HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.3 Grant Lk Macroinvertebrate Final Report June 2014 FINAL
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 13212)
Aquatic Resources Study – Baseline Studies of
Macroinvertebrates and Periphyton in Grant Creek
Final Report
Prepared for
Kenai Hydro, LLC
Prepared by
S. Morsell
Northern Ecological Services
June 2014
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 i June 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................1
1.1. Project Description ...............................................................................................................1
1.2. Environmental Baseline Studies Background ......................................................................5
2 Study Area ................................................................................................................................6
3 Methods .....................................................................................................................................9
3.1. Macroinvertebrates ..............................................................................................................9
3.2. Periphyton ............................................................................................................................9
3.3. Data Analysis .....................................................................................................................10
4 Results .....................................................................................................................................11
4.1. Macroinvertebrates ............................................................................................................11
4.2. Periphyton ..........................................................................................................................16
4.3. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) ........................................................................................16
5 Conclusions .............................................................................................................................17
6 Variances from FERC-Approved Study Plan and Proposed Modifications ....................20
7 References ...............................................................................................................................20
Appendices
Appendix 1: GC100 and GC300 Site Photos, August 2013
Appendix 2: Macroinvertebrate and Periphyton Data Tables
2a: Macroinvertebrate Data Tables
2b: Periphyton Data Table
Appendix 3: Metrics Trends Tables from the EPA RBP (Barbour et al. 1999)
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 ii June 2014
List of Tables
Table 4.1-1. List of macroinvertebrate taxa collected at Grant Creek sampling sites GC100 and
GC300, 2009 and 2013. ........................................................................................................ 12
Table 4.1-2. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate population density and taxa richness metrics, 2009
and 2013. 1,2 .......................................................................................................................... 13
Table 4.1-3. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate population composition by percent metrics, 2009
and 2013.1 ............................................................................................................................. 14
Table 4.1-4. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate functional feeding group metrics based on entire
sample from each site, 2009 and 2013. ................................................................................. 14
Table 4.1-5. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate biotic indices and habitat assessments, 2009 and
2013....................................................................................................................................... 15
Table 4.1-6. Grant Creek ambient water quality at time of sample collection, 2009 and 2013. . 15
Table 4.2-1. Average1 concentrations of chlorophyll a from periphyton collected in Grant Creek,
2009 and 2013. ...................................................................................................................... 16
Table 4.3-1. Results of ANOVA (P values) for selected macroinvertebrate metrics. ................. 16
Table 4.3-2. Results of ANOVA (P values) for periphyton chlorophyll a concentrations. ......... 17
Table 5.0-1. Predicted responses of several metrics to habitat impairment or perturbation
(excerpted from Barbour et al. 1999). ................................................................................... 17
Table 5.0-2. Mean percent composition of the aquatic insect fauna in streams of the Cook Inlet
Basin, Alaska [modified from Oswood and others (1995)] (excerpted from Brabets et al.
1999) and in Grant Creek, 2009 and 2013. ........................................................................... 19
Table 5.0-3. Scoring thresholds for core metrics used to calculate ASCI scores (excerpted from
Major et al. 2000), and Grant Creek: average of GC100 and GC300, 2009. ....................... 19
Table 5.0-4. ASCI scores based on core metrics (excerpted from Major et al. 2000), and score
for Grant Creek: average of GC100 and GC300, 2009. ....................................................... 20
List of Figures
Figure 1.1-1. Natural resources study area. .................................................................................... 3
Figure 2.0-1. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate and periphyton sample site locations, 2009 and
2013......................................................................................................................................... 7
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 iii June 2014
Acronyms and Abbreviations
ANOVA Analysis of Variance
APA Alaska Power Authority
ASCI Alaska Stream Condition Index
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DLA Draft License Application
ENRI Environment and Natural Resources Institute
EPT Ephemeroptera/Plecoptera/Trichoptera
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
HBI Hilsenhoff Biotic Index
KHL Kenai Hydro, LLC
LA License Application
μm micrometer
MW megawatt
NAVD 88 North American Vertical Datum of 1988
NGVD 29 National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929
NOI Notice of Intent
PAD Pre-Application Document
PM&E protection, mitigation and enhancement
Project Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project
USGS U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey
μS/cm conductivity
MgCO3 magnesium carbonate
mL milliliter
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 iv June 2014
[This page intentionally left blank.]
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 1 June 2014
Aquatic Resources Study – Baseline Studies of
Macroinvertebrates and Periphyton in Grant Creek
Final Report
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 13212)
1 INTRODUCTION
On August 6, 2009, Kenai Hydro, LLC (KHL) filed a Pre-Application Document (PAD; KHL
2009), along with a Notice of Intent (NOI) to file an application for an original license, for a
combined Grant Lake/Falls Creek Project (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FERC] No.
13211/13212 [“Project” or “Grant Lake Project”]) under Part I of the Federal Power Act (FPA).
On September 15, 2009, FERC approved the use of the Traditional Licensing Process (TLP) for
development of the License Application (LA) and supporting materials. As described in more
detail below, the proposed Project has been modified to eliminate the diversion of water from
Falls Creek to Grant Lake. The Project will be located near the community of Moose Pass,
Alaska in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, approximately 25 miles north of Seward, Alaska and
just east of the Seward Highway (State Route 9).
Aquatic macroinvertebrates and periphyton are vital elements of the food web that supports area
fisheries. They represent the primary levels of productivity in the aquatic ecosystem and can be
used as indicators of aquatic habitat condition (Barbour et al. 1999, Merritt and Cummins 1996).
Acquiring information on the baseline characteristics of macroinvertebrate and periphyton
populations provides tools for tracking aquatic habitat quality.
Macroinvertebrates are non-vertebrate organisms that can be seen without magnification. Most
of those encountered are the larval and pupal stages of insects that live closely associated with
aquatic habitat substrates. Periphyton are single-celled micro-algae that live attached to the
substrate and are primary producers in the aquatic ecosystem.
The Macroinvertebrate and Periphyton baseline studies elements of the Aquatic Resources Study
Plan (KHL 2013) was designed to address information needs identified in the PAD, during the
TLP public comment process, and through early scoping conducted by FERC. The following
study report presents existing information relative to the scope and context of potential effects of
the Project. This information will be used to analyze Project impacts and propose protection,
mitigation, and enhancement (PM&E) measures in the Draft and Final LAs for the Project.
1.1. Project Description
The Project is located near the community of Moose Pass, approximately 25 miles north of
Seward and just east of the Seward Highway. It lies within Section 13 of Township 4 North,
Range 1 West; Sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 18 of Township 4 North, Range 1 East; and Sections
27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 of Township 5 North, Range 1 East, Seward Meridian (U.S.
Geological Survey [USGS] Seward B-6 and B-7 Quadrangles).
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 2 June 2014
The proposed Project would be composed of an intake structure at the outlet to Grant Lake, a
tunnel, a surge tank, a penstock, and a powerhouse. It would also include a tailrace detention
pond, a switchyard with disconnect switch and step-up transformer, and an overhead or
underground transmission line. The preferred alternative would use approximately 15,900 acre-
feet of water storage during operations between pool elevations of approximately 692 and up to
703 feet North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88)1.
An intake structure would be constructed approximately 500 feet east of the natural outlet of
Grant Lake. An approximate 3,200-foot-long, 10-foot diameter horseshoe tunnel would convey
water from the intake to directly above the powerhouse at about elevation 628 feet NAVD 88.
At the outlet to the tunnel a 360-foot-long section of penstock will convey water to the
powerhouse located at about elevation 531 feet NAVD 88. An off-stream detention pond will be
created to provide a storage reservoir for flows generated during the rare instance when the units
being used for emergency spinning reserve are needed to provide full load at maximum ramping
rates. The tailrace would be located in order to minimize impacts to fish habitat by returning
flows to Grant Creek upstream of the most productive fish habitat.
Two concepts are currently being evaluated for water control at the outlet of Grant Lake. The
first option would consist of a natural lake outlet that would provide control of flows out of
Grant Lake. A new low level outlet would be constructed on the south side of the natural outlet
to release any required environmental flows when the lake is drawdown below the natural outlet
level. The outlet works would consist of a 48-inch diameter pipe extending back into Grant
Lake, a gate house, regulating gate, controls and associated monitoring equipment. The outlet
would discharge into Grant Creek immediately below the natural lake outlet.
In the second option, a concrete gravity diversion structure would be constructed near the outlet
of Grant Lake. The gravity diversion structure would raise the pool level by a maximum height
of approximately 2 feet (from 703 to 705 feet NAVD 88), and the structure would have an
overall width of approximately 120 feet. The center 60 feet of the structure would have an
uncontrolled spillway section with a crest elevation at approximately 705 feet NAVD 88.
Similar to the first option, a low level outlet would be constructed on the south side of the natural
outlet to release any required environmental flows when the lake is drawn down below the
natural outlet level. The outlet works would consist of a 48-inch diameter pipe extending back
into Grant Lake, a gate house a regulating gate, controls, and associated monitoring equipment.
The outlet would discharge into Grant Creek immediately below the diversion structure.
Figure 1.1-1 displays the global natural resources study area for the efforts undertaken in 2013
and 2014 along with the likely location of Project infrastructure and detail related to land
ownership in and near the Project area.
1 The elevations provided in previous licensing and source documents are referenced to feet mean sea level in
NGVD 29 [National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929] datum, a historical survey datum. The elevations presented
in the Grant Lake natural resources study reports are referenced to feet NAVD 88 datum, which results in an
approximate +5-foot conversion to the NGVD 29 elevation values.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 5 June 2014
Further discussions related to specifics of the aforementioned Project infrastructure along with
the need and/or feasibility of the diversion dam will take place with stakeholders in 2014
concurrent with the engineering feasibility work for the Project. Refined Project design
information will be detailed in both the Draft License Application (DLA) and any other ancillary
engineering documents related to Project development. The current design includes two Francis
turbine generators with a combined rated capacity of approximately 5.0 megawatts (MW) with a
total design flow of 385 cubic feet per second. Additional information about the Project can be
found on the Project website: http://www.kenaihydro.com/index.php.
1.2. Environmental Baseline Studies Background
Previous investigations into the feasibility of hydropower development at Grant Lake have
produced valuable information on Project area environmental resources. Early hydrologic and
geologic evaluations were conducted in the 1950s (Ebasco 1984). Further environmental
resource studies were conducted in the early 1980s; the most extensive of which was performed
by Ebasco Services, Inc. for the Alaska Power Authority (APA) (Ebasco 1984). Preliminary
environmental baseline studies were initiated by KHL at the start of the licensing process in
2009. Results of those studies were reported in 2010 (HDR 2010).
Initial macroinvertebrate studies in Grant Creek, were conducted in 1981 and 1982 using Surber
samplers. These methods were continued, with the addition of samples collected using the
Alaska Stream Condition Index (ASCI) protocols, in 2009. After review of the
macroinvertebrate study results, investigators decided to eliminate the ASCI methods from the
study program. Fewer taxa were collected using the ASCI method compared to the Surber
sampler method and the predominant habitat in Grant Creek is riffle run, the habitat targeted by
the Surber sampler protocols. Periphyton studies were also performed in 1982 and concentrated
on the identification of diatom taxa (Ebasco 1984).
In 2009, periphyton investigations relied on the analysis of concentrations of chlorophyll-a to
measure productivity of algal primary producers in the Grant Lake/Grant Creek system. The
macroinvertebrate and periphyton studies conducted in 2013 and reported here, followed the
same methods as used in 2009 to provide a comparable dataset and the required two annual
sampling events.
The objectives of the macroinvertebrate and periphyton studies carried out on Grant Creek
included:
Project-Related Objectives
Provide a reliable measure of baseline stream productivity that can be compared from
year to year and with other stream systems.
Provide some indication of the relative “health” of the Grant Creek ecosystem by
employing standard measures that are readily comparable to other Alaska stream
systems.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 6 June 2014
Quantitative Objectives
Standard methods were used that required replicate samples within uniform riffle
habitat areas to minimize the effect of between sample variability. Five replicates are
generally recommended for initial sampling. An analysis of variance was employed
to determine adequacy for baseline use.
2 STUDY AREA
The study area comprised Grant Creek, which flows for approximately one mile from Grant
Lake on the west to Trail Lakes narrows on the east. The mean annual flow is approximately
200 cfs in a channel with an average gradient of 200 feet per mile, according to hydrologic
investigations conducted by KHL (KHL 2014). Two sites were sampled, GC100 and GC300
(Figure 2.0-1). These sites were also the locations of concurrently running investigations of
water quality, hydrology, geomorphology, and fisheries tasks. The sites were chosen prior to the
2009 studies as representative of channel conditions below the steep bedrock canyon in the
upstream half of Grant Creek (HDR 2010). Photos of GC100 and GC300 taken in August 2013
appear in Appendix 1.
FINALREPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 9 June 2014
3 METHODS
Benthic macroinvertebrate and periphyton samples were collected on August 14, 2013 at GC100
and GC300.
3.1. Macroinvertebrates
Samples were collected using a Surber sampler according to methods described in Eaton et al.
1995. The use of a Surber sampler is a semi-quantitative method to determine the density and
composition of macroinvertebrate populations on selected stream bottom habitats (riffle/cobble).
The sampler includes a 363-micrometer (μm) mesh size net and a metal “substrate” frame (1 ft2)
that delineates the area sampled. The material within the frame is disturbed and the cobbles
scrubbed clean of debris and organisms. The debris and organisms flow into the net and are
trapped. Five pseudo-replicates were sampled in selected riffle-cobble areas within the stream
reaches at GC100 and GC300. Photos of the reaches are included in Appendix 1. Organisms
collected were preserved as five separate replicates in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.
In 2009, the ASCI method (Major and Barbour 2001) was used in conjunction with the Surber
sampler to collect macroinvertebrates. The ASCI sampling method was used to begin
developing baseline descriptions of macroinvertebrate populations in a range of habitats within
the sampling reach. This method uses a D-frame kick net to sample representative habitats in a
100 meter sampling reach. Twenty subsamples are collected proportionately throughout these
habitats. All organisms collected by ASCI methods in 2009 were composited into one sample
per site and preserved in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. Habitat information, such as riparian
vegetation and stream substrate types, was also collected.
At each site ambient water quality measurements were recorded at the time samples were
collected. Parameters measured were temperature (°C), specific conductivity (μS/cm), dissolved
oxygen ( percent and concentration as mg/L), and pH.
In 2013, macroinvertebrate samples were shipped to Northern Ecological Services for sorting
and identification to genus or the lowest practicable taxon. Samples collected by the Surber
method were sorted until all organisms were removed from sample debris. Samples collected in
2009 were sorted and identified. In 2009, in addition to the Surber samples there were ASCI
samples, which were subsampled until a target of 300 (+/- 10 percent) organisms were counted
(Major and Barbour 2001). Macroinvertebrates were identified to genus or the lowest
practicable taxon.
3.2. Periph yton
On August 14, 2013 concurrent with macroinvertebrate sampling, periphyton samples were
collected at sites GC100 and GC300. Periphyton were sampled by removing material from 10
cobbles selected from a riffle/cobble area that had not been disturbed (ADF&G 1998 and
Barbour et al. 1999). Material was scrubbed from a five centimeter square area on each cobble
and rinsed onto a 45- μm glass fiber filter attached to a hand vacuum pump. Water was extracted
from the sample and 1-milliliter (ml) saturated magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) solution added to
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 10 June 2014
the filter as a preservative. The dry filter was wrapped in a larger filter (to absorb any residual
water) that was then wrapped in aluminum foil (to prevent exposure to light) and placed in a
labeled zipper seal bag with silica gel desiccant. The samples were placed on ice and frozen
before transport to the laboratory. Chlorophyll a concentrations were analyzed by SGS
Laboratory, Anchorage.
3.3. Data Analysis
Organisms from both Surber and ASCI macroinvertebrate samples were identified to genus or
the lowest practicable taxon (Merritt et al. 2008; Pennak 1953; Stewart and Stark 2002; Wehr
and Sheath 2003; and Wiggins 2009). Taxonomic data was used to calculate several descriptive
population metrics:
Population density as numbers/m2
Taxa richness
o Overall taxa richness
o Ephemeroptera taxa richness
o Trichoptera taxa richness
o Plecoptera taxa richness
Taxonomic composition as a percent of total number identified in sample
o Percent Ephemeroptera
o Percent Trichoptera
o Percent Plecoptera
o Percent Ephemeroptera/Plecoptera/Trichoptera (EPT)
o Percent Chironomidae
o Percent dominant taxon
Population trophic characteristics
o Percent filterers
o Percent gatherers
o Percent predators
o Percent scrapers
o Percent shredders
o Filterer richness
o Gatherer richness
o Predator richness
o Scraper richness
o Shredder richness
Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI) scores
ASCI habitat assessment scores
These metrics were calculated for each replicate. Averages and standard deviations were
calculated for non-trophic metrics.
Periphyton chlorophyll a analysis results were translated to concentration per area (μg/cm2)
reported as averages with standard deviations.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 11 June 2014
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was calculated using selected metrics developed from the
replicate samples of macroinvertebrates and periphyton to evaluate spatial and temporal
variability.
4 RESULTS
The second macroinvertebrate and periphyton sampling event for the Grant Lake Project was
completed successfully on August 14, 2013. The results of the previous sampling event,
conducted in 2009, were reported in 2010. The data obtained from the 2009 sampling has been
combined with that collected in 2013 and appears in the tables of data and analysis results that
follow and in Appendix 2.
4.1. Macroinvertebrates
In 2013, macroinvertebrates were collected using only the Surber sampler method. As discussed
in the 2010 report, the ASCI sampling protocols were not used after the first sampling event.
Greater numbers of organisms and wider ranges of taxa were collected using Surber samplers. In
addition, the Surber sampling method produces data with greater quantifiability and the
discussion of results focuses on data collected using Surber sampler methods. Nevertheless, the
ASCI protocols require sampling the entire range of habitat within the sample reach and those
results are included in the tables below where appropriate.
A combined total of 35 macroinvertebrate taxa were identified in samples collected at sites
GC100 and GC300 in 2009 and 2013. They are listed in Table 4.1-1.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 12 June 2014
Table 4.1-1. List of macroinvertebrate taxa collected at Grant Creek sampling sites GC100 and GC300,
2009 and 2013.
Order Family Genus
Ephemeroptera Ameletidae Ameletus
Baetidae Unidentified
Acentrella
Baetis
Ephemerellidae Drunella
Ephemerella
Heptegeniidae Cinygmula
Epeorus
Plecoptera Unidentified
Chloroperlidae Unidentified
Haploperla
Neaviperla
Plumiperla
Suwallia
Triznaka
Nemouridae Zapada
Perlodidae Unidentified
Isoperla
Taeniopterygidae Unidentified
Trichoptera Apataniidae Moselyana
Brachycentridae Brachycentrus
Micrasema
Glossosomatidae Glossosoma
Hydropsychidae Arctopsyche
Limnephilidae Ecclisomyia
Rhyacophilidae Rhyacophila
Diptera Unidentified
Chironomidae Unidentified
Empididae Chelifera
Clinocera
Simuliidae Simullium
Bivalvia (Class) Sphaeriidae Unidentified
Gastropoda (class) Gastopoda Unid. Unidentified
Lymnaeidae Lymnaea
Planorbidae Unidentified
Valvatidae Unidentified
Crustacea (Phylum) Ostracoda (Class) Unidentified
Arachnoidea (Class) Hydracarina (Sub-Order) Unidentified
Oligochaeta (Class) Unidentified Unidentified
Nemotoda (Phylum) Unidentified Unidentified
Platyhelminthes (Phylum) Turbellaria (Class) Unidentified
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 13 June 2014
The numbers of taxa and of individual organisms within each taxa were used to calculate a series
of metrics that describe the macroinvertebrate populations at each site. Table 4.1-2 lists metrics
describing the macroinvertebrate populations with regard to the density (number of organisms
per square meter) and the variety (richness) of the taxa assemblage.
Table 4.1-2. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate population density and taxa richness metrics, 2009 and
2013. 1,2
Sample
Site Date
Sample
Type
Density
(no. / m2)
Taxa
Richness
Ephemeroptera
Taxa Richness
Plecoptera
Taxa
Richness
Trichoptera
Taxa
Richness
EPT Taxa
Richness
GC100 08/06/09
Surber1 12034
(4697) 19 (0.8) 6 (0.75) 3 (0.80) 3 (0.40) 12 (0.5)
GC100 08/14/13 Surber
19282
(7877) 20 (1.5) 6 (0.00) 3 (0.49) 2 (1.02) 12 (0.8)
GC300 08/06/09 Surber 2204 (1764) 15 (3.1) 4 (1.36) 3 (1.33) 3 (1.60) 10 (3.4)
GC300 08/14/13 Surber
12835
(3275) 21 (2.3) 6 (0.49) 3 (1.02) 3 (0.89) 12 (1.7)
GC100 08/06/09 ASCI2 2740 10 4 2 1 7
GC300 08/06/09 ASCI 530 12 1 2 1 4
Notes:
1. Data reported are averages (followed by + or - standard deviation in parentheses) of five replicate Surber
samples.
2. Data reported are totals for composited samples.
Results appear fairly consistent between sites and years, with the exception of samples collected
in 2009 at GC300. At GC300 in 2009 density (2,204 organisms/m2 compared to 19,282-12,034
organisms/m2), taxa richness (15 taxa compared to 21-19 taxa), Ephemeroptera taxa richness (4
taxa compared to 6 taxa), and EPT taxa richness (10 taxa compared to 12 taxa) were lower than
other samples.
Table 4.1-3 lists percent composition metrics. Again results from samples collected at GC300 in
2009 vary noticeably from the other samples. The results reflect the fact that samples collected at
GC300 in 2009 contained fewer Chironomidae (41 percent of organisms compared to 83-88
percent of organisms). Therefore, the percent of the macroinvertebrate population represented
by EPT taxa was greater at GC300 in 2009 than at GC100 in 2009 or at GC100 and GC300 in
2013.
The data in Table 4.1-4, functional feeding group metrics, also illustrates the overall similarity in
the macroinvertebrate populations between sites and years, with the exception of GC300 in 2009.
Chironomidae generally fall under the category of “gatherers” and the numbers are lower at
GC300 in 2009 than in the other samples (56 percent gatherers compared to 91-88 percent
gatherers). Conversely, the number of organisms within functional feeding groups comprised
largely of EPT taxa are higher than other samples. For example, predators comprised 8 percent
at GC300 in 2009 compared to 4-3 percent in other samples and scrapers comprised 17 percent
compared to 3-1 percent.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC FERC No. 13212 14 June 2014 Table 4.1-3. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate population composition by percent metrics, 2009 and 2013.1 Sample Site Date Sample Type % Ephemeroptera % Plecoptera % Trichoptera % EPT % Chironomidae % Dominant Taxa GC100 08/06/09 Surber 3.9 (2.2) 2.6 (2.1) 1.3 (0.7) 7.7 (4.8) 84.7 (7.7)84.7 (7.7)GC100 08/14/13 Surber 2.6 (0.9) 1.4 (0.6) 0.4 (0.1) 4.4 (1.4) 88.5 (3.9)88.5 (3.9)GC300 08/06/09 Surber 18.0 (4.4) 8.9 (3.3) 4.6 (3.9) 31.5 (5.7) 41.0 (18.6) 48.4 (13.2)GC300 08/14/13 Surber 6.4 (2.4) 1.8 (0.7) 0.5 (0.2) 8.7 (2.6) 83.3 (4.8)82.3 (5.5) GC100 08/06/09 ASCI 1.40.50.2 2.113.182.9GC300 08/06/09 ASCI 1.31.60.7 3.67.577.8Notes: 1. Averages, followed by + or - standard deviation in parentheses, are of five replicate Surber samples. Table 4.1-4. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate functional feeding group metrics based on entire sample from each site, 2009 and 2013. Sample Site Date Sample Type % Filterers % Gatherers % Predators % Scrapers % Shredders Filterer Richness Gatherer Richness Predator Richness Scraper Richness Shredder Richness GC100 08/06/09 Surber 5 89 3 2 2 4 10 7 6 1GC100 08/14/13 Surber 5 91 3 1 1 3 8 6 5 1GC300 08/06/09 Surber 15 56 8 17 3 4 7 10 5 2GC300 08/14/13 Surber 5 88 4 3 1 3 6 5 4 0 GC100 08/06/09 ASCI 83 14 2 1 0 1 3 4 3 1GC300 08/06/09 ASCI 79 10 8 2 0 3 4 3 1 0
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 15 June 2014
Biotic indices were developed to describe the quality of aquatic habitat based on the tolerance to
disturbance of the organisms present. Each taxon is given a tolerance rating between 0 and 10,
with 0 being the least tolerant. The HBI scores in Table 4.1-5 continue the pattern of variance
between data collected at GC300 in 2009 and the other samples. The HBI value for GC300 in
2009 was 4.71 compared to 5.60-5.81 for the other samples.
Table 4.1-5. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate biotic indices and habitat assessments, 2009 and 2013.
Sample Site Date Sample Type Hilsenhoff Biotic Index1 ASCI Habitat Assessment2
GC100 08/06/09 Surber 5.76
GC100 08/14/13 Surber 5.81
GC300 08/06/09 Surber 4.71
GC300 08/14/13 Surber 5.60
GC100 08/06/09 ASCI 7.5 200
GC300 08/06/09 ASCI 7.1 190
Notes:
1. Scale from 0-10, with 10 indicating greatest water body impairment.
2. Scale from 0-200, with 200 indicating most impaired macroinvertebrate habitat.
Measurements of ambient water quality parameters – temperature, specific conductivity,
dissolved oxygen, and pH – were collected concurrent with sampling. KHL also measured these
parameters at GC100 and GC300 as part of its Water Resources Study – Water Quality,
Temperature and Hydrology (KHL 2014). Both sets of measurements are reported in Table 5.1-
6, below.
Table 4.1-6. Grant Creek ambient water quality at time of sample collection, 2009 and 2013.
Sample Site Date
Temperature
(°C)
Specific
Conductivity
(μS/cm)
Dissolved Oxygen
(%)
Dissolved
Oxygen (mg/L) pH
GC100 08/06/09 12.32 87 77.5 8.29 7.40
GC100 08/14/13 13.38 72 104.0 10.80 7.14
GC300 08/06/09 11.49 89 61.3 8.22 7.39
GC300 08/14/13 13.31 72 106.0 11.16 7.29
2013 Measurements
GC100 Aug/13 12.65 60 102.5 10.95 7.18
GC300 Aug/13 12.45 60 102.8 11.02 7.09
Water quality measurements were fairly consistent between years, sites, and investigators, except
for dissolved oxygen measurements in 2009. Low dissolved oxygen measurements in 2009
(8.29 mg/L-8.22 mg/L in 2009 compared to 11.16 mg/L-10.80 mg/L in 2013) were attributed to
a possibly faulty instrument as discussed in the Grant Lake/Falls Creek Hydroelectric Project
Environmental Baseline Studies, 2009 report (HDR 2010). Refer to the Water Resources Study
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 16 June 2014
– Water Quality, Temperature and Hydrology, Final Report, for a discussion regarding dissolved
oxygen measurement differences (KHL 2014).
4.2. Periph yton
Periphyton (single celled algae) are primary producers in the foodweb of stream habitats. One
way to charcterize the productivity of a stream is to evaluate the population of periphyton by
measuring the amount of chlorophyll a present in the algal coating scraped from the stream
substrate. Average concentrations of chlorophyll a in Grant Creek samples from 2009 and 2013
varied between years and sites (Table 4.2-1). Concentrations of chlorophyll a were greater at
GC100 than GC300, although the spatial variability appeared to be less in 2013 than in 2009
(5.85 and 4.4 μg/cm2 in 2013 compared to 34.79 and 12.70 μg/cm2 in 2009). Both magnitude of
the concentrations measured in 2009 and their variability were greater than in 2013.
Table 4.2-1. Average1 concentrations of chlorophyll a from periphyton collected in Grant Creek, 2009
and 2013.
Sample Site Date Chlorophyll a Concentration (μg/cm2)
GC100 08/06/09 34.79 (23.76)
GC100 08/14/13 5.85 (4.92)
GC300 08/06/09 12.70 (9.94)
GC300 08/14/13 4.4 (2.84)
Notes:
1. Averages, followed by standard deviation in parentheses, are of 10 replicate samples.
4.3. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
ANOVA was calculated using several selected metrics to demonstrate whether the
macroinvertebrate and periphyton data collected is adequate for describing the baseline condition
in Grant Creek. The results are listed in Tables 4.3-1 and 4.3-2, below. P values greater than
0.05 indicate that there was no significant variability between the data sets.
Table 4.3-1. Results of ANOVA (P values) for selected macroinvertebrate metrics.
Metric Between Years Between Sites
GC100 GC300 2009 2013
Density (no. / m2) 0.1525 0.0004 0.0044 0.1690
Taxa Richness 0.1894 0.0130 0.0680 0.2792
EPT Taxa Richness 0.2165 0.4211 0.2755 0.8327
% EPT 0.2145 8.42-05 0.0002 0.0198
% Scrapers 0.0468 0.0002 8.65-05 0.2631
% Gatherers 0.3302 0.0026 0.0016 0.4093
% Predators 0.2069 0.0032 0.0049 0.6871
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 17 June 2014
ANOVA of metrics of different years and sites that did not include GC300 2009 (such as taxa
richness between GC100 2009 and GC100 2013) did not result in significant variation (P>0.05),
demonstrating that the data collected at GC300 in 2009 may represent an outlier.
Table 4.3-2. Results of ANOVA (P values) for periphyton chlorophyll a concentrations.
Metric Between Years Between Sites
GC100 GC300 2009 2013
Chlorophyll a (μg/cm2) 0.0022 0.0269 0.0192 0.4536
5 CONCLUS IONS
Comparison between the population metrics of baseline data and metrics calculated from data
collected in the future for monitoring can provide an indication of changes in water quality and
aquatic habitat. Table 5.0-1 summarizes the expected responses of macroinvertebrate
populations to habitat impairment or perturbation (Barbour et al. 1999). The source tables for
this information are included in Appendix 3.
Table 5.0-1. Predicted responses of several metrics to habitat impairment or perturbation (excerpted from
Barbour et al. 1999).
Metric Definition
Predicted Response to
Perturbation
Taxa Richness Measures overall variety of the population Decrease
EPT Taxa Richness Number of taxa in the EPT orders Decrease
% EPT Percent of population in EPT orders Decrease
% Scrapers Percent of population that scrape or graze upon periphyton Decrease
% Gatherers Percent of population that “gather” Variable
% Predators Percent of population that are predators. Can be made
restrictive to exclude omnivores. Variable
Hilsenhoff Biotic Index
Uses tolerance values to weight abundance in an estimate of
overall pollution. Originally designed to evaluate organic
pollution
Increase
The ANOVA performed on several metrics developed from data collected in 2009 and 2013
indicates that the baseline information obtained to date would be useful for monitoring change in
the water quality and habitat in Grant Creek. Samples collected at GC300 in 2009 do vary
significantly from the other samples, however. Significantly lower numbers of Chironomidae in
the sample (41 percent of organisms compared to 83-88 percent of organisms in other samples)
appear to account for the major differences in the metrics (Table 4.1-3). This situation may not
be descriptive of the baseline for a number of reasons: sampler error, sample processing and
identification errors, or insufficient data to reduce statistical variability. Studies conducted in the
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 18 June 2014
early 1980’s found no seasonal variation in macroinvertebrate abundance in Grant Creek (Ebasco
1984).
While the most useful application of the data collected from baseline studies is future monitoring
of Project impacts, the metrics developed to describe macroinvertebrate populations in Grant
Creek can also be used for comparison with other streams in the region. Direct comparisons may
be limited by differences in sampling methods and physical categories assigned to sampling
locations selected by researchers. The USGS as part of their National Water-Quality Assessment
Program studied characteristics of the Cook Inlet Basin (Brabets et al. 1999) that included using
macroinvertebrate data collected with Surber sampler methods. In addition, the Environment and
Natural Resources Institute (ENRI) of the University of Alaska, Anchorage, has developed
macroinvertebrate reference conditions for the Cook Inlet Basin using their ASCI protocols
(Major et al. 2000 and 2001; and Rinella and Bogan 2007).
The USGS 1999 report discusses watershed characteristics generalized for the entire Cook Inlet
Basin, whereas the ENRI 2000 and 2001 reports group streams as low gradient fine substrate,
low gradient large substrate, and high gradient and the ENRI 2007 report groups streams by
disturbance class: reference, Class 1, and Class 2, excluding glacially influenced streams.
Regardless, a relative comparison of the information collected from Grant Creek can be made
with these evaluations of Cook Inlet watershed streams.
Comparison of Grant Creek macroinvertebrate metrics with the means of Cook Inlet streams
reported by the USGS (Brabets et al. 1999), indicates that Grant Creek provides less optimal
habitat for macroinvertebrates than other Cook Inlet streams (Table 5.0-2). Grant Creek exhibits
lower percent EPT, shredders, scrapers, and predators, and higher percent Diptera/Chironomidae
and gatherers than the mean for other Cook Inlet streams.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 19 June 2014
Table 5.0-2. Mean percent composition of the aquatic insect fauna in streams of the Cook Inlet Basin,
Alaska [modified from Oswood and others (1995)] (excerpted from Brabets et al. 1999) and in Grant
Creek, 2009 and 2013.
Fauna
Percent Composition Cook Inlet
Watershed Streams
Percent Composition Grant Creek,
2009 and 2013 1
Taxonomic Structure
Coleoptera 0.0 NA
Diptera 34.0 74.4 2
Ephemeroptera 41.3 7.7
Plecoptera 17.5 3.6
Trichoptera 7.2 1.7
Functional Group
Shredders 11.6 1.8
Scrapers 11.2 5.8
Collector-filterers 6.6 7.5
Collector-gatherers 60.5 81.0
Predators 10.0 4.5
Notes:
1. Includes GC300 2009 which varies significantly from the other samples.
2. Chironomidae only.
Comparison of Grant Creek metrics with riffle/run, high gradient (> 2 percent) Kenai Peninsula
Pacific Coastal Mountain Ecoregion stream metrics reported by ENRI (Major et al. 2000 and
2001), also indicates that Grant Creek habitat is more stressful for macroinvertebrate populations
than other streams in the region. The cumulative ASCI scores from 2009 (HDR 2010) calculated
using several core metrics fall into the “poor” range: GC100 ASCI 2009 = 18 and GC300 ASCI
2009 = 18 (Tables 5.0-3 and 5.0-4).
Table 5.0-3. Scoring thresholds for core metrics used to calculate ASCI scores (excerpted from Major et
al. 2000), and Grant Creek: average of GC100 and GC300, 2009.
Index Score Metric Value Grant Creek Values
Stream Type Metric 6 4 2 0
RRM and RRH1 No. of Taxa >16 12-16 7-11 <6 11
No. of Ephemeroptera >4 3-4 1-2 <1 3
No. of Plecoptera >4 3-4 1-2 <1 2
No. of Trichoptera >4 3-4 1-2 <1 1
% EPT >29 20-28 10-19 <10 1.4
% Chironomidae <39 39-59 60-79 >79 10.3
% Dominant Taxon <50 49-66 67-83 <83 80.4
Notes:
1. RRM and RRH – riffle run moderate gradient and riffle run high gradient.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 20 June 2014
Table 5.0-4. ASCI scores based on core metrics (excerpted from Major et al. 2000), and score for Grant
Creek: average of GC100 and GC300, 2009.
Maximum
Score
Grant Creek Score Ecoregion and Stream Type
Very
Good
Good Poor Very
Poor
Pacific Coastal Mountains
All Stream Types 42 >29 20-29 10-19 <10 18
The reports referenced above assign streams to various classes because the metrics respond
differently to water quality change depending on the physical characteristics of the stream.
Ultimately, describing the baseline condition on Grant Creek for future comparisons is of the
most use. Water quality investigations in Grant Creek completed in 2009 and 2010, and
expanded on in 2013, showed overall water quality to be high (HDR 2010; KHL 2014). It was
concluded that because of the similarity in water quality between Grant Lake and Grant Creek,
there would be very little impact on the water chemistry of Grant Creek due to Project
operations. Drawing water for Project use from a specified depth in Grant Lake would best
duplicate the existing water temperature regime in Grant Creek, preventing change to that habitat
parameter.
Grant Creek macroinvertebrate populations reflect both the pristine water quality and
challenging habitat conditions present. Previous and current studies indicate that the benthic
macroinvertebrate diversity is typical of cold, glacial fed streams (Ebasco 1984). These
conditions result in macroinvertebrate populations comprised of taxa that have a low tolerance
for water quality impairment but can also thrive where the growing season is short and
streamflows variable. Given this and as would be expected, the most abundant taxa in Grant
Creek were Chironomidae, followed by Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and clams.
Regarding chlorophyll a concentrations as a measure of periphyton abundance, the data show
considerable variability as shown in Table 4.3-2.
6 VARIANCES FROM FERC-APPROVED STUDY PLAN AND PROPOSED
MODIFICATIONS
There were no variations from the FERC-approved study plans for the Aquatic Resources Study,
Macroinvertebrates and Periphyton in Grant Creek.
7 REFE RENCES
ADF&G (Alaska Department of Fish & Game). 1998. Methods for Aquatic Life Monitoring to
Satisfy Requirements under 1998 NPDES Permit: NPDES AK-003865-2, Red Dog Mine
Site. Division of Habitat and Restoration, Fairbanks, Alaska
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 21 June 2014
Brabets, T.P., G.L. Nelson, J.M. Dorava, and A.M. Milner. 1999. Water-Quality Assessment of
the Cook Inlet Basin, Alaska – Environmental Setting. Water-Resources Investigations
Report 99-4025. National Water-Quality Assessment Program. U.S. Geological Survey.
Anchorage, Alaska.
Barbour, M.T., J. Gerritsen, B.D. Snyder, and J.B. Stribling. 1999. Rapid Bioassessment
Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic
Macroinvertebrates and Fish, Second Edition. EPA 841-B-99-002. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency; Office of Water; Washington, D.C.
Ebasco. 1984. Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Detailed Feasibility Analysis. Volume 2.
Environmental Report. Rep. from Ebasco Services Incorporated, Bellevue, Washington.
HDR Alaska, Inc. 2010. Grant Lake/Falls Creek Hydroelectric Project (FERC P-13211/13212)
Environmental Baseline Studies, 2009. Prepared for Kenai Hydro, LLC. Anchorage,
AK.
KHL (Kenai Hydro, LLC). 2009. Pre-Application Document Grant Lake/Grant Creek and Falls
Creek Project (FERC No. 13211 and 13212). August 2009.
KHL. 2013. Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 13212) Aquatic Resources Final
Study Plan. Prepared for Kenai Hydro, LLC. March 2013.
KHL. 2014. Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 13212) Water Resources Study –
Water Quality, Temperature and Hydrology, Final Report. Prepared by McMillen LLC
for Kenai Hydro, LLC. June 2014.
Major, E.B., A. Prussian, and D. Rinella. 2000. 1999 Alaska Biological Monitoring and Water
Quality Assessment Program Report: Final Report. Environment and Natural Resources
Institute. University of Alaska, Anchorage. For: Alaska Department of Environmental
Conservation, Division of Air and Water Quality. Anchorage, AK.
Major, E.B., B.K. Jessup, A. Prussian, and D. Rinella. 2001. Alaska Stream Condition Index:
Biological Index Development for Cook Inlet 1997-2000: Summary. Environment and
Natural Resources Institute. University of Alaska, Anchorage and Tetra Tech, Inc.
Owings Mills, MD. For: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of
Air and Water Quality. Anchorage, AK.
Major, E.B. and M.T. Barbour. 2001. Standard Operating Procedures for the Alaska Stream
Condition Index: A Modification of the U.S. EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocols, Fifth
Edition. Alaska Department of Conservation. Anchorage, AK.
Mandaville, S.M. 2002. Benthic macroinvertebrates in freshwaters – taxa tolerance values,
metrics, and protocols. (Project H-1). Soil and Water Conservation Society of Metro
Halifax. Available online at http://chebucto.ca/Science/SWCS/SWCS.html
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 22 June 2014
Merritt, R.W., K.W. Cummins, and M.B. Berg, Eds. 2008. An Introduction to the Aquatic
Insects of North America, Fourth Edition. Kendall Hunt Pub. Co. Dubuque, IA.
Pennak, R.W. 1953. Freshwater Invertebrates of the United States. The Ronald Press Co. New
York, NY.
Rinnella, D.J. and D.L. Bogan. 2007. Development of Macroinvertebrate and Diatom Biological
Assessment Indices for Cook Inlet Basin Streams – Final Report. Environment and
Natural Resources Institute. University of Alaska, Anchorage. For: Alaska Department of
Environmental Conservation, Division of Air and Water Quality. Anchorage, AK.
Stewart, K.W. and B.P. Stark. 2002. Nymphs of North American Stonefly Genera (Plecoptera),
Second Edition. The Caddis Press. Columbus, OH.
Wehr, J.D. and R.G. Sheath, Eds. 2003. Freshwater Algae of North America, Ecology and
Classification. Academic Press. San Diego, CA.
Wiggins, G.B. 2009. Larvae of the North American Caddisfly Genera (Trichoptera), Second
Edition. University of Toronto Press, Inc. Toronto, Canada.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 June 2014
Appendix 1: GC100 and GC300 Site Photos, August 2013
This appendix contains the following figures:
Figure A.1-1 Sampling site GC100 looking across channel to the south, August
14, 2013.
Figure A.1-2 Sampling site GC300 looking across channel to the south, August
14, 2013.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 Appendix 1 Page 1 June 2014
Figure A.1-1. Sampling site GC100 looking across channel to the south, August 14, 2013.
Figure A.1-2. Sampling site GC300 looking across channel to the south, August 14, 2013.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 Appendix 1 Page 2 June 2014
[This page intentionally left blank.]
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 June 2014
Appendix 2: Macroinvertebrate and Periphyton Data Tables
Appendix 2a. Macroinvertebrate Data Tables
Appendix 2b. Periphyton Data Tables
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 June 2014
Appendix 2a. Macroinvertebrate Data Tables
This appendix contains the following tables:
Table A.2a-1 Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, Ephemeroptera, 2009 and 2013
Table A.2a-2 Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, Plecoptera, 2009 and 2013
Table A.2a-3 Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, Trichoptera, 2009 and 2013
Table A.2a-4 Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, Diptera, 2009 and 2013
Table A.2a-5a Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, other miscellaenous taxa, 2009
and 2013
Table A.2a-5b Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, other miscellaenous taxa, 2009
and 2013
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC FERC No. 13212 Appendix 2a Page 1 June 2014 Table A.2a-1. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, Ephemeroptera, 2009 and 2013. Site ID Sample Date Surber No. Number Identified/ Site Number Taxa/SiteEphemeroptera Amelitidae Baetidae Baetidae Baetidae Ephemerellidae Ephemerellidae Heptageniidae Heptageniidae Ameletus Baetidae unid. Acentrella Baetis Drunella Ephemerella Cinygmula Epeorus GC100 08/14/13 1 1207 18 4 8 4 4 3 4 GC100 08/14/13 2 2743 22 5 11 8 16 2 2 GC100 08/14/13 3 1267 18 8 9 6 6 5 6 GC100 08/14/13 4 1114 21 6 12 17 4 3 3 GC100 08/14/13 5 2626 20 7 14 14 11 3 2 GC300 08/14/13 1 880 23 6 12 20 8 1 GC300 08/14/13 2 990 20 7 12 13 3 1 GC300 08/14/13 3 1246 26 8 22 20 9 10 2 GC300 08/14/13 4 1751 21 15 57 86 24 5 1 GC300 08/14/13 5 1095 18 17 21 14 9 7 2 GC100 08/06/09 1 697 18 4 3 1 6 5 GC100 08/06/09 2 1859 19 1 6 5 6 7 4 6 GC100 08/06/09 3 1337 20 11 9 5 11 2 1 GC100 08/06/09 4 976 18 5 5 4 10 12 GC100 08/06/09 5 721 18 1 8 15 8 4 22 GC300 08/06/09 1 203 20 2 2 21 6 10 9 GC300 08/06/09 2 517 17 6 1 58 8 12 10 GC300 08/06/09 3 55 13 2 3 6 GC300 08/06/09 4 151 15 11 5 6 2 GC300 08/06/09 5 98 11 4 2 5 GC100 08/06/09 ASCI 421 10 1 1 2 2 GC300 08/06/09 ASCI 306 12 4
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC FERC No. 13212 Appendix 2a Page 2 June 2014 Table A.2a-2. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, Plecoptera, 2009 and 2013. Site ID Sample Date Surber No. Number Identified/ Site Number Taxa/Site Plecoptera Chloroperlidae Nemouridae Perlodidae Perlodidae Taeniopterygidae Plecoptera unid. Chloroperlidae unid. Suwallia Haploperla Neaviperla Plumiperla Triznaka Zapada Perlodidae unid. Isoperla Taeniopterygidae unid. GC100 08/14/13 1 1207 18 2 9 6 GC100 08/14/13 2 2743 22 5 11 13 GC100 08/14/13 3 1267 18 1 6 3 1 GC100 08/14/13 4 1114 21 8 15 5 GC100 08/14/13 5 2626 20 8 12 2 10 GC300 08/14/13 1 880 23 4 5 8 1 GC300 08/14/13 2 990 20 1 6 2 GC300 08/14/13 3 1246 26 2 6 20 6 4 GC300 08/14/13 4 1751 21 7 13 8 GC300 08/14/13 5 1095 18 2 15 GC100 08/06/09 1 697 18 1 2 9 1 GC100 08/06/09 2 1859 19 3 16 GC100 08/06/09 3 1337 20 3 1 8 11 GC100 08/06/09 4 976 18 1 4 10 GC100 08/06/09 5 721 18 1 8 38 1 GC300 08/06/09 1 203 20 6 2 3 15 1 GC300 08/06/09 2 517 17 14 11 GC300 08/06/09 3 55 13 1 2 1 GC300 08/06/09 4 151 15 1 6 3 GC300 08/06/09 5 98 11 12 GC100 08/06/09 ASCI 421 10 1 1 GC300 08/06/09 ASCI 306 12 4 1
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC FERC No. 13212 Appendix 2a Page 3 June 2014 Table A.2a-3. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, Trichoptera, 2009 and 2013. Trichoptera Apataniidae Brachycentridae Glossomatidae Limnephilidae Rhyacophilidae Hydropshychidae Site ID Sample Date Surber No. Number Identified/ Site Number Taxa/Site Moselyana Brachycentrus Micrasema Glossasoma Ecclisomyia Rhyacophila Arctopsyche GC100 08/14/13 1 1207 18 2 2 GC100 08/14/13 2 2743 22 2 3 1 1 GC100 08/14/13 3 1267 18 4 GC100 08/14/13 4 1114 21 4 1 1 GC100 08/14/13 5 2626 20 7 3 GC300 08/14/13 1 880 23 3 1 1 1 GC300 08/14/13 2 990 20 1 1 GC300 08/14/13 3 1246 26 4 1 2 GC300 08/14/13 4 1751 21 2 3 4 1 GC300 08/14/13 5 1095 18 4 2 GC100 08/06/09 1 697 18 1 6 1 GC100 08/06/09 2 1859 19 2 3 2 GC100 08/06/09 3 1337 20 4 8 1 GC100 08/06/09 4 976 18 2 4 10 2 GC100 08/06/09 5 721 18 4 11 1 GC300 08/06/09 1 203 20 2 1 1 GC300 08/06/09 2 517 17 1 1 10 1 1 GC300 08/06/09 3 55 13 1 2 GC300 08/06/09 4 151 15 2 9 1 2 4 GC300 08/06/09 5 98 11 1 GC100 08/06/09 ASCI 421 10 1 GC300 08/06/09 ASCI 306 12 2
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC FERC No. 13212 Appendix 2a Page 4 June 2014 Table A.2a-4. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, Diptera, 2009 and 2013. Site ID Sample Date Surber No. Number Identified/ Site Number Taxa/Site Diptera Chironomidae Empididae Simuliidae Diptera unid. Chironomidae unid. - total Empididae unid. Chelifera Clinocera Simulium GC100 08/14/13 1 1207 18 1109 4 7 GC100 08/14/13 2 2743 22 2423 2 31 12 GC100 08/14/13 3 1267 18 1153 15 28 GC100 08/14/13 4 1114 21 903 6 21 GC100 08/14/13 5 2626 20 2372 2 25 36 GC300 08/14/13 1 880 23 1 715 3 4 2 GC300 08/14/13 2 990 20 908 1 16 4 GC300 08/14/13 3 1246 26 965 1 16 5 GC300 08/14/13 4 1751 21 1425 24 GC300 08/14/13 5 1095 18 925 14 3 GC100 08/06/09 1 697 18 619 1 1 5 GC100 08/06/09 2 1859 19 1740 3 13 GC100 08/06/09 3 1337 20 1142 3 3 11 GC100 08/06/09 4 976 18 832 2 5 8 GC100 08/06/09 5 721 18 508 1 9 28 GC300 08/06/09 1 203 20 73 1 2 1 GC300 08/06/09 2 517 17 333 1 GC300 08/06/09 3 55 13 14 1 GC300 08/06/09 4 151 15 92 1 GC300 08/06/09 5 98 11 18 1 GC100 08/06/09 ASCI 421 10 55 GC300 08/06/09 ASCI 306 12 23 2 4 3
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC FERC No. 13212 Appendix 2a Page 5 June 2014 Table A.2a-5. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, other miscellaenous taxa, 2009 and 2013. Site ID Sample Date Surber No. Number Identified/ Site Number Taxa/SiteOther MiscellaneousTaxa Oligochaeta Gastropoda Gastropoda Gastropoda Bivalvia Bivalvia Arachnoidea Ostracoda Oligochaeta - unid Gastropoda- unid Planorbidae-unid Valvatidae Bivalvia unid Sphaeriidae Hydracarina - unid Ostracoda - unid GC100 08/14/13 1 1207 18 4 9 2 GC100 08/14/13 2 2743 22 6 155 15 6 GC100 08/14/13 3 1267 18 4 9 1 GC100 08/14/13 4 1114 21 6 68 5 7 GC100 08/14/13 5 2626 20 7 68 6 7 GC300 08/14/13 1 880 23 12 1 59 4 3 GC300 08/14/13 2 990 20 2 1 7 2 GC300 08/14/13 3 1246 26 15 3 85 15 4 GC300 08/14/13 4 1751 21 1 6 1 64 3 GC300 08/14/13 5 1095 18 8 33 7 1 GC100 08/06/09 1 697 18 5 3 22 GC100 08/06/09 2 1859 19 16 24 1 GC100 08/06/09 3 1337 20 1 81 19 GC100 08/06/09 4 976 18 44 15 1 GC100 08/06/09 5 721 18 37 16 GC300 08/06/09 1 203 20 36 9 GC300 08/06/09 2 517 17 39 10 GC300 08/06/09 3 55 13 2 17 3 GC300 08/06/09 4 151 15 6 GC300 08/06/09 5 98 11 2 1 49 3 GC100 08/06/09 ASCI 421 10 349 8 GC300 08/06/09 ASCI 306 12 7 238 17
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC FERC No. 13212 Appendix 2a Page 6 June 2014 Table A.2a-6. Grant Creek macroinvertebrate taxonomic data, other miscellaneous taxa, 2009 and 2013. Site ID Sample Date Surber No. Number Identified/ SiteNumber Taxa/SiteOther MiscellaneousTaxa Nematoda Platyhelminthes Nematoda Turbellaria Lymnea GC100 08/14/13 1 1207 18 24 GC100 08/14/13 2 2743 22 13 GC100 08/14/13 3 1267 18 2 GC100 08/14/13 4 1114 21 19 GC100 08/14/13 5 2626 20 10 GC300 08/14/13 1 880 23 6 GC300 08/14/13 2 990 20 1 1 GC300 08/14/13 3 1246 26 1 20 GC300 08/14/13 4 1751 21 1 GC300 08/14/13 5 1095 18 11 GC100 08/06/09 1 697 18 1 GC100 08/06/09 2 1859 19 1 GC100 08/06/09 3 1337 20 2 GC100 08/06/09 4 976 18 GC100 08/06/09 5 721 18 GC300 08/06/09 1 203 20 GC300 08/06/09 2 517 17 GC300 08/06/09 3 55 13 GC300 08/06/09 4 151 15 GC300 08/06/09 5 98 11 GC100 08/06/09 ASCI 421 10 GC300 08/06/09 ASCI 306 12 1
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 June 2014
Appendix 2b. Periphyton Data Table
This appendix contains the following table:
Table A.2b-1 Grant Creek periphyton chlorophyll a concentration, 2009 and 2013.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 Appendix 2b Page 1 June 2014
Table A.2b-1. Grant Creek periphyton chlorophyll a concentrations, 2009 and 2013.
Sample Site ID Date Replicate Chlorophyll a (μg/cm2)
GC 100 8/14/2013 1 7.3
GC 100 8/14/2013 2 4
GC 100 8/14/2013 3 4.5
GC 100 8/14/2013 4 3.8
GC 100 8/14/2013 5 4.5
GC 100 8/14/2013 6 5.6
GC 100 8/14/2013 7 3.6
GC 100 8/14/2013 8 20
GC 100 8/14/2013 9 3.6
GC 100 8/14/2013 10 1.6
GC 100 8/6/2009 1 12.5
GC 100 8/6/2009 2 51.5
GC 100 8/6/2009 3 16.8
GC 100 8/6/2009 4 15
GC 100 8/6/2009 5 40.1
GC 100 8/6/2009 6 19.8
GC 100 8/6/2009 7 37.6
GC 100 8/6/2009 8 82
GC 100 8/6/2009 9 7.48
GC 100 8/6/2009 10 65.1
GC 300 8/14/2013 1 2.4
GC 300 8/14/2013 2 1.6
GC 300 8/14/2013 3 1.9
GC 300 8/14/2013 4 5.2
GC 300 8/14/2013 5 5.4
GC 300 8/14/2013 6 2.1
GC 300 8/14/2013 7 9.8
GC 300 8/14/2013 8 9
GC 300 8/14/2013 9 4.5
GC 300 8/14/2013 10 2.1
GC 300 8/6/2009 1 19
GC 300 8/6/2009 2 4.54
GC 300 8/6/2009 3 8.28
GC 300 8/6/2009 4 10.7
GC 300 8/6/2009 5 2.94
GC 300 8/6/2009 6 4.81
GC 300 8/6/2009 7 5.87
GC 300 8/6/2009 8 36
GC 300 8/6/2009 9 23.2
GC 300 8/6/2009 10 11.7
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 Appendix 2b Page 2 June 2014
[This page intentionally left blank.]
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 June 2014
Appendix 3: Metrics Trends Tables from the EPA RBP
(Barbour et al. 1999)
This appendix contains the following tables:
Table A.3-1 Definitions of best caudidate benthic metrics and predicted direction of metric
response to increasing perturbation (compiled from DeShon 1995, Barbour et al. 1996b,
Fore et al. 1996, Smith and Voshell 1997). (Copied from Barbour et al. 1999)
Table A.3-2 Definitions of additional benthic metrics and predicted direction of metric
response to increasing perturbation. (Copied from Barbour et al. 1999)
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 Appendix 3 Page 1 June 2014
Table A.3-1.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 Appendix 3 Page 2 June 2014
Table A.3-2.
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 Appendix 3 Page 3 June 2014
Table A.3-2. (cont.)
FINAL REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES – MACROINVERTEBRATES AND PERIPHYTON IN GRANT CREEK
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project Kenai Hydro, LLC
FERC No. 13212 Appendix 3 Page 4 June 2014
[This page intentionally left blank.]