HomeMy WebLinkAboutATT C ENVIR RPTENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
for
EXCESS ELECTRICAL POWER
AEA Grant # 7030001
SEPTEMBER 21, 2012
by
POLARCONSULT ALASKA, INC.
for
CITY OF ATKA, ALASKA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLEOF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................................. I
EXECUTIVESUMMARY...........................................................................................................................I
PROJECTBACKGROUND.............................................................................................................................. 1
PROJECT...................................................................................................................................................... I
IMPACTSAND BENEFITS.............................................................................................................................. I
1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PROJECT..................................................................................... I
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 PURPOSE AND NEED OF PROJECT.................................................................................................. 1
2.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROJECT....................................................................................... I
3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT / ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ............................2
3.1
LAND USE..................................................................................................................................... 2
3.1.1
Affected Environment..............................................................................................................2
3.1.2
Environmental Consequences................................................................................................. 2
3.1.3
Mitigation................................................................................................................................2
3.2
FLOODPLAINS............................................................................................................................... 2
3.2.1
Affected Environment..............................................................................................................2
3.2.2
Environmental Consequences.................................................................................................2
3.2.3
Mitigation................................................................................................................................2
3.3
WETLANDS...................................................................................................................................2
3.3.1
Affected Environment..............................................................................................................2
3.3.2
Environmental Consequences................................................................................................. 2
3.3.3
Mitigation................................................................................................................................2
3.4
CULTURAL RESOURCES................................................................................................................ 3
3.4.1
Affected Environment..............................................................................................................3
3.4.2
Environmental Consequences.................................................................................................3
3.4.3
Mitigation................................................................................................................................3
3.5
BILOGICAL RESOURCES................................................................................................................ 3
3.5.1
Threatened and Endangered Species...................................................................................... 3
3.5.2
Fish and Wildlife.....................................................................................................................3
3.5.3
Vegetation............................................................................................................................... 4
3.6
WATER QUALITY..........................................................................................................................4
3.6.1
Affected Environment..............................................................................................................4
3.6.2
Environmental Consequences................................................................................................. 4
3.6.3
Mitigation................................................................................................................................4
3.7
COASTAL RESOURCES.................................................................................................................. 4
3.7.1
Affected Environment..............................................................................................................4
3.7.2
Environmental Consequences.................................................................................................4
3.7.3
Mitigation................................................................................................................................4
3.8
SOCIO-ECONOMIC / ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE............................................................................4
3.8.1
Affected Environment..............................................................................................................4
3.8.2
Environmental Consequences................................................................................................. S
3.8.3
Mitigation................................................................................................................................ S
3.9
MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES...............................................................................................................5
3.9.1
Air Quality............................................................................................................................... 5
3.9.2
Transportation.........................................................................................................................5
3.9.3
Noise........................................................................................................................................6
4.0 SUMMARY OF MITIGATION....................................................................................................6
5.0 CORRESPONDENCE...................................................................................................................7
POLARCONSULT ALASKA,INC.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PROJECT BACKGROUND
ATKA HYDRO DISPATCHED
EXCESS ELECTRIC POWER
CITY OF ATKA
A new hydroelectric power plant is currently under construction on Chuniisax Creek to
provide lower -cost electric power to the city. This project will use available excess hydro
turbine capacity to provide electric heat to community buildings when there is excess
water available in the reservoir.
Project funding was provided by the Alaska Energy Authority through a grant to the City
of Atka for design and construction. Atka Hydro Dispatched Excess Electric Power grant
number 7030001.
PROJECT
Additional controls will be installed in the hydro power plant, and new duel electric
meters and electric heating units installed in the City Hall/Clinic, City Shop, Tribal
Recreation Hall, Tribal Office, and Post Office.
IMPACTS AND BENEFITS
The electric heat provided by the project will reduce the amount of heating oil required to
heat community buildings and reduce space heating costs to the community.
Existing electric service lines are adequately sized to provide the additional electric
heating load. Work is limited to interior of buildings and new electric meter bases so
limited environmental impacts associated with the project.
Benefits include reduced heating oil consumption providing enhanced air quality, and
reduced space heating costs.
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POLARCONSULT ALASKA, INC. ATKA HYDRO DISPATCHED
EXCESS ELECTRIC POWER
CITY OF ATKA
1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PROJECT
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Atka is a Second Class City located on Atka Island, approximately 1,200 air
miles southwest of Anchorage and 350 miles west of Unalaska. Atka's current
population is 611, with a seasonal seafood processing plant and additional variable
seasonal workforce. The city's electric utility serves 100% of the city.
A new hydroelectric power plant is currently under construction on Chuniisax Creek to
provide lower -cost electric power to the city. The existing diesel power plant will remain
in place as a backup to the new hydroelectric plant and to provide system capacity.
This project will use available excess hydro turbine capacity to provide electric heat to
community buildings when there is excess water available in the reservoir. This will
require installation of additional controls in the hydro power plant, and new duel electric
meters and electric heating units for participating community buildings. Buildings to be
served include the City Hall/Clinic, Tribal Recreation Hall, Tribal Office, City Shop and
Post Office.
No new electric power lines are proposed for the project. All work associated with this
project will be within the hydro power plant and participating community buildings.
1.2 PURPOSE AND NEED OF PROJECT
Heating costs for community buildings are a considerable burden for the city. The new
hydroelectric power plant will have some extra capacity that can be utilized to provide
very low-cost electric heat. The existing power plant utilizes an electric resistance load
governor to control the turbine. This load governor can be partially offset through use of
this projects resistance heating load. Additional turbine capacity and excess water in the
reservoir can be utilized to generate additional low-cost electric heat.
This project will reduce the amount of heating oil required to heat community buildings
by using water from Chuniisax Creek and excess turbine capacity.
2.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROJECT
The community buildings are all heated with heating fuel fired furnaces and boilers. The
proposed action does not replace the existing heating systems, but offsets the amount of
heating fuel required to heat the buildings.
The only practical alternative is to defer action which will result in the use of heating fuel
to provide space heat.
No other alternatives are considered.
' Alaska Department of Community, Commerce, and Economic Development, 2011 population.
09/27/2012 PAGE 1
POLARCONSULT ALASKA, INC.
ATKA HYDRO DISPATCHED
EXCESS ELECTRIC POWER
CITY OF ATKA
3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT / ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
3.1 LAND USE
3.1.1 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
Proposed project is on or within existing buildings. No excavation is proposed for this
project.
3.1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
None.
3.1.3 MITIGATION
None.
3.2 FLOODPLAINS
3.2.1 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
Flood hazards to Atka consist of coastal flooding. There are no drainages systems or
basins in or near the community buildings that pose any flood hazard, and proposed
buildings are not constructed at the coastline.
There is no flood data available on the FEMA website'.
As proposed project is on or within existing buildings with no recorded flooding within
buildings, flooding is considered highly unlikely.
3.2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
None.
3.2.3 MITIGATION
None.
3.3 WETLANDS
3.3.1 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
The project is limited to existing buildings and is not located within or near any wetlands.
3.3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
None.
3.3.3 MITIGATION
None.
2 Federal Emergency Management Agency website has no data for Atka. Accessed March 14, 2012.
https:Hmsc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/serviet/FemaWelcomeView
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POLARCONSULT ALASKA, INC. ATKA HYDRO DISPATCHED
EXCESS ELECTRIC POWER
CITY OF ATKA
3.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES
3.4.1 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
Construction activities are limited to replacement of existing electric meters on buildings
and work within building interior. The project will have no impact to cultural resources.
3.4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
None.
3.4.3 MITIGATION
None.
3.5 BILOGICAL RESOURCES
3.5.1 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
3.5.1.1 Affected Environment
Threatened or endangered species are know to occur on Atka Island3. Constriction
activities are limited to replacement of electric meters on existing buildings and
remaining work within the buildings. The project will have no impact to threatened and
endangered species.
3.5.1.2 Environmental Consequences
None.
3.5.1.3 Mitigation
None.
3.5.2 FISH AND WILDLIFE
3.5.2.1 Affected Environment
Construction activities are limited to replacement of electric meters on existing buildings
and remaining work within the buildings. No fish or wildlife are present in the project
area. Birds may occur adjacent to the project. The project will have no impact to birds.
3.5.2.2 Environmental Consequences
None.
3.5.2.3 Mitigation
None.
3 The Stellar's Eider is listed as a threatened species. The Stellar's Sea Lion is listed as a threatened species
under the Endangered Species Act.
09/27/2012 PAGE 3
POLARCONSULT ALASKA, INC. ATKA HYDRO DISPATCHED
EXCESS ELECTRIC POWER
CITY OF ATKA
3.5.3 VEGETATION
3.5.3.1 Affected Environment
Construction activities are limited to replacement electric meters on existing buildings
and remaining work within the buildings. Vegetation consists of grasses in yards around
existing electric meters. Some vegetation will be disturbed by foot traffic around the
existing electric meter -bases.
3.5.3.2 Environmental Consequences
Incidental disturbance to vegetation in the area of electric meters due to foot traffic.
3.5.3.3 Mitigation
None.
3.6 WATER QUALITY
3.6.1 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
No surface water is located within the project area.
3.6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
None.
3.6.3 MITIGATION
None. A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will not be applied for as
there is not excavation or exterior work proposed for this project.
3.7 COASTAL RESOURCES
3.7.1 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
The project is limited to existing buildings and is not located within or near any coastal
resources.
3.7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
None.
3.7.3 MITIGATION
None.
3.8 SOCIO-ECONOMIC / ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
3.8.1 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
The project is limited to existing buildings so is not expected to significantly change the
existing socio-economic composition of the community. By reducing the cost of heating
09/27/2012 PAGE 4
POLARCONSULT ALASKA, INC. ATKA HYDRO DISPATCHED
EXCESS ELECTRIC POWER
CITY OF ATKA
community buildings, this project will improve quality of life and encourage economic
opportunities in the community.
Environmental justice describes the potential for a project to degrade the quality of a
certain area in a manner to have a disproportionate impact on a disadvantaged group or
class of people. Atka is a remote community with a population of 61, and the village is
not known to be geographically stratified by income, race, or other socio-economic
metrics.
3.8.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
This project will benefit the residents within the work area, and will not adversely affect
any other part of the community. No environmental justice issues are apparent and no
such impacts are expected.
3.8.3 MITIGATION
None.
3.9 MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES
3.9.1 AIR QUALITY
3.9.1.1 Affected Environment
The project will enhance air quality through the reduction of combustion of heating oil
for space heat.
3.9.1.2 Environmental Consequences
Enhanced air quality.
3.9.1.3 Mitigation
None.
3.9.2 TRANSPORTATION
3.9.2.1 Affected Environment
The project will entail limited additional traffic on existing roadways during construction
by construction workers.
3.9.2.2 Environmental Consequences
Limited increase in vehicle traffic.
3.9.2.3 Mitigation
None.
09/27/2012 PAGE 5
POLARCONSULT ALASKA, INC.
3.9.3 NOISE
ATKA HYDRO DISPATCHED
EXCESS ELECTRIC POWER
CITY OF ATKA
3.9.3.1 Affected Environment
The project area is adjacent to some residential areas and is normally subject to elevation
noise from passing vehicles. Construction activities within buildings are not anticipated
to cause noise outside the building shells.
3.9.3.2 Environmental Consequences
Construction activities may produce additional noise from slight increase in vehicle
traffic.
3.9.3.3 Mitigation
To minimize noise disturbances to residents from this important project, construction
hours will be limited to normal working hours to the extent practical.
4.0 SUMMARY OF MITIGATION
Table 1 summarizes mitigation measures employed for identified environmental
consequences of the proposed project.
Table 1: Summary of Mitigation Measures
Category Identified Impact Mitigation Measure
Land Use None None
Floodplains None � None
Wetlands None None
Cultural Resources None None.
Minor foot traffic
�
Biological Resources disturbance to vegetation None.
in work areas
Water Quality None None
Coastal Resources None None
Soclo-economic Issues None None
Air Quality None None.
Transportation None. � None.
Limit loud construction activities to
Noise Construction noise normal working hours to extent
practical.
09/27/2012 PAGE 6
POLARCONSULT ALASKA,INC.
5.0 CORRESPONDENCE
ATKA HYDRO DISPATCHED
EXCESS ELECTRIC POWER
CITY OF ATKA
Information presented in this document that is not specifically cited is based upon
existing information and working knowledge of the project area and environment
obtained through Polarconsult's role as the design engineer for the City of Atka,
Chuniisax Creek Hydroelectric Power Plant. All other information sources are footnoted
throughout this document.
Agencies were not contacted regarding this project and asked to provide comments
regarding any potential impacts to resources within their jurisdiction that could be caused
by this project as all work for this project is being conducted within existing buildings
owned by the City of Atka or Tribal Council and no potential impacts to resources are
anticipated.
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