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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROPOSAL - Stantec Environmental and PermittingStantec Consulting Services Inc. 725 East Fireweed Lane, Suite 200 Anchorage AK 99503-2245 July 15, 2022 Mr. Mathew Perkins Alaska Renwewables, LLC Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables: Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects Dear Mr. Perkins: Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. (Stantec) is pleased to provide this proposal to Alaska Renewables, LLC (Alaska Renewables) to provide environmental and permitting services for the Shovel Creek and Little Mt. Susitna Wind Projects during calendar year 2022 and 2023. Alaska Renewables and Stantec have been working in partnership on your proposed preojcts since 2021. Our staff have invested their time in making your preojcts a success, and our hope is to continue that partnership and stand with you as you see two of these projects through to construction starting in 2025. Our work has included executive level strategy sessions on how to best position yourselves for the Alaskan market. We have also produced Environmental Screening and Permitting Plans for three potential wind generation locations. Together, Stantec and Alaska Renewables have completed the preparatory work to ready our comboined team for these opportunities. Our understanding of each of the two projects is based on our recent work completing environmental screening for your projects, GIS files provided by you on July 7, 2022, and conversations with you on July 7, 2022 and July 11, 2022. The project is currently at the conceptual stage and design, footprints, and permitting requirements are still evolving. Stantec will work with agencies during Task 1 and 2 to try to minimize and eliminate as many tasks, and their scope, as possible. For example, we may be able to eliminate the radar or acoustic surveys, or reduce wetland study areas. This would save you money! Our goal in the following table is to provide you a planning level cost, that can be tailored as your project develops. There still appears to be variability on the study areas for technical reports, such as wetlands and cultural resources. As engineering and design develops, additional impacts to resources may arise from material sites, laydown yards, barge landing improvements, and other elements that have not been developed. Our goal is to support Alasksa Renewables to refine project layouts to avoid and minimize impacts to resources and ultimately provide for a efficient and successful permitting process. We understand the need to manage uncertaintly when it comes to developing renewable energy projects and partner with our clients to meet their goals. We have prepared an estimate as detailed in each of these following task descriptions. These can be tailored to expand or contract as project design develops. July 15, 2022 Page 2 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects Our current understanding includes: • Shovel Creek o Up to 32 wind turbines o New and existing transmission lines o New and existing roads (Turbine Access Roads, Murphy Dome Road Realignment, Murphy Dome Road Extension) o Lease Areas and Lease Annex • Little Mt. Susitna o Up to 43 wind turbines o New and existing transmission lines o New and existing access roads  Existing access roads will require improvements o Lease Area for turbines, substation, laydown yard, and Operations & Maintenence building Our scope of services covers environmental requirements, studies, agency consultations, and permit applications that are anticipated during 2022 and 2023 for both projects. This scope of work is based on our understanding of the project, preparation of the project’s Environmental Screening and Permitting Plan, and our team’s collective knowledge of permitting and assessments in Alaska supported by our National wind energy experience in the U.S. As detailed by the following Tasks, our approach to navigating the permitting process involves a series of steps to allow for informed decisions to be made and avoid unnecessarily driving costs up. These stages start with a more detailed review of the site conditions (Task 1) followed by an introductory meeting with State and Federal Agencies (Task 2) to determine the appropriate permitting pathway. We have provided a wholistic list of what we anticipate will be required to successfully permit your projects, but this will be refined following Task 1 and 2. SCOPE OF SERVICES Task 1: Reconnaissance Field Surveys/Habitat Assessment (Fall 2022) Stantec will conduct a reconnaissance-level field survey of the project areas for potential habitats that could support regulated wildlife species or regulated wetlands during Fall 2022. This survey will be used to characterize biological resources in the project area and provide baseline information to support United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and July 15, 2022 Page 3 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects Alaska Department of Fish and Game consultation. The surveys will be conducted by qualified biologists in the project area. The reconnaissance surveys and habitat assessment will focus on habitats potentially supporting state and federal special status wildlife species and regulated wetlands at each project. Information obtained during the assessment will be used to characterize the affected environment for biological resources, allow for preliminary assessment of potential project impacts, assist with agency consultations, and will be useful for progressing conceptual designs and avoidance measures for any identified impacts. Stantec will prepare a Habitat Assessment Report summarizing the reconnaissance survey and habitat assessment, including habitat maps and descriptions, summaries of known or potentially occurring special status plant and animal species, and representative photographs. Where possible, we will recommend ways to avoid or minimize impacts from the project, and forecast mitigations that may be required. Deliverables • Draft and Final Habitat Assessment. Assumptions • One round of comments from Alaska Renewables. • Alaska Renewables has obtained access to the entire project areas. Task 2: Agency Consultation and Work Plan Development (Fall 2022/Winter 2023) Stantec will coordinate and attend one meeting each with with Alaska Department of Fish and Game, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and US Army Corps of Engineers in Fall 2022/Winter 2023. Stantec assumes that each meeting will be held virtually via teleconference or video conference. The meetings will provide an opportunity for Alaska Renewables to introduce themselves and the Projects to the agencies, discuss the permitting and construction schedule, and solicit feedback to the proposed work plan. Two Stantec staff will attend the agency meetings. One Stantec staff member will serve as the regulatory lead and Project Manager and the other will serve as the technical lead for natural resource surveys described in the work plan. Stantec will document meeting discussions and will prepare meeting notes for Alaska Renewables review and submittal to agencies for the Project record. Prior to the meetings, Stantec will draft a 2022/2023 natural resource survey work plan based on our expectations of the studies required and an approved strategy by Alaska Renewables. Stantec will provide the draft work plan to Alaska Renewables for review and comment and will respond to one round of comments and edits prior to submitting to the agencies. Based upon feedback received during agency meetings, Stantec will update the work plan, respond to one round of comments and edits from Alaska Renewables, and will, with Alaska Renewables approval, submit a final work plan to agencies. July 15, 2022 Page 4 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects Deliverables • Draft/Final Survey Work Plan Task 3: Eagle and Raptor Nesting Helicopter Aerial Surveys (2022/2023) In preparation for aerial surveys, Stantec will conduct database searches, leverage personal contacts, and consult current literature on nesting bald and golden eagles focusing on a 10-mile radius from the project. Following the 2013 USFWS Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (ECPG, USFWS 2013), Stantec will conduct aerial nest surveys using a helicopter on a minimum of 2 occasions separated by at least 30 days, ideally during the normal courtship and mid-incubation periods respectively. These initial two surveys will be used to confirm locations of active eagle and raptor nests, and of any eagle and raptor nesting activity (e.g., noting where there are nests but no nesting, or by noting the number of young produced at the location prior to fledging). Locations of active eagle and raptor nests will be mapped using GPS and GIS. If active eagle nests are identified during the first helicopter aerial surveys, a second aerial raptor and eagle nesting survey will be implemented during the fledging period, and before the completion of the nesting season in 2023, to determine if an active nest is successful at fledging young. Deliverables • GIS map and locations of active eagle and raptor nesting locations during 2018. • Prepare Internal Draft 2018 Eagle and Raptor Nesting Report (for Terra-Gen review). • Prepare Draft 2018 Eagle and Raptor Nesting Report (for agency review). Assumptions • Agencies will accept an initial fall survey. Task 4: Eagle Use Surveys (2022/2023) An eagle use survey consistent with the ECPG will be conducted for each project. Eagle use surveys will focus on areas proposed for turbines plus a 1 km buffer around turbines. The ECPG calls for eagle point count (EPC) survey coverage of 30% of the area within 1 km of turbines. The following shows our estimated number of EPC’s for each project based on the ECPG. 1. Little Mt. Susitna = 15,934 acres including 1km buffer around turbines * 30% coverage = 4,780.2 acres/ 500 acres (sze of 800m point coverage) = 9.56 survey points (rounded to 10) 2. Shovel Creek = 16,758 acres including 1km buffer around turbines * 30% coverage = 5,027.4 acres/ 500 acres (sze of 800m point coverage) = 10.05 survey points (rounded to 10) Once per month, each of the 10 EPC points at each project will be surveyed for 60 minutes. Use of the 10 EPC’s results in a survey coverage of at least 30% of the project footprint (USFWS 2013:57). July 15, 2022 Page 5 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects Per the EPC protocol, the eagle use surveys will be stratified by alternating the starting point and, accordingly, the sequence of locations sampled. This will result in each eagle survey points being surveyed monthly, alternating between the earlier and later portions of the day on a monthly basis. For each eagle observation, flight height category, distance, and activity (i.e., flying or perched) will be recorded during each 1-minute interval the eagle is seen within the 800-m (2,625 ft) radius and at or below 200 m (656 ft) above ground level (agl). Eagles observed outside of the survey radius or above this altitude will be recorded, but will not be included in the calculation of eagle use minutes (i.e., minutes eagles were observed within the 800 m [2,625 ft] plot and at or below 200 m [656 ft]). For those eagles observed for a fraction of a minute, the time will be rounded up to one whole minute. All observed non eagle avian species will also be recorded. Deliverables • The results of the eagle use survey will be detailed within an Eagle Use Count Survey Report which will be completed at the end of the first full year of survey. The report will summarize the seasonal and spatial variation in eagle use observed during the survey and will provide the overall number of eagle use minutes in the project area. The report will also include a list of all non eagle observations at each point. Assumptions • Per the ECPG, the EPC’s will occur monthly at each project. Ten ECP’s will be surveyed at each Project. o Agencies will agree to no surveys taking place in December, January, and February; due to winter weather. • Cost is for 1 year. 2 years of survey may be required. • Surveys will occur for one full year from initiation. For example if surveys begin in October 2022, the first full year of surveys will be completed by October 2023. • Alaska Renewables has access to the entire project areas. If access is not obtained in time to begin the surveys, surveys may be delayed. Task 5: Raptor Migration Surveys (2022/2023) Stantec will conduct diurnal raptor migration surveys from a single prominent location centrally located within each project area; the exact locations will be determined during the first site visits. Fall surveys will be conducted twice per week between mid August and late November 2022, within the known fall window for raptor migration activity in Alaska. Spring surveys will be conducted twice per week between mid April and mid June 2023 within the known spring migration window for raptor species in Alaska. Surveys will target days with optimal migration weather (southerly winds in spring and northerly winds in fall) and days with clear visibility. Raptor July 15, 2022 Page 6 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects surveys will be conducted from 9 am to 4 pm. Data will be collected on Stantec raptor datasheets and flight paths will be drawn on project area maps. Data collected will include flight pattern and location, number of individuals, flight behavior, flight height, flight time, and weather conditions. Please note, that should the Project schedule change, both the spring and fall surveys can be completed in 2023. Deliverables Stantec will incorporate analysis results for the fall and spring surveys into a single comprehensive report (one for each project) that will be prepared after both seasonal surveys have been completed. The raptor migration survey report for each project will describe the sampling location choice, viewshed, methods, and results, and will include a discussion section. Results will summarize daily and seasonal observation data and activity locations. All non raptor avian species observed will also be recorded. Assumptions • Surveys will be completed after 1 spring and 1 fall season of field surveys are completed at each project. If surveys are initiated in Fall 2022, surveys would be completed at the end of the spring survey in 2023. If surveys are pushed to 2023, both seasonal surveys will occur in 2023 and surveys will be completed at the end of the fall period in 2023. • Alaska Renewables has obtained access to the entire project areas. If access is not obtained in time to begin the surveys, surveys may be delayed. Task 6: Acoustic Monitoring, Data Download, Maintenance, Analysis, and Reporting (optional) Stantec will work with agencies to determine if bat monitoring is needed. Historically, bats have not had the same conservation priority in Alaska as they have in the Lower 48. While Alaskan conservation interest in bats has increased recently, we will present evidence to agencies that these methods may not be required for these projects. If this task is needed, Stantec will conduct acoustic monitoring using methods consistent with other wind energy projects and current state of knowledge on bat species in AK. Surveys will sample and characterize the level and timing of bat activity, particularly within areas proposed for turbines or that will require tree clearing for new construction of roads and transmission. For the purposes of this proposal and recognizing that new roads and tranmission will be required at Little Mt. Susitna and less so at Shovel creek we have determined the following survey locations per project. 1. Little Mount Susitna – 6 acoustic bat survey locations along the proposed new Transmission corridor, 4 locations along the proposed new access road, and 10 locations in areas proposed for wind turbines for a total of 20 detector locations. July 15, 2022 Page 7 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects 2. Shovel Creek – 4 acoustic bat survey locations along the proposed access road in areas proposed for expansion or upgrades and 10 locations in areas proposed for wind turbines for a total of 14 detector locations. Surveys will be conducted from mid April to late October 2023. Detectors will be programmed to collect data each night from a half hour before sunset to a half hour after sunrise. The goal of the surveys will be to document the patterns of observed bat activities, species composition, timing, and weather conditions. Survey results will be compared with results of similar surveys conducted within relevant geographic regions. We will deploy acoustic bat detectors in trees or portable 3 m towers in the project area. If project met towers are installed at the time of survyes, we will also deploy up to 4 detectors in met towers to collect data on bat activity and weather patterns closer to the lower end of the height of the proposed turbines. At each met tower, Stantec will install the following equipment: • Wildlife Acoustics SM4BAT dual-channel bat detector; • Microphone and cable mounted at 55 meters agl; • Microphone and cable mounted at 3 meters agl; • Power supply system (protective case, external battery, charge controller, and solar photovoltaic panel); and, • Removable SDXC data cards (32-64 gigabyte). Stantec has nearly 20 years of experience deploying acoustic bat detector in Met towers and can install equipment based on manuafacturer specifications. Prior to erecting met towers, Stantec will coordinate with Alaska Renewables to assist in the installation of a hoisting pully installed at 55 meters above ground level on towers selected for bat monitoring. The bat detectors digitally record echolocation pulses in full-spectrum that pass near the microphones, and acoustic data are stored on data cards. The data cards will be collected by Stantec every few weeks during other task surveys (e.g., eagle use surveys, raptor migration surveys, etc.) to download and analyze the acoustic bat data recorded during the survey. Stantec will be responsible for exchanging the data cards every 2 to 3 weeks (approximately 25 card swaps). After the acoustic data files are downloaded, all files are filtered using Kaleidoscope Pro (latest version; Wildlife Acoustics, Inc.) to eliminate noise (e.g., insects, rain, wind). A bat biologist trained in this analysis will visually review the files in AnalookW (latest version) to confirm they contain a bat “pass” (i.e., call with two or more echolocation pulses) and not noise. Files that do not contain a bat pass will be manually removed and not analyzed further. Biologists experienced in qualitative analysis of acoustic bat data will conduct the analysis, and a second experienced biologist will conduct a quality review of analyzed calls. Bat call sequences will be identified to the lowest possible taxon; guild (i.e., classification based on foraging and echolocation behaviors), genus, or species when possible. Bat species can be identified by the differences in the frequencies of their echolocation calls. The minimum frequency of a bat pass (measured in kilohertz [kHz]) is a characteristic used to differentiate species or groups of species from one another. Bats with minimum echolocation pulse frequencies typically less than or equal July 15, 2022 Page 8 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects to 30 kHz will be placed into the Low Frequency Species Group (LFSG). Bats with minimum echolocation pulse frequencies typically higher than 30 kHz will be sorted into the High Frequency Species Group (HFSG). Once all call files are identified and categorized into appropriate guilds, nightly tallies of detected calls will be compiled to provide an index of bat activity. To describe bat activity levels in relation to weather variables, weather data collected at the met tower will be summarized for the survey period. Following completion of the survey we will provide a report summarizing the methods, activity patterns, and the cohort of bats in the project area to the lowest practicable taxon. At the end of the survey, Stantec will prepare a comprehensive report which will include an introduction, methods, results (including graphs of total bat activity recorded each night at each recording location, bat species composition, and overall bat activity as it relates to weather variables such as wind speed and temperature, given the importance of these weather variables to curtailment mitigation should it be required to minimize bat fatality during operation), discussion and conclusions, and references. Deliverables • Draft Comprehensive Bat Report. At Alaska Renewables option, we will respond to a single set of consolidated comments on the Draft, and Stantec will provide a Final Comprehensive Bat Report. Assumptions • Alaska Renewables will coordinate with Stantec during Met tower installation (if needed) to install hoisting pulleys to use to elevated detectors in met towers, if available. • Stantec will supply, install, and demobilize the detectors and associated recording equipment. • Labor cost associated with replacing damaged equipment due to unusual and extreme weather events are not included in this scope. • Data cards will be exchanged by Stantec every 2-3 weeks while completing other tasks at the Project. If other tasks are not occurring, additional helicopter expenses may occur. (One specific trip for data card refreshment has been budgeted in June, July, and August). • Alaska Renewables will provide all necessary weather data from the met towers. Task 7: Nocturnal RADAR Migration Surveys (optional) Stantec will work with agencies to determine if radar surveys are needed. We would not recommend this survey type in most cases because it can be costly, with limited additional value. Radar is only effective for species that have characteristic flight behaviors or patterns. If required, Stantec will conduct inland radar surveys for nocturnally migrating birds at a single central and prominent location at each project. Surveys will occur for a total of 20 nights during each migration season (20 nights in spring and 20 nights in fall). Spring surveys will be conducted during 5 -4 night survey blocks between mid-April to the end of May; Fall surveys would be July 15, 2022 Page 9 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects conducted 5-4 night survey blocks between early September to late October. These survey blocks will be spread across the migration seasons and timed with the passage of weather fronts to capture migration activity before and after weather events that can affect nighttime migration activity. Radar surveys will not be conducted on nights with prolonged precipitation, as the radar system cannot detect bird and bat movements in rain. In an effort to reduce costs, surveys would be conducted by field staff scheduled for other surveys in the area. The radar station will consist of a small stationary structure or parked cargo trailer. The radar antenna will either be mounted onto the structure/trailer or on a low tower made of construction scaffolding. The station will be powered on a nightly basis by a gasoline generator. The radar antenna will be mounted on a frame that operates in two configurations; one spinning the antenna horizontally to provide data on radar target numbers and speed, and the other spinning it vertically to provide data on target flight height above the radar station. Nighttime weather information (temperature, cloud cover, precipitation, wind speed, wind direction) will be recorded by the on-site radar technician. Radar data will be recorded in video format onto a laptop at the radar station. The radar data output will be recorded from approximately 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise. Within each hour, recordings of the radar will be collected while operating in both horizontal and vertical operation mode. Following each night of operation, the recorded radar data will be post-processed to divide the recorded video into smaller, data files and backed up onto external hard drive(s). During analysis, Stantec will characterize the targets that are observed in the radar view (tallied targets will not include insects, which will be removed based on target speed) including passage rate, flight height, flight direction, and percentage of targets flying below existing and proposed turbine height. Stantec will incorporate the radar data analysis results into a single spring and fall survey report for each Project. The reports will describe the sampling location choice, methods, and results, and will include a discussion section comparing the survey results to other survey results from other sites in North America. Data will be analyzed and summarized by hour, night, and the overall season and will include passage rate, flight direction, and flight height. Following completion of each season, Stantec will dismantle the radar station. The station components will either be transported back to a Stantec office or will be stored at the Project for possible use during the Fall 2023 migration period. Deliverables • Stantec will prepare a single technical report for each Project summarizing the methods, and results, including appropriate supporting survey data, graphics, and GIS data. July 15, 2022 Page 10 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects Assumptions • Stantec radar survey specialists will determine the survey location and be responsible for deploying, maintaining, and demobilizing for each survey season. • The radar surveys will include 5-4 night survey blocks each season for a total of 8 survey blocks across the entire year. Survey blocks may change based on weather and have factored in up to 4 rain delays in our proposal. • Helicopter, ATV, or snowmobile may be required to deploy and demobilize radar equipment at each project. Task 8: Wetlands, Aquatic Resource, Vegetation Delineation Qualified Stantec wetland scientists will conduct a delineation of wetlands and “other waters” of the United States in the project area and prepare a report for submittal to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) for verification to support Section 404 Clean Water Act permitting. Specifically, the delineation of waters of the United States report will be prepared to support a Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination by the Corps. Vegetation delineation will be categorized by Cowardin (NWI) classification, and Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification. Wetlands will include a functions and value assessment, with a specific methodology agreed upon on during a discussion with the Corps. Stantec will prepare base maps using publicly available aerial photography and topographic contours, and evaluate existing baseline data (e.g., aerial imagery, topographic maps, soil survey, the USFWS National Wetland Inventory). Following baseline data review, Stantec will conduct an on-site routine delineation of wetlands and “other waters” of the United States in the project area to map and characterize waters of the United States using methods described in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Alaska Region. The delineation includes standard three- parameter data points to identify wetland features and boundaries, and delineation of the ordinary high water mark for “other waters” of the United States, to determine the type and extent of potential waters of the United States occurring in the project area (jurisdictional determination will be subject to Corps verification). In our discussions with you, individual project areas that are required to have wetlands continue to have significant variability. For this estimate we included: • A 500-foot buffer of the linework provided to Stantec o Shovel Creek  Entire Lease Areas and Lease Annex Areas  Existing and Proposed Roads and Road Realignment  Existing and Proposed Transmission Lines o Mount Susitna  Existing and Proposed Roads  Proposed Transmission Lines  Not including the existing transmission lines 1 Alaska Renewables Wetland Study Area V:\1857\promotion\Saras Groups Proposals\GVEA Wind\gis\mxd\20220714_proposal\FIG01_ShovelCreek.mxd Revised: 2022-07-15 By: rycooperMurphy Dome, Alaska Prepared by RJC on 2022-07-11 Shovel Creek Project Location Client/Project Figure No. Title Notes1.Coordinate System: NAD 1983 Alaska Albers2.Background: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garm in, USG S, Intermap, INCREM ENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri Korea, Esri (Thailand), NGCC, (c) OpenStreetM ap contributors, and the GIS User Community Source: Esri, M axar, Earthstar Geographics, and the G IS User Comm unity Disclaimer: This document has been prepared based on information provided by others as cited in the Notes section. Stantec has not verified the accuracy and/or completeness of this information and shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions which may be incorporated herein as a result. Stantec assum es no responsibility for data supplied in electronic format, and the recipient accepts full responsibility for verifying the accuracy and completeness of the data. (At original document size of 8.5x11) 1:250,000($$¯0 1 2 3 40.5 Miles 2 Alaska Renewables Wetland Study Area V:\1857\promotion\Saras Groups Proposals\GVEA Wind\gis\mxd\20220714_proposal\FIG02_LittleMtSusitna.mxd Revised: 2022-07-15 By: rycooperLittle Mount Susitna Prepared by RJC on 2022-07-11 Little Mount Susitna Project Location Client/Project Figure No. Title Notes1.Coordinate System: NAD 1983 Alaska Albers2.Background: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garm in, USG S, Intermap, INCREM ENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri Korea, Esri (Thailand), NGCC, (c) OpenStreetM ap contributors, and the GIS User Community Source: Esri, M axar, Earthstar Geographics, and the G IS User Comm unity Disclaimer: This document has been prepared based on information provided by others as cited in the Notes section. Stantec has not verified the accuracy and/or completeness of this information and shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions which may be incorporated herein as a result. Stantec assum es no responsibility for data supplied in electronic format, and the recipient accepts full responsibility for verifying the accuracy and completeness of the data. (At original document size of 8.5x11) 1:373,986($$¯0 52.5 Miles July 15, 2022 Page 13 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects Deliverables • Stantec will prepare an aquatic resources delineation report suitable for submittal to the Corps. Assumptions • The wetland study area is described in the following figures. • Client obtains access to the entire delineation area. If access is not obtained in time to begin the surveys, additional surveys will be conducted as access is granted, and priced under a separate scope of work. • Stantec will (physically) survey only reasonably accessible areas. Unreasonably accessible terrain or areas with safety concerns will be surveyed from appropriate vantage points and aerial photo interpretation and documented accordingly in the task deliverables. Task 9: Section 404/401 Wetland Permit Application The project site may include Waters of the U.S. that will be crossed by project facilities. A Pre- construction Notice (PCN) and Nation-wide Permit (NWP), or Individual Permit (IP), associated with Sections 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act will likely be required. Stantec will prepare a permit application and associated material. Stantec recommends that the Section 401 and 404 permit be submitted concurrently to speed approval timelines. The Section 404 permitting process begins by submitting the jurisdictional delineation to the Corps. Stantec anticipates ongoing consultations with the Corps during the 404 process as well as the preparation of maps and figures to support these discussions. Stantec will author a transmittal letter to accompany the 404 and 401 applications and will respond to one set of consolidated comments from the USACE on each permit application. Deliverables • 404 permit. • Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Plan • 401 application. Task 10: Cultural Resource Surveys and Reporting Stantec has retained Stephen R. Braund & Associates (SRB&A) to provide cultural resources capacity and permitting expertise to develop and execute a strategy that will create a smooth Section 106 Consultation Process, when initiated. Compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act will be a key element for the successful permitting and construction of the project. Stantec and sub-consultant, SRB&A, will coordinate closely with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO/OHA), lead federal agency, tribal, and other stakeholders. The project will be developed in close coordination with stakeholders, agencies, and the client in order to avoid impacts to significant resources where possible, and if unavoidable, to minimize those impacts. SRB&A has extensive experience in July 15, 2022 Page 14 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects assisting companies navigate the Section 106 requirements of their development projects including projects in Southeast, Southcentral, Southwest, Aleutian Chain, Interior, Northwest Arctic, and North Slope areas of Alaska. With Stantec’s overall permitting expertise and SRB&A’s Section 106 expertise, the state and federal agencies will be provided with the information they need to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The SRB&A cultural resources team will be led by Stephen Braund (Owner), Randy Tedor (lead archaeologist), and Paul Lawrence (Senior Research Associate) along with several GIS and cultural resource support staff. Both Braund and Tedor meet the Secretary of Interior’s (SOI) Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61) for Archaeology. Mr. Lawrence meets the SOI Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards for Cultural Anthropology (62 FR 33708 [June 20, 1997]). SRB&A will work with the lead federal agency and SHPO to define the Area of Potential Effect (APE) for Cultural and Historical Resources. This includes time for the development of a direct and visual APE and description, with one round of review and comment from all parties. The SRB&A cultural resources staff will review the Alaska Heritage Resource Survey (AHRS) to gather historical documentation and existing resources. This information will be used to determine what cultural resources previously have been recorded within the APE and whether they potentially could be impacted by the project. SRB&A will also review if previous surveys have occurred within the APE and use this information to reduce their level of field effort if adequate surveys have already been conducted. This information will be incorporated into the Cultural Resources Technical Report. Following state and/or federal cultural resource permit acquisition, SRB&A will conduct a Phase I Cultural Resource Survey for all project features to comply with the regulations set forth in Section 106 of the NHPA, the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974, Executive Order 11593, and relevant sections of 36 CFR 60 and 36 CFR 800. The Phase I survey will be conducted in reference to state and federal guidelines to ensure that each project meets the criteria specified in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation (Federal Register 48:44716-44742, September 29, 1983) and will be appropriate for State and Federal level permitting, zoning, or compliance with local historic preservation guidelines. The cultural resources assessment will include a pedestrian survey within the project APE. Fieldwork will include pedestrian survey of all ground disturbing locations as well as possible surveys to assess visual effects to historic properties, if any, within the viewshed of the wind turbines. The purpose of the cultural resource survey is to document any historic or pre-contact archaeological resources located within the proposed areas of ground disturbing activity, and if resources are present, to gather sufficient data necessary to prepare National Register of Historic Preservation (NRHP) determination of eligibility recommendations. Photographs will be taken of the survey area and any recorded cultural resources. GPS points and polygons will be recorded for resource point data or to record resource boundaries. July 15, 2022 Page 15 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects Upon completion of the field investigation for the survey and applicable records inventory, a cultural resources technical report will be prepared and will be submitted to the reviewing agencies. The report will include a summary of the background research; a discussion of the environmental setting; a description of the field methodology and the results of the field survey; potential project effects and mitigation recommendations, if appropriate. Survey coverage maps and the results of the background research will be included in the report. A draft of the report will be provided prior to submittal to the agencies. As required, one electronic copy of the final report will be submitted to the lead federal agency (and other entities, as appropriate. Deliverables • Draft and Final Cultural Resources Technical Reports. Assumptions • The lead federal agency for permitting will conduct Section 106 consultation efforts. Assume attendance at two Section 106 consultation meetings per project. • The area of potential effect (APE) for the project will consist of the disturbance footprint; the visual APE for the projects will need to be developed during the Section 106 consultation process. The literature review will review a larger area (i.e., within 500ft of APE) to accommodate potential design shifts and potential AHRS site location inaccuracies. • SRB&A assumes one cultural resource survey permit (e.g., State SCRIP) for Little Mount Susitna and two survey permits (e.g., State SCRIP and Federal ARPA) for Shovel Creek for project components on borough, state, or federal lands. SRB&A will also acquire artifact curation agreements for surveys on these entities’ lands. Client will obtain access to any private or Native corporation lands which intersect the project if applicable. • SRB&A will arrange ground/flight transportation to project locations, food, bear guard, and lodging ODCs, which are based on Department of Defense 2022 per diem rates for Fairbanks, Alaska. • Access to Murphy Dome and Little Mount Susitna will be via daily helicopter flights out of Merrill Field and FAI • Shovel Creek (i.e., Murphy Dome) will include a cultural resource assessment of all proposed turbine locations (n=60), turbine access roads (19.12 miles), road realignment (1.34 miles) and road extensions (14.2 miles). The cultural resource assessment will not address larger lease areas based on the assumption that no new ground disturbance will occur in these areas as part of the proposed project. • Little Mount Susitna will include a cultural resource assessment of all proposed new/upgraded access roads (28.99 miles), grid connection station (11.4 acres), met masts (n=5), new transmission line (11.08 miles), turbine locations (n=44), and yard substation (198.29 acres). The cultural resource assessment will not address larger lease areas or existing roads and existing transmission lines based on the assumption that no new ground disturbance will occur in these areas as part of the proposed project. • Survey will consist of a Phase I – Identification Level of Effort and assumes client can modify project to avoid any previously documented or newly identified cultural resources. July 15, 2022 Page 16 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects • No new cultural sites will be recorded during the field survey. If cultural resources are identified in the field during the survey, additional hours will be required for field work, post field processing, and report writing. • If resources are identified and avoidance is not possible, then a change request will be required for additional test excavation to prepare a NRHP determination of eligibility. • Costs do not include any potential archaeological monitoring that could be required based on information resulting from consultation, literature review, field survey efforts, and/or assessment of effects. • Costs do not include any potential PA, MOA, or treatment plan development that may be required depending on the results of consultation, fieldwork, and/or assessment of effects. • One electronic copy will be required for final report submittal. Task 11: Visual and Aesthetic Resource Assessment Stantec will prepare a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) technical report evaluating potential effects on aesthetics and visual resources from the proposed project. Assessment of effects will rely on contrast between existing and with-project conditions shown in up to eight (8) photo-realistic simulations. Project Initiation The analysis will begin with collection of base information including: • A description of the project, all project features, and assumptions about project construction and operations; • Plan drawings indicating planned locations of turbines, roads, transmission; interconnection (“gen-tie”), any substation, any Operations and Maintenance (O&M) facility, and other above ground project features; • A grading plan indicating existing and proposed terrain (as applicable); • Dimensioned elevation drawings of the turbines proposed for use in the project; • GIS data for the project site and the surrounding area including topographic information, orthophotos, and data layers indicating roads, transmission lines, land ownership, communities, individual residences, parks, trails, vegetation, and other relevant features. Once the base information has been collected and reviewed, the work plan will be reviewed and adjusted as appropriate, and the final project schedule will be defined. Viewshed Analysis A Viewshed Analysis—a GIS-based exercise that calculates the area in a project’s surrounding landscape from which the project would potentially be not visible based on project dimensions, existing topography, and, if practicable, intervening vegetation—will be run for the project for each of the following conditions: • Topography only – Project height calculated at rotor blade tip (maximum potential Project visibility) July 15, 2022 Page 17 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects • Topography only – Project height calculated at hub height to reflect potential Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lighting • Topography and vegetative cover – Showing blade tip; potential for vegetation to obstruct views based on an assumed uniform height of trees for all areas identified in the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) as “forested” • Topography and vegetative cover – Showing hub height Based on the viewshed analyses, the project’s zone of visual influence (ZVI) will be identified within a 20-mile radius of the project site. The ZVI will be the area of analysis evaluated in the VIA. Viewshed analysis maps will be presented on topographic bases, will identify the ranges of project turbines theoretically visible from throughout the ZVI, and will include the following: • Concentric circles indicating areas of varying distance from the project site; • Land ownership in the project area (Tribal, Federal, State, and private lands); • Locations and names of communities, highways, and roads, and other important cultural features; • Locations and names of parks, scenic routes, designated scenic viewpoints, and any other features that have been recognized as having special aesthetic value or presumed high sensitivity to visual change; • Locations and names of registered historic and cultural landmarks. The viewshed analysis maps will inform identification of viewpoints and site photography planning. Field Visit and Selection of Key Observation Points Stantec visual resource specialists will visit the project site and the areas in the project vicinity with views toward the project site. Existing views on and toward the site will be photo documented, and the locations from which photos are taken will be recorded with a GPS unit. In addition to standard photography (single-frame images taken with a digital SLR camera with a fixed focal length of 50mm, which is the industry-accepted setting for approximation of what the human eye sees in focus within a static view), Stantec will collect 360˚ imagery from a subset of views to be placed within an immersive virtual tour for use in stakeholder outreach and communication of project effects supplemental to the VIA (see below). After the field visit, the data and photographs collected will be organized and reviewed. Based on this review, up to 8 representative viewpoints will be selected as Key Observation Points (KOPs) for use in development of visual simulations. Final selection of the simulation viewpoints will be made in consultation with the client. Preparation of Visual Simulations Visual simulations, in which a photo-realistic model of a project is placed into existing photographs, serve as the basis by which contrast between existing conditions and those with the project is evaluated. Visual simulations will be created by Stantec’s Design Visualization Services July 15, 2022 Page 18 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects (DVS) team to depict the with-Project conditions as seen from each of the 8 KOPs selected. Using Autodesk 3d Studio Max™, visualization specialists will build a three-dimensional model of the project based on the layout and specifications provided and will then develop a simulated perspective (camera view) to match the geo-referenced location of each KOP, as well as the bearing and focal length of each photograph. Digital elevation model (DEM) data will be used as the land base upon which existing elements in each view (e.g., buildings, vegetation, infrastructure) are modeled based on aerial imagery. DVS will place the project model and existing elements into the DEM and adjust the camera and target location, focal length, and camera roll to align all modeled elements with the corresponding elements in the photograph. Visual resources specialists will review simulations for photo-realistic quality and consistency with the project plans and layout. Analysis and Preparation of Draft Report Comparison of the existing views with the simulations of view appearance after the project is in place will be used as the basis for identifying the project’s potential aesthetic impacts. Impact assessment will be informed by Federal Highway Administration’s Visual Impact Assessment Guidelines (“FHWA Guidelines”). Stantec relies on the FHWA Guidelines, an established, broadly implemented approach most recently updated in 2015, for assessments of project visual impacts when no other established method is clearly warranted. The FHWA method is transparent and defensible and is therefore particularly appropriate for use in support of projects for which extensive stakeholder outreach and agency coordination is reasonably anticipated. If potential impacts are identified, an evaluation will be made of the extent to which these impacts can be mitigated through application of site-appropriate measures. The analysis procedure and the results of the analysis will be documented in a draft report that will be submitted to the client for review. Preparation of Virtual Tour (optional) As a supplement to the VIA documents, Stantec will prepare a virtual tour of the project vicinity, showing 360˚ existing and simulated views from up to four (4) of the KOPs, as well as all single- frame images (existing and simulated). The virtual tour will be web-based and interactive in that users will be able to navigate between KOPs via annotated aerial map. The virtual tour will not be part of the VIA but will be provided to support stakeholder outreach efforts, including presentation in public meetings, or as distributed along with other project communication materials. Deliverables • Draft and Final VIA technical reports. • Virtual tour showing immersive, 360˚ existing / simulated images from up to four (4) KOPs, as well as all single-frame KOPs. Assumptions July 15, 2022 Page 19 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects • No light flicker analysis has been included at this time, due to distance from homes. This can be added at agency request. • No more than two full days will be required for site photography, not including travel to/from the project site. Two (2) Stantec staff will conduct site photography. Inclement weather may require extension of time spent at the project site. Further, if agency or client input identifies viewpoints requiring extensive travel time within the project vicinity (e.g., viewpoints only accessible via hiking trail), additional time may be necessary. • Eight (8) simulations will be adequate for assessment of visual impacts. If regulatory agencies request additional simulations, Stantec will provide a cost estimate for developing additional simulations. • The visual simulations will be based on final layout and design information provided by the client. If, after the simulations are prepared, changes are made in project layout or design requiring revised simulations, the revisions will be made on a time and materials basis. • Costs associated with this scope of work assume receipt of the following information prior to production of simulations: o Project site design in 3D or 2D CAD (.dwg file), including turbines, gen-tie poles, substation, roads, battery storage system, O&M facility, as well as any other features for use in maps and viewshed analyses (.shp files or Google Earth KMZ). Please note that receipt of 2D CAD for project facilities requires additional effort to model components. o Gen-tie route and structure locations, along with description of pole type, pole heights, typical span, and wiring (PLS-CAD or .shp files). o Existing and proposed Project site terrain data (grading plan), as a digital elevation model (DEM) or Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) in CAD format (.dwg file) or GIS format (.shp file) o Existing site aerial photograhy o Tree removal o Turbine model specifications, including manufacturer, model, component dimensions, and materials / color. Scope assumes Project will include only one model and size of turbine. o Description of all other Project components, including dimensions, materials, and colors associated with O&M building and roads and any fencing. • No formal landscaping will need to be shown in simulations; the project will rely on setbacks and existing vegetation where screening of facilities or components would be required, and client will provide guidance and all materials, specifications, etc., for any visual impact mitigation formally included in the project as proposed. • No more than two (2) rounds of review by client will be required for finalization of the VIA. Client will provide consolidated sets of comments to Stantec. Task 12: Noise Study (Optional) Stantec will work with agencies to determine if noise studies are required. Noise studies are typically only required near human recievers (homes, populations). There may be no structures near our projects, and so no analysis is required. July 15, 2022 Page 20 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects If noise studies are required, Michael Minor & Associates, Inc., will produce a noise study to assesses potential noise impacts, and outline mitigation scenarios that could be implemented to reduce potential impacts where necessary. Affected Environment To characterize the existing noise environment, long-term, 24-hour, unattended noise level measurements will be made at up to 3 locations continuously over a 3-day period. Monitoring equipment will be located at sensitive receptors, such as occupied buildings, parks, and adjacent property lines, in order to accurately assess the site’s existing noise levels. The meters used for the long-term measurements will provide the one-second Lmax, Lmin, Leq and un-weighted one-third octave band sound pressure levels for frequencies from 6.3 to 20,000 Hz. Noise Impact Assessment The regulations and ordinances from the state of Alaska were reviewed for noise criteria specific to wind turbines and other wind related power generation, and none were identified. Using information from similar areas with regulations, a method of determining potential noise impact will be derived and approved for use in deterring project impacts. Sound levels from the operation of the turbines will be predicted for the nearest property boundary for daytime and nighttime conditions using the SoundPlan software program and modeling tool. SoundPlan will include site terrain in three dimensions and allows for consideration of wind and other atmospheric effects on sound propagation. SoundPlan models noise levels at a distance using the most current International Standards Organization (ISO 9613) methods for sound propagation outside. Noise modeling will also include noise related to power transmission, to include transmission lines and transformers constructed as part of the proposed project. Noise Impact Reporting The results of the modeling will be presented in a noise technical report. The contents will include an introduction to acoustics, a discussion of land use, analysis methodology, existing noise levels, future noise levels, noise impacts, and recommended mitigation. Baseline measurements will be presented in tables and graphs to provide an understanding of the existing noise environment. The report will include maps and aerial photographs with sound level contours overlaid to aid in understanding the potential impacts from wind farm operations. Tables and text will provide predicted noise levels at selected properties near the site. Locations with noise impacts based on the regulatory methods will be identified. Methods of reducing noise at locations with noise impacts will be included. A discussion of potential impacts on future land uses in the context of existing and planned land uses will be provided. Construction noise impacts and local regulations will be discussed. The initial report will be submitted in Microsoft (MS) Word format for review and comments from the owner, consultant team, project shareholders, and the State of Alaska. After revisions based on the comments are completed, a final report will be produced in PDF electronic format. July 15, 2022 Page 21 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects Deliverables • Draft and Final Noise Impact Assessment Report. Assumptions • Make and Model of the wind turbines will be provided by the client along with complete 1/3 octave band noise levels and sound power emissions • Location of the turbines will include GPS coordinates with elevations and height of the wind turbines • Detailed information on transmission lines and transformers will be provide by the client for inclusion in the study. Task 13: Permitting Our team will complete the following permits: • Desktop Structure Analysis within 2 miles (for residences) • Land Use o State of Alaska • Alaska Department of Fish and Game o State Game Refuge Special Area Permit o Fish Habitat Permit • Federal Aviation Authority FAA Form 7460-1 (Notice of Proposed Construction) • Borough Land Use Permits • Permits and technical reports (i.e. Incidental Take Authorization, Biological Assessments) assumed to not be required: o Land Access Authorizations o Endangered Species Act o Maine Mammal Protection Act o Essential Fish Habitat • Permits not listed can be completed under a change request o Permits typically completed by the construction contractor  Local Building Permits  Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans  Waste Disposal Plans  Spill Prevention Plans  Temporary Water Use Authorizations We have specifically excluded preparation of an Eagle Take Permit. This is voluntary, and is best informed after the data collection has been conducted. This allows Alaska Renewables to make an informed decision about the costs and risks. July 15, 2022 Page 22 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects Task 14: NEPA Environmental Evaluation Document (EED), Public Involvement, Agency Involvement (Optional) It is unclear if agencies will require the applicant to prepare NEPA documentation and facilitate the public and agency involvement required under NEPA. Stantec has included this task in the scope, scaled to the amount of effort the Corps would expect to complete an Environmental Assessment (EA). This is based on a similar EED we just completed for Kinross in Interior Alaska. Project Description Defining the project description, purpose, and need early is key in the Corp’s 404(b)(1) Guidelines process as it is one of the major elements considered in determining whether an alternative is practicable. The guidelines state that an alternative is “practicable” if it is “available and capable of being done after taking into consideration cost, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes.” Development of Alternatives Development and evaluation of alternatives is a critical aspect of the EED and is something that is often under-evaluated or neglected during the 404-permitting process. It is best to have carefully considered and documented a range of alternatives to satisfy the Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines and NEPA requirements. No discharge of dredged or fill material shall be permitted by the Section 404 Guidelines if there is a practicable alternative to the proposed action. While we assume only the proposed action and no action alternatives will be evaluated in detail in the EED, a robust summary of alternatives considered but not evaluated is a key component in the USACE’s 404(b)(1) analysis. A strong alternatives evaluation will make the USACE’s process of determining the answer seamless. It will also be the backbone for responses to agency comments during the public review period. A poor or incomplete alternatives analysis will create inherent weakness in the defensibility of the Proposed Action and open the project to further scrutiny. This usually manifests in multiple rewrites and back and forth communications with agencies prior to receiving project approval. Draft EED Document The EED will be issues-based; we are familiar with the resource categories that should be the focus of the EED. The baseline information for these resources will be provided by the resource technical reports outlined in this proposal or other publicly available resources during scoping and summarized succinctly in the Affected Environment section of the EED. Resource categories not relevant or without impacts for this project will simply be summarized in a “non-issue resource category” table. The impacts assessment will focus on quantitative disturbances to the overall watershed to assist in agency evaluation. A cumulative impacts assessment will be required and will consider how this project may incrementally impact resources that have been impacted in the past or will be in the future by possible development projects in the area. Although we anticipate Section 106 (cultural resources), Section 7 (Endangered Species Act), and EFH (Essential Fish Habitat) consultations will July 15, 2022 Page 23 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects be carried out by the Corps, recommendations for impacts to these resources will also be discussed in the EED. Finally, the EED will include information sufficient for the Corps to complete their public interest review finding. The draft EED will contain the information they will need to complete the Corps evaluation and be robust enough for them to have the tools they need to respond to agency or public comments. NEPA Agency Scoping Agency scoping will be required to take place during the review of any potential permit. While we anticipate the majority of this work to take place internally to the agency, we anticipate being required to prepare an agency scoping letter, response to comments, and hosting on-demand meetings with agencies to address their concerns. We will conduct these activities on demand, within the budgeted allocation. If agency scoping exceeds budget, a discussion of a change request will take place with the client. NEPA Public Scoping Public scoping meetings may be required for each site. These can be required by agencies to complete the NEPA process, and/or can be implemented by the client to help educate a variety of stakeholders and build local goodwill. Stantec has included support for 2 public meetings for each project in the budget. Evaluate and Respond to Comments, Prepare Final EED Following the Draft EED submittal, Stantec will respond to comments and revise the EED accordingly, such that the agency has the information needed to complete their NEPA process. Deliverables • Draft and Final EED • 1 Agency Scoping Letter • 1 Public Scoping Letter • 2 NEPA Public Scoping Meetings Assumptions • Agency will not require an Environmental Impact Statement • No field work is required PROJECT SCHEDULE Stantec will begin work on the project following acceptance and receipt of a signed agreement. We will work closely with your team to respond to requests in a timely manner and will work to meet your project’s schedule. Our ability to adhere to the attached schedule is limited by the July 15, 2022 Page 24 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects responsiveness of outside parties, including but not limited to local, state and federal resource agencies, and other Alaska Renewable contractors. COST ESTIMATE As we stated previously, Stantec will work with agencies during Task 1 and 2 to try to minimize and eliminate as many tasks, and their scope, as possible. For example, we may be able to eliminate the radar or acoustic surveys, or reduce wetland study areas. This would save you money! Our goal in the following table is to provide you a planning level cost, that can be tailored as your project develops. Stantec will complete the scope of services on a time and materials basis. The following tables describe the cost estimates. Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 725 East Fireweed Lane, Suite 200 Anchorage AK 99503-2245 Expenses and subcontractors will be billed on a Time and Materials basis. Dramatic cost inflation is hitting the services market in Alaska (e.g. helicopter, fuel, hotel, retal cars). We have provided an estimate for expenses and subcontractors, based on Summer 2022 prices, but vendors notified us to expect price changes into 2023. Our budget includes 4 days of planned weather delays. Additional weather delays will be billed at Time and Materials standby rates if other work is not available. Many monitoring points will only be accessible by helicopter. We have assumed using different sized helicopters, depending on the need. A turbine helicopter (i.e. ASTAR or similar) is assumed for tasks with a higher payload requirements for passengers and ability to swing load equipment. The 2022 price quoted us for ASTAR helicopter use from charters in Anchorage and Fairbanks was $2,400 per flight hour, including fuel, with a 3 hour minimum per day. A smaller Robinson R-44 helicopter (or similar) is assumed for people transportation. The 2022 price quoted us for R-44 in Anchorage was $1,100 per flight hour, including fuel, with a 3 hour minimum per day. Vendors stated their prices will change for 2023. We will bill helicopter and fuel related costs on a Time and Materials basis. The NEPA task may not be required by agences. It can be deleted from the scope independently of the other tasks. We have included it to help inform your understanding of potential financial requirements for fundraising. Agencies may not require all tasks covered in this scope, or require other tasks that are not covered. Tasks that are not included in this proposal that could come up are related to offsite facilities that may be needed to support the transport of equipment or materials. These may include Endangered Species Act consultation for barging in Cook Inlet beluga whale habitat, or other tasks. These can be incorporated into the project by future Change Requests. Stantec will provide additional services, complete other tasks, and/or attend meetings in addition to the scope of services, deliverables, and assumptions outlined herein and authorized by Alaska Renewables, on a time and materials basis. If there are changes to the scope of services that would cause the estimated fees to be exceeded, Stantec will contact you for approval to proceed. Stantec will furnish extra services upon request and under separate terms as described below. July 15, 2022 Page 28 of 28 Reference: Proposal for Environmental Services – Alaska Renewables Shovel Creek and Lt. Mt. Susitna Wind Projects The above-stated fee for this scope of services is valid for 30 days from the date of this proposal and are subject to annual adjustments. If you have any questions, or require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us. Regards, STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. Ryan Cooper Principal Phone: (907) 343-5241 Ryan.cooper@stantec.com Sara Lindberg Principal Phone: (907) 343-5240 Sara.lindberg@stantec.com