of recreation opportunities in appropriate locations. (Administrative Policy) 3. Public Recreation. The City of Valdez shall support local, state and federal efforts to develop marine parks, roadside pullouts and other recreation facilities on public 6-8 lands within and adjacent to the Valdez coastal district boundaries. (Administrative Policy) D. TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITY ROUTES 1. Location. Wherever there is a feasible inland alternative, transportation and utility routes shall be located away fromthe shorelines. If shoreline routes are constructed, they shall provide reasonable means of public access to the water. All state projects within the city limits shall be reviewed by the City as required in AS 35.30.010. 2. Facility Design, Construction and _ Maintenance. Design, construction and maintenance of highways, airport, port and utilities shall not alter water courses, wetlands and intertidal marshes unless there is a significant public need for the use or activity and no other feasible alternate site is available. If construction is approved all feasible and prudent steps to maximize conformance with the ACMP standards and the policies in this plan will be taken. 3. Stream Crossings. To the extent feasible and prudent, roads shall avoid crossings of anadromous fish streams. Bridges and culverts shall be designed, scheduled and constructed in accordance with good fisheries conservation practices which minimize habitat disturbance and allow unrestricted fish passage. 4. Underground Utilities. To the extent feasible and prudent, underground installation of utilities shall be required. Overhead installation will only be approved if it is not feasible and prudent to place the utilities underground. 5. State-Highway Construction and Maintenance. The City of Valdez shall support highway construction and maintenance efforts to improve the transportation link to Interior Alaska. (Administrative Policy) E. GEOPHYSICAL HAZARDS 1. Avalanches and Mass Wasting. Proposed industrial and commercial development within mass wasting areas and avalanche runout zones including those shown in Figures 4.1 and 4.2, shall incorporate appropriate site investigation. All industrial and commercial development in these areas shall be prohibited unless appropriate siting, design and construction measures for minimizing property damage and protection against loss of life have been provided. 2. Riverine and Glacier—Dammed Lake Outburst Flooding. To the extent prudent and feasible, structures (including bridges and flood diversion structure such as dikes) shall not be located in the floodway. Bridges and fills that cross the floodway shall be designed and maintained to permit flow through the structure at flood levels and to avoid retaining and spreading flood waters behind them. Applicants for structures within the floodway and floodway fringe shall be aware that the Valdez Flood Plain Ordinance also addresses such uses and activities. 3. Coastal, Seiche and Tsunami Flooding. New development within 10.5 feet elevation above mean sea level (100-year recurrence or 1 percent probability event) shall be limited to water-related or water-dependent uses. Water- related and water-dependent development within 10.5 feet above sea level shall be subject to siting, design and construction measures to safeguard against potential hazards. 4. Seismic Events. Proposed development within seismic hazard areas shall incorporate appropriate site investigation. All development in liquifaction areas shall be prohibited unless appropriate siting, design and construction measures for minimizing property damage and protecting against loss of life have been provided. (Refer to Figure 4.1) 5. Coordination. The City of Valdez shall work with state and federal government and private interests to gather geophysical information, analyze the extent of hazards, and recommend proper siting, design, and construction measures in order to maximize safe utilization of hazardous lands. (Administrative Policy) 6. Glacier Stream Flood Plain Plan. The City of Valdez shall prepare a Glacier Stream Gravel Management Plan to direct gravel mining within the Glacier Stream flood plain. (Administrative Policy) F. COASTAL ACCESS 1. Public Access. To the extent feasible and prudent, 6-10 new development adjacent to the shoreline shall incorporate public access to the shoreline. 2. Recreation Facilities. The City of Valdez shall continue to provide access to the shoreline through trails, bike paths and development of state public interest lands under its management. (Administrative Policy) G. FISHERIES AND SEAFOOD PROCESS«NG 1. Optimum Resource Use. Maintenance and enhancement of fisheries shall be given high priority in reviewing shoreline use proposals which might adversely impact important fisheries habitat, migratory routes and harvest of fish. 2. Development. To the extent feasible and prudent, development which may have an adverse impact on fisheries resources, such as recreational uses and enhancement projects, and commercial fishing activities shall design and implement measures to mitigate these impacts. 3. Fisheries Fnhancement. Fisheries programs will strive to maintain, restore, develop or enhance the natural biological productivity of Port Valdez, anadromous fish streams and lakes in the coastal zone. (Administrative Policy) H. MINERAL EXTRACTION AND PROCESSING 1. Site Preference. To the extent feasible and prudent, sources of sand and gravel shall be authorized in the following sequence: (a) existing gravel pits; (b) reuse of gravel from abandoned development areas; (c) new upland sites; (a) rivers, streams and lakes that do not support fish; (e) shoreline and offshore gravel sources; and 6-11 (£) floodplain gravel sources in fish-bearing streams. 2. Gravel Mining. If mining in floodways and floodway fringes cannot be avoided, the following policies apply to all types of rivers and streams: (a) to the extent feasible and prudent, changes to channel hydraulics shall be avoided; and (b) gravel pits shall be located to minimize the probability of channel diversion through the site. In addition, the following policies shall apply to anadromous fish bearing waters and tributaries to fish bearing waters: (a) The affects of gravel removal shall be minimized by maintaining buffers between active channels and the work area and by avoiding: 1) instream work, 2) unnecessary clearing of riparian vegetation and 3) disturbance to natural banks. (b) To the extent feasible and prudent, site configurations shall avoid the use of long straight lines and shall be shaped to blend with physical features and surroundings to provide for diverse riparian and aquatic habitat. (c) If the site is likely to be inundated during operation, temporary dikes shall be constructed around the site to minimize disturbance to low flow channels and avoid entrapment of fish. (d) When gravel washing operations occur on the floodplain, settling ponds are required and shall be diked or set back to avoid breaching by the 10- year flood. The wash water shall be recycled; effluent discharge shall comply with state and federal water quality regulations. 3. Mineral Extraction and Processing. Mining and mineral processing in the coastal district shall be regulated, designed, constructed and maintained so as to be compatible with the ACMP, adjacent uses and activities, state and federal laws and this plan. Sand and gravel may be extracted from coastal waters, intertidal areas, barrier islands, and spits only when there is no feasible and prudent alternative to coastal extraction that will meet the public need for sand or gravel. 6-12 4. Material Sources. Applicants proposing activities that require development of new gravel or other material resources will coordinate with the City of Valdez in the identification of material sites. (Administrative Policy) I. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES State and Federal Regulations. The Valdez Coastal Management Plan adopts 6 AAC 80.150 dealing with historic, prehistoric and archaeological resources. This standard requires districts and appropriate state agencies to identify coastal areas important to the study, understanding or illustration of national, state or local history or prehistory. 2. Resource Identification. Because prehistoric and archaeological sites are important assets, the City of Valdez shall institute programs designed to identify and protect all significant sites not already protected by federal and state programs. (Administrative Policy) J. AIR AND WATER QUALITY 1. State and Federal Regulations. All uses and activities shall comply with state and federal regulations for air and water quality. 2. Wastewater Discharge. To the extent feasible and prudent, the site of discharge of wastewater and other effluents must be located in areas of least biological productivity, diversity and vulnerability and where effluents can be controlled (including areas where currents can disperse effluents) or contained. All uses and activities shall avoid violations of federal and state water quality standards, including those for maintaining fish and wildlife populations and their habitats, commercial fishing activities and recreation activities. 3. Harbor. Harbor, small boat harbor and marina designs shall incorporate facilities for proper handling of sewage and refuse in accordance with state and federal regulations. K. RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION 6-13 i} Conservation Areas. Important habitat, as identified below constitutes a conservation area whose primary use is for the enhancement and protection of fish and wildlife habitats. These areas shall be maintained in an undisturbed and natural state. Weirs and other structures necessary for the study or enhancement of habitats are permitted. Access roads, trails, vehicle pullouts and parking and interpretive signs are subject to coastal consistency review. Conservation areas include all public lands and waters in the Duck Flats; Robe Lake and associated wetlands; and all anadromous fish streams and lakes, including appropriate setbacks (see policy K-4). 2. Natural Processes. Estuaries, tideflats and wetlands shall be managed to maintain water flow and natural circulation patterns and adequate levels of nutrients and oxygen. 3. Upland Habitats. Upland habitats shall be managed to prevent excessive runoff and erosion and to retain natural drainage patterns, surface water quality and natural groundwater recharge areas. 4. Anadromous Fish Streams and Lakes. No development or land clearing with the exception of hydroelectric, transportation or utility routes and uses and activities involving the study, protection, or enhancement of anadromous fish shall take place within a minimum of 25 feet from the ordinary high water mark of anadromous fish streams and lakes. Where feasible and prudent additional setback distance requirements of up to 100 feet shall be decided on a site-specific basis utilizing the following evaluation criteria: (a) Importance of anadromous fish utilization of proposed site (ie. life history stage). (b) Nature of the proposed activity, including construction and operation, and size of lot. (c) Characteristics of riparian vegetation. (ad) Slope and soil type at proposed activity site. 5. Eagle Nest Sites. Bald eagles and their nests are protected under the Bald Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668- 6-14 668c). To minimize the potential of violating this federal act through induced nest abandonment, an undisturbed buffer of 330 feet in radius around each bald eagle nest tree will be established where feasible and prudent. The exact dimensions of the undisturbed buffer may be modified based upon the local topography, timber type, windfirmness, and other factors. The undisturbed buffers will be established in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 6. Buffer Zones. Where industrial and commercial activities may cause significant adverse impacts on fish and wildlife populations and habitat, the development shall be required to provide a minimum 25 foot buffer. Where prudent and feasible, additional buffers of up to 100 feet will be required to reduce the impacts to reasonable levels. L. SUBSISTENCE l. Subsistence. The City of Valdez adopts the standards set forth in 6 AAC 80.120, which apply to subsistence activities within the Valdez Coastal Management District. This standard requires the recognition and assurance of opportunities for subsistence usage of coastal areas and resources; requires the identification of areas where subsistence is the dominant use of the coastal resource; allows subsistence zones, giving those uses and activities priority, to be designated and protected from proposals with possible adverse impacts; and requires that districts that share migratory fish and game resources submit campatible plans for management. 6.6 DEFINITIONS Feasible and Prudent. Consistent with sound engineering practice and not causing environmental, social, or economic problems that outweigh the public benefit to be derived from compliance with the standard which is modified by the term "feasible and prudent." An alternative is feasible unless it is inconsistent with sound engineering practice. An alternative is prudent despite the presence of increased social, environmental, or economic costs, unless those costs are of extraordinary magnitude, and are due to unique factors present in a particular case. Mean Annual Flood. A peak discharge with a recurrence interval of 2.33 years, i.e., with a 43% probability of being 6-15 equaled or exceeded in any year. Minimize. To select from a comprehensive review of alternatives the option which uses the most effective technology to limit or reduce adverse impact to the smallest amount, extent, duration, size or degree. Ordinary High Water. The datum plane of seasonally high water, including tidal, as delimited by the point along the bank or shore up to which the presence and action of water are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to leave a natural impression on the bank or shore as indicted by erosion, shelving, changes in soil characteristics, disturbance of terrestrial vegetation, or other distinctive physical characteristics. Significant Impact. That which is likely to have an influence or effect greater than that attributable to mere chance. Section 46.40.210 (5) of the Alaska Coastal Management Act defines a "use of direct or significant impact" as a use, or an activity associated with the use, which proximately contributes to a material change or alteration in the natural or social characteristics of a part of the state's coastal area and in which: (a) the use, or activity associated with it, would havea net adverse effect on the quality of the resources of the coastal area; (b) the use, or activity associated with it, would limit the range of alternative uses of the resources of the coastal area; or (c) the use would, of itself, constitute a tolerable change or alteration of the resource within the coastal area but which, cumulatively, would have an adverse effect. 6-16 (AU Implementation St Old Town Before 1964 Earthquake Courtesy of Valdez Heritage Center 7.0 7.1 IMPLEMENTATION INTRODUCTION Basis for Consistency Determinations The policies presented in chapter 6.0 of this plan form the basis for consistency determinations by federal and state agencies, and consistency recommendations by the Coastal Coordinator. These policies are considered the enforceable rules for the purpose of program implementation. The plan policies apply to all lands and subject uses and activities within the City of Valdez. Through the existing project review, the project developer must assure the Federal and State agencies and the coastal program coordinator that the Proposed project is in conformance with applicable program policies. Implementation of the Valdez Coastal Management Program (VCMP) and application of coastal management policies will rely on the utilization of existing federal, state and local government regulations and planning activities. Cooperation and participation from the private and public landowners within the district will insure that coastal activities are conducted in a manner consistent with the VCMP policies. The mechanisms for local consistency recommendations are contained in this section. This includes the state process conducted under 6 AAC 50, which plays a major role in consistency determinations. Certain types of major development activities will be treated comprehensively through planning procedures which include the participation of federal, state and municipal land managers. These Procedures will be used by the local coastal coordinator in consistency recommendations which apply policies, set the specific guidelines, standards, time lines and monitoring requirements for certain types of activities. Frame Work for Implementation All projects which require a state consistency certification under the state administrative code will be subject to a consistency determination through the VCMP. The VCMP policies will be applied to projects, activities or uses which will be located in, or may have significant direct effects on the Valdez district as outlined in 6 AAC 50. 7-1 7.2 Projects that require an individual consistency review are listed in Table 7.2 and generally require state or federal permits or other approvals such as leases. When a land or water activity is developed or authorized as discrete phases, and each phase requires agency decision(s) or permit approval, each phase is considered a "project" for the purposes of permit review. The rest of the implementation chapter contains the following sections: 7.2 State and Federal Permit Review and Consistency Procedure 7.3. Permits and Activities Subject to Consistency Determination 7.4 District Involvement in Consistency Determinations 7.5. Local Involvement in District Recommendations 7.6 Coastal Coordinator Responsibilities 7.7. Planning for Major Projects 7.8 Amendments and Revisions 7.9 Monitoring and Enforcement 7.10 Pre-Application Requirements STATE AND FEDERAL PERMIT REVIEW AND CONSISTENCY PROCEDURE Under the provisions of 6 AAC 50, the State of Alaska is required to make a determination of consistency with the Alaska Coastal Management Program for certain permits and other activities requiring approvals. The state resource agencies (DNR, DEC and DF&G) and the Office of Management and Budget have developed a list of permits which will be subject to a coastal consistency determination. This list is divided into three groupings; Categorical Approval, General Concurrence and Individual Project Reviews. Projects from the last category will be the ones subject to state and local review. This list is discussed in more detail in Section 7.3. Coordinating Agency The coordinating agency is responsible for making all conclusive consistency determinations for state and federal permits. The Office of Management and Budget, Division of Governmental Coordination (OMB/DGC) is the coordinating agency for review of federal permits and for projects requiring two or more state agency permits. Where only one state permit is required, the permitting agency is the coordinating agency for consistency determination. Depending on the permit involved, the Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Conservation or Fish and Game could be coordinating agencies. Procedure and Time Line For projects and activities subject to a consistency determination, the applicant must submit a completed project questionnaire to a state resource agency or to OMB/DGC. Based on the information provided in response to the questionnaire, the agency will identify all state resource agencies that the applicant must contact prior to submitting a permit application and will determine what agency will serve as the coordinating agency. The questionnaire will also be used in identifying state and local entities to be notified of the permit application and solicited for comment. Proposals for projects received for review from the state will operate on one of two different time lines. The proposals will be reviewed on a 30 or 50 day schedule. Table 7.1 presents the major steps that occur within the 30 and 50 day time lines. The time lines contain provisions for consistency conflict resolution at both the Director and Cabinet level, in addition to provisions for a public hearing. The Director level review will be initiated if OMB/DGC, the resource agencies, the applicant, and the coastal district are unable to reach agreement by day 24 for the 30-day permits or 44 for the 50-day permits. Director level review takes place among the different department directors under the leadership of the department commissioners. Cabinet level review takes place between department commissioners with the Governor providing leadership. Conflict resolution beyond this administrative system is through the court system. Additional review time will be provided for the approvals which are elevated to higher levels. Parties reviewing the permit application may request that the lead agency holda public hearing prior to reaching a consistency determination. If such a request is recieve by day 17 or 34 and the request Table 7.1 PROJECT REVIEW SCHEDULE 30 day 50 day Schedule Schedule (By day) (By day) Early contact with district about project nan Applicant submits completed packet 1-2 1-2 Coordinating agency distributes packet and schedule Review period aur 3-34 Last day for information request via 15 25 coordinating agency Last day for request for public hearing 17* 34* Deadline for comments to coordinating agency 18 34 (Verbal comments must be followed up in writing within 5 days) Coordinating agency develops preliminary 24 44 position; notifies applicant and districts with approved programs Last day for written statement requesting 29 49 elevation to director level If a consensus is reached, consistency 30** 50** determination sent to reviewers If project is elevated, issues paper sent to 30**% 50*** reviewers * Coordinating agency must decide within 7 days whether to hold hearing. If so, agency must provide 15-30 days of notice, and provide summary of hearing 5 days afterwards. Parties also have the same 7 days after receipt of summary to provide additional comments. ** Agency permits to be issued five days after consistency determination received unless statutorially impossible. *** Elevation can take up to 15 days at each level. If no consensus reached during elevation to directors, then elevated to Commissioner for policy direction. 7.3 7.4 raises concerns not adequately covered in the existing review, the coordinating agency will schedule and hold a hearing in the area affected by the project. Federal Land Activities and Uses The coastal area includes all lands and waters within City boundaries not subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government. However, all uses and activities on these federal lands and waters must be consistent with the district program to the maximum extent possible when such activities are likely to have a direct effect on the coastal zone (Section 307 (c), Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended). Currently most federal permits are being reviewed for consistency under the ACMP. The review process for these permits follows the same procedure previously outlined. PERMITS AND ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION The State of Alaska has developed a list of permits and approvals which will be subject to a consistency determination. This list is divided into three groupings: Categorical Approval, General Concurrence, and Individual Project Review. Projects which require one or more state permits from the last category are subject to the review procedures in this chapter. Table 7.2 (at the end of chapter 7) contains a list of the permits and activities which are required to undergo individual project review in the Valdez coastal area. This list is not complete and is subject to change. State lists should be referred to when proposing or reviewing a project. Several of the activities listed in Table 7.2 have been moved to or proposed for the general concurrence list. Those highlighted with asterisks are approvals for activities that have been proposed for a general concurrence type review. If a general concurrence (GC) has been approved, the number of that GC will be listed. Check to see if the GC covers the project in question. If not, individual consistency reviews are required. DISTRICT INVOLVEMENT IN CONSISTENCY DETERMINATIONS Due Deference After a local program has been incorporated into the Alaska Coastal Management Program, the Valdez Coastal district is one of several reviewers that provide consistency recommendations to the coordinating agency. That agency then makes a consistency determination. However, the recommendations of the district along with other resource agency recommendations, must be given "due deference" in making the consistency determination. This means if the coordinating agency rejects a stipulation or recommendation requested by the district, the coordinating agency must make a written finding stating the reasons for rejecting the stipulation or recommendation. Procedure In the case of state or federal regulated or initiated activities, the state agency involved or OMB/DGC acting as the coordinating agency, will solicit the Valdez Coastal district comments on consistency and give "due deference" to the district's interpretation of the policies of the VCMP. The point of contact into the Valdez Coastal District for state reviews is the Community Development Department who designates a Coastal Coordinator. ‘The Coordinator will rely upon the information and policies in this plan. Other duties and responsibilities of this position are discussed in Section 7.6. The Coastal Coordinator upon notification of a pending permit or action by a state agency will, in consultation with the appropriate local (affected landowners, local interest groups) and municipal (other city departments- parks & recreation, engineering etc.) contacts, draft written recommendations on project consistency with the VCMP. The written recommendations will include the reasons for the recommendations with reference to applicable policies and conditions, if necessary, which make the project or activity consistent with the VCMP. This review will be accomplished within the time frame established by the permit review regulations. Time Line The Valdez Coastal Coordinator will determine within ten calendar days as to whether the information available is adequate to determine consistency, or if more information is needed. If more information is required, the Coastal Coordinator will notify the OMB/DCG permit coordinator or the coordinating agency and specifically identify the necessary information. The coordinating agency will determine if the request is reasonable, and then provide additional review time in accordance with the procedures outlined in 6 AAC 50.110. The Coastal Coordinator in consultation with appropriate local contacts and municipal officials will reach a consistency recommendation within 14 days of receipt of a complete application for 30 day permits and 34 days for 50 day permits. Consistency recommendation will include any conditions necessary to make the project consistent with the VCMP. Any disapproval or stipulations will include reference to the applicable policies and suggested changes which may make the project consistent. Two additional review procedures apply to permits for Major project activities (Section 7.7). As presented in Section 7.7, the Valdez Coastal Plan strongly recommends that developers make a pre-development presentation before the Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission at least six months prior to filing a permit application. The commission hopes to work with developers to initiate early communications and speed up the permit review by the coastal coordinator and local interests. Secondly, a permit application conference should be held within 10 working days after permit submittal. It will be coordinated by the lead agency and include the Coastal Coordinator, representatives of the local community, landowners and appropriate state agencies. Within five days of notice on major projects, the Coastal Coordinator may request that the coordinating agency organize a permit application conference to be held by day 10 of the consistency review. The Coastal Coordinator may, using the procedures outlined in 6 AAC 50.100, request that a public hearing on the project be held in the Coastal District to gather information or ideas. The coordinating agency may be requested to grant a request for extension of the review schedule to allow time for the hearing. A final recommendation of the project consistency will be issued within 10 days after any hearing or teleconference. All consistency recommendations for federal or state permits will be forwarded in a timely manner. Appeals Appeals to state and federal consistency determinations follow the procedures under state regulations. Appeals to local consistency determinations which operate separately from the state and federal system, follow this similar 7-7 7.5 procedure. Any local resident may petition the Coastal Coordinator to review a local consistency determination. The petition must be filed within 50 days of the determination and include the reasons why the determinations are invalid and the specific policies which are violated. The Coastal Coordinator after reviewing the petition may schedule a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission to receive testimony or may deny the request for a review. After the public hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission will reaffirm the local consistency recommendation or modify the recommendation as it sees fit. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IN DISTRICT RECOMMENDATIONS Individuals and landowners within the Valdez District will work with the Coastal Coordinator in preparing the consistency recommendation. Procedure Within five days of receiving notice of a permit application, the Coastal Coordinator will determine which individuals and landowners will be affected by the proposed actions, and transmit project description to the appropriate contacts. The Coordinator will work with individuals and landowner representatives to identify concerns and recommend conditions on development. If a Permit Application Conference is held, the Coordinator will make sure that local concerns are presented. Local input to the Valdez District Consistency Recommendations must be received within 10 days for 30 day permits and within 20 days for 50 day permits. where local concerns cannot be incorporated into the district consistency recommendation, the Coastal Coordinator must provide a justification to the local contacts involved. Local Project Review Local project review is a mechanism for local consistency determination. There are a few actions in the Valdez Coastal area which do not involve a state or federal permit but are subject to a local approval. Actions for which no state consistency determination is required must still be consistent with the VCMP. Any local consistency determination for these actions will function internally within the district. No review is necessary or required from outside parties, organizations or agencies. The review for consistency with the policies of this plan will be conducted by the Coastal Coordinator. 7-8 7.6 COASTAL COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES The Valdez Coastal Coordinator is responsible for local implementation of the Coastal Management Program. The Coordinator will oversee preparation of the Valdez Consistency Recommendations and will have several other responsibilities: o Annual review, and amendment if required, of the Valdez program and review of permit actions approved under the program; © Holding Pre-Development conference reviews for proposed Major projects; and © Coordination with municipal officials and local landowners to insure their participation in consistency recommendations, conferences and plan amendments. The Valdez Coastal Coordinator performs several key functions to insure that information and consistency determination are processed expeditiously. As the initial contact point for state agencies, the Coordinator must do the following: o See that information is given in a timely manner to the parties who are involved in the consistency process. o Be able to determine if the information received is adequate for a consistency recommendation. © Decide whether or not projects are routine or if approval of the project has great significance to the coastal area and should be reviewed and discussed with the Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council. Routine approvals will be processed by the Coastal Coordinator. o Weigh project impacts against plan policies and develop a draft consistency recommendation including mitigating measures. o Integrate feedback from the local contacts and other interested parties. o Respond with a district consistency recommendation ina timely manner. © Develop a tracking system which will monitor project compliance with any terms or conditions placed on the 7-9 7.7 permit as a result of the local consistency recommendations. oO Prepare the annual report to the state as required by regulation. PLANNING FOR MAJOR PROJECTS Certain types of activities have the potential to significantly impact coastal resources and create major changes within the Coastal District. Two procedures are strongly recommended for major activities of area-wide concern: pre-development conferences and permit application conferences. Participation in these procedures has the following objectives: © apply coastal management policies early in project or plan development ; o address problems and potential consistency determination conflicts prior to the approval stage; © speed up subsequent permits or approvals through resolution of issues; and o ensure the compatibility of future planning projects with the approved coastal management program. The following projects are considered major projects: Oo energy related facility development; © port development ; oO commercial timber processing and harvesting (over 40 acres); o land disposals. Pre-Development Conferences At least six months prior to filing a permit application, parties proposing activities on the major activity list are strongly encouraged to present a plan for activities to the Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission. Presentations should include a description, location and scheduling of the proposed activities. Within 30 days of notification of intent to make a presentation, the Coastal 7-10 Coordinator will schedule a presentation meeting before the Planning and Zoning Commission and notify affected residents and major landowners. After the presentation, discussions may be held to identify issues and conflicts that need to be addressed prior to permit review and the Coastal Coordinator's preparation of Consistency Recommendation. The Coastal Coordinator will provide a written summary to the developer, outlining major consistency concerns. Copies will be sent to the coordinating agency and OMB/DGC. All pre-development conferences are open to the public, and public notice of the meeting will be provided. Affected resource agencies will be notified in advance by the Coastal Coordinator and invited to attend. Permit Application Conference After a permit is filed or an intent of action given for activities in the major district activity list, the coordinating agency will, if requested, schedule a Permit Application Conference. The purpose of this conference is to discuss the Coastal Management and permitting issues of the proposed activity, and to work towards resolution of potential issues and conflicts. After receipt of the permit application, the Coastal Coordinator will contact the coordinating agency, confirm that a conference is necessary and assist in its scheduling. this conference should be scheduled for no later than 10 working days after notification of the action is received by the Coastal Coordinator. At a minimum, representatives of the coordinating agency, affected residents and major landowners and affected resource agencies will be invited to participate. Depending on the nature of the activity and travel constraints, the conference may involve a meeting or teleconference. Subsequent work sessions may be beneficial to reaching consensus on consistency. The following aspects of the proposed action will be reviewed at this time: 1) benefits to the region, local community, and Alaska; 2) scale or size of proposed activity; 3) alternative locations and scales of development; 4) timing alternatives for development; 7-11 7.8 7.9 5) alternate site characteristics; 6) impacts of the proposed activity on the people, subsistence resources, biological resources, air and water quality, and land owners of the area; 7) mitigation procedures; 8) development reclamation requirements; 9) other conditions and stipulations for development required. The Coastal Coordinator will prepare a written finding of fact on each of the 9 aspects. AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS Every year a formal review of the VCMP may be initiated by the coastal coordinator. Changes can be proposed which will keep the VCMP up to date and relevant. Some adjustments may be made to coastal boundaries or conservation districts based on information from new studies. Policies may be further refined and standards adopted to expedite the consistency process. This formal review gives residents, developers, local land owners in the community an opportunity to propose amendments and become familiar with the VCMP plan and its policies. MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT The Coastal Coordinator is the key individual in monitoring projects to insure that local conditions on approval are carried out in the development process. Responsibility for enforcing conditions on permits rest with the permitting agency. Community contacts will be used by the Coordinator in monitoring implementation of conditions. Individuals in the district may report suspected violations to both the Coastal Coordinator and state resource agency. The Coordinator will investigate the report and follow up with any appropriate action to insure state and local enforcement of the conditions. the Coastal Coordinator will elicit state or federal agency support in monitoring and enforcement and supply the agencies that are responsible for 7-12 insuring compliance with copies of local reports. This will include adherence to permit conditions as well as coastal policies. 7.10 PRE-APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS In order to assist the Coastal Coordinator and to reduce time delays in making consistency recommendations, the following information should be provided prior to permit application: oO 7.7, a description of the project or activity which includes a narrative which explains the purpose of the project or activity; written justification for projects or activities that do not meet the "prudent and feasible" criteria of policies from chapter 6.0; a map showing the location of the activity and any structures, roads or proposed activities; dates and times for the beginning and end of the project or activity; special procedures that will be used to make the project or activity conform with the policies of the VCMP; any studies showing the project's impact on coastal resources. For major activities or projects discussed in Section the following additional information is recommended as part of the pre-application packet: O° oO necessity and benefits for the activity; scale or size of proposed activity; alternative locations and scales of development; timing alternatives for development; alternate site characteristics. 7-13 Table 7.2 PERMITS AND ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO CONSISTENCY REVIEW Agency Permit/Activity Air Quality Control Per- mit to Operate (PSD) Solid Waste Management Permit (includes disposal of oil cleanup debris) Reclassification of Waters of the State Waste Disposal Permit (Wastewater Discharge) 401 Certifications-— Certificate of Reason- able Assurance Sec. 401) Oil Discharge Contingency and onshore fuel storage Department of Environmental Conservation Surface Oiling Permit (84-GC-11) Permit to Apply Pesticides (84-GC-14) Plans (offshore facilities facilities with a capacity of greater than 10,000 barrels) Review Schedule (days ) Reference 50 AS 46.03.020 18 AAC 15 AS 46.03.140 18 AAC 50 AS 46.03.150 18 AAC 50. 300(c) AS 46.03.160 AS 46.03.170 AS 46.03.710 50 AS 46.03.020 18 AAC 15 AS 46.03.100 18 AAC 60 AS 46.03.110 18 AAC 75 AS 46.03.120 AS 46.03.710 50 AS 46.03.020 18 AAC 15 18 AAC 70.055 50 AS 46.03.020 18 AAC 15 AS 46.03.100 18 AAC 70 AS 46.03.110 18 AAC 72.010 AS 46.03.120 AS 46.03.710 50 AS 46.03.020 18 AAC 15 (CWA PL 95-217) 18 AAC 70 18 AAC 72 50 AS 46.04.030 30 AS 46.03.020 18 AAC 15 AS 46.03.710 18 AAC 75 AS 46.03.740 AS 46.03.755 50 AS 46.03.020(10)(A) 18 AAC 90.055 AS 46.03.020(10) (G) AS 46.03.320 AS 46.03.330 AS 46.03.730 7-14 Vy Department of Environmental Conservation L Department of Natural Resources Table 7.2 (cont'd.) Permit/Activity Oil discharge permit for scientific pruposes (84-GC-12) Subdivision Plan Review (84-GC-16 & 17) Air Quality Control Permit to Operate (84-GC-13) Fur Farm Permit (84-GC-15 ) DISPOSALS (not covered by time frames) Lease of cleared or drained agricultural land Timber Sales (varies with acreage and location) log salvage sales Water Management Sales of Land by Auction or Lottery Disposal of Agricultural Interest Homestead Disposals Review Schedule (days ) Reference 50 AS 46.03.020 18 AAC 75 30 18 AAC 72.065 30 AS 46.020 18 AAC 15 AS 46.03.140 18 AAC 50 AS 46.03.150 18 AAC 50.300(c) AS 46.03.160 50 AS 03.05.010-110 n/a AS 38.07.010-050 n/a AS 38.05.110-120 11 AAC 76.005-205 n/a AS 38.05.110-120 11 AAC 76.005-205 n/a AS 38.05.045-055 11 AAC 67.045 n/a AS 38.06.069 11 AAC 67.160-192 n/a AS 38.09 11 AAC 67.005-155 7-15 Table 7.2 (cont'd.) Review Schedule Agency Permit/Activity (days ) Reference —_—— DISPOSALS, Division of Land & Water Management (cont'd. ) Opening of an Area n/a AS 38.05.79 11 AAC 67 for Issurance of Remote Cabin Permits Disposal of Remote Parcels 3 S B 38.05.077 11 AAC 67.110-135 Lease of Land n/a 38.05.320 11 AAC 67.045 Grazing Lease n/a 38.05.070 11 AAC 60.010-180 Lease of Tidelands n/a 38.05.320 11 AAC 62.010-840 Ah mB Right-of-way or n/a easement permits for roads, trails, ditches, pipelines, drill sites, log storage, telephone or transmission lines 38.05.330 11 AAC 58.200 Oil and natural gas pipeline n/a right-of-way leasing 38.05.020(c) 11 AAC 80.005-055 38.35.010-260 Department of Natural Resources Access corridors (across n/a Goose Bay Refuge, Susitna Flats Refuge and Trading Bay Refuge to private land) 16.20.030(E) 16.20.036(F) 16.20.038(F) Ahh Be Material Sales n/a (except sales from approved upland sources) & 38.05.110-120 11 AAC 71 Water use permits, n/a 46.15 11 AAC 93 (except for withdrawals from sources classified | | in A or B list) a 7-16 Table 7.2 (cont'd.) Review Schedule Agency Permit/Activity (days ) Reference DISPOSALS, (cont'd.) Division of Oil and Gas Oil and Gas n/a AS 38.05.135 11 AAC 83 lease sales AS 38.05.145 AS 38.05.180 Geothermal prospecting n/a AS 38.05.145 11 AAC 84.700(b) permit AS 38.05.181(g) $ | Geothermal lease sales n/a AS _38.05.145 11 AAC 84.700 ° AS 38.05.181(h) 3 3 8 Oil shale lease n/a AS 38.05.145 11 AAC 84.300 x q | Division of Mini — 5 3 Coal lease sales n/a AS 38.05.150 11 AAC 84.100-170 %S | Coal prospecting permit n/a AS 38.05.145 11 AAC 84.115-135 < AS 38.05.150(c) ® £ | Phosphate lease n/a AS -38.05.145 11 AAC 84.200 o AS 38.05.155 o a Sodium compound n/a AS 38.05.145 11 AAC 84.400 prospecting permit AS 38.05.170 and lease Sulfur prospecting n/a AS 38.05.145 11 AAC 84.500 permit and lease AS 38.05.170 Potassium compound n/a AS 38.05.145 11 AAC 84.600 prospecting permit n/a AS 38.05.175 and lease Offshore mining n/a AS 38.05.250(a) 11 AAC 86.500-535 prospecting permit Lo 7-17 Table 7.2 (cont'd.) Reference Review Schedule Agency Permit/Activity (days) | DISPOSALS, Division of Mining Upland Mining Lease n/a Offshore mining n/a Department of Natural Resources lease and sales PERMITS AND OTHER APPROVALS Division of Agricultural Approval of application 50 for clearing or draining of agricultural land in vicinity of state land Division of Land and Water Management. Approval of plan of 50 operations or plan of development on leased lands General land use 30 permits (except those classified on A or B list) Tideland permits 30 Temporary water use 30 permits for water withdrawals (except for withdrawals from sources classified on A or B list) Division of Oil and Gas Applications to 50 drill geothermal wells 7-18 B Ba Be & 38.05.185 38.05.250 38.05.145 38.05.250(b) 38.07.030 38.05.020 38.05.320 38.05.330 38.05.320 46.15.150 41.06.050 11 AAC 86.300-325 11 AAC 86.545-570 11 AAC 62.700 11 AAC 62.720-830 11 AAC 93 Table 7.2 (cont'd.) Agency Permit/Activity PERMITS AND OTHER APPROVALS, Division of Oil and Gas (cont'd.) Plan of operations on leased lands (except for those activities included in the GC list) Miscellaneous land use permit for Seismic Activity (recommended for GC list) Miscellaneous land use permit for mining activity or mineral exploration Plans or operations on leased lands or land subject to an offshore prospecting permit Department of Natural Resources Approvals subject to the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act (other than Notices of Intent to Explore) Authorization to Construct Structure in Parks (85-GC-21) Review Schedule (days) 50 30 30 50 30 7-19 & & Bee Be & BB Reference 38.05.135 38.05.145 38.05.180 38.05.020 38.05.035 38.05.180 38.05.12020 38.05.035 38.05.020 38.05.035 27.21.030 41.20.040 11 AAC 83.158 11 AAC 96.010.140 11 AAC 96.010.140 11 AAC 96.010-140 11 AAC 90.002 11 AAC 12.140 Table 7.2 (cont'd.) Review Schedule Agency Permit/Activity (days) Reference PERMITS AND OTHER APPROVALS, Division of Parks (cont'd.) w | Authorization to 30 AS 41.20.040 11 AAC 12.140 += | use explosives in = 5 | State parks (recommended § 3| for cc list) € ® © | permit for access 50 AS 41.20.040 11 AAC 18.020 9 § across state park Q &| (85-Gc-20) 2 Incompatible use 50 AS 41.20.040 11 AAC 18.010 permit (85-GC-22) Anadromous Stream 30 AS 16.05.870 permit Fish Passage Permit 30 AS 16.05.840 Permit to Operate a 50 5 AAC 38.050 Clam Dredge Scallop Dredge Permit 50 5 AAC 38.068 HABITAT PROTECTION PERMITS © = © So 0 c © < 2 it - 3 = o E ct o a ® a Refuges 50 AS 16.20.060 Ciritical Habitat Areas 50 AS 16.20.260 Game Sanctuaries 50 AS 16.20.120-130 Hatchery Permits 50 AS 16.10.400-430 7-20 8.0 Areas Meriting Special Attention Valdez Duck Flats 8.0 8.1 AREAS MERITING SPECIAL ATTENTION INTRODUCTION Areas meriting special attention (AMSAs) are areas singled out during coastal management program development for detailed planning. As defined in the Alaska Coastal Management Act (AS 46.40.210(1)) AMSAs are: A delineated geographic area within the coastal area which is sensitive to change or alteration and which, because of plans or commitments or because a claim on the resources within the area delineated would preclude subsequent use of the resources to a conflicting or incompatible use, warrants special management attention, or which, because of its value to the general public, should be identified for current or future planning, protection, or acquisition. Acceptable rationales for designating AMSAs are identified in the Alaska Coastal Management Act (CMA) and the Alaska Coastal Management Program standards. All proposals for AMSAs must be related to one or more of the following: 1. Areas of unique, scarce, fragile, or vulnerable natural habitat, cultural value, historical significance, or scenic importance; 2. Areas of high natural productivity or essential habitat for living resources; 3. Areas of substantial recreational value or opportunity; 4. Areas where development of facilities is dependent upon the utilization of, or access to, coastal waters; 5. Areas of unique geological or topographic significance that are susceptible to industrial or commercial development ; 6. Areas of significant hazard due to storms, slides, 8-1 floods, erosion, or settlement; 7. Areas needed to protect, maintain, or replenish coastal land or resources, including coastal flood plains, aquifer recharge areas, beaches and offshore sand deposits; 8. Areas important for subsistence hunting, fishing, food gathering; 9. Areas with special scientific values or opportunities, including those where ongoing research projects could be jeopardized by development or conflicting uses; and, 10. Potential estuarine or marine sanctuaries. (AS 46.40.210(1) and ACMP Standard 6 AAC 80.158). The management scheme shall be developed which "must preserve, protect, enhance or restore the value or values for which the area was designated", as specified in 6 AAC 80.160(c). The management scheme must include: 1. A description of the uses and activities that will be considered proper and the use and activities that will be considered improper with respect to land and water within the area; 2. A summary or statement of the policies that will be applied in managing the area; and 3. An identification of the authority that will be used to implement the proposed management scheme. Any person, federal or state agency, or local government may recommend an AMSA. Coastal Management Districts must consider recommended AMSAs, but are not bound to accept an AMSA until it is designated by the Coastal Policy Council. Final decisions on AMSA designations are made during program review by the Coastal Policy Council, which considers district, state and federal agency comments at that time. This minimizes speculation and diverse interpretations about how the area is to be maintained. The use of AMSAs to manage resource use and activities can be easily abused; ideally AMSAs should be used to resolve conflicts between uses or to protect single-purpose values of public importance only when other coastal management tools 8-2 8.2 are not adequate. In the case of many potential AMSAs, policies, development conditions, and implementation (including incorporation of state and federal regulations) are adequate to resolve use conflicts or protect uses. A large number of individual AMSAs can result in piecemeal planning and additional layers of requirements for potential resource users. Approval of an AMSA plan as part of a Coastal Management Program includes both the approval of AMSA boundaries and of the specific management plan adopted for it. This program proposes to designate four AMSAs, however these plans have not yet been developed. All proposed AMSAs are protected to some degree by other program elements; specifically the district policies. AMSAs have been recommended when areas have multiple land managers with often conflicting management objectives in areas of important single or multiple resource value. The City of Valdez philosophy is that these land managers should work together to develop the scope of an AMSA management plan that protects both their interests and general public interest. Such a development has time and fiscal requirements beyond the scope of this program document. The Valdez Coastal Management Program has recommended the following AMSAS: The Duck Flats/Mineral Creek Islands, Mineral Creek Canyon, Robe Lake and Keystone Canyon. Figure 8.1 shows the recommended AMSAs within Valdez. Valdez will need to coordinate with federal, state and private land owners involved in the designated AMSAs to develop a management plan. Funding will be requested fram the State of Alaska for this purpose. Each AMSA is briefly described below: VALDEZ DUCK FLATS 1. Name - Duck Flats and Mineral Creek Islands 8-3 2. Location - This area is located on the north side of Port Valdez, east of the new townsite, and south of the Richardson Highway (Figure 5.8). 3. Description and Significance Duck Flats. The flats are a 1000 acre intertidal area consisting of 540 acres of mud flats and 460 acres of saltwater marsh. Six clearwater streams, fed by groundwater and snowmelt, flow year-round into the Duck Flats. The marshland is one of the larger tracts of marsh along Port Valdez. The marshland is made up of two separate marsh areas. The larger east marsh is located along the eastern and northern margin of the flat. The smaller marsh, west marsh, is located at the extreme southwestern margin of the flat. The marshy interchannel topography is quite flat and consists of poorly drained fine silts and clays. Below the marsh the tideland grades into mudflats which are totally exposed during low tide. The Duck Flats is a highly productive biological area due to high levels of nutrients availability. The east marsh is dominated by a grass/milkwort community. The west marsh is on slightly higher ground and is dominated by a sedge/rush community. All six streams flowing into the Flats are used for spawning by salmon, primarily pinks and chums. Spawning also occurs in the intertidal areas. The outmigrating fry of pink and chum salmon feed in the subtidal waters. The Duck Flats also contribute about one percent of chum salmon to this fishery. All six of these streams are categorized as "critical spawning habitat" (Dames and Moore 1979). The Alaska Department of Fish and Game classified these streams as sensitive and/or critical habitat. The Duck Flats has substantial ecological value in that it provides habitat for a variety of waterfowl. The saltmarsh and tidal mudflats are most important as a feeding area for waterbirds during the spring and fall migrations. Mallards, green-winged teal, pintail and wigeon are the most abundant nesters on the Flats. Much of the saltmarsh surrounding the Flats is a migration staging area for Canada Geese. Several other species of waterfowl and shorebirds utilize the area during various seasons and stages of the tide. An active bald eagle nesting site is located on the 8-4 ~ pinera’ Creek Le a Duck Flats Robe Lake my oO Keystone @ \s ‘ Canyon / t = 9 a / a “ff ‘eo Figure 8.1 Areas Meriting Special Attention east side of the marsh near Mineral Creek Road. Larger land mammals tend to avoid areas such as the Flats due to lack of protective cover and the proximity of human activity. The smaller mammals (rodents and hares) may use the better drained sites adjacent to the mudflats. Predatory mammals such as coyote, weasel, mink and river otter may frequent the areas inhabited by smaller animals. Marine mammals, primarily harbor seal and sea otter use the Duck Flats for feeding. Harbor seals move into the mudflats to feed on starry flounder and spawning/rearing salmonieds. Sea otters forage in the lower intertidal area for clams and mussels. Mineral Creek Islands. The Mineral Creek Islands consist of a series of bedrock outcrops within the entrance area to the Duck Flats. These hogback islands have served as a crib wall in holding back the glacial outwash plain silts and gravels and stabilizing the Duck Flats area behind them. The outer islands (Spruce, Cranberry, Raspberry and Iris) are less than one acre in surface area with steep rock sides and flat tops. The dominant vegetation is grass interspersed with various shrubs and herbaceous plants. Some of these outer islands are considered ecologically unique in regard to their vegetative composition. The inner islands (Ammunition, Bluff, Round, and West) are slightly larger (1-3 acres). The vegetation is dominated by shrubs. The outer islands and Sontag Spit serve as a nesting area for about 30-50 pairs of arctic terns. The outer islands have been classified as a seabird colony by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Harbor seals have been observed to have "hauled out" on Seal Rock on Spruce Island. The inner islands are also used for roosting by a variety of birds. A few small mammals also inhabit the islands. The Duck Flats are equally important to Valdez residents for economic, transportation and lifestyle reasons. The uses of lands and waters within the AMSA area include transportation, residential, recreation, fisheries, utility and communication. One of the major developments in the area is the Richardson Highway/Mineral Creek Loop Road which encircles the entire mainland section of the AMSA. The Richardson Highway is the only land transportation route linking Valdez to the Alaskan Interior. The Sontag spit, located off Mineral Creek Loop Road, inmediately south of Siwash Creek, consists of a 1500 foot long fill barrier extending out towards Ammunition Island. The City has completed a port facility south of Ammunition Island. This includes a 2l-acre marshalling yard consisting of dredged material and fill. A floating dock is connected to the marshalling yard by four walkways and two ramps. A 1500-foot long trestle connects the marshalling yard to the mainland. Fill material was required to create a 1000-foot long paved roadway from the trestle to the existing Sontag Spit Road. The City has also constructed in this area an export grain terminal. An area east of the small boat harbor (Harbor Cove) has been suggested for the site of a new commercial harbor. This would require dredging the area immediately south of Dock Point and West Island, between Harbor Point and the outer islands. The portion of this area above mean lower low water is under city ownership. Several recreational uses are made of the Duck Flats AMSA. A highway pullout next to Crooked Creek Hatchery is heavily used during the tourist season for viewing salmon spawning. The viewing platform at the pullout is also used for nature study and scenic and wildlife viewing. The Valdez Fisheries Development Association hatchery facility on City Limits Creek (northwest of the Richardson Highway and adjacent to the AMSA boundary), built in 1979, consists of a small incubation unit from which a chum and pink salmon brood stock will be developed. The chum salmon stock will be planted in incubation/spawning channels in Old Valdez, taking advantage of the abundance of groundwater in that vicinity. Hatchery reared pink salmon will be used to establish runs for Solomon Gulch. The capacity of the hatchery is 1.5 million eggs. 4. Basis for Recommendation The many existing and proposed uses have created intense competition for use of this very productive and unique area. This area's use as a transportation corridor and port site, fishery, aquaculture site, scenic and nature viewing site, will create conflicts which will require particular attention to ensure proper management. 5. Ownership and Management Lands within the proposed AMSA are under City of Valdez, 8.3 State of Alaska and private ownership. There are no federal land holdings within the Duck Flats/Mineral Creek Islands area. Of the 1,000 acres included within the AMSA's boundary, approximately 800 acres are owned by the City of Valdez, 150 acres by the State of Alaska (including University of Alaska held lands) and 50 acres by private individuals. Through Title 16 and Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have jurisdiction ever some activities occurring within the AMSA. 6. Ownership and Management of Adjacent Area Land to the north of the AMSA is owned by the State of Alaska as unclassified land. Private lands border the AMSA to the west and east, and consist of residential and commercial uses. 7. Potential Conflicts Potential conflicts include port, utilities and other coastal development activities with fish and wildlife habitat. Maintaining water quality and circulation is a key concern. Restriction of activities important to the econamny of Valdez is also a concern, as is the potential for condemnation of private lands without compensation. 8. Management /Development Plan VCMP policies will be enforced until specific management and development plans can be formulated. Members of an AMSA management task force should include representatives of the Valdez Community Development Department; Alaska Departments of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Game, Natural Resources and Commerce and Economic Development, the Division of Governmental Coordination; the Alaska District Corps of Engineers; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the University of Alaska and other private land holders. MINERAL CREEK CANYON 1. Name - Mineral Creek Canyon. 2. Location - Mineral Creek Canyon is located two miles north of the townsite (Figure 5.11). 3. Description and Significance 8-9 Mineral Creek drains a glacier fed watershed, 46 square miles in area. This watershed recharges the aquifer utilized by the City. The steep-walled canyon is very scenic, with several waterfalls tumbling from the surrounding rugged mountains. The mountain stream is fast flowing and alternates between narrow stretches and braided areas. The biological habitat consists of riparian woodland, deciduous forest and alder shrub at higher elevations. Birds and mammals typical of these habitat types are present. Due to the scenic beauty and natural resources, the canyon is considered a high quality recreation area. Several trails, both hiking and winter ski trails and a park have been proposed for the area. The canyon also has historical significance as a gold mining area with several claims still active. McIntosh's Roadhouse and the Old Stampmill are historic sites identified by the Alaska Historical Resource Site Survey. The survey also concluded that there is a medium probability of archaeological sites being present. One of the proposed trails in the canyon would be a historic trail. In recent years, interest in the canyon's mineral resources, primarily gold, has grown. The west side of the lower canyon is used as an access route to the currently active mining claims. A small placer mining operation is scheduled to begin in mid 1986. 4. Basis for Recommendation Mineral Creek Canyon is nominated as an AMSA because of the scenic importance, historical significance and the existing and potential recreational value. The area is also an aquifer recharge area. Potential conflicts exist between mineral development and the recreational and historic resources of the canyon. 5. Ownership and Management of the Area The Mineral Creek watershed has been classified as state public interest land for watershed and recreation purposes. Several active and inactive mining claims are located in the canyon. 6. Ownership and Management of Adjacent Area 8-10 8.4 The majority of adjacent lands are classified as state public interest land (watershed), although the University of Alaska owns a small portion of land below the AMSA. 7. Potential Conflicts Potential conflicts include mining versus recreation activities, scenic values and aquifer recharge. 8. Management/Development Plan VCMP policies will be enforced until specific management and development plans can be formulated. Members of an AMSA management task force should include representatives of the Valdez Community Development Department, Alaska Department of Natural Resources (Divisions of Parks and Land and Water Management), Environmental Conservation, Fish and Game, Division of Governmental Coordination, University of Alaska and owners of mining claims. ROBE LAKE 1. Name - Robe Lake 2. Location - Robe Lake is located north of the Richardson Highway, 3 miles east of Port Valdez (Figure 5.4). 3. Description and Significance The 600 acre Robe Lake, the only sizable lake that is accessible by road in Valdez, is fed by several creeks and drained by the shallow Robe River into Port Valdez. The lake's average depth is 8 feet with a maximum depth of 15 feet. Robe Lake accounts for 12% of the surrounding 7 square mile watershed. Wetlands account for another 17% of the watershed's area. Three clearwater creeks flow into Robe Lake. Deep Creek, which drains 10-acre Deep Lake, enters Robe Lake on the northeast corner. Brownie Creek, also entering the northeast corner, drains the wetlands north of Robe Lake. Corbin (Robe) Creek, 1 1/2 miles long, enters Robe Lake from the northwest. Corbin (Robe) Creek, fed by groundwater and dike leakage, flows in the former channel of the glacial Corbin 8-11 Creek. A dike diverting Corbin Creek into Valdez Glacier Stream was constructed during the 1950's to eliminate the deposition of glacial sediment in the lake. The diverted creek is now referred to as Corbin (Glacier) Creek. While the dike has ended sedimentation in the lake, it has also eliminated the major source of water inflow. The resulting lower temperature and water level of the lake have led to an increasing rate of eutrophication. The heavy growth of vegetation has reduced the area of open water by one third. The Robe Lake system is used by a variety of salmon species, char and Dolly Varden. At present, of all the salmon species, silvers are most common. The lake system supports the only red salmon run in the Valdez area. It also contains pinks and a small number of chums. Corbin (Robe) Creek has consistently been the major silver salmon spawning stream in the Valdez area. The number of spawners in recent years (1972-1978) have ranged from 708 to 4839. These numbers generally account for half of the total spawners in the Port Valdez drainage and more than 80% of the spawners in the Robe River system (Dames and Moore 1979). Juvenile salmon spend 1-2 years in the lake before moving out to sea. Small numbers of spawning red salmon have been observed in Corbin (Robe) Creek as well as a number of Dolly Varden. Brownie Creek is a productive stream and includes valuable red salmon spawning and rearing habitat (DOWL 1979). The red salmon run used to be large enough to support commercial operations but in the past decade the largest run was only 9188 fish (DOWL 1979). The decline has been attributed to a combination of overfishing and changes in the lake. The unusually warm waters of the creek appear to enhance its spawning potential. Brownie Creek also supports a large Dolly Varden population and a much smaller number of silver salmon. Silver, reds, pinks and chums are all found in the Robe River. The lake and marshes are utilized by numerous waterfowl and marsh nesting birds. Higher ground is heavily vegetated with deciduous spruce forest or alder shrubs. In addition to the regular upland game birds and mammals, there is a large population of brown/grizzly bears who fish for salmon in the small streams flowing into the lake. 8-12 Year-round recreation is provided by the lake and its environs. Robe Lake and River are fished for Dolly Varden. The salmon fishery was closed in the 1950's. Waterfowl are hunted in the fall. Boating and swimming are other popular activities. A boat ramp is located on the lake south of the Robe River. To the west of the proposed AMSA is the 150 lot Robe River Subdivision. There are also float plane bases on the west and southeast sides of the lake. Several homes are scattered around the lake. A 1900 acre site was prepared for an oil refinery project that was never started. This eliminated 800 acres of important upland habitat, part of which is located in the Robe River watershed. The City of Valdez, Valdez Fisheries Development Association, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Division of Sport Fish) have sponsored a rehabilitation and enhancement project of the lake. The goal is the reversal of the eutrophication process to improve the lake's spawning/rearing and recreational characteristics. Seismic hazard potential exists in this area that complicates land use decisions. Water saturated areas and wetlands are subject to liquefaction. A possible liniment, one mile east of the lake, has potential for ground rupture if it isa fault. Five areas on the south side of the lake have been identified as avalanche areas and four areas identified for mass wasting. 4. Basis for Recommendation The Robe Lake area is a highly valuable resource area for a number of different and possibly incompatible uses. The variety of existing and proposed uses will require careful consideration and planning to achieve optimum use. 5. Ownership and Management of the Area Much of the land within this area is expected to remain state-owned public interest lands, managed for recreation/parks, fish and wildlife habitat and watershed. It is possible that more State Land Disposal may occur in the area east of Robe Lake, placing more land in private ownership. 6. Ownership and Management of Adjacent Areas 8-13 8.5 Privately owned rural residential land (southeast corner), city owned industrial lands (northwest) and unclassified state lands comprise adjacent areas. 7. Conflicts More upland habitat may be lost with residential expansion. Future industrial development on city land has the potential to reduce ambient air quality and could possibly affect the water quality of the groundwater flowing into Robe Lake. 8. Management/Develo| t Plan VCMP policies will be enforced until specific management and development plans can be formulated. Members of an AMSA management task force should include representatives of the Valdez Community Development Department, Valdez Fisheries Development Association, Alaska Departments of Environmental Conservation, Natural Resources (Division of Parks and Division of Land and Water Management) and Fish and Game, Division of Governmental Coordination and private land holders. KEYSTONE CANYON 1. Name - Keystone Canyon. 2. Location - Keystone Canyon is along the Lowe River between Miles 13 and 17 of the Richardson Highway (Figure 5.2). 3. Description and Significance The extremely narrow and steep-sided canyon has been cut by the Lowe River which drains an area of 346 square miles, 35 percent of which is glaciated. The nearly vertical walls attain heights of 800 feet on the east side and 450 feet on the west. The 500 foot Bridal Veil Falls and 100 foot Horsetail Falls are two of the major waterfalls in the canyon. In the narrow river bottom the predominant vegetation is alder, with some cottonwoods in favored localities. Sitka spruce are present on the steep slopes to an elevation of 1500 feet. Dense thickets of alder and willow cover many of the slopes between 500 and 2500 feet. Mountain goats and brown/grizzly and black bears may be seen on occasion. No salmon spawn in the glacial river waters but Dolly Varden 8-14 may be present seasonally when the waters are relatively clear. The Richardson Highway, which runs through the canyon, is the sole overland transportation route connecting Valdez with the rest of the state. Past transportation use of the canyon has led to the identification of two historic sites, the Goat Trail and the "Railway Tunnel", by the Alaska Historical Resources Survey. The Trans-Alaska Military Road section on the side of Keystone Canyon was begun in 1899. In 1920 after a flood destroyed the road, the Alaska Road Commission widened the old military trail and made it into a usable road. This section was abandoned in 1947 in favor of a new route along the bottom of the canyon. The upper section through Keystone Canyon is now called the Goat Trail. In the early 1900's, there were several attempts to build a railroad to the interior through Keystone Canyon. A shootout between rival companies occurred in 1907. A railroad was never completed and all that remains is a partially excavated tunnel at Mile 15. The canyon is also utilized heavily for recreation. Motorists view the spectacular scenery from the pullouts. White water boaters enjoy the run through the canyon. Hiking along the Goat Trail is a popular activity as it affords good views of the canyon, waterfalls and the peaks and glaciers above. In winter, a few enthusiasts enjoy ice climbing. The scenic and recreational uses of the canyon have led to its inclusion in the proposed 310,000 acre Keystone Canyon State Park. The canyon is also utilized as a utility corridor. The Trans-Alaska pipeline runs along a bench above and on the east side of the canyon. The power lines from the Solomon Gulch Hydropower project also run through the canyon. 4. Basis for Recommendation Keystone Canyon's historical and scenic value and its importance for recreation, transportation and as a utility corridor recommend its nomination as an AMSA. With so many activities occurring in a limited area, special care will be needed to balance the various uses. Particular concern has been raised over the potential conflict between the canyon's inclusion in the proposed state park and its use as a transportation corridor. The 8-15 maintenance and upgrading of the highway in the canyon is essential to the economic livelihood of Valdez. Resurfacing, widening turnouts and new guardrails are recent improvements. To enhance the recreation value of the canyon at turnouts, interpretive signs and some benches would be valuable. There are several hazards present in the canyon which will have to be considered in planning its future uses. The steep sides of the canyon present an avalanche hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones at several points in the canyon will continue to infrequently close the highway. The narrow canyon limits the effectiveness of deflection devises or the option of relocating the highway. Mass wasting, consisting of rock falls and debris slides, occur infrequently. There is also a remote but potential flooding hazard from the release of glacier dammed lakes. 5. Ownership and Management of the Area The Keystone Canyon area is classified state public interest land for park and recreational use. The State's DOT/PF, the City of Valdez, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, and the Copper Valley Electric Association all have rights-of-way within the canyon. 6. Ownership and Management of the Adjacent Area The area surrounding the canyon is also state public interest land for parks and recreation. 7. Conflicts Potential conflicts include the use of the canyon as a park and as a transportation corridor. The use of the canyon as a utility corridor may also conflict with its scenic values. 8. Management/Development Plan VCMP policies will be enforced until specific management and development plans can be formulated. Members of an AMSA management task force should include representatives from the Community Development Department, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (Division of Parks and Land and Water Management), Transportation/Public Facilities, Commerce and Economic Development, Environmental Conservation, Fish and Game, Division of Governmental Coordination and the State Pipeline Coordinators Office. 8-16 Appendices A. Public Involvement APPENDIX A PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Introduction The purpose of public involvement in the Valdez Coastal Management Program has been three-fold: 1. To provide information and to educate the public about the purpose and impact of the program; 2. To provide opportunities for public input throughout the planning and decision-making process; and 3. To utilize local knowledge in the program. During the coastal management program, public involvement activities have been integrated into the overall planning process. A variety of techniques were used to obtain public involvement. In an effort to involve as many people as possible, for as long as possible in the program, four interrelated techniques were used: 1. Advisory Committees (Coastal Management Citizens (CMC) committee, and Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission); 2. Public meetings and workshops; 3. Surveys; and 4. Media contacts. The Community Development Department staff took the responsibility of presenting proposals to provide a basis for discussion and debate, as well as for review and comment. Based on public input, draft documents were refined several times. Two important sections of the report were developed in this manner: issues, goals and objectives and policies. The rest of this section will highlight each of the four techniques used to obtain public input in Phase II of the City of Valdez Coastal Management Program. A-1 Advisory Committees Two advisory committees were utilized during preparation of the Phase I and II Coastal Management Programs to ensure consistent citizen input on the direction of the program. The advantages of the advisory committee approach are the continuity of the committee throughout the planning process, the potential diversity available in one working group and greater intensity of interaction with the process and its products.oOne of the disadvantages of this method of public involvement is that it tends to limit public input to those on the committee. This can be a problem if the committee members are not representative of broader community attitudes. In order to overcome the possible disadvantage of the select committee method of public involvement, the City of Valdez camplimented its use of two advisory committees with three other public involvement techniques. These techniques are described later in this section. During the Phase I Coastal Management Program, the City of Valdez established a Coastal Management Citizens (CMC) Committee. The purpose of the Committee was to advise the Community Development Department on matters pertaining to the coastal management program. Specifically, the Committee would: . 1. Provide input for the development of the detailed coastal management work program, within the framework of the general work program; and 2. Review and comment on the documents prepared for the coastal management program, prior to consideration by the city council. The Committee played a key role in the formulation of issues, goals, objectives and policies. The City of Valdez CMC Committee was composed primarily of individuals who represent major cross sections of the community. The individuals and the organization included a lawyer, engineer, real estate agent, oil terminal worker, law enforcement officer, marine biologist and insurance salesperson. The Committee held six meetings that were open to the public during 1980. Eight meetings were conducted during Phase I Program. In addition to the CMC Committee, the City of Valdez used one other advisory committee, the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission was involved in the Valdez Coastal Management Program in a review capacity and also participated in one of the workshops. Public Meetings and Workshops One of the techniques used to supplement the advisory committee method of obtaining public input was public meetings and workshops. Two workshops/meetings were held during the second phase of the coastal management program. The first set of workshops occurred in July, 1980. The main purpose of the first workshop was educational; to provide city residents with basic information about coastal management. In addition, the following topics were discussed at the workshop, the draft coastal management survey and the draft issues and goals and objectives. The first workshop in Valdez was attended by 16 residents in addition to advisory committee members. A second workshop occurred in September, 1980, but attendance was poor and the workshop was adjourned. Between October, 1980 and January, 1981, six citizens advisory committee meetings were held and usually attended by interested residents. Two public meetings were held during the Phase I program to review the resource inventory and coordinate with government agencies and regional interest groups. With the exception of the first workshop, the workshops/meetings were more successful in obtaining input from committee members than from local residents. Further information on the workshops/meetings held by the City of Valdez as part of the coastal management program can be obtained from the Community Development Department. Surveys The city of Valdez used a public opinion survey to supplement the other public involvement techniques used in the coastal management program. The survey was prepared jointly by the Community Development Department, Woodward- Clyde Consultants and Kramer and Associates. This section will primarily summarize data obtained from the Valdez Coastal Management survey. Fourteen questions were prepared, addressing issues, industrial development hazards, resource protection, lifestyle, recreation activities, waterfront development, population growth and residence. In September 1980, 1600 questionnaires were distributed to all post office boxholders; pick-up boxes were placed in the post office, library, and other downtown locations. Two-thirds of the responses came from new town residents, with three-fourths of the respondents living in Valdez six years or less. Survey results are summarized by questions below: 1. Coastal Management Issues People identified resource protection (54 percent) as the most important issue. Economic productivity was the second most important issue (42 percent). Although people found all the issues important, they felt the impact of activities in Prince William Sound was considered the least important. ze Industrial Preference People preferred growth of the port and fishing industries more than any other industry. The number of people also supported tourism, recreation, shipyards and marine repair. Support for petroleum related growth was split with 42 percent for, 38 percent against, and 20 percent ambivalent. People felt growth in the timber industry and the mineral extraction industry was unimportant. The timber industry had only 14 percent support and the mineral extraction industry had 22 percent. 3. Geophysical Hazards The only hazards people felt were important were earthquakes (56 percent) and tidal waves (53 percent). They felt riverine flooding and snow avalanche were generally unimportant, through not by overwhelming majority. Mass wasting and coastal storm flooding were considered relatively unimportant. 4. Resource Protection Concerns Air quality was the number one resource protection concern with water quality second. About 90 percent of the people supported each of these important concerns. Fish and wildlife habitat and natural setting protection received 85 percent and 70 percent support, respectively, as important resource protection concerns. 5. Land Availability and Development Priorities Seventy-two percent of the people felt it was important to make more residential land available for development. Making recreation, commercial and open space available was important, but not the number one priority. The support for making more industrial land available was split with 43 percent supporting it as important, 37 percent considering it unimportant, and 19 percent ambivalent. 6. Lifestyle Values The most important lifestyle values were Valdez' natural setting (73 percent) and small town character. Other important aspects included its coastal location (64 percent), recreation opportunities (61 percent), employment opportunities (56 percent) and hunting and fishing (53 percent). 7. Land and Water Preferences Within Each Geographic Areas Keystone Canyon was the most popular choice as an historical resource, open space area or natural area. Seventy-four percent of the people felt that leaving it asa natural setting was an appropriate use. Thirty-six percent felt recreation was an appropriate use and 32 percent thought that it was an historical resource. The Lowe River was the second most popular choice as a hunting and fishing area. People chose hunting and fishing, natural setting and recreation as the most appropriate uses (in that order). The uses selected as appropriate for the Robe Lake watershed were,in order; hunting and fishing, natural setting, wildlife habitat and residential. It was the third most frequently chosen residential area. The Valdez Glacier Stream/Airport area was the most popular for gravel extraction and second most popular for industrial development. The uses chosen as most appropriate were, in order; industrial, gravel extraction, commercial, recreational and residential. Zook Subdivision was the most chosen residential and commercial area. Those uses and industrial use were the only ones felt appropriate by a majority of respondents. Old Town was the most frequently chosen industrial area and second most chosen historical and commercial area. The uses most frequently chosen as appropriate were, in order; industrial, commercial, historical and open space/hazards. The Duck Flats was the most frequently chosen habitat area and lease chosen residential area. The uses most frequently chosen as appropriate were, in order; wildlife habitat, natural setting, open space, hunting and fishing and recreational. Mineral Creek Canyon was the most popular recreational area. The uses most frequently chosen as appropriate were, in order; natural setting, recreational, historical, hunting and fishing and wildlife habitat. Uses for Dayville Road area most frequently chosen as appropriate were, in order; industrial, natural setting, commercial and hunting and fishing. These uses are generally incompatible and the number of people favoring these as appropriate is close; 27 percent, 24 percent, 21 percent and 20 percent respectively. This area was the third most frequently selected industrial area and eighth most chosen natural area. It was the fourth most popular residential area. Port Valdez west of Alyeska Terminal was the area most frequently chosen as appropriate for hunting and fishing. The uses most chosen as appropriate were, in order; hunting and fishing, natural setting, recreational and wildlife habitat. 8. Recreation Activity Preferences Over half the people had high interest in fishing, saltwater boating and hiking. Those recreational interests that over half the people had some interest or no interest in were camping, bike riding, hunting, cross-country skiing, tennis, softball and canoeing/kayaking. Those recreational interest over half the people had no interest in at all were downhill skiing (51 percent, no interest) and golf (70 percent, no interest). Those write-in responses most frequently received were bowling and ice skating. Other responses received more than twice were, in order snowmobiling, swimming, racquetball/handball, rollerskating, bird and wildlife watching, movie theater, photography, basketball, shooting and jogging. 9. Waterfront Priority Those uses that over 50 percent of the people felt required a waterfront location were, in order boat harbors and ferry docks, fish processing plants, open natural areas, fish hatcheries and parks. Those uses that over 50 percent of the people felt a waterfront location was slightly to very important were, in order of importance; campgrounds and picnic areas, hotels and restaurants, cold storage, warehouses, roads and highways, private homes, parking lots and timber processing. Those uses that over 50 percent of the people felt a waterfront location was not at all important were; retail shops - 53 percent not at all important and mobile home courts - 80 percent, not at all. 10. Future Problems Air pollution was seen as the most important future problem (68 percent). Water pollution was the only other future problem that concerned more than 50 percent of the people (51 percent). Other future problems seen as very to slightly important were, damage to natural areas, loss of scenic beauty, loss of hunting and fishing, loss of access to waterfront and inadequate recreation facilities. 11. Important Coastal Development Needs All items listed were felt to be very important to Valdez by over 50 percent of the people. They were, in order of importance; increased ferry service, commercial boat harbor, more fish hatcheries, small boat harbor expansion, state land disposal, more recreational facilities and areas and increased tourism (49 percent). 12. Population Growth Preferences Eighty percent of the respondents favored population growth (over 4,000 people). Thirty-four percent favored a population between 7,500 - 10,000, 24 percent between 5,000 and 7,500, 19 percent between 4,000 and 5,000 and 3 percent over 10,000. 13. Area of Residence Sixty-seven percent of the respondents were living in the New Town area with the rest scattered fairly evenly throughout. the other areas of town. 14. Length of Residence in Valdez less than one year.... 11% 1-3 yEAXS. 1... cee eeeee 23% 4-6 yearS......seeeeee 31% 7-10 years........2.0- 11% 10 or more years...... 24% MEDIA CONTACTS The fourth technique used to obtain public involvement in the City of Valdez Coastal Management Program was contact with local media. Notices of all the workshops and public meetings were published in the Valdez Vanguard. In addition, a story and editorial about the Valdez Coastal Management Program was published in the Vanguard during the Phase II program. B. Federal & State Regulations APPENDIX B FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS Introduction Some policies of the Valdez Coastal Management Plan can be achieved through existing federal and state regulatory programs which are designed to protect water quality, wetlands and anadromous fish streams. The primary controls applicable to the Valdez plan would be achieved through permit requirements of the River and Harbor Act of 1899, the Clean Water Act of 1977 as Amended and through Alaska Statute 16, Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Numerous other Presidential Executive Orders, and federal and state policies, regulations and agreements provide further controls and criteria for evaluating applications for these permits. The major state and federal controls which would affect location, construction or facility operation in the Valdez coastal area are described briefly below. Federal Controls The River and Harbor Act of 1899 in Section 10 provides for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) to regulate: ° Construction of structures or work in or affecting navigable waters of the U.S.; ° Excavation of materials or accomplishment of other work in or affecting such waters. Activities requiring Section 10 permits also require: ° a statement of consistency with the Alaska Coastal Management Program; ° certain activities also require Water Quality Certification by the ADEC under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The COE conducts public interest review which considers the following factors before issuing a Section 10 permit: navigability, fish and wildlife, conservation, pollution, aesthetics, ecology, the general public interest, energy needs, economics, safety, historic values, food production, land use classification, water supply and water quality. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires: ° the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to regulate the discharge of dredge or fill material into the waters of the United States; ° the administrator of EPA to have further authority, subject to certain procedures, to restrict or prohibit the discharge of dredge or fill material that may cause an unacceptable adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds, fishery areas, wildlife areas or recreation areas; ° certification of consistency with the Alaska Coastal Management Program; ° a Certificate of Reasonable Assurance from the ADEC stating that the proposed activity complies with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, which includes compliance with the Alaska Water Quality Standards (18 AAC 70). This jurisdiction extends over wetlands. Permit applications are reviewed using the same guidelines described for a Section 10 permit above. Section 402 of the Clean Water Act requires: ° a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from the EPA by the operator of any activity or wastewater system which discharges into a waterway; ° certification of consistency with the state Coastal Management Program; ° a Certificate of Reasonable Assurance from the ADEC stating that the proposed activity complies with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, which includes compliance with the Alaska Water Quality Standards (18 AAC 70). For the purpose of the NPDES program, pollutants include dredge spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked and discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt and industrial, municipal and agricultural waste discharge into water. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 as Ammended : oO declares it is the national policy to encourage a productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment ; establishes six goals toward that end; establishes in Section 102 (c) the requirements for an Environmental Impact Statement to be included in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the environment. Briefly, the six goals of NEPA which should guide all federal actions or decisions are: oO to fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment; assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings; attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or safety or other undesirable or unintended consequences; preserve important historic, cultural and natural aspects of our national heritage, and maintain, wherever possible, an environment which supports a diversity and variety of individual choice; achieve a balance between population and resource use which will permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life's amenities; enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum attainable recycling of depletable resources. Executive Order 11988 Flood Plain Managment establishes overall objectives: oO to avoid to the extent possible the long- and short- term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of flood plains; to avoid direct and indirect support of flood plain development wherever there is a practicable alternative; ° creates general requirements for all federal agencies to follow in conducting activities in flood plains, regardless of land ownership; ° requires federal agencies which guarantee, approve, regulate or insure any financial transaction related to a flood plain area to notify private parties involved that the property is located in the flood plain; the notice must explain chances of being flooded, requirements for flood insurance and include a statement that the transaction may be subject to flood plain regulations. Actions by federal agencies which are subject to the provisions of the Order include the management, acquisition, or disposal of federal lands and facilities, financing or assisting in construction and imporvement, and conducting activities and programs including planning, regulating and licensing. Flood Plain Managment Guidelines appear in 43 CFR 6030. Agencies are required to use the best available information to determine whether an activity is located in a flood plain. In the case of Valdez, the Valdez Coastal Management Program coastal flood zone and river flood plain maps should be utilized for determinations. If an activity is determined to be located in a flood plain, the agency involved is required to make the earliest possible public notice and provide for "continuing communication" during the planning, impact assessment and alternative selection stages of the activity. When a decision to proceed with flood plain development is made, a notice of findings and explanation must be made public. State agencies recieving federal funds for a project may also be required to satisfy these notice requirements. Executive Order 11990 Protection of Wetlands mandates all federal agencies to take certain actions: ° to avoid to the extent possible the long-and short-term adverse impacts associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands; ° to avoid direct or indirect support of new construction of wetlands whenever there is a practicable alternative. When leasing or granting easements or rights-of-way or otherwise disposing of federally owned wetlands, a federal agency is required: ° to reference in the conveyance any uses that are restricted under federal, state and local wetland regulations; ° to attach appropriate restrictions to use of the land. This Order applies only to federally owned or controlled wetlands. State agencies using federal funds may be responsible for meeting requirements of EO 11990. Section 31l of the Clean Water Act addresses oil spills and creates the requirement for spill prevention, containment and counter-measure plans to be developed by owners and operators of major onshore non-transportation related oil storage facilities. The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 as Amended in Section 307(c) requires federal agencies conducting activities which could directly affect the coastal zone to comply, to the maximum extent practicable, with an approved state coastal zone management program. Non-federal applicants for federal licenses or permits are required to submit certification that the proposed activity will comply with the state's program. The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act requires any federal agency which proposes to control or modify a body of water to first consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, as appropriate, and the head of the state agency exercising control over the wildlife resources. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorized an Advisory Council or Historic Preservation to review and comment upon any activities licensed by the federal government which would have an effect upon properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 requires federal agencies to use their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of endangered or threatened species and to insure that any authorized action does not jeopardize the continued existence of such endangered or threatened species or result in destruction or modification of its habitat. Other federal controls which could affect the operation of an industrial facility in the Valdez coastal district include the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Marine Protection, Research & Sanctuaries Act of 1972 as Amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Toxic Substances Control Act. State Controls The primary state controls over development in the Valdez coastal district would be exercised by the Alaska Department of fish and Game (ADF&G), the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR). Alaska Statute 16 provides for the ADFsG to authorize plans and specifications for any construction that may affect anadromous fish streams of the state and also requires that fish passage be provided. Alaska Water Quality Standards identified in 18 AAC 70, are used by the ADEC in certifying NPDES permits to the EPA, according to provisions of Section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 as modified by the Clean Water Act of 1977. Wastewater Disposal Regulations (18 AAC 72) provide means for implementing Alaska Water Quality Standards, by establishing a requirement for a waste disposal permit fram the ADEC in order to conduct an operation which results in the disposal of wastewater into or upon the waters of the state or surface land. "Wastewater" means sewage, waterborne industrial waste, laundry liquid effluent, shower or sink water or other wastes which are waterborne and ina liquid state. Water Appropriation Permit (11 AAC 72) establishes the requirement for a permit to appropriate water, which is issued by the ADNR, prior to the diversion, impoundment, or withdrawal of unappropriated waters on state, federal, or private lands. Use of the water must be for the benefit of the appropriator, other persons or the public, and must be reasonable and consistent with public interest (AS 46.15260 (3)). Eight factors are considered in determining whether an appropriation is in the public interest: Benefit to the applicant resulting from the appropriation, the affect on public health, the affect or loss of alternate uses of the water, the harm to other persons, the intent and ability of the applicant to complete the appropriation, and the affect upon access to navigable or public waters. Public notice of water permit applications must be given in a general circulation newspaper, and by service upon other appropriators who may be affected. The ADNR also may conduct hearings. Alaska Historic Preservation Act of 1971 establishes the state policy to protect and preserve historic and prehistoric sites and objects and provides for public access to the results of any archaeologic findings or investigations. The ADNR also can exercise controls over same development through stipulations attached to rights-of-way or easements across state land; miscellaneous to special land use permits for activities on state land; and land or tideland leases. C. Project Team APPENDIX C PROJECT TEAM City Of Valdez Community Development Department Dennis Thomason Paul Baydarian Denise Bodie Elise Huggins Linda Fulkerson Consultant Team Kramer and Associates Lois Kramer Woodward-Clyde Consultants Jonathan Issacs Resource Inventory and Analysis Woodward-Clyde Consultants Larry Moulton Jonathan Issacs Bill Steiner Jon Lockert Larry Rundquist Bucky Tart Kramer and Associates Bob Williams Policies Woodward-Clyde Consultants Jonathan Issacs Kramer and Associates lois Kramer Implementation DOWL Engineers Greg Jones Vicki Sterling c-1 Woodward-Clyde Consultants Jonathan Issacs AMSAs Woodward-Clyde Consultants Jon Lockert Jonthan Issacs Public Participation Woodward-Clyde Consultants Jonathan Issacs Kramer and Associates Lois Kramer Report Production City of Valdez Graphics City of Valdez ATECH Patsy Kallander Graphic Information System Woodward-Clyde Consultants Dennis Smith Catherine Coffey