HomeMy WebLinkAbout200924-Polarconsult Hydro SOQ Full
Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
FOR
ENGINEER CONSULTANT SERVICES
polarconsult alaska, inc.
1503 West 33rd Avenue, Suite 310
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Phone: (907) 258-2420 Fax (907) 258-2419
INTRODUCTION
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olarconsult Alaska, Inc., is pleased to
submit our qualifications for civil and
electrical engineering consulting,
permitting, regulatory compliance, and data
management services in Alaska.
Located in Anchorage, PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT has been
engineering Alaskan infrastructure since 1979.
Since this time the firm has completed
hundreds of diverse projects throughout Alaska.
Our licensed professionals and specialty
consultants provide civil, electrical, energy,
permitting, and other diverse professional
consulting services.
PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT provides key client benefits:
Experience - A project team that has direct
experience with the climate, logistics,
economics, and community resources that are
essential for designing and constructing
successful projects in rural and urban Alaska.
Key Relationships - Individual team members
who have developed positive and cooperative
relationships with community leaders, local
governments, regulators, and individuals
necessary to accomplish our clients’ goals.
Management - Personnel who have direct
experience with estimating and cost-
effectively managing construction projects in
urban and remote sites.
Reporting - A firm that delivers high quality
documentation necessary to present the facts
clearly to our clients.
Responsiveness - A responsive firm that has the
flexibility to commit team members on short
notice and use personnel that may already be
in the region working on other projects.
Broad Skills - Field personnel with a broad
range of abilities to reduce the often
significant mobilization costs incurred as a
result of sending multiple, less capable
individuals to the site.
Regulatory Knowledge - A design team that
understands the regulatory constraints and
design codes and has a long-term professional
relationship with the agencies.
PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT is committed to providing our
clients with services tailored to their specific
needs, based upon our working knowledge of
the unique conditions of life and business in
Alaska. Whether you are involved in mining, oil
& gas production, commercial development,
fishing, the institutional management of federal
or state properties, government, or other
industry, we honor this commitment to you by:
Providing a local staff of highly qualified
personnel who are experienced in Alaska
projects and who are engaged in the
economic, cultural, social, and business
climate of the Last Frontier.
Developing and maintaining our knowledge
of project requirements encompassing
Alaska’s diverse regions, including specific
remote project site requirements.
Understanding and being involved in the
issues, organizations, regulatory programs,
and trade groups that affect our clients.
Maintaining working relationships and
positions of trust with state and federal
regulators.
Working closely with Alaska Native
Corporations and others to maximize the
amount of work performed in Alaska by
Alaskans.
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INTRODUCTION
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PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT has been engineering Alaska
projects for more than 40 years. Our work has
included project scoping, design and management
throughout the state, and our projects have
ranged from involvement in multi-million dollar
commercial facilities to residential properties.
Through this experience, PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT has
developed a strong understanding of the
regulatory and technical requirements and
restrictions for engineering projects in Alaska.
PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT has built a reputation for quality
consulting and excellent customer service. We
have developed solution-oriented, cost-effective
approaches to engineering issues for federal
agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Federal Aviation Administration,
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and U.S.
Department of Commerce; for state agencies such
as the Department of Natural Resources and
Alaska Industrial Development and Export
Authority; and for local commercial clients such as
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative and Williams
Petroleum, and many of Alaska’s local
governments.
By maximizing the hiring of qualified local
personnel to manage, direct, and perform those
projects, PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT is able to deliver products
that are responsive to the local conditions and
cultures of Alaska.
PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT provides our clients with both the
resources of a full service engineering firm and
the responsiveness of a local consulting company.
We can assist in all phases of project
development and performance from initial
feasibility assessment through construction
management and operations.
PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT employs or has active consulting
agreements with 5 licensed engineering
professionals and other professional consultants.
Over the years, we have completed 700+ projects.
PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT has demonstrated a commitment
to deliver excellent service by providing quality,
responsive professional services as the keystone
of our business culture.
PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT’’SS commitment to Alaska is
demonstrated by our professional staff. Many
of our staff were born in Alaska, and all have
experience managing projects in this state.
INTRODUCTION
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POLARCONSULT ALASKA PROJECT SITES
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
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OOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT offers a wide range of
comprehensive engineering and
planning services to our clients.
While many firms provide design services,
our unique experience allows us to provide
innovative solutions that are well-suited to
remote projects and reduce construction
costs.
PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT provides comprehensive
consulting engineering services in the
following areas of professional practice:
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Permitting and Regulatory Compliance
Preparation of Construction Documents
Competitive & Public Bid Management
Construction Planning, Supervision,
Inspection, Management, and Engineering
Cost Estimating and Material Takeoffs
Design – Build Projects
CIVIL
Civil design and project management
Utilities Design
Storm Drainage and Hydrology Design
Site Layout and Site Grading Design
Road Design
Domestic Water Supply, Treatment,
Storage, and Distribution Design
Water Network Fire System Modeling,
Testing, and Design
Sanitary Sewer Collection, Treatment, and
Disposal Systems Evaluation and Design
Hydraulic Modeling (Open Channel, Closed
System, Groundwater)
Landfill and Waste Management Design and
Permitting
Harbor, Ocean, Outfall Engineering and
Design
Cold Regions Arctic Engineering
Flood Plain Analysis and Assessment
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies, Cost
Estimation, Economic Analysis
Hydrology Studies (Stream Gauging,
Rainfall-Runoff Modeling, Data Collection)
Hydrogeology and Geology Investigations
Utility / Community energy analysis
Dispatchable electric energy systems and
controls
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) and State Permitting
Data management and analysis
River / stream diversion / intake structures
Hydro Plant Design and Construction
Inspection, Engineering and Management
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
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STRUCTURAL
Structural Design of Concrete, Steel, and
Wood Structures
Foundation, Retaining Wall, Geotechnical
Investigations and Design
Structural Failure Analysis and Repair
Design
Fire Damage Inspection and Repair Design
FUEL-FIRED POWER PLANTS
Diesel-Electric Power Plant Design
Waste Heat Analysis and Cogeneration
System Design
Fuel Systems Design (Bulk storage,
containment, bulk transfer, dispensing)
Spill Prevention, Containment, and
Contingency (SPCC) Plans
ELECTRICAL
Underground and Overhead Transmission
and Distribution Design
Power Plant Design and Control System
Specification
Building Interior Electrical and Controls
Design
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
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OOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT has extensive project
experience in Alaska. That experience
includes both large-scale projects in
developed areas and small projects in extremely
remote locations. This experience provides an
understanding of the widely varying conditions
that occur in our state, the unique logistic
requirements of working in the Alaska bush,
and the general approach of the various
regulatory agencies active in Alaska.
PPOOLLAARRCCOONNSSUULLTT provides services for a wide
variety of organizations and agencies in Alaska.
An abbreviated list of these organizations is
provided below, followed by a description of
representative projects:
Alaska Division of Parks & Recreation
Alaska Energy Authority
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Alaska Industrial Development and Export
Authority
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association
APICDA Joint Ventures
ARCO Alaska
Arctic Slope Consulting
Bethel Utility Commission
Blue Hole Properties, LLC
Burro Creek Holdings, LLC
Central Bering Sea Fisherman’s Association
Chitina Electric, Inc.
Chitina Village Council
City of Akutan
City of Atka
City of Chignik Lagoon
City of False Pass
City of St. George
City of St. Paul
City of Tenakee Springs
City of Unalaska
Coastal Villages Region Fund
Community of Elfin Cove
Copper River Forest Products
CRW Engineering Group
Delta Western
Eklutna, Inc.
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Inian Islands Institute
MAPCO
Native Village of Cantwell
Nome Joint Utilities
Norquest Seafoods, Inc.
Pedro Bay Village Council
Pelican Seafoods
Peratovich, Nottingham & Drage, Inc.
Ram Valley, LLC
RIM Architects
Signature Flight Support
St. George Tanaq Corporation
St. George Traditional Council
State of Alaska Department of Natural
Resources
Trident Seafoods, Inc.
Trillium Corporation
Yellowknife Construction (Design-Build)
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REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
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Saint Paul Municipal Electric Utility
Power Plant Upgrades, 2017-19
City of Saint Paul Electric Utility
Engineering services for replacement of diesel
engine-generator set #2 with a Tier 3 380 kW
John Deere. Included associated power plant
upgrades to fuel supply and coolant systems,
and switchgear / control upgrades for
automated switching and paralleling with other
plant generators. Phased project over several
years to conform to available utility budgets.
Hobbit Hole Micro Hydro Upgrade, 2018-19
Inian Islands Institute, Southeast.
Inspection of existing 7.5 kW run-of-river micro
hydroelectric system for new owner. Issued
reports describing existing system, prioritizing
deferred maintenance issues, and presenting
upgrade recommendations. Limited design and
technical support for upgrade of existing system
with new turbine, generator, controls, and
backup battery system with 10 kW output from
same water resource.
Bing’s Landing Campground Water, 2017
Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Design of new water system for Bing’s Landing
campground near Sterling, Alaska. Included
design and specifications for new well and well
building, water distribution system, public
access spigots, and associated infrastructure.
Included operations and maintenance manual
specifying spring start-up and fall winterization
procedures.
Ungaman Creek Hydro, 2016-19
APICDA & City of False Pass
Reconnaissance and feasibility study of a
proposed hydro project on Ungaman Creek to
serve the City of False Pass. Included hydrology
study, drone-based terrain and topographic
surveys, fisheries surveys, and engineering
analysis of prospective project layouts.
Fish Plant & Power Plant Inspection, 2016
Bering Pacific Seafoods Fish Plant, False Pass.
On-site inspection of fish processing facility and
associated diesel power plant. Prepared report
identifying upgrades to correct life-safety issues
and improve plant efficiency, reliability,
operational flexibility, and automation.
Prioritized action items to assist management in
implementing repairs and upgrades.
Moonlight Springs Aquifer Test, 2015
Norton Sound Economic Development
Corporation, Inc.
Technical support, data management/analysis
for aquifer test to characterize sustainable yield
of groundwater formation near Nome.
Indian River Hydroelectric Project, 2009-17
City of Tenakee Springs
Feasibility study, final design and permitting of
hydroelectric project for Tenakee Springs.
Engineer of Record for project, phased
construction in 2014-17.
Packers Creek Hydroelectric Project, 2009-15
Chignik Lagoon Power Utility
Final design and permitting of hydroelectric
project for Chignik Lagoon. Engineer of Record
for project, constructed in 2014-15.
Bridge Crane Foundation Design, 2014
National Oilwell Varco
Structural analysis, geotech investigation and
foundation design for bridge crane retrofit into
existing warehouse.
Seafood Plant Structural Analysis, 2013
Westward Seafoods, Inc.
Structural analysis and design
recommendations for installation of new
equipment at Unalaska plant.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
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Goodnews Bay Processing Plant, 2011
Coastal Villages Seafoods, LLC
Design and permitting of site improvements
and utility systems for new seafood processing
facility in Platinum. Included process and
potable water supply, treatment, storage and
distribution systems, sanitary sewer and
process waste collection, treatment, and
disposal systems, bulk fuel storage and
dispensing systems, and civil site design.
Knutson Creek Hydroelectric Project, 2009-19
Pedro Bay Village Council
Reconnaissance study, feasibility study,
permitting, and design for a 200-kW run-of river
hydroelectric project on Knutson Creek to
provide electricity for the village of Pedro Bay.
Design includes integration with existing diesel
power plant for automatic switching and
paralleling of diesel and hydro generators based
on load and available hydro capacity.
Pelican Seafoods Hydroelectric, 2006
Alaska Energy Authority
Inspection and design of retrofit for 600 kW
hydroelectric facility. Included design of new
dam intake, penstock and pipeline supports to
replace original wood stave pipeline and flume
constructed in the 1940’s.
St. Paul Fire Station, 2006
City of St. Paul
Design of new 5,800 sq ft fire station and crane
storage building for the community including
water, sewer and waste heat connections,
permitting and project management.
St. Paul Water Tank ‘B’, 2005
City of St. Paul
Design of new 850,000-gallon water storage
tank to increase domestic water storage to the
community and water supply to fish processors.
Included demolition of 1950s-era concrete
tanks to make room for new water tank on
existing site. Included site topographic and
control surveys, geotechnical investigations,
permitting and site assessments.
Ft. Richardson National Cemetery, 2005
Yellowknife Construction
Design-build project to expand 39-acre National
Cemetery. Included 4,237-feet of new
roadways, sidewalks, curb and gutter, 1,500
new concrete crypts, 2,983-feet irrigation
system mains and watering points and new
water well, 1,350-feet of electrical distribution
and services, and design new committal shelter.
St. George Aleutian Housing, 2005
Aleutian Housing Authority
Design/Building project for site drainage system
for 8 homes and a 6-plex. Included footing
drains, curtain drains, drainage swales, and
culvert design, installation and permitting.
Old Harbor Hydroelectric Plant, 2004
City of Old Harbor
Design of new 500 kW hydroelectric power
plant with connection to community diesel
power plant to provide electric power to the
community. Included site topographic and
control surveys, environmental assessments
and economic analysis and permitting.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
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St. Paul Water Tank ‘A’, 2004
City of St. Paul
Design of new 500,000-gallon water storage
tank to increase domestic water storage to the
community and water supply to fish processors.
Included retrofit of distribution headers and
relocation of existing roads to make room for
new water tank on existing site. Included site
topographic and control surveys, geotechnical
investigations, permitting and site assessments.
Larsen Bay Hydroelectric, 2004
Alaska Energy Authority
Site inspection and analysis of existing hydro
plant with recommendations and draft designs
for upgrades to the existing intake and
penstock, addition of drainage diversion to
increase water flow to the plant for increased
power production and interconnection to
community diesel power plant.
St. Paul Landfill, 2003
City of St. Paul
Design of Permitted Class III Solid Waste Landfill
and Transfer Facility. Design of 10-acre landfill
and 5-acre transfer facility including 2 buildings
and both on-site and utility main extensions for
water, sewer and electricity, and 4 miles of new
and existing road upgrades for site access.
Included site topographic and control surveys,
geotechnical investigations, permitting and
environmental site assessments.
Chignik Lagoon Hydroelectric, 2003
Norquest Seafoods
FERC relicensing for hydroelectric facility and
water supply. Prepared as-built facility survey
and topography, facility condition analysis, and
environmental assessment, hydrology study,
and coordinated environmental surveys for 30-
year relicense of facility.
Atka Hydroelectric Plant, 2003
City of Atka
Design of new hydroelectric plant with
connection to community diesel power plant to
provide electric power to the community.
Included site topographic and control surveys,
environmental assessments and economic
analysis and permitting.
Carl Ivey Building, 2003
Arctic Structures
Architectural, Structural and Civil design of
4,500 sq ft commercial building and site
including utility water and sewer service
connections and permitting.
Cabin Creek Water Line, 2003
Peratovich, Nottingham & Drage, Inc.
Review and analysis of performance issues with
the Petersburg water supply line. Analyzed line
hydraulics, head losses, and vacuum conditions,
to identify root causes of operational problems,
and provide recommendations for repairs and
future operations.
St. Paul Aquifer Study, 2003
City of Saint Paul
Conducted a hydrological study of the City of
Saint Paul’s sole source water supply aquifer to
improve understanding and management of the
water supply and recommendations for future
domestic water wells. Included review of
existing technical data, develop a groundwater
model in MODFLOW-2000, deployed
groundwater level data loggers in the vicinity of
the city wellfield, and develop a database to aid
in record keeping and reporting activities.
Study recommendations included changes to
specific well pump sizes and duty cycles;
development of aquifer protection ordinance;
and recommendations for future well locations.
RESUMES
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Michael Dahl, P.E. has 30 years of experience evaluating and designing municipal utility projects and buildings
for Polarconsult. Mr. Dahl has a diverse and comprehensive engineering background with technical and practical
experience in civil site design, water and sewer utility design, building and foundation design, surveying and
building construction and facility operations. The roles he has played in past projects have ranged from
managing water and sewer feasibility studies to design engineering for and utility systems and buildings, cost
estimating, construction management, funding coordination, operation and maintenance of facilities, and
scheduling. His diverse background in utility and building design and construction and coastal engineering make
Mr. Dahl and excellent team member for your project.
Joel Groves, P.E., has 20 years’ experience practicing as a civil engineer, working as a licensed professional civil
engineer for Polarconsult for the last 17 years and previously as an engineering intern. He has a master's degree
from Harvey Mudd College. Mr. Groves is experienced in permitting, design and construction engineering for
hydroelectric, water and wastewater, transportation, and other civil engineering disciplines. Mr. Groves is
familiar with the unique logistics and challenges of developing projects in remote Alaska locations.
Gary Paulus, C.E., has worked as an engineer for Polarconsult for 8 years. Mr. Paulus has 20+ years of
experience in heavy construction, and has held a wide range of responsibilities on many remote Alaska job sites.
Stan Hintze, P.E., has 45 years of experience in the electrical design of primary distribution, building electrical,
and power plant electrical design. Mr. Hintze has become an expert in remote electrical building and
distribution systems. He has completed designs and retrofits for numerous facilities throughout Alaska,
Washington and Idaho, and is well versed in the long-term operation and maintenance requirements of utilities
and buildings making Mr. Hintze an excellent team member for your project.
Resumes available upon request.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS - HYDROELECTRIC
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RECENT POLARCONSULT PROJECTS & PROJECT REFERENCES
Polarconsult has extensive experience working on all aspects of hydroelectric development.
From reconnaissance, feasibility, permitting, design, construction, inspection, operation,
maintenance, monitoring, and retrofitting, Polarconsult’s professional staff understands all
aspects of hydroelectric projects. Engineering budgets for past and current projects range from
under $10,000 to over $1,000,000.
Polarconsult personnel have direct experience constructing and operating small hydro facilities,
including past involvement in the McRobert’s Creek Hydro, located near Palmer, Alaska, and
the Southfork Hydro Project, located near Eagle River, Alaska. The many lessons learned from
our involvement in permitting, designing, building and operating these hydroelectric projects
translate into valuable experience and lessons learned that directly benefit our clients.
A recent project, located in Atka, Alaska, involved designing and providing construction
inspection for a force account-constructed 270 kW storage project with interconnection to the
existing diesel power plant. The project included off-site environmental mitigation for fish
habitat to offset project construction and operation impacts. The hydro project provides full
community electric demand for most of the year.
Another successful project, located in Pelican, Alaska, involved designing a steel support system
for an aging timber crib dam. Limited by helicopter access and narrow construction windows,
the location required a design that not only withstood the large forces of floods but also
needed to be light enough and simple enough to be airlifted and quickly put into permanent
place. Precision surveying, 3-D design, and close coordination with the project owner all
resulted in a unique and successful solution without an extravagant budget.
The experience and knowledge that Polarconsult’s professionals bring to a project are
exemplified by our work on the Kasidaya Creek hydroelectric project near Skagway. Brought in
by Alaska Power and Telephone, Inc. due to excessive cost estimates on a tunnel and intake for
a project that was in the midst of construction, Polarconsult spent half a day in the field at the
project site and provided valuable insight and advice that changed the course of the
construction to reduce project costs and maintenance. Polarconsult’s recommendations to
provide an access route up the creek to the intake site were ultimately adopted into the now
completed project.
Each of Polarconsult’s core professionals have been involved in the numerous engineering
challenges surrounding Alaska hydroelectric projects for many years. Our professional
engineers are more than capable of successfully identifying all the issues in a hydroelectric
project and using our comprehensive background and knowledge to forge solutions that aren’t
narrowly focused or short sighted.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS - HYDROELECTRIC
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SELECTED PROJECT PROFILES
Project: Pelican Intake and Penstock Replacement / Dam Reinforcement
Client: Alaska Energy and Engineering / Pelican Seafoods
Reference Contact: Steve Stassel, AEE 907-349-0100 /Tom Whitmarsh, Pelican Seafoods (Retired)
Engineering Budget: $175,000 / $75,000
Description:
The Pelican Hydroelectric Power Plant was first constructed around 1946 to supply water and
power to the Pelican Seafoods Cannery constructed around the same time. A field investigation
was conducted to prepare an as-built of the existing intake structure, timber flume, wood stave
penstock and power plant. A design was prepared to construct the replacement intake, wing
wall, penstock along the existing alignment with steel supports, and permitted through FERC
Dam Safety. During construction of the adjacent new water plant rock blasting for access was
found to be economical. The project was redesigned to replace trestles supports with a rock
blasted bench to provide equipment access to the penstock alignment and intake. Additional
upgrades were designed to replace existing isolation valves in the plant building and streamline
flow to the turbine and pump.
During a prior phase of the project for Pelican Seafoods, a Dam Safety Review determined that
there was potential for failure of the existing timber crib dam during flood stages. A field
investigation was conducted to prepare an as-built of the existing timber crib dam and intake
structure. A unique design was arrived at to shore-up the existing dam to be stable under flood
stages, and upgrade the existing intake to cut down head losses and increase power production.
Dam and wingwall prior to project and after project construction.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS - HYDROELECTRIC
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Project: Indian River Hydroelectric Project Design and Permitting
Client: City of Tenakee Springs, Alaska
Reference Contact: Art Bloom, City Hydro Manager, 907-736-2222
Project Budget: $203,000
Description:
Performed final design, permitting, and construction engineering for a 180 kW run-of-river
hydroelectric project on Indian River near Tenakee Springs, Alaska. The project included
securing all government permits for the project and completing final engineering plans for
construction. The project intake is co-located with an existing fish pass built by the US Forest
Service. Design and permitting includes close coordination with the Forest Service and other
agencies to enhance function of the fish pass. Polarconsult previously completed feasibility
studies for the project in 1993 and 2009.
Project: Atka Hydro
Client: Alaska Energy Authority and CRW Engineering Group, LLC.
Reference Contact: Julie Dirks, City of Atka, 907-581-6226
Engineering Budget: $125,000
Description:
Performed engineering design, permitting and inspection services for the Chuniisax Creek Hydro
Project in Atka, Alaska. The Chuniisax Creek project is a 270 kW storage project that will meet
nearly all of the community’s electricity demand. The project, completed in 2012, included
1,060 feet of 30-inch diameter High Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE) penstock; an
underground 7.2/12.4 kV power connection to the existing distribution system; powerhouse
with a cross-flow turbine and synchronous generator and automated control system; and a 10-
foot-high impoundment dam. Design and construction included an engineered reach of creek
bed to replace a major culvert along Dancing Creek to increase pink salmon habitat for
mitigation.
Polarconsult also completed design and permitting for a community dispatchable energy system
to utilize excess hydro energy to heat community buildings. Construction of the dispatchable
energy system was recommended for funding in FY 2014.
Penstock Pipe Bridge and Powerhouse, Dam and Intake.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS - HYDROELECTRIC
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Project: Hobbit Hole Powerhouse Upgrade
Client: Inian Islands Institute
Reference Contact: Dr. Zachary Brown, PhD, Executive Director, 907-697-2210
Description:
Design of upgrade to existing ca. 1984 7.5 kW run-of-river hydro powerhouse including building
addition, new 10 kW turbine/generator, new load governor and dispatchable energy controls,
new dispatchable loads, new battery bank, and new inverter system with tie in for existing back-
up diesel generator and integration of future wind/solar energy supplies. Included hydrology
study to affirm resource availability, tie-in to existing penstock, and new tailrace.
Project: Packers Creek Hydroelectric Project
Client: Chignik Lagoon Tribal Council
Reference Contact: Michelle Anderson, Chignik Lagoon Tribal Council, 907-840-2304
Engineering Budget: $125,000
Description:
Performed engineering design and permitting for the Packers Creek Hydroelectric Project in
Chignik Lagoon, Alaska. The project is a 170 kW run-of-river hydroelectric plant that will meet
most of the community’s electric demand. The project is scheduled for construction in 2014 and
includes a 9-foot dam; 3,200-feet of 16-inch diameter HDPE and steel penstock; 7.2/12.47 kV
overhead connection to the existing distribution system; powerhouse with a pelton wheel,
synchronous generator and automated controls; and interconnection and integration to the
diesel power plant.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS - HYDROELECTRIC
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Project: Crooked Creek and Jim’s Lake Hydroelectric Project
Client: Elfin Cove Utility Commission
Reference Contact: Jim Wild, Elfin Cove Utility Commission, 907-239-2222
Description:
Polarconsult completed reconnaissance / feasibility study and design / permitting of a proposed
hydroelectric project at Crooked Creek and Jim’s Lake near Elfin Cove. The project consists of 5
cfs diversion from Crooked Creek to Jim’s Lake, and hydro project between Jim’s Lake and
tidewater, with Jim’s Lake serving as a reservoir. The project is located within the Tongass
National Forest, and will have a FERC license.
Project: Fishhook Hydroelectric Project
Client: Fishhook Renewable Energy, LLC
Engineering Budget: $125,000
Description:
Currently in the permitting phase, this project includes completion of a feasibility study,
permitting, and conceptual design of 2 MW run-of-river hydroelectric plant located on Fishhook
Creek in Hatcher Pass, Alaska. Polarconsult performed surveying utilizing RTK GPS equipment,
developed cost estimates and a feasibility study, and completed a conceptual design.
Project: Kasidaya Creek Intake
Client: Alaska Power & Telephone Company
Reference Contact: Vern Neitzer, AP&T, 907-983-2202
Engineering Budget: $15,000
Description:
Site Inspection and project review. Provided a brief letter report to assist AP&T in seeking a
lower cost alternative for the intake and penstock tunnel that were in the original design.
Project was well into construction at the time. Polarconsult made recommendations on an
alternative for a dam, intake configurations, access routes, and permitting actions. AP&T
ultimately reconfigured the original design based on our recommendations.
Project: Juniper Creek Hydro
Client: Ram Valley, LLC
Reference Contact: David Brailey, RVL, 907-248-0058
Description:
Polarconsult completed designs and permitting support for a 300-kW run-of-river hydro project
on Juniper Creek near Eagle River, Alaska. Power is developed using up to 13.3 cfs developing
330 feet of head via 1,300 feet of 18-inch penstock, and will be sold to the local utility. The
project includes extreme terrain, with trail grades to 25%, and a unique spring gallery intake
system that supplements winter creek flow.
Project: Five Mile Creek Conceptual Design
Client: Chitina Electric, Inc.
Reference Contact: Martin Finnesand, CEI, 907-823-2220
Description:
Polarconsult was retained by CEI to review existing 65-percent designs for a proposed 300-kW
hydroproject on Five Mile Creek near Chitina, Alaska to address concerns about constructability
and project cost. Polarconsult identified alternate diversion site, penstock route, and
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS - HYDROELECTRIC
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powerhouse site to reduce estimated project costs from $9.7 to $6.5 million. Cost savings were
achieved by optimizing installed capacity to better match utility load, shortening the penstock,
reducing construction risk, and related improvements to the project layout. Polarconsult also
engaged with key resource agencies to confirm the proposed project modifications did not
introduce fatal flaws to the project permit requirements.
Project: Chignik Relicense
Client: Trident Seafoods
Reference Contact: Clyde Pedersen, Trident Seafoods, 206-617-6612
Engineering Budget: $150,000
Description
Included in a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license are significant efforts and
coordination relating to the development of the Environmental Assessment. Activities include:
National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) scoping meetings
Stream Gauging and Fish Surveys
Geomorphological surveys of Indian River including fish habitat analysis
Dissemination of all data and correspondence through the development of a Project
web page and through traditional hard copy to over 50 particpants
The entire relicensing process was completed under the “applicant prepared EA” process in less
than 2 years (typically licensing time is 3 to 5 years).
Project: McRobert's Creek Hydroelectric Project
Client: Earle Ausman, Enerdyne, LLC
Engineering Budget: $60,000
Description
McRobert's Creek Hydroelectric Plant is an excellent example of how cost effective a small
hydroelectric plant in Alaska can be. McRobert's Creek is located three miles to the east of
Palmer and is fed by the rock glaciers that lay below Matanuska Peak. The mountainous and
rugged terrain required Polarconsult to use non-conventional construction techniques to
complete the project. Due to the terrain it was not feasible or environmentally desirable to
build a road to the power plant. The project was completed in an environmentally sound and
aesthetically pleasing manner. Hikers and horseback riders now use the trail for access to
Matanuska Peak. The run-of-river facility consists of a rock gabion diversion to funnel the water
into a 4,200-foot, twelve-inch-diameter polyethylene pipeline. A 7,000-gallon storage tank is
used to regulate the system so that a large dam and associated reservoir are not necessary.
Other physical features include 8,800 feet of access trail, undergroung 7,200 kVA power
connection to the local utility, and a 12-foot square concrete block powerhouse. The plant
operates at 445 feet of gross head and runs year round delivering 100 kW to the local grid. The
plant was designed and built by Polarconsult at a cost of $2,000 per kW. Former Polarconsult
President Earle Ausman was the owner of the facility.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS - HYDROELECTRIC
7
SELECTED PROJECT LIST
In addition to the projects listed under Selected Project Profiles, Polarconsult has completed
numerous reconnaissance studies, feasibility studies, project designs, project permitting,
construction engineering and related professional services for hydro projects throughout
Alaska. These past projects are listed below.
Job Name Client Year
Juniper Creek Hydro Project Design and Permit Support Ram Valley, LLC 2018 - 20
Five Mile Creek Conceptual Design Chitina Electric, Inc. 2018 - 19
Hobbit Hole Hydro Upgrade Inian Islands Institute 2018 - 19
Burro Creek Hydrology Study & Hydro Technical Support Burro Creek Holdings, LLC 2009 - 20
Knutson Creek Hydro Permitting and Final Design Pedro Bay Tribal Council 2015 - 20
Ungaman Creek Hydro Reconnaissance and Feasibility
Studies City of False Pass / APICDA 2016 - 19
Elfin Cove Hydro Permitting and Final Design Community of Elfin Cove 2014 - 20
Tsaina Lodge Hydro Studies Blue Hole Properties, LLC 2013
Hunter Creek Hydro Reconnaissance Study Eklutna, Inc. 2011 - 13
Jack River Hydro Reconnaissance Study Native Tribe of Cantwell 2011 - 13
Knutson Creek Hydro Feasibility Study Pedro Bay Tribal Council 2010 - 12
Packer’s Creek Hydro Final Design and Permitting Chignik Lagoon Power Utility 2009 - 12
Chuniisax Creek Hydro Construction Inspection City of Atka 2010 - 12
Chuniisax Creek Hydro Excess Energy System Design City of Atka 2011 - 12
Burro Creek Hydro Study Burro Creek Holdings, LLC 2009 - 11
Old Harbor FERC Licensing Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2009 - 10
Indian River Hydro Feasibility Study, Conceptual Design,
Final Design and Permitting, Construction City of Tenakee Springs 2009 - 17
Elfin Cove Reconnaissance and Feasibility Study Community of Elfin Cove 2009 - 11
Pedro Bay Reconnaissance Study Pedro Bay Tribal Council 2009
Pelican Hydroelectric Upgrade Design Alaska Energy & Engineering, Inc. 2008 - 10
Fourth of July Creek Reconnaissance Study Independence Power, LLC 2008
Pelican Hydroelectric Retrofit Alaska Energy Authority 2007
Archangel Creek Hydro Jill Reese Investments & Brokerage 2007
O'Brien Creek Reconnaissance Survey Alaska Energy Authority 2007
Fishhook Hydroelectric Project Fishhook Renewable Energy, LLC 2007
Allison Lake Hydro Project Green Power Development, LLC 2007
Atka Hydro Cost Estimate Alaska Energy Authority 2007
Chignik FERC Compliance Trident Seafoods, Inc. 2006 - 12
Chitina Conceptual Design Alaska Energy Authority 2006
Kasidaya (Otter) Creek Intake Alaska Power & Telephone Company 2006
Larsen Bay Alaska Energy Authority 2006
Chuniisax Hydro Phase 3 Alaska Energy Authority 2006
Chignik Bay Scoping Field Trip Alaska Energy Authority 2005
Atka Hydro Design Changes and Inspection Alaska Energy Authority 2005
Larsen Bay Turbine Repair City of Larsen Bay 2005
Chignik Dam Inspection Norquest Seafoods Inc. 2004
Larsen Bay Hydroelectric Upgrade Alaska Energy Authority 2004
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS - HYDROELECTRIC
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Job Name Client Year
Chignik Stream Gauge Installation Alaska Energy Authority 2004
Atka Revisions Alaska Energy Authority 2004
Chignik Relicense Trident Seafoods 2003
Atka Hydro Design City of Atka 2003
Old Harbor Project Review Alaska Energy Authority 2002
Atka Hydro F&G City of Atka 2002
Scammon Stream Gauging Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2002
Old Harbor Project Comparison Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2001
Pelican Penstock Design Pelican Seafoods 2001
Old Harbor Hydro Project - Design Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2000
Old Harbor Hydro Project - FERC Licensing Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc. 1999
Chignik Dam Survey Norquest Seafoods Inc 1999
Southfork Hydro Plant South Fork Construction, LLC 1998
Lace Hydro Lace River Hydro, LLC 1997
Atka Hydro Investigation City of Atka 1996
Chignik Lagoon Hydro Study Chignik Lagoon 1995
Old Harbor Hydropower Feasibility Study Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc. 1995
Terror Lake desander Tango Construction Co 1994
Tenakee Springs/Indian River Hydro City of Tenakee Springs 1993
Pelican Seafoods Hydroelectric Renovation Pelican Seafoods 1993
Angoon Hydroelectric Investigation Alaska Energy Authority 1992
Humpback Creek Hydroelectric Cordova Electric 1992
Snyder Falls Hydroelectric Study Earl Ellis & Associates 1990
McRobert’s Creek Hydroelectric Project Earle Ausman 1990
Larsen Bay Hydroelectric Plant City of Larsen Bay 1990
Snettisham Hydroelectric Project US Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District 1989
Chitina Micro Hydro Project Chitina Village Council 1989
Burnett Inlet Hydroelectric Plant Design Alaska Aquaculture 1988
Ouzinkie Hydroelectric Plant City of Ouzinkie 1986
In addition, Polarconsult’s project team has extensive experience with design and force account
construction of many types of rural projects in addition to hydro. These include utility design
and construction management of water, sewer, and electrical projects. Much of this work was
performed for the City of St. Paul, and our experience extends to many other communities
throughout Alaska as well. It is important to emphasize that most of the work performed by
force account uses local labor and resources.
Polarconsult believes it is important when possible to have people build their own projects so
they can understand, operate and repair them. It is also important to make these projects
economical and sustainable, in order to keep the maximum amount of money in the
community and ensure the project has a long useful life.
KEY HYDROELECTRIC PERSONNEL
1
KEY POLARCONSULT PERSONNEL
The proposed project staff is presented below. Each member of the project staff has the
capability of working on all phases of the project including pre-design, design, and construction.
In addition, each the project staff has hands-on construction experience that is valuable during
the design and construction phases of a hydroelectric facility.
All project staff are professionally licensed in Alaska and reside in Anchorage.
Joel D. Groves, P.E., Civil Engineer, CE-10944. Mr. Groves will act as the project manager and
primary point of contact for this project. The responsibilities for this position include having a
broad understanding of all activities conducted under this contract; coordinating the project
and reporting activities directly with the client; assigning team members to complete the work
items; managing the project budget and accounting; and working directly on all phases required
to complete the project. Mr. Groves will also manage project subcontractors.
Mr. Groves has 19 years of experience in civil engineering, and has worked as a civil engineer
for Polarconsult for over 17 years. Raised in Anchorage, Mr. Groves started with Polarconsult
as an engineering technician in 1995. Mr. Groves has worked on a variety of civil projects in
rural Alaska, including scoping, permitting, design and construction engineering for a variety of
stormwater, wastewater, water supply, hydroelectric, and other civil infrastructure projects.
He is well-versed in the logistics and unique considerations of rural Alaska construction.
Mr. Groves has experience on the following Alaska hydroelectric projects:
Juniper Creek, Eagle River. Design and Permitting Support.
Five Mile Creek, Chitina. Conceptual Design.
Hobbit Hole Creek, Inian Islands. Hydrology Study and System Upgrade Design.
Ungaman Creek, False Pass: Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies.
Hunter Creek Hydro, Knik: Reconnaissance Study.
Jack River Hydro, Cantwell: Reconnaissance Study.
Indian River Hydro, Tenakee Springs: Feasibility Study, Conceptual Design, Final Design,
and Permitting, Construction Management.
Roy’s Creek, Crooked Creek, and Jim’s Lake, Elfin Cove: Reconnaissance and Feasibility
Studies, Final Design and Permitting.
Knutson Creek, Pedro Bay: Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies, Final Design and
Permitting.
Burro Creek, Skagway: Feasibility Study, Hydrology Study.
Indian Creek Hydro, Chignik Bay: FERC licensing, inspections, and hydrology study.
Pelican Hydro, Pelican: Inspection.
McRoberts Creek Hydro, Palmer: Inspection, maintenance and operations.
O'Brien Creek Hydro, Chitina: Feasibility.
Allison Lake Hydro, Valdez: Scoping, reconnaissance, feasibility, FERC licensing, state
and federal agency coordination.
Fishhook Creek Hydro, Palmer: Scoping, reconnaissance, feasibility, hydrology study,
cost estimating, local and state permitting.
Lake 3160, Juneau: Scoping, FERC licensing, hydrology study.
KEY HYDROELECTRIC PERSONNEL
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Mr. Groves also has experience in commercial and residential design and construction,
including structural, mechanical systems, and energy efficiency analysis. Mr. Groves has a
master's degree in engineering from Harvey Mudd College.
References:
Jan Wrentmore, Owner, Burro Creek Holdings, LLC (907) 612-0707
Art Bloom, Project Manager, former councilman and mayor, City of Tenakee Springs
(907) 736-2222
John Baalke, Tribal Administrator, Pedro Bay Village Council, (907) 242-3076
Michael Dahl, P.E., Civil Engineer, CE-8480. Mr. Dahl will act as the senior construction
specialist and design engineer. The responsibilities of Mr. Dahl’s position include construction
cost evaluation; construction methodology; for preliminary phases and civil and structural
design during construction phase work.
Mr. Dahl has over 30 years of design and construction experience on a wide variety of projects
in Alaska and has been licensed in the State of Alaska as a professional engineer for the past 22
years. He has a diverse and comprehensive engineering background with technical and
practical experience in hydroelectric power plant design, civil site design, subdivision
development, water and sewer utility design, building and foundation design, surveying,
electric distribution and building construction, facility operations, and project management.
His recent relevant experience includes design and inspection of the Atka Hydroelectric Plant
that included a new concrete dam, intake 30" penstock, steel bridge, and powerhouse with
cross flow turbine and remote capable control switchgear; Design of the Chignik Lagoon
Hydroelectric plant; Design of the Pelican Hydroelectric Facility upgrade that included a new
intake, penstock, surge tank, access road and dam upgrade; Inspection and review of Kasidaya
Creek Hydro intake for AP&T with recommendations for revisions to design and location for
better operation and constructability; Design engineer for expansion of the 39 acre National
Cemetery at Fort Richardson Alaska including 1 mile of new roads, facility irrigation system and
water well, new distribution and services and new committal shelter; Design and project
management for ocean outfalls and pumping systems for new fish processing plants in False
Pass and Nelson Lagoon; and Design of Pelican Hydroelectric timber crib dam structural
upgrade to meet State Office of Dam Safety factor-of-safety requirements.
Mr. Dahl was the project manager and engineer in charge of the above noted projects, which
were all successfully completed. He provided cost estimating, construction methodology,
design and inspection on these projects.
Mr. Dahl has worked at Polarconsult since 1986 and has been a resident of Alaska since 1960.
References: Phillip Zavadil, City Manager, City of Saint Paul, 907-546-3113.
Darlene Dorough, President, Yellowknife Construction, 677-7944
KEY HYDROELECTRIC PERSONNEL
3
PROPOSED SUBCONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTOR’S STAFF
Polarconsult has established long-term relationships with the following subcontractors and has
worked with them for many years. Each of the subcontractors holds appropriate licenses in
Alaska. Full resumes are available upon request.
Mark Davis, Registered Land Surveyor, S-7338, Slana Surveyors. Mr. Davis will act as the
registered project land surveyor. Mr. Davis’s responsibilities include cadastral land surveys;
specialized cadastral survey techniques and technology; construction surveying and stakeout;
site control; and other survey activities.
Mr. Davis has over 25 years of experience surveying in rural Alaska. Mr. Davis has extensive
experience with cadastral land surveys and specialized cadastral survey techniques and
technology. He also has extensive experience with construction surveying, including
subdivisions, building and utility stakeout, site control, and other survey activities.
David E. Brailey, Quantitative Hydrologist, Brailey Hydrologic Consultants. Mr. Brailey will act
as the project hydrologist. His responsibilities will include review of the stream gauging and
hydrology data collection, field work including installing, calibrating and maintaining stream
gauging stations, collecting stream flow data, performing data analysis, and reporting.
Mr. Brailey has over 30 years of experience with hydrologic investigations and reconnaissance
throughout the state of Alaska. He has worked on stream flow measurements, hydraulic
analyses and hydraulic modeling of Alaskan streams and rivers. Field experience ranges from
winter flow measurements on steep mountain creeks to extended field campaigns on large
Alaskan rivers including the Susitna River. Mr. Brailey has operated USGS gauging stations and
processed daily stream flow records for the U.S. Bureau of Lang Management. Mr. Brailey's
modeling experience includes hydraulic modeling of natural channels, river training structures,
and load-following operations for large hydroelectric projects.
Bruce Barrett, Senior Fisheries Biologist, Alaska Biological Consulting. Mr. Barrett will act as
the primary fisheries biologist. His responsibilities will include coordinating with agencies on
fisheries issues, study plans and findings, securing study permits, and overseeing field work
relating to fisheries issues on this project.
Mr. Barrett has over 45 years of experience with study, regulation, and management of Alaska
salmon fisheries and related issues. He is familiar with fisheries located throughout the state,
with emphasis on southcentral and southwest regions. Mr. Barrett was project leader for
fisheries studies on the Susitna River during the 1980s hydropower licensing effort, and
provides expert testimony to regulatory boards such as the Alaska Board of Fisheries.
Stan Hintze, PE, Electrical Engineer, EE-5269, Independent Consultant. Mr. Hintze will act as
the senior electrical engineer. Mr. Hintze’s responsibilities will include primary distribution,
building electrical, and power plant electrical design. Mr. Hintze has over 45 years experience
in the electrical design of primary distribution, building electrical, and power plant electrical
design throughout Alaska, Washington and Idaho. He has become an expert in remote
electrical building and distribution systems.
KEY HYDROELECTRIC PERSONNEL
4
Robert Jernstrom, PE, Mechanical Engineer, ME-6731, Jernstrom Engineering. Mr. Jernstrom
will act as the senior mechanical engineer.
Mr. Jernstrom has over 25 years of consulting experience, ranging from large commercial /
industrial / institutional projects to specialized laboratory applications. He is skilled in state-of-
the-art design practices, producing bid documents, writing specifications, contracts, and is an
experienced construction manager.
Kyle Brennan, PE, Geologist, CE-11122, Shannon & Wilson Inc. Mr. Brennan will act as the
project geological engineer.
Mr. Brennan holds a masters in geological engineering and has had eight years experience
performing geological and geotechnical engineering related work. Mr. Brennan joined Shannon
& Wilson Inc. in May 2000 as a Geotechnical Engineer. Since joining Shannon & Wilson, his
responsibilities have included technical writing, and engineering support and project
management for geotechnical jobs including shallow and deep foundation design applied to a
variety of both on and off-shore facilities and roadway/railway construction and rehabilitation.
William Thompson, PE, Control Design Expert. Thomson Turbine Governors Ltd. Mr.
Thompson will act as the control engineer.
Mr. Thompson has designed Controls and Governors at hundreds of hydroelectric sites all over
the world. Many of these projects are in Alaska and Canada. He understands all aspects of
control design and construction. Mr. Thompson designed the schematics for a multi-role
process controller, supervised the physical implementation and printed circuit board
development. He also provided the utility engineering required for a 170 kilovolt, 80 megawatt
transmission and sub-transmission system.