HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental discussion, lower Pyramid Valley, Solstice AK Consulting, from phase II wind reportAnalysis of the City of Unalaska Wind Power Development and Integration Assessment Project – Phase II
April 2018
Page 1
Introduction
Unalaska is an optimal location for wind energy due to consistent wind speeds. However, the remote
location and environmental challenges make the construction of a wind site a tedious task that requires
careful planning. This report summarizes environmental conditions at 10 potential meteorological
station sites to aid in the planning process.
Lower Pyramid Valley Site 1 (53.849383, ‐166.56245)
The Lower Pyramid Valley Site 1 is generally located at the end of the existing Lower Pyramid Creek
Road (Figure 1). The closest electrical line runs up Pyramid Valley in close proximity to the site and
provides easy access to a tie‐in; therefore, few impacts would result from connecting to the existing
power system.
Figure 1. Overview of Lower Pyramid Valley Site 1
Biological Resources
Migratory Birds
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) indicates
that there are 35 species of migratory birds that could be present near the Lower Pyramid Valley Site 1
and much of Unalaska. Of the 35 potential migratory birds 9 are listed as Birds of Conservation Concern
(BCC) (USFWS 2018a).
Analysis of the City of Unalaska Wind Power Development and Integration Assessment Project – Phase II
April 2018
Page 2
Bald Eagle Nests
There are no Bald Eagle nests in the immediate area of the proposed site. The closest nest is located
approximately 1.10 miles north of the proposed site (Figure 1; Southeast Alaska GIS Library 2018).
Anadromous Streams
There are no anadromous streams that intersect the Lower Pyramid Valley Site 1. The site is located 0.2
miles to the east of an anadromous stream (AWC Code: 302‐31‐10600) that contains coho salmon
(rearing) and pink salmon (present). The next closest anadromous streams are the Iliuliuk River (AWC
Code: 302‐31‐10500; 2.0 miles to the northeast) and the Shaishnikof River (AWC Code: 302‐31‐10700;
2.5 miles to the southwest) (Figure 1; ADF&G 2018).
Wetlands
The USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) does not have wetlands data for Unalaska (USFWS
2018). A 1996 Exxon‐Valdez Restoration funding request from the State of Alaska for site cleanup,
wetlands preservation, watershed restoration, and improved fish passage in the Unalaska Lake
watershed notes that the wetland habitat in the area has been substantially degraded due to military
activities during World War II and recent industrial and residential activities (State of Alaska 1996). A
2004 Environmental Impact Statement for navigation improvements (construction of a protected harbor
for long‐term mooring) completed in Unalaska mentions wetlands in the Unalaska Lake watershed and a
tract of wetlands at the head of Unalaska Lake that is vital habitat for aquatic and avian species (USACE
2004). The Lower Pyramid Valley Site 1 is not located at the head of Unalaska Lake, but without
wetlands mapping or a field visit it is uncertain if it is located in a wetland.
Contaminated Sites
There are three contaminated sites within a 1‐mile radius of Lower Pyramid Valley Site 1; however, none
of them would be impacted if this site were chosen. See the table below for more information about the
contaminated sites (Figure 1 and Table 1; ADEC 2018).
Table 1. Lower Pyramid Valley Site 1 Contaminated Sites
Site File Number Status Distance from
Site
Lat/Long Nature of
contamination
2542.38.017 Open 0.2 miles NW of
the site
53.851670, ‐
166.559090
Diesel
2542.38.017 Open 0.4 miles W of the
site
53.850000, ‐
166.552778
Diesel and
Underground
Storage Tanks
(USTs)
2542.38.017 Open 0.5 miles E of the
site
53.8490000, ‐
166.574105
Diesel,
Chromium,
and arsenic
(ADEC 2018)
Analysis of the City of Unalaska Wind Power Development and Integration Assessment Project – Phase II
April 2018
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Floodplains
A search of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Map Rate Map (FIRM) and the
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) revealed that there are no available floodplain maps for Unalaska
(USACE 2018; FEMA 2018).
Visual and Noise Impacts
Lower Pyramid Valley Site 1 is located in a relatively isolated area. There are no visually sensitive or
noise sensitive areas near the proposed site. The closest establishments are a series of industrial sites,
including Westward Seafood, Inc. (approximately 0.60 miles east) and a residential area (approximately
0.2 miles east) (City of Unalaska 2014). This site could potentially be visible from the industrial sites,
from vessels in Captains Bay, and from the residential area. There would be minimal noise impacts from
construction or operation due to the distance.
Land Use/Ownership
This site is located in marine related industrial zoned land (City of Unalaska 2014a). The Ounalashka
Corporation owns a majority of the land in and around Unalaska including this site. The corporation
requires land use permits to access the land for recreational and subsistence activities, but further
action would need to occur to develop the land (Ounalashka Corporation 2018).
Cultural and Historic Sites
A literature review completed by Cultural Resource Consultants, LLC. for the Unalaska wind project
indicates that all of Amaknak Island is within the Dutch Harbor Naval Operating Base and Fort Mears,
U.S. Army National Historic Landmark (NHL), Rec Hall 5265 (UNL‐00575), is located approximately 1,200
feet to the northeast of this site (CRC 2018). Rec Hall is not eligible for the National Register of Historic
Places.