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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBarrow Right-of-Way Application & Environ Analysis for....Powerline 1981BAR 004 RIGHT-OF-WAY APPLICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR PROPOSED BARROW-ATQASUK-WAINWRIGHT POWERLINE PREPARED FOR NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH PREPARED BY HOWARD GREY & ASSOCIATES, INC. GEOLOGISTS-ENGINEERS ANCHORAGE, ALASKA May, 198] HOWARD GREY & ASSOCIATES, INC. GEOLOGISTS saND ENGINEERS 715 L STREET, SUITE 8 ANCHORAGE. ALASKA 99501 TELEPHONE (907) 274-2314 June 2, 1981 United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Fairbanks District Office, NPRA P.O. Box 1150 Fairbanks, Alaska 99707 Subject: Right-of-Way Application and Environmental Analysis for Proposed Barrow-Atqasuk-Wainwright Powerline Gentlemen: Transmitted herewith are copies of the subject request for a right-of- way and environmental analysis. The right-of-way will, in large part, traverse lands under Federal jurisdiction PL-94-258 National Petroleum Reserve Alaska. The right-of-way application is made in conformence with 43 CFR 2800. In addition, we are requesting a temporary use permit (copy attached) for the initial survey, soils-foundation investigation and line con- struction. The temporary permit will only apply to the Barrow to Atqasuk portion. The extension to Wainwright would be planned for a later time. We are requesting a 200 foot wide easement, i.e. 100 feet on either side of the proposed line, for the temporary use, primarily to accomodate construction. This could probably be reduced to a 100 foot right-of-way for subsequent line maintenence, providing all improvements can be con- tained within the narrower corrider. The North Slope Borough Public Utilities Department will be in charge of financing, construction, operation and maintenence of the Powerline. The North Slope Borough is certified to produce and deliver power to all villages within its boundaries, with the exception of Barrow. A copy of the Borough's Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, No.254, is attached. In accordance with 43 CFR 2803.1-1 subpart (A)(2)-(i) we request a waiver of the application fee for the temporary use application and permit. We Page 2 U.S. Department of the Interior Proposed Powerl ine/Barrow-Atqasuk-Wainwright June 2, 198) also request consideration of waiver of the right-of-way rental fees pursuant to 43 CFR 2803.1-2 subpart (C)(1) and (C)(3). We would appreciate your prompt attention to the subject application. In particular, your early approval of the temporary use permit will allow us to commence with the preliminary soils and survey work. In the meantime, if we can furnsih your office with any additional in- formation or if you have any questions regarding the permit application, please advise. Sincerely, HOWARD UNITED STATES 7 , DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FORM APPROVED BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT cM i-R TEMPORARY USE APPLICATION ANO PERMIT Serial amber c. 28(e) ot the Mineral Leasing Act of 192), 50 U.S.C. 185.48 amend - 302\b) ane $O4(ai of P-L. 4-579, October /43US.C. 1732, 17 ot. INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERIE APELICATION 1 Name -crrst, s:@ale initia, .nd laser Address inciude =:, I p code: Howard Grey & +:30c., Inc. ila NORTH SLOPE S80ROUGH W15 C street, suite is w Give \egal description of public lands for which you are applying TOWNSHIP | RANGE | SECTION SUBDIVISION The lands requested include a 200 foot wide section, 100 feet on either side of the proposed power transmission center line, lying on public lands between Barrow and Atqasuk. The center line location is illustrated on Figures No.1]-1 through 1-14 of the attached right-of-way application. County Acres cumoer’ Alaska - Approx. 750 Meridian i State Umiat 3. Proposed date(s) of use: From June, 1981 ‘© October, 1982 Are vou 2] years of age or over? Are you 2 ::tizen of the United States or have youceclared a y Yes >No your intention? XK Yes __ No c, AS applicant, are you a Ti Parnership _ Association ~~ Corg-stion; ~~ Individuals); or an agency of __ Federal Govemment __ State Government X_ ~“oliticel subdivision of any state? d. Are the statements required by Instruction Number 2 pian — Yes —_No X Not applicable . 5. Are you making this application for your own use and benefit? “Xi Yes ~~No ‘Ii “’no.”* explain) 6. Are the lands now improved, occupied, or used? __ Yes _XINo ‘If “yes.” describe improvements znd dur- poses. identtly users and occupants) 7a. What do you propose to use the lands for? Survey powerline alignment, examine soil and foundation conditions, construct Powerline. Project described in the accompanying right-of-way application and environmental analysis. b. What improvements. including sanitation facilities, do you intend to make? ‘Describe :mprovemenis ans atiach drawings. if convement) Power transmission line and related facilities as described in the accompanying right-of-way application and environmental analysis. What is the estimated d. What :s the proposed source of water for domestic or other uses? ¢. Cost of proposed improve- N/A mea? § 5.7 million 3. Have you enclosed filing fee of $107, ~~ Yes ~~ No See !asiruction Vurcter }, ICertiry That the information given sy ne in chis application ts true. complete. and correct to the best of ny now ledge and dei:et and :s given in good fart! Howard J. Srey, Authorized Agent for the North Slope a = ariment of agenc. at che sdiction CERMIT Permission s sereoy gieniec tc 2 io use the :oi.ow:ng-cescridec lanes TOWNSHIP RANGE SECTION SUBDIVISION Mendian State County Acres for the purpose -‘ 1. This perzit as issued for the period specified below Hh as revocable a! the discretion of the authorized office: ef the Bureau of Lend Management, at any time upon notice This perm: 1s subject to valid adverse claims heretofore or hereafter acquired 2. Perminee shall pay annually, in advance, to the avu- thorized officer the sum of dollars as rental or such othe: sum as may be requiec if @ rentai a:ustment is made 3. Permittee shall observe all Federal, State, and loca jaws and regulations applicable to the premises and to erec- tion of mazntenance of signs ot advertising displays including the regulations for the protection of game birds and game animals and shell keep the premises in a neat, order Sanitary Condition 4. Use or occupancy of land under this permit shell com- Bence within months from date hereof and shall be exercised at least days each veer S$. Permittee shall take aii reasonable precautions to prevent Suppress forest. brush and gress fire and prevent pol- taon of waters on or in the vicinity of the lands 15. Special Conditions Permit issued fc and subject to the foliow:ng conditions 6. Authorized representatives of the Deper:men: of the Interior, other Federa! agencies, and gave wardens sha!! a all times have the raght to enter the premises on officia! business Permittee shal! not enclose roads or trails commonly un public use. 8. Permittee shal: pay the United States for any damage to ats property reszlting from this use. 9. Permittee shall notify the suthorized officer of address change immediately. 10, Thus permit as subject to all applicable provisions of the regulations (43 CFR 2920) which are made « part hereof. 11. Permittee agrees to have the seris! number of this permit marke? or painted on each advertising display erected or maintained under the authority of such permit. 12. Permittee shat! not cut any tamber on the lands without prior permission from the authorized officer 13. This permit is subject to the provisions of Execztive Order No. 11246 of September 24. 1965. as amended. which sets forth the Equal Opportunity clauses. A copy of this order may be obta:ned from the signing officer 14. This permit may not be assigned without prior approval of the avthorized officer of the Bureau of Land Management From (Astnonzed Officer Te (Tite) (De INSTRUCTIONS 1 Sud) In guricate to any local office of the Bureau of nenr apie fitung fee of $10 made pevadie to the Bureay Land Managemen: having jurisdiction of the lands of Land Management 20 An application by a partnership or association mus! de eccompanieé dy @ stateren: by each member he sa catizen of the United Staves or has filed @ declaration te become & citizen A Application by a corporation mus: De accompanied by @ statement showing that the corporation is sthorized tand an the Stete in which the land :s the person making the application 1s autho- ¢: for the corporation 3 Mo ape.scant is otmer tnen a Feder: e-nme| agency State. or i arse Mus appi.cation tus! be accomnatied 3. o 4 If this eppiicat:on is for permissior to erect an adver. tising display or sign the applican: tus: wa! attach an accurate and fully descriptive ¢iagrat sketch. oF photo- graph (at leas: 37 + §*) of the sign or display te be erected Showing the dimensions. type of construction. estimated he advertising material be inc.uced thereon the liuminanon. if any ané the manner of chment nd. and .b) @ photograph .at leas’ 3" + $7) showing the site on which the sign oF display :s te be erected wo ware oe ic Gtilities g us ublic es Coming. | Aa\e? oy “ Certificate = of Sublic Convenience and Pecessitp 90.254 Having found that the grantee of this certificate is fit, willing and able to provide the utility services applied for and that such services are required for the conuen:ence and necessity of the public, the Alaska Public Utilities Commission, Pursuant to the authonty vested in it by AS 42.05, hereby issues this ¢ ate of Public Convenience and Necessity to NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH d/b/a NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH POWER. AND LIGHT SYSTEM euthorizing it to operate a public utility, as defined by AS 4295. 701 (2) (A) for the purpose of furnishing . . ELECTRIC SERVICE This Certificate is issued under, and subject to, the provisions of AS 4205 and all rules, regulations and orders from time to time promulgated by the Commission governing the rates, charges, services, facilities, and practices of utility operations of the kind cuthonzed herein. The specific nature, scope, terms, conditions and limitations of the authority granted by chis Certificate, as amended to date, are set jorth in the appendiz hereto and in the following order(s) of the Commission which, by this reference, are incorporcted in and nade ¢ part hereoj as though fully set forth herein. Decket No. Date of Order (Socket Numbers and Orde tne attached aopendix “CHRONOLOGY”. ) IN WITNESS THEREOF, the unde: ned micembders of the Commission have executed chis Certificate of P i¢ Convenience and Necessity at anchorage, Alaska on this L7ch day of 1995 TSN R33E City of Wainwright TSN R320. TLSN R31W of Point (The CHRONOLOGY: Sections: Sections: Sections: Section: Section: Sections: Sections: of the above in reference to the 2 N uw Nu a w uw 30, 31, and 32 1? and 18 12 and 19 13 13, 24, and 25 18 and 19 lat Meridian} id Introduction 1-1 Pronosed Action 1-2 Project Descrintion 2-0 Description of Existing Environment 2-1 Physical Characteristics 2-1.1 Climate 2-1.2 Physiography 2-1.3 Geology 2-1.4 Permafrost 2-1.5 Seismicity . 2-1.6 Soils 2-2 Biologic Ecosystems 2-2.1 Vegetation 2-2.2 Invertibrates 2-2.3 Mammals Caribou 2-2.4 Avifauna 2-2.5 Fish 2-3 Cultural Characteristics 2-3.1 Archeological and Historical Resources 2-3.2 Land Use 2-3.3 Transportation 2-3.4 Subsistence 2-3.5 Recreation 3-0 Assessment of Potential Impacts 3-1 Impact Upon Physical Environment 3-2 Impact Unon Biological Communities 3-2.1 Vegetation - Permafrost 3-2.2 Invertibrates 3-2.3 Mammals - Caribou 3-2.4 Avifauna 3-2.5 Fish INDEX (continued) 3-3.0 Impact Upon The Existing Culture 3-3.1 Archeological and Historical Resources 3-2.2 Land Use 3-3.3 Transportation 3-3.4 Subsistence 3-3.5 Recreation FIGURES 2-10 2-11 2-12 2-13 2-14 Powerline Route, 1:250,000 Powerline Route, 1:250,000 Barrow (B-4) Topographic Map Barrow (A-4) Topographic Map Barrow (A-5) Topographic Map Meade River (D-2) Topographic Map Meade River (D-3) Topographic Map Meade River (C-3) Topographic Map Meade River (B-3) Topographic Map Meade River (D-4) Topographic Map Meade River (D-5) Topographic Map Meade River (C-5) Topographic Map Wainwright (C-1) Topographic Map Wainwright (C-2) Topographic Map Transmission Line Target Structure With With With With With With With With With With With With Transmission Line Large Angle Structure Transmission Line Medium Angle Structure Transmission Line Small] Angle Structure Revision to Powerline Route - UIC Lands, Insert A Average Temperature Maxima and Minima Average Precipitation Average Snowfall Frequency of Occurrence of Precipitation Wind Data Physiographic Provinces of Alaska Geologic Map, Northern Alaska Powerline Powerline Powerline Powerline Powerline Powerline Powerline Powerline Powerline Powerline Powerline Powerline Route Route Route Route Route Route Route, Insert C: Atqasuk Route Route Route Route Route & B: Barrow Area Loess Deposits Of Alaska and Sand Dunes In Northern Alaska Permafrost In Alaska Subsurface Ground Temperatures Relative To Depth Effect Of Subsurface Features On The Distribution Of Permafrost Seismicity - Alaska Soils Of The North Slope Of Alaska Vegetation Habitats On The North Slope Of Alaska FIGURES (continued) 2-15 2-16 2-17 2-18 2-19 2-20 2-21 2-22 2-23 2-24 2-25 2-26 2-27 2-28 2-29 2-30 2-3] 2-32 2-33 2-34 2-35 2-36 TABLES 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-6 2-7 Endangered Plants In Vicinity Of Proposed Transmission Line Caribou Herds of Alaska Winter Range And Spring Migration Route Of Caribou Arctic Herd Summer Range And Fall Migration Route Of The Caribou Arctic Herd Dabbling Duck Distribution And Density Diving Duck Distribution And Density Whistling Swan Distribution And Density Geese Distribution And Density Loon Distribution And Density Ptarmigan Distribution And Density Arctic Tern Distribution And Density Shorebird Distribution And Density Gull Distribution And Density Jaeger Distribution And Density Critical Habitat Of The Arctic Peregrin Falcon Locations Of Known Archeological Sites On North Slope Of Alaska Land Withdrawals, North Slope Land Ownership, North Slope Native Allotment Applications Distant Early Warning Stations (Dew Line) On The North Slope Of Alaska Traditional Land Use Sites Sand And Gravel Sources Avian Affinity Of The North Slope Avian Affinity With Sedge-Grass Marsh Environment Avian Affinity With Tussock-Heath Tundra Habitats Avian Affinity With Tundra-Lacustrine Water Edge Habitats Avian Lacustrine Water Habitats Historic And Archeological Sites Subsistence Resources Harvested In The Arctic Slope Native Region INTRODUCTION Enclosed herein is a right-of-way application and environmental analysis for a proposed power transmission line between the villages of Barrow, Atqasuk and Wainwright. This application is being submitted on behalf of the North Slope Borough to the Bureau of Land Management in accordance with the Pprovisons of 43CFR2802.3 of the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act of 1976. The right-of-way application is being submitted prior to the completion of all field work and line design in order that review of the environmental analysis by the various agencies involved can commence. As I am certain you can appreciate, sufficient lead time is required for construction projects in northern Alaska to take advantage of the seasonal modes of transportation. The information contained herein was compiled by Howard Grey & Associates, Inc. primerily from existing data gathered by various Federal, State and local agencies as well as private companies. 1-1 PROPOSED ACTION The North Slope Borough and the participating village corporations are seeking the right-of-way permit in order to eliminate the on-site diesel generators at Atqasuk and Wainwright, thus reducing some of the extreme high costs associated with their operation and maintenance. The electricity delivered to the villages will be supplied by separate waste heat recovery units operating off the main Barrow generating plant. The construction of the line will therefore enable diesel generated electricity to be replaced by inexpensive power derived from previously unused surplus heat. This application details the construction of a Dowerline between Barrow, Atqasuk and Wainwright, a total of about 133 miles. However, only that portion between Barrow and Atqasuk, some 71 miles, will be constructed initially. The remainder of the line, connecting Wainwright, is about 62 miles an will be constructed at a later undetermined date. a The approximate location of the line is shown on the small scale maps, Figures No. 1-1 and 1-2, and on the larger scale topoaraphic maps, Figures No. 1-3 through 1-14. Exact distances and bearings along each line segment will be furnished coincident with the cadastral survey. There may also be slight variances in the alignment due to poor soils or other physical conditions en- countered during subsequent studies. The soils investigation and foundation design will be undertaken prior to construction. This study will consist of soil sampling along the proposed route at intervals sufficient to obtain representative information of surficial deposits. 1-2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION A feasibility report completed by Jack West Associates compared the cumulative electrical costs of the transmission line to the option of staying with the currently used village diesel generators. JInis study indicated that the construction of a transmission line has definite economic advantages and would actually become cneaper than diesel power by the year 1990. A summary of this report is presented in Appendix B. : The two types of transmission lines considered were a conventional three wire overhead line and a single wire earth return (SWER) overhead line. No consideration was given to an underground line because of the problems associated with permafrost. . Although more expensive, the North Slope Borough has chosen the three wire overhead system. It was selected due to the greater flexibility and ease of inter-connection to the existing electrical network over the SW:2 system. in addition, the SWER line is still experimental across frozen ground and has never been attempted for the distances needed for this Project. Figure No. 1-15 through 1-18 illustrates the three wire line design. PHYSICAL DESIGN The proposed line will utilize wooden poles with vertical insulators constructed at 138 KV insulator and NESC code standards. However, the initial operation will probably be at 24.9 KV. Preliminary design of the powerline and associated equipment is as follows: Poles: 50 to 60 feet long, Class I or II Span Length: Approximately 300 feet Conductor: Linnet 336 KCM 26/7 ACSR Conductor Height: Highest: 45 feet Lowest:. 24.6 feet minimum assuming a maximum voltage of 115 ky Conductor Sag: 12.7 feet, calculated at 120°F Conductor Tension: Designed for 14,100 pounds. Actual tension will not exceed 50% of design Minimum Clearance: 24.6 feet Vibration Damper: To be specified The above mentioned specifications, as well as other design features, are tentative and still in the planning phase. Variations and additional information on the powerline design will be submizted at a later date. The powerline is to be designed to NESC heavy loading conditions, to resist external pressures up to 26 pounds per square foot. This design will withstand wind and ice conditions more severe than those experienced on the North Slope. The poles will be set approximately 10-12 feet deep (dependent upon results of the soils investigation) in pre-drilled holes and backfilled with an adfreeze slurry. These measures will prevent frost jacking and in most cases eliminate the need for guy wires and anchors. Final engineering and design will be furnished by JWA. CONSTRUCTION METHOD Construction of the line will be performed during the winter. Anticipated materials staging areas will be at Barrow, Wainwright, and two locations along the coast (Figures 1-5 and 1-10) that are suitable for barge landings. The poles, conductor and other accessories will be transported from the staging a4 area to locations via overland vehicles. Supplemental transport using helicopters may also be necessary to aid in construction. The insulators will be attached prior to erection of the poles, either at the staging area or at the pole location site. The poles will be set in holes pre- drilled by a Nodwell mounted with a Highway auger. Poles will be set using surface equipment and a ground crew. Helicopter support may also be utilized. Conductor wire will be installed after the poles have been set and the adfreeze Slurries have frozen. The conductor will be strung using combination of surface equipment, ground crew and helicopter. The construction crew will consist of six to eight men. Accommodations for the crew will be in either Barrow or Atqasuk, depending upon the proximity to the work site. The proposed route (Figures No. 1-3 through 1-14) is located at least two miles inland. This route was selected to minimize the visual impact along the much travelled shoreline and to avoid the more environmentally sensitive coastline. 2-0 DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT The purpose of this section is to present a brief description o° the existing physical, biological and cultural environments along the proposed transmission line route. For the most part, the construction and maintenance of the line will have little to no affect upo. existing conditions and only a summary is in- cluded with this report. However, where the construction of the transmission line may significantly affect environmental systems, the discussion of both the existing environment and the mitigating measures are elaborated upon. The statements and data presented, in most cases, is taken from or modified from existing information on the North Slope prepared by various governmental agencies and private concerns. 2-1 _ PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 2-) La CLIMATE On Alaska's North Slope, meteorological data is sparse. Data from two weather stations, Barrow and Umiat, is used to generalize the climate along the proposed transmission line. Recorded temperature extremes are listed below. Average monthly maximum and minimum temperature data is presented in Figure No. 2-1. RECORDED RECORDED YEARS OF STATION MAX. °F MIN. ° F RECORD Barrow 78 -56 54 Umiat 85 -63 9 In the Arctic, most precipitation comes as snow. Arctic annual snowfall amounts to about 30 inches and has a water equivalent of 3 to 12 inches. Snowfall can occur any month, but generally it is least in July and greatest in October and November. Once the snow has fallen, it is re-distributed by the wind, causing bare ridge tops and drifted valleys. Figures No. 2-2 through 2-4 summarize Precipitation data for Barrow and Umiat. Winds on the Arctic Coastal Plain are Predominantly easterly and generally persistent. A general average yearly wind velocity is about 10 miles per hour with 25 mile per hour winds occuring 3 to 10 days each month. Occasionally, there are intense storms out of the west, resulting in winds to 55 miles per hour. Wind data at Barrow and Umiat are shown in Figure No. 2-5. 2-1.2 PHYSIOGRAPHY As illustrated on Figure No. 2-6, the North Slope of Alaska is divided into four sections of which only the Teshekpuk Lake sections of the Arctic Coastal Plain Province will be discussed herein. The proposed transmission line is entirely within the Teshekpuk Lake section of the Arctic Coastal Plain. This province extends from the Arctic foothills north of the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. It is basically a flat, featureless plain of low relief with elevations ranging from 600 feet at the southern boundary to sea level at the northern boundary. The primary drainage direction is northerly. TS to * Rivers meander slowly in valleys incised up to 300 feet. The Teshekpuk Lake section is characterized by marshy ground and thousands of elongated lakes, many of which are oriented in a N.15° W direction. The lakes vary up to 20 feet deep and are froma few feet to 9 miles in length. The poorly drained appearance is due to the continuous permafrost which underlies the entire province and prohibits ground water movements or the absorption of water to depths greater than the active layer. (Generally 12 to 18 inches) Ice-wedge polygons cover the coastal plain. Between the Kuk and Colville Rivers there are areas of longitudinalsand dunes 10 to 20 feet high, oriented in the pre- vailing wind direction from N.55 ° t0|||||75°E (Figure No. 2-8) The coastline between Wainwright and Barrow is regular, with few enbayments. The only offshore bars are in the Pt. Franklin-Peard Bay area. Between Wainwright Inlet and Tachinsek Inlet, coastline relief is 10 to 20 feet. To the northeast, in the section known as Skul] Cliff, the escarpment approaches 50 feet. Further northeast, the cliffs diminish to under 20 feet then grade into the surrounding iand surface in the vicinity of Barrow. 2-1.3 GEOLOGY Stratigraphy of the Arctic Coastal Plain can be summarized as 10 to 150+ feet of unconsolidated quaternary marine sediments overlying nearly flat cretaceous aged sedimentary rocks. The unconsolidated deposits covering the proposed transmission line route belong to the Gubik Formation. These quaternary deposits are mainly noncalcareous and consist of layers or lenses of gravel, sand, silt and clay. The deposits were laid down in a shallow sea environment which was subject to numerous alterations of sea level. The Gubik deposits, although primarily marine in nature, have been reworked by alluvial, lacustrine, eolian and frost Processes. A thin layer of surface peat covers most of the Arctic Coastal Plain. A generalized surficial geologic map of Northern Alaska is presented in Figure No. 2-7. Eolian deposits cover large areas of the Artic Coastal Plain. These deposits are mainly west of the subject area, but some sand dunes will be crossed by the proposed route. Figure No. 2-8 illustrates the loess and sand dune deposits of Alaska. The stabilized dunes of the North Slope are primarily of middle to late Pliestocene Age, principally derived from glaciofluvial deposits. The sand dunes are vegetated and have an east-northeast orientation, corresponding to the prevailing wind direction. The dunes are longitudinal, narabolic and muli- cyclic in shape, with lengths varying up to 1.5 miles. Depths are generally 10 to 20 feet. Present eolian activity on the Arctic Coastal Plain is mainly in the same area as previous activity, east of the proposed transmission line. Present sources of eolian deposits are blowouts along rivers, flood plains, deltas and beaches where unvegetated material caneasily be removed. The eolian activity of today is relatively minor when compared with the vast deposits of the older stabilized dunes. 2-1.4 PERMAFROST As shown on Figure No. 2-9, the proposed transmission line lies entirely within the zone of continuous permafrost. Permanently frozen ground will be experienced everywhere except under large, deep thaw lakes. The temperature of the permafrost will vary, but is generally expected to be around +10° F at about 50 foot depths. Subsurface temperatures will vary seasonally and with depth. A generalized correlation of subsurface temperatures and depths is illustrated on Figure No. 2-10. The depth of permafrost varies from a high of about 1000 feet in the Barrow area to 0 feet under the large deep lakes. The active zone, the upper portion which thaws during summer months, is generally from 12 to 18 inches thick. However, it may extend deeper, depending upon localized conditions. The depth and extent of the ~ivers and lakes will influence the permafrost table. Shallow lakes will completel, freeze during the winter months and will be directly underlain by permafrost. Deep lakes, feet or greater in depth, generally do not completely freeze and will have a thaw bulb beneath the lake. Under some large, deep lakes, the permafrost may actually disappear. Figure No. 2-11 displays the effects of surface features on the underlying permafrost. 2-1.5 SEISMICITY Most seismic activity in Alaska is related to fault zones associated with the shifting continental plates. The North Slope is far removed from any recorded active faults of Alaska and therefore, subject to very little seismic activity. As illustrated in Figure No. 2-12, the powerline route is located in seismic zone =1, which is classified as having a minor probability of seismic activity. There has been no reported seismic activity in the vicinity of the proposed transmiss‘on line. 2-1.6 SOILS Soils along the Arctic Coast are generally poorly developed, fine grained and covered with a layer of tundra type vegetation. The Arctic Coastal Plain is divided into three distinct areas as shown on Figure No. 2-13. The major soils that will be encountered during construction of the proposed transmission line are tundra and bog soils. Arctic brown soils and dune soils will also be encountered to a lesser degree. TUNDRA SOIL This is the most common soil of Northern Alaska. It mantles most of the flat to undulating landscape north of the Brooks Range. During the summer months, this soil thaws to about 12 inches. Most tundra soils are silty and are predominantly acidic. Four major horizons are generally recognized in tundra soils. The surface Organics, an upper mineral soil, a buried organic layer, and a frozen loamy substrate. The tundra soils cover a wide range of condition and have been further divided into upland tundra soil, found on sloping topography, and a meadow tundra soil which is found in flat areas and basins. BOG SOILS As much as 20% of the Arctic Coastal Plain is covered by bog soils. Bog soils usually consist of slightly decomposed fibrous peat mixed with silts. The soils are almost always acidic. Bog soils are found in low, flat areas with many having their origin as lagoon and lake deposits. Bog deposits generally range from a few feet to about 30 feet thick. The permafrost table is usually very shallow in these soils. ARCTIC BROWN SOILS The Arctic brown soil is well drained and is found on the crest of beach ridges. The soil consists of a thin organic layer over gravelly-sandy-loam. Vegetation usually consists of willow, lichen and mosses. The active layer in the Arctic brown soils is relatively deep and while polygonal ground is associated with this soil, frost action does not appear to be as active as in tundra or bog soils. DUNE SOILS Dune soils consist of a well drained loamy-sand over loose sands of variable thickness. Buried soils are commonly encountered under the dunes. Low shrubs are generally associated with these deposits. The permafrost table in the dunes may be 6 feet or greater in depth. -9- 2-2 BIOLOGIC ECOSYSTEMS This section deals with the existing flora and fauna communities that inhabit the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska. Each biotic community is presented separately for convenience. But, in reality, communities interact with each other and with their physical environment to provide their life habitat. 2-21. VEGETATION On Alaska's North Slope seven major habitats can be identified by distinct plant communities. In this report, we are only concerned with two of these seven habitats: the wet and mosit tundra over which the entire proposed power transmission line will be constructed. Figure No. 2-14 delineates these vegetative environments. WET TUNDRA Wet tundra is the primary community of the Arctic Coastal Plain. This community is dominated by several species of sedges which make up about 75% of the total vegetation. Numerous species of moss grow in the understory, but few lichens are found in the wet tundra. Secondary species include cotten grass, lousewort and buttercup in wetter sites, while heather and purple mountain saxiflage grow in the raised drier habitat such as the ridges and hummocks. The important plants of the wet tundra community are as follows: LICHENS and MOSSES Mosses Sphafnum spp. GRASSES and SEDGES Cottongrass Eriophorum angustifol ium Sedges Carex spp. Juncus Juncus biglumis Rush . Luzula arctica HERBS Marsh marigold Caltha palustris arctica. Snow buttercup Rannunculus nivalis Purple mountain saxifrage Saxifrage oppositfolia - 10 - Bog rosemary Andromeda polifolia loudberry Rubus chamaemorus Lousewort Pedecularis paruiflora pennellii SHRUBS Four angled heather Cassiope tetragona Willows Salix spp. Cranberry Vaccinium vitis idaea MOIST TUNDRA A substantial portion of the Arctic Coastal Plain is covered by moist tundra. Cottongrass tussouks, 6 to 10 inches high, separated by narrow channels, cover the majority of the moist tundra environment. Mosses and lichens grow in the moist channels between the tussocks. Short grasses and herbs may be found on small frost boils. The other major plants growing wit. the cottongrass include smal] shrubs and herbs. The important plants of the moist tundra habitat include: LICHENS and MOSSES Mosses Sphagnum spp. GRASSES and SEDGES Sedge Carex Bigelowii’ Cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum HERB Moun:ain avens Dryas spp. Cloudberry Rebus chamaemorus Bistort Polygonum bistorta plumonsum Stiff stemmed saxifrage Saxifraga hieracifolia SHRUBS Dwarf birch Betula nana exilis Willows Salix spp. Labrador Ledum palustre decumbens Crowberry Empetrum nigrum hermaphroditum Locally, some woody species may occur along water courses and flood plains disecting both the moist and dry tundra habitats. The numerous lakes of the Arctic Coastal Plain provide an environment for aquatic vegetation. Arctic freshwater vegetation includes three types of vegetation: phytoplankton, -ll- seed plants and small algae. The important plants comprising the freshwater flora include: Diatoms Golden algae Cryptomonads Dinoflagellates Green algae Blue-green algae Mare's tail Pendent grass Pondweeds Crow foot Burreed Sedge Cottongrass Marigold Foxtail Tundra grass Bacillariophyceae (Class) Chrysophyceae (Class) Cryptomonas sp. Rhodomonas minuta Dinoflagellata (Class) Chlamydomonas sp. Pyramidmonas sp. Ankistrodesmum sp. Cyanophyta (Phylum) Hippuirs vulgaris Arctophila fulva Potamogeton spp. Ranunculus pallasii Sparganium sp. Carex aquatilis Eriophorum scheutzeri Caltha sp. Alopecurus sp. Dupontia fishceri THREATENED AND ENDANGERED PLANTS Found in the vicinity of the proposed power transmission line route are two varities of plants that are included in "threatened and-endangered plants of Alaska", published in 1980 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The endangered classification is being requested for MERTTENSIA DRUMMONDII and SALIX OVALIFOLIA variety GLACIALIS. An endangered plant is defined as one whose extirpation is possible throughout all or a significant portion of its total range. MERTTENSIA DRUMMONDIT: (Lehm.) G. Don Drummon bluebell, MERTTENSIA LANCEOLATA var. drummondii (Lehm.) B. Beivin. In Alaska, this plant is only found on sand dunes along the Meade River. This species is also found in Canada, from Victoria Island and Dolphin and Union Straits. This plant is unique to other species of MERTTENSIA in Alaska but is very similar to two species found in the southern Rocky Mountains. -12- SALIX OVALIFOLIA: var. Glacialis (Andress.) G.W. Argus. This Arctic willow has been found in sandy-soils at Barrow, Collinson Point, Camden Bay and on the Meade and Topagoruk Rivers. Argus (1973) described this plant as “a distinctive local variant which may prove to have some phytogeographic or evolutionary significance." There is inter- gradation between the plant and var. Arctolitoralis and there is no clear discontinuity between the two varities. Figure No. 2-15 shows the presently known locations of these two endangered taxon. 2-2.2 INVERTIBRATES The moist and wet tundra of the Arctic is heavily populated with invertibrates. The vast numbers of mosquitos and flies are important in the lifecycle of migratory birds. Parasites also help control animal populations. Maximum mosquito populations occur in mid-June. The most important groups of invertibrates present on the Arctic Coastal Plain include: INVERTIBRATES ; Spiders and mites Arachnida (Class) Insects Insecta (Class) Flatworms Platyhelminthes (Phylum) Roundworms Nematoda (Class) 2-2.3 MAMMALS There are relatively few varities of mammals that inhabit the wet and moist tundra environments of the Arctic as compared with more moderate habitats. All mammals occuring in the Arctic Coastal Plain are especially adapted to live in the cold climate. Populations of the small mammal are generally cyclic in nature, fluctuating at 3 to 5 year intervals. The populations of the larger mammals, such as the caribou, also appear to vary over long periods at irregular intervals. =-13-> The most common mammals are the lemminas, but the most important mammal and the only one discussed in detail in this report is the caribou. A list of the mammals occupying the wet and moist tundra is as follows: MAMMALS Shrews Soricidae (Family) Arctic ground squirrel Citellus parryi Lemmings and voles Cricetidae (Family) Wolf Canis lupus Arctic fox Alopex lagopus Red fox Vulpes fulva Grizzly bear , Ursus arctos Weasels Mustelidae (Family) Wolverine Gulo luscus Caribou Rangifer tarandus Musk ox Ovibos moschatus CARIBOU There are thirteen major herds of caribou in Alaska (Figure No.2-16). The Arctic herd which occupies the northwest portion of Alaska, including the subject area of this report, is the only herd that will be discussed herein. The Arctic caribou nerd is currently increasing in population. In 1970 there were approximately 242,000 animals. This number decreased to about 100,000 in 1975 and then to a low of some 75,000 in 1976. Since then, the herd has increased to about 140,000 in 1980 (Alaska Department of Fish & Game, personal communication). The factors contributing to the population fluctuation are the subject of much controversy. These factors include, but are not limited to, hunter harvesting, predation, disease and condition of grazing lands. Caribou are always in motion, and they exhibit both a pattern and periodicity in their movements. Caribou do not normally move in large compact herds. Occasionaly they will gather in larger herds of thousands, but these seldom persist. Migration between summer and winter ranges along well defined routes bring the caribou together. Dispersion is greatest in late summer and mid-winter. The principal winter range of the Arctic herd is in the Boreal Forests south of the Brooks Range. When snow depths do not limit movement and feeding, most of the - 14 - herd moves well into the forests. When snowfall is heavy or severe, and crusting occurs south of the Brooks Range, the caribou remain in the mountains or on the Arctic Slope. Regardless of the severity of the winter, some caribou always remain on the Arctic Slope. These animals are usually located along the coast where the strong winds have uncovered the ground for feeding. During the winter, December through February, the caribou are relatively sedentary md move about less than at any other time of the year. The Spring migration to the calving grounds begins in March, the caribou cross the passes in the mountains and hills once the snow has dissipated. The caribou use the most direct route when migrating to the calving grounds. The animals that wintered over on the North Slope usually begin movina to the calving ground a few weeks to a month later than those who wintered further south. The major calving area is located at the headwaters of the Colville, Ketik, Meade and Utukok Rivers. This calving area consists of foothills and upland meadows, 500 to 2,000 feet above sea level. Snow recedes from this area before adjacent sites and the cottongrass is available for feeding when the caribou arrive. The calving period usually extends from about May 25th to June 25th. However, these places and dates may vary since there are always exceptions to caribou movements. The winter range and spring migration routes are illustrated on Figure No. 2-17. By mid-June the caribou begin leaving the calving grounds. By now the plants on which the caribou feed are growing and the insects are thriving. The caribou move in a large circular pattern over the entire North Slope. They are believed to follow this circular route to feed on the various plants of the North Slope. During mid-summer, the animals are in their greatest agitation, constantly harrassed by insects. They are often found in small groups on wind swent ridges and only when the wind and cool temperatures offer relief, can they disperse, feed and rest. The fly season ends in early August and the caribou can feed uninhibited at this time. By late August, when they are dispersed over the entire Arctic Slope, they begin to migrate to the winter range and by September only a few animals remain on the tundra. The summer range and the fall migration routes are shown on Figure No. 2-18. 2-2.4 AVIFAUNA There are currently 190 species of birds that make up the avifauna of the North Slope of Alaska. Although this number sounds high, it is ctually significantly lower than the number of bird species known to utilize more southerly latitudes. 22 Of this total, 7A-species are regular breeders and 22 species breed on an irregular basis. An additional 13 species are commonly encountered during migrations, but do not breed on the slope. There are 9 species that have adapted to live yearlong. The remaining 77 species are classified as visitors or stragglers, usually having strayed from adjacent breeding grounds to the east or west. A list of all birds known on the North Slope are included in Table No. 2-1. Total spring populations on the North Slope have been estimated to be about 1 million ducks, over 100,000 geese, 1,000 whistling swans, over 5 million shore birds and 20 to 30 million passerines. The Arctic Coastal Plain is dominated primarily by waterfowl and shore bird species, having an affinity for the wetlands. Figures No. 2-19 through 2-28 illustrate the distribution and densities of the most common avian species utilizing the Coastal Plain and their proximity to the proposed powerline route. There are 38 species who are regular breeders and 16 other species who are occasional breeders on the Arctic Coastal Plain. These are separated into the various groups of birds as follows: SPECIES GROUP REGULAR BREEDER OCCASIONAL BREEDER Marine 0 ae Waterfowl 16 4 Raptors 1 1 Ptarmigan 0 ] = 16s Crane Shore bird Gulls and Jaegers Song birds 0 13 5 3 oOoa~ Most species of birds exhibit certain associations with specific types of envirnoments. Tables No. 2-2 through 2-5 list species affinity toward the specific habitats which are the dominate type found along the proposed power transmission line. The important birds associated with the moist and wet tundra environments include: BIRDS Loons Whistling swan Pintail Oldsquaw Steller's eider King eider Spectacled eider Marsh hawk Snipe Pectoral sandpiper Baird's sandpiper Dunlin Lona-billed dowitcher Seniipalmated sandpiper Red phalarope Jaegers Glaucous gull Arctic tern Snowy owl White-fronted goose Sabine's gull Raven Lapland longspur Snow bunting Gavia spp. Olor columbianus Anas acuta Clangula hyemalis Ploysticta stelleri Somateria spectabilis Lampronetta fishcheri Circus cyaneus Gallinago gallinago Erolia melanotos Erolia bairdi Erolia alpina Limnodromus scolopaceus Ereunetes pusillus Phalaropus fulicarius Stercorarius spp. Larus hyperboreus Sterna paradisea Nyctea scandiaca Anser albifrons Xema sabini Corvus corax Calcarius lapponicus Plectrophenax nivalis Those birds which have adapted to winter-over on the North Slope are: common raven, gyrfalcon, willow and rock ptarmigan, snowy owl, black guillenot, redpolls, ivory gulls and Ross's gulls. The first birds to arrive from southerly wintering grounds, usually before and during spring breakup, are the waterfowl, shore birds and passerines. Raptors also arrive early, before most of the other species, to establish their territories. Some birds, especially loons, whistling swans and snow geese = |I7 |= that arrive in late May and early June, stop only briefly on their way to other breeding grounds in Alaska, Canada or Siberia. There are two primary migration routes. The coastal route, which parallels the seacoast, is followed mainly by eiders, other waterfowl, shore birds and marine birds. This route comes north along the coast to Pt. Barrow where most birds turn to follow the coast to eastern Alaska and Canada. The inland migration route which moves through passes of the Brooks Range, most notably Howard and Anaktuvak Pass, is used by waterfowl, raptors, ptarmigan, shore birds and passerines. Most spring arrivals become summer residents. The breeding birds nest in the wet- lands while non-breeding individuals occupy coastal areas. Upon completion of breeding, most adults join the non-breeders along the coast before migrating south. Most species have migrated south to wintering grounds by September, but the actual times depend on climatic conditions. Unusually cold spells have been known to kill vast quantities of birds, as in 1964, when an estimated 100,000 eiders died. ENDANGERED SPECIES There is only one species, the Arctic Peregrine Falcon, found on the North Slope of Alaska, that is listed by the U.S. Department of the Interior as being endangered. As described in Tables No. 2-1 through 2-3, the activities of the Peregrine Falcon are mainly confined to the foothills and mountains although they are known to forage for food in wetlands. The proposed critical habitat area for the Peregrine Falcon is illustrated on Figure No. 2-29. As shown, these areas are far removed from the powerline route. 2-2.5 FISH Since the proposed power transmission route will be entirely inland, only fresh- water fish are considered in this report. Because of the shallow nature of the lakes and ponds on the Arctic Coastal Plain, most are void of fish. Ui gi Only lakes deeper than 6 feet that do not totally freeze can support fish life. One recent survey reported less than 50° of the lakes contain fish and only 20% contain more than one variety, Data on the lakes of the North Slope is very limited, but it can be assumed that the primary fish occupying the lakes are ninespine stickleback, slimy sculpin, Arctic grayling, Arctic char, round whitefish and lake trout. Arctic rivers and streams are inhabited by anadromous fish migrating between over- wintering locales and spawning grounds. Arctic char, various cisco and whitefish are vhe most common of the 13 varities that are known to occupy rivers at various times of the year. Arctic grayling, unlike the anadromous fish, inhabit the inland waters. However, the grayling and other freshwater fish of the Arctic also migrate extensively between wintering sites, spawning grounds and food resources. Rivers in che vicinity of the proposed powerline that are known to be or have potential to be anadromous streams are: the Inaru, Meade, Kugrua, Kungok and Kuk. No threatened or endangered species of fish are known to exist in the streams of the subject area. 2-3 CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS 2-31. ARCHEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES Known archeological and historical sites of the North Slope have been identified by the Office of History and Archeology, a subpart of the Division of Parks, within the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. Figure No. 2-30 and Table No. 2-6 lis~ all known sites within the vicinity of the proposed powerline. Most of the North Slope has not been thoroughly surveyed for historical sites and it is believed that numerous other sites may exist, mainly along the coast and - 19 - Possibly inland. 2-3.3 LAND USE Prior to statehood in 1959, the majority of the land on the North Slope was under Federal jurisdiction, administered by either the military or the Bureau of Land Management. Since, statehood selections, ANCSA selections and wildlife withdrawals have altered the land ownership. Figure No. 2-31 shows the current land with- drawals. The proposed powerline route, althou 9 still preliminary, will cross lands under the jurisdiction of the various village corporations, the regional corporations and the Federal government. As of this date, most of the lands selected by the villages and regional corporations have not been transferred. The approximate powerline mileages over specific lands are as follows: APPROXIMATE POWERLINE APPROXIMATE TOTAL LAND AREA SURFACE OWNER MILEAGE (mileage x 100 feet) Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation 23.5 miles 284.8 acres Atqasuk Village Corporation 2.5 miles 30.3 acres Olgoonik Village Corporation 14.0 miles 169.7 acres UIC Selected Lands 1.25 miles 15.2 acres Public Lands Administered by Bureau of Land Management 91.25 miles 1106.1 acres Respective selections are illustrated on Figure No. 2-32. All subsurface rights on lands within NPR-A, which includes the powerline, are public owned and under the jurisdiction of the Federal government. A number of applications have also been made for 160 acre parcels under the Alaska Native Allotment Act of 1906. The location of said parcels are shown on Figure No. 2-33. At this time, all applications shown, except one, have been rejected because of the pre-dated reserve status of NPR-4, The villages that will be served by the power transmission line are Barrow, -20- Atqasuk and Wainwright. Barrow is the largest village on the North Slope, with a population of about 3,400 (including Browerville). Atgasuk, located about 55 miles south of Barrow, along the Meade River, is a newly re-settled town with a population of under 200 people. Wainwright is located some 90 miles southwest of Barrow, along the coast. The village has an estimated population of 425 people. Most of the residents of the North Slope reside within the Organized villages. There are no known residences, along the proposed powerline, outside of the villages. However, some seasonal fishing camps may be within the general vicinity. There are 7 active and 10 inactive distant early warning stations (DEW Line) along the Arctic coast. As shown.on Figure No. 2-34, an inactive station at Peard Bay (Liz C) and an active station at Wainwright (Liz 3) are along the proposed route. Most of the land on the North Slope is used by the local residents for subsistence hunting, fishing and trapping. This is discussed in Section 2-3.4. There are numerous sites that are used for traditional purposes. These specific sites are identified on Figure No. 2-35. The North Slope of Alaska is a sedimentary basin, with the important mineral resources being oil, gas, coal, sand and gravel. Metallic minerals of the mountains in the Brooks Range are well known, but deposits on the Coastal Plain have received very little attention. The oi] and gas potential of the North Slope is well known. As of this time, however, the major discoveries have been in lands east of the proposed line. Coal beds underlie most of the Coastal Plain, including the major portion of the route of the proposed transmission line. The coal is cretaceous, grading from subbituminous to a bituminous coal toward the foothills Province. - 2| = Coal outcroppings occur at both Atqasuk and Wainwright, and coal was mined near Atqasuk between 1944 and 1964 as a fuel source for heat at Barrow. The coal reserves have not been totally evaluated, but recent estimates indicated that some 13 billion tons of bituminous and 97 billion tons of subbituminous coal have been identified as reserves. Undiscovered, possible reserves have been estimated at between 934 billion and 2.8 trillion tons. The coal generally has a very low sulfur content and a caloric content ranging from 8,00° Btu to 14,000 Btu. Sand and gravel deposits are also very important to the development on the North Slope. These construction materials are used extensively to construct road bases, airstrips, buildings, drilling pads and to make concrete. Figure No. 2-36 identifies the known gravel sources on the western portion of the North Slope. Eolian sands may also be suitable for certain construction requirements, but none are currently being utilized. Phosphates and oil shale are also known to occur on the North Slope, but there has been no substantial work to determine quantity or quality. 2-3.3__ TRANSPORTATION The dominant mode of transportation to and from Alaska's North Slope is by air. Commercial flights serve both Barrow and Deadhorse on a daily schedule. Smal] charter aircraft generally transport people and light cargo. Heavy or bulky cargo can also be transported to the villages by Hercules type aircraft, which land on frozen lakes during the winter months only. All villages on the North Slope have airstrips and many communities are Currently upgrading their airstrip facilities. Barrow and Deadhorse, as well as other communities situated along the coast are also accessible by barge, which operate during ice-free periods, normally from LT laa mid-July to mid-September. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Haul Road is the only road connecting the North Slope to the Alaska Highway system. The road is used to supply the oi] industry at Prudoe Bay and is not totally open to the public. None of the communities on the North Slope are inter-connected by roads. There are studies which indicate the feasibility of building roads, but there are no plans for construction at this time. Overland transport of people by snowmachine and cargo by tractor sleds is common between villages. However, this is only possible when the ground is frozen and covered with snow. Between Atqasuk, Wainwright and Barrow, there are a few routes which are generally used for this purpose. These route: are identifed on the topographic maps showing the proposed powerline route. (Figures No. 1-3 through 1-14) 2-3.4 SUBSISTENCE The present economy of the residents of the North Slope is a combination of both subsistence and cash economics. Cash input comes in various forms: State, Federal and local government employment and programs; ANSCA money; and jobs with private companies provided through a strong local hire practice. Subsistence activities have declined in recent years and seasonal employment has increased. Average time consumed by subsistence is 3.9 month per year, while wage employment is 5.1 months per year. Subsistence, however, still represents a substantial portion of the economy. Hunting and fishing not only provide food but help preserve the traditional culture. The entire area of the North Slope is used for subsistence harvests. The area surrounding the proposed pipeline is used primarily for caribou and water- fowl hunting. A list detailing the type and quantity of resources harvested by. 5 villages on the North Slope is presented in Table No. 2-7. The list includes totals for - 23 - Wainwright and Barrow, but not Ataqasuk. It should also be pointed out that the residents of smaller villages depend on subsistence much more than the residents of Barrow. As shown, the important species are the caribou, bearded seal, hair seal, walrus and Baleen whale. 2-3.5 RECREATION The primary recreational activities enjoyed by the residents of the North Slope are those associated with subsistence hunting and fishing. For nonresidents, recreation is very limited due to lack of facilities and the Climate. Outdoor activities enjoyed by nonresidents include hiking, boating and hunting in the foothills and mountains. Tourism in Barrow is the only important activity on the Coastal Plain. 3-0 ASSESSEMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACT This section addresses the probable impact that the proposed action will have on the existing enviro:ments described in Section 2. 3-1 IMPACT UPON PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT The construction of the proposed Power transmission line will have no affect upon the items classified under "Physical Description." A description of the existing climate, physiography, geology and soils was in- cluded to indicate the type of environment to be crossed and the special conditions that exist from a construction point of view. The only element in this section that could possibly alter, due to the construction, is the permafrost table depth which is discussed along with vegetation in the next section. - 24 - 3-2.1 VEGETATION - PERMAFROST Construction of a transmission line on the North Slope will be uniq:2 to most other areas, since no tree felling or trimming will be required. In some localized areas, such as stream Crossings, some high brush may be encountered. This will be cut to appropriate lengths whenever necessary. As described in Section 2-21., the predominate vegetation in the subject area is low in grasses and sedges. Mosses and other low plants, together with the surface organic layer, protect the underlying permafrost. To mitigate surface disturbances, and therefore preserve the subsurface permafrost | construction will be performed in the winter when the ground is solidly frozen emi init alice Construction technique, as described in Section 1- 2, will probably consist of a combination of helicopters and surface tracked vehicles. The use of wide tracked ein cece LT Tn $e DU ieee vehicles specifically designed for transport across frozen tundra during winter ————— SS months 1s common practice on the Arctic Coastal Plain. Correct use of this equip- ment results in little to no detrimental impacts to traversed lands. No road will be built to service the powerline, therefore continuous traffic is not anticipated. However, overland vehicles have a tendency to follow riahts- of- way. The residents normally travel between villages on snowmachines and it is predictable that in the future they may follow the powerline route. Snowmachines have traversed the tundra in the past with no major affect and we see no adverse affects from future use. As shown on the topographic map of the proposed route, a large portion of the powerline parallels established tractor trails. Future continued use by tracked vehicles may compress or destroy some of the vegetative cover and subsequently degrade the underlying permafrost, resulting in ruts or a depression in the surface. However, with the frequency of use by the tractor/sleds, which is very low, we believe that the adverse impact will be minor and may even be nonexistent. -25- ENDANGERED PLANTS As detailed in Section 2-2.1, there are two plants being considered for in- clusion in the endangered classification by the Department of the Interior. At the present time, MERTTENSIA DRUMMONDII and SALIX OVALIFOLIA var. GLACIALIS are classified as sensitive by the Bureau of Land Management. It is difficult to pinpoint all locations of these plants, but it is known that they inhabit sand bars along the Meade River and might also be found on adjacent sand dunes. These plants are considered endangered because they are found on sandy material that is desirable for construction purposes. The proposed powerline should not affect the status of these plants because it will not encounter their primary environment on the Meade River. From Atqasuk the line follows either existing tractor trails or crosses wet tundra, which is void of either endangered plant. Some "virgin" sand dunes may be crossed approximately 3 miles west of tne Meade River and between there and the coast- line. Due to the limited extent of these plants, it is'unlikely that either plant will be encountered by the powerline. Even if encountered, the type of construction should not adversely affect the plant's environment. No excavation will be under- taken during construction of the powerline. SALIX OVALIFOLIA var. GLACIALIS is also found in sandy soils in the Barrow area. Generally, these soils will not be crossed and no adverse impact is expected. 3-2.2 INVERTIBRATES The invertibrates of the North Slope, primarily mosquitos and flies, are very important as a food source for numerous bird species. Their primary habitat is the lakes and ponds by the wet tundra. No aspect of the powerline construction or maintenance will influence the proliferation of these insects. - 26 - The only mammal considered in this report is the_caribou because its prominence is important compared with other mammals living on the Slope. Construction of the powerline will be during the winter, the time at which the caribou population is at it's minimum. As illustrated on Figure No. 2-17 and 2-18, the powerline is far removed from migration routes and the primary breeding o aisresren roures anc ne primary grounds. The line does, however, cross lands used by the caribou for summer — feeding. The entire North Slope is used for feedings by the widely wandering caribou. As demonstrated by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, caribou do not avoid man-made structures and adjust their habits to the new structures. The powerline will have a minimum clearance of 24.6 feet, with poles spaced some 600 feet apart. It is unlikely that the powerline will alter any of the caribou's grazing habitat or feeding habits. The caribou herd is presently increasing in population. The construction and maintenance of the transmission line will have no adverse impact upon their population. 3-2.4 AVIFAUNA The overall affect of overhead transmission lines on avian behavior is not yet fully understood. This section of the report will attempt to summarize and correlate existing information to predict the probable impact of the proposed tra:smission line on the various bird species that visit the North Slope. Transmission lines appear to have two major affects on bird behavior: physical and electromagnetic. There are very few studies on the affects of the electro- magnetic effects of powerlines on bird behavior, but there is evidence that when local magnetic fields are disturbed the orientation of some birds is slightly affected. The magnetic disturbance produced by powerlines is generally localized and extends but a few yards from the line. The line will not affect birds flying well above the line and since the powerline does not cross the major migratory - 27 - routes, the electromagnetic affect should be negligible. el The physical impacts include both electrocution and wire strikes. Electrocution will not be discussed, since the number of birds that are electrocuted appears to be very low. The actuél wire design, as illustrated in Figures No. 1-15 through 1-18, will greatly reduce the chance of electrocution. There is no controversy that the major impact of transmission lines is wire strikes. There is also no question that bird collisions will occur along the Proposed powerline. The proposed powerline route crosses major _avion resting and nesting habitat. FTguresNo 2-19 through 2-28 illustrate ‘the 1 major bird species and their concentrations that will be affected by the powerline. It must be remembered that the majority of the birds visiting the Coastal Plain frequent near shore environment, using it as either a staging area or resting site enroute to other breeding grounds. These individuals will not be impacted by the powerline. The greatest impact will be on the waterfowl population breeding on the wet tundra. Shore birds will also be impacted, but since their numbers are much greai-r and their value is generally considered less than that of the waterfowl, they will not be discussed separtely. The wet tundra is not a favorable habitat for Raptors, Cranes, Ptarmigan and song birds and the powerline will therefore have a negligible impact upon these species. The Peregrine Falcon, an endangered species, may be an infrequent visitor to the wet tundra environemnt. Figure No. 2-29 illustrates their critical habitat, and as shown, it_is far removed from the subject area. ety The powerline does not cross the major migratory route of the waterfowl. However, — ——— as many birds disperse at the end of their migration, they must cross the line to reach inland habitats. - 28 - The percentage of bird fatalities due to collisions with wires or structures is impossibie to ascertain, but all estimates are very low. This, however, could still have a major impact if the victims were sensitive or endangered species. Almost all species of birds have been known to have collided with wires or structures. Impacts normally occur when the birds are startled or distracted and during times of poor visibility. The powerline wire height will be about 50 feet. Waterfowl normally will fly above this height except when departing or landing and during poor weather conditions. Nocturnal flights account for a great number of collisions. Birds utilizing the North Slope arrive at a time when there is very little to no darkness, thus, reducing the chances for wire strikes. The powerline will, when totally complete, affect a wetlands corridor measuring some 120 miles by 200 feet or about 4.5 square miles. This is a relatively insignificant amount of land when considering the total lowland habitat that is used by the waterfowl, some 23,000 square miles. The line will, however, due to its linear nature, affect more territory than that of its actual route. Waterfowl have been known to avoid areas impacted by powerlines and other man- made structures. Often this will have an impact by withdrawing vital lands necessary for specific functions. This will not be a consideration here because of the vast amount of land that is available. In fact, it may be desirable if the powerline were avoided by the waterfowl, suisequently reducing the number of wire impacts. Nesting waterfowl are not concentrated in small areas, but are wide- spread over the entire wetland habitat. This and the fact that there are no major flight corridors crossed by the powerline should minimize wire impacts. The type of powerline design also affects the number of bird strikes. The three wire vertical design (Figure No. 1-15) will be more visible than other designs —_ eee eee a rc lee and the poles will, for the most part, be self-supporting, thus eliminating any _ static lines. Guy wires actually account for a relatively higher percentage of 2 collisions since they are thinner and more difficult to see. -~ 29 - ine habitat along the powerline will be basically inaccessible during peak avian population periods, thus external stresses on the breeding species should be negligible. Often the selection of a route which bypasses sensitive areas will greatly re- duce wire impacts. For this area, there is no viable alternative route. The entire area,inicuding the villages and interim lands lie within the avian habitat. Taking everything into consideration, there will be some bird strikes along the powerline, but it will be a very Tow percentage of total birds present. There are few, if any, mitigating measures that could alleviate this impact. Over a long period of time, regular bird mortality should be low but there may be occasions, irregular in time, when poor weather and visibility may account for an unusually large number of wire strikes. Bird mortality of any type must be considered, but it should be viewed in the Proper perspective. The actual percentage o° wire strike deaths is very low, even when compared to other man-made causes. The diagram below graphically illustrates the relationship of mortalities due to wire strikes and other cuases. RESERVE ARG ormes man-Caused woatauity (Pecseaty maTuAAL moRTALiT? OTHER man-CAYSED MORTALITY { (Futuae) (Modified From Sharma, 1976) - 30 - 3-2.5 FISH The proposed powerline will cross some streams identified as being important to andromous fish, but the line will totally span these streams. The powerline will parallel and in some cases span small lakes. There will be no siltation due to construction and the line will not impact fish in the streams, rivers or lakes. No poles will be set in lakes or ponds. 3-3.0 IMPACT AND MITIGATING MEASURES ON EXISTING CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS 3-3.1 IMPACT ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES All presently identified archaeological and historical sites in the vicinity of the proposed powerline are along the coast between Barrow and Wainwright. Since the powerline will be situated at least two miles from the coastline, we foresee no conflict with any sites. During construction, if any artifacts are located, although unlikely, the site will remain undisturbed and the discovery will be brought to the attention of authorized personnel. 3-3.2 IMPACT ON EXISTING LAND USE As detailed in Section 2-3.3 and Figure 2-32, the powerline will cross lands owned by five different Organizations. The three village corporations, the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, as well as the North Slope Borough Assembly, are all cooperating in this project and have agreed to permit the powerline to cross these lands. Letters of concurrence are Presented in Appendix B. The powerline crosses in the vicinity of lands selected under the 1906 Native Allotment Act. The exact location of these parcels has not yet been determined by the BLM. The proposed powerline route does not cross any of the Native Allotments except where it follows an existing ROW in section 7, T22N, RI8W, ULM. This parcel belongs to both Elsie May Pikok Crow and Lester Suvlu and is sown on Insert A. Most traditional land use sites n the vicinity are along the Meade River and will nate not be in conflict with the powerline. The powerline will not interfere with either of the military Dew Line stations. The line will be built 1%: miles from Liz C at Peard Bay and about 3 miles from Liz 3 at Wainwright. The powerline will not adversely impact any present or future mineral development. The line will be of sufficient height to not impede movement by exploration. vehicles. No sand and gravel sources will be used in the construction of the transmission line. 3-3.3 IMPACT ON TRANSPORTATION The only forese-able impact the powerline will have on transportation is the possibility of increased use along the right-of-way. The proposed route, over much of its course, will follow existing tractor trails. The wetlands are currently used by snowmachines or especially equiped tundra vehicles. The amount of travel between the villages involved is unknown, but probably not high. The powerline may provide a desirable corridor for travel, but should not cause a substantial increase in overland travel. The powerline wi?1 be a landmark to follow and should make travel between the villages safer in storms or in case of breakdowns. 3-3.4 IMPACT ON THE SUBSISTENCE LIFESTYLE The impact of the powerline on the subsistence lifestyle is difficult to determine. As detailed in Section 3-2.3, there should be no adverse impact on the caribou or on any of the hunting, fishing or trapping practiced by the residents. A more subtle impact may be experienced simply by the introduction of additional technology into the isolated villages, particularly Atqasuk and Wainwright. However, all of the villages and residents have been exposed to.numerous other improvements. The electrical plants now in use in Atqasuk and Wainwright - 32 - experience numerous failures and considerable downtime. This powerline .i11 add dependability to their existing electrical service. All of the villages concerned have indicated their approval of the proposed project. 3-3.5 IMPACT ON RECREATION With the liniteduse received by the lands involved in this project, there will be a negligible affect on its recreational value. There are no rivers that are popular for float trips or canoeing that are crossed by the powerline route. The line will have no adverse affect on hunting and may actually help to increase activity by providing an easily followed snowmachine route. ~.33 - APPENDIX A LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF TABLES *s~-~Tekegakrok PL Wal A Dion Stkulik Lake Aang a. SCALE 1: 250000 0 10 15 MILES = 4 3 5 oO 5 10 15 KILOMETERS SSC ES — 5 Will Rogers and, - 35 Wiley Post Memorial,“ ">> T20N 4 TI9N a | BARGE LANDING —» ,¢Muywis SITE coe ee i Mee PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE BARROW-ATQASUK-WAINWRIGHT MAP A From: U.S.G.S. Barrow and Meade River a Se 1 ry ‘BA A 2 cl Q ZN & ey ,x ' «. S fy ‘ XQ SCALE 1250000 wll own | | ' i! ofr i! ll Q wi) { Ny alll ot x S 5 \a : « H wy MIE Ys Meu . 2 3 aL ad Ttinik - Lak -e-ert WER TRANSMISSION LINE PROPOSED PO sALNWRIGHT 1 “ BARRO! -ATQASUK- NAP feade River and Wainwright G.S.M .S Atqasuk Village Site Plan FIGURE NO. 1-9, INSERT C eet 2 | Poa ; ses + ea ea iH UIA QI hose TFTA! | ' | i ' : | 4 t t | ' 4PT-1 | 2 W Rethervord Assoc. : List of Materials | e6R2. were ee wt een nto Description TOR ‘“ felt EI eee Yee Wal atuheter Lasallidiy bie an ¢ (Vet 49310874 gy Pat Pus WMuleler Caray! IMPALA BIA OW | fresdet “we reo, (3 mty hele amaciny cy. ‘Clamp Tor Condustur Clay... | | | | Ya cit Mahine boll | te 4a Machine bat Tronsmmssion Line Jongent Structure WEky Horizontal Post Type- Single Hove TE Wl iii) ot FIGURE NO. 1-15 | \ \ y : \ -VEILL Hotes }~ HA NRT A TO COMWESPONIZ WITH ACTUAL LIME ANGLE ay, | * \ cee eee oo | | on : * f EXTENSION Lapp bof y | Hs AMEE i ' 1 ' we -Jo° ! Perm wie boot 2 : ! 1 VI S toot a! 1 : now = ! hk DORTAIL A ' ' / : ; ' \ ; ot | a ' Ps | ~ gue aaaaqan i, J \ W aa NAS da OT ONT hs | _Y MA e Aaaaalaa ol AS my AMAA IAA 2 i, HIN NASA SSS 1 fips {7 2*- == ; ' : : ' | ' J If I ne I asf nn | ! ! | : ———— — ' | | 4 TIREANSMISSION LINE i rene ae ~ im} a PL LAKGE ANGLE STRUCTION. \ | ! HWS NY 2 POLE = Oe At vey | j 1! ) sen arpriteribes cy 2 IRV ° ~ BEALE | ' ' ! POBERT W. RETHERFORD ASSOCIATES ?——————------ . meena Consmline Mi tac ane Anchorage, Alaska FIGURE NO. 1- 16 —— oo — —— i a : / ~ ; \ y @ 4) ' sO a edd dada a qaaaha Lew “| MORI ¢ EMDMINTILT € ‘i oO 7 ! ee open arly . no \ | — os \ \ ‘ st” r a \ (ey ww \ : ~ DETAIL. "AS wor) ae JN tm ba ® wy 3 ' We, { ! ; @) " ) ' v/ we /. to : LIST of MATE 9 i wh) pescwierion Nea fo 2 to Skt DETAIL "A" 2 eae tnd Ve — —— id ‘wl ] —Y “t ty “Uy. “Hi M, -P ho MY Fatpiplinswiatan Jig, an FE ost fii hey ay, or ' . | / | = id / 1 TRANSMISSION LINE | / | I MEDIUM ANGIE Steere: 1d | ‘ - Obs . . rye ROWE WL eerrroun nesocuvns |_COAE 7 Sener 9 woes [rameter es Auchoraqe, Alaska | FIGURE NO. 1-17 SANNA USDPUAT ET a. 5) “fp / / p Weenih eo - = - / @ / mf we = (9 . I 1) 7/8 Wold — | ay a = NG {_— attr! a Soe eee \ 6 \ ns ” ‘? LI9T OF MATERIALS DESCRIP TOF rar Gee Derare "A" yhe Sear mee jae Mado Da ered’d lengthy ‘ eed el) = "| ooey gee, a on : ' We en 7 MW 7. ] ) Ps i va tod to / | . 7 ' 7 | \ i) ! \ ! | | I \ TRANSMISSION LINE i \ Woy eat (fA > reo | Wy |e) ee : \ “> tt 27 insulate, Suspension § AV 10 ke Ph || 9 fj J} i{O! | | —— a | SMALL ANGLE STiUCTuWE: Li W. MWTHEREFORD ASSOCIATES, 138 KY. 2POLE Covnin / ROB Chung Mngineos Anchorage, Manca FIGURE NO. 1-18 Powerline Route 0-0-8 — Land Status Interim Conveyance to UIC UIC Selected Land BLM Administered Land UAT HL HINA hd 1 / fw / ff j / vA / ( , : / Jos ial / if Oo ——s.8 8. f oe BARROW-ATQASUK-WAINWRIGHT POWERL INE PROPOSED ROUTE Base Map From: S.G.S. Barrow B-4, A-4, A-5, U. U.S.G.S. Meade River )-2, D-3 Scale: 1:99,000 (Reduced From 1:63,360) FIGURE 1-19 Msotkook EL SEE INSERT : Substation . Alternate B° ele ie aI5.17 | J 9 -65-0 58? F 1379415" R® FAA : \ F OIS31 9%. A Rw lin BIA \ Substation \? Alternate A i f BARROW-ATQASUK-WAI NWRIGHT POWERLINE ; Ml BASE MAP FROM BLM STATUS \ PLATS, T 22 N, R 18 W, U.M. o & — i --- —-- —- we --- oe we. -—- i FIGURE NO. 1-19. INSERT A nn ISATKOAK LAC ’ 1 Beat _ wal 4 arity Ve Meds B .w i : ane Treetront “yy Plant " by Frimen: remy SUN, \ p" uu \e ft = Room; “feacher ; i i Curriculum lousing ; ft AUfledl: f \ NPenter x of : alt . Gyr), / . east ( be sin “5 bhous se Otfes ana a my Lanta Generator “SS Bae. an Tint a Ng mpordny) | HK Maehley RPT opel vA eof | | ‘1 Ga " | toy % Him Stat eee d t] i} econdary , 1 ‘ Cometory i Q Vew. ational el , ay of Dee ams ta rary Roa’ . ' Ldue: ion : ‘ ey abn vx ¥ i a) KA td . OD “Facility, .M. ke bot ¥ \ \ bee ee ‘Gus ms : ou, r { ; S. | i " vee r\ | er \ Opler . an . 4 \ v .“ Clemporary . | f ‘ } Classroums,” . Lor 28 i AR 8 OWA tausina set Vt oe deh te fon quipment “8 Unils of & Sloraqe Teacher Houstine —— Airport Torininal SETTING WONT LATTE TEOT | POE IE hs a ad Restaurant, 4 i f Mwy ar aN 1 : 4 i ney : .. Termnorary Inflatable: : ' " Sewagt Equipmont St ae * bey, con . : mes te isi qo af aka eke eps tee Ee ee Barrow Site Plan FIGURE NO. 1-19, INSERT B Scarf hid | SCALE 5 BARROW K 20 4 miles N 2 © oe pos WAR VRISHT go EO dN. C ae 7 te ct Lend r - z \ inne ty Ee HS Ny ® ro roy ot SCHAS. It t+ \} H+ 1-\y Bureau Of Land Management [tt dsLier Administered Lands rN . >} pert Wy rT tpt NO) \ r Ae ae { ea NY Village Cornoration Land Selections FAH Regional Corporation Land Selections Bureau of Land Management Administered Lands LAND OWNERSHIP NORTH SLOPE OF ALASKA FIGURE NO. 2-32 Jack West Associates ENGINEERING - CONSULTING & CONSTRUCTION BOX 471F,SRA ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 93507 (907) 345-1352 Telex: 26-342 February 25, 1981 Mr. Kent Grinage Director of Utilities North Slope Borough P. O. Box 69 Barrow, Alaska - Mr. Grinage: Transmitted here is the "Feasibility Report, Barrow to Atkasook Transmission Line" prepared by JWA for the North Slope Borough. This study results from concern—by—the_-NSB-for the rising—cost of supplying electric energy to the community of Atkasook. Alternatives compared in this report are: PLAN A: Continued 100% Diesel Generation @ Atkasook PLAN B: Transmission of Barrow (Gas Turbine Generated) Energy to Atkasook via a conventional three-wire overhead line. PLAN C: Transmission of Barrow (Gas Turbine Generated) Energy to Atkasook via a one-wire (SWER) over- head line. The economic comparisons of these plans are clearly shown on the report summary graph titled “Atkasook - 20 Year Energy Costs - Plans A, B, C" presented at the front of the report. The cumulative electric energy costs over the 20 year planning period (1982 - 2002) compare Cin 1981 dolttars) as: PLAN A: $14.0 Million (continued diesel) PLAN B: $10.1 Million (3-wire transmission line) PLAN C: $6.6 Million (l-wire transmission line) For Plan B (3-wire transmission line) electric energy costs at Atkasook become cheaper than Plan A Cdiesel) by 1990. For Plan C (l-wire transmission line) electric energy costs at Atkasook become cheaper than Plan A (diesel) by 1986. 7h ye North Slope Borough February 25, 198] Page 2 The objective of this report was to answer the question: "Is a Barrow to Atkasook transmission line a cost effective project for NSB capital investment?" The answer is “yes". There are technical considerations as well as economic which are discussed in this report. The design configuration of the best transmission line to build requires further analysis by the NSB Utilities Department, the BUECI, and their respective engineering consultants. MWe. Jack West JW: jb2Z